Abstract: A container for transporting and storing landscaping materials includes a rectangular container body having a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, and an end wall which define an open-ended chamber; and a vertical ramp end wall that is pivotally displaceable between a normal vertical closed position, and a downwardly inclined loading position, which pivot arrangement includes a pair of horizontal pivot shafts arranged collinearly transversely of the container on opposite sides of the protruding ends of a pair of guide rails that extend longitudinally beneath the bottom wall. To afford manual operation of the massive ramp wall, a counter-balancing spring arrangement is provided including a pair of torsion springs mounted concentrically on these two pivot shafts for biasing the ramp wall from the loading position upwardly toward the closed position with an aggregate torque force that is generally equal to the weight of the ramp wall.

Abstract: A modular protective housing structure for a rack includes a bottom portion of the rack having a plurality of rollers installed thereon; the module protective housing structure including a chassis having a base and an outer cover configured to surround the base thereon; the outer cover having a front opening; and a front door panel pivotally attached to the base; the front door panel configured to cover onto the front opening and placed on a ground; the front door panel having a plurality of slanted ribs attached to the ground; wherein when the front door panel is placed on the ground, the rack slides into the chassis from the ground along the front door panel, and positions of the slanted ribs are arranged corresponding to positions of the rollers. Therefore, effects of cost saving and supporting ability of the front door panel are achieved.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an open top railcar, the assembly having semi-rigid cover reversibly movable between a closed position atop the railcar and an open position alongside the railcar or separate from it. The cover may be connected to the railcar with hinge-latches or linkage arms which permit the cover to be held flat alongside the railcar in an open position, or removed from the railcar during loading and unloading. A load grooming device shapes the load of a loaded railcar to a selected contour. Opening and closing of covers may be continuous and automated, using curved tracks, cranes or mechanical arms to engage and open covers, and conveying devices or vehicles to handle covers during loading and unloading of railcars.

Abstract: A system for covering a railcar includes a first set and a second set of structural members coupled to a railcar. The structural members are configured to move between a loading position, an unloading positing, and a covered position. The system includes a plurality of cover portions, each coupled to a structural member of the first set and a structural member of the second set. In the loading position, at least one of the first set and at least one of second set are proximate longitudinal sides of the railcar. In the unloading position, at least one of the first set and at least one of second set are proximate a longitudinal center line of the railcar. In the covered position, the first set are proximate the longitudinal center line of the railcar, and the second set are proximate the longitudinal sides of the railcar.

Abstract: A remotely activated tank hatch system includes an upper frame and a lower frame joined by a hinge assembly. The lower frame is coupled to a collar of an opening of a tank and a hatch is coupled to the upper frame. The hinge assembly allows the upper frame to pivot the hatch between open and closed positions. The lower frame includes at least one catch to receive an edge of the hatch, when the hatch is closed. Spring members on the upper frame urge the hatch toward the upper frame so that the hatch may be swung away from the opening. Inflating a bladder positioned between the upper frame and hatch overcomes the spring pressure and urges the hatch into tight contact with the collar. The hatch system includes a remote control for inflating the bladder and for opening and closing the hatch.

Abstract: A gasket for a railroad car manway nozzle and cover includes an inner leg portion and an outer leg portion joined by a generally planar annular body portion defining an upper annular cover sealing surface and a lower annular nozzle body sealing surface. Concentric annular chevrons are formed on the upper and lower annular sealing surfaces. In one form, the chevrons have a uniform height relative to the upper and lower sealing surfaces. In a modified form, the height of the chevrons varies relative to the surfaces from the which they extend. The height of the chevrons is a minimum where the gasket is radially aligned with cover clamping bolts and a maximum at radial locations midway between clamping bolts. A tab depending from the outer leg portion provides visual verification of the presence of the gasket.

