Abstract: An improved coupler knuckle with an improved interior configuration for handling forces imparted on the knuckle and transferring said imparted forces through the knuckle and improving handling of linear force loads and their transmission the interior having a force handling structure that includes spaced apart layers and cavities, with a cavity extending between the nose section and the tail section of the coupler knuckle.

Abstract: A railway vehicle coupler knuckle for coupling a rail car, the knuckle being constructed having an improved configuration to provide a lightweight knuckle that has the same, and preferably improved, strength and resistance to fatigue as prior knuckles of greater weight, or being constructed from material and/or combinations of configurations and materials that facilitate a stronger and more fatigue resistant construction, a lightweight construction, or combinations of these properties.

Abstract: An improved lock for a railroad coupler, said improvement comprising a chamfer on a knuckle shelf seat.

Abstract: A lock member for a Type E railway freight car coupler formed of an as-cast and austempered ductile iron casting, having a slightly over-sized head portion, the as-cast and austempered ductile iron casting having a minimum tensile strength of about 140 ksi, a minimum yield strength of about 110 ksi, a minimum elongation in 2 inches of about 4%, and a BHN of about 321-388.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hitching device designed to be used to detachably connect two vehicles together. The hitching mechanism includes two jaws which may pivot with respect to one another in a controlled manner by virtue of intermeshing gearing therebetween. The ends of the jaws have a complimentary tongue and groove connection to facilitate resistance of forces which would tend to separate the jaws in the absence thereof. A lock block is provided to control locking and unlocking of the jaws, while a safety pin is provided to protect against undesired jaw movements.

Abstract: A locking system for a railway car coupler includes a gravity lock member which defines a slot and a locklifter which includes a trunnion extending through the slot, terminating at a distal end. A flange is secured to the trunnion at the distal end. The flange prevents disengagement of the trunnion from the slot unless a predetermined orientation is achieved.