Abstract: The invention relates to a rail vehicle with a water outlet pipe. An end piece of the water outlet pipe is connected to an opening in a floor plate of the rail vehicle. A heated plate is provided at the end piece and disposed parallel to the floor plate. The heated plate is formed with an opening that is adapted to a free cross-section of the end piece of the water outlet pipe.

Abstract: A spring mounting cradle for an over-pressure valve assembly has integral valve-element camming surfaces provided adjacent the lower ends of a pair of the bent legs forming the cradle.

Abstract: A valve closure assembly (50) for remotely and automatically closing a railway tank car valve (V1, V2, V3, V4), characterized by improved convenience in mounting on a tank car dome (160) and adaptability to various dome geometries, valve configurations, and car-to-car dimensional variations. A clamp assembly (52) mounts assembly (50) on dome (160). An adapter (180) operated by a motor (58) turns a valve handle (A1, A2, A3, A4) when motor (58) runs. A positioning mechanism (54) selectively positions adapter (180) relative to clamp assembly (52) to establish a spatial relationship between them for enabling clamp assembly (52) to be placed at a desired location on the dome wall (162) and adapter (180) to engage a valve handle. Positioning mechanism (54) comprises three degrees of freedom of motion for establishing the spatial relationship of adapter (180) to clamp assembly (52), two of which are in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A manway cover assembly for a railroad tank car. The manway cover assembly is moveable between a closed position in covering relationship with a manway nozzle and an open position that permits access into the tank car. The manway cover assembly includes a manway cover having a generally inwardly convex central portion and a generally flat outer annular portion having an inwardly facing recess formed therein for receipt of an upper edge of the manway nozzle. A generally flat round weather shield member is attached to the outer ring member in covering relationships with the central inwardly convex portion of the manway cover member.

Abstract: System for the transportation and storage of a product which comprises a tank including cylindrical wall section and two ends, wherein the cylindrical wall section and two ends define a cylindrical tank periphery, and wherein the tank periphery has an interior and an exterior. The system utilizes a valve box that includes one or more side walls, a bottom wall, and a removable, sealable top cover which can be attached to the one or more side walls to seal the valve box, wherein the valve box side walls are sealably joined to the cylindrical wall. One or more process valves are disposed in the valve box, wherein each valve has a first and a second end, wherein each first end is connected to a pipe which passes through a wall of the valve box for introducing product into the tank or withdrawing product from the tank. A purge valve and pressure measurement means are installed in fluid communication with the valve box.

Abstract: A valve closure assembly (50) for remotely and automatically closing railway tank car valves (V1, V2, V3, V4) characterized by a series of novel adapters (180, 240, 242, 244, 252, 254) for enabling one valve closure assembly to turn the handles of various different valves, including soft-seat valves and hard-seat valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for restricting access to ports that may be disposed in a bonnet to house valves on a railcar. More specifically, the present invention relates to a template that may be lowered over the bonnet of the railcar wherein the template has a plurality of differently sized holes to allow access to specially-sized nozzles. In addition, the valves may be eduction valves and/or vapor valves, and the apertures may allow a specific-sized nozzle to have access to the eduction valves, the vapor valves or both. The template may lower onto the bonnet via a frame that may be rotatably attached to a structure. Further, joints and bearings may be provided to allow the template to be movable so as to precisely fit over the bonnet of the railcar.

Abstract: A system for the transportation and storage of a product comprising a tank including a cylindrical wall section and two ends which define a cylindrical tank periphery, wherein the tank periphery has an interior and an exterior; a recessed valve box including one or more side walls, a bottom wall, and a removable, sealable top cover which can be attached to the one or more side walls to seal the valve box, wherein the valve box side walls are sealably joined to the cylindrical wall section such that the valve box extends through the cylindrical wall section into the interior of the tank periphery and is partially or totally disposed in the interior of the tank periphery; and one or more valves disposed in the valve box.

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has a raised platform located in the center of the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a perimeter trough is formed between the platform and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.

Abstract: A drain pipe support advantageously acts as a guide for insertion of a drain pipe and secures the drain pipe in a desired position for draining of a fluid filled tank. Additionally the drain pipe support also advantageously guides fluid into the drain pipe so that efficient draining may be accomplished. The drain pipe support is comprised of an interior hollow portion which includes a tapered central portion 34 at a lower end thereof in order to guide the drain pipe and form a seal between the drain pipe and the drain pipe support. The drain pipe support advantageously has a hollow body which includes a support member that extends from the upper sides of an outer wall of the body. The support member is desirably formed in a substantially uniform circumference around the body of the drain pipe support.

