Abstract: A method of cutting an elongate timber web which forms on each of two opposed ends thereof a tapered end shape including a series of at least four cuts at successive angles to approximate an arcuate convex end. The method includes the steps of performing first and second passes of the web through a saw having cutter groups at adjustably spaced apart locations, each cutter group having at least two cutters (101, 102, 103, 104) set to angles so that the cutters of each cutter group correspond to a subset of said series of cuts (201, 202, 203, 204) at a respective end of the web. The web is rotated between the passes, the rotation between passes and the cutter settings together result in a multi-faceted end cut.

Abstract: A trailer unloading system anchors one or more trailers to a deck, with, or without tractor attached. The sides of the trailers are free to pivot from a top, longitudinal, pivot axis once unlatched from the edge of the trailer floor. The deck tilts the trailers sideways, the doors swing free, and the load discharges. The deck returns to level, the sides latch to support the floor and the trailers are ready to be reloaded.

Abstract: A transfer car for transporting a container of tobacco from a first location to a second location includes an outer frame and an inner frame rotatable within the outer frame. The interior frame is adapted to hold a container therein and is provided with a lid lifter for removing the lid from a container. A system for rotating the container from an upright position to a dumping position is also included. The transfer car is also provided with an internal power source for moving the transfer car from the first location to the second location.

Abstract: A portable rotary trailer tipper is provided for emptying the trailer contents through opening the open top of the trailer. The tipper includes an elongated transport that is portable and supports a trailer inverter. A platform for supporting the trailer is positioned along one side of the transport. A dumping chute for receiving the material dumped from the trailer is positioned along the opposite side of the transport. A trailer positioned upon the platform is engaged by the inverter then rotated upwardly and across the transport to dump material from the trailer into the chute. The chute directs the dumped material into a landfill site. A method of emptying material successively from a stream of trailers is also provided.

Abstract: A rotary rail car dumper has a rail car platform forming part of a rigid tipping structure which, through end ring members, is mounted for rotation about a central longitudinal axis for tipping a rail car to dump its contents. Between the rail car platform and the ring members are pin joint connections allowing flexure under gravity loading independently of the ring members, at least before tipping. The maximum stresses occurring during operation of the dumper are thereby reduced. The dumper installation is also provided with means for extending the length of the rail car platform in order to handle rail cars of different lengths in unit trains.

Abstract: A rail car tippler installation has an open-sided tippler with a rotatable structure (8) comprising a main longitudinal beam (16) mounted on end pivots (10, 18), said beam supporting a rail car platform (2) that substantially spans the distance between the end pivots. The main beam carries the weight of the rail car and platform during tipping and has pivot supports (30) for clamping beams (34) that are displaceably lockable to hold the rail car on the platform. The tipping axis is laterally offset from the platform in a manner that reduces the sweep radius of the tippler and the rise of the rail car during tipping. The installation includes a hopper (14) that is offset laterally oppositely to the tipping axis and has an entry opening that extends longitudinally as far as the end pivots.

Abstract: A barge tipper comprises a cylindrical floating apparatus 10 defining a chamber 18 into which a barge 28 can be floated. End doors 16 at either end of the apparatus 10 are closed and the barge 28 is clamped in position by hydraulically operated clamps 20. Water is pumped from the chamber 18 to ballast tanks 12 and 14, causing the apparatus to rotate and thus tipping the barge 28. The contents of the barge 28 flow into a first conveyor 22 and are delivered to a second circumferential conveyor 24 which feeds the material to an external conveyor 26.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a railroad car in a rotary car dumper includes a guide pipe member mounted adjacent the section of track carried by the rotatable dumper frame, a clamp pipe member telescopically mated with the guide pipe member and a clamping jaw member extending laterally from the free end of the clamp pipe member toward the track section. Releasable coupling means in the form of a longitudinal slot in one pipe member which is engaged by a radially extending guide bar member tack welded or bolted to, or inserted in a slot in, the other pipe member permits the clamp pipe member to be extended and retracted relative to the guide pipe member by a coaxially mounted hydraulic cylinder while resisting rotational movement therebetween. If excessive torque is applied to the clamp pipe member, such as when the clamping jaw member is struck by a moving car, the guide bar member is sheared and the clamping pipe member rotates to swing the clamping jaw member out of the path of the car.