Abstract: An end underframe comprises a headstock assembly and a bolster assembly and is made out of a single material which consists of cold rolled austenitic stainless steel.

Abstract: An aerodynamic skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a first side skirt wall and a second side skirt wall each configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend generally below a storage container of the trailer at least partially along a length of the trailer. The first side skirt wall defines a first length and the second side skirt wall defines a second length smaller than the first length. The second side skirt wall is positioned generally rearward of the first side skirt wall and is side skirt wall is angled relative to the side wall of the trailer.

Abstract: A rail member is supported longitudinally along both sides of the deck of a truck or trailer and includes a plurality of strap hook anchoring locations at spaced positions therein. Each anchoring location is defined by a pair of hook opening extending downwardly through an upper flange of the rail member. Cargo securing straps or chains are anchored onto the respective anchoring locations using an anchor member having an upper body portion defining a tie-down opening and a pair of lower hooks which can be hooked into the pair of hook openings of a selected anchoring location. The upper body portions spans between the two hook openings so as to prevent passage of the upper body portion through the hook openings while the cargo straps or chains remain slack.

Abstract: A trailer frame assembly for a fifth wheel trailer frame in which at least a portion of the frame is torsionally stiffened with a rectangular closed section in a transverse cross section. The rectangular closed section is formed by longitudinal, parallel spaced vertical side plates, a top pan extending between top portions of the side plates, and a bottom pan between bottom portions of the side plates. Overlap joints between the side plates and the top and bottom pans allow for connection with threaded or rivet fasteners. An end dump semi trailer is also provided with a double acting lift cylinder on each side of the trailer. Also provided is a latch lift assembly for a dump gate using a linkage assembly to impart vertical upward movement to dump gate to unlatch the dump gate from a cradle catch.

Abstract: A supporting device for a floor of a rail vehicle includes an elongate floor rail which is composed of a first metallic material and is divided into a plurality of longitudinal portions or sections, so as to form at least one joint. The floor rail is supported on a rail vehicle shell which is composed of a second metallic material. The floor rail is connected in the region of the joint to an intermediate profile which is provided for interconnecting the mutually adjoining longitudinal sections of the floor rail in a flexurally rigid fashion. A sliding fit or seat is formed between the longitudinal portions or sections of the floor rail and the intermediate profile.

Abstract: A running gear frame for a running gear of a rail vehicle with a frame body, which is configured to be supported at least on one wheel unit of the running gear. The frame body has two longitudinal beams extending in a longitudinal direction of the running gear and at least one transverse beam extending in a transverse direction of the running gear. The transverse beam substantially rigidly connects the two longitudinal beams to each other. The frame body is at least partially made of grey cast iron material.

Abstract: A vehicle for multi-modal transportation includes a first frame and a second frame. Each frame includes beams spaced apart from and disposed substantially parallel to the frame's other beam. Each frame also includes a bogie connector that enables the frames to connect to bogies for transportation in a rail mode. The second frame is movable relative to the first frame between a full open position and a full closed position. A portion of the second frame's beams are concentrically nested in a portion of the first frame's beams to enable the second frame to move telescopically relative to the first frame between the full open position and the full closed position. The vehicle also includes an axle and wheels operatively secured to the first frame or the second frame for transportation in a highway mode.

Abstract: A subframe 50 is connected via a vibration isolator 40 to a floor 11 of a railway car body 10, and the subframe 50 has a center pin 60 protruding downward therefrom and connected to a bogie 30. The subframe 50 is connected to a coupling device 70, and is disposed so as to come into contact with stoppers 13 on side beams 12 of the car body 10. According to this structure, since the coupling device 70 is not directly connected to the car body, there is no need to weld a rigid member to the bottom surface of the floor 11, and the railway car body can be manufactured easily. Moreover, since the subframe 50 is connected to the floor 11 via a vibration isolator, less noise is transmitted to the car body. Power is transmitted from the coupling device 70 or bogie 30 to side beams, so the structure of the car body can be simplified.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to enable production of high-accuracy car body with ease. An underframe 10 is constituted by bonding together a plurality of hollow-shaped materials 50, 60 that are arranged along a longitudinal direction of a car body. The hollow-shaped material 60 constituting the end portion of the underframe 10 in the width direction is provided with a hollow-shaped material 65 corresponding to a part of a side sill. A hollow-shaped material 90 at the lower end of a side structure 20 is provided with a hollow-shaped material 95 corresponding to a part of a side sill. An overlap between a projecting segment 101 of the side sill 95 and the upper surface of the side sill 65 is welded from above. An overlap between a projecting segment 103 of the lower end and a projecting segment 73 is welded from below. The size of the overlap is provided in prospect of the shrinkage of the underframe 10 by welding the bolsters thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing logs from a forestry site. The apparatus and method includes a primary mobile machine having means attached to a rearward portion thereof for holding a first end of a first log cluster. The apparatus and method also includes a first secondary mobile machine with a first end having means for holding a second end of the first log cluster, and a second end having means for holding a first end of a second log cluster. The primary mobile machine and the first secondary mobile machine are interconnected by the first log cluster.

