Abstract: A wind turbine blade rotating and braking apparatus comprising: a root device including: a root support member having an upper surface with a radius of curvature and configured to receive a portion (e.g. root) of a wind turbine blade, rollers having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade and configured to rotate the blade; braking mount on the sides of the root support member; and a braking mechanism (e.g. strap or band) fixedly attached to the first mount, releasably attached to the second mount and extending above the blade to apply a braking force to the blade. Once applied, the braking force can be maintained by a locking pin.

Abstract: The cargo retention assembly includes a rod operationally coupled to a trailer. A clamp is coupled to an end of the rod. The clamp engages the trailer so the rod is movably coupled to the trailer. The rod is positionable to abut the cargo on the trailer. A fastener is operationally coupled to the clamp. The fastener engages the trailer so the rod is retained at the selected position on the trailer. The rod may be constructed of a plurality of rod members that telescope with respect to one another in order to adjust a rod length thereby accommodating a plurality of varying trailer sizes. The clamp features a bracket with an open top and first side that enables the end of the rod to fall therein.

Abstract: A system including apparatus and methods for compressively retaining cargo to a vehicular or other surface may, after an initial “rough” adjustment, allow for the operation of a compression force enhancement element to enhance a compression force through relative sliding movement and so that cargo may be retained as intended. Aspects of the inventive technology may relate to the allowance for one-handed manipulation of the compression force enhancement element (e.g., a rotatable lever) through perhaps less than one-quarter of a rotation in order to enhance the compression force.

Abstract: A holding rack for mounting on truck tailgates is disclosed. The inventive holding rack is used with a truck bed to securely haul loads with a truck. The holding rack broadly includes a rack body for receiving the load, a hold-down mechanism that attaches to the rack body to engage the load, and a support frame. The support frame attaches to the tailgate and shiftably receives the holding rack and thereby permits placement of the rack in a stored position and in a load-supporting position where the load is secured while the tailgate is in its upright, latched position.

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 system including apparatus and methods for compressively retaining cargo to a vehicular surface may, upon adjustment, frictionally engage the underside of the upper lip of a truck bed sidewall and transmit a compressive force to a cargo retention element positioned substantially above vehicular cargo. A vertical compression force enhancement element, which may be the same as an adjustable vertical compression force transfer element, may be a threaded rod and threadably mated nut system. The invention also discloses an extendable vertical compression force base element to fit differently sized truck beds, for example.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging elongate members, such as drillpipe (40) and downhole tubulars, comprises a frame comprising a base (6) and side members (2), and packing members (23) for engaging with the side members (2). The packing members (23) have a deformable portion (22) for engaging elongate members to be handled. Tie down chains (19) or other retainers hold the packing members (23) in contact with the elongate members (40).

Abstract: This invention provides a convenient, inexpensive device for securing objects in place in the load bed of a transporting vehicle, comprising an elongate frame, clamping members arranged for movably mounting opposite ends of the frame to variable positions along opposing rails on the sidewalls of the load bed, and a load securing member arranged for movably mounting to variable positions along the frame to enable direct pressure engagement of an object located a variable positions within the load bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport vehicle which serves to transport objects having large dimensions, especially glass stands. The transport vehicle is provided, as a low-platform railway car, with a traversal loading area. This loading area and the loading ramps assigned thereto form a travelling surface for so-called Osila glass transport vehicles, whereby the loading area is protected against soiling in an overall manner by a structure, and the load is secured on the loading area by stand fixing devices and load securing devices.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for securing equipment to a surface of a vehicle includes an elongate shaft slidably extending through a support member attached to the vehicle. An engagement member is formed on one end of the shaft for engaging and retaining equipment on the exterior of the vehicle. A spring-loaded latching assembly is provided to retain the engagement member in a securing relationship with the equipment. The latching assembly illustratively includes an arrangement for transferring a biasing force from a spring to the shaft to bias the shaft in a condition wherein the engagement member secures the equipment in place. The latching assembly includes control lever and a cam arrangement that allows easy manual operation of the latching assembly.

