A precision shaft alignment system for establishing precise concentric axial alignment of a first shaft rotatably mounted and extending from a fixed unit and a second shaft extending from a variable position unit towards the first shaft includes a control and computing interface module, a pair of measuring means for precisely measuring at least one position of the first shaft and the second shaft and a jacking system for precisely aligning the shafts. The pair of measuring means is in communication with the control and computing interface module for transferring the at least one position of the first shaft and the second shaft for establishing precise concentric axial alignment of the first shaft and the second shaft. The jacking system is controlled by the control and computing interface module for precisely aligning the shaft.

A precision shaft alignment system for establishing precise concentric axial alignment of a first shaft rotatably mounted and extending from a fixed unit and a second shaft extending from a variable position unit towards the first shaft includes a control and computing interface module, a pair of measuring means for precisely measuring at least one position of the first shaft and the second shaft and a jacking system for precisely aligning the shafts. The pair of measuring means is in communication with the control and computing interface module for transferring the at least one position of the first shaft and the second shaft for establishing precise concentric axial alignment of the first shaft and the second shaft. The jacking system is controlled by the control and computing interface module for precisely aligning the shaft.

An integrated air jack assembly for a snowmobile for generally lifting the snowmobile from a stuck position to a free position. The assembly including a pair of airbags positioned on an underside of a chassis and coupled to an air source for inflation. In the preferred configuration of the device, the air source is a jet powered fan configured to inflate a first airbag and a second airbag for raising an underside of a chassis of the snowmobile.

A railcar loading system utilizing roller ball track assemblies, or the like, in the center to enable cargo to be moved thereover in any direction (moving cargo in/out and within the railcar). Powered movement devices (e.g., rollers, conveyors) are utilized in the center to assist in movement of cargo in/out or within the railcar. Roller track assemblies, or the like, are utilized on sides of railcar to move cargo to/from the sides. Airbags may be utilized in track assemblies and powered movement devices to raise devices up when activated. Railcar may include an air connector on each side to provide air to solenoid valve that routes air to appropriate airbags. Cargo table is used to move cargo from cargo bay to railcar. Wireless controller may be used to control railcar and table including what tracks are raised and direction cargo is to be moved (what powered movements devices are operational).

A railcar loading system utilizing roller ball track assemblies, or the like, in the center to enable cargo to be moved thereover in any direction (moving cargo in/out and within the railcar). Powered movement devices (e.g., rollers, conveyors) are utilized in the center to assist in movement of cargo in/out or within the railcar. Roller track assemblies, or the like, are utilized on sides of railcar to move cargo to/from the sides. Airbags may be utilized in track assemblies and powered movement devices to raise devices up when activated. Railcar may include an air connector on each side to provide air to solenoid valve that routes air to appropriate airbags. Cargo table is used to move cargo from cargo bay to railcar. Wireless controller may be used to control railcar and table including what tracks are raised and direction cargo is to be moved (what powered movements devices are operational).

A mold comprises a mold body (1) for forming therearound a body (60) with a body cavity which is accessible via an opening. The mold body is assembled from a set of mutually cohesive body parts (30,40). The body parts (30,40) are mutually releasable and removable from the body via the opening. An inflatable body (60) can be manufactured with the mold. The inflatable body (60) comprises a wall of elastomer material, which wall at least in an inflated state of the body bounds a body cavity accessible through a wall opening. The body is inflatable by filling the body cavity with a fluid.

A mold comprises a mold body (1) for forming therearound a body (60) with a body cavity which is accessible via an opening. The mold body is assembled from a set of mutually cohesive body parts (30,40). The body parts (30,40) are mutually releasable and removable from the body via the opening. An inflatable body (60) can be manufactured with the mold. The inflatable body (60) comprises a wall of elastomer material, which wall at least in an inflated state of the body bounds a body cavity accessible through a wall opening. The body is inflatable by filling the body cavity with a fluid.

The invention relates to an aircraft engine (20) installation/removal and transfer device in the form of a dolly (100) comprising, on the one hand, a chassis (110) mounted on idle wheels (111, 112, 113, 114) and, on the other hand, a cradle (150) for receiving said engine (20), said device being characterized in that it comprises pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuators (160), disposed as the interface between the chassis (110) and the cradle (150) and capable, on the one hand, of allowing lifting of the cradle with respect to the chassis and, on the other hand, of damping shocks and/or vibrations, said actuators allowing the cradle to be lifted into a first lifting position necessary for installing/removing the engine, then holding it in a second loaded rest position to damp vibrations and/or shocks undergone by the cradle-engine assembly with respect to the chassis.

An air bag based lifting apparatus can include a platform, a stabilizing mechanism for retaining the platform in a horizontal orientation, an air bag column connected with the platform and configured to retain a vertical rod passing through or adjacent the air bag column, and a rod lock connected with the platform and operable to secure the platform in a vertical position when locked. First and second valves can connect the air bag column and rod lock with a pressure source, and can be actuated in order to lift, lower, or support the platform. In the event of depressurization, the rod lock can lock to the vertical rod and support the platform.

An air bag based lifting apparatus can include a platform, a stabilizing mechanism for retaining the platform in a horizontal orientation, an air bag column connected with the platform and configured to retain a vertical rod passing through or adjacent the air bag column, and a rod lock connected with the platform and operable to secure the platform in a vertical position when locked. First and second valves can connect the air bag column and rod lock with a pressure source, and can be actuated in order to lift, lower, or support the platform. In the event of depressurization, the rod lock can lock to the vertical rod and support the platform.