Abstract: A light control film comprises a light input surface and a light output surface opposite the light input surface. Alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions are disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30 and the alternating transmissive region and absorptive regions have a relative transmission at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 75%.

Abstract: A light control film is described comprising alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between a light input surface and a light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30. In some embodiments, the alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions have a transmission as measured with a spectrophotometer at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 35, 40, 45, or 50% for a wavelength of the range 320-400 nm (UV) and/or at least 65, 70, 75, or 80% for a wavelength of the range 700-1400 nm (NIR). In another embodiment, the absorptive regions block light at the light input surface and light output surface and the maximum surface area that is blocked is less than 20% of the total alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions. Also described are various optical communication systems comprising the light control films described herein and methods.

Abstract: A retractable stanchion for supporting a semi-trailer during transport on a deck of a railcar is provided. The stanchion includes a rear guide support assembly, a diagonal support strut coupled to said rear guide support assembly, and a vertical support strut operatively connected to said diagonal support strut. The vertical support strut an outer frame, an inner frame, and a moveable pull-up assembly. The outer frame includes an outer frame first end and an outer frame second end. The outer frame first end is pivotally mounted to the deck of the railcar. The inner frame is coupled to and disposed within the outer frame. The moveable pull-up assembly includes a pull-up assembly first end and a pull-up assembly second end, wherein the pull-up assembly first end is pivotally coupled to and substantially disposed within the inner frame, and wherein the pull-up assembly is configured to be engaged by a tractor hook and moved from an engagement position to a pull position.

Abstract: A retractable stanchion for supporting a semi-trailer during transport on a deck of a railcar is provided. The stanchion includes a rear guide support assembly, a diagonal support strut coupled to said rear guide support assembly, and a vertical support strut operatively connected to said diagonal support strut. The vertical support strut an outer frame, an inner frame, and a moveable pull-up assembly. The outer frame includes an outer frame first end and an outer frame second end. The outer frame first end is pivotally mounted to the deck of the railcar. The inner frame is coupled to and disposed within the outer frame. The moveable pull-up assembly includes a pull-up assembly first end and a pull-up assembly second end, wherein the pull-up assembly first end is pivotally coupled to and substantially disposed within the inner frame, and wherein the pull-up assembly is configured to be engaged by a tractor hook and moved from an engagement position to a pull position.

Abstract: A retractable trailer hitch (1) for use on an intermodal railcar (C) supports an over-the-road trailer (T) of the railcar when the hitch is in its raised position. The hitch includes a hitch head (3) which is releasably securable to the king pin (K) of the trailer. The hitch head is supported by a first or generally vertical support strut (9) and by a second or a diagonal support strut (7), both of these struts being pivotally connected to the hitch head. The lower end of the first strut is pivotally secured in fixed position to the railcar and the lower end of the second strut is selectively locked in a fixed position with respect to the railcar when the hitch is in its raised position. A latch mechanism is carried on the lower end of the second strut so as to positively maintain the hitch in its raised position.

Abstract: A retarder (97) for a railcar hitch (1) is disclosed. The hitch has an erected and a retracted position and the retarder slows movement of the hitch towards its retracted position. The retarder comprises a cylinder (99) fixedly mounted on a railcar. A piston (101) is movable in the cylinder. A rod (115) attaches the piston to the movable hitch element so that preferably only axial loads act on the piston during operation of the hitch. The fluid compressed in one end of the cylinder by the piston is bled (metered) from the one end of the cylinder so as to control the rate of movement of the movable element during hitch retraction.

Abstract: A protective cover (163) for a trailer hitch (1) for use on a railcar (C). The hitch has a support (7), a hitch head (3) carried by the support, a locking mechanism (49) for latching the hitch in an upright, erect position, and a release mechanism (90) for allowing the hitch to retract. The cover comprises a plate (165) substantially covering at least a portion of the support, the locking mechanism, and the release mechanism. One end of the plate is pivotally mounted relative to the railcar and the other end of the plate cammingly engages the hitch support so that as the hitch is erected and retracted, the plate moves with the support and covers at least a portion of the support, the locking mechanism and the release mechanism.

Abstract: A fluidation kit for retrofit installation on a pneumatic outlet for a railway covered hopper car is disclosed. The outlet includes an outlet pan having downwardly sloping walls. The kit includes at least one air permeable fluidizing membrane on the inside face of the outlet pan wall to fluidize a powdered or pulverant lading. An externally mounted manifold assembly is attached to outside surfaces of the outlet pan for connecting the air permeable fluidizing membranes on the inside surfaces of the downwardly sloping walls of the outlet pan to a source of fluidizing air. The air permeable fluidizing membrane is supported in a peripheral extending frame member which supports the air permeable fluidizing membranes a small predetermined distance above the sloping wall surfaces to provide a plenum therebetween for diffusing fluidizing air throughout the entire extent of the air permeable fluidizing membrane.