Abstract: Embodiments relate to a damping system, and in particular a clutch mechanism for an extended travel draft gear having components arranged such that movement of clutch mechanism components transforms kinetic energy into thermal energy via friction, while allowing for an extended length of travel. An arrangement of clutch component geometries, lengths, angles, etc. allows for motion along a longitudinal axis of the clutch mechanism to be damped via energy dissipation.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning a railcar coupler is disclosed, including determining, using a gauge, an amount of wear to a coupler pulling lug; cleaning a surface of the coupler pulling lug experiencing the wear; and applying a weldment to the surface of the coupler pulling lug experiencing the wear to increase the thickness of the coupler pulling lug. The amount of weldment applied to the coupler pulling lug is preferably equal to the amount of wear experiencing by the coupler pulling lug to bring the thickness of the coupler pulling lug back to its original thickness or very close thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hopper car gate assembly including a frame configured for attachment to a hopper car body. The frame defines an opening and includes a beam, wherein the beam has a slot formed therein. A stop plate is removably attached to the beam to selectively obstruct the slot. The assembly has a door supported by the frame. A stop block is attached to the door, wherein the stop block is located on the door such that when the door is inserted into the frame the stop block is aligned with the slot. With the stop plate attached to the beam, the stop block engages with the stop plate to define an open position and prevent further movement of the door in the open direction. With the stop plate detached from the beam, the stop block passes through the slot to allow removal of the door from the frame.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a one-piece, integrally formed universal backing ring comprising an integrally formed, one piece annular structure having a center opening configured to be translated over a journal of a railcar axle and engage a dust guard and a dust guard fillet of the railcar axle. The annular structure includes an inner contoured surface having a profile that is contoured for a tight surface fit with a complementary surface of the dust guard fillet. The annular structure also includes a dust guard lip which projects over the dust guard fillet and engages the dust guard. The dust guard lip has a length extending generally parallel with an axis of the annular structure, and is configured to provide a mechanical interference fit of the dust guard lip with the dust guard of 0.052-0.1875 inches with a maximum diameter of the dust guard for each Class of railcar axle.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning a railcar coupler is disclosed, including determining, using a gauge, an amount of wear to a coupler pulling lug; cleaning a surface of the coupler pulling lug experiencing the wear; and applying a weldment to the surface of the coupler pulling lug experiencing the wear to increase the thickness of the coupler pulling lug. The amount of weldment applied to the coupler pulling lug is preferably equal to the amount of wear experiencing by the coupler pulling lug to bring the thickness of the coupler pulling lug back to its original thickness or very close thereto.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a railcar damping system configured for placement in a railcar center sill having longitudinally spaced stops defining a center sill pocket. The system includes a damping assembly configured for receiving and dissipating external forces acting on a coupler connected to the damping system. Various embodiments of the damping system include a longitudinally moveable member, at least one stop and at least one follower block. Some embodiments include a housing. The shape, positioning, and configurations of these features allow for differentiated travel between buff and draft movements.

Abstract: A low weight and low cost brake beam assembly having high static strength and fatigue resistance having two independent brake heads each including a receiving section for receiving and retaining an end of a tension member, an end of a compression member and a portion of an end extension.

Abstract: A modular base side bearing assembly has a cage with upstanding side walls defining a bearing cavity and a central bottom opening to receive a modular base on which a bearing element supported on a central base portion thereof. The modular base has externally visible tabs identifying a force level corresponding to the modular base, in which the thickness of the central base portion corresponds such force level. The modular bases are interchangeable with modular bases having central base portions of differing thickness, or zero-thickness, such that the same cage, bearing element, and wear cap can be used with different modular bases to provide different force levels. The modular base is movable vertically relative to the cage to accommodate uneven mounting surfaces.

Abstract: A spare brake beam for railway cars which can be quickly and easily installed in a train car without the necessity of cutting the car from the train nor dismantling the car nor the truck.

Abstract: A side bearing for a railway car wherein spaced, elongated, resilient elastomeric elements bias a unitary friction generating element of the side bearing in operative position, the friction generating element being a separate member which is maintained in frictional engagement with a car body wear plate to provide improvements in the magnitude and uniformity of frictional energy dissipation and to provide, in cooperation with the elastomeric elements, improved bearing performance through the deformation of the elastomeric elements under initial loading and under operating load conditions.

Abstract: A railway truck assembly having a bolster and side frames with a novel arrangement of solid lateral stops which limit movement of the bolster ends with respect to the side frames of the truck, the novel lateral stops also accommodating an improved column friction damping arrangement for such a railway truck assembly.

Abstract: A railway truck and a bearing adapter therefor which provides improved control of relative movement between a railway truck wheelset and the truck side frames supported thereby.

Abstract: A railway truck and more particularly a truck including a variable bias bolster friction assembly having an elongated retention spring which extends preferably between a side frame spring seat and an inner end portion of a downwardly opening spring pocket formed in a rigid friction shoe, the spring pocket extending upwardly therein to provide space for a maximum length retention spring in a variable bias friction assembly.

Abstract: An articulated rail car connector for joining the adjacent ends of rail car platforms which are supported on a common truck bolster, the connector including in one preferred embodiment a pair of nested center plates which support the adjacent car platforms upon such a truck bolster and which are longitudinally slideable with respect to one another, and a drawbar pivotally connected between the adjacent car platforms to transmit longitudinally directed buff and draft loads therebetween.

Abstract: A hydraulic snubber device and more particularly, a snubber adapted to be interposed in the spring group between a bolster and a side frame member and having a single primary operating cartridge which is selectively usable with a plurality of differing configuration snubber casings or envelopes for a variety of spring group positions; and, further, a snubber device which is operationally positionable within the center of a spring group and is captively retained therein solely by communication of the snubber casing thereof with laterally adjacent springs of such a spring group.

Abstract: An improved railway vehicle wheel profile and method for controlling the distribution of lubricant applied to the wheel flange in a manner to minimize contamination of the rail running surface with lubricant.

Abstract: A side bearing for a railway car having a pair of spaced elongated resilient elastomeric elements which bias the elements of the side bearing in operative position and which elements preferably have uppermost separate members which are effective for generating increased frictional dissipation of energy over the frictional energy dissipation available with an elastomeric element only and for providing, in cooperation with the elastomeric elements, improved bearing performance through the deformation of the elastomeric elements under initial loading and under operating loads.

Abstract: A resiliently deformable fender for controlling transverse movement of a railway vehicle draft gear follower block and for cushioning engagement between the follower block and the center sill of a railway car body.

Abstract: A side bearing for a railway car having a pair of spaced elongated resilient elastomeric elements which bias the elements of the side bearing in operative position and which elements preferably have uppermost separate members which are effective for generating increased frictional dissipation of energy over the frictional energy dissipation available with an elastomeric element only and for providing, in cooperation with the elastomeric elements, improved bearing performance through the deformation of the elastomeric elements under initial loading and under operating loads.