Abstract: A composite box structure mounted on and attached to a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car. The composite box structure defined in part by an exterior metal surface, interior side stakes and at least one layer of fiber reinforced material attached to the side stakes. Insulating material may be disposed between the side stakes, the exterior metal surface and the at least one fiber reinforced layer of fiber reinforced material. The insulating materials provide resistance to heat transfer between the interior and the exterior of the composite box structure. A primary floor assembly and a secondary floor assembly may be mounted on the railway car underframe.

Abstract: A multilevel railway auto rack car for transporting automobiles is provided having at least one upper deck with end segments pivotable to accommodate the difference in height of corresponding upper decks of adjacent auto rack cars and facilitate loading of automobiles between cars. A pivoting assembly pivots the end segment between raised and lowered positions, as well as prevents the end segment from being inadvertently left in the lowered position.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate the severity of a collision between a moving motor vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent to a roadside hazard such as the end of a concrete barrier facing oncoming traffic. The energy absorbing system preferably includes at least one energy absorbing element. A sled assembly is also provided with a cutter plate such that a collision by the motor vehicle with one end of the sled assembly will result in the cutter plate tearing or ripping the energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the motor vehicle collision. The configuration and number of energy absorbing assemblies and the configuration and number of energy absorbing elements may be varied depending upon the intended application for the resulting energy absorbing system.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle, such as a railroad coil car, solves long standing problems in the prior art by removing platform requirements from the decking area, thus increasing the space for loading coils or other cylindrical objects. There is disclosed at least one folding platform, which, when closed, is contained or disposed within the side sill of the vehicle. When the platform is closed, and the vehicle is moving, it does not violate government regulations. However, when the vehicle is to be loaded or unloaded in a stationary position, the platform can be opened and extend laterally from the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cover for closing a hatch opening in a container such as an enclosed railroad hopper car is provided. The cover is sized to fit over a coaming extending from the hatch opening. An outer rim is formed on the cover and cooperates with the coaming to form an air passage which surrounds an exterior surface of the coaming when the cover is disposed thereon. The cover includes a filter assembly and a gasket which cooperate to provide a continuous vent or air communication path between the interior and the exterior of the container through the air passage. All communication of air between the exterior of the container and the interior of the container is directed through the filter assembly.

Abstract: A composite railway boxcar having a composite box structure mounted on a railway car underframe is provided. The composite box structure includes side walls, end walls and a floor molded as an integral unit with fiber reinforced plastic interior and exterior surfaces. The composite box structure includes a roof mounted on the side walls and the end walls opposite from the floor. An upper load divider track assembly is provided having a pair of tracks with each track disposed between the roof and one of the side walls. A lower load divider track assembly is also provided having a track disposed within the interior of each side wall above the floor. A composite load divider panel is slidably mounted on the upper load divider track assembly within the interior of the railway boxcar. The load divider panel is releasably secured to the lower load divider track assembly to allow varying the position of the load divider panel within the interior of the railway boxcar.

Abstract: An apparatus for variably elevating passenger boarding bridge platforms includes a tunnel (11) having a pivoting end (21) adjacent a fixed platform (7) and a free end (52) adjacent a variable platform (42). The tunnel has a ceiling (15) and a floor (13). The apparatus also includes a lift (102a, 102b, 103a, 103b) for raising and lowering the tunnel (11). The free end (52) of the tunnel is moved vertically by a tilt mechanism (104a, 104b), which has two ends. A cradle (10) is connected to the lift (102a, 102b) and to one end of the tilt mechanism. The apparatus also include a guide structure (14a, 14b) aligning the cradle and a plurality of guidepads (502a, 502b) adjacent the guide structure (14a, 14b) fixed to the tunnel solely at the ceiling (15) for aligning the tunnel (11), leaving the floor (13) to move freely with respect to the guide structure (14a, 14b).

Abstract: An insulated composite railway boxcar having a composite box structure mounted on a railway car underframe is provided. The composite box structure includes side walls, end walls and a floor molded as an integral unit with fiber reinforced plastic interior and exterior surfaces. The composite box structure includes a first fiber reinforced composite unit and a second fiber reinforced composite unit. The first fiber reinforce composite unit provides the end walls, side walls and floor for the railway boxcar. The second fiber reinforce unit may be permanently attached to the side walls and end walls to provide a roof for the boxcar. The railway car underframe has a center sill, side sills and end sills with a generally rectangular configuration and coplanar surfaces for adhesively bonding the composite box structure with the railway car underframe. Mechanical fasteners are also provided to couple the composite box structure with the railway car underframe.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly and a frame assembly for mounting the gate valve assembly on the discharge opening from a railway hopper car. The gate valve assembly includes an operating assembly for movement of a valve member within the gate valve assembly between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A locking mechanism is mounted on the frame assembly to maintain the gate valve assembly in its first closed position when the associated railway car is subjected to large impact forces. The operating assembly includes a lock striker which may be moved longitudinally relative to the valve member to deactivate the locking mechanism while the valve member remains in its closed position. The frame assembly also provides an enhanced seal or barrier to prevent materials from escaping when the gate valve assembly is in its closed position.

