“If the cost of gas goes any higher, I’m taking the train.” Sound familiar? It’s no secret that the ever-rising cost of gas is forcing many commuters to abandon their normal car ride to work and opt for public transportation instead. In answer, many railway 
companies are taking increased ridership by the horns, and making design upgrades to their heavily used railcars.
We recently had a conversation with an engineer who was tasked with redesigning the interior of a local transit company’s existing railcar. The transit company had requested the engineer to incorporate suggestions obtained through a commuter survey into the design, including improvements to hinges, locking mechanisms embedded in seating. Of the commuters who provided feedback, a significant number were concerned about having a place to hang their coats, bags and personal belongings during overcrowded peak hours.
Specifically, the engineer was seeking a safe way in which to incorporate coat hooks. In the traditional rail car design, a multi-pronged coat hook protruded from the center of the outer seat panel into the walkway, and often into people forced to stand during peak commuting hours. The challenge was replacing this outdated and potentially dangerous design with something that was both safe and functional.
Our experts suggested Southco’s MP Coat Hook, which remains flush when not in use, and deploys an inner latch, releasing pop-out hook with just the push of a button. It’s ability to remain flush when unused frees up more space, allowing for multiple installations should the design require it. The MP is available with several flange shapes with multiple chrome- or brass-plated finishes to match the stylish new interiors of many mass transportation vehicles – including not only railcars, but buses and airplanes as well.
How will the growth of commuting impact mass transit interior design? Or have an application for a compression latch or position contol hinge you would like to discuss? Tell us in the comments.
companies are taking increased ridership by the horns, and making design upgrades to their heavily used railcars. We recently had a conversation with an engineer who was tasked with redesigning the interior of a local transit company’s existing railcar. The transit company had requested the engineer to incorporate suggestions obtained through a commuter survey into the design, including improvements to hinges, locking mechanisms embedded in seating. Of the commuters who provided feedback, a significant number were concerned about having a place to hang their coats, bags and personal belongings during overcrowded peak hours.
Specifically, the engineer was seeking a safe way in which to incorporate coat hooks. In the traditional rail car design, a multi-pronged coat hook protruded from the center of the outer seat panel into the walkway, and often into people forced to stand during peak commuting hours. The challenge was replacing this outdated and potentially dangerous design with something that was both safe and functional.
Our experts suggested Southco’s MP Coat Hook, which remains flush when not in use, and deploys an inner latch, releasing pop-out hook with just the push of a button. It’s ability to remain flush when unused frees up more space, allowing for multiple installations should the design require it. The MP is available with several flange shapes with multiple chrome- or brass-plated finishes to match the stylish new interiors of many mass transportation vehicles – including not only railcars, but buses and airplanes as well.
How will the growth of commuting impact mass transit interior design? Or have an application for a compression latch or position contol hinge you would like to discuss? Tell us in the comments.
We all know that safety and security are paramount concerns for the healthcare industry. Providers need to restrict access to patient records, medications and equipment. They need to ensure regulatory compliance. And they often need the ability to monitor systems remotely. It’s a challenge. And it’s one that Southco takes seriously.
compromised. Whether it’s quarter-turn locks or advanced compression and push-to-close latches, Southco’s mechanical access solutions ensure that information, medication and supplies stay protected. Locks are robust and vandal-resistant, and flexible Key Choice systems offer different locking options. Automatic locking, multipoint systems and stainless steel construction are all features of various mechanical solutions. 
But there are instances when managing physical keys is simply not practical or when dealing with HIPAA requirements. Electronic access solutions such as keypads, electronic keys and RF-based proximity card readers eliminate mechanical keys and work with existing networks. Providers can use these components for remote monitoring, electronic signature and audit trails. What’s also nice is that electronic locks offer programmability that enables automatic relocking, time delays and other unique requirements. 
This week 
Wind Energy… Firmly entrenched in Europe wind energy is an exciting opportunity for North America and beyond. And boy, did the 2010 Wind Power Show in Dallas indicate that. Over 20,000 attendees and nearly 1400 exhibitors representing companies from countries all over the world including Germany, Spain, Italy, India, Canada, China, Korea and many others. And the diversity of the offerings was immense… from the largest wind turbines you have ever seen, to the ladders and hoists that allow access and service, to the components inside the turbine that control pitch, power conversion, etc, to the trucking and transport companies responsible for transporting these large turbines and blades across the country.
So let’s talk about the exhibitors. The turbines are unbelievably large. Anyone who has ever seen a wind turbine across a field has little idea of the magnitude of these structures. Or of a single blade. Or of the nacelle. These structures make people look like ants! All of the major manufacturers were there and it was impressive group.
shop regionally, and thus need local suppliers in each region.
Flying stones and sand. Extreme temperatures. Harsh vibration and corrosion. Most off-highway vehicles endure an endless assault from their environment. Southco understands the unique stresses of the off-highway industry and has crafted its chassis access hardware to be robust and reliable. 
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