Abstract: A roof bow for a vehicle, comprising a vertical face, a curved top flange extending in a first direction, and a straight bottom flange extending in the first direction. Preferably, the roof bow is monolithic with a plurality of apertures in the vertical face that provide clearance for ductwork, wiring, etc. Additionally, the roof bow may comprise horizontally and vertically-extending indented embossments, and rolled embossments about the apertures. Side flanges may additionally extend in the first direction and attach to side walls of the vehicle via an angled connector.

Abstract: A fiberglass railcar roof that includes a fiberglass surface with a central portion and a peripheral portion adapted to be joined to the upper edge region of a railcar. In some embodiments, the roof includes plural elongate fiberglass ribs extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fiberglass surface. In some embodiments, the roof is adapted for use on refrigerated, high cube and cryogenic railcars. Methods for forming the invented roofs and roof panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument for minimally invasive surgery, in particular in the form of pincers or forceps. The instrument comprises at least two gripping elements, which for the purpose of gripping can be moved like forceps towards one another in a gripping direction or apart from one another in the opposite direction. At least one gripping element comprises at one end a first limb and a second limb, and at least one flexible bending region. The limbs are spaced apart from one another in the gripping direction with at least the first limb of each gripping element disposed within a guide sleeve and movable in a longitudinal direction of the guide sleeve, relative to the second limb of the gripping element in such a way that during a relative movement of the limbs with respect to one another the associated gripping element can be moved in the gripping direction.

Abstract: A fiberglass railcar roof that includes a fiberglass surface with a central portion and a peripheral portion adapted to be joined to the upper edge region of a railcar. In some embodiments, the roof includes plural elongate fiberglass ribs extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fiberglass surface. In some embodiments, the roof is adapted for use on refrigerated, high cube and cryogenic railcars. Methods for forming the invented roofs and roof panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiberglass railcar roof that includes a fiberglass surface with a central portion and plural elongate fiberglass ribs extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fiberglass surface. In a first embodiment, the central portion has a cross-sectional configuration that defines a first arc, and the ribs each have broad widths and each extend above the central portion to define a second arc that intersects the first arc. In a second embodiment, the ribs have arcuate cross-sections and extend downward from the lower face of the central portion. Also disclosed are embodiments of the previously described roofs that are configured for use on refrigerated and cryogenic railcars.

Abstract: An improved mobile housing structure is provided having a pair of side walls with a plurality of vertical support posts extending upward from a chassis. The vertical support posts are connected to an elongated side wall joint member of a honeycomb configuration. A modular roof section having a plurality of roof support members extending between a pair of roof joint members is formed of a sandwich construction with styrofoam block members adhesively connected to overlapping panels. The roof joint members can be riveted to the side joint members to provide an extremely lightweight and rigid structure that can resist transportational torque stresses.

Abstract: A railway hopper car includes a curved roof having a roof sheet provided with lateral edges each joined to the top of a car side sheet by a top chord assembly. Each top chord assembly includes a top chord fully disposed within the car interior and having a vertical leg joined to the interior surface of a side sheet while an opposite inclined or angular leg is joined to the interior surface of the roof sheet. A curved cover overlies both top chord legs and forms, with the roof sheet and side sheet, a smooth continuously descending profile from the top centerline of the car roof to each of the car sides.