Abstract: Architectural precast concrete construction relies on mechanical connectors at discrete locations that may be damaged in a blast or seismic event, posing specific design problems to the engineer. These problems can be overcome with proper detailing. The performance of precast concrete cladding wall panel connection details may be enhanced by incorporating a specific connection hardware, herein described, that deforms elastically or inelastically to accommodate relative displacements due to building motion and/or energy associated with blast pressures.

Abstract: In a dump box attachment, a gate panel operator includes a pair of pivotally interconnected lever arms which are operatively associated with each end of a gate panel, each pair of arms being operative automatically in response to the tilting or lifting movement of the dump box to amplify that movement in prematurely opening the gate panel so as to unload the contents of the box without imposing substantial loads on the panel.

Abstract: A door linkage for a side dump railroad car operable to automatically lower the door on the low side of the car when the car body is tilted to dump its contents thereof.

Abstract: A side dump rail car tilted by means of hydraulic cylinders at each end of the car which are centrally located. The edge of the car is retained by an engagement lug slid into place hydraulically to determine direction of tilt.

Abstract: A gate latch control system for dump body vehicles includes a hoist control member positionable between lower, hold and raise positions, a hoist lock member, a latch position sensor and a gate latch member positionable between latch and unlatch positions. The hoist lock member is connected to maintain the hoist control member against movement to the raise position when the sensor senses the gate latch member in the latch position and to permit movement of the hoist control member to the raise position when the latch position sensor senses the gate latch member in the unlatch position.