Abstract: A bottom outlet valve for a tank car having a bottom is provided. The valve includes a nozzle projecting from the bottom of the tank car and defining an opening and having a locking member, an outlet cap shaped and dimensioned to cover the opening and moveable between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position the cap forms a substantially liquid-tight seal with the opening. The valve also includes at least one moveable handle coupled to the cap and having a locking portion engageable with the locking member and a hand gripping portion formed by structure defining a closed loop. Movement of the hand gripping portion causes engagement of the locking portion with the locking member, wherein when the locking member and locking portion are engaged, the outlet cap is retained in a closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot water delivery device (20), for application to trucks, tractor-trailer vehicles and the like, including a water tank (1) which can be housed in a casing (10) rigid with the platform of the vehicle The main feature of the invention is that the device further comprises an electric power supplied boiler (6), having a size adapted to allow the boiler to be housed in said casing.

Abstract: A bottom valve assembly is provided for a tank car having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a manway disposed in the top portion. The assembly includes a valve seat disposed in the bottom portion of the tank car and defining an outlet opening and a plug moveable between closed and open positions relative to the outlet opening. In the closed position, the plug is disposed against a seat to form a substantially liquid-tight seal. The assembly also includes a link pivotally mounted to the manway, operating linkage coupled to the plug and pivotally coupled to the link, and a lever fixedly secured to the link. Movement of the lever causes the plug to be moved between the open and closed positions. The assembly may also include a latch for preventing movement of the plug from the closed position and a secondary linkage for moving the latch and to provide an indication at the manway of the plug position.

Abstract: A safety vent for a railroad tank car has a housing mounted about an opening on the top of the car. The housing body defines a cavity which contains a surge protector and a rupture disk. The rupture disk is designed to open at a known pressure and allow controlled venting of the pressure in the car. A securement cap threaded into the cavity centers the rupture disk in a seat formed in the surge protector. Removal of the securement cap provides quick, easy access to the rupture disk and surge protector for inspection and replacement without removing the housing body.

Abstract: A safety vessel and valve assembly for storage and transport of chemicals is disclosed. The assembly includes a vessel housing a series of retracted valves. A thickened mounting plate provides an area to mount and protect the valves within the vessel, while attaching to the vessel in such a manner to maintain the smooth exterior surface of the vessel. An impact softener and heat resistant shroud covers the vessel exterior protecting the vessel, its valves and chemical cargo during a collision or other external forces.

Abstract: A tube well extends through a fluid containment compartment and is secured at both ends thereof to the compartment shell. Both ends of the well communicate with respective shell openings. Compartment fittings and/or equipment are positioned in the tube and are accessible through at least one of the openings. Both openings can be sealed and the well pressurized, to prevent pressurized fluid in the compartment from leaking through the equipment and into the tube well.

Abstract: A fluid transport apparatus including a fluid transport tank having a tank shell defining a fluid compartment within it. A well connected to the shell at an opening through the shell is recessed into the perimeter of the compartment. The well and its contents are thereby protectively positioned within the envelope of the shell. Equipment operatively associated with the compartment can be mounted in the well. When the equipment includes a pressure relief valve, the well cover plate can have a vent which can have a rupture disc mounted therein and adapted to open when the valve lifts. A pressure relief valve mounted in the well can be controlled by a valve positioned within the fluid compartment and operatively connected in series with the relief valve. When the equipment is a fluid valve or a relief valve it can be controlled by control equipment mounted in another recessed well, safely spaced from the recessed well of the valve.

Abstract: A skid protective casting and adapter for a tank car for retrofitting a new outlet bottom valve on a tank car. The skid protective casting includes two separate sections having sloped bottom surfaces. The skid protective casting is welded in a manner that post weld heat treatement is not required in connection with the retrofitting procedures. The new outlet valve is affixed to the existing valve saddle with an adapter plate for economical and effective mounting.

Abstract: A fluid apparatus including a fluid tank having a shell and defining a fluid containment compartment. A well is recessed into the fluid tank at an opening in the shell. The well has a well wall secured to the shell and a support ring at the shell opening and secured to and inside of the well wall. A cover plate is removably securable to the support ring to form a pressure-tight connection relative to the interior of the well such that the cover plate can retain in the well a pressure at least as great as the working pressure of the fluid in the compartment. This pressure-tight securement is preferably made by threading bolts through the plate and into drilled, tapped blind holes in the ring. The well can have a well head secured to the well wall and opposite to the shell opening. The well head in turn can be equipped with an internal manway cover openable into the tank and closable in a pressure-tight manner relative to the well wall.

Abstract: A fluid containment apparatus including first, second and third protective recessed wells. A first fluid flow device is positioned in the first well, a second fluid flow device in the second well, and control equipment in the third. First and second control conduits passing through the fluid compartment connect the control equipment with the first and second devices, respectively.

