Abstract: In a highway train, a wheeled and steerable, motor-driven vehicle is combined with at least a first load carrier having its forward end portion rested on a first "fifth wheel" supported by the rear portion of the tractive vehicle. An auxiliary wheeled vehicle has a front portion with a second "fifth wheel" supporting the rearward end portion of the first load carrier. A second load carrier has its forward end portion rested on a third "fifth wheel" supported by a rear portion of the auxiliary vehicle. An additional wheeled vehicle supports the rear end portion of the second load carrier. While en route, the first load carrier is supported solely by the first and second "fifth wheels" in such a manner that it is free to occupy a limited angular position in a generally horizontal plane, relative to both the tractive vehicle and the auxiliary vehicle.

Abstract: A winch-powered wood splitting device designed for attachment to a motor vehicle is disclosed. A rectangular support frame is provided, in which a splitting blade and blade guide rails are positioned. An abutment member is attached to the support frame opposite the splitting blade. The abutment member secures a log or wooden object in position during splitting. The blade is positioned between the blade guide rails, thereby allowing movement of the blade along and through the guide rails. The blade is moved by a pulley mechanism on the underside of the support frame which connects to a vehicle-mounted winch. Operation of the winch pulls the blade toward the abutment member during operation. When splitting is completed, the blade is returned to a rest position by a spring mechanism mounted on the underside of the support frame.

Abstract: A dolly for connecting two trailers in tandem comprises an axle, wheels rotatably mounted thereon, a fifth wheel secured to the axle, two towing eye hooks spaced apart from each other for connecting the dolly to the rear of the lead trailer so that controlled backing up of the entire tractor trailer rig is facilitated, and a sleeve swivelable about a tongue in such a manner so that the dolly may be hooked to the rear of the lead trailer on uneven ground and further so that side drag or "scooting" of the rear wheels on the lead trailer is avoided.

Abstract: An intermediate trailer for use between a standard tractor and a standard trailer, the intermediate trailer having a chassis mounted at its rear end, consisting of a first portion which is fixed to the trailer and a second portion which is slidable relative to the first portion from a first position under the trailer to a second position extending rearwardly of the trailer, the second portion having wheels mounted thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic self-carrying bellows-body, in particular for vehicles, having been formed with ribs separated by spacings and interconnected with connecting means.The essence of the invention lies in that the thickness of the connecting means interconnecting the ribs is less on at least two opposite sides of the bellows-body, than that of the ribs and the ribs and connecting means are formed as monolithic units.

Abstract: A lawn working implement having rigid teeth which is towed behind a small tractor or other such apparatus to thatch, sow or work a lawn. The implement is compact and highly maneuverable, yet applies pressure to its rigid tines to work the lawn effectively and efficiently. Swivel mounted wheels allow the implement to follow the tractor directly in its path so that confined areas of yards may be reached. The height of the tines above ground may be adjusted by varying the setting at which the wheels are attached to the frame, and their pressure against the ground may be adjusted by adding bricks, cement or other heavy material to a cavity in the implement. The implement has a hitch for attaching a sweeper or lawn vacuum to be towed behind it.

Abstract: An intermediate trailer for use between a standard tractor and a standard trailer, the intermediate trailer having a chassis mounted at its rear end, consisting of a first portion which is fixed to the trailer and a second portion which is slidable relative to the first portion from a first position under the trailer to a second position extending rearwardly of the trailer, the second portion having wheels mounted thereon.

Abstract: A drawbar apparatus for use in a wheeled fertilizer tank which is normally coupled between a tractor and a planter. The drawbar apparatus includes a housing integral with the chasis of the wheeled fertilizer tank and a drawbar pivotally attached at the front end of the housing adjacent the coupling to the tractor. The drawbar extends between the front and rear ends of the wheeled fertilizer tank and includes a coupling means at the rear end for coupling to the planter. The housing includes a guide means for limiting the verticle and lateral movement of the drawbar. The drawbar pivots relative to the wheeled fertilizer tank in response to relative tilting between the tractor and the wheeled fertilizer tank, thus permitting the planter to dig a furrow having a constant depth as variations in terrain are negotiated.

