Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory machine-readable media for configuring a device remote monitoring and for detecting railcar events are disclosed. In one or more example embodiments, a device for detecting railcar events includes a controller having one or more processors, a data array, an accelerometer, and memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller receive, from a server, a cryptographic authentication key, determine an electronic mailbox associated with a device configuration for the device, obtain, based on periodically checking the electronic mailbox, the device configuration, authenticate; using the cryptographic authentication key, the device configuration; and perform, based on the device configuration, an update to the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for task distribution and tracking in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a method includes obtaining, by a task tracking server system, damage data indicating damage to a component of a rail car, determining, by the task tracking server system, a location of the damage on the component, determining, by the task tracking server system, task data based on the indicated damage and the component, wherein the task data indicates a repair to the component to correct the indicated damage, obtaining, by the task tracking server system and from a third-party database, ownership data indicating a responsible party for the component and a responsible party for the rail car, and generating, by the task tracking server system, a work order including the damage data and the task data.

Abstract: A machining fixture for semi-automatically reconditioning an articulated connector is provided. The fixture comprises a housing having at least two side walls, a top plate having a first opening connecting the side walls, and a bottom plate connecting the side walls, the side walls, top plate, and bottom plate defining an interior space. The fixture also includes a clamping mechanism attached to at least one of the side walls, the clamping mechanism comprising a curved hook portion, the curved hook portion being laterally adjustable.

Abstract: An end hose support assembly for a rail car is disclosed. The end hose support assembly may include a rear support bracket configured to be removably engaged within a yoke and the support assembly may constrain the lateral and vertical movement of a portion of the trainline.

Abstract: A system and method for reconditioning railcar side frames including an overhead conveyer system, a railcar side frame holder, where the side frame is secured in the side frame holder, where the side frame holder is movably engaged with the overhead conveyer. The side frame and side frame holder are moved along the conveyer to a plurality of stations to perform operations such as welding and grinding. The side frame holder enables the side frame to be rotated 360 degrees while secured in the side frame holder. The side frame holder includes a fixed side arm, a movable side arm, and a pair of frame guides.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning a railcar connector is provided. The method comprises machining a portion of a casting to create a wear plate application surface, positioning a plate on the wear plate application surface, and welding the wear plate to the wear plate application surface.

Abstract: A method for semi-automatically reconditioning a railcar articulated connector that comprises a male portion including a parent casting material is provided. The method comprises applying weld material to a male portion of an articulated connector, mounting a housing mounting a housing defining an interior space to the male portion, the male connector within the interior space, centering and stabilizing the fixture laterally on the male portion, inserting a clamping mechanism attached to the housing within an opening of the male connector to affix the housing to the male portion, securing the clamping mechanism to a surface of the male portion, and automatically machining at least a portion of the weld and/or parent casting material.

Abstract: A superstructure for a railcar comprising at least a first side assembly, a roof extending from the first side assembly and being comprised of at least a first top chord extending inwardly and upwardly from the first side assembly and a first top chord stiffener comprised of at least a first leg and a second leg. The first and second legs are disposed at a right angle to each other, and the first top chord stiffener is attached to the first top chord and the first side assembly.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning a railcar articulated connector is provided. The method comprises the steps of marking a surface of a portion of an articulated connector to divide the surface into sections, pre-heating the surface of a portion of an articulated connector, adding weld to a first section of the pre-heated portion of the articulated connector, and adding weld to a second section of the pre-heated portion of the articulated connector.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning a railcar connector is provided. The method comprises machining a portion of a casting to create a wear plate application surface, positioning a wear plate on the wear plate application surface, and welding the wear plate to the wear plate application surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a portion on an articulated connector relative to a reference portion of said connector is provided. The apparatus comprises a fixable base mountable to the connector against the reference portion of the connector, an arm pivotally mounted to the base and extendable toward the portion of the connector, the arm having a measurement portion, the measurement portion movable across at least a section of the portion of the connector, and a rotating component connected to a mounting piece.

