Abstract: A bimodal container chassis for supporting a container during roadway and railway transit includes a mainframe having first and second ends, a top edge and a bottom angled edge. The bottom angled edge is positioned at an angle from horizontal. A running gear attachment is connected to the mainframe and slidable along the bottom angled edge in first and second directions between an over-the-road position and an over-the-rail position. The first direction is upward and toward the first end and the second direction is downward and toward the second end such that the running gear attachment is disposed adjacent the second end when in the over-the-road position and disposed upward relative to the over-the-road position and toward the first end when in the over-the-rail position.

Abstract: The improved intermodal vehicle has a one-piece upper frame assembly with a horizontal load carrying surface below the ends of a drawbar for connecting the trailers. Each highway trailer has a coupler socket assembly at both its front and rear into which the drawbar enters and connects to the intermodal vehicle by a vertical coupling pin projecting upward from the horizontal load carrying surface. The coupling pin is operated up and down by either manual or air operated actuators, and locks in the up position by a manually operated safety latch. The upper frame is supported from dual steerable lower frames by primary air springs so that when the springs are deflated, the upper frame is lowered to allow the trailers to be pushed upon the load carrying surface. When the air springs are inflated, the trailers are raised so that the trailer wheels are carried above the railroad track.

Abstract: Refinements and improvements in intermodal rail vehicles for making up a train of highway trailers are shown. The improved intermodal vehicle has a one-piece upper frame assembly (26) with a horizontal load carrying surface below the ends of a drawbar for connecting the trailers. Each highway trailer has a coupler socket assembly at both its front and rear into which the drawbar enters and is connected to the intermodal vehicle by a vertical coupling pin projecting upward from the horizontal load carrying surface. The upper frame is supported from dual steerable lower frames (28) by primary air springs (90). A backup suspension system is provided so as to support the upper frame in the event of failure of the primary air springs. A transition rail vehicle for adapting the unit train of trailers is provided, incorporating the necessary features of the intermediate intermodal vehicles heretofore described.

Abstract: The improved intermodal vehicle has a one-piece upper frame assembly with a horizontal load carrying surface below the ends of a drawbar for connecting the trailers. Each highway trailer has a coupler socket assembly at both its front and rear into which the drawbar enters and connects to the intermodal vehicle by a vertical coupling pin projecting upward from the horizontal load carrying surface. The coupling pin is operated up and down by either manual or air operated actuators, and locks in the up position by a manually operated safety latch. The upper frame is supported from dual steerable lower frames by primary air springs so that when the springs are deflated, the upper frame is lowered to allow the trailers to be pushed upon the load carrying surface. When the air springs are inflated, the trailers are raised so that the trailer wheels are carried above the railroad track.

Abstract: A bimodal container chassis for supporting a container during roadway and railway transit includes a mainframe having first and second ends, a top edge and a bottom angled edge. The bottom angled edge is positioned at an angle from horizontal. A running gear attachment is connected to the mainframe and slidable along the bottom angled edge in first and second directions between an over-the-road position and an over-the-rail position. The first direction is upward and toward the first end and the second direction is downward and toward the second end such that the running gear attachment is disposed adjacent the second end when in the over-the-road position and disposed upward relative to the over-the-road position and toward the first end when in the over-the-rail position.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a bimodal container chassis of differing lengths in a gooseneck type as well as a flat beam type for supporting ISO and domestic containers and other cargo during highway as well as railway transit. The bimodal container chassis has a front end equipped with a king-pin for connecting to a tractor and a rear end equipped with braking and suspension components, axles, wheels and tires, which make the bimodal container chassis suitable for road transport. The bimodal container chassis has front and rear ends for connecting, and thereby suspending, the bimodal container chassis including but not limited to its payload between two rail bogies, which make the bimodal container chassis suitable for rail transit.

Abstract: Refinements and improvements in intermodal rail vehicles for making up a train of highway trailers are shown. The improved intermodal vehicle has a one-piece upper frame assembly (26) with a horizontal load carrying surface below the ends of a drawbar for connecting the trailers. Each highway trailer has a coupler socket assembly at both its front and rear into which the drawbar enters and is connected to the intermodal vehicle by a vertical coupling pin projecting upward from the horizontal load carrying surface. The upper frame is supported from dual steerable lower frames (28) by primary air springs (90). A backup suspension system is provided so as to support the upper frame in the event of failure of the primary air springs. A transition rail vehicle for adapting the unit train of trailers is provided, incorporating the necessary features of the intermediate intermodal vehicles heretofore described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a bimodal container chassis of differing lengths in a gooseneck type as well as a flat beam type for supporting ISO and domestic containers and other cargo during highway as well as railway transit. The bimodal container chassis has a front end equipped with a king-pin for connecting to a tractor and a rear end equipped with braking and suspension components, axles, wheels and tires, which make the bimodal container chassis suitable for road transport. The bimodal container chassis has front and rear ends for connecting, and thereby suspending, the bimodal container chassis including but not limited to its payload between two rail bogies, which make the bimodal container chassis suitable for rail transit.