Abstract: A new hold-down or retention device comprises a pair of vertical standards bolted or otherwise attached to the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. Preferably, the standards are located near to the cab end of the cargo bed but spaced therefrom. A cross-member is adjustably attached to the standards and extends therebetween. By placing one end of a long object such as a ladder or scaffold plank under the cross-member and adjusting the cross-member down to retain the object to the bed, the object is easily tightly retained to the truck cargo bed even when the object is three or more times the length of the cargo bed.

Abstract: An equipment securing apparatus for securing equipment to an exterior surface of a vehicle includes first and second support members attached to the vehicle and an elongate shaft extending between the support members and projecting outwardly beyond the vehicle body panel. An engagement member is provided for engaging and retaining equipment on the exterior of the vehicle and a latching assembly is provided to retain the engagement member in a securing relationship with the equipment. Optionally, the equipment securing apparatus may be used with an open vehicle in a matter similar to the manner used with an enclosed vehicle.

Abstract: A new hold-down or retention device comprises a pair of vertical standards bolted or otherwise attached to the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. Preferably, the standards are located near to the cab end of the cargo bed but spaced therefrom. A cross-member is adjustably attached to the standards and extends therebetween. By placing one end of a long object such as a ladder or scaffold plank under the cross-member and adjusting the cross-member down to retain the object to the bed, the object is easily tightly retained to the truck cargo bed even when the object is three or more times the length of the cargo bed.

Abstract: A tailgate movable in horizontal and vertical directions and being operative to (1) lock down loads that are too long to be accommodated within the standard length of the bed of a pickup truck or any other vehicle having a cargo bed with sidewalls, or (2) lock down confined moveable loads that are liable to slide or shift within the truck bed. A motorized chain drive produces the forward and backward horizontal movement of the tailgate thereby securing the total cargo and preventing shifting and sliding of the loads within the truck bed. The drive also produces the vertical movement of the tailgate which, together with the plurality of spring-loaded legs and spread pressure pads, provides a pressure locking system thereby holding down long, uneven cargo loads which are eccentrically loaded relative to the length of the truck bed and preventing torsion or slippage of said loads within the truck bed.

Abstract: An equipment securing apparatus for securing equipment to an exterior surface of a vehicle includes a support member configured for attachment to the vehicle and an elongate shaft extending through the support member and projecting outwardly beyond the vehicle body panel. An engagement member is provided for engaging and retaining equipment on the exterior of the vehicle and a latching assembly is provided to retain the engagement member in a securing relationship with the equipment. The latching assembly illustratively includes an arrangement for biasing the shaft toward a condition wherein the engagement member secures the equipment in place.

Abstract: An improved railcar is provided which may be utilized for the transport of relatively lightweight bulky articles, as well as relatively heavy articles such as steel beams. The railcar includes a number of components which cooperate to allow such diversity of uses. A rectangular base structure is provided. A substantially planar deck is secured to the upper surface of the rectangular base structure. A plurality of rail wheel assemblies are coupled to the lower surface of the base structure. The rail wheel assemblies are adapted for engaging a railroad. A first bulkhead member is coupled to a first end of the base structure. A second bulkhead member is coupled to the second end of the base structure. A vertical center partition member is also provided. The vertical center partition member is substantially perpendicular to the base structure. It is located along a longitudinal centerline relative to the base structure.

