Abstract: A bushing assembly pivotally connects the beams of an auxiliary lift axle/suspension system to a hanger and to an axle seat. The bushing assembly includes a pair of bushings, a metal sleeve, a pin with a threaded end, a pair of washers, and a threaded nut. The pair of bushings are disposed into an opening formed near an end of the beam. Each one of the pair of bushings includes a cylindrical wall comprising an inner end, an outer end, a central opening extending from the inner end to the outer end, an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a flange. The interior surface of the bushings includes at least one groove formed therein for preventing lubricant from escaping the bushing assembly during operation of the lift axle/suspension system while a sealing feature prevents contaminants from migrating into the bushing assembly.

Abstract: A transfer system, ship and method for transferring persons and/or goods to and/or from a floating ship (102). The transfer system according to the invention comprises: a pedestal (114); an integrated gangway boom crane (104) connected to the pedestal; and an actuator (122) acting between the pedestal (114) and the integrated gangway boom crane (104) configured for rotating the integrated gangway boom crane relative to the pedestal.

Abstract: A bearing retainer plate for fall restraint equipment made from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal, where the metal is lasered, cut, and/or butterflied to define a plurality of apertures. A bearing, preferably possessing a self-centering characteristic, is inserted into one of the apertures, while an adapter or bracket for an over-travel stop is inserted into another. A foot lock stud is inserted into another aperture defined by the bearing retainer plate and welded into place. The piece of metal may also define apertures configured to receive fasteners for attaching the plate to the fall restraint equipment, such as to a support structure of a gangway.

Abstract: A system and method for engaging a customer in an enhanced shopping experience. The customer provides customer information which is stored on a database. An identifying token (e.g. a card) is issued to the customer. This identifying token is detected (e.g. by an RFID sensor) when carried by the customer into a retailer's space. This causes at least a portion of the customer information to be accessible from the database to retail personnel while the customer is physically present in the retailer's space, thereby facilitating personal engagement by the retail personnel with the customer.

Abstract: A bridge for crossing a passage of a navigation channel includes a section in the form of a single span, which may be displaced by vertical translation between a base position spanning the passage, in which the span rests on fixed support sections of the bridge, and a raised position, for opening the passage, and a support structure for the span on displacement of the span, and a drive for lifting the span. The bridge has only one support structure, with the drive, located on one side of the passage to be spanned.

Abstract: An adjustable static stabilizer used to ameliorate shock loading. The static stabilizer has a housing forming a chamber and an upwardly-open cylindrical carrier moveably mounted in the chamber. A plurality of spring washers are mounted in the carrier, and a shoe cap extends transverse to the carrier for engaging the spring washers therein. A tie rod interconnects the shoe cap and the carrier for displacement of the shoe cap relative to the housing, and a threaded means is disposed between the housing and the carrier for rotatably mounting the carrier in the housing which is operable upon rotation of the shoe cap relative to the housing to enable the overall height of the stabilizer to be adjusted.

Abstract: The leaf bascule bridge activated by a cable system, represents a movable structure which is adapted to opened so as to permit the passage of boats or vessels through the bridge. To achieve this purpose, the bascule bridge is provided with a fixed axis on trunnions attached to the bascule bridge structure, with a cable system for driving the bascule bridge, utilizing a counterweight to counterbalance the weight of the bascule bridge structure and a safety cable to guard against the unexpected uplift of the bascule bridge due wind force. The bascule bridge is activated by a cable system using a pulling force applied to the end of the counterweight for driving the bascule bridge.