Patents by Inventor Joseph C. Lightner, Jr.

Joseph C. Lightner, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Railway freight car
    Patent number: 5584252
    Abstract: A railway car (10) is provided. Railway car (10) comprises hopper assemblies (18) having floor panels (22, 24, 26, and 28) that are angled at approximately 40.degree. or less. Floor panels (22, 24, 26, and 28) are fabricated from an aluminum material such that cargo may slide down floor panels (22, 24, 26, and 28) and exit hopper assembly (18) through an outlet (20) with relative ease while maximizing volume. Aerodynamic side posts (54) and improved side plates (58 and 60) which prevent water from entering hoppers (18) are also provided. An improved hatch (56), having first and second coaming portions (88 and 86) that are formed by a single extrusion process, is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Smith, Joseph C. Lightner, Jr.