Abstract: A bridge-supported tool for opening and closing lids located on top of railcars. The bridge has two sides and a cross member between the sides that moves along the sides, the cross member supports a tool carriage that moves along the cross member, the tool carriage has a tool engagement interface for retaining a selected tool and the interface is vertically moveable, such that the tool is moveable to any selected location in the space defined by the bridge. A controller can be used to direct the positioning of the tool by controlling the movements of the cross member, tool carriage and tool engagement interface.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle for handling glass-sheet supporting racks of the type comprising: a front rack-supporting chassis provided with a substantially U-shaped rigid oblong frame having two longitudinal beams that extend horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, on opposite sides of the vehicle midplane, and that delimit a large central slit or compartment open at the front and dimensioned to accommodate a glass-sheet supporting rack; a rear tractor unit which is firmly connected to the front rack-supporting chassis via mechanical means allowing the rack-supporting chassis to move vertically with respect to the tractor unit; a lifting apparatus Adapted to vary, on command, the height from the ground of the rigid oblong frame of the rack-supporting chassis; and an electronic vehicle-load detecting apparatus which is adapted to detect the geometric and/or structural features of the glass-sheet supporting rack during insertion into the central slit or compartment of the rack-supporting

Abstract: A railcar for transporting one or more steel coils. In various embodiments, the railcar includes a front truck assembly, a rear truck assembly, a center sill assembly including a center sill operably supported by the front and rear truck assemblies, and first and second side walls supported by and substantially coupled to the center sill assembly such that the first and second side walls are spaced-apart from and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the center sill.

Abstract: A cargo container loading and unloading system for a transportation system, the cargo container loading and unloading system including a loading zone; and at least one opening connecting the loading zone to a transportation tube of the transportation system.

Abstract: A system and method for loading railcars of a train wherein the railcars are provided with upper lids having latches for securing the lids in a closed position. The system comprises at least one sensing system for determining the position of the latches and the lids in order for one or more robot arms to perform operations such as unlatching, latching, lid opening and lid closing. At least one velocity sensor measures individual railcar velocity rather than overall train speed to enable engagement of the one or more robotic arms, as adjacent railcars may move at differing velocities due to slack in the connections between them.

Abstract: A rail car cover system including a rail car and a first cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first corner hinge assembly, a second corner hinge assembly and a first cover material. The first corner hinge assembly is pivotally mounted to the rail car. The second corner hinge assembly is pivotally mounted to the rail car. At least a portion of the second corner hinge assembly is slidable away from the first corner hinge assembly. The first cover material is operably attached to the first corner hinge assembly and the second corner hinge assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a first door assembly operable to at least partially cover an opening of a rail car. The system also includes an actuator. A first common linkage is coupled to the actuator and is operable to reciprocally move in a longitudinal direction relative to the actuator. In particular embodiments, a first secondary linkage is coupled to the first common linkage and is coupled to an exterior surface of the first door assembly, wherein the first secondary linkage cooperates with the first common linkage to move the first door assembly between an open position and a closed position over the top hatch of the rail car.

Abstract: A rail car cover system that includes a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first closure mechanism. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second closure mechanism. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first closure mechanism engages the second closure mechanism to maintain the first cover section and the second cover section in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A fill cover assembly for a liquid fuel storage tank of a road tanker, the assembly comprising: a seat member having a frame, the frame defining a fill aperture, the frame being configured to be fixedly coupled to a base plate of a liquid storage tank, the base plate having a plate aperture formed therein, thereby to form a fluid-tight seal between the seat member and the base plate around said plate aperture; and a fill-cover coupled to the tank and arranged to be moveable with respect to the frame between a closed condition in which a fluid-tight seal is formed between the fill-cover and the frame and an open condition in which fluid may be passed through said fill aperture to fill said storage tank, wherein the assembly is further arranged to allow venting of pressurized fluid from the liquid storage tank in the event that a pressure of the fluid exceeds a prescribed value.

