Abstract: A crash cushion having a plurality of beams extending substantially parallel to one another. One end of the crash cushion slideably coupled with one end of a traffic barrier. Another end of the crash cushion faces oncoming traffic. A plurality of support post assemblies coupled to and supporting the plurality of beams. Forceful impact of a vehicle with the end of the crash cushion facing oncoming traffic will result in energy absorption during telescoping of the beams relative to the traffic barrier. A method of manufacturing crash cushions and other energy absorbing assemblies is provided.

Abstract: A removable adapter assembly includes a tapered body portion having a first end configured to receive a tooth horn, and a second end configured to receive a removable tooth. The tapered body may include first and second sides, which partially define a recess adjacent the first end. First and second interior surfaces of the first and second sides, respectively, have first and second gripping surfaces, respectively. The first and second gripping surfaces are configured to cooperate with a retractable insert that is coupled with the tooth horn. The tapered body is coupled with the tooth horn when the retractable insert is in a first extended position, and the tapered body may be removed from the tooth horn when the insert is in a second, retracted position.

Abstract: A support post for a guardrail which resists impact by a motor vehicle from one direction (strong direction) and yields to impact by a motor vehicle from another direction (weak direction). The support post is adapted to receive the guardrail such that the rail face of the guardrail runs generally perpendicular to the strong direction such that the support post resists an impact on the rail face of the guardrail and yields to an impact force on the end of the guardrail.

Abstract: A roof assembly mounted on a composite box structure with an air plenum assembly attached to and extending from an interior surface of the roof assembly. The composite box structure includes a pair of end wall assemblies, a pair of side wall assemblies, a floor assembly and the roof assembly. An opening may be formed in one end of the end wall assemblies to allow installing a temperature control system. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure. The composite box structure may be assembled on a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or an insulated box car.

Abstract: A highway guardrail system is provided with an end terminal assembly mounted on a pair of support posts. Portions of the guardrail are attached to the support posts, the end terminal assembly preferably includes a kinetic energy absorbing assembly that dissipates energy from an impacting vehicle. An angle strut having a generally L-shaped cross section may be attached to the first support post and the second support post.

Abstract: An adapter for a mechanical type levelmeter, which has a magnet that moves in response to a changing level of liquid in a container. The adapter is fitted onto the levelmeter in a manner that is transparent to any existing reading dials, but that permits hall sensors on the adapter to respond to the motion of the magnet. The adapter also has a processing unit and a transmitter, which process the output of hall sensors and generate a transmittable signal representing level data.

Abstract: A system for coupling excavation equipment components is provided. The system includes a retainer pin having first and second detents which are extendable axially from a surface of the retainer pin, in response to rotation of a valve seated at least partially within a cylindrical bore which extends at least partially through the retainer pin. In accordance with the particular embodiment, the valve includes at least one slotted portion configured to receive the detents at least partially therein, when the detents are in a retracted position.

Abstract: A level detector includes a rod probe for positioning at least partially within a container suitable for containing a material. The rod probe has first and second ends. A monitoring device is coupled with the first end of the rod probe. The monitoring device is operable to produce a reading when a ground connector contacts the monitoring device. The reading is based upon whether the second end of the rod probe contacts the material. The reading may also be based upon an electrical impedance of the material when the second end of the rod probe contacts the material.

Abstract: A hitch (10) with a lock indicator system (16) interacts with a rotor (18) to provide an indication that a kingpin (14) is properly inserted into the hitch. The rotor rotates in response to proper insertion of the kingpin to align a rotor slot (20) with a plunger (24). Once the rotor slot and the plunger are aligned, an indicator (28) moves from a first position, indicating an unlocked kingpin, to a second position, indicating a locked kingpin. A control pin (74, 174) prevents rotation of the rotor from improper insertion of the kingpin. The control pin is controlled by a control lever (70, 170).

Abstract: Security devices are provided to prevent or block unauthorized access through portholes formed in a protective housing assembly when the protective housing assembly is in its first, closed position and to allow access through the portholes when the protective housing assembly is in its second, open position. The protective housing assembly may be mounted on an upper portion of a railway tank car to protect valves, fittings and other components associated with loading and unloading of lading from the tank car. The portholes are typically formed in the protective housing assembly to allow access to an adjacent valve or other component. Each porthole cover may be engaged with a normal access cover of the protective housing assembly to block or restrict access through the respective porthole.

