Abstract: A method and apparatus of re-railing a rail car involving the use of one or more extendable arms carried by each individual rail car is provided. The extendable arms may be operable to extend outward from the rail car and then lower an extendable foot to contact the ground, thus allowing the car to be raised into position back over the rails of the associated train tracks utilizing these extendable arms. Since the arms are compact and carried by the rail car themselves, there is no time lost while lifting equipment is brought in and cars may be quickly and efficiently re-railed to minimize the overall time loss of the associated train tracks.

Abstract: Construction systems for constructing a structure on a foundation and methods relating thereto are disclosed. In an embodiment, the construction system includes a rail assembly configured to be mounted to the foundation. In addition, the construction system includes a gantry movably disposed on the rail assembly configured to translate along a first axis relative to the rail assembly. Further, the construction system includes a printing assembly movably disposed on the gantry and configured to translate along a second axis relative to the gantry. The second axis is orthogonal to the first axis. The printing assembly is configured to deposit vertically stacked layers of an extrudable building material on the foundation to construct the structure. The gantry has a width along the second axis that is configured to be adjusted relative to the foundation.

Abstract: A tube infrastructure includes a first tube; a second tube that is coupled to the first tube; and a fluid tank that is disposed to surround a coupling region of the first tube and the second tube and is filled with a fluid to seal the coupling region, wherein the fluid tank allows negative pressure to be maintained inside the first tube and the second tube.

Abstract: There is provided a method of installing spiral hangers about a messenger line installed between first and second utility poles with a cable being lashed to the messenger line with a lashing wire. The method includes attaching a first and second spiral hangers to the messenger line between first and second utility poles with the first spiral hanger disposed about the messenger line and the cable. The method includes removing the lashing wire from being around the messenger line and the cable adjacent the second spiral hanger. The method includes moving the second spiral hanger towards the second utility pole. The method includes attaching a successive spiral hanger to the messenger line between the spiral hangers and repeating the moving of the second spiral hanger and attaching another successive spiral hanger.

Abstract: A collapsible lifting device including a top support member, multiple braced legs extending downward, and a hoist assembly. The legs may be hingedly, pivotally, and/or slidably connected to the other legs and/or to braces and/or to the top support member. The device is easily transportable and storable. The device may be used by a single typical caregiver to lift a person or other load from a lower position to a higher position or from a higher position to a lower position, such as lifting a person from the floor to a seated position. The device is movable from a collapsed position, defined as the feet of the legs being together, to an open position, defined as the feet of the legs extended apart with braces positionally fixed.

Abstract: An overhead crane has first and second runway rails that extend parallel to a generally horizontal runway axis and a bridge that extends along a bridge axis that is generally horizontal and perpendicular to the runway axis and that is movable on the runway rails along the runway axis. The bridge includes a first bridge reinforcement member pre-loaded under tension to provide an upward deflection of the bridge rail. The first bridge reinforcement member may have at least two upwardly extending struts and a common upper end where the at least two struts meet, the at least two struts having lower ends mechanically connected to the bridge rail at positions longitudinally spaced apart with respect to the bridge axis. The lower ends of the at least two struts are longitudinally translatable along the bridge rail to adjust the tension on the first bridge reinforcement member to thereby adjust the extent of upward deflection of the bridge rail.

Abstract: A foldable gantry (10) comprising a beam (12) and a first leg assembly (14), the first leg assembly (14) being pivotally mounted at a first end (16) of the beam (12) such that the first leg assembly (14) can move between a first, stowed, position and a second, deployed, position.

Abstract: A convertible trailer includes a frame including a tongue portion arranged to facilitate towing by a vehicle, a main portion supported by the frame and defining a portion of a space, and an end portion coupled to the main portion and cooperating with the main portion to define the space. A porch cover is pivotably coupled to the main portion for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position and a porch floor is pivotably coupled to the main portion for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, the porch cover and the porch floor cooperating to define a porch when in the deployed position. A front door is formed as part of the main portion and provides a passage between the space and the porch. An end door is formed as part of the end portion and is arranged to provide access to the space. A plurality of removable support members is positioned beneath the porch floor and arranged to support the porch floor in the deployed position.

