Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a trailer hitch is provided including a vertical strut and a diagonal strut which support a hitch head or fifth wheel adapted to engage the kingpin of a highway trailer. Removable pins are provided at the base of the vertical strut to enable the hitch to be pivoted to the retracted position. The vertical strut includes a pair of lifting lugs located on either side of the hitch head and which are each adapted to receive a strong, flexible connection from an overhead crane. The lugs are located inboard of the combined center of mass of the hitch head and the vertical strut toward the diagonal strut a distance sufficient to cause the vertical strut to pivot inboard toward the diagonal strut when the hitch is lifted by the crane.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a coating of cadmium applied to a container pedestal latch protuberance lowers the maximum exit force sufficiently as to be within the 2200 pound maximum in the AAR specification while the minimum exit force of 1600 pounds and the maximum container entry force of 800 pounds were also within the specification.

Abstract: In a railway trailer hitch, a wear resistant and crack resistant insert is removably attached to a fixed portion of the head which is subject to wear or cracking in service. The insert is made of a material which reduces or avoids wear and cracking of the fixed portion. If wear or cracking does occur, it tends to take place in the insert. An old insert can be easily and quickly removed and a new insert inserted into the head so that the hitch is not taken out of service to repair or replace the top plate.

Abstract: In a railway trailer hitch, a wear resistant and crack resistant insert is removably attached to a fixed portion of the head which is subject to wear or cracking in service. The insert is made of a material which reduces or avoids wear and cracking of the fixed portion. If wear or cracking does occur, it tends to take place in the insert. An old insert can be easily and quickly removed and a new insert inserted into the head so that the hitch is not taken out of service to repair or replace the top plate.

Abstract: A tank car head shield assembly is provided including a tank car head shield and structure for fastening the base of the head shield to the stub sill or center sill at the ends of the tank car. A pair of longitudinally extending supports connect the upper portion of the head shield on opposite sides of the car with portions of the tank car support structure located longitudinally inwardly from the tank head shield, for example, to the end sill, side sill, or to the bolster caps. The supports are connected to the head shield on the outboard side of the head shield. The supports may pass through openings in the head shield or the support members may be bent around the shield to the outboard side. A pair of supports or a single support having bends on either end of the shield may be used. The support(s) are attached to the shield by welding or mechanical fasteners. The support(s) are connected to the tank car support structure by a weldment, a clevis and/or a tube within a tube.