Abstract: A method for making a railcar having a span bolster is disclosed. The method involves fabricating and joining the components of the span bolster in a manner such that a camber is built into span bolster. A camber is cut into longitudinal supports that span the length of the bolster. A jig is used to shape top and bottom plates prior to attaching the plates to the longitudinal supports, thus forming the bolster. Truck assemblies are attached to the bolster and a railcar body mounted to the combined unit.

Abstract: A method for making a railcar having a span bolster is disclosed. The method involves fabricating and joining the components of the span bolster in a manner such that a camber is built into span bolster. A camber is cut into longitudinal supports that span the length of the bolster. A jig is used to shape top and bottom plates prior to attaching the plates to the longitudinal supports, thus forming the bolster. Truck assemblies are attached to the bolster and a railcar body mounted to the combined unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple axle rail vehicle wherein the car body of the rail vehicle is provided with multiple center plate members at each end of the car body. Multiple trucks are attached to each end of the car body with each truck individually connected to a respective center plate. Connecting each truck to an individual center plate on the car body eliminates the span bolster permitting the rail vehicle to weigh less and have a lower deck height.

Abstract: A friction dampener can include a housing having one end slidably surrounding one end of a shaft movable relative thereto. Opposing ends of the housing and shaft can each having a connecting eye member for connection to separate independently movable elements. One or more friction elements can be carried by the shaft which frictionally engage inner surfaces of the housing. The friction elements can have inner and outer portions having different material properties. The housing can be adapted to generally maintain the pressure between the friction elements and the housing within a range of desirable pressures.

Abstract: A method for producing depressed center railcars involves a combination of casting and fabrication. Transition members of the railcar can be casted, preferably with interlocking ledges on the ends of the transition members. The center section can be fabricated from, preferably precambered, longitudinal stringers which can then be connected between the casted transition members via the interlocking ledges. Standard steel warehouse plates can be attached to the fabricated framework of longitudinal stringers to form the surface of the center section. The transition members can be cast with integral provision to accept a center plate member. The fabricated framework of stringers can include reinforcement members for added strength. The framework can also be constructed to allow for the placement of the parts of the brake system and other components on the underside of the railcar.

Abstract: A rail vehicle for transporting a long load over a railway route can have a depressed portion of the car body and a lift and shift apparatus mounted in the depressed portion which can vertically and horizontally adjust the long load on the rail vehicle. Generally, two such vehicles can be employed to support portions of the long load. The lift and shift apparatus can have a lifter/shifter mechanism provided in the depressed portion and can have hydraulic cylinders connected between the car body and the lifter/shifter for vertically adjusting the long load. An adapter receiver can be provided adjacent and slideable relative to the lifter/shifter. A saddle adapter can be provided adjacent to the adapter receiver. The saddle adapter can be rotatable relative to the adapter receiver. A saddle can be provided intermediate the saddle adapter and the long load.

Abstract: A friction dampener can include a housing having one end slidably surrounding one end of a shaft movable relative thereto. Opposing ends of the housing and shaft can each having a connecting eye member for connection to separate independently movable elements. One or more friction elements can be carried by the shaft which frictionally engage inner surfaces of the housing. The friction elements can have inner and outer portions having different material properties. The housing can be adapted to generally maintain the pressure between the friction elements and the housing within a range of desirable pressures.

Abstract: A method for producing depressed center railcars involves a combination of casting and fabrication. Transition members of the railcar can be casted, preferably with interlocking ledges on the ends of the transition members. The center section can be fabricated from, preferably precambered, longitudinal stringers which can then be connected between the casted transition members via the interlocking ledges. Standard steel warehouse plates can be attached to the fabricated framework of longitudinal stringers to form the surface of the center section. The transition members can be cast with integral provision to accept a center plate member. The fabricated framework of stringers can include reinforcement members for added strength. The framework can also be constructed to allow for the placement of the parts of the brake system and other components on the underside of the railcar.

Abstract: A cargo load dividing apparatus utilizing a pivotal gate which pivots from the side of the vehicle to extend generally transversely into a cargo area. The gate is lockable into the transverse position by engaging a gate locking assembly with the floor of the vehicle. Embodiments include those having metallic, cushioned and airbag surfaces adjacent the cargo. Systems in using plurality of gates on a single vehicle can use one or more gates extending partially along with width of the vehicle. Gates may be pivoted into a locked transversed position or be pivoted into a position adjacent the side wall of the vehicle.

Abstract: A railway vehicle having twelve wheel and axle assemblies grouped into six 2-axle truck assemblies. Three truck assemblies are mounted on each of two span bolsters which in turn are mounted on opposite ends of a railway vehicle. All of the truck assemblies are rotatably mounted to the span bolster and the span bolster is rotatably mounted to the rail vehicle. The center assembly can be rotatably mounted about an axis common with the axis of the center plate of the span bolster. In some embodiments the spring assembly on the center truck assembly of each span bolster is lighter than the spring assemblies on the other truck assemblies mounted to the same bolster. In some embodiments the center truck assembly can move laterally more than the other truck assemblies on the span bolster.