Abstract: Methods for erecting a drilling structure on a drilling rig include hoisting a first end of a column racker with a support carried by a mast on the drilling rig while the column racker is in a first position, and advancing a second end of a column racker along a solid surface toward the mast while simultaneously hoisting the first end of the column racker to move the column racker toward a second position that is closer to vertical than the first position. Other methods include raising a first end of a column racker with a ground-based, powered lift structure, and introducing the first end of the column racker to the rig floor while supporting the weight of the column racker with the ground-based, powered lift structure.

Abstract: A portable lifting device is provided that includes a pair of telescoping parallel beam assemblies attached on either end to a pair of stanchion assemblies. Each stanchion assembly includes a top and bottom member as well as at least one vertical member. The bottom member of each beam assembly rests on a deck support member, and the height of each vertical member may be adjustable. A sliding guide assembly is slidably mounted on the parallel beam assemblies and includes a cross-member between the parallel beams that acts as the connection point for a lifting medium. This allows for a higher support point for the lifting medium than would be provided by a conventional single-beam device.

Abstract: A patient lift support frame assembly, comprising a patient-lift-carrying member, and first and second support members for carrying the patient-lift-support member. The support members are telescopically configured, and can be extended manually, with an actuator to push a ceiling pad against a ceiling for greater stability. The support member are selectively lockable against being shortened, using gears and a cam, or other lock. The ceiling bearing element is spring loaded.

Abstract: A model railroad assembly incorporating a table, an arm having proximal and distal ends, first and second track matrices, the first and second track matrices having electrically positive rails and electrically negative rails, the first track matrix being positioned upon the upper surface of the table, and the second track matrix being positioned upon the arm's upper surface; a hinge connector operatively attaching the arm to the table, the hinge connector facilitating movement of the arm between first and second positions; and a plurality of pivoting electric switch contacts adapted for electrifying the second track matrix upon movement of the arm to the first position, and for de-electrifying the second track matrix upon movement of the arm toward the second position.

Abstract: Temporary support structure that provisionally supports the railroad tracks (12) with traffic during the execution of works below the track, such as the jacking of a reinforced concrete box (13) for elimination of a level crossing.

Abstract: A multipart rail-like profile comprises at least two or more joinable or insertable profile elements (1), having at least one ratchet (5), a toothed rack compartment, or codings extending in the longitudinal direction. In addition, pattern elements (11) having equidistantly spaced elements (13), which are coupled to the ratchet or toothed rack partitioning, are provided in at least one wall of each profile element (1). For connecting the joinable or insertable profile elements (1), a connecting element (21) having a further wall (23) is provided for adjoining the wall of each profile element, having further, longitudinally extending pattern elements (25) which are congruent with the pattern elements (11), the elements (27) of which have matching spacing.

Abstract: A portable knockdown trolley hoist, comprising: an overhead trolley support member having a top portion and bottom portion opposing one another; a trolley having a plurality of upper roller bearings and a plurality of lower roller bearings, opposing first mounting plates, an extension boom, and hoist, the plurality of upper and the plurality of lower roller bearings opposing one another and adjacent the top portion and the bottom portion of the overhead trolley support member, respectively, each having shafts transversely mounted to the opposing first mounting plates, opposing raised mounts, each of which have opposing second mounting plates removably fastened one to other and sandwiching the overhead trolley support member therebetween, the trolley rollably mounted to the overhead trolley support member between the opposing raised mounts; opposing substantially upright legs, each of the opposing raised support members having at least two of the opposing substantially upright legs removably fastened thereto.

Abstract: A telescopic rail and carriage assembly for suspending a patient lift. The carriage has a downward projection to which the patient lift is to be connected. The telescopic rail has an inner rail section and an outer rail section. The outer rail section is provided with first longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for supporting a lower set of wheels of the carriage. The inner rail section is provided with second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for guiding and supporting an upper set of wheels of the carriage. In the extended state, the carriage is guided by the either the first or the second longitudinally extending support surfaces except where the first and second rail sections overlap. In the overlap, the wheels of the carriage are supported by both the first and second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces.

