Patent ID: 6588041
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: E01D

Abstract:
Apparatus for pre-load adjustment of a span lock system for a drawbridge having at least one span movable with respect to a complementary span, the system including a guide assembly and a socket assembly mounted on respective ends of the spans, and a locking bar longitudinally reciprocative between the guide and socket assemblies for securing the spans in the closed position, each of the assemblies comprising:a housing having spaced opposed upper and lower sections; wear shoes slidable in respective ones of said sections with facing surfaces formed to slidably receive the locking bar; a plurality of springs operatively compressed between said sections and respective ones of said wear shoes; and a carrier interposed between respective ones of said springs and said wear shoes for adjusting a pre-load at the interface of said wear shoes and the locking bar, said carrier being threadingly engaged to said housing for adjusting the compression in the spring by screwing said carrier in and out of said housing for a desired pre-load.