Patents by Inventor Kenneth W. Huck
Kenneth W. Huck has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240083467Abstract: An IBC storage box assembly is elevated from a railcar. A vertical beam is used to elevate the storage box off the railcar so that the storage box is more easily accessed from a rail platform. Additionally, the vertical beam may provide some clearance for the storage box so that the storage box is not impacted by the railcar coupler during transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Ross E. Hill
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Publication number: 20240075966Abstract: A railway car is disclosed. The railway car comprises an underframe and at least one compartment for transporting lading. The railway car comprises at least one discharge opening and a door assembly adjacent to the at least one discharge opening. The railway car comprises a discharge control system comprising at least a common linkage mounted away from a longitudinal centerline of the railway car and a secondary linkage, wherein the discharge control system is operable to move the door assembly between a first position and a second position. The railway car comprises an actuator operable to drive movement of the common linkage in connection with movement of the door assembly between the first position and the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Lee A. Reitz, Kenneth W. Huck
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Publication number: 20240001970Abstract: A floor section for an insulated railcar includes a floor plate and a composite section coupled to the floor plate. The composite section includes a plurality of composite beams aligned parallel to one another. Each composite beam of the plurality of composite beams includes an inner core and an outer material surrounding the inner core. The inner core includes an insulating material and is configured to support the outer material. An upper surface of each composite beam of the plurality of composite beams, which extends along a length of the composite beam, is coupled to an underside of the floor plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Marco A. Morales, Ricky A. Cribbs, Codrington E. Barzey, Scott M. Lewit
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Publication number: 20230399032Abstract: According to some embodiments, a longitudinal door system comprising one or more longitudinal doors for a railcar and a longitudinal operating beam coupled to the one or more longitudinal doors via one or more struts. A translation of the longitudinal operating beam is coupled to an opening and closing of the one or more longitudinal doors. The door system further comprising a gearbox coupled to the longitudinal operating beam and a first capstan receptacle. The gearbox is operable to translate a rotational movement of the first capstan receptacle to a linear movement of the longitudinal operating beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Daniel G. CORTEZ, Lee A. REITZ, Jerry W. Vande Sande, Carter R. ANDREWS, Kenneth W. HUCK, Craig J. STEVENS, William F. DEAKYNE
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Patent number: 11827250Abstract: An IBC storage box assembly is elevated from a railcar. A vertical beam is used to elevate the storage box off the railcar so that the storage box is more easily accessed from a rail platform. Additionally, the vertical beam may provide some clearance for the storage box so that the storage box is not impacted by the railcar coupler during transport.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLCInventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Ross E. Hill
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Publication number: 20230365166Abstract: According to some embodiments, a refrigerated railcar comprises a pair of side walls, a roof, a floor, and a refrigeration unit. The floor comprises a bottom structure comprising a plurality of channels for return air flow from an interior of the railcar to the refrigeration unit. The floor further comprises at least two top plates coupled to the bottom structure (e.g., via a pivot rod). Each of the top plates extends longitudinally along the bottom structure and is configured to rotate up and away from the bottom structure proximate one of the side walls of the pair of side walls. Lifting an edge of a top plate opposite the edge of the top plate pivotally coupled to the bottom structure causes the top plate to rotate to an upright position exposing the plurality of channels of the bottom structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: KENNETH W. HUCK, CARTER RAY ANDREWS, MARCO A. MORALES, RICKY A. CRIBBS
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Patent number: 11807280Abstract: A floor section for an insulated railcar includes a floor plate and a composite section coupled to the floor plate. The composite section includes a plurality of composite beams aligned parallel to one another. Each composite beam of the plurality of composite beams includes an inner core and an outer material surrounding the inner core. The inner core includes an insulating material and is configured to support the outer material. An upper surface of each composite beam of the plurality of composite beams, which extends along a length of the composite beam, is coupled to an underside of the floor plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLCInventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Marco A. Morales, Ricky A. Cribbs, Codrington E. Barzey, Scott M. Lewit