Abstract: A telescopic rail and carriage assembly for suspending a patient lift. The carriage has a downward projection to which the patient lift is to be connected. The telescopic rail has an inner rail section and an outer rail section. The outer rail section is provided with first longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for supporting a lower set of wheels of the carriage. The inner rail section is provided with second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces for guiding and supporting an upper set of wheels of the carriage. In the extended state, the carriage is guided by the either the first or the second longitudinally extending support surfaces except where the first and second rail sections overlap. In the overlap, the wheels of the carriage are supported by both the first and second longitudinally extending interior support surfaces.

Abstract: A gantry crane has a rigid open three-dimensional truss cross-beam. A lower I-beam and parallel upper X-beams are interconnected with angular gussets and angle irons forming a triangular open beam bounded by three trusses. Angular gussets on the sides are as parallel members to provide maximum strength. One end support is rigid, with upper ends of legs having plates bolted to one end plate extending between the X-beams. Outrigger legs have an upper plate bolted to a sloped plate at an extended end of the I-beam. Vertical support legs at the other end have a strengthening cross-member and upper vertical plates which are bolted to the end plate on the X-beams. The unusual cross-beam structure and the unusual rigid leg structure and rigid interconnection provide rigidity of the entire crane. The vertical support legs accommodate variations in tracks.

Abstract: A portable knockdown trolley hoist, comprising: a trolley support member having opposing ends; a trolley having a plurality of upper roller bearings and a plurality of lower roller bearings, the trolley rollably sandwiching an upper portion and a lower portion of the trolley support member between the plurality of upper roller bearings and the plurality of lower roller bearings, the trolley having a telescoping extension boom fastened thereto and extending therefrom, which has a plurality of extension boom sections and a sheave mounted thereto, the trolley having a hoist having a winch and a hoist cable extending from the winch and about the sheave and having a lifting end; opposing end supports, each having an opposing support member and opposing substantially upright legs removably fastened to the opposing support member; opposing end mounts, each releasably sandwiching an opposing end of the trolley support member and an opposing support member therebetween.

Abstract: A rail transportation system particularly suited for transporting roofing materials upon an uncompleted roof. Sections of tubes form rails, allowing several rail cars carrying various roofing materials to transport those roofing materials from the edge of the roof to the point of installation. These tubes may be attached to one another, allowing tradespersons to further extend the range of the rails as the installation progresses.

Abstract: This structural system comprising a track for a magnetic levitation transport system powered by a linear electric motor is notable in that it combines two T-shaped tracks produced in a single U-shaped structure, the vertical bars of the T-shapes and the U-shapes being joined, and the lower slabs of the track-supporting U-shapes contributing to the general strength of the engineering structure, in the absence of lateral screens.

Abstract: In order to use video contents created according to DVD video in DVD audio, audio and video sub-directories are located under a root directory. The video sub-directory includes video contents and their management information. The audio sub-directory includes audio contents and their management information. The video management information can only access the video contents. However, the audio management information can access not only the audio contents but also the video contents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved transportation system which includes a plurality of upright supports (1) which elevate at least one track (2). A plurality of cabs (3) are adapted to move along the track or tracks (2) provided where the cabs (3) suspended from a track (2) so that the centre of mass of the cabs (3) is located below the track (2). A single track (2) provides a pair of rail elements on opposite sides of the track (2) where the first rail element is adapted to support cabs (3) moving in substantially the opposite direction to cabs (3) supported by the second rail element of the same track (2).

Abstract: A race track assembly that can be assembled from a flat folded configuration for use and disassembled to a flat folded configuration for storage. The race track assembly includes a plurality of track sections that can be positioned end-to-end to form a race track. Each track section consists of a main track and two sides that are foldable relative to the main track. A plurality of couplers are also included for coupling the track section together. The race track assembly also includes a plurality of cross braces positioned at spaced intervals along the length of the race track. Each of the cross braces is coupled to a track section in a manner to maintain the sides of the track section in a folded configuration. A plurality of risers are also included for supporting the race track in an inclined position. Each of the risers can be unfolded to a track supporting configuration and folded to a flat storage configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to support structures. The present invention in particular relates to a telescopic track as well as a telescopic mast assembly which may for example be exploited in the context of a person (e.g. patient) handling system.