Abstract: An eduction or siphon pipe in a railway tank car extends from adjacent a bottom sump area to a fitting in a top area of the car. The railway tank car has a generally curvilinear inner wall, and the eduction pipe is provided with a shape corresponding to the generally curvilinear inner wall and is supported in proximity thereto. This enables the eduction pipe to readily accommodate radial distortions of the railway tank car during transport. In addition, all (or substantially all) of the fluid commodity in the railway tank car can be withdrawn through the eduction pipe since the lower end thereof may be positioned in close proximity to the bottom sump without concern for radial distortion or deflection of the tank car.

Abstract: A two-way tamper-proof vent arrangement especially constructed for food grade receptacles and tanks is disclosed. The vent arrangement includes inner and outer stainless steel inverted cup members which are nested together and are concentrically mounted on a bracket over a tubular vent opening in the receptacle or tank. The outer cup member has a lower circumferential edge which bears on the surface of the receptacle or tank surrounding the vent opening so that tubes or other instruments cannot gain access to the vent opening. The inner cup member has a lower circumferential edge spaced from the surface of the receptacle surrounding the vent opening. The outer cup member is provided with a plurality of small openings to permit the inflow and outflow of venting air along a labyrinth path formed by the inner and outer cup members between the exterior of the outer cup member and the vent opening.

Abstract: A protective flange is provided for the protection of a protrusion or valve on the surface of a tank car. The flange has an inner arcuate wall and an outer deflection portion for receiving impacts. The inner wall is annular and spaced from the protrusion to provide for mounting over the protrusion without cutting into the tank car. The outer portion includes longitudinally extending slope portions and vertical side walls welded to the tank car surface. The flange is tapered to deflect impacts received at the sides of the flange. The outer deflection portion and the inner wall define a closed space surrounding the protrusion or valve. Steam connections may be made to the flange to introduce steam into the closed space for heating the valve.

Abstract: A heated railway tank car includes heating conduits arranged on the tank and filled with a heating fluid and coupled to an electrically driven pump and heat exchanger in a closed-loop system for heating and continuously recirculating the heating fluid through the conduit. The tank car is adapted to be electrically interconnected with adjacent cars and the electric power may be provided from the locomotive, from an axle generator and alternator combination on the tank car, or from rechargeable batteries on the tank car charged by either terminal facilities or axle-mounted or locomotive-mounted generator means.

Abstract: A combination vacuum relief valve and pressure relief valve assembly includes a top cover plate which is movable vertically to vent a predetermined pressure in the tank above atmospheric. The top cover plate is resiliently mounted with springs which resiliently bias the cover into the closed position to determine the pressure at which the top cover plate moves to vent pressure in the tank. The vacuum relief valve is located below the top cover plate. First passageways provide fluid communication between the outside atmosphere and the lower surface of the vacuum relief valve. Second passageways provide fluid communication between the top surface of the vacuum relief valve, the bottom surface of the top cover plate and the interior of the tank.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a tank bottom (12) is provided with a lading opening (14) therein. A mounting flange (16) is mounted within this opening. This mounting flange includes a tapered portion (18, 18') extending longitudinally on either side of the lading opening. Preferably the tapered portion includes at least three (3) longitudinal units for each unit the mounting flange extends vertically in excess of one (1) inch below the bottom external surface of the tank. The mounting flange further includes a flange body portion (24) located radially inwardly from the tapered portion having a flange opening (26) for lading to pass through for entry or exit from the tank. The body portion further includes a recess (28) located below the body portion adapted to receive a valve housing (30) having a valve seat and a lading valve (44) located within the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum relief valve assembly includes a vacuum valve member located below a top cover plate and is thus protected from the atmosphere. First passageways defined in part by a bottom cover plate provide communication between the outside atmosphere and the lower surface of the valve. Second passageways provide communication between the upper surface of the valve and the inside of the container. When the pressure in the container is below atmospheric, atmospheric pressure acting on the bottom of the valve lifts the valve and air flows through the first and second passageways until atmospheric pressure is reached in the tank. A pressure relief valve is mounted for pivotal movement relative to an opening providing communication between the pressure in the tank and the first passageways to vent pressure in the tank. The pressure relief valve is protected from the atmosphere by the top cover plate, and in one embodiment, by the vacuum relief valve.

Abstract: An automatic vacuum relief valve assembly includes a cover plate closing an opening in a container to the atmosphere. A valve is vertically spaced below the cover plate and closes communication between the inside of the container and the outside atmosphere. A first passageway provides fluid communication between a first surface of the valve and the outside atmosphere. A second passageway provides fluid communication between the inside of the container and a second surface of the valve. When the pressure inside the container becomes less than atmospheric pressure, atmospheric pressure will cause the valve to move away from its seat and allow air to enter the container. When the pressure is equalized, the valve is biased to return to the seated position.