Abstract: A self-latching cover mechanism includes a nozzle having a central opening and a cover. A hinge pivotally attaches the cover to the nozzle so that the cover may be pivoted between an open position, where the central opening is generally uncovered, and a closed position, where the central opening is generally covered by the cover. A catch member is attached to the cover. A latching arm is movably attached to the nozzle and engages the catch member when the cover is in the open position.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an open top railcar, the assembly having semi-rigid cover reversibly movable between a closed position atop the railcar and an open position alongside the railcar or separate from it. The cover may be connected to the railcar with hinge-latches or linkage arms which permit the cover to be held flat alongside the railcar in an open position, or removed from the railcar during loading and unloading. A load grooming device shapes the load of a loaded railcar to a selected contour. Opening and closing of covers may be continuous and automated, using curved tracks, cranes or mechanical arms to engage and open covers, and conveying devices or vehicles to handle covers during loading and unloading of railcars.

Abstract: A railcar hatch cover latching system including a sliding mechanism attached to a movable portion of the hatch cover and a latching apparatus associated with the hatch cover. The latching apparatus has a biased assembly, a bar and at least one profiled stop. The bar extends through the biased assembly. The biased assembly is configured to allow the bar to pass through the biased assembly with a first force requirement. The at least one profiled stop is positioned on the bar to encounter the biased assembly and having a second force requirement to move the bar past the at least one profiled stop, the second force being greater than the first force.

Abstract: A power module for a locomotive is disclosed. The power module may have a frame including a plurality of lifting elements. The plurality of lifting elements may include at least one fork lifting element and at least one frame lifting eye. The power module may further have a generator set supported by the frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for powered rail car doors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a first door assembly operable to at least partially cover an opening of a rail car. The system also includes an actuator. A first common linkage is coupled to the actuator and is operable to reciprocally move in a longitudinal direction relative to the actuator. In particular embodiments, a first secondary linkage is coupled to the first common linkage and is coupled to an exterior surface of the first door assembly, wherein the first secondary linkage cooperates with the first common linkage to move the first door assembly between an open position and a closed position over the top hatch of the rail car.

Abstract: A system for monitoring railroad cars comprising a hatch cover assembly including a cover body, a sensor, a wireless transmitter for transmitting data received from the sensor, a wireless receiver for receiving the data from the wireless transmitter, and a satellite transmitter for transmitting the data to a satellite. The wireless receiver and the satellite transmitter are attached to the hatch cover assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor having a sensing unit situated in the plenum of a vented hatch cover. In another embodiment, the sensor is an air flow sensor having a sensing unit situated in the plenum of a vented hatch cover. In another embodiment, the sensor is a chain tension sensor attached to a handbrake chain. In another embodiment, the sensor is a hatch cover position attached to the hatch cover assembly.

Abstract: A rail car cover system that includes a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first closure mechanism. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second closure mechanism. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first closure mechanism engages the second closure mechanism to maintain the first cover section and the second cover section in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A cover opening and closing system for use with a railcar. The railcar has a longitudinal axis, a top opening and at least one movable cover configured to cover the opening. The cover opening and closing system includes at least one structural support coupled generally to the ground and at least one of an opening device and a closing device. The opening device and closing device are coupled to said at least one structural support. The at least one of an opening device and a closing device are configured to contact a portion of the at least one movable cover and to cause the movable cover to move as the railcar moves in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A cover system suitable to cover an open topped container may include a cover and an attachment system. The cover may include a channel pocket that is attached to the cover and that extends across a portion of the cover. The attachment system may include a strap that is received within the channel pocket and that has ends that are attachable to the container.

Abstract: A rail car extension system including a first main rail section, a second main rail section and a plurality of bow structures. The first main rail section is mounted with respect to an upper surface of the first side wall. The first main rail section includes a first upper rail portion and a first lower rail portion that extends from the first upper rail portion. The second main rail section is mounted with respect to an upper surface of the second side wall. The second main rail section includes a second upper rail portion and a second lower rail portion that extends from the second upper rail portion. The plurality of bow structures are each attached to and extend between the first main rail section and the second main rail section.

Abstract: An open-top rail car cover is defined by a frame having dimensions sufficient to fit an open-top freight car designed in accordance with the Association of American Railroads, a roof and a pair of end walls. A latch disposed about a side of the frame includes a first flange and a second flange that combine to define a means for receiving an engagement member of a rail car. Both the first and second flanges include a at least one first aperture and at least one second aperture designed to receive a means for securing the car cover to the rail car. The first and second apertures have dimensions sufficient to permit movement of the first and second flanges about the means for receiving.

