Abstract: A hatch cover for hopper compartment opening with a coaming surrounding the opening. The hatch cover includes a peripheral skirt with a portion of the skirt spaced outwardly of the coaming when the hatch cover is closed to allow air flow from the exterior of the hatch cover to the opening. A frame has a center portion and an annular gasket which seats on the coaming with the center portion over the opening. The center portion of the frame may be a screen or may be solid. An annular ring is attached to the underside of the hatch cover. A press fit attachment is provided between the frame and the annular to permit attachment and removal of the frame from the annular ring. A latch mechanism is provided for the hatch cover. A spring anchor pin is supported on coaming brackets and a latching pin is supported on the hatch cover. A latch mechanism includes a handle having a pair of uprights located at one end of the handle.

Abstract: A stake cap is provided for covering the upper opening of an outside stake of a railroad hopper car. The stake cap has a retainer plate having front and rear surfaces which define top, bottom and side edges. The side edges are beveled such that the front surface of the retainer plate is wider than the rear surface. A top sheet is joined at a right angle to the top edge of the retainer plate. Gussets strengthen the connection of the top sheet and retainer plate. When the stake cap is installed in the upper opening of a stake, the beveled side edges of the retainer plate form themselves to the stake and are wedged between the stake and the hopper car outside shell. The top sheet overlies the opening and prevents entry of contaminants and water.

Abstract: A method for forming a sprayed metal die comprising the steps of first building a positive pattern of the die. Then, there is the step of spraying a first metal, having a first melting temperature, onto the pattern to form a first metal substrate. Next, there is the step of separating the pattern from the first metal substrate. Next, there is the step of spraying a second metal, having a second melting temperature higher than the first melting temperature, onto the first metal substrate to form a second metal substrate which bonds to the first metal substrate to resist shrinkage due to residual stress within the second metal substrate. Next, there is the step of heating the first and second substrates to a temperature higher than the first melting temperature, yet lower than the second melting temperature, to melt away the first metal substrate from the second metal substrate.