Abstract: A sintered valve seat includes: a matrix; 5 to 40 mass % of a hard phase dispersed in the matrix, the hard phase containing 48 to 60 mass % of Mo; 3 to 12 mass % of Cr; 1 to 5 mass % of Si; and the balance of Co and inevitable impurities; and a structure in which a Cr sulfide is dispersed around the hard phase. The hard phase is formed with a Co base alloy matrix and compounds which are mainly composed of Mo silicides and are integrally precipitated in the Co base alloy matrix.

Abstract: A vehicle trailering system comprises a towing vehicle comprising a hitch mounting mechanism, and a trailer connectable thereto. The trailer comprises a body defining an interior space sized to fit at least one vehicle and having first and second sets of spaced-apart carrying members attachable to opposite sides of the body, thereby defining respective first and second loading levels. The trailer further comprises a gate movable between the first and second levels along first and second support members. First and second connecting members are respectively attachable to the gate and are operable to movably carry the gate with respect to the first and second support members. The system further comprises an actuator system connected to a synchronization system, which are operable to synchronize the movement of the first and second connecting members along the respective longitudinal lengths of the first and second support members. Associated trailering methods are also provided.

Abstract: A multilevel railway auto rack car for transporting automobiles is provided having at least one upper deck with end segments pivotable to accommodate the difference in height of corresponding upper decks of adjacent auto rack cars and facilitate loading of automobiles between cars. A pivoting assembly pivots the end segment between raised and lowered positions, as well as prevents the end segment from being inadvertently left in the lowered position.

Abstract: A truck-trailer for easy changeability and wider range of applicability in simplified construction to increase transportation capacity and improve changeability and applicability having the front and the rear sections of the main deck each pivoted with a retractable slope; the rear end of the main deck being disposed of a multi-sectional access slope for the access by different types of vehicles; and an elevation deck set being provided on the main deck to cope with the load of various types of vehicles to increase loading capacity.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to carry two ATVs on a short bed pickup. The platform is designed so that each ATV straddles a side of the bed. ATVs rest almost 10 inches lower than most ATV racks for lower center of gravity and added stability. The wheels drop into an opening that restricts movement from front to back and from left to right. One person can assemble the parts by themselves. ATVs can be driven onto support platform on back of truck on a ramp angled at approximately 30 degrees. Wind resistance is reduced because ATVs are facing forward. Driver can still see behind vehicle through rear view mirror because of space between ATVs. Platform design allows for storage underneath the ATVs. Parts can be integrated for storage in a space approximately 102? long, 24? high, and 24? deep.

Abstract: A mechanism to assist in raising and lowering a hinged deck end section wherein a lifting force is applied to the deck end section by a counterweight mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the counterweight mechanism operates in conjunction with a conventional, proven spring assist mechanism of the type that has been used in the past on trilevel railway cars. The counterweight mechanism preferably includes a counterweight that is slidable along a vertical track in a location that is readily accessible for visual inspection and maintenance. Nonmetallic wear pads are preferably employed in conjunction with a dry film lubricant to control friction between the counterweight and the track. The mechanism preferably provides a mechanical advantage so that the lifting force applied by the counterweight mechanism exceeds the weight of the counterweight. A roller chain, steel cable, or the like is preferably employed to connect the weight to the deck end section.

Abstract: A multilevel railway auto rack car for transporting automobiles is provided having at least one.upper deck with end segments pivotable to accommodate the difference in height of corresponding upper decks of adjacent auto rack cars and facilitate loading of automobiles between cars. A pivoting assembly pivots the end segment between raised and lowered positions, as well as prevents the end segment from being inadvertently left in the lowered position.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle transporting trailer has rigid upper and lower decks. The upper deck is mounted onto the lower deck by selectively actuable, releasably lockable telescopic stanchions. The stanchions are actuable by actuators so as to raise and lower the upper deck over the lower deck between a lowered position, an intermediately elevated position, and a fully elevated position. In the fully extended position the upper deck is elevated above the lower deck so as to allow loading of vehicles or freight onto the lower deck. In the intermediately elevated position the upper deck is below the fully elevated position so as to be snugly adjacent uppermost extremities of the vehicles or freight on the lower deck.