Abstract: A carrier having special utility for transporting recreational vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and snowmobiles is designed to be used either as an independent towable trailer or, with or without such vehicles carried thereon, to be removably coupled to a towable travel trailer. This carrier includes a V frame structure having a hitch ball coupling at the apex for detachable connection to a towing vehicle and opposed wheel assemblies capable of quick and easy adjustment to be either in or out of ground engagement or, if desired, completely removed when not required. The diverging members of the carrier frame are designed to embrace and be detachably secured to a conventional tongue with a hitch ball coupling on a travel trailer, and a hitch ball is suitably mounted intermediate the diverging members of the carrier frame for registration with the standard hitch ball coupling on the trailer tongue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new hitch or drawbar assembly for use with agricultural implements towed in a train of implements behind a tractor or the like. The assembly includes a drawbar that is shorter than normal and is pivotally connected to a primary unit, such as a cultivator, for adjustable pivoting action about a horizontal axis. The drawbar is connectable to a towing or intermediate unit on or closely adjacent to the axis of the ground-engaging wheels of the intermediate unit. That connection point is also on or closely adjacent to a reaction line drawn between the connection point of the intermediate unit and the ground-engaging area of implements carried by the primary unit.

Abstract: A bus having at least three pivotally-connected vehicle members, one of which has two axles spaced from each other, one of these axles being a steering axle. Each of the other vehicle members has a single axle. An engine in the tail vehicle member drives all the live axles through a train of articulated shafts.

Abstract: A rail vehicle assembly comprises two vehicles each with single wheelsets, and a third vehicle, also with a single wheelset, which serves to interconnect the first two vehicles and which in use exerts a steering action on the first two vehicles. The third vehicle is located between the first two vehicles and is pivotally connected thereto in such a way that the three vehicles can align themselves with the rail track, while negotiating a curve, so that all the wheelsets are maintained at all times substantially on radial lines of the curve.

Abstract: Two containers are mounted on telescoping chassis sections and moved toward each other. Mating coupler structure at juxtaposed lower corners of the containers rigidly connect the containers horizontally. At least one spacer member at the juxtaposed upper ends of the containers space the containers from each other. Cables connected to the ends of the coupled containers may be utilized to lift the containers as a unit off the chassis sections for loading into a container ship.

Abstract: An intermediate trailer for use between a standard tractor and a standard trailer, the intermediate trailer having a chassis mounted at its rear end, consisting of a first portion which is fixed to the trailer and a second portion which is slidable relative to the first portion from a first position under the trailer to a second position extending rearwardly of the trailer, the second portion having wheels mounted thereon.

Abstract: A steering stabilizer and quick coupling assembly for a multi-trailer combination or train consists of a tractor, a towing or lead trailer, a steerable dolly and a rear or towed trailer. The assembly minimizes the oscillatory yaw and rollover tendency between the towed trailer and its steerable dolly. It also provides for quick coupling or uncoupling between the lead or towing trailer and the towed trailer. Further, it prevents off-tracking steering misalignment between the lead trailer and the steerable dolly. The assembly is mounted between the lead and rear trailers, and has as its basic components, a drawbar member and coupler assembly which are pivotally coupled and uncoupled at a vertical pivot on the drawbar member. The drawbar member and coupler assembly are each pivotally connected to a respective trailer frame portion for movement only about a transverse horizontal axis, and the vertical pivot is preferably located substantially midway between the transverse horizontal pivot axes.

Abstract: A steering system for use with a multiple vehicle train permits tracking without rails of one vehicle after another. This system is particularly useful for moving conveyor systems into and out of curved paths of room and pillar underground mine installations. The steering system features an elongated steering bar pivotally connected to each of adjacent vehicles at end portions of the bar permitting angular orientation of each vehicle in respect to the steering bar and other vehicles. Each end portion of the steering bar is linked to the near pair of vehicle wheels through wheel yoke pivot arms about king pin type pivots. Movement of the steering bar about its pivotal connection provides proportional turning of the wheels to effect steering and tracking of one vehicle following another in both forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: An improved trailer connecting running gear for attachment to tractor drawn trailers, recreational vehicles and the like. The running gear is slidably affixed to a trailer frame and is held in a forward or rearward position by a double fifth wheel. The frame is vertically supported along substantially the entire overlapping portion of the trailer frame and the running gear. The running gear is held to the trailer frame so that it does not turn with respect to the frame.

Abstract: System for storing and transporting guided missiles and similar flying bodies includes a storage building and movable storage structures for supporting multiple guided missiles. The storage building is sized so that a row of the storage structures can be arranged along one side wall of the storage building with the normal travel direction of the structures being arranged transversely of the direction of the row and of the adjacent side wall. In the row, the storage structures are closely spaced so that there is no walkway between them. A passageway is provided within the storage building along the row of storage structures so that each storage structure can be moved out of the row without moving adjacent storage structures and then turned on a minimum turning circle in the passageway for movement out of the storage building.

