Abstract: A collapsible cap assembly for a pickup truck or the like includes a pair of track members mounted to the side walls of the pickup truck box, and a series of frame members mounted to the track members. A front frame assembly is stationarily mounted to the track members, and a rear frame assembly and a pair of intermediate frame members are movably mounted to the track members for movement between an extended operative position and a collapsed storage position. A handle is pivotably mounted to the rear frame assembly for assisting in movement of the rear frame assembly and the intermediate frame members between their operative and collapsed positions. A window and door assembly is mounted to the rear frame assembly.

Abstract: A tailgate plate is arranged for displacement from a vertical position extending over an entrance opening of a vehicular truck bed, wherein the tailgate is arranged for displacement to a second position orthogonally and forwardly oriented relative to the first position permitting access of air movement through the entrance opening of the truck bed to improve aerodynamics and increase the fuel efficiency of the truck, and wherein the tailgate is arranged for displacement to a third position orthogonally and rearwardly oriented relative to the first position and in the same plane as the truck bed floor, allowing cargo to be loaded and unloaded in the accustomed manner.

Abstract: A tailgate latching mechanism for latching a vertical tailgate to the rear structure of the truck body of a rearward or side compacting, rear discharge refuse truck in which the tailgate is pivotally mounted from pivot pins in top hinges fixed to the top rear of the truck body. The mechanism includes upper and lower pairs of spaced, vertically interlocking side latches for absorbing the horizontal forces associated with compacting and compacted refuse when latched, a pair of self-aligning vertical stops to prevent vertical displacement of the tailgate when closed, and a system for vertically adjusting the pivot pins allowing vertical displacement of the tailgate associated with latching and unlatching the vertically interlocking latches. Bottom drop in retainers are also provided.

Abstract: A mobile basket for accumulating and transporting hay bales includes a container mounted on wheels. The container has a pair of side walls which are spaced from each other and the spacing is greater at the rear of the container than at the front thereof. A rear wall of the container is hinged at its top and opens by gravity to discharge the bales from the container. A chute is also provided at the front of the container to receive hay bales directly from a hay baler and discharge them to the container. The rear wall may be opened and shut remotely, and a plurality of the containers may be readily nested with relation to each other for shipment.

Abstract: An end gate is provided for a truck box which may be selectively automatically pivotally moved to an open position as the truck box is pivotally moved to its dumping position. A cable interconnecting the end gate and dump box is threaded through a series of pulleys to cause the end gate to pivot outwardly in response to upwardly movement of the dump box.

Abstract: A modular rail system is provided for supporting accessories on a pick-up truck bed. The system comprises first and second rail assemblies overlying the top surfaces of the first and second truck bed side walls for releasably connecting with the side walls. A flexible cover overlies the bed for covering and providing protection for the bed. A locking mechanism is likewise provided and is associated with the cover and the rail assemblies for lockingly attaching the cover to the rail assemblies and securing the cover in place over the truck bed. The rail system may additionally include a tie-down bar, a light bar, a utility box, a camper top, and a single or multi-piece bed liner, each of which is supported and connected to the rail assemblies.

Abstract: An improved lower rear transfer brace member for a rear loading compactor type refuse truck body having a continuous lower rear transfer brace member, the truck body being designed to be accommodated on a truck chassis having a pair of spaced, substantially parallel longitudinal main chassis members which abut the continuous transfer brace substantially at right angles therewith and spacing the tailgate from the rear wheels is disclosed which accommodates the ends of the spaced longitudinal main chassis members without loss of continuity to thereby, in effect, move the relative position of the rear wheels back and allow the tailgate to be mounted closer to the rear wheels.

Abstract: A single T-handle latching mechanism including a center T-handle, a rotor assembly, a right and left swivel connector, a right and left rod rotator, a right and left lock rod with rotator engagement and a latching contoured end, and a right and left engagement latch plate. An approximately 90 degree rotation of the T-handle will extend the lock rods out to the right and left. With this mechanism, the lock rods also rotate about their axis approximately 180 degrees, with the contoured rod end pulling a door closed as its extension proceeds and, finally, at full extension latching the door securely closed in an engagement latch plate against its frame and sealing, not only in its longitudinal axis, but also in its frontal and horizontal axis.

