Abstract: A safety barrier comprises a plurality of posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway, each post having a cross section defined in part by a web and a pair of legs extending therefrom. Additionally, each post has one slot formed in the web of the post extending from an upper end of the post. A first cable and a second cable are releasably engaged with and supported by the posts and disposed within each slot between the respective legs of each post. A third cable and a fourth cable are each coupled to an exterior surface of the posts. The posts and the first, second, third and fourth cables cooperate to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises an underframe and at least one hopper. The hopper is configured to transport a lading material. A longitudinal sliding gate assembly is coupled to the hopper and comprises: a pair of side walls coupled to a pair of end walls forming a discharge opening; a pair of tracks, one coupled to each end wall; a sliding gate slidably coupled to the pair of tracks; and a threaded drive screw coupled to the sliding gate and to the pair of side walls. Rotation of the threaded drive screw in a first direction moves the sliding gate along the tracks to an open position that permits the lading material to discharge, and rotation of the threaded drive screw in an opposite direction moves the sliding gate along the tracks to a closed position that restricts the lading material from discharging.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises an interior wall and guard strips magnetically coupled to the interior wall. Each of the guard strips comprises a cushioning material for absorbing impact. The guard strips are configured to prevent an object loaded in the railcar from contacting the interior wall. The railcar further comprises protected magnetic fastening systems coupling each of the guard strips to the interior wall. Each of the protected magnetic fastening systems comprises a magnet and a rod comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the magnet, and the second end extends through the guard strip. The protected magnetic fastening system may further comprise a cup washer coupled to the second end of the rod and secured with a fastener. The cup washer partially surrounds the fastener to restrict objects larger than the cup washer from contacting the fastener.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a compression strut comprises a first strut body comprising a threaded end and a hollow end, and a second strut body comprising a threaded end and a shaped end. The hollow end of the first strut body is slidably coupled to the shaped end of the second strut body. A spring is disposed between the first strut body and the second strut body configured to resist longitudinal compression of the compression strut. The first strut body is rotationally coupled to the second strut body so that rotation of the first strut body also rotates the second strut body and rotation of the second strut body also rotates the first strut body. A first ball end is threaded to the first strut body and a second ball end is threaded to the second strut body.

Abstract: A gusset is capable of providing reinforcement in tank cars, particularly for nozzles in tank cars. A tank car includes a body having a curved wall portion, a nozzle opening formed in the wall, a reinforcing pad disposed on the wall, adjacent to the nozzle, and a gusset configured to support the nozzle. The gusset includes a portion of a cylinder having a predetermined radius. The portion of the cylinder includes a first edge disposed adjacent to a circumferential surface of the nozzle and a second edge disposed adjacent to a circumferential surface of the reinforcing pad, such that an axis of the portion of the cylinder intersects an axis of the nozzle at a predetermined angle. The predetermined radius and the predetermined angle are configured such that an arc of the portion of the cylinder extends less than approximately 180 degrees.

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 system includes a strap assembly positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle and configured to be coupled to a deck of a transport, and a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly. The system also includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport including a winch assembly axel configured to be coupled to the mandrel assembly. The winch assembly is configured to engage the winch assembly axel to prevent rotation of the mandrel assembly in a first rotational direction to produce a tension force to secure the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system further includes a tightening assembly configured to rotate the mandrel assembly in a second rotational direction to produce a tightening force to tighten the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system additionally includes a release mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments provide trailer apparatus, and methods such trailer apparatus, for transporting an elongated utility pole from a loading location to an unloading location, the trailer apparatus including a major frame assembly, a carrying bay, at least one wheel for supporting the trailer apparatus for rolling movement, and lifting apparatus supported by the major frame assembly, the lifting apparatus being selectively operable for lifting the utility pole between a ground storage position and a transport position, and for lowering the same.