Abstract: A train of tandem arranged, wheeled, refuse receptacles, pulled by a prime mover along a path, are successively moved over a dump chute to drop their contents when their discharge doors are successively tripped, the contents falling downwardly through the chute and into the entrance opening of an underground compactor. The reciprocating ram of the compactor passes the contents sidewise into the awaiting container of a refuse collection vehicle, compacting the contents therein.

Abstract: A system for towing a plurality of wheeled load-carrying vehicles in a train in which coacting tongue and pin members are provided on the vehicles. Each vehicle has a body having a front end and a back end, a pair of fixed position wheels secured to the underside of the body at the back end, a single caster wheel assembly secured to the underside adjacent the front end, and a tongue member mounted on the back end of the vehicle and having an opening in one end. The caster wheel assembly includes a flange secured to the wheel support and a downwardly extending towing pin on the outer end of the flange. To achieve tracking of a trailing vehicle behind a leading vehicle, the tongue on the leading vehicle is moved to a position in which the tongue opening receives the caster wheel pin on the trailing vehicle. A releasable connection is thus made, with the pulling force applied directly to the caster wheel support.

Abstract: A detachable trailer hitch adapted to be removably interposed between a pair of in-line boat trailers, or the like, and comprising a frame having a first section for connection with the trailing end of the first trailer, a second section of relatively large substantially triangular configuration for surrounding the motor of the boat carried by the first trailer, and a hitch element disposed outboard of the triangular section for removable connection with the hitch member of the second or in-line trailer.

Abstract: A trash container carrier is convertible from a wheeled transporting to a ground supported structure. The carrier includes a wheel assemblage retractable within openings in the floor adjacent to the corners of the structure. A pair of upright members installed at opposite ends of the floor support a longitudinally extending arm. The arm rotatably connected to one member and freely supported by the other has a trash container lid secured to the underneath side. The lid is arranged to uncover a floor supported trash container when the arm is raised to load or unload the container.

Abstract: A compact industrial truck includes a chassis having a power unit at the front and a single steerable drive wheel under the power unit. A pair of nonsteerable wheels is located at the rear of the chassis. Rearward of the power unit is a platform upon which an operator may stand while operating the truck, there being a steering arm interconnected with the drive wheel and accessible by the operator. A fork lift assembly is carried at the rear of the chassis and has a pair of forks extending rearwardly for lifting palletized loads, there being a fork actuation device preferably in the form of a hydraulic cylinder for selectively raising and lowering the forks. A coupler can be carried at least at one end of the chassis, and optionally at both ends, for coupling a trailer to the truck independently of the fork lift assembly. Control devices are accessible to the operator from the platform for controlling both the movement of the wheel and the raising and lowering of the forks.

Abstract: A trash collection, management and disposal system for an office area including covered trash collector containers positioned at heights substantially equivalent to the height of a standard desk top and adapted to receive trash generated in the area. Some of the trash collector containers are mounted on wheels and are equipped with tongue-and-hitch assemblies enabling a plurality of these trash collector containers to be coupled together in a train for towing to a dump site. Dump mechanisms at the dump site pick the trash collector containers up and invert them to empty the trash contained therein. The cover on each collector container is pivotally mounted by a hinge assembly enabling the cover member to be moved to an over center position when it is opened to inhibit its return movement to the closed position. Also, the hinge assembly operates to maintain the cover in an upright position when it is opened, allowing the cover to serve as a backstop for deflecting thrown trash into the container.

Abstract: A material handling system comprising a plurality of material-transporting lorries adapted to be pivotally connected end-to-end and a towing vehicle adapted to pull a train of connected lorries. Each of the lorries has a load-carrying body portion, end portions extending transversely of the body, and ground-engaging wheels arranged in substantially spaced pairs supported on the end portions. The towing vehicle has a low-profile rear section which can be moved under one of the end portions of the lorries between the wheels to releasably connect the towing vehicle and the first lorry. A projection extends upwardly from the rear section of the towing vehicle, into a recess formed in the front side of the lorry end portion and is maintained therein by a spring actuated abutment member which engages the back side of the lorry end portion. The projection and the abutment member thus cooperate to restrict relative horizontal movement of the towing vehicle and the lorry.