Abstract: A new hold-down or retention device comprises a pair of vertical standards bolted or otherwise attached to the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. Preferably, the standards are located near to the cab end of the cargo bed but spaced therefrom. A cross-member is adjustably attached to the standards and extends therebetween. By placing one end of a long object such as a ladder or scaffold plank under the cross-member and adjusting the cross-member down to retain the object to the bed, the object is easily tightly retained to the truck cargo bed even when the object is three or more times the length of the cargo bed.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for securing a load on the flat bed of a truck having sidewalls or other vehicle having a like cargo area. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a base member having rods extending substantially vertically therefrom. Adjustable side connectors are coupled to the base member at one or both sides of the base member in order to secure the base member to the side walls of the flat bed. A slide bar is adjustably displaced along the length of the rods to adapt to loads of varying height. The slide bar serves to secure and to stabilize the load. A fastener directs the slide bar against the load and toward the base member. Thus, the slide bar acts in a clamp-like manner to secure a load within the flat bed area of a vehicle. The present invention further comprises extension elements which enable the side connectors to be engaged to the sidewalls of the flat bed at varying heights depending on the construction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An equipment securing apparatus for securing equipment to an exterior surface of a vehicle includes first and second support members attached to the vehicle and an elongate shaft extending between the support members and projecting outwardly beyond the vehicle body panel. An engagement member is provided for engaging and retaining equipment on the exterior of the vehicle and a latching assembly is provided to retain the engagement member in a securing relationship with the equipment. Optionally, the equipment securing apparatus may be used with an open vehicle in a matter similar to the manner used with an enclosed vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a dunnage bar locking mechanism for removably securing a dunnage bar between the end walls of a shipping rack. The mechanism comprises a housing secured to an end wall. A piston element is mounted within the housing for reciprocal movement. The piston element is removably secured to one end of the dunnage bar. A handle is pivotally mounted to the housing. The handle has an open position to move the piston element toward the end of the dunnage bar and a closed position to move the piston element away from the end of the dunnage bar. A means interconnects the handle and the piston element for allowing relative movement between the piston element and handle when the handle is in the closed position as a consequence of the dunnage bar being impacted by an external force.

Abstract: The panel sections of a solar collector, for example of a spacecraft, are ld or mounted in a folded down condition at least during launching and until they are unfolded. For this purpose a hold down device that must be released for the unfolding, is used. The device includes a piece of flexible rope or cable, one end of which is connected to the spacecraft body, while the other end is connected to the outermost panel section to hold all panel sections in the folded condition against forces tending to unfold the panel sections, until the rope or cable is severed by a severing mechanism. The effective cable length is adjustable and an elastic member is so arranged that it can dampen shocks and compensate for different temperature responsive expansions of the rope or cable and of the collector structure.

Abstract: A stacking container to receive shaped parts (2), in particular stamped sheet metal parts, consists of a frame stand (3) with upper and lower holding ledges (6, 7) between which the shaped parts (2) are being held in the upright position. The holding edges (6, 7) comprise profile notches (9, 8) for the edges of the shaped parts (2). Adjacent to every upper holding ledge (10) a height adjustable safety ledge (10) is mounted; it also is equipped with profile notches (12). In their lower position the safety ledges (10) are holding the edges of the shaped parts (2) received, when the stacking container is being transported.

Abstract: One column (16) of each of two pairs of columns (14,16) on which mutually remote edges of the sheet-metal members 12 are guided, has a resiliently flexible strip to exert a resilient pressure on the associated edges of the sheet-metal members (12) stacked between this column (16) and a rigid column (14) situated opposite. The strip is divided into a plurality of pressure members (10) which are disposed one below the other and are individually resiliently supported. As a result, the sheet-metal members (12) are kept snugly against the opposite rigid columns (14) and so precisely positioned ready for destacking; at the same time, however, individual sheet-metal members (12) are prevented from being loaded with excessively great spring forces.

Abstract: Device for stowing loads of large-sized bales of fodder on a vehicle. Said device is constituted of a T-shaped movable member composed of at least one horizontally-extending elongated element in the middle part of which is perpendicularly fixed the upper end of a vertical arm, said horizontal element being equipped at each end with at least one needle which is engaged in two juxtaposed bales and said arm being equipped at its lower end with an anchoring member adapted to be engaged in at least one bale situated below two juxtaposed bales receiving the needles of the horizontal element, said device comprising two guiding members for a strap, one member of which is situated in the center of the horizontal element.

