Abstract: A car coupling system for a rail vehicle includes a first crash energy management system disposed within a draft sill. The first crash energy management system includes a first end plate, a second end plate, and a first central tube disposed between the first end plate and the second end plate. A second crash energy management system is also disposed within the draft sill. The second crash energy management system includes a third end plate, a fourth end plate, and a second central tube disposed between the third end plate and the fourth end plate.

Abstract: A crash energy management system is configured to be disposed within a draft sill of a car coupling system for a rail vehicle. The crash energy management system includes a front sub-assembly including a front end plate, guide legs extending between the front end plate and a front central plate, a front central tube extending between the front end plate and the front central plate, and stop walls coupled to the guide legs. A rear sub-assembly is coupled to the front sub-assembly, and includes a rear end plate, a rear central plate, and a rear central tube extending between the rear end plate and the rear central plate.

Abstract: A car coupling system for a rail vehicle includes a draft sill, and a crash energy management system disposed within the draft sill. The crash energy management system includes a first end plate, a second end plate, and a central tube disposed between the first end plate and the second end plate. The central tube is configured to deform in response to a force exerted into the car coupling system that exceeds a predetermined force threshold. Deformation of the central tube attenuates at least a portion of the force.

Abstract: A railroad car draft gear is provided which includes a housing. The housing is a unitary structure, having an open end and a closed end. Compressible spring elements are located inside the housing, with an end of the spring element located against the interior side of the closed end. A friction assembly is also located within the housing, near the open end. The friction assembly provides energy absorption during compression cycles. The spring element restores the friction assembly to its fully extended position after a compression event.

Abstract: A yoke for use in a railway locomotive draft gear assembly is provided. The yoke includes a back wall, a front wall and top and bottom straps that extend from the front wall to the back wall. The front wall includes two side sections and a bottom section and a top section. The top strap and bottom strap are tapered to a reduced width along their respective outer edges. The top strap and bottom strap have a reduced lateral extent from their respective intersections with the front wall and the back wall.

Abstract: A railroad car draft gear is provided which includes a housing. The housing is a unitary structure, having an open end and a closed end. Compressible spring elements are located inside the housing, with an end of the spring element located against the interior side of the closed end. A friction assembly is also located within the housing, near the open end. The friction assembly provides energy absorption during compression cycles. The spring element restores the friction assembly to its fully extended positon after a compression event.

Abstract: The present invention includes a low insertion force connector assembly capable of providing an electrical interface to a circuit board. The connector assembly includes a housing and electrically conductive terminals mounted in the housing. The connector assembly further includes slide and wedge members which are inserted into the housing along with a connective end portion of a flexible flat cable pressing exposed conductors on the flexible flat cable against terminal contact arms.

Abstract: The present invention includes a low insertion force connector assembly capable of providing an electrical interface to a circuit board. The connector assembly includes a housing and electrically conductive terminals mounted in the housing. The connector assembly further includes slide and wedge members which are inserted into the housing along with a connective end portion of a flexible flat cable pressing exposed conductors on the flexible flat cable against terminal contact arms.

Abstract: A holder (30) for jacketed fiber optic cable (26) or ribbon cable (28) having channels (32) extending along a top surface (34), with constrictions (42) to hold jacketed fiber optic cable (26) therein upon insertion with nondeforming strain relief. Protrusions (40) between the channels (32) include narrow slots (44) thereinto to hold ribbon cable (28) therein with nondeforming strain relief.

Abstract: A splice holder (24) having first channels (70) having upper and lower portions (80,82) separated by a constriction (76) with each portion adapted to hold a respective single-fiber splice coupling (84) . Second channels (90) have a large diameter adapted to hold a multi-fiber mass fusion splice coupling (94) used with ribbon cable. Both the first and second channels (70,90) having constrictions along their entrances of less width than a splice coupling (84,94) to be inserted thereinto. Splice holder (24) may be adhered to a bottom wall (14) of a splice tray (10).

Abstract: An enclosure for terminal blocks for interconnecting conductors of multiconductor cables includes provision for two or more terminal block modules. A lid is pivotably hinged to a box-like base section, with the base section including front and rear walls extending upwardly from a floor, and side walls extending downwardly from a transverse section of the lid into the open regions between the front and rear walls of the base section when the lid is pivoted to its closed position. When the enclosure is mounted vertically the lid is pivotable to an open position overcentered to remain open unassisted. The side walls include ribs having projections which engage upper edges of ridges extending upwardly from side edges of the floor between the front and rear walls, thus camming the lower edges of the side walls inwardly tightly against outwardly facing surfaces of the ridges for sealing.

Abstract: A tool for aligning contacts of an electrical connector with conductive areas of a circuit board comprises a base member with comb means movably secured thereto. The comb means are movable between a first position and a second position to cooperate with the contacts of the connector to insure that the contacts are precisely aligned as the circuit board is inserted into the connector. Securing and alignment means are provided to allow the comb means to easily adjust to the contacts of individual connectors. As the comb means is brought into engagement with the contacts a space bar is provided to prevent the contacts from entering the recess into which the circuit board enters. The contacts are maintained in position as soldering occurs, ensuring that a positive electrical connection is affected.