Abstract: A hopper car in which the body has vertical end walls and side walls each comprising a sloping lower portion and a vertical upper portion. The two sloping lower portions converge downwardly and their horizontal lower edges define a discharge opening. One of these edges lies in a horizontal plane which is at a different level to the plane containing the other lower edge. The angle of slope of one lower portion is different to the angle of slope of the other lower portion. Additionally, the horizontal plane containing the line of convergence between the one lower portion and its associated upper portion lies in a different horizontal plane to the corresponding line of convergence of the other side wall. An arcuate door carrying a laterally protruding operating arm closes-off the discharge opening.

Abstract: Vessel comprising two hull sections, pivotably connected together by hinges positioned above the center of the vessel and above the center of gravity of the separate hull sections. The vessel comprises a propulsion installation with one single propeller. The propeller shaft direction is parallel to the center line of the vessel within the central dividing plane of the vessel. Those parts of the hull sections determining the hold are joined through edges determined by the central dividing plane. Near the parts of both hull sections into or onto which the propulsion installation is positioned the hull sections are adjoined on a plane positioned at a distance from the central dividing plane such that the transverse cross sections of both hull sections are unequal. The propulsion installation is housed in the larger section.

Abstract: A bottom discharge hopper rail car has a hopper body mounted on a chassis which is itself supported on flanged wheels. The body has a pair of downwardly converging, laterally spaced side walls with longitudinally extending lower edges which border a discharge opening. The spacing between the lower edges of the sidewalls is greater than the lateral distance between the wheels as wider openings can facilitate discharge. In practice, the wheels have outer flange surfaces adjacent to rail-engaging surfaces for resting on the rails, and the spacing between the lower edges of the side walls is preferably greater than the distance between these outer flange surfaces. The side walls are asymmetrical with respect to a longitudinal vertical plane passing centrally between the wheels as this can inhibit bridging during discharge.

Abstract: A hopper car structure having a hopper body with a discharge opening at the bottom. A pivotally hung door having an arcuate base plate normally closes said opening and an arm is pivotally mounted on the door. A roller is carried by the arm on its free end and is intended to engage a ramp. The arm, in the closed condition of the door, has an abutment surface thereof spaced downwardly from an abutment surface of the door. When said roller engages an upwardly inclined ramp, the arm pivots upwardly with respect to the door until the abutment surface of the arm engages the abutment surface of the door. The door and arm then swing together about the pivotal mountings of the door to the open position of the door. The arm is locked against movement while the door is in its closed position and the abutment surface of the arm is spaced below the abutment surface of the door.

Abstract: A rail vehicle is disclosed which includes a bottom discharge hopper supported on an elongated, rectangular base frame. A bogie frame is provided beneath the base frame at each end thereof, the bogie frames carrying the vehicle wheels. Each bogie frame comprises two laterally spaced longitudinal members and a transverse member. Bearings are provided between the bogie frame members and the longitudinal and transverse members of the rectangular base frame. These bearings comprise rolling elements in arcuate grooves, the grooves being generated about the vertical pivotal axis of the adjacent bogie frame. Pins are provided which extend downwardly from the base frame and through arcuate slots in the bogie frames. The pins have structures at their lower ends for preventing upward withdrawal thereof through said slots. The slots are generated about the pivotal axis of the adjacent bogie frame.