Abstract: A loading car for bulk materials includes a vehicle undercarriage frame defining a longitudinal axis and including first and second car frames connected to one another by a coupler. Rail undercarriages are provided for supporting the vehicle undercarriage frame for mobility on a railroad track. A carrying frame is mounted on the first and the second car frame by means of swivel rings, with a storage box built on the carrying frame. A bottom conveyor belt having a discharge end is disposed in the storage box, and a transfer conveyor belt extending at an angle to a horizontal plane is associated with the discharge end of the bottom conveyor belt. Disposed between the storage box and the first and second car frames are support members, each of which including two hydraulic cylinders positioned opposite one another transversely to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A center beam car has a main deck structure extending laterally from a main center sill, a laterally extending top truss structure, and a central vertically oriented web work structure for carrying vertical shear loads between the top truss and the center sill and decking. The center beam so formed defines bunks upon in which to carry cargo. The upper region of the web-work structure includes a deep upper beam structure that has downwardly extending skirts. The skirts provide an extended bearing area upon against which bundled loads can be secured. The skirts are inwardly reinforced to discourage deflection between adjacent upright members of the vertical web work.

Abstract: A load-bearing structural member (5, 6) comprising a least two hollow extrusions (12, 13) of light metal alloy each formed with two surfaces mated together with a layer of adhesive therebetween by relative linear movement of the extrusions in a single direction, the surfaces on one of the extrusions being formed on limbs (29) projecting therefrom and the angle between the mating surfaces and said direction being within the range 5.degree. to 15.degree., the surfaces on the other extrusion terminating in shoulders (21) to be approached by the tips of the limbs (29) and a gap (75) to ensure that the layer of adhesive always extends between the shoulders (21) and the tips (74).

Abstract: A railroad gondola car having improved side sills, internal horizontal tension braces and diagonal braces with cast metal connectors at the ends of the braces and doubler plates on the side wall post flanges for reinforcement purposes where posts are connected to the ends of the body bolsters and where the braces are connected to the car side walls opposite a side wall post.

Abstract: An end structure for a railway car, and more particularly a covered hopper railway car, is disclosed which has side sill extensions extending diagonally inwardly from the ends of the side sills to the center stub sill for transmitting substantially all of the longitudinal, horizontal loads between the center stub sill and the side sills. A generally vertically extending truss is provided between the center stub sill and the end of the car above the center stub sill so as to withstand overturning moments and vertical loads between the end of the car and the center stub sill. The side sill extensions are tapered in heightwise and widthwise relation so as to minimize weight of these members. The truss includes outer vertical members which are curved so as to blend with the side sheets of the car body thereby to optimize load transfer. Inner truss members are of a convenient rectangular cross section so as to facilitate fabrication.

Abstract: A gondola car for hauling bulk cargo has a stub sill for receiving longitudinal loads. A shear plate is connected with the stub sill, and longitudinal side sills and connected as by welding to side portions of the shear plate. Side walls extend upwardly from the side sills. The shear plate has an opening therein adjacent the longitudinally inward end of the weld to the side sill for reducing stress in the end of the weld. Cover structure overlies the opening, and side wall support structure is connected with the cover structure and engages the side walls to support them.

Abstract: An end structure for a center stub sill railway car is disclosed in which diagonal side sill extensions incline inwardly from the side sills to the center stub sill side for transmitting the longitudinal train loads between the stub sill and the side sills with the side sill extensions constituting the only horizontal, longitudinal load path between the stub sill and the side sills. A truss is disposed in a vertical transverse plane for transmitting overturning moments between the end of the car and the center stub sill.

Abstract: The invention relates to load bearing beams, and has for its object the provision of such beam of high strength and hence high load carrying capacity with relatively low weight, such as would be suitable for use in vehicles. The objective is met by a construction comprising a beam-like member formed by two spaced plate-like members, each of which has an outwardly directed flange to one side and an inwardly directed flange to the other side, to be of generally Z-shaped cross-section, said two plate-like members being secured to and spaced by internal cross-members. Thus, with the outwardly and inwardly directed flanges respectively being to the same side of the plate-like members an effective box-like structure is formed within which lie the spacing internal cross-members.

