Abstract: A draft sill with special rear draft lug for a railcar is disclosed. In some embodiments, a rear draft lug comprises a metallic body. The rear draft lug further comprises a boss extending along a transverse portion of the metallic body. The boss is configured to be coupled to a first vertical reinforcement plate. The rear draft lug also comprises an overhang portion extending from the boss along the transverse portion. The overhang portion configured to be coupled to the first vertical reinforcement plate. In some embodiments, the boss and the overhang portion are configured to be coupled to the first vertical reinforcement plate with a weld.

Abstract: A tooth assembly for excavating equipment may include an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces defining an opening at a first end of the adapter. The tooth assembly may also include a tooth horn having first and second tapered surfaces, the adapter configured to be removably coupled to the tooth horn at the first end of the adapter, the first and second tapered surfaces of the tooth horn abutting the first and second surfaces of the adapter in a coupled position. The first side of the tooth horn may be adapted to receive a removable insert. A retaining pin may be configured to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the adapter to the tooth horn. The retaining pin may include a flexible reinforcement collar.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a configurable track assembly, such that the strap assembly is configured to be coupled to the configurable track assembly on inboard side of the tire of the vehicle. System includes a pin assembly configured to be coupled to the configurable track assembly on outboard side of the tire of the vehicle, such that the pin assembly is operable to receive the strap assembly. System also includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the configurable track assembly and to a second end of the strap assembly, such that the winch assembly is uncoupled from the pin assembly and operable to tighten the strap assembly around a portion of the tire.

Abstract: A railway car includes a railway car underframe having a first longitudinal side sill and a second longitudinal side sill with at least one sidewall assembly disposed along the first longitudinal side sill of the railway car underframe. The sidewall assembly is formed in part from a side sheet, an interior vertical support post, and an exterior vertical support post. A first end of the interior vertical support post and a first end of the exterior vertical support post are each respectively disposed adjacent to the first longitudinal side sill of the railway car underframe. The exterior vertical support post is coupled to an exterior surface of the side sheet. The interior vertical support post is coupled to an interior surface of the side sheet.

Abstract: A system for coupling equipment components includes a magnetic coupling assembly. The magnetic coupling assembly couples a tooth point to an adapter. The magnetic coupling assembly is received at least partially within a recess formed in the adapter. The magnetic coupling assembly includes an insert and a magnetic coupler. The insert is placed within the recess of the adapter, and the insert includes an internal recess. The magnetic coupler is received within the internal recess of the insert.

Abstract: A safety barrier comprising is disclosed. The safety barrier comprises a plurality of posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway, each post having a cross section defined in part by a web and a pair of legs extending therefrom. Additionally, each post has one slot formed in the web of the post extending from an upper end of the post. A first cable and a second cable are releasably engaged with and supported by the posts and disposed within each slot between the respective legs of each post. A third cable and a fourth cable are each coupled to an exterior surface of the posts. The posts and the first, second, third and fourth cables cooperate to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway.

Abstract: A method of shipping automobiles, a railcar for shipping automobiles, and a method of manufacturing railcars for shipping automobiles. The method comprises, among other steps, determining a distribution of vehicle heights for passenger cars sold within a predetermined area and a predetermined time period; assessing weight, bottom clearance, length, width and Cg for the passenger cars; and transporting the passenger cars on a plurality of single-unit tri-level auto rack railcars, each comprising a flat car and a fixed-deck rack built on the flat car. Each of the railcars has (a) three decks which are fixed along their entire lengths and which are capable of transporting in commercial rail service over 90% of passenger cars manufactured in the predetermined area and predetermined time period with a load factor of at least 15 with minimum vertical clearances of between 64 and 66 in. to accommodate the vehicle heights of the passenger cars, while also accommodating at least 3 in.

Abstract: A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, a safety barrier incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure may include a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables may be releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the at least two cables may cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts may also spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A box beam guardrail beam may be attached to the plurality of guardrail posts. The at least two cables may operably extend from the cable posts to engage respective cable anchor brackets attached to the box beam guardrail beam.

Abstract: A system and method for heating a dump body is disclosed. In particular embodiments, a heated dump body comprises a floor including one or more bolsters formed within the floor. The dump body further includes a pair of side sheets, each of the side sheets coupled to one side of the floor, each of the pair of side sheets including one or more bolsters formed within each respective side sheet. The dump body further includes a front sheet coupled to the floor and the side sheets, the front sheet including one or more bolsters formed within the front sheet. The dump body also includes a canopy coupled to the front sheet, the canopy including one or more bolsters formed within the canopy. The bolsters formed in the floor, the pair of side sheets, the front sheet and the canopy are each operable to channel air.