Abstract: A fill cover assembly for a liquid fuel storage tank of a road tanker, the assembly comprising: a seat member having a frame, the frame defining a fill aperture, the frame being configured to be fixedly coupled to a base plate of a liquid storage tank, the base plate having a plate aperture formed therein, thereby to form a fluid-tight seal between the seat member and the base plate around said plate aperture; and a fill-cover coupled to the tank and arranged to be moveable with respect to the frame between a closed condition in which a fluid-tight seal is formed between the fill-cover and the frame and an open condition in which fluid may be passed through said fill aperture to fill said storage tank, wherein the assembly is further arranged to allow venting of pressurized fluid from the liquid storage tank in the event that a pressure of the fluid exceeds a prescribed value.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an open top railcar, the assembly having semi-rigid cover reversibly movable between a closed position atop the railcar and an open position alongside the railcar or separate from it. The cover may be connected to the railcar with hinge-latches or linkage arms which permit the cover to be held flat alongside the railcar in an open position, or removed from the railcar during loading and unloading. A load grooming device shapes the load of a loaded railcar to a selected contour. Opening and closing of covers may be continuous and automated, using curved tracks, cranes or mechanical arms to engage and open covers, and conveying devices or vehicles to handle covers during loading and unloading of railcars.

Abstract: A railroad tanker car 10 with a fluid cargo tank 11 and a manway assembly 12 is disclosed. The manway assembly 12 includes a nozzle 17 having a nozzle sealing surface 24 and a cover 18 having a cover sealing surface 33. An attachment device 19 supplies a closing force to bias the cover 18 toward the nozzle 17. A fluid seal 51 prevents egress of fluids from and ingress of contaminants into the tank 11. The seal 51 includes a cover seal member 54, a nozzle seal member 55, and an expander 56 that forces the members 54 and 55 against their respective cover and nozzle sealing surfaces. The fluid seal 51 also includes a compression limiting carrier 52 with integral locating tabs 53 that locates the seal 51 and controls the compression of the elastomeric components of the seal 51.

Abstract: Trailers are described that include a chassis, a set of wheels for rollably supporting the chassis on the ground, and a rigid container carried by the chassis. The rigid container comprises a floor, a sidewall, an access door for loading/unloading materials into the container, and a convertible rigid roof. The convertible roof is movable between a closed position which permits waste or other materials to be compressed into the trailer, and an open position which permits the trailer to be loaded with bulk goods from the top. The convertible roof includes movable rigid panels, and a locking bar for holding the panels closed and connecting the opposite sidewalls of the trailer to each other against the expansion pressure exerted by loosely compressed materials transported in the trailer. The panels may be rotating panels hinged to a wall, or may be provided as sliding panels running in tracks.

Abstract: Trailers are described that include a chassis, a set of wheels for rollably supporting the chassis on the ground, and a rigid container carried by the chassis. The rigid container comprises a floor, a sidewall, an access door for loading/unloading materials into the container, and a convertible rigid roof. The convertible roof is movable between a closed position which permits waste or other materials to be compressed into the trailer, and an open position which permits the trailer to be loaded with bulk goods from the top. The convertible roof includes movable rigid panels, and a locking bar for holding the panels closed and connecting the opposite sidewalls of the trailer to each other against the expansion pressure exerted by loosely compressed materials transported in the trailer. The panels may be rotating panels hinged to a wall, or may be provided as sliding panels running in tracks.

Abstract: An improved rail car is pulled by an engine for transporting coal or other porous dust bearing materials. The car has opposing long sidewalls and opposing shorter end walls, which together define an initially open interior, a bottom and an open top. The open top of the car is covered by at least one pair of main doors in the form of opposing hinged A-frame sections which are pivotable between a closed, transport position and an open loading position which exposes the rail car interior for loading. The A-frame sections also have longitudinally spaced edges which are spaced apart to form a discharge door opening. A discharge door is located in each of the discharge door opening and is pivotally hinged within the respective door opening so that it opens under the influence of gravity in a rotary dumping operation. The discharge doors, together with the A-frame sections, form a door-within-a-door operating configuration.

Abstract: A gasket for a railroad car manway nozzle and cover includes an inner leg portion and an outer leg portion joined by a generally planar annular body portion defining an upper annular cover sealing surface and a lower annular nozzle body sealing surface. Concentric annular chevrons are formed on the upper and lower annular sealing surfaces. In one form, the chevrons have a uniform height relative to the upper and lower sealing surfaces. In a modified form, the height of the chevrons varies relative to the surfaces from the which they extend. The height of the chevrons is a minimum where the gasket is radially aligned with cover clamping bolts and a maximum at radial locations midway between clamping bolts. A tab depending from the outer leg portion provides visual verification of the presence of the gasket.

