Abstract: A railway transport vehicle including a single load carrying beam having a novel coupling mechanism provided at each end and with one end including a rail truck and hydraulic lifters for lifting that end of the beam from a lowered position to a trailer axel engaging and lifting position, an upstanding support disposed proximate the other end of the beam for mating with and supporting the fifth wheel of the trailer unit to be transported, and a jack for lifting that end of the beam into a coupling position.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an intermodal rail-highway transport system for trailer-containers, in which unequalled economy measured in tons per mile per hour per dollar is achieved. Damage-free shipments with reduced loads per axle and unrestricted main line clearances through tunnels are facilitated with a system that utilizes an integral universal system interchange where trailer-containers, whose adjacent ends are supported torsion-free for linehaul via upstanding kingpins integral with centerplates suspended in tandem axle rail support trucks, are assembled into or broken from train-formation configurations by means of elevating shuttle means described in detail below.

Abstract: A convertible rail-highway vehicle having a semi-trailer with a truck provided adjacent the rear of the trailer with connecting structure for pivotally connecting the truck to a central beam for movement about a vertical axis. The truck has at least a pair of spaced and parallel axles for carrying at opposite ends thereof a pair of flanged wheels and a pair of highway wheels. The axes of rotation of the highway wheels are radially offset from the axes of rotation of flanged wheels. The axles are each rotatably supported in a pair of elongated and parallel bars which are, in turn, pivotally supported from a laterally extending support member on the truck. A releasable connection is provided adjacent the front end of the trailer for facilitating a selective connection to a highway tractor and to a further truck.

Abstract: A load distribution system for railway cars, in which the load is applied to the supporting structure by fixed bearing arrangements, at one pair of longitudinally spaced points, at one side of the center line of the structure and is applied to the supporting structure at another pair of correspondingly longitudinally spaced points at the other side of the center line of the structure, and aligned with the first pair of points by a pair of hydraulic cylinders which are connected to each other in a closed hydraulic system. In effect my arrangement converts a statistically indeterminate four point suspension to a statistically determinant three point suspension.

Abstract: A reduced-pivot assembly for supporting one end of a load for movement along a track in which a load support member for receiving that end is supported on a truck for lateral movement relative to the way. A limit switch mounted along the longitudinal center line of the truck at a location corresponding to a desired pivot center spaced from the load support center senses the lateral deviation of an adjacent portion of the load support member and actuates lateral shifting apparatus to shift the load support member in such a direction as to achieve the desired pivot center. A plurality of such sensors are disposed at longitudinally spaced locations on the truck to permit variation of the desired pivot center while moving along a track. Other sensors responsive to the lateral movement of the load support member inhibit the operation of the lateral shifting apparatus whenever the lateral displacement of the load support member exceeds a predetermined safe limit.

Abstract: A rail vehicle for the transport of heavy and/or bulky goods with one multi-axle driving mechanism each. The driving mechanisms are respectively arranged on both ends of said rail vehicle. The rail vehicle furthermore includes at least one bridge girder interconnecting the bogies at each end of said rail vehicle. Pivotally mounted on said at least one bridge girder by means of an interposed displaceable member is a beak of a loading bridge supported by said driving mechanisms. The displaceable member with a displacing device facing the vehicle end infinitely variably displaceably and/or arrestably is connected to the bridge girder. The displacing device which faces toward the central portion of the vehicle rigidly or movably connects the displaceable member by way of a pivot point or bolt fixedly guided on the beak to the beak which is rotatable about a joint. The two displacing devices are adapted by a controlling device to be controlled in conformity with each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in combination with all types of standard wheelchairs for immobilizing or restraining the wheelchair in a stationary condition when the wheelchair is loaded or carried on a vehicle, transport system or other structure subject to bouncing, random motion or acceleration and deceleration forces is disclosed. Securing and releasing the apparatus may be controlled by the wheelchair occupant and comprises a latching mechanism which attaches to all types of wheelchairs and which is controlled by a lever easily operated by a wheelchair occupant having only minimum use of one hand. A bar which cooperates with and engages the latch on the wheelchair is attached to a standard which in turn is secured to the vehicle, transport system or structure. A preferred embodiment of the invention further includes a back pad and a head rest and shoulder and seat belt which attaches to the standard.

Abstract: A person seated in a wheelchair or other wheeled patient carrier is enabled to board a vehicle while remaining in the carrier. A hold down device secured to the vehicle floor restrains the carrier against movement regardless of acceleration or emergency braking of the vehicle, and a belt arrangement can be provided to secure the passenger in the wheeled carrier.