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Patent number: 11801876Abstract: According to some embodiments, an articulated railcar comprises a first railcar and a second railcar coupled via an articulated railcar truck. The first railcar and the second railcar each comprise a first end, a second end, and a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side disposed between the first end and the second end. The first longitudinal side comprises a center panel and an intermediate panel. The center panel is disposed between a center of the railcar and the intermediate panel. The intermediate panel is disposed between the center panel and the first end or the second end. A width of the railcar at the intermediate panel is greater than a width of the railcar at the center panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: TRINITY NORTH AMERICAN FREIGHT CAR, INC.Inventors: Shaun Richmond, Brant R. McGhee, Kenneth W. Huck
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Publication number: 20230322277Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises at least two hoppers for transporting a commodity. Each hopper comprises a pair of side walls and a floor. The railcar further comprises a composite partition separating the hoppers. The composite partition comprises a frame comprising a first material coupled to the pair of side walls and the floor at a location separating hoppers. The frame comprises a center opening. The frame is configured to provide structural support for structural loads exerted on the pair of side walls and the floor. The composite partition further comprises a composite section comprising a second material coupled to the frame and covering the central opening of the frame. The composite section is configured to withstand loads exerted on the composite section by the commodity transported in the hoppers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Codrington E. Barzey, Ricky A. Cribbs, Scott M. Lewit
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Patent number: 11745771Abstract: According to some embodiments, a discharge door locking system for a railcar discharge door comprises a lock piston configured to move between a first position (not engaged with an operating beam coupled to a discharge door) and a second position (engaged). The locking system comprises a first and second input. Activation of the first input moves the lock piston to the first position, and activation of the second input moves the lock piston to the second position. The first input of the locking system is coupled to a first input of an operating cylinder coupled to the operating beam. The first input of the operating cylinder is configured to move the discharge door to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLCInventors: Christopher C. Harkey, Aubra D. McKisic, Kenneth W. Huck
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Patent number: 11738783Abstract: According to some embodiments, a longitudinal door system comprising one or more longitudinal doors for a railcar and a longitudinal operating beam coupled to the one or more longitudinal doors via one or more struts. A translation of the longitudinal operating beam is coupled to an opening and closing of the one or more longitudinal doors. The door system further comprising a gearbox coupled to the longitudinal operating beam and a first capstan receptacle. The gearbox is operable to translate a rotational movement of the first capstan receptacle to a linear movement of the longitudinal operating beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLCInventors: Daniel G. Cortez, Lee A. Reitz, Jerry W. Vande Sande, Carter R. Andrews, Kenneth W. Huck, Craig J. Stevens, William F. Deakyne
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Publication number: 20230243713Abstract: A system for determining a center of gravity (COG) of a commodity of a railcar comprises a plurality of sensors and a computing device. At least a first sensor from the plurality of sensors is disposed on a first center plate of the railcar. At least a second sensor from the plurality of sensors is disposed on a second center plate of the railcar. Each sensor is configured to determine a change in force imposed on the sensor based on a change in micro strain on the sensor. The computing device receives a plurality of force values from the plurality of sensors. The computing device determines a weight of the railcar body and commodity by combining the received force values. The computing device determines the COG of the railcar body and commodity based at least on the plurality of force values and the weight of the railcar.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventor: Kenneth W. Huck
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Patent number: 11713062Abstract: According to some embodiments, a refrigerated railcar comprises a pair of side walls, a roof, a floor, and a refrigeration unit. The floor comprises a bottom structure comprising a plurality of channels for return air flow from an interior of the railcar to the refrigeration unit. The floor further comprises at least two top plates coupled to the bottom structure (e.g., via a pivot rod). Each of the top plates extends longitudinally along the bottom structure and is configured to rotate up and away from the bottom structure proximate one of the side walls of the pair of side walls. Lifting an edge of a top plate opposite the edge of the top plate pivotally coupled to the bottom structure causes the top plate to rotate to an upright position exposing the plurality of channels of the bottom structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Trinity Rail Group, LLCInventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Carter Ray Andrews, Marco A. Morales, Ricky A. Cribbs
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Patent number: 11702113Abstract: A railway car is disclosed. The railway car comprises an underframe and at least one compartment for transporting lading. The railway car comprises at least one discharge opening and a door assembly adjacent to the at least one discharge opening. The railway car comprises a discharge control system comprising at least a common linkage mounted away from a longitudinal centerline of the railway car and a secondary linkage, wherein the discharge control system is operable to move the door assembly between a first position and a second position. The railway car comprises an actuator operable to drive movement of the common linkage in connection with movement of the door assembly between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLCInventors: Lee A. Reitz, Kenneth W. Huck