Abstract: A valve mounting flange connected over the outlet of a railway car tank includes a body having a tapered skirt which protects a release valve and other associated mechanisms against breakage which could result in rupture of the tank shell.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an air inlet and outlet valve is disclosed which automatically opens and closes when a bottom operable tank lading valve is opened and closed. The air valve is mounted adjacent the top of the tank and is in fluid communication by means of a conduit with an opening in the tank. The air valve is automatically opened and closed when the lading valve opens and closes by means of an air valve linkage including an operating shaft which extends from the lading valve up through the tank to operate the air valve.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a low profile, tapered siphon pipe sump is provided including a sump portion located below an opening in the tank bottom and extending below the tank bottom and a tapered portion extending longitudinally in both directions from the sump portion. The sump portion includes a sump opening sufficiently deep to readily unload through a siphon pipe the remaining portion of the lading in the tank, sufficiently deep to enable the siphon pipe to telescope therein when the tank top moves downwardly relative to the tank bottom during coupling impacts, and is also sufficiently wide and deep to enable a rubber spider siphon pipe guide normally used in rubber lined tank cars to position and anchor itself in the sump. This invention is also adaptable to unlined tank cars. The tapered portion extends from the bottom of the sump portion longitudinally of the tank in both directions.

Abstract: In a bottom operable tank car lading valve assembly, a combination skid and lading valve seat for the lading valve closure is provided, which is attached to the tank car universal flange with mechanical fasteners. The valve seat portion extends inwardly and upwardly from the universal flange and includes a machined seat. The skid portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the universal flange, forming a circumferential taper, and the upper portion abuts the bottom of the tank. The outer end of the skid is connected to the tank with fasteners which do not require stress relieving of the tank body. The skid portion protects the lading valve closure and the lading valve seats against impacts which might normally cause unseating of the valve closure and escape of the lading in the absence of the skid portion.

Abstract: In a bottom operable tank car lading valve assembly, a combination skid and lading valve seat for the lading valve closure is provided, which is attached to the tank car universal flange with mechanical fasteners. The valve seat portion extends inwardly and upwardly from the universal flange and includes a machined seat. The skid portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the universal flange, forming a circumferential taper, and the upper portion abuts the bottom of the tank. The outer end of the skid portion is connected to the tank with fasteners which do not require stress relieving of the tank body. The skid portion protects the lading valve closure and the lading valve seats against impacts which might normally cause unseating of the valve closure and escape of the lading in the absence of the skid portion.

Abstract: An eduction pipe and sump arrangement which does not require a skid includes an eduction pipe extending down from the top of the car and terminating a sufficient distance above the tank bottom to accommodate tank flexure. A sump is formed in the tank bottom directly below the eduction pipe. The sump is contoured such that there is no sump projection below the tank bottom in excess of one inch (1"). A guide pipe is attached to the interior of the tank bottom over the sump. The eduction pipe extends within the guide pipe. A ring is welded inside the guide pipe to provide centering for the eduction pipe and a load path for longitudinal and lateral forces induced by lading surging, and inertia of the eduction pipe. An elastomeric boot seal assembly including an elastomeric boot has one end attached to the eduction pipe and the other end attached to the guide pipe by hose clamps or other appropriate fasteners to seal the eduction pipe with respect to the interior of the tank.

Abstract: A system to protect piping and containers from damage by freezing of contained aqueous liquid includes a temperature-actuated SPDT switch connected at its movable contact to a rechargable battery. The fixed contacts of the switch are connected to two input terminals of a DC motor of a motor-actuated valve having its valve opened or closed depending upon the operation of the switch. The movable contact normally engages the fixed contact that provides voltage to close the valve, if open, as the sensed temperature is above about 35.degree. F., but moves to the other fixed contact when the temperature drops to 35.degree. F. to open automatically the valve. A relay having a coil energized by AC power has a normally open contact coupling the motor and the fixed contact used to close the valve so that closing is inhibited, if the AC power is off, until power is on.

Abstract: In a bottom operable tank car lading valve assembly, a combination skid and lading valve seat for the lading valve closure is provided, which is attached to the tank car universal flange with mechanical fasteners. The valve seat portion extends inwardly and upwardly from the universal flange and includes a machined seat. The skid portion extends upwardly and outwardly from the universal flange, forming a circumferential taper, and the upper portion abuts the bottom of the tank. The skid portion protects the lading valve closure and the lading valve seat against impacts which might normally cause unseating of the valve closure and escape of the lading in the absence of the skid portion.