Abstract: A gondola rail car for hauling wood chips and the like having a pair of side walls, an end wall, a floor, an open end and an open top. A door assembly is pivotally mounted for swinging movement adjacent the open end. A ledge is provided to enhance access by an unloading vehicle. The car may be constructed from an existing box car.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a vertically openable access door includes a reinforcement bracket for each cylinder mounting. The bracket is bent to provide tortional and other force absorption capability. The bracket is also of sufficient size to cover the immediate area where a cylinder is mounted and any remote locations where forces may be applied through a moment arm created by rotation and exertion of a force on the vehicle by a cylinder. The cylinders may be hydraulically operated to effectuate opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: In a transfer set, a retention hook rigidly secured for rotation with the tailgate of the truck body for rotation therewith. Entry of the trailer body into the truck body automatically triggers pneumatic elements to lower the truck tailgate causing the retention hook attached thereto to capture a trailer body retention pin secured to the outside of the trailer body. A solenoid operated directional control valve prevents the inadvertent release of the trailer body when the truck body is lifted away from the truck frame to empty contents therefrom. A single pneumatic actuator releases the truck tailgate and, when the trailer body is retained in the truck body, also the trailer tailgate.

Abstract: Waste disposal vehicles are provided with an openable door against which material received in the vehicle body is compacted by an internal ram, the load being discharged at the disposal site by the ram upon opening the door. The compression produced by the ram action expresses liquid from the waste material which pools in the body and leaks out between the butting door and body frames, the leakage increasing under the opening pressure applied by the ram and the pressurized contents, wear and damage to the frames, and relative twisting of the frames. The invention provides an economical, easily maintained and replaced sealing system comprising an expansible seal member, provided preferably on the door frame, and preferably only along the horizontal bottom edge of the door frame and the bottom portions of the two vertical sides, the sealing member thus being U-shaped and providing sufficient sealing to retain any separated liquid.

Abstract: A vehicular hatchback conversion apparatus (20) for attachment to the peripheral hatch opening (22) in a hatchback style vehicle (24) for converting a unitary hatchback having a fixed window embedded therein to a retractable rear window style hatchback includes a transparent window (62) fabricated from either flexible or rigid material and supported over a forward portion of the hatch opening (22). The window (62) folds downwardly, either rearwardly or forwardly, onto a shelf (72) or is collapsed in accordion style to uncover the forward portion of the hatch opening (22). A trunk lid (48) covers a rearward portion of the hatch opening (22) and pivots between closed and open positions to permit storage space (34) access through the hatch opening (22). The hatchback conversion apparatus (20) is a retrofit device which does not structurally alter or damage the hatch opening (22) and therefore permits reinstallation of the stock unitary hatchback on the vehicle (24).

Abstract: A frameless truck cap lift door is disclosed having a concealed hinge structure and including a transparent window portion of generally uniform thickness having six holes, two of which extend along an upper edge thereof. There is a relatively rigid support bar having at least a pair of holes which are simutaneously alignable with the window holes. A pair of hinges are adapted to be fastened near an upper edge of the truck cap each hinge having a pivotable arm extending from the truck cap and terminating in an apertured flange. The spacing between the flanges when the hinges are fastened to the truck cap is substantially the same of the spacing between the holes in the support bar and the holes in the window whereby a pair of threaded fasteners may be passed each through the window, the support bar and one flange for securing the window pivotably to the cap.

Abstract: The locking device may either be used with a conventional liftgate support or incorporated into the design of the liftgate support, to retain a hatchback-type door of a vehicle in an open position. The locking device of the present invention is for use with a liftgate support to retain a hatchback-type door in an open position even in cold weather or after the liftgate support has worn out. The liftgate support includes a housing cylinder and an elongated piston rod. The elongated piston rod is slidably positionable relative to the housing cylinder, one end of the elongated piston rod being received within the housing cylinder. The locking device is secured to the housing cylinder by two-sided tape proximate to where the elongated piston rod is received by the housing cylinder.