Abstract: A railroad tanker car 10 with a fluid cargo tank 11 and a manway assembly 12 is disclosed. The manway assembly 12 includes a nozzle 17 having a nozzle sealing surface 24 and a cover 18 having a cover sealing surface 33. An attachment device 19 supplies a closing force to bias the cover 18 toward the nozzle 17. A fluid seal 51 prevents egress of fluids from and ingress of contaminants into the tank 11. The seal 51 includes a cover seal member 54, a nozzle seal member 55, and an expander 56 that forces the members 54 and 55 against their respective cover and nozzle sealing surfaces. The fluid seal 51 also includes a compression limiting carrier 52 with integral locating tabs 53 that locates the seal 51 and controls the compression of the elastomeric components of the seal 51.

Abstract: A gasket for a railroad car manway nozzle and cover includes an inner leg portion and an outer leg portion joined by a generally planar annular body portion defining an upper annular cover sealing surface and a lower annular nozzle body sealing surface. Concentric annular chevrons are formed on the upper and lower annular sealing surfaces. In one form, the chevrons have a uniform height relative to the upper and lower sealing surfaces. In a modified form, the height of the chevrons varies relative to the surfaces from which they extend. The height of the chevrons is a minimum where the gasket is radially aligned with cover clamping bolts and a maximum at radial locations midway between clamping bolts. A tab depending from the outer leg portion provides visual verification of the presence of the gasket.

Abstract: An improved rail car is pulled by an engine for transporting coal or other porous dust bearing materials. The car has opposing long sidewalls and opposing shorter end walls, which together define an initially open interior, a bottom and an open top. The open top of the car is covered by at least one pair of main doors in the form of opposing hinged A-frame sections which are pivotable between a closed, transport position and an open loading position which exposes the rail car interior for loading. The A-frame sections also have longitudinally spaced edges which are spaced apart to form a discharge door opening. A discharge door is located in each of the discharge door opening and is pivotally hinged within the respective door opening so that it opens under the influence of gravity in a rotary dumping operation. The discharge doors, together with the A-frame sections, form a door-within-a-door operating configuration.

Abstract: A remotely activated tank hatch system includes an upper frame and a lower frame joined by a hinge assembly. The lower frame is coupled to a collar of an opening of a tank and a hatch is coupled to the upper frame. The hinge assembly allows the upper frame to pivot the hatch between an open and closed position. The lower frame includes at least one catch to receive an edge of the hatch, when the hatch is closed. Spring members on the upper frame urge the hatch toward the upper frame so that the hatch may be swung away from the opening. Inflating a rubber bladder positioned between the upper frame and hatch overcomes the spring pressure and urges the hatch into tight contact with the collar. The hatch system includes a remote control for inflating the bladder and opening and closing the hatch.

Abstract: A rail car cover system that includes a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first closure mechanism. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second closure mechanism. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first closure mechanism engages the second closure mechanism to maintain the first cover section and the second cover section in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A trailer having a chassis, a set of wheels for rollably supporting the chassis on the ground, and a rigid container carried by the chassis. The rigid container includes a floor, a sidewall, an access door for loading/unloading materials into the container, and a convertible rigid roof. The convertible roof is movable between a closed position which permits waste or other materials to be compressed into the trailer, and an open position which permits the trailer to be loaded with bulk goods from the top. The convertible roof includes movable rigid panels, and a locking bar for holding the panels closed and connecting the opposite sidewalls of the trailer to each other against the expansion pressure exerted by loosely compressed materials transported in the trailer. The panels may be rotating panels hinged to a wall, or may be provided as sliding panels running in tracks.