Abstract: Systems and methods for powered rail car doors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a first door assembly operable to at least partially cover an opening of a rail car. The system also includes an actuator. A first common linkage is coupled to the actuator and is operable to reciprocally move in a longitudinal direction relative to the actuator. In particular embodiments, a first secondary linkage is coupled to the first common linkage and is coupled to an exterior surface of the first door assembly, wherein the first secondary linkage cooperates with the first common linkage to move the first door assembly between an open position and a closed position over the top hatch of the rail car.

Abstract: A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, the present invention teaches a safety barrier including a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables are releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the two cables cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts are spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A guardrail beam is fixedly coupled to the plurality of guardrail posts and including slots. The two cables extend from the cable posts through respective slots formed in the guardrail beam permitting each cable to engage a respective cable anchor bracket securely fastened to a portion of the guardrail beam.

Abstract: A draft sill with special rear draft lug for a railcar is disclosed. In some embodiments, a rear draft lug comprises a metallic body. The rear draft lug further comprises a boss extending along a transverse portion of the metallic body. The boss is configured to be coupled to a first vertical reinforcement plate. The rear draft lug also comprises an overhang portion extending from the boss along the transverse portion. The overhang portion configured to be coupled to the first vertical reinforcement plate. In some embodiments, the boss and the overhang portion are configured to be coupled to the first vertical reinforcement plate with a weld.

Abstract: A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, a safety barrier incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure may include a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables may be releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the at least two cables may cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts may also spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A box beam guardrail beam may be attached to the plurality of guardrail posts. The at least two cables may operably extend from the cable posts to engage respective cable anchor brackets attached to the box beam guardrail beam.

Abstract: A support post for a guardrail has a strong axis and a weak axis which is substantially perpendicular to the strong axis. The support post is adapted to receive a guardrail such that the rail face of the guardrail runs generally perpendicular to the strong axis such that the support post resists an impact on the face of the guardrail and yields to an impact force on the end of the guardrail.

Abstract: A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, a safety barrier incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure may include a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables may be releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the at least two cables may cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts may also spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A box beam guardrail beam may be attached to the plurality of guardrail posts. The at least two cables may operably extend from the cable posts to engage respective cable anchor brackets attached to the box beam guardrail beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing a railway tank car includes a tank shell. A plurality of attachment pads are welded to the tank shell to form a tank assembly. The tank assembly is subjected to a post-weld heat treatment. A plurality of shield plates may each be welded directly to at least one of the plurality of attachment pads. The shield plates are not subjected to the post-weld heat treatment.

Abstract: A railcar with discharge control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a railway car includes an underframe and at least one hopper for transporting lading. The railway car further including the underframe including a center sill which defines in part a longitudinal axis of the railway car. A discharge opening formed proximate to a lower portion of the hopper. A respective door assembly pivotally mounted adjacent to the discharge opening to control the flow of lading from the hopper. The door assembly operable for movement between a first, closed position and a second, open position relative to the discharge opening. A discharge control system operable to move the door assembly between the first position and the second position. The discharge control system operably moves generally longitudinally along the axis of the railway car to move the door assemblies between the first, closed position and the second, open position.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a configurable track assembly, such that the strap assembly is configured to be coupled to the configurable track assembly on inboard side of the tire of the vehicle. System includes a pin assembly configured to be coupled to the configurable track assembly on outboard side of the tire of the vehicle, such that the pin assembly is operable to receive the strap assembly. System also includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the configurable track assembly and to a second end of the strap assembly, such that the winch assembly is uncoupled from the pin assembly and operable to tighten the strap assembly around a portion of the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a track, a first chock assembly configured to be coupled to the track on inboard side of the tire and coupled to a first end of the strap assembly, and a second chock assembly configured to be coupled to the track on outboard side of the tire. The second chock assembly includes a chock body and a pin assembly coupled to the chock body, such that the pin assembly is operable to receive the strap assembly. The system also includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the track and uncoupled from the second chock assembly, such that the winch assembly is coupled to a second end of the strap assembly and operable to tighten the strap assembly around portions of the tire.

Abstract: A railway car includes a railway car underframe having a first longitudinal side sill and a second longitudinal side sill with at least one sidewall assembly disposed along the first longitudinal side sill of the railway car underframe. The sidewall assembly is formed in part from a side sheet, an interior vertical support post, and an exterior vertical support post. A first end of the interior vertical support post and a first end of the exterior vertical support post are each respectively disposed adjacent to the first longitudinal side sill of the railway car underframe. The exterior vertical support post is coupled to an exterior surface of the side sheet. The interior vertical support post is coupled to an interior surface of the side sheet.