Abstract: The truck has an hydraulic pump for receiving dredged mixture of solids and water from a pumping site and delivering the mixture to the truck body. A fixed partition wall is mounted transversely in the body and divides the body into first and second open compartments. The first compartment receives the mixture from the pump means to enable solids to settle at the bottom of the first compartment and the water rises towards the top of the compartment. The second compartment receives the water which rises in the first compartment and the partition wall. Drain means are selectively operable to effect removal of substantially all water from the second compartment. A one-way valve is located between the first and second compartments and is operable when the body is tilted to permit residual water in the second compartment to flow into the first compartment to effect removal of remaining solid matter from the first compartment by washing it out of the tilted body via the open tailgate.

Abstract: A high lift dump truck having a chassis on a truck, and a body portion having a tailgate being positioned on the chassis and being supported in a lowered position. A front hoist having a first end pivotably mounted at a generally central location on the chassis. The front hoist has a second end pivotably mounted on the body and the front hoist is positioned to raise the body to a maximum front elevation above the chassis. A rear hoist has a first end pivotably mounted at a generally rear location on the chassis and a rear hoist has a second end pivotably mounted on the body generally near the tailgate end of the body. The rear hoist is positioned to raise the body to a maximum rear elevation above the chassis. A control link has a first end pivotably mounted on the chassis adjacent the rear location and has a second end mounted on the body at a generally central location, whereby the link defines a locus of movement of the second end when the body is raised.

Abstract: A back door structure for a motor vehicle in which a back door is hingedly mounted on a vehicle roof for movement between an open and closed position. The back door is of trapezium configuration, with its lower portion wider than its upper portion. A stay damper is connected with the back door at one end and connected with a rear pillar at the other end. The stay damper biases the back door to a raised open position and is disposed between the rear pillar and the back door when closed. The stay damper moves outwardly in accordance with the opening of the back door. The back door includes a frame member disposed along the side peripheral edges of the back door window glass. A conceal member is connected with the frame member and extends outwardly, forming the rear corners of the vehicle body and concealing both the stay damper and the rear pillar. The conceal member constitutes a portion of the outer surface of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A mobile bank teller unit includes a cabinet supported by a pair of main wheels having automatic brakes. Vertically adjustable caster pairs at each end provide sidewise mobility. The cabinet opens to form an enclosure for two tellers, each having complete bank transaction equipment. Two banking customers can be accommodated simultaneously. The unit closes into a compact, secure portable form.

Abstract: A vehicle body having a frame, a pair of side dumpable compartments, and a rear dumpable compartment. Each of the side dumpable compartments is rotatably mounted to the frame such that the axis of rotation is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body. Each of the side dumpable compartments has a well on the side of the compartment opposite the axis of rotation. A hydraulic actuator is disposed between the side dumpable compartment and the frame so as to cause the rotation and unloading of the side compartment. The rear dumpable compartment is rotatably connected to the frame such that the axis of rotation is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body. This rear dumpable compartment has a tailgate that is selectably openable for permitting the dumping of material from the interior of this rear compartment. A hydraulic arm extends between the rear dumpable compartment and the frame so as to cause the rear dumpable compartment to rotate about its axis and to dump the materials.

Abstract: An arrangement for forming a rear partial structure of a vehicle body construction comprises, a rear end portion of a vehicle body forming an opening therein, a rear lamp assembly mounted on the rear end portion of the vehicle body so as to be disposed at a lower margin of the opening, and a tailgate mounted on the rear end portion of the vehicle body to be operative to open and close the opening. The tailgate includes a gate frame member which is attached through a hinge to the rear end portion of the vehicle body and a tailgate glass which is attached to the gate frame member and provided with an extended portion incorporated therewith to extend outward beyond at least a portion of one side of the gate frame member so as to cover therewith an outer surface of the rear lamp assembly when the tailgate is in a position for closing the opening.