Abstract: A cover for open top railcars may be alternatively locked into place over the railcar top opening, or rotated on hinges to either side of the railcar to provide access to the entire top of the railcar. The cover may be compressed against either side of the railcar to allow the car to move between structural or other elements of loading or unloading facilities.

Abstract: A hinge structure including a universal adapter located toward one end of and for allowing the hinge structure to be pivotally connected to different stationary brackets having differing pivot axes. The universal adapter defines multiple openings disposed in spaced, generally parallel relation relative to each other.

Abstract: A remotely operated manhole cover for a tanker, trailer, or other storage unit is provided. The manhole cover includes a hollow neck which is welded in place in the shell of the tanker or trailer. The neck defines an opening which allows access to the interior of the tanker or trailer for filling or cleaning of the tanker. A lid is pivotable about an axis between a closed position in which the manhole cover is closed, and an open position in which the lid is clear of the neck opening to allow access to the interior of the tanker. The lid is provided with an inflatable seal and locking flanges which extend from a rim of the lid. Movable locking members are provided on the neck and are movable between a locked position in which locking member engages the lid locking flange and an unlocked position in which the locking members are disengaged from the lid locking flange. Separate actuators are provide for the cover and the locking members.

Abstract: A sealable lid assembly for a vacuum distillation apparatus has a lid pivotally and telescopically mounted to the vacuum distillation apparatus. Spaced-apart wheels are rotatably mounted to the lid. Tracks are disposed on the vacuum distillation apparatus in a position to engage the wheels and raise the lid vertically above a manhole of the vacuum distillation apparatus upon pivotal movement of the lid, which is initiated by nominal physical exertion of a single operator. Extending outwardly from and adjacent the manhole is a flange. The flange has a channel to receive a gasket. A protrusion extends outwardly from a bottom of the lid in a position to extend into the channel and sealably engage the gasket when the wheels disengage the tracts. Clamp assemblies are provided to releasably engage the lid with the flange and draw the protrusion into sealable, releasable engagement with the gasket.

Abstract: A panel system includes a first skin, a second skin, a web core constructed from sheet material for securing the skins together in a spaced, sandwich relationship, and a connecting means for affixing the web core within the skins. The web core includes a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members having longitudinally spaced projections extending therefrom and further having transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein. The web core further includes a plurality of spaced-apart, transverse cross members each having spaced slots therein receiving the longitudinal members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid work between the first and second skins. The grid is connected to the skins utilizing the projections, which extend through slits in the skins in one embodiment to facilitate welding or otherwise bonding the components. In a second embodiment the projections present mounting ears that receive fasteners that extend through the skins.

Abstract: A self-standing structure supporting a fixed boom is built on a palette-like base that is picked up and moved by a fork truck. Railroad car lids with a variety of handles can be engaged by the boom which has fittings suited to that purpose, lifted and removed by the fork truck operator so that the contents of the car such as coils of metal can be lifted out by a crane or the like.

Abstract: A baffle plate assembly for reducing the amount of corrosive liquid contained within a railroad car from contacting a pressure relief valve connected to the railroad car. The baffle plate assembly includes a baffle body having one end connected to an upper plate and the other end connected to a lower plate. The baffle body includes a plurality of slotted openings and radially extending downwardly sloped drainage openings. The lower plate includes a radially extending downwardly sloped drainage surface that further includes a plurality of channels for draining liquid out of the baffle body. The baffle plate assembly is connected to the railroad car adjacent to the pressure relief valve such that air and/or other gases pass through the baffle plate assembly and then the pressure relief valve. Air and/or other gases pass from within the railroad car through the plurality of slotted openings defined in the baffle body into an interior chamber of the baffle body.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable cover for use on gondola railroad cars, preferably provided as a kit for retrofitting existing cars, including elongated runners for attaching to the top of longitudinal walls of the gondola railroad cars, the runners including at east one slidable surface, for supporting and permitting transport over the surface of a plurality of tarp supports, which extend across the lateral opening between the sidewalls of the gondola railroad car. The supports are adapted and configured to slide over the runners while enclosing an edge of the runner so as to engage the runner and retain the vertical position and orientation of the supports during transposition across the surface of the runners.