Abstract: A torque box includes a front plate and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is coupled to the front plate such that the bottom surface is orthogonal to front plate and such that front plate extends along the bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a first raised portion configured to fit over a wheel of a railcar.

Abstract: A torque box includes a front plate and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is coupled to the front plate such that the bottom surface is orthogonal to front plate and such that front plate extends along the bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a first raised portion configured to fit over a wheel of a railcar.

Abstract: A railcar includes a first panel, a second panel, and a bottom surface. The second side panel opposes the first side panel and is substantially parallel to the first side panel. The bottom surface includes a first beam and a second beam. The first beam is coupled to the first side panel and the second side panel. The first beam is substantially parallel to a normal of the first side panel and to a normal of the second side panel. The second beam is coupled to the first side panel and the second side panel such that the second beam is adjacent to the first beam and such that the second beam forms less than a ninety-degree angle with the first beam. the first beam and the second beam define an open space in the bottom surface.

Abstract: A cut lever apparatus that automatically actuates a lock lift assembly to either lock or unlock a coupler knuckle of a freight car coupler. The apparatus includes a cylinder member having a piston disposed therein. A bracket member is attachable to the freight car coupler to support the cylinder. A linkage member is connected to the piston of the cylinder and the lock lift assembly to convert a lateral motion of the piston to a curvilinear motion of the lock lift assembly to either lock or unlock the coupler knuckle. A valve member is connected to the cylinder for communicating a pressurized fluid to the cylinder when a predetermined signal is sent to the valve and preventing pressurized fluid from entering the cylinder in an absence of the predetermined signal. Pressurized fluid in the cylinder is vented to atmosphere when the valve shuts off supply of pressurized fluid thereto.

Abstract: A product protection pad utilizes a lubricating plastic that moves across the face of an upright post of a center beam flat car in order to reduce or eliminate damage to product or product wrappers and in one a first embodiment uses a self centering flanged aperture to permit the movement as the car flexes, twists or wracks and in an alternative embodiment utilizes a strong, lubricating plastic, both embodiments being mounted to the car using recessed weldable washers. In a third embodiment the pad is in the form of a cap that wraps about the post. The cap provides a cargo engaging face, a post grasping section along one side edge and a securement leg which extends rewardly of the cargo face and is securable to the post by a welding side of the structure and a retaining structure to a side of the post.

Abstract: A grommet adapted to accommodate more than one depth of hole or thickness of mating material. The grommet includes a base member having a central aperture. The grommet has at least two retaining tabs adapted for different depth holes or thicknesses of mating material. The tabs extend perpendicular to the base member and are adapted to be seated and retained within the hole to be protected.

Abstract: A hatch anti-accumulator constructed from a suitable plastic material formed into a rectangular sheet. Slots designed to accommodate fasteners are provided near each end of the material. The rectangular sheet is then bent or rolled to form a short cylinder or ring conforming to the shape of a loading hatch and/or nozzle, and forming a bib or sleeve around the exterior of the hatch and/or nozzle. The bib is then secured in position by installing fasteners through the slots provided. The anti-accumulator fits around the loading nozzle (or hatch coaming) on the top of cement hopper cars to allow accumulated cured particulate matter to be easily released from the nozzle.

Abstract: A set of composite boss blocks for a rail car truck having equalizer arms and side frames uses a thermoset plastic resin system with a synthetic fiber reinforcement contained within the plastic matrix to handle severe loads under impact and vibration, in combination with set screw or pin extending through the mounting portion and well into the body of the boss block, a complementary wear pad also being usable.

Abstract: An arrangement of endcaps particularly formed and arranged for use in connection with composite deck beams particularly adapted to use on rail car running boards but is also suitable to other beam type decks such as those used on semi-trailers, in marine applications or as industrial catwalks. The endcaps close the ends of fiberglass reinforced plastic running boards, complementing the strength, economy and durability of such materials.

Abstract: A self-lubricating plastic coupler carrier wear plate is formed in a generally T-shape having an outer flange and an inner flange conforming to said T-shape, said web being notched proximate said inner flange for adequate clearance with railcar draft gear.

Abstract: A conductive center bearing liner for railroad car center plate assemblies comprising a bowl shaped or flat round horizontal member formed from a cross-linked ultra high molecular weight polymer specially mixed with a conductive material shaped to define a floor portion and alternative embodiments with an upstanding side wall. Another embodiment concentrates the conductive material in a selected sector of the disk portion of the liner. The conductive liner eliminates the need to incorporate special apparatus to ground the car body center plate to the truck bolster bowl. This grounding method eliminates the wear and erosion that occurs by grounding using conventional methods.