Abstract: An air spring assembly is connected to a member in the form of a cover, door or panel for movement between a position at which the member closes an opening and a position at which the member is removed from the opening. The member is movable between limit positions and the air spring assembly assists in movement. If any portion of the original charge attained by the air spring is lost due to leakage, the air spring assembly is automatically charged during movements of the member so that a piston rod is able to exert a predetermined force on the member.

Abstract: A spillage retainer for dump trucks to retain the trucks load in spaced relation to the tail gate. The retainer prevents spillage commonly occuring between the tail gate and the trucks bed due to tail gate wear and deterioration.

Abstract: An improved counterbalanced tailgate for dump boxes including a continuous pivot shaft which extends across the entire width of the gate bottom and is rotatably contained within the gate and extends through the sides thereof. One or more heavy duty helical springs are coaxially mounted about the shaft with one end of each spring being attached to the shaft, and the other either affixed to or bearing against a portion of the tailgate so that the springs resiliently resist rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis. A bayonette type latching arm is rigidly attached to each protruding shaft end, and an opening is provided in the lower side wall of the dump body on each side to receive the latching arms.

Abstract: In a tailgate assembly, a connecting mechanism which joins one end of each side plate of the assembly to the frame of the vehicle carrying the assembly wherein pivoting of the dump body of the vehicle causes the connecting mechanism to rotate the tailgate assembly. The connecting mechanism includes a chain on each side of the body which is biased about the side of the body by a roller assembly that engages the chain to hold it away from the side and to limit its lateral movement along the length of the side.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for covering at least a part of the open bed of a land or marine vehicle or the like includes an enclosure structure telescopically collapsible and extendable with an access opening and door assembly rearward longitudinally movable portion thereof. An improved end gate assembly is selectively positionable and releasably securable at a number of continuously variable longitudinal locations on the open bed, corresponding with the movable rearward section of the enclosure. The apparatus also includes an improved track assembly for the telescopically collapsible and extendable enclosure sections, with apparatus for substantially preventing or minimizing the accumulation of corrosion, water or other foreign materials that would hinder the smooth and free operation of the enclosure structure.

Abstract: A tailgate construction wherein the hinge connections of a truck box are replaced with arms provided for pivoting of the tailgate between the conventional lower position and upper raised position above the truck box bed. The latch pin connections are moved from the truck box sides to a carriage member that is guided on the truck box sides between a first position with a latch pin positioned for normal closing of the tailgate, and a raised forward position. An interlock mechanism permits the user to lock and unlock the carriage in its's two positions. When unlocked and with the tailgate closed, the tailgate can be raised as permitted by the pivoting arms and guided carriage plate, to position the tailgate in a horizontal position over the truck bed.

Abstract: Gas springs are frequently used for assisting the movement of a movable construction unit, e.g. a boot lid with respect to a stationary construction unit, e.g. a motor car frame. In view of facilitating the closing operation of the boot lid, the pressure in the gas spring is sometimes selected such that the gas spring cannot fully overcome the gravitational forces acting onto the boot lid. In such cases the gas spring cannot fulfill the function of maintaining the boot lid in the upper terminal, i.e. the fully opened position without additional provision. In order to enable the gas spring to maintain the boot lid in the upper terminal position, the gas spring is constructed such that in the outer terminal position of the piston rod with respect to the cylinder an increased resistance is exerted by the gas spring against pushing the piston rod inwards of the cylinder. A simple and economic hydraulic circuit is proposed in view of achieving such increased resistance.

Abstract: A subassembly is provided for the pivotal body of a heavy-duty truck comprising a tailgate assembly which rotates between service and out-of-service positions in order to provide a truck body having a dual volume capacity. The tailgate assembly includes opposing side beams attached at their first ends to a tailgate which forms a back wall of the truck body when the assembly is in its service position. Pivot means couple the opposing side beams to the opposing side walls of the truck body such that the tailgate assembly may be rotated about an axis of rotation between its service and out-of-service positions. Means are provided for rotating the tailgate assembly about its axis of rotation wherein the rotating means advantageously utilizes the changing position of the center of gravity of the tailgate assembly as it rotates between positions.