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Publication number: 20230219603Abstract: According to particular embodiments, a repositionable protective housing or manway cover assembly comprises a protective housing or manway cover, a hinge bracket, and a and a manway shell or nozzle. The protective housing or manway cover is coupled to the hinge bracket and the hinge bracket is repositionably coupled (e.g., via bolts, spring pins, clamps, etc.) to the manway shell or nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2023Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventors: Paul Lawrence Rogers, Kenneth W. Huck
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Patent number: 11679789Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises at least two hoppers for transporting a commodity. Each hopper comprises a pair of side walls and a floor. The railcar further comprises a composite partition separating the hoppers. The composite partition comprises a frame comprising a first material coupled to the pair of side walls and the floor at a location separating hoppers. The frame comprises a center opening. The frame is configured to provide structural support for structural loads exerted on the pair of side walls and the floor. The composite partition further comprises a composite section comprising a second material coupled to the frame and covering the central opening of the frame. The composite section is configured to withstand loads exerted on the composite section by the commodity transported in the hoppers.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLCInventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Codrington E. Barzey, Ricky A. Cribbs, Scott M. Lewit
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Patent number: 11649744Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus comprises an air pump configured to couple to a capstan, and a pneumatic cylinder coupled to the air pump at a first end of the pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder comprises a piston. Rotation of the capstan in a first rotational direction causes the air pump to provide air pressure to the first end of the pneumatic cylinder. In response to the air pump providing air pressure to the first end of the pneumatic cylinder, the piston of the pneumatic cylinder moves in a first linear direction. The piston is coupled to a longitudinal beam of a longitudinal door system of a railcar. In response to the piston moving in the first linear direction, the longitudinal beam moves in the first linear direction, opening a door of the longitudinal door system.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLCInventors: Robert J. DeGroot, Kenneth W. Huck
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Patent number: 11608092Abstract: A railcar comprises a first end, a second end, and a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side disposed between the first end and the second end. The first longitudinal side comprises a center panel and an intermediate panel. The center panel is disposed between a center of the railcar and the intermediate panel. The intermediate panel is disposed between the center panel and the first end or the second end. A width of the railcar at the intermediate panel is greater than a width of the railcar at the center panel. The center panel and the intermediate panel comprise generally straight panels coupled together at an angle. The first longitudinal side may further comprise an end panel disposed between the intermediate panel and the first end or the second end.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLCInventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Kyle R. Coston
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Publication number: 20220371629Abstract: A railcar comprises a hopper coupled to a discharge assembly. The discharge assembly comprises a discharge gate, a sloped side sheet, a gasket bracket, and a seal gasket. The sloped side sheet longitudinally extends above the discharge gate when the discharge gate is closed. The gasket bracket coupled to the sloped side sheet. The gasket bracket extends longitudinally along a bottom end of the sloped side sheet. The seal gasket is positioned between the sloped side sheet and the gasket bracket. The seal gasket has a straight section and a rounded section, such that a portion of the round section of the seal gasket is left beyond the bottom end of the sloped side sheet. The seal gasket creates a seal between the sloped side sheet and the discharge gate such that the weight of a lading increases the seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Jerry W. Vande Sande, Carter Ray Andrews, Brant R. McGhee, Andrew Brown, Kenneth W. Huck
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Patent number: 11465654Abstract: According to some embodiments, an autorack railcar roof assembly comprises a center roof panel, a first intermediate roof panel adjacent one side of the center roof panel, and a second intermediate roof panel adjacent an opposite of the center roof panel from the first intermediate roof panel. The center roof panel comprises a first width. The first and second intermediate roof panels each comprise a second width greater than the first width.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: TRINITY RAIL GROUP, LLCInventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Brant R. McGhee, Kyle R. Coston, Steven E. Daniels, Robert C. Runyan