Abstract: A method comprising removing a roof from a railcar, the railcar comprising a plurality of top chords, coupling an outer portion of a replacement roof to one or more of the plurality of top chords, the outer portion comprising a frame and a first plurality of panels, and coupling an inner portion of the replacement roof to the frame of the outer portion of the replacement roof after coupling the outer portion to one or more of the plurality of top chords, the inner portion comprising a second plurality of panels.

Abstract: A system for covering a railcar includes a first set and a second set of structural members coupled to a railcar. The structural members are configured to move between a loading position, an unloading positing, and a covered position. The system includes a plurality of cover portions, each coupled to a structural member of the first set and a structural member of the second set. In the loading position, at least one of the first set and at least one of second set are proximate longitudinal sides of the railcar. In the unloading position, at least one of the first set and at least one of second set are proximate a longitudinal center line of the railcar. In the covered position, the first set are proximate the longitudinal center line of the railcar, and the second set are proximate the longitudinal sides of the railcar.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accumulating air in an auxiliary reservoir of a railroad car are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may include charging an air brake system. Air pressure in the air brake system may reach a predetermined value. Once this predetermined value is reached, additional or excess air may be bled from the air brake system and the additional or excess air may accumulate in an auxiliary reservoir. The auxiliary reservoir may be adapted to supply air to an auxiliary cylinder or other types of pneumatic components or equipment.

Abstract: Embodiments provide apparatus for supporting at least one utility cable for spanning above ground, the apparatus comprising a centrifugally cast prestressed concrete pole, a structural adapter, and a cable support structure including an open lattice frame.

Abstract: A system for coupling equipment components includes a magnetic coupling assembly. The magnetic coupling assembly couples a tooth point to an adapter. The magnetic coupling assembly is received at least partially within a recess formed in the adapter. The magnetic coupling assembly includes an insert and a magnetic coupler. The insert is placed within the recess of the adapter, and the insert includes an internal recess. The magnetic coupler is received within the internal recess of the insert.

Abstract: Hopper cars both open and covered and discharge control systems are disclosed. Each hopper car may include at least one hopper and a center sill which defines in part a longitudinal axis of the hopper car. At least one discharge opening may be formed proximate a lower portion of each hopper. A respective door assembly may be pivotally mounted adjacent to each discharge opening to control the flow of lading from the respective discharge opening. Each discharge control system may include a common linkage and associated secondary linkages operable to move associated door assemblies between a first position and a second position. A power source including a motor, an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder may be disposed on the railway car to move the common linkage. For other hopper cars a wayside drive system may be releasably engaged with a capstan operable coupled to the common linkage.

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: According to some embodiments, a winch apparatus comprises a winch housing and a winch drum rotationally mounted to the housing. The winch drum is configured to rotate around its vertical axis. The winch drum comprises a slotted keyhole for coupling a winch line to the winch drum. The slotted keyhole comprises an opening at a first end configured to receive the winch line positioned in the slotted keyhole and an opening at a second end configured to retain the winch line. A longitudinal axis of the slotted keyhole is offset from horizontal.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision.

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: In a tie down system and method for securing a vehicle tire to a wire grate, a slotted overlay panel rest on top of the wire grate. A clevis assembly having one end of a tire trap assembly attached thereto is provided along with the winch assembly having a winch for receiving an opposite end of the tire strap assembly. Each of the clevis assembly and winch assembly have a T hook with a T portion which is insertable through a respective slot of the overlay panel.

Abstract: A gusset is capable of providing reinforcement in tank cars, particularly for nozzles in tank cars. A tank car includes a body having a curved wall portion, a nozzle opening formed in the wall, a reinforcing pad disposed on the wall, adjacent to the nozzle, and a gusset configured to support the nozzle. The gusset includes a portion of a cylinder having a predetermined radius. The portion of the cylinder includes a first edge disposed adjacent to a circumferential surface of the nozzle and a second edge disposed adjacent to a circumferential surface of the reinforcing pad, such that an axis of the portion of the cylinder intersects an axis of the nozzle at a predetermined angle. The predetermined radius and the predetermined angle are configured such that an arc of the portion of the cylinder extends less than approximately 180 degrees.