Abstract: A vehicle body having a roof, depending sidewalls, a rear opening and a door for closing the opening wherein the door is pivotally and slidably mounted to the vehicle body by a slide mounted door hinge assembly. The assembly includes an elongated guide track affixed to the vehicle body extending perpendicularly from the opening and a hinge with a sliding leaf slidably connected to the guide track and a door leaf affixed to the door adjacent the track.

Abstract: A tailgate which can be moved to any of three positions on the back end of a vehicle. In addition to the normal open and closed positions, the tailgate has an elevated stabilizing position in which it is elevated above the vehicle bed in a horizontal orientation to reduce air drag and increase fuel economy. Each end of the tailgate has spring loaded upper and lower pins which can be retracted by operating handles on the tailgate. The lower pins are received in hinge openings in the vehicle sides to provide a hinge axis about which the tailgate can be opened and closed. Slots in the vehicle sides receive the upper pins to latch the tailgate closed. Both sets of pins fit in the slots when the tailgate is moved to the elevated position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile cargo container for transporting fluid-like materials such as cannery waste. The cargo container includes a floor conveyor extending rearward of and beyond the container bottom for discharging materials from the container through a rear discharge outlet. A trailer door is connected to the container to pivot between an open position wherein the door is above the discharge outlet, and a closed position wherein the door seals the container in a fluid tight fit. The discharge outlet is defined by side walls of the trailer which are angled downwardly in a rearward direction from the top of the container to a point wherein the side walls project downwardly in a forward direction to meet with a bottom portion of the container.

Abstract: A self-propelled wheeled vehicle has a load receiving tank with the driving wheeled suspension system and the driven steering control system directly attached to the load receiving tank. The prime mover and power transmission system is also attached to the tank and interconnected with the driving wheels. An operators cab is attached to the forward end of the load receiving tank. A front loader mechanism is integrated with a top front load receiving opening in the tank and the closure therefor such that movement of the closure simultaneously lifts an interconnected load container, raises same and dumps the load into the load receiving tank and vice-versa. The chassiless vehicle is applicable to rear loader and side loader use.

Abstract: A hinge includes first and second members, a backing member, and a connecting member. The connecting member connects the backing member to the second member in such a manner as to be able to vary the distance between the second and backing members. A brittle object is located between the second and backing members. First and second packings are provided between the brittle object and the second member, and between the brittle object and the backing member, respectively. A spacer is provided between the second and backing members. The dimension of the spacer along the distance between the second and backing members is chosen so that when the connecting member is adjusted until the spacer comes into contact with both the second and backing members, the second and backing members clamp therebetween the brittle object by way of the packings with an optimal clamping force exerted on the brittle object.

Abstract: A pneumatic or gas spring includes a cylinder filled with gas under pressure and a piston which is slidably movable in the cylinder, the piston being fitted at the end of a rod which is gastightly and slidably guided through a closure bottom of the cylinder. The piston rod is lockable in its extreme extension position out of the cylinder by means of a snap ring fitted on the piston rod which cooperates with a localized constriction or step protruding inwardly from the cylinder wall adjacent its rod guide bottom, the snap ring having an external diameter intermediate between the inner diameters of the cylinder and the constriction or step.

Abstract: Platform lifting device mounted on a motor vehicle, used especially for the transport of a physically handicapped person. The device comprises two connecting rods forming a parallelogram which rods are mounted for pivoting by one of their ends between the side-plates of a mounting plate integral with the floor of the vehicle, and by their other end, on the upper part of a bearing arm of which the lower end carries the pivoting axis of a lever on which is fixed an axis extending sideways and integral with the platform.

