Abstract: A cargo support includes a pair of sections telescopically displaceable relative to one another. An actuator is mounted on said sections for producing a relative movement of said sections. A locking member is provided for locking the sections in predetermined positions. The actuator includes a gas spring. The locking member includes a shut-off valve connected with the gas spring, wherein when the locking member is in a closed position, the gas spring is locked in a predetermined position and when the locking member is in an open position, the gas spring is permitted to expand and contract.

Abstract: An air bag, and a method of using the same, for indicating proper inflation and over-inflation of the air bag when the air bag is used within a void defined between adjacent cargo loads. In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a plurality of horizontally disposed, vertically spaced printed lines are provided upon only one side of the inflatable air bag and extend from a side edge portion of the air bag toward a central position of the side of the air bag for a predetermined distance. When the bag is inflated, as long as the lines are visible, the bag is properly inflated. If terminal end portions of the bag become visible, the air bag is over-inflated. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, a single vertical line is disposed upon only one side of the inflatable bag and is located a predetermined distance from the side edge portion of the bag which corresponds to the disposition of the terminal end portions of the horizontal lines of the first embodiment.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing cargo during transport in a cargo hold wherein the cargo is centerloaded to provide adequate air circualtion and to distribute the weight. Centerloading leaves small voids and large voids between the walls of the cargo space and the walls of the cargo space. Inflatable deflatable bags are placed in the small voids and expandable braces are also positioned in the larger voids. The braces feature two blocks, one block on the end of a threaded shaft opposite the other block. A speed nut on the threaded shaft is turned to adjust the position of between the two blocks. The bags are flexible plastic with a valve for admitting air into the bag and a separate cap for releasing the air conveniently and quickly.

Abstract: A load stabilizing unit for mounting on the inner surface of a side wall of a vehicle or trailer. The stabilizing unit includes one or more side panels with each panel having a bracing device for releasably holding the panel against a load to be stabilized. In a preferred embodiment, the bracing device is a fluid piston and cylinder assembly located between the panel and the vehicle side wall. In another embodiment, a manual bracing can be used to hold a stabilizing panel in place in engagement with cargo items. The manual bracing includes a turnbuckle which can be adjustably connected to a panel so that the turnbuckle will have the proper length to hold the movable panel in its cargo stabilizing position at all times.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adjustable buttress for use in an electrostatic precipitator for spacing an end plate from a portion of a precipitator housing. The adjustable buttress is selectively positionable between a portion of an electrostatic precipitator housing and an end plate which is on one end of a plurality of plates in the electrostatic precipitator. The adjustable buttress engages the end plate for positioning the end plate a selected distance from the housing. The adjustable buttress includes an axle. A pair of arms is pivotally mounted on the axle. A rail is connected to each of the arms, and a buttress contact is mounted on each of the rails. The buttress contacts define a contact plane. A positioning device is connected to the rails for selectively moving the rails relative to each other to determine selectively the distance between the rails and thereby the distance between the axle and the contact plane for selectively holding the end plate a selected distance from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable bulkhead for preventing the movement of lading within a lading carrying vehicle, such as a railway car, and more particularly, relates to a mechanical bulkhead having a structural frame member adapted to be mounted in a stationary position, with one or more expandable panels connected to said frame member by clevis linkages which are operated by one or more hydraulic cylinders. By the use of an air-operated hydraulic pump fed by a constant volume air reservoir of a size chosen so that as the bulkhead expands the pressure of the air supplied to the hydraulic pump, and thus, the oil pressure in the hydraulic cylinder, will decrease as the natural mechanical advantage of the clevis type linkage comes into play, a substantially uniform force can be kept on the lading regardless of the amount of the expansion of the bulkhead.