Abstract: A cushioning device includes a first housing with a first wall, a first extremity, a first open end and a first hollow interior. A second housing includes a second wall, a second extremity, a second open end and a second hollow interior, the second hollow interior sized to receive the first wall therewithin. A spring is disposed within each of the first and second hollow interiors between the first extremity and the second extremity. The first and the second housings are designed for a reciprocal linear movement relative to each other between a first position where the first open end being disposed at a distance from the second extremity and a second position where the first open end being disposed in a direct contact with the second extremity. The cushioning device may be installed within a sill of a railcar to cushion buff or draft forces from a coupler.

Abstract: An articulated rail coupler comprises a base member, a female connecting member, a male connecting member, a bearing race, a first bearing seated within the bearing race and defining a vertical axis of rotation, and a second or a coupler bearing configured and sized to be received within a truck bogie bearing bowl. The male connecting member is allowed to rotate relative to the female connecting member about the vertical axis of rotation in a range of about ninety degrees, when the male connecting member and the female connecting member are coupled therebetween by the first bearing.

Abstract: An articulated rail coupler comprises a base member, a female connecting member, a male connecting member, a bearing race, a first bearing seated within the bearing race and defining a vertical axis of rotation, and a second or a coupler bearing configured and sized to be received within a truck bogie bearing bowl. The male connecting member is allowed to rotate relative to the female connecting member about the vertical axis of rotation in a range of about ninety degrees, when the male connecting member and the female connecting member are coupled therebetween by the first bearing.

Abstract: An articulated rail coupler comprises a base member, a female connecting member, a male connecting member, a bearing race, a first bearing seated within the bearing race and defining a vertical axis of rotation, and a second or a coupler bearing configured and sized to be received within a truck bogie bearing bowl. The male connecting member is allowed to rotate relative to the female connecting member about the vertical axis of rotation in a range of about ninety degrees, when the male connecting member and the female connecting member are coupled therebetween by the first bearing.

Abstract: A hatch cover lock comprises a front member including a pair of flanges, a rear member positioned between the pair of flanges; a gap defined between front member and the rear member; a clamp defining a J-shaped cross-section in a plane normal to a length thereof, the clamp having one leg thereof disposed in the gap and having another leg thereof disposed parallel to an outer surface of the rear member and at a distance therefrom, a handle, a first pivotal connection between the handle and the front member, a gravity lock, a second pivotal connection between the gravity lock and the handle, and a weld-free connection between the main portion of the rear member and the main portion of the front member.

Abstract: A slack adjuster for railroad car braking system is provided. The slack adjuster includes a first jaw positioned at a first end of the slack adjuster and a second jaw positioned at a second end of the slack adjuster. A rod assembly is attached to the first jaw and a tube is attached to the second jaw. A nut assembly is provided for transferring a force between the rod assembly and the tube. One or more components configured to bear an axial load of the slack adjuster are attached to the tube by crimping at least a portion of the tube into a groove defined in an outer surface of such component.

Abstract: A hatch cover lock comprises a front member including a pair of flanges, a rear member positioned between the pair of flanges; a gap defined between front member and the rear member; a clamp defining a J-shaped cross-section in a plane normal to a length thereof, the clamp having one leg thereof disposed in the gap and having another leg thereof disposed parallel to an outer surface of the rear member and at a distance therefrom, a handle, a first pivotal connection between the handle and the front member, a gravity lock, a second pivotal connection between the gravity lock and the handle, and a weld-free connection between the main portion of the rear member and the main portion of the front member.

Abstract: A brake actuator assembly for a railway vehicle braking system includes a pair of end members spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the brake actuator assembly, a hollow flexible elastomeric member, two peripheral flanges extending outwardly from ends of the hollow flexible elastomeric member. Two retaining members, apertures and fasteners are employed for attaching each peripheral flange directly to a respectively positioned end member. The brake actuator assembly is connected to a source of fluid under pressure enabling inflation of the flexible elastomeric member and initiation of a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The brake actuator assembly of the instant invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions.