Abstract: A railway car (10) is provided. Railway car (10) comprises hopper assemblies (18) having floor panels (22, 24, 26, and 28) that are angled at approximately 40.degree. or less. Floor panels (22, 24, 26, and 28) are fabricated from an aluminum material such that cargo may slide down floor panels (22, 24, 26, and 28) and exit hopper assembly (18) through an outlet (20) with relative ease while maximizing volume. Aerodynamic side posts (54) and improved side plates (58 and 60) which prevent water from entering hoppers (18) are also provided. An improved hatch (56), having first and second coaming portions (88 and 86) that are formed by a single extrusion process, is also presented.

Abstract: An electrical system that receives power from an external power source that includes an inverter (U1). The inverter (U1) receives DC power and generates a variable voltage output. First and second current collectors (30, 32) connected to the inverter (U1) and receive the DC input through contact with positive and negative poles of the external power source. A motor (M1) and an internal DC bus (+,-) are connected to the current collectors (30,32). A protection circuit is connected across the internal DC bus (+,-), and protects the inverter (U1) from connection to an input of improper polarity. The protection circuit permits the inverter (U1) to deliver a DC output to the power source during a regenerative braking operation.

Abstract: A crossbearer connection (32) and method of forming a crossbearer connection (32) are disclosed, including a support bracket (34) angled to rest against an interior surface of a vertical and horizontal flange (54, 56) of the side sill (20) of a railway car (12), a projecting member (70) formed integral to the support bracket (34) having a male portion (78) and female portion (80), and where in the projecting member (70) extends through an opening (72) in the side wall (28), an exterior support member (76) having a base portion (90) and a male portion (98) which is sized to mate with the female portion (80) of the projecting member (70) and with the base (90) portion disposed against a portion of the exterior surface of the vertical flange of the side sill (20), and the male portion (78) of the projecting member (70) mating with a portion of the side stake (30) of the railway car (12), and a plurality of fasteners (106-120) for securing the support bracket (34) to the side sill (20) and the exterior support me

Abstract: An improved automobile transport railway car that is constructed from noncorroding materials adjacent to load carrying areas and that is enclosed by doors on both ends of the car. In the case of the articulated cars, a bellows assembly encloses and spans the ends of adjacent units. The car may be provided with two or more decks and has walls and a roof preferably constructed from nested, pultruded sections that are light in weight and are non-corrodible.

Abstract: A method for attaching a head brace to a tank car includes cutting a portion of the draft sill near the position where the head brace is to be located in order to create an access opening. The interior of the head brace is welded to the draft sill assembly and front sill pad through the access opening. The exterior of the head brace may also be welded to the draft sill assembly and front sill pad. An apparatus for attaching a portion of tank to railway car includes a head brace and draft sill formed with an access opening.

Abstract: A pneumatic discharge system is provided for a pressurized hopper car to allow the hopper car to carry an enlarged material discharge line. A discharge assembly is used to connect the outlet from each hopper section of the railway car with the discharge line. The discharge assembly is manufactured from pipe having the same dimensions as the discharge line. The discharge assembly allows installing a relatively large diameter discharge line onto an existing pressurized hopper car to optimize unloading of flowable materials without requiring modification to the existing pressurized hopper car. The discharge assembly may include components manufactured from pipe having an outside diameter larger than the clearance between the lower portions of the hopper car and the vertical clearance line of the railway track.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) is manufactured or retrofitted to include porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22). The porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) may have decorative designs (30). The pallets (22) are secured to pallet support members (16) that have wheels (18) secured to them. The pallets (22), support members (16) and wheels (18) travel along wheel tracks (14) that form an endless path under the influence of a motive force. Airport luggage carrousels may be retrofitted to include porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) by removing the existing panels, fabricating porcelain enamel steel pallets (22) that are approximately the same size the previously used panels and then fastening the porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) to the carousel (10).

Abstract: An improved articulated railway spine car unit for carrying highway truck trailers and/or containers has a center sill which extends substantially the entire length of the car unit. The center sill has end portions with upper surfaces depressed with respect to the upper surface of a longitudinally extended center portion. A retractable fifth wheel or trailer hitch is located on the upper surface of at least one end portion of the center sill. The upper surface of the trailer hitch, when retracted onto the center sill, is at substantially the same level as the center portion of the center sill. The raised center sill center portion both provides backup support for the floors of containers carried on the car unit, and also increases the center sill's structural rigidity and resistance to bending deflection.

Abstract: An improved automobile transport railway car that is constructed from noncorroding materials adjacent to load carrying areas and that is enclosed by doors on both ends of the car. In the case of the articulated cars, a bellows assembly encloses and spans the ends of adjacent units. The car may be provided with two or more decks and has walls and a roof preferably constructed from nested, pultruded sections that are light in weight and are non-corrodible.

Abstract: A rotary dump railway gondola car that includes troughs which extend downwardly from the midpoint of the car toward the trucks. End members for the troughs extend at an enlarged angle relative to the car's center sill to increase the carrying capacity of the car. The end members have been further modified to include a bracket which attaches each end member to the center sill. A chamfer is located near the lower portion of each end member to allow drainage from the associated trough. Sections of the floor in the car adjacent to the troughs have been modified to increase load carrying capacity. The troughs may also include a longitudinal radius to further increase the load carrying capacity of the car.

Abstract: A wheel assembly and power drive train for use with passenger boarding bridges having a ramp drive system. The wheel assembly includes a wheel rim which is releasably attached to a wheel hub to allow removal of the wheel rim and associate tire without disassembly of the wheel hub and power drive train components mounted on the axle. Worn or flat tires may be replaced without disassembly of the power drive train or components such as bearings mounted on the axle.