Abstract: A method for semi-automatically reconditioning a railcar articulated connector that comprises a male portion including a parent casting material is provided. The method comprises applying weld material to a male portion of an articulated connector, mounting a housing mounting a housing defining an interior space to the male portion, the male connector within the interior space, centering and stabilizing the fixture laterally on the male portion, inserting a clamping mechanism attached to the housing within an opening of the male connector to affix the housing to the male portion, securing the clamping mechanism to a surface of the male portion, and automatically machining at least a portion of the weld and/or parent casting material.

Abstract: A superstructure for a railcar comprising at least a first side assembly, a roof extending from the first side assembly and being comprised of at least a first top chord extending inwardly and upwardly from the first side assembly and a first top chord stiffener comprised of at least a first leg and a second leg. The first and second legs are disposed at a right angle to each other, and the first top chord stiffener is attached to the first top chord and the first side assembly.

Abstract: A method of shortening an end of a well car includes removing a plurality of parts that would inhibit the shortening process; cutting a shear plate and a set of side sill angles at a location on the well side of the end assembly; detaching the end assembly from a main body of the well car; on each side of the main body: cutting the top tube at a location above a monument plate that is just beyond a reinforcement plate attached to the monument plate; cutting through a weld between the monument and reinforcement plates and a side sheet; cutting through the side sheet generally at the attachment location of the monument and reinforcement plates; and cutting the shear plate of the main body with a contoured cut such that the remaining shear plate has a contoured pattern substantially matching the cut shear plate under the removed end assembly.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning a railcar connector is provided. The method comprises machining a portion of a casting to create a wear plate application surface, positioning a wear plate on the wear plate application surface, and welding the wear plate to the wear plate application surface.

Abstract: An adjustable bulkhead for a railcar is provided. The adjustable bulkhead is releasably attachable to the railcar. The adjustable bulkhead is adjustable between a plurality of positions along the length of the railcar relative to the end of the railcar. The adjustable bulkhead includes a support structure, a reinforcement mechanism, and a stabilizing mechanism.

Abstract: A machining fixture for semi-automatically reconditioning an articulated connector is provided. The fixture comprises a housing having at least two side walls, a top plate having a first opening connecting the side walls, and a bottom plate connecting the side walls, the side walls, top plate, and bottom plate defining an interior space. The fixture also includes a clamping mechanism attached to at least one of the side walls, the clamping mechanism comprising a curved hook portion, the curved hook portion being laterally adjustable.

Abstract: A constant contact side bearing (CCSB) for use between a truck and car of a rail car that includes a generally hollow housing that includes a closed bottom end and an open top end. An attachment member is attached to an outside surface of the housing and is positioned in a center region between the top end and the bottom end. A resilient member is positioned inside the housing, and a cap is fitted over resilient member and is sized relative to the housing to enable slidibly moving into the housing.

Abstract: A channel and anchor assembly includes a channel and an anchor. The channel has a generally c-shaped cross-section that includes first and second upper extensions that define a plurality of openings, first and second side edges connected at first ends to the first and second upper extensions, respectively, and a lower cross member that extends between second ends of the first and the second side edges. The first and the second upper extensions lie in substantially a first plane, and the lower cross member lies in substantially a second plane that is separated from the first plane by a distance sized to allow an anchor member to be inserted into the channel. The openings are sized and positioned to receive complementary protrusions extending from the anchor member. The anchor includes a substantially rectangular lower planar member configured to enter the channel. A plurality of protrusions extend from a top surface of the lower planar member.

Abstract: A method of shortening an end of a well car includes removing a plurality of parts that would inhibit the shortening process; cutting a shear plate and a set of side sill angles at a location on the well side of the end assembly; detaching the end assembly from a main body of the well car; on each side of the main body: cutting the top tube at a location above a monument plate that is just beyond a reinforcement plate attached to the monument plate; cutting through a weld between the monument and reinforcement plates and a side sheet; cutting through the side sheet generally at the attachment location of the monument and reinforcement plates; and cutting the shear plate of the main body with a contoured cut such that the remaining shear plate has a contoured pattern substantially matching the cut shear plate under the removed end assembly.