Abstract: A quick release device for tensioning a vehicle curtain and providing easy access to the load in a curtain-sided vehicle. A main tensioning device, usually installed at a front corner of a curtain-sided vehicle is normally used for applying horizontal tension to the curtain. Vertical tensioning straps along the length of the curtain normally provide vertical tension to the curtain as well as load security. At the rear of the curtain-sided vehicle there is a quick-release device so that the rear of the curtain may be held securely in a locked position and then released without first releasing the main tensioning device at the front of the vehicle and all the vertical tensioning straps.

Abstract: A mobile panel that provides easy access to cargo loads in the center of a curtain-sided vehicle. A main tensioning device, usually installed at a front corner of a curtain-sided vehicle is used for applying horizontal tension to the curtain. Vertical tensioning straps along the length of the curtain provide vertical tension to the curtain as well as load security. At the rear of the curtain-sided vehicle a curtain pole, attached to the curtain, is inserted in a channel and anchored securely so that tension may be applied by the main tensioning device at the front of the curtain-sided vehicle. A mobile panel is located in the center of the curtain. The mobile panel hangs from rollers which engage a rail along the upper outside edge of the curtain-sided vehicle. The mobile panel has two quick release devices for receiving and securing curtain poles that are attached to the curtain.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the manufacture of metal extrusions is disclosed in which the metal is extruded through a die having, preferably, a single extrusion aperture. The leading end of the extruded section is gripped and pulled away from the die by a puller 11, and the section is at the same time rapidly and uniformly cooled in a tunnel 8 as extrusion proceeds. When the puller reaches a predetermined distance from the die, the puller and extrusion are stopped simultaneously. The extruded section is then gripped in a device 12 including a pair of gripping jaws adjacent the die and shearing means by which the section is cut through at a location between this pair of jaws and the die. The puller is then operated to move it to stretch the extruded section while the section remains gripped by the gripping jaws of device 12 and in alignment with the die.

Abstract: In the thermal ageing of extruded sections of age-hardenable aluminum alloys the sections are progressed through a system having an initial low temperature zone and a subsequent high temperature zone. In order to secure uniform ageing the sections are progressed in a direction transverse to their length and conveniently are arranged in a single layer and spaced apart to ensure acceptably uniform rate of heating to ageing temperature.