Abstract: A railway car having a lowered center of gravity is provided. The underframe of the railway car is preferably formed by extending a series of cross bearers between a pair of side sills and spacing them laterally between a pair of end sills. A center sill is then preferably disposed on top of the cross bearers and extended between the end sills along a center line of the railway car underframe. One or more floor stringers are preferably also included and disposed generally parallel to the center sill and extended between the end sills. In one embodiment, the one or more floor stringers may be disposed on stringer support spacer beams positioned on one or more of the cross bearers.

Abstract: A roof assembly mounted on a composite box structure with an air plenum assembly attached to and extending from an interior surface of the roof assembly. The composite box structure includes a pair of end wall assemblies, a pair of side wall assemblies, a floor assembly and the roof assembly. An opening may be formed in one end of the end wall assemblies to allow installing a temperature control system. An airflow management system may be incorporated into the composite box structure. The composite box structure may be assembled on a railway car underframe to form a temperature controlled railway car or an insulated box car.

Abstract: A center beam railcar that has increased volume capacity and versatility. The car preferably has a narrow top chord that does not interfere with loading by overhead crane, but still contributes significantly to the strength and load carrying capacity of the railcar. The lading is preferably secured by straps, each having a first end secured on a first side of the car, and a second end secured on the opposite side of the car. The strap may extends over or under the top chord. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the straps may be secured at or near the side sills on both sides of the car. Winches may be provided only on one side, with a simple retaining mechanism for securing a strap end provided on the other side.

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: A connection or weld attachment and method are disclosed for use in connecting a first structural member with a second structural member. An end plate is preferably attached to one end of the first structural member. The end plate and first structural member may then be attached by mechanical fasteners and at least one weld to the second structural member. A railway car having an underframe defined in part by a pair of side sills and a plurality of crossties may be formed with this mechanical connection. The end plate may be attached to a first leg which is in turn attached to the respective crosstie. The first leg preferably increases in width extending from the crosstie to the end plate. The mechanical fasteners are preferably disposed at opposite ends of the weld to minimize possible fatigue cracking and to increase the life of the associated connection.

Abstract: A siphon drainpipe system and method for use in a railway tank car includes a railway tank car having a tank at least partially defined by a generally elongate hollow cylinder having closed ends. The tank includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and forms a generally enclosed interior portion. A nozzle is coupled with the upper surface of the tank. A siphon pipe which extends from the nozzle toward the lower surface of the tank is coupled with the nozzle. The siphon pipe is at least partially disposed within the interior portion of the tank. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention the siphon pipe includes a generally rigid, metallic portion disposed adjacent the upper surface of the tank, and a generally flexible portion disposed adjacent the lower surface of the tank.

Abstract: A tri-level railcar wherein the B deck is fixed along its entire length, rather than having hinged end sections, so that the B deck contributes to the strength and rigidity of the car. To provide sufficient clearance in the A1 and A5 positions, the B deck is positioned at a higher elevation than in conventional prior art auto rack cars. Clearances above each of the three decks may be approximately equal. High cambered decks are preferably employed at both the B and C level. The overall height of the railcar is preferably about 20′2″. All three decks may be continuously loaded and unloaded without the need to stop loading and unloading to pivot the B deck end sections. The ability of the B deck to function as a structural member of the railcar from end to end may eliminate the need for cross braces, i.e., brace bays, as included in typical prior art tri-level auto racks. The side wall posts may all be of the same or similar cross-section.

Abstract: A system for coupling excavation equipment components is provided. The system includes a retainer pin having first and second detents which are extendable axially from a surface of the retainer pin, in response to rotation of a valve seated at least partially within a cylindrical bore which extends at least partially through the retainer pin. In accordance with the particular embodiment, the valve includes at least one slotted portion configured to receive the detents at least partially therein, when the detents are in a retracted position.

Abstract: A crash cushion having a plurality of beams extending substantially parallel to one another. One end of the crash cushion may be slidably coupled with one end of a traffic barrier. Another end of the crash cushion faces oncoming traffic. A plurality of support posts are coupled to and support the plurality of beams. Forceful impact of a vehicle with the end of the crash cushion facing oncoming traffic results in energy absorption during telescoping of the beams relative to the traffic barrier. A method of manufacturing crash cushions and other energy absorbing devices is provided.

Abstract: An impact assembly for transferring forces from a head-on impact or a side impact between a vehicle and one end of an energy absorbing device facing oncoming traffic. The impact assembly may be used to transfer energy from a floor structure of a vehicle during a side impact with the one end of the energy absorbing device. Portions of the impact assembly are positioned relative to ground level to engage the floor structure of an impacting vehicle and/or the front bumper of a low profile vehicle. Portions of the impact assembly may be manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal.