Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a reconditioned portion of an articulated connector engaged in a reconditioning fixture while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The gauge is a generally cylindrical arc with an inner side and outer side. The outer side is preferably shaped to fit against the reconditioned portion of the connector while the inner portion is shaped to fit against a reference point.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The connector is measured to find areas and amounts of wear on portions of the connector. The measurements are taken relative to a reference portion of the connector. Weld metal is then applied to the worn portion of the connector. The excess weld metal is manually or automatically machined away so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. A measurement of the weld area is again taken to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved. Apparatuses for measuring wear and specified dimensions and aiding in the method of reconditioning the connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The connector is measured to find areas and amounts of wear on portions of the connector. The measurements are taken relative to a reference portion of the connector. Weld metal is then applied to the worn portion of the connector. The excess weld metal is manually or automatically machined away so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. A measurement of the weld area is again taken to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved. Apparatuses for measuring wear and specified dimensions and aiding in the method of reconditioning the connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A semi-automatic method for reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The female connector is mounted to a fixture and subsequently appropriately aligned. Weld metal is automatically applied to the worn portion of the female connector while attached to the aligned fixture. The excess weld metal is then automatically machined away so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. A measurement of the weld area can again be taken to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The connector is measured to find areas and amounts of wear on portions of the connector. The measurements are taken relative to a reference portion of the connector. Weld metal is then applied to the worn portion of the connector. The excess weld metal is manually or automatically machined away so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. A measurement of the weld area is again taken to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved. Apparatuses for measuring wear and specified dimensions and aiding in the method of reconditioning the connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring wear and specified dimensions and aiding in the method of reconditioning of articulated connectors is disclosed. The apparatus is a drop-in bore gauge with a handle, a flange and at least one elongated fin for insertion into the bore of the female castings. Once inserted, dimensions can be determined by placement of the gauge at a reference point and observing the location of an elongated fin measuring edge relative to the bore.

Abstract: A method for confirming the dimensions of an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The connector is measured by use of a gauge secured to a reference point on portions of the connector. Another portion of the gauge is aligned with a non-reference point to determine if the dimensions fall within industry standards.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The connector is measured to find areas and amounts of wear on portions of the connector. The measurements are taken relative to a reference portion of the connector. Weld metal is then applied to the worn portion of the connector. The excess weld metal is manually or automatically machined away so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. A measurement of the weld area is again taken to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved. Apparatuses for measuring wear and specified dimensions and aiding in the method of reconditioning the connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pin puller for extracting the main connector pin from an articulated connection such as in articulated railroad cars has concentric inner and outer sleeves relatively translatable by a hydraulic ram. The inner sleeve has legs which rest on top of the female articulated connector, straddling the main connector pin. The legs define a slot and support a platform. The outer sleeve has a cylindrical skirt which houses a boss, and is closed on top by a cover. The skirt and boss carry a first pin for connecting a yoke. The yoke has a second pin which connects to a loop in the top of the main connector pin. The ram rests on the platform and pushes the outer sleeve cover upwardly, causing the yoke and main connector pin to move upwardly also. The yoke can be interchanged with another yoke to accommodate other applications.