Abstract: An elastomer spring element arranged in operable combination with structure for inhibiting localized heat deterioration of the elastomer spring element.

Abstract: An illuminable apparatus including a thematic structure configured with an operably closed chamber and defining an opening extending between an exterior of the structure and the operably closed chamber. A light source is arranged within the operably closed chamber of the structure, and an electric circuit operably connects the light source to a power source to allow the light source to provide luminescence viewable through the opening in the structure. The electric circuit includes a sensor for sensing motion of air passing through the opening in the structure, and further includes a light source control apparatus connected to the sensor for controlling the luminescence provided by the light source. The light source control apparatus is configured to change the luminescence provided by the light source when the motion of air is sensed through the opening in the structure. A method of operating such an illuminable apparatus to produce controlled levels of illumination is also provided.

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 constant contact side bearing assembly configured for insertion into a walled receptacle on an upper surface of a railcar bolster. The constant contact side bearing assembly includes a housing defining a cavity and a spring. A cap is positioned by and overlies an end of the spring. The cap is mounted for reciprocatory guided movements by and relative to the housing, with a generally flat railcar body engaging portion on the cap being positioned relative to the housing and the walled enclosure by the spring. The side bearing assembly further includes an apparatus for securing the housing of the side bearing assembly within the walled receptacle on the railcar bolster.

Abstract: A discharge gate assembly adapted to be secured in material receiving relation relative to a standard opening toward a bottom of a railroad hopper car. The gate assembly of the present invention satisfies AAR requirements and specifications and includes a rigid frame defining a ledgeless and generally square discharge opening which is sized substantially equivalent to the standard opening defined toward the bottom of the railcar whereby allowing commodity discharged from the opening in the railroad hopper car to pass through the gate assembly with minimum interference or obstruction thereby promoting the discharge of commodity from the railroad car. A gate is slidably movable between open and closed positions relative to the discharge opening on the gate assembly and is suspended, in a closed position, by a series of supports extending therebeneath.

Abstract: An elastomeric spring assembly for a railcar apparatus is disclosed. The elastomeric spring assembly includes an elongated body of elastomeric material having a series of axially spaced members coaxially arranged and wholly embedded within the body of elastomeric material. The majority of the embedded members are configured to resist radial outward movement of said elastomeric material while causing the elastomeric material to react in an axial direction between confronting surfaces defined by the members upon axial deflection of the elastomeric spring whereby enhancing performance characteristics of the spring assembly. A method of making an elastomeric spring assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A railroad car energy absorption apparatus is disclosed. The railroad car energy absorption apparatus includes a spring assembly having an elastomer spring element arranged in operable combination with structure for inhibiting localized heat deterioration of the elastomer spring element.

Abstract: A bar lock mechanism for releasably securing a pivoted door in a closed position relative to an opening in a walled enclosure and including an elongated shaft structure connected to the walled enclosure and defining an axis of rotation for the bar lock mechanism. A locking handle is connected to the shaft structure for rotating the shaft structure and securing the door in the closed position. A pair of axially spaced hinge pieces are adapted to be disposed at opposed end portions of the shaft structure. Each hinge piece has a base portion for allowing securement of the hinge piece to the walled enclosure and an integral portion spaced from the base portion for journalling a respective end of the shaft structure for rotation about its axis whereby allowing the bar lock mechanism to move relative to the walled enclosure.

Abstract: A bar lock assembly for securing closed a swingably movable door relative to an opening in a body of a vehicle or container. The bar lock assembly includes a one-piece member for selectively interconnecting a pair of axially spaced pivots fixedly secured to the body of the vehicle with the movable door whereby securing the door in the closed position. The one-piece member includes a mounting portion, a handle mounting portion, and a web portion. The mounting portion extends along one edge of the member for operable association with the pivots on the vehicle body whereby allowing the bar lock assembly to move between latched and unlatched conditions. The handle mounting portion of such one-piece member is provided at an opposed edge of the member for mounting a manually operated handle for movement in a plane extending generally parallel to an outer surface on the door. The web portion is formed integral with and extends between the mounting portion and the handle mounting portion.

Abstract: A hatch cover adapted to be positioned over and close a hatch opening on a railroad hopper car. The hatch cover includes a rigid panel sized to cover the hopper car hatch opening. The panel for the hatch cover includes an inner skin, an outer skin, and a core material sandwiched between and adhered to the inner and outer skins. Edge structure is secured to the panel for protecting edges of the panel.

Abstract: A golf club including an elongated shaft and a head connected toward one end of the shaft is disclosed. The golf head has a striking face and a rear side opposite to the striking face. To enhance its aerodynamics, the golf club head defines at least one air flow passage extending therethrough. More specifically, the air passage in the golf club head has an inlet, opening to the striking face, and an outlet, opening to the rear side of the head. Moreover, the golf club head defines a closed margin for such air passage, and wherein the closed margin of the air passage defined by the golf club head has a continuous decreasing taper between the inlet and outlet ends thereof.

Abstract: A railcar draft gear housing formed from an austempered ductile iron casting having an original shape and including an open end, a closed end, and wall structure axially extending between the housing's ends. The wall structure of the housing defines an axial section between and spaced from the ends. The axial section of the wall structure is configured to withstand impact energy imparted to the housing in excess of 81,000 inch pounds while retaining and exhibiting substantially linear elasticity wherein the resultant ratio of stress to energy input remains substantially constant thereby allowing for flexible distortion of the housing in a manner promoting enhanced energy damping characteristics while allowing the casting to return to the original shape after the impact energy is released threrefrom.

Abstract: A railroad car energy absorption apparatus is disclosed. The railroad car energy absorption apparatus includes a spring assembly having an elastomer spring element arranged in operable combination with structure for inhibiting localized heat deterioration of the elastomer spring element.

Abstract: A door control mechanism including a latching member for aligning and latching a pivotal door on a cargo container. The latching member includes a single tine or locking tongue formed integral with and extending from a head portion of the latching member. A distal end of the locking tongue has a tapered configuration to promote introduction of the tine into latching relation relative to a keeper member.