Abstract: An air flow conduit (98) and a related plenum (80) for distributing conditioned air from a refrigeration and heating unit (64) on an end (44) of a railroad freight car (20) into a cargo space (53) within the car (20). A deflector directs a flow of air upward into an inlet end of the plenum (80) and allows the flow to expand gradually within the plenum, smoothing the flow of air within the plenum so that it continues effectively at sufficient rates over the length of the car (20).

Abstract: A temperature controlled railroad freight car (20) including an air flow conduit (98) and a related plenum (52) for distributing conditioned air from a refrigeration and heating unit (64) on an end wall (44) of the freight car (20), and a floor structure (40) that contributes to temperature control in a cargo space within the car (20). A diverter directs a flow of air upward into an inlet end of the plenum (52) and allows the flow to expand gradually within the plenum (52), smoothing the flow of air as it enters the plenum (52) so that it continues effectively at sufficient rates over the length of the car (20). The car (20) may include a subfloor (38) of composite construction, supporting a floor (40) that includes several tubular metal segments through which air can flow longitudinally of the car (20).

Abstract: A floor plate assembly for a railway freight car structure. The assembly includes a floor plate and set of floor plate support assemblies, each having a base and at least one side wall. The side wall has an outer margin that in some embodiments is welded to the floor plate. A reinforcing bar is welded to the base and has a margin which is located closely adjacent to the floor plate and which is welded to the floor plate in some embodiments. In some embodiments the floor plate support assemblies each have two side walls and the reinforcing bar is welded to the base between the side walls. The floor plate support assemblies may be formed away from the railway freight car that is under construction by using a jig to facilitate welding the reinforcing bar to the base. The floor plate assembly may also be assembled separately and then may be efficiently welded to the members of the freight car underframe.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible, self-contained toilet apparatus including a basic storage container assembly operable to receive and support a foldable seat and anchor assembly connected thereto and provided with a usage accessories assembly for conventional use including a cleansing/flushing operation. The basic storage container assembly includes a main storage body assembly having a removable seat support and flush assembly and a seat support and drain assembly. The seat support and flush assembly is removable to receive the foldable seat and anchor assembly connected thereto for use in a normal toilet function operation. In a cleansing/flushing operation, the seat support and flush assembly is connected to a garden hose assembly to provide cleansing fluid to the main storage body assembly and an enclosure support and plug member of the seat support and drain assembly is removed to receive a dumpster hose assembly connected thereto.