Abstract: A wooden rail for a ride, in particular for a roller coaster, includes a number of layers of individual planks/boards, laminated veneer wood or presspahn wood, bonded with each other and milled to the precise rail form in accordance with a roller coaster design. In a method for the fabrication of such a wooden rail, the layers are bonded with each other to form an oversized wood package and, after hardening, the bonded wood package is given the precise rail form in accordance with the design of the ride by means of machining. Finally, in a method for mounting such a wooden rail on a rail support that is fixed to a trestle of the ride includes mounting finished rails having steel sheets, rail joints and connection elements to the rail support.

Abstract: A portable lifting frame comprises an elongate track provided with a bogie movable there along. The bogie is adapted to accept a lifting device. An elongate support is provided for the track wherein the track and support are made up of two or more cojoining portions 2a and 2b. The co-joining portions 2a and 2b are hinged together end to end at pivotal hinges 3. The co-joining portions 2a and 2b have an open position where they lie in the same place and a closed position where they lie parallel to each other. The support is provided with two or more legs 4, 5, 6, 7 pivotally attached to one end of the support where only each leg is extendable. The other end of the support is provided with a support element.

Abstract: A method of conveying articles on a transport vehicle from a first location to a second location spaced from the transport vehicle including the step of providing a conveyor system comprising (a) a cart for supporting an article, (b)mechanism for guiding the cart along a predetermined path between the first location and the second location, and (c) mechanism for supporting at least part of the guiding mechanism on a subjacent surface. The method further includes the step of assembling at least part of at least one of the guiding mechanism and the supporting mechanism on site. The method also includes the steps of placing the cart on the guiding mechanism, placing an article from the transport vehicle on the cart, translating the cart with the article thereon from the first location to the second location along the predetermined path, and removing the article from the cart at the second location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to support structures. The present invention in particular relates to a telescopic track as well as a telescopic mast assembly which may for example be exploited in the context of a person (e.g. patient) handling system.

Abstract: A non-derailable train system including a movable crossing platform for preventing train derailments. The non-derailable train system including a movable crossing platform includes spaced tracks having a rounded upper surface, train wheels having a concave outer perimeter wall complimentary to the rounded upper surface of the tracks for preventing lateral removal of the wheels from the tracks. Also included is a movable platform system for facilitating crossing of the tracks by other vehicles.

Abstract: A high-speed high-capacity transportation system is composed of an elevated inverted U-shaped electrified guideway that provides traction and capture surfaces for wheeled motive modules that ride within. Payloads are suspended below the motive unit using a narrow flange. Motive units use flat wheels which ride on flat surfaces of the guideway. The wheels and electric power pickups constitute the only mechanical contact between the vehicle and guideway. Sensors on the motive unit provide position information to an electronic control subsystem which directs the steering of the motive units wheels so as to maintain the desired path through the guideway. As an option, one or more auxiliary wheels can be brought into contact with running surfaces located at the top of the inverted U for additional traction and stability. The payload unit is connected to a the motive unit by way of a hinge that allows the payload to swing laterally.

Abstract: An easily carried and assembled apparatus for use in moving materials between two elevated locations, such as windows of spaced building, that includes a sending assembly positionable across a window in a first building, and a receiving assembly positioned across the window in the second building. Each assembly included a pair of triangular bracing members with bases that are positioned against the interior of the wall on either side of the opening, and a crossbar that is attached at its ends to the apexes of the bracing members, and extends across the opening. A cable is stretched between the assemblies, and a material support is used to carry materials along the cable between the buildings. The apparatus may be combined with a vertical lifting assembly that is attachable within a wall opening in one of the buildings.

Abstract: A model railway system with improved banking characteristics 10 comprising a series of track sections 16, 18 joined end-to-end to form a continuous track assembly 12 and a modular trestle assembly 32 to elevate the track assembly 12. The trestle assembly 32 includes a biaxially inclined coupling module 28 that allows the track 12 to be built at a greater incline within a tighter radius than would otherwise be possible. The model railway system 10 includes a battery 114 powered locomotive 110 with a portable hand-held remote control device 84 that uses infrared signals 102 to send commands to the locomotive 110. The locomotive 110 pulls modular train cars 53,54 that have coupling protrusions 30 and beam support brackets 64 to support accesories to build different types of cars.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated monorail track section (104, 105) can be bent vertically quickly and easily, without using any special tools, so as to effect any of a number of desired incremental inclination changes in the rail section (104, 105) and without plastically deforming the rail section (104, 105). The rail section (104, 105) incorporates one or more slots 242 about which the rail can be bent to effect the desired inclination change. A filler block (248, 306, 314) is positioned in the slot (242) after bending (and possibly during bending under some circumstances) and mounted in place to maintain rail integrity and to permit conveyance devices to travel over the rail section without interference from the slots (242).

Abstract: A gantry lift includes one or more pairs of vertically extendible lift columns and one or more horizontal lift beams supported across the upper ends of the lift columns. The lift beams are supported on header plates that permit slight pivoting or rocking motion between the lift beams and the lift columns. This helps counteract potentially destructive twisting or other forces that can result as the gantry operates and slight misalignments unavoidably occur. A half bearing between the header plate and the upper end of the lift column supports the weight of the lift beam and load and provides the desired pivoting action. The header plate and half bearing are secured to the top of the lift column by means of a full bearing positioned within the half bearing and secured to the lift column by a bolt or other fastener. Both the half bearing and the full bearing pivot around a common center.

Abstract: A device for supporting a coupling between at least two toy vehicle track sections. The device includes a retractable connector support and a support housing. The retractable connector support is an extensible body produced from a rigid material. The retractable connector support can be positioned so that it engages the coupling. The support housing is adapted for receiving the retractable connector support and is placed adjacent the coupling.

Abstract: A toy track assembly for use with a toy vehicle is supported by a substantially vertical wall or a substantially horizontal flat surface. The toy track assembly includes at least one scenery cutout, an upper track and a lower mounting having a first mating surface and a rear surface. The first mating surface includes a projection and/or a recess. The rear surface is attachable to the vertical wall. The upper track includes a track surface for carrying the toy vehicle, the track surface having two sides and being oriented orthogonally to the rear surface. The upper track includes two upstanding walls, each of which is disposed substantially parallel and adjacent to a corresponding one of the two sides of the track surface. Each of the two upstanding walls has at least one slot extending substantially parallel to the track surface and configured for receiving the at least one scenery cutout.

Abstract: A cushioned braking system for cushioning the impact of a moving vehicle for amusement for children. The braking system comprises a double ended air cylinder having a first cylinder end and a second cylinder end. A first head member and a second head member close the first and second cylinder ends, respectively. A first piston rod extends axially outward from the cylinder through the first head member. A first piston is on the first piston rod within the cylinder. A second piston rod extends axially outward from the cylinder through the second head member. A second piston is on the second piston rod within the cylinder. A spring assembly resiliently connects the first piston to the second piston within the cylinder. The spring assembly serves to bias the first and second pistons toward a reference position. The cylinder also has a vent for controlling air flow within the cylinder.

Abstract: A children's play apparatus which includes a specially designed play table that can be used with commercially available toys including toy trains and train tracks, and one that can also be used with specifically designed modules for supporting sections of wooden train track in the unique configurations. More particularly, in using the play apparatus, the specially designed modules of the invention can be used to extend the track beyond the boundaries of the play table and which, due to the stackability of the modules can also be used to attain virtually unlimited track heights above the surface of the table and outwardly from the surface of the table top.

Abstract: A hydraulic boom gantry and a method of lifting a load associated therewith. The gantry includes telescoping sections with a hydraulic cylinder mounted therein. A swiveling plate structure allows minor deviation between sets of telescoping sections. A collar structure and a pinning structure lock the telescoping sections together. A cam mechanism prevents accidental section retraction and a powered rigging device traverses a beam connecting the telescoping sections.

Abstract: Track alignment apparatus for supporting and linking sections of model railroad track and/or for receiving a model railroad trestle. Track alignment apparatus may include one or more track alignment members to engage trestles, provide rigidity to curved or straight model railroad track, and/or connect model railroad track to a layout base.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible dolly and track system is movably supporting a tripod which retains a camera or the like thereon. Once the dolly and the track have been assembled, the dolly is positioned on top of the track. A tripod is positioned on the dolly, and thereby the dolly with the tripod will roll along the track in a horizontal plane with the camera thereon for filming a scene or taking photographs. The track comprises a pair of opposite longitudinal parallel rails arranged in a space apart relationship by three pivotable transverse bars. The pair of rails are comprised of a plurality of cylindrical tubes. The plurality of cylindrical tubes are held together with a unique BUNGEE cord type joining member in order to enable them to be very quickly and efficiently assembled and set into place and then disassembled for storage. The track can be folded for storage by withdrawing the ends of the plurality of cylindrical tubes from each other.

Abstract: A splice plate for monorail track sections includes a mechanism for drawing the sections together and for leveling the top surfaces of the track with respect to one another. A hanger bracket which is used to attach the track to a support structure connects to the track without the use of through bolts thus eliminating the need to predrill holes in the track in order to receive such bolts. The supports themselves are commercially available hardware items and thus are less expensive than supports which are specifically designed for monorail track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an animated display with an ornamental object that incorporates a unique combination of motions and appearances which can be controlled and choreographed with the use of a computer or other control devices. One specific embodiment is a tree-like sculpture which can be instructed to move and dance along with selected music for purposes of entertainment. The apparatus is capable of making many different motions including linear movement, spinning, swaying, bobbing, expanding, and tumbling.

Abstract: A reversible track section for a toy car circuit. The reversible track section has a length, two opposite ends, two opposite sides, a top surface and a bottom surface. The reversible track section includes a thin, elongated plate including a central recess on the top surface. The central recess is of given height and rectangular cross-section and extends over the length defining two narrow pathways on the bottom surface, and includes a pair of longitudinal flanges on each of the opposite sides extending perpendicular to the top surface and towards the bottom surface. The longitudinal flanges are of the same height as the central recess and each is provided with an integral, outwardly projecting extension of constant width.

Abstract: A trolley includes a track having first and second ends. A pivot is located between the first and second ends of the track so that movement of the first end of the track causes opposite movement of the second end of the track. A counterweight is located near the first end of the track so as to apply downward force. A trolley is movable along a portion of the track located between the pivot and the second end of the track. The trolley has a handle or carriage for a user. The combined weight of the user and the trolley overcomes the counterweight so as to move the second end of the track downward causing the trolley to move along the track toward the second end of the track. The counterforce is sufficient to move the second end of the track upward and to return the trolley to the starting position when the weight of the user is released from the trolley. The trolley moves between a first platform located near the starting position and a second platform lower than the first platform.

Abstract: A toy monorail system supports a shuttle craft chassis with a figurine attached. An electric motor picks up power from wire contacts for propelling the chassis along the monorail track. The shuttle craft is readily placed on and lifted from the monorail track. Stable positioning of the shuttle craft chassis is assured by a pair of guidebars and guide wheels extended from the body of the chassis against the rear side of the monorail. The track is supported by four one-piece bracing arms. The bracing arms slide into positioning recesses of a two-piece central mounting clamp which is supported alternately by a base or other support member.

Abstract: A support (10) for moving an object between two locations. The support (10) has one or more elongate members (12) upon which a platform, such as a seat (50), can be slid. The elongate member (12) has a guide rail (15) which has two flanges (17) each terminated with an arcuate groove (18). The flanges (17) and the arcuate grooves (18) form a track (22) in which wheels (24) of the seat (50) can run.Typically, the support (10) is used for moving the seat (50) into and out of a shower recess or over a bath for the bathing of the aged and invalids. The guide rail (15) can also be used as a curtin track, a track for a sliding panel and the like.

Abstract: A toy vehicle system has a vehicle provided with a resiliently biased driven wheel. The wheel is driven by a motor and interposed gears for rotating said driven wheel. The driven wheel is in contact with a lateral side of the track. The motor and driven wheel are mounted on a panel which is positioned for relative movement within a slot in the vehicle pedestal. Track engaging elements, which may preferably be spools, have a pair of rotatable elements in engagement with each side of the track. A pair of resiliently biased electrical pickups is disposed in contacting relationship with the electrically energized track rails. One or more lights may be provided on the vehicle. The vehicle is preferably disposed within a closed hollow enclosure.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting trackway sections along which a toy vehicle is driven, includes multiple track support members for supporting single tracks and/or twin tracks, height adaptors for adjusting the height of the trackway sections relative to a support surface, and tilt adaptors for adjusting the angular orientation of the trackway sections relative to the support surface.