Abstract: A compressible spring for at least absorbing and dissipating energy includes a plurality of elastomeric pads disposed coaxially and in series with each other and a plurality of separator plates, with each plate being disposed between a pair of the adjacent pads. A plurality of first prongs are formed integrally with or secured to a first surface of each separator plate for attaching the plate to one pad and a plurality of second prongs are formed integrally with or secured to a second surface for attaching the plate to an opposed pad. An axial aperture is also formed through each plate with prongs positioned in an alternating manner on a peripheral edge of the axial aperture. Projections may be also provided on each surface of the plate and adapted with an axial aperture that continues through the plate for additional attachment of the plate to the pair of pads.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

Abstract: A compressible resilient elastomeric pad includes a body defining a central axis, the body formed from a predetermined material and having each of a peripheral side surface, a first axial end and a second axial end, each of the first and second axial ends having a flat surface thereof disposed normal to such central axis. A first raised projection is centrally formed on the flat surface of the first axial end and a second raised projection is centrally formed on the flat surface of the second axial end. A first groove is formed in the flat surface of the first axial end in abutting relationship with a peripheral side surface of the first projection and a second groove is formed in the flat surface of the second axial end in abutting relationship with a peripheral side surface of the second projection.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly which is mountable within a yoke of the railway vehicle for cushioning buff and draft dynamic impact forces encountered during make-up and operation of a railway vehicle includes a compressible spring positioned intermediate the front coupler follower and the rear follower in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the yoke. A pair of axially aligned compressible springs may be also provided being either separated by a center plate or by a wall of the yoke.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly for cushioning both buff and draft dynamic impact forces being applied to a center sill member of a railway vehicle includes a housing member closed at one end and open at an opposed end, the housing member having a rear portion adjacent the closed end and a front portion adjacent the open end. At least one compressible elastomeric spring is positioned within the rear portion and has a rear end thereof abutting at least a portion of an inner surface of the closed end. A friction clutch mechanism is also provided in abutting engagement with each of the front end of the compressible elastomeric spring and the coupler shank. The housing member may be provided with a pair of ledge portions disposed intermediate its ends and attachment members disposed on the open end for attaching the housing member directly to the coupler shank.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft dynamic impact forces being applied to a center sill member of the railway vehicle during make-up of a train consist and in-track operation of such train consist includes a resilient cushioning member and a friction mechanism both axially mounted within the yoke with the friction mechanism positioned between the front end of the resilient cushioning member and the front coupler follower. A pair of the resilient cushioning members with the friction mechanism mounted therebetween may also be provided.

Abstract: A housing for a railway car draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft shocks includes a rear portion engageable with the rear stops of such railway car and a front portion configured for attachment to a coupler arm. Opposed ends of the front and rear portions are provided with complimentary flanges for removable attachment of the front portion to the rear portion with threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A housing for a railway car draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft shocks includes a rear portion engageable with the rear stops of such railway car and a front portion configured for attachment to a coupler arm. Opposed ends of the front and rear portions are provided with complimentary flanges for removable attachment of the front portion to the rear portion with threaded fasteners.

Abstract: An air spring actuated brake assembly for a railway vehicle braking system is provided which comprises an air spring disposed between a mounting member for attachment to the rigid structure of the braking system and a push rod attached thereto for longitudinal movement in an outward direction upon actuation thereof to initiate a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The air spring actuated brake assembly of the present invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions. Additionally the air spring actuated brake assembly of the invention allows for the visual inspection and simple replacement of an inflatable spring should an air leak in the actuator occur. Currently used brake assemblies employing cylinder type actuators may be retrofitted with the air spring actuator of the invention.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric pad from a preselected polymer material includes the steps of providing a preform including a substantially solid body having a predetermined cross-section disposed normal to a central axis of the preform and a pair of axial ends, each having a substantially flat surface disposed normal to the central axis and a central socket formed within at least one substantially flat surface. Next, providing a pair of forming plates, at least one of the pair of forming plates having a raised annular ring and an axially aligned cavity provided on one surface thereof. Then, positioning the preform between the pair of forming plates and axially aligning the exterior peripheral edge of the annular ring with a peripheral edge of a respective central socket. Finally, forming the pad and removing the pad from engagement with the pair of forming plates.