Abstract: A tail gate opening/closing device for a dump truck in which bracket means are affixed at the upper rear ends of both side walls in the rear part of the carrier section. One end part of a bracket arm is pivotally arranged at each of the ends of the bracket means and each of the other ends is pivotally fastened to the end of a tail gate arm. When material transported such as sand, soil, gravel, etc. is dumped, the carrier section is raised to an angle with the ground causing the material transported to exert pressure on the tail gate so as to open the tail gate in a rearward direction and, at the same time both the bracket arm and the tail gate arm are rotated upwards and the fulcrum of the tail gate arm is also moved upwards. In this way, the tail gate is opened smoothly and the discharge port is opened to the widest extent possible.

Abstract: A rear door for an armored vehicle. The rear door includes an upper door half and a lower door half which are pivotally hinged to the rear wall of the vehicle and can be locked and made tight in the closed position. The lower door half is provided on its inner side with steps for getting into and out of the vehicle, and is held in its lowered open position via a chain pull, a cable line, or an arresting member. Each door half, via swivel levers fastened to the inner side of the door half, is pivotally mounted on a shaft which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle and is supported in bearing housings which are rigidly arranged to the side of, and above and below, the door opening on the inner side of the rear wall of the vehicle. Each shaft includes a rotating rod and serves to aid the pivot movement during closing. The upper door half is movable by means of a swivel device which includes a push-pull rod and a lever, and can be arrested in its raised open position.

Abstract: A refuse compaction apparatus including a container for storing refuse under pressure, a tailgate rotatably mounted on the container for movement between an opened and a closed position. The tailgate in its opened position permits refuse to be discharged from the container and the tailgate in its closed position forms a closure with the storage container. In maintaining the tailgate in its closed position, a latch member is engageable with a keeper member with means to provide rotational movement of the latch member into a position to make contact with the keeper member. After rotational movement of the latch member, means are provided to cause translational movement of the latch member into contact with the keeper member to maintain the tailgate in a closed position.

Abstract: A closure panel arrangement for a vehicle hatchback opening includes a pair of hinges which mount a glass panel on the vehicle body for movement between positions opening and closing the opening. A tail member is mounted on the end of the glass panel opposite the hinges and mounts a latch element for latching the glass panel in the closed position. A pair of telescoping struts act between the vehicle body and the tail member to bias the glass panel and tail member to the pivotally raised open position. A decorative molding extends around the edge of the glass panel from the tail member to the hinges so that the telescoping struts and the decorative molding cooperate to hold the tail member at the pivotally raised position in the event of breakage of the glass panel in the open position. A rotation-limiting device is provided in the connection between the telescoping struts and the tail member so that downward rotation of the tail member about its point of attachment with the struts is prevented.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate handle latch mechanism including a pair of latch assemblies carried by casings adapted to be fixed adjacent each side of the tailgate for engagement with an associated striker member on the vehicle body. A pair of control rods are journaled on the tailgate for rotational movement about their own axis disposed parallel with the axis of the gate hinges. A central lift handle rotates the control rods about their axis such that their outboard hooked ends release pawl elements of their associated latch assemblies causing spring biased ratchet members to automatically rotate to then open position unlatching their strikers allowing the tailgate to be moved to its open position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle which includes a rearward body end member which is adapted to be swung upwardly about a transverse axis of the vehicle. The body end member consists essentially of a synthetic resinous material and includes a rear window and an end wall. Lighting elements such as, for example, taillights, brake lights, flashers, back-up lights, or the like, are arranged on a side of the body end member facing an interior of the vehicle. The body end member is transparent in an area of the lighting elements so as to enable light to be visible from an exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: In an automatic tailgate of a dump truck a continuous single cable extends from a left side gate lever arm to a right side gate lever arm after passing below the dump body of the truck and being movably secured to the truck frame. When the dump body is in a dumping mode the continuous single cable will allow equalization of tailgate lifting forces.