Abstract: Cargo carried on freight cars such as flat bed railway cars is secured in place by lading strapping that is tensioned around the cargo so as to compress a snubber unit of an integral, telescoping quick-release device that includes a sleeve slidably mounted in a housing secured directly to the side of the freight car, which sleeve is locked in a collapsed condition within the housing and unlocked to move between the collapsed condition and a telescoping condition, the sleeve having therewithin an anchor rod that telescopes from the sleeve in opposition to bias provided by the snubber unit. Unlocking of the quick-release device substantially reduces tension within the lading strapping before it is removed from the cargo.

Abstract: Cargo carried on freight cars such as flat bed railway cars is secured in place by lading strapping that is tensioned around the cargo so as to compress a snubber unit of a self-resetting lading tie anchor and snubbing device that includes a snubber mechanism and a lading tie anchor assembly slidably mounted in a housing secured directly to the side sill of the freight car, which anchor assembly is locked in an automatically retracted position to automatically reset the device when it drops into the housing due to the force of gravity, at which position lading strapping is passed through a lading tie anchor that moves generally upwardly as tension is applied to the lading strapping in opposition to bias provided by the snubber mechanism. Unlocking of the anchor assembly quickly releases the device to substantially reduce tension within the lading strapping before it is removed from the cargo.

Abstract: Cargo carried on freight cars such as flat bed railway cars is secured in place by lading strapping that is tensioned around the cargo so as to compress a snubber unit on a self-resetting lading tie anchor and snubbing device that includes a snubber mechanism and a lading tie anchor assembly slidably mounted in a housing secured directly to the side sill of the freight car, which anchor assembly is locked in an automatically retracted position to automatically reset the device when it drops into the housing due to the force of gravity to bring a latch into operative interengagement with the snubbing device. At this position, lading strapping is passed through a lading tie anchor that moves generally upwardly as tension is applied to the lading strapping in opposition to bias provided by the snubber mechanism.

Abstract: A device for quickly releasing tension in a load securement element such as high tension banding used to secure loads to railroad flat cars. The device includes a tubular housing within which a slide member is movable between set and released positions. Attachment devices for connection to the band or element and to a support are carried by the housing and slide member and are separated when the slide member moves from the set to the released position. A lock pin carried in the slide member engages the hosuing for locking the slide member in the set position, and also for guiding the movement of the slide member in the housing. A release element on the housing is readily movable in the transverse direction, as by striking with a hammer, to release the lock pin and permit the slide member to move from the set position. A bright colored surface on the slide member visible through a window in the housing indicates the position of the slide member.

Abstract: An adjustable retainer for use simultaneously with various widths of cargo has four identical retainer sections, a first and a second section being disposed along the length of one side of a cargo carrying vehicle and a third and a fourth being disposed along the opposite side of the vehicle such that the first and the fourth retainer sections are opposite each other. Each retainer section is composed of a series of parallel flat elongated members each having a first and second end. Each first end of each flat member is pivotably fastened to the floor at the side wall of the vehicle. Each second end of each flat member is pivotably attached to a long angle member which in turn is attached to a long hollow cylindrical member. The hollow cylindrical members of each of the four retainer members may be positioned adjacent to the cargo. A pair of spanner bars each having two pivotal connections joins the first and the second retainer sections and the third and the fourth retainer sections.

Abstract: A sheet supporting rack has (1) a base including a pair of spaced elongated runners detachably secured on flatbed of a trailer; (2) a back support including a strut mounted on each of the runners; and (3) a front restraint including an upright slidably mounted on each of the runners. The sheets are mounted in a generally vertical position with an edge of the sheet supported on the base, and a major surface of the sheets supported by the back support. The uprights of the front restraint are slid and angled with respect to the runners to urge the sheets against the back support and to secure the uprights in position on the runners to prevent movement of the sheets during shipment thereof.