Abstract: A steering stabilizer is provided for a conventional multi-trailer combination or train consisting of the usual powered vehicle or pulling tractor constituting the No. 1 element of the train; a lead or first trailer constituting the No. 2 element of the train; a wheeled and rotatable vehicle or dolly constituting the No. 3 element of the train and a rear or second trailer constituting the No. 4 element of the train. A conventional drawbar has one end pivotally connected to the forward end of the frame of the No. 3 element and has the other end pivotally connected to the trailing end of the frame of the lead trailer or No. 2 element.

Abstract: An articulated automative vehicle, wherein the bodies with which it is formed sit on a gantry, or passageway, arranged between adjacent bodies above a single axle guided by said gantry, said bodies bearing on two pivots of the gantry cross beams and being articulated on the same connecting-rod at two points symmetrically located relative to the gantry center so that the axle always takes a position which is substantially along the bisectrix of the angle formed by the longitudinal axes of the two bodies it supports.

Abstract: A hand operated vehicle for the transportation of materials at construction job sites which is capable of receiving and containing increased material loads. The vehicle may be transported from a supply point to a disbursing point in a unitary configuration, whereupon it may be separated into component parts. The components may be manuevered to separate utilization points by a single man, the weight of each component not exceeding the weight which supporting scaffolding can safely sustain.

Abstract: A particulate material spreader comprising a ground-contacting platform adapted for detachable connection to towing device which causes the platform to traverse the ground so as to engage at least in part the surface thereof subtended by the platform. Engagement is by one or more members supported by the platform transversely with respect to the transit path of the platform. Each member has at least one vertically resolvable surface irrespective of the attitude of the platform. The connection is such that a pre-set angle of the platform with respect to a horizontal plane is maintained during transit whereby the members gouge relatively high areas of engaged ground and fill relatively low areas thereof with spoil from those high areas. The platform is attached to the towing device by a selectively detachable three-point linkage which may be mounted on one end or the other of the platform.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-steering dolly that is rigidly releasably connected to the rear of a forward vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer combination, and supports the front end of a towed rearward vehicle, such as a second or "pup" trailer so that the vehicles are in tandem. The wheels of the dolly are mounted on respective king pins; are connected by a linkage and are urged to the neutral or straight-ahead position by a centering device. The means for releasably connecting the dolly and the forward vehicle comprise two transversely extending headed pins on the dolly of the kind employed with a fifth wheel connection engageable in respective releasable spring latches on the frame of the forward vehicle.

Abstract: Steering apparatus for a trailer vehicle is disclosed providing preselected turning characteristics for the vehicle. A pair of wheel assemblies are mounted at the front of the vehicle and are each pivotal about an associated vertical axis. A tie member having a plate with a longitudinal slot formed therein extends between and connects the front wheel assemblies to provide for the simultaneous pivoting of the front wheel assemblies. A tow bar is pivotally connected to the vehicle between the front wheel assemblies and is provided with a pin that extends into the slot in the plate. During pivoting, the pin is displaced both transversely and longitudinally of the vehicle, but since the pin slides in the slot only the transverse component of displacement of the tow bar is transferred to the tie member.

Abstract: A stablized, true tracking trailer adapted to be cross-coupled with other true tracking trailers into a train, each trailer having a vehicle body including a cargo bed and having a fixed wheel and two castor wheels supporting the body, thereby providing a stable 3 point contact with the ground, a first and second pivotal connector attached proximate opposite corners of the first end of the body, and a third and fourth pivotal connector attached proximate opposite corners of a second end of the body for use with trailer cross-coupling linkage arms.

Abstract: Prostaglandin analogs with the following cyclopentane ring structure: ##STR1## are disclosed along with intermediates useful in their preparation and processes for their preparation. These analogs are useful for the same pharmacological purposes as the prostaglandins, particularly and especially as blood platelet aggregation inhibitors.

Abstract: A novel system is disclosed for carrying containerized loads, which system basically comprises at least two trailers, at least one of which may be pulled from either end, such that a novel dolly may be utilized to interconnect said trailers for transport, while at the same time facilitating end loading cargo dock access to a plurality of containers mounted on each trailer. Additionally, a novel dolly is disclosed for coupling two trailers together for hauling, which dolly preferably comprises a plurality of axles, each of which is movable with respect to the frame of the dolly and with respect to each other to facilitate multi-directional trailer hauling, better weight distribution, easy hook-up, and convenient storage. The preferred embodiment dolly comprises means for limiting the pivotal action of the dolly with respect to its associated trailers, particularly during hook-up, loading or unloading operations.