Abstract: A gasket for a railroad car manway nozzle and cover includes an inner leg portion and an outer leg portion joined by a generally planar annular body portion defining an upper annular cover sealing surface and a lower annular nozzle body sealing surface. Concentric annular chevrons are formed on the upper and lower annular sealing surfaces. In one form, the chevrons have a uniform height relative to the upper and lower sealing surfaces. In a modified form, the height of the chevrons varies relative to the surfaces from which they extend. The height of the chevrons is a minimum where the gasket is radially aligned with cover clamping bolts and a maximum at radial locations midway between clamping bolts. A tab depending from the outer leg portion provides visual verification of the presence of the gasket.

Abstract: A rail car cover system including a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first corner hinge assembly, a first intermediate hinge assembly and a first cover material. The first corner hinge assembly is attached to the first cover material. The first intermediate hinge assembly is slidable with respect to the first cover material. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second corner hinge assembly, a second intermediate hinge assembly and a second cover material. The second corner hinge assembly is attached to the second cover material. The second intermediate hinge assembly is slidable with respect to the second cover material. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

Abstract: A cover for open top railcars may be alternatively locked into place over the railcar top opening, or rotated on hinges to either side of the railcar to provide access to the entire top of the railcar. The cover may be compressed against either side of the railcar to allow the car to move between structural or other elements of loading or unloading facilities.

Abstract: A lift-assist system for a man-way cover includes a unitary spring mounted to the axis of rotation for the man-way cover. The spring includes a coil portion on either side of the axle of rotation, with a unitary bridge portion spanning between the coil portions. The bridge portion of the spring presses down on a cantilevered extension of the man-way cover, called a duck bill. A first predetermined spacing is provided between the coil portions and the axle and second predetermined spacing is provided between the ends of the coil portions and the mounting of the axle. These predetermined spacings accommodate the variations in the coil geometry as the man-way cover moves from a fully shut position to a fully open position and vice versa.

Abstract: A rail car cover system including a rail car, a first cover section and a second cover section. The rail car has an opening. The first cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The first cover section includes a first hinge mechanism and a first cover material. The second cover section is operably attached to the rail car. The second cover section includes a second hinge mechanism and a second cover material. The first cover section and the second cover section are both movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the first cover section and the second cover section substantially cover the opening.

Abstract: A cover for open top railcars may be alternatively locked into place over the railcar top opening, or rotated on hinges to either side of the railcar to provide access to the entire top of the railcar. The cover may be compressed against either side of the railcar to allow the car to move between structural or other elements of loading or unloading facilities.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted, covered container apparatus includes a container member, a telescopic collapsible cover assembly, and container-to-cover attachment means connected between the container member and the telescopic collapsible cover assembly. The container member can be a sander container. In this respect, the vehicle-mounted, covered container apparatus prevents snow and rain from getting inside the sander container and freezing the sand. Preferably, the telescopic collapsible cover assembly is dome-shaped. The telescopic collapsible cover assembly includes a plurality of rigid curved cover units that are dome segments and that are telescopic with respect to each other. In addition, the plurality of curved cover units are in the form of dome segments. Preferably, the container-to-cover attachment means include a pair of hinge pins connecting the first curved unit, the second curved unit, and the third curved unit together to each other and to the container member.

Abstract: A vent-on-demand hatch cover for closing a hatch opening of a compartment in a railcar, and particularly a hopper car, wherein the car is provided with a coaming that defines the opening. The cover includes a peripheral opening for taking in the outside air and which is disposed adjacent the outer side of the coaming and an inside opening at the underside of the cover exposed to the compartment for connecting the cover to the compartment air. Passageways are provided between the two openings in order to allow air flow between the outside of the car and the inside of the car. A closure member is provided at the inside opening of the cover which is resiliently biased normally into closed position and which opens upon the formation of a vacuum within the compartment in order to allow unloading of the compartment.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable cover for use on gondola railroad cars, preferably provided as a kit for retrofitting existing cars, including elongated runners for attaching to the top of longitudinal walls of the gondola railroad cars, the runners including at east one slidable surface, for supporting and permitting transport over the surface of a plurality of tarp supports, which extend across the lateral opening between the sidewalls of the gondola railroad car. The supports are adapted and configured to slide over the runners while enclosing an edge of the runner so as to engage the runner and retain the vertical position and orientation of the supports during transposition across the surface of the runners.