Abstract: A back door stay arrangement for an automotive vehicle including an opening formed at the back of the automotive vehicle, comprising a back door hinged at its upper portion to the upper edge portion of said opening so that said back door can be opened or closed; a back door stay fitted between a side edge portion of said opening and said back door for the purpose of supporting said back door; a weather strip adapted to seal said opening with said back door when said back door is closed; a stepped portion formed on the inner portion of said side edge portion of said opening inside of the sealing point of said weather strip in such a way that said stepped portion can cover said back door stay, one end of said back door stay being provided on said stepped portion; and a barrier embossed in a convex form on the inner side of said back door at a position corresponding to said stepped portion, the other end of said back door stay being provided on said barrier; whereby said back door stay can be placed in a space d

Abstract: A dump truck is provided with a tailgate pivotably mounted to the exterior of the dump body. The tailgate fits into the body between the body sidewalls at a position inboard of the extreme end of the body. The tailgate pivots up and away from the body when the body is hoisted to a dumping mode.

Abstract: Tail-gate operating and locking apparatus for tail-gates utilized in refuse handling vehicles. The apparatus includes hydraulically operated means with a piston rod pivotally connected to the tail-gate and a cylinder pivotally connected to a latch mechanism for locking the tail-gate on the vehicle body. The latch mechanism comprises a bell-crank pivotally connected to the hydraulic cylinder and a locking element pivotally connected to the bell-crank and having a latching pin adapted to engage a hook secured to the tail-gate in a closed position thereof. A ramp element is rigidly attached to the vehicle body. The ramp element is provided with a cam surface to guide the latching pin during its reciprocating movement from and into engagement with the hook.

Abstract: Seed cotton is built into a module to be picked up and moved to a gin by dumping and tromping the cotton into a short box to form a first segment. After this first section of the module is formed the rear gate of the builder is opened and the box moved forward. Then, an additional segment is built, tramping the cotton of the additional segment into that of the segment already built. Then the box is again moved forward. After packing the first segment the rear gate remains open. The cotton is tramped with a pipe having a circular cross section for better packing. Weight is transferred from the tractor to the box while packing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a roof panel and a rear fender outer panel have flange portions, respectively. The flange portions define sides of a back door receiving opening. The roof panel and the rear fender outer panel are respectively fitted with support members which are constructed and arranged to cooperate with the flange portions, a weather strip and a frame of a back door assembly to define adjacent said receiving opening a drip trough the depth of which is larger than its width. The frame of the back door assembly is constructed and arranged to have a box-like section including a bottom side and to engage the weather strip at the wall portion defining the bottom side whereby the frame is markedly reduced in width, resulting in an increased vision area of a glass panel of the back door assembly and therefore an improved visibility as well as an improved appearance.

Abstract: The armored door of a field artillery ammunition support vehicle has a door opener on each side of the door, the door being hinged at the top to the top of the vehicle for movement into raised substantially horizontal position to supply added protection for crew members. Each door opener includes a cylinder pivoted at its bottom to the floor of the vehicle with a rod actuated compression spring in the cylinder. The upper end of the rod is pivoted to the end of an arm and the arm is in turn pivoted to an extension from the door opening into the vehicle body. The other end of the arm is pivoted to a link which in turn is pivoted at its other end to the interior of the door. On opening of the door the spring which is compressed assists in raising the weight of the door and on closing of the door the spring compresses countering the downward action of the weight of the door. In door close position the four pivots are aligned on the axis of the cylinder and rod to assist in holding the door in closed position.

Abstract: A gas spring includes a cylinder having two axial portions of different cross section and two pistons mounted on a common piston rod and respectively matching the cross sections of the cylinder portions. The pistons are spaced on the piston rod so that they are either both in the wider cylinder portion or respectively received in the two portions. A first throttling passage permits flow of fluid between the two cylinder compartments separated by the larger piston, and a second throttling passage by-passes the smaller piston only during movement inward of the smaller cylinder portion to permit flow of fluid out of that cylinder portion. A valve arrangement is biased for sealing the two parts of the cylinder cavity separated by the smaller piston when the latter is in the smaller cylinder portion, but does not move inward of that portion. The valve arrangement responds to a sufficient, axially applied force for connecting the two cavity parts.