Abstract: Yokes utilized in railway coupling apparatus are designed according to the invention to have improved stress profiles and increased service life. Investment casting techniques used to make the yokes and other components of the coupling apparatus yield improved surface finishes and tighter dimensional tolerances of the parts without requiring hammering, coating or other post-casting treatment.

Abstract: A knuckle for a railway coupler system is made without internal voids or cores. Instead, external pockets are formed on the front face and tail portion surface to reduce weight. The knuckle is formed by investment casting, which permits a pulling face to be provided without a draft angle or parting line typical of a cast part. As a result of these innovations, the knuckle according to the invention has an improved fatigue life.

Abstract: Yokes utilized in railway coupling apparatus are designed according to the invention to have improved stress profiles and increased service life. Investment casting techniques used to make the yokes and other components of the coupling apparatus yield improved surface finishes and tighter dimensional tolerances of the parts without requiring hammering, coating or other post-casting treatment.

Abstract: A glad hand with an improved gasket for use in the coupling of end hoses in railroad cars. The gasket provides an increased surface area for a wider sealing surface and increased sealing properties for coupling with another gasket on a glad hand.

Abstract: A trainline support casting is provided to support flexible brake hoses between adjacent rail cars. The trainline support casting is capable of partial rotational movement during use and is supported on a mounting bracket adapted to mount directly to a coupler head of a cushioned car coupler, insuring a constant distance from the end of the coupler to the trainline support casting and a constant distance of the brake hoses above the ground according to AAR standards.

Abstract: A brake hose support comprises: a bracket fixedly attached to the yoke of the coupling apparatus of a rail car and a swivel fitting attached to the bracket which is rotatable around a pivot center. The swivel fitting can be rotated so that the angle of the end hose opening with respect to the angle cock is adjustable.

Abstract: A trolley hanger for supporting brake hose connections between rail cars which hangs securely on a trolley rod, and preferably is directly connected to an intermediate hose flange, a train line support casting flange, or trolley pipe flange, prevents lateral and rotational movement of a brake hose connection, thereby reducing unwanted brake hose uncoupling.

Abstract: A trainline support casting is provided to support flexible brake hoses between adjacent rail cars. The trainline support casting is capable of partial rotational movement during use and is supported on a mounting bracket adapted to mount directly to a coupler head of a cushioned car coupler, insuring a constant distance from the end of the coupler to the trainline support casting and a constant distance of the brake hoses above the ground according to AAR standards.

Abstract: Yokes utilized in railway coupling apparatus are designed according to the invention to have improved stress profiles and increased service life. Investment casting techniques used to make the yokes and other components of the coupling apparatus yield improved surface finishes and tighter dimensional tolerances of the parts without requiring hammering, coating or other post-casting treatment.

Abstract: A trainline support bracket and a fastener for mounting the bracket to a rail car coupler assembly which includes spaced, downwardly extending mounting extensions having aligned bores therein, with the bracket including a pair of upwardly extending arms, spaced apart a distance to be positioned directly outside of the mounting extension. The openings in each of the upwardly extending arms are aligned with bores in the extensions. A headed bolt extends through the aligned bores and openings to attach the bracket to the coupler assembly. A nut is threaded on the bolt. The specific improvement of the present invention is a retainer which is attached to the bolt and bracket and prevents removal of the bolt from the aligned openings and bores even if the nut is removed from the bolt.

Abstract: A wafer flange assembly designed to fit in between existing components of a freight car air braking system comprises a wafer flange having a center bore and an O-ring in surrounding relation thereto to create an airtight flowpath between the air braking system components, and further comprises a tunnel bore disposed within the wafer flange and creating an airtight flowpath from the brake cylinder line to a male quick disconnect valve mounted to the wafer flange, whereto a female quick disconnect valve may be attached to facilitate measurement of the brake cylinder line air pressure.