Abstract: A cover assembly for an open top railcar, the assembly having semi-rigid cover reversibly movable between a closed position atop the railcar and an open position alongside the railcar or separate from it. The cover may be connected to the railcar with hinge-latches or linkage arms which permit the cover to be held flat alongside the railcar in an open position, or removed from the railcar during loading and unloading. A load grooming device shapes the load of a loaded railcar to a selected contour. Opening and closing of covers may be continuous and automated, using curved tracks, cranes or mechanical arms to engage and open covers, and conveying devices or vehicles to handle covers during loading and unloading of railcars.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an open top railcar, the assembly having semi-rigid cover reversibly movable between a closed position atop the railcar and an open position alongside the railcar or separate from it. The cover may be connected to the railcar with hinge-latches or linkage arms which permit the cover to be held flat alongside the railcar in an open position, or removed from the railcar during loading and unloading. A load grooming device shapes the load of a loaded railcar to a selected contour. Opening and closing of covers may be continuous and automated, using curved tracks, cranes or mechanical arms to engage and open covers, and conveying devices or vehicles to handle covers during loading and unloading of railcars.

Abstract: A method for unloading a loaded railcar in a rotary dumper, comprising moving a railcar having a railcar cover into an unloading position within a dumper and bracing the railcar for inversion; rotating the railcar approximately 180 degrees in a forward direction while simultaneously rotating the cover about one longitudinal side sill of the railcar in a reverse direction into an open position; maintaining the railcar in an approximately inverted position until the load has been unloaded; rotating the inverted railcar in a reverse direction back into an upright position, while simultaneously rotating the railcar cover in a forward direction into a closed position atop the railcar; unbracing the railcar and moving it out of the rotary dumper. The method may include locking and unlocking the cover, and engaging and disengaging cover lifting components within the dumper.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an open top railcar, the assembly having semi-rigid cover reversibly movable between a closed position atop the railcar and an open position alongside the railcar or separate from it. The cover may be connected to the railcar with hinge-latches or linkage arms which permit the cover to be held flat alongside the railcar in an open position, or removed from the railcar during loading and unloading. A load grooming device shapes the load of a loaded railcar to a selected contour. Opening and closing of covers may be continuous and automated, using curved tracks, cranes or mechanical arms to engage and open covers, and conveying devices or vehicles to handle covers during loading and unloading of railcars.

Abstract: A cover for open top railcars may be alternatively locked into place over the railcar top opening, or rotated on hinges to either side of the railcar to provide access to the entire top of the railcar. The cover may be compressed against either side of the railcar to allow the car to move between structural or other elements of loading or unloading facilities.

Abstract: A cover for open top railcars may be alternatively locked into place over the railcar top opening, or rotated on hinges to either side of the railcar to provide access to the entire top of the railcar. The cover may be compressed against either side of the railcar to allow the car to move between structural or other elements of loading or unloading facilities.