Abstract: A novel multiple hook-up movable axle trailer is disclosed comprising the features of removable track extensions to allow the positioning of slidable axle assemblies at extreme ends of the trailer to thereby attain a maximum bridging distance between axles. A novel slidable kingpin assembly is also disclosed which may be used to facilitate the alternate end hook-up of an appropriately fitted trailer regardless of the absence of a permanent kingpin in that location. Alternatively, the slidable kingpin assembly may be used in combination with a novel pivotal axle assembly which may either be fixed or have a fork attached thereto and be released for steering.

Abstract: A pallet supporting a plurality of containers in which small workpieces can be stored. The pallet consists of a base having supporting legs and an upright container supporting wall. Horizontally extending rails are arranged on the wall in vertically spaced pairs and the containers are slidably suspended on the rails so that they can readily be unloaded from the pallet. A security cover is provided which can be mounted on the pallet so as to enclose the containers supported thereon. The pallet of this invention is incorporated into a material handling system which includes a plurality of transport carts adapted to be hitched together for movement of a plurality of pallets between locations. Each transport cart is provided with spaced apart leg wells on which the pallet is placed and an access space is thereby provided beneath the base of the pallet to facilitate the placement and removal of the pallet on the transport cart.

Abstract: An intermediate semi-trailer unit which is towed by a highway tractor and tows a standard cargo semi-trailer. The standard trailer is attached to the intermediate trailer unit by a fifth wheel mounted on a portion of the chassis which permanently extends rearwardly beyond the cargo container of the intermediate trailer unit. The fifth wheel is positioned over or ahead of the rearmost bogie of the intermediate trailer unit. Means are provided to form, temporarily, a horizontal platform over the fifth wheel for the loading and unloading of the cargo container.

Abstract: The wheels of the cart are arranged so that a front wheel and a rear wheel can be interconnected with each other and driven off a steering gear. Upon pivoting of the steering gear during turning of the cart, these front and rear wheels pivot in opposite directions so that the rear wheel follows in the wake of the front wheel. When disconnected from the steering gear, the front and rear wheels, as the remaining wheels, are freely rotatable.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling vehicles in a train of such vehicles including first and second coupler plates pivotally interconnected by a coupler pin for relative movement about an upright axis and having brake means frictionally retarding relative rotation between the coupler plates and a cam type latch means mounted on one plate and engageable in a depression in the other plate when the first and second plates are in a preselected angular position for releasably restraining relative movement between the coupler plates out of the preset angular position until the forces tending to cause relative angular movement substantially exceed the frictional force of the friction brake means.

Abstract: A tow bar and hitch assembly for coupling together industrial carts so they can be towed in train-like fashion. A hitch member is fixed to the bed of a towing cart and receives a tow bar rotatably and slidingly supported by the bed of a towed cart. When not in use, the tow bar can be retracted to a stowed position beneath the towed cart by removing it from the hitch, rotating it to clear an abutment with a stop member which locks the tow bar against movement when extended, and then sliding the tow bar rearwardly.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a twin tow unit which enables a single tractor to pull two agricultural implements simultaneously. The unit comprises a substantially elongated inverted U-shaped main member, the forward end of which is supported on at least one castor mounted land wheel and the rear end of which is supported on at least one land wheel. Means are provided for locking the rear land wheel in position and links are provided for coupling the front and rear end of the unit to a tractor and each end of the unit is provided with hitching means to which the tow bar of an agricultural unit may be attached.

Abstract: A reversible warehouse wagon is provided with a jointed bed, tandem-mounted center support wheels, steerable wheels supporting both the ends of the bed and hitch means at both ends of the bed to provide a warehouse wagon that is towable from either end having a short turning radius, high directional stability, improved tracking of a towing vehicle and improved support and control for going up and down ramps.

Abstract: An intermediate semi-trailer unit which is towed by a highway tractor and tows a standard cargo semi-trailer. The standard trailer is attached to the intermediate trailer unit by a fifth wheel mounted on a portion of the chassis which permanently extends rearwardly beyond the cargo container of the intermediate trailer unit. The fifth wheel is positioned over or ahead of the rearmost bogie of the intermediate trailer unit. Means are provided to form, temporarily, a horizontal platform over the fifth wheel for the loading and unloading of the cargo container.