Abstract: A protective collar for tank cars, which are used for the transport of materials capable of causing corrosion on the exterior surface of the tank car, is formed approximately in the shape of a downwardly facing C and is placed over the exterior upper surface of the car in the area of the car manway and associated fixtures, normally midway between the car ends. The collar is made of stainless steel or other such protective materials and is provided with apertures to accommodate the tank car manway and associated fixtures. The collar preferably is secured to the exterior surface of the car by means of a frame welded to the car surface and slidingly engaging the periphery of the collar to accommodate differential expansion between the collar and car.

Abstract: A system for storing and handling collapsible rubberized containers used in the transporting of fluent materials within bulk material transporting trailers and the like. The system utilizes a rack for lengthwise travel within the trailer with the rack incorporating a drum, power driven in opposite directions for a selective winding of the flexible container thereon and therefrom.

Abstract: A railroad tank car for use in handling dry bulk commodities. The car body structure includes a pair of V shaped hopper sections sloping downwardly from each end of the car. The hopper sections having side walls which increase in length as they extend towards the center of the car. A pair of asymmetric truncated cone sections are secured adjacent to the corresponding upper edges of the hopper sections. End sections are secured adjacent the outer edges of the hopper section and the cone section. First stiffener members are secured to the outer surfaces of the hopper section. Longitudinally extending second stiffener members are secured to the first stiffener members adjacent the intersection between the hopper sections and the cone sections. Tie members extend transversely across the hopper sections. A plurality of longitudinally extending aeration conveyor trays are supported from the hopper sections defining a plenum area therebelow.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a railway hopper car is provided having an enclosed quadrilateral tube as a through sill. The enclosed tube through sill has end portions which are welded to the car end sills at opposite ends of the car. The end sills are integrally attached to the side sills. The end sections also have attached thereto a center plate and a bolster cover plate. The bolster cover plate extends from the center sill to the side sill. At least one bolster web extends vertically from the bolster cover plate to the end sheet of the car. The hopper slope sheets are reinforced by means of generally triangular shaped members attached to the through sill and attached to the hopper slope sheets.

Abstract: Baffles are provided in transportation hoppers to solve the problem of upper bulk lading exerting pressure and causing damage to lower bulk lading in the hopper by reducing load density of the lading. The baffles are preferably inclined with respect to the horizontal. More than one layer of baffles may be provided. Supports for the baffles are preferably fixed to the sides and/or roof of the transportation hopper. The baffles may be provided with openings to facilitate circulation of conditioned air through the hopper. The baffles may be provided with larger openings which facilitate loading the hopper. The baffles also may be provided with doors which facilitate loading the hopper by means of a loading chute. The baffles may be used in a wide variety of transportation hoppers. In a preferred embodiment the transportation hopper is a railway hopper car.