Abstract: The rail vehicle body is constructed such that the base, roof and a centrally located bearing frame define a unitary bearing section member. The bearing frame may be composed of pairs of vertically stiffened walls, rows of vertically disposed posts, and one or more lattice girders. The side walls of the vehicle body are removably mounted so that ready access can be made to the chambers defined on opposite sides of the load-bearing frame. In addition, the load-bearing frame or frames are provided with apertures to provide access between the chambers on opposite sides of the bearing frame. Also, a drive means for driving the wheels of the vehicle body can be suspended from transverse girders forming the base of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A railway hopper car is disclosed which includes a car body defined by opposite arcuate side sheets having a side sill extending longitudinally along the lower margin of each side sheet and at least a first end slope sheet partially defining an end hopper compartment. An end support structure for the end hopper compartment is secured to the car body and includes a shear plate extending transversely between the side sills, a stub center sill disposed subjacent the shear plate, a bolster beam extending laterally on either side of the stub center sill and interconnecting the stub center sill with the side sill, a vertical bolster web interconnecting the stub center sill and the shear plate, an additional vertical bolster web assembly interconnecting the stub center sill, the shear plate, and the bolster beam, and a plurality of vertical gusset plates interconnecting the slope sheet and shear plate.

Abstract: A load carrying vehicle such as a truck trailer or a railroad car has a generally flat, horizontal loading surface which is supported by an underframe which in turn is mounted to and carried by wheel assemblies, kingpin-saddle plate arrangement and the like. The underframe extends over the full length and width of the load carrying vehicle and each of its transverse cross-sections is of a substantially constant height while in a longitudinal direction the center portion of the underframe is of a relatively greater height than portions of the underframe adjacent the wheel assemblies. The underframe is constructed of a first corrugated plate in which the corrugations run longitudinal of the vehicle. A second corrugated plate is secured to the underside of the first mentioned plate and the plates are arranged so that the corrugation troughs of the upper plate are in longitudinal alignment with corrugation peaks of the lower plate to define a hollow core honeycomb pattern between the plates.

Abstract: The railcar includes a low profile skeletal frame having a depressed midsection with supporting surfaces extending therefrom and a four point truck suspension. Vertical loads are applied to the frame so that opposed bending moments are established with respect to one or both pairs of suspension load support points. The railcar is capable of transporting conventional trailers, semi-trailers or containers through existing tunnel clearances.

Abstract: A removable L-shaped lift pad for a trailer or cargo container has its legs interconnected by a rub rail. One leg has fastener means to facilitate attachment to traverse beams on a container. The pad provides a flush bottom on a container without welding.

Abstract: A railroad car has an elongated cylindrical car body formed of thin cylindrical longitudinal walls and closed at each end by a respective end wall, a coupler at each end of the car body for coupling the car to other cars, a truck at each end of the car body, and a supporting structure mounted on each of the trucks for supporting the car body on the respective truck for transport on rails. As described, the end walls are conical and truncated, the longitudinal and end walls comprising continuously wound filaments impregnated with resin with the filaments lying in the longitudinal walls at an angle of less than 30.degree. to the longitudinal direction and extending in the end walls to the region of the truncation.

Abstract: A load supporting frame particularly suited for use as a road trailer is disclosed. The frame comprises a pair of longitudinally extending transversely spaced main beams, a plurality of central transverse members extending between said main beams and a plurality of corresponding transverse outboard members outwardly extending from said main beams, and a longitudinally extending side rail secured to the extending ends of said transverse outboard members on each side of the frame. Each of the main beams has a generally I-shaped configuration and comprises a vertically disposed web having an upper edge and a lower edge and removable flanges formed by a pair of angle members along said upper and lower edges. A connector for detachably securing said transverse members defines with the detachable flanges a key and mating keyway whereby the angle members, connectors and transverse members are self-aligning with each other when assembled and secured together.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure for a railway car having a fishbelly type underframe including a center sill having tapered transition sections connected between the center section of the sill and each end section. At each transition section a pair of longitudinally extending horizontal plates are provided which are contiguous and affixed to the respective vertical webs of the sill and extend from the center section through the transition section and into the end section, thereby directing structurally deleterious fatiguing loads away from the bent portions of the sill at the junctures of the transition section and the center and end sections.

Abstract: A vibration accommodating clamp for securing pipes which carry brake lines and the like to the underframes of railway cars. The clamp is initially mounted by placing a U-shaped bolt over the pipe and through holes in a mounting bracket and permanently securing a collar on a grooved portion of one leg of the bolt. The second leg of the bolt remains unused until it is necessary to remove the clamp. The clamp is removed by cutting off the collar and reapplied by placing a nut and washer on the threaded portion of the unused leg.

Abstract: A high cubic capacity railroad boxcar that is provided with a longitudinally extending depressed nailable steel floor section disposed on each side of a longitudinally extending center sill structure, the top surface of the floor sections being at the same elevation as the surface of a plate over the center sill structure, the outside lateral margins of each floor section having a removable inverted filler channel member positioned in a longitudinal runner recess adjacent a car angle member and side sill. Each filler channel member may be replaced with a bulkhead floor track in the form of a slotted runner member or a rack gear member and cooperate with a similar overhead track for receiving, locating and restraining removable bulkheads later added to the car by a lading shipper as may be required.