Abstract: A floor structure for attachment to a railway car underframe is provided. The floor structure is formed in part from floor panels having a floor plate and a number of reinforcing members attached to one side of each floor plate. One of the reinforcing members is preferably attached along a first edge of each floor with a portion of the reinforcing member extending laterally from the respective first edge. The opposite edge of the floor plate perfectly extends laterally from the nearest reinforcing member such that when the floor panels are disposed adjacent to each other with the second edge of one floor plate resting on the reinforcing member extending from the first edge of an adjacent floor plate. A butt weld is preferably formed between each adjacent first edge and second edge and the respective reinforcing member. The ends of the floor plates may be bent downwardly for connection to portions of the underframe.

Abstract: A floor structure for attachment to a railway car underframe is provided. The floor structure is formed in part from floor panels having a floor plate and a number of reinforcing members attached to one side of each floor plate. One of the reinforcing members is preferably attached along a first edge of each floor with a portion of the reinforcing member extending laterally from the respective first edge. The opposite edge of the floor plate perfectly extends laterally from the nearest reinforcing member such that when the floor panels are disposed adjacent to each other with the second edge of one floor plate resting on the reinforcing member extending from the first edge of an adjacent floor plate. A butt weld is preferably formed between each adjacent first edge and second edge and the respective reinforcing member. The ends of the floor plates may be bent downwardly for connection to portions of the underframe.

Abstract: A floor structure for attachment to a railway car underframe is provided. The floor structure is formed in part from floor panels having a floor plate and a number of reinforcing members attached to one side of each floor plate. One of the reinforcing members is preferably attached along a first edge of each floor with a portion of the reinforcing member extending laterally from the respective first edge. The opposite edge of the floor plate perfectly extends laterally from the nearest reinforcing member such that when the floor panels are disposed adjacent to each other with the second edge of one floor plate resting on the reinforcing member extending from the first edge of an adjacent floor plate. A butt weld is preferably formed between each adjacent first edge and second edge and the respective reinforcing member. The ends of the floor plates may be bent downwardly for connection to portions of the underframe.

Abstract: A floor structure for attachment to a railway car underframe is provided. The floor structure is formed in part from floor panels having a floor plate and a number of reinforcing members attached to one side of each floor plate. One of the reinforcing members is preferably attached along a first edge of each floor with a portion of the reinforcing member extending laterally from the respective first edge. The opposite edge of the floor plate perfectly extends laterally from the nearest reinforcing member such that when the floor panels are disposed adjacent to each other with the second edge of one floor plate resting on the reinforcing member extending from the first edge of an adjacent floor plate. A butt weld is preferably formed between each adjacent first edge and second edge and the respective reinforcing member. The ends of the floor plates may be bent downwardly for connection to portions of the underframe.

Abstract: A cover for closing a hatch opening in a container such as an enclosed railroad hopper car is provided. The cover is sized to fit over a coaming extending from the hatch opening. An outer rim is formed on the cover and cooperates with the coaming to form an air passage which surrounds an exterior surface of the coaming when the cover is disposed thereon. The cover includes a filter assembly and a gasket which cooperate to provide a continuous vent or air communication path between the interior and the exterior of the container through the air passage. All communication of air between the exterior of the container and the interior of the container is directed through the filter assembly.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly and a frame assembly for mounting the gate valve assembly on the discharge opening from a railway hopper car. The gate valve assembly includes an operating assembly for movement of a valve member within the gate valve assembly between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A locking mechanism is mounted on the frame assembly to maintain the gate valve assembly in its first closed position when the associated railway car is subjected to large impact forces. The operating assembly includes a lock striker which may be moved longitudinally relative to the valve member to deactivate the locking mechanism while the valve member remains in its closed position. The frame assembly also provides an enhanced seal or barrier to prevent materials from escaping when the gate valve assembly is in its closed position.

Abstract: An hopper gate valve having a valve body for connection to a hopper car with a generally elongated discharge opening is provided. A valve member is adapted to engageable and disengage the elongated discharge opening by using a control apparatus which controllably and pivotally effects the displacement of the valve member with respect to the elongated discharge opening.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for securing trailers to a platform or deck of a railway flat car comprises an upright pedestal pivotally connected so that it and a fifth wheel plate can be attached to the kingpin of a trailer. The hitch includes a diagonal assembly pivotally connected to the pedestal and being rockable therewith. The diagonal assembly comprises diagonally extending outer thrust members and a central thrust member. A pair of laterally spaced upright support plates are rigidly connectd to the platform or deck. The outer thrust members support in spaced relation a plurality of resilient members on their inner surfaces. The resilient members are also connected to the support plates. Other similar resilient members are connected to the inner surfaces of the upright support plates and these are also connected to the central thrust member thereby providing a completely cushioned trailer hitch.