Abstract: A mechanism to assist in raising and lowering a hinged deck end section wherein a lifting force is applied to the deck end section by a counterweight mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the counterweight mechanism operates in conjunction with a conventional, proven spring assist mechanism of the type that has been used in the past on trilevel railway cars. The counterweight mechanism preferably includes a counterweight that is slidable along a vertical track in a location that is readily accessible for visual inspection and maintenance. Nonmetallic wear pads are preferably employed in conjunction with a dry film lubricant to control friction between the counterweight and the track. The mechanism preferably provides a mechanical advantage so that the lifting force applied by the counterweight mechanism exceeds the weight of the counterweight. A roller chain, steel cable, or the like is preferably employed to connect the weight to the deck end section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting or storing in a compact and efficient manner large objects, such as vehicles, whose shape and/or composition do not lend themselves to a high density arrangement. Using automobiles as an example, the apparatus uses trays to support the ends of the automobiles, the trays riding on open rails that are positioned at different levels to permit nesting of automobiles of different sizes and shapes. Some of the rails may be pivoted or be equipped with switches and gates, and the upper rails may have a wider gauge than the lower rails. With this arrangement, and by proper selection of carrier trays to correspond to the gauge of the rails at a particular level, damaged or otherwise undriveable vehicles can be loaded and transported as well as vehicles that are driveable.

Abstract: A boat haul vehicle (10) includes lower and upper tiers of adjustable ramps (20-25) and skids (48), (50) and (51), and the ramps and skids include tracks (76). Dollies (55) are mounted to the front portion of each boat trailer, and the track wheels (75) of each dolly have a peripheral shape that is compatible with the tracks (76) mounted on each ramps and skid. Winches (91-94) are connectable to the boat trailers so as to progressively pull each boat and its trailer onto or off of the boat haul vehicle, with the track wheels (75) guiding the front of each trailer on the tracks (76).

Abstract: A railroad car for transporting vehicles comprising a first deck having side sills and being supported near each end by a railroad truck; a vertical side wall along each side of the car; each side wall including a plurality of spaced apart vertical columns having lower ends rigidly connected to each of the side sills; a second deck horizontally located above the first deck and rigidly connected to the columns; the second deck having a hinged section joined to each opposing end of a central portion, rigidly connected to the columns, to pivot about a horizontal axis; each hinged section being vertically pivotal and having an outer end with a lock attached to it to movably secure the outer end in upward and downward positions; each hinged section having side edges; a laterally movable, spring-biased rod along each hinged section side edge; the rod having a forward end extendable beyond the hinged section side edge into locking engagement with a retainer on the adjoining car wall; the rod forward end having outwa

Abstract: An automatic locking mechanism is provided for latching the swingable "B" deck of an auto-rack railway car in either an upper raised position or a lower horizontal position. A spring biased plunger or bolt is normally positioned in locking engagement with a depending striker plate on the end of the swingable deck portion and may be withdrawn by the operator and rotated to a release position in which it is held out of engagement with the striker plate to permit the deck portion to be raised to its upper position. As the deck portion is raised a lug on the striker plate engages a transversely extending rotator pin on the end of the plunger and rotates the plunger away from its release position so that the plunger is automatically returned to a locking position beneath the bottom edge of the striker plate when the "B" deck portion is moved to its raised position.To return the deck portion to a horizontal position, the plunger is withdrawn by the operator and rotated to the release position.

Abstract: A vehicle carrying railway car including a plurality of vertically spaced decks having at least one hinged deck section adapted to be raised for facilitating the loading of vehicles onto the car. The hinged deck has shrouds that are supported and aligned by inter-reactive foot elements which are constantly shielded by the shrouds preventing injury to workmen moving the deck between its respective raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a hinged deck portion of a vehicle-carrying auto-rack railway car utilizing a first-class lever to counterbalance the deck end portion. A spring load is provided by a Belleville spring pack of novel, compact construction which has a substantially constant spring-force versus deflection curve such that manual manipulation of the hinged deck by operating personnel is facilitated during loading and unloading of the auto-rack car.

Abstract: A railway car for transporting vehicles comprising a plurality of vertically spaced decks, one of which consists of a rigid central section and at opposite ends hinged deck sections that are adapted to be selectively raised for facilitating the loading of vehicles onto the railway car, and an improved counterbalancing and locking mechanism interconnecting the hinged deck sections and the car structure.