Abstract: An improved plastic knuckle pin for a coupler on a railway car and a method of making the improved plastic knuckle pin whereby the improved plastic knuckle pin has a substantially uniform material matrix and the method of making the pin increases uniformity in the material by increasing the surface cooling area which decreases air and moisture pockets in the material during the molding process.

Abstract: An improved plastic knuckle pin for a coupler on a railway car and a method of making the improved plastic knuckle pin whereby the improved plastic knuckle pin has a substantially uniform material matrix and the method of making the pin increases uniformity in the material by increasing the surface cooling area which decreases air and moisture pockets in the material during the molding process.

Abstract: A railway car coupler includes a knuckle that is rotatable about a pivot pin. The knuckle is comprised of a tail section, a hub and a nose section. The knuckle is usually made of steel in a casting operation. The pivot pin opening in the knuckle is cylindrical with generally straight walls with a reduced diameter centrally located cylindrical relief area. The nose has a blunt end, and a thicker internal reinforcing section is made by having an end of the face core extend a lesser distance toward the pivot pin opening. The transition area between the tail and the nose is formed by parabolic shaped upper and lower sections.

Abstract: A railway vehicle coupler including a coupler body and a knuckle rotatable about a vertical axis. A stress relieving bracket extends integrally from the coupler body and engages the knuckle in bearing relationship between upper and lower pivot connections mounting the knuckle for pivotal movement on the body. The stress relieving bracket when in bearing relationship with knuckle serves to transfer stresses from the knuckle to the coupler body during train operation.

Abstract: A plastic knuckle pin for a coupler on a railway car which accepts bending fatigue, eliminates rust or corrosion, and reduces the coefficient of friction during opening and closing the coupler. The pin also protects the integrity of the coupler body and the knuckle to reduce coupler maintenance and further reduces the weight of the railway car and facilitates the use of a self-locking feature.

Abstract: A combination knuckle hanger and knuckle pin holder tool for holding the knuckle and knuckle pin of a railway coupler, in which the knuckle and knuckle pin may be held in position from the coupler during internal repairs. The tool has a fork shaped base portion which is adapted to be inserted into the casting holes of a railway coupler in order to releasably secure the tool to the coupler. A holder cup is rigidly attached to the curved portion of the fork for holding the knuckle pin during the repairs, and an angled knuckle hanging peg is also attached to the curved portion of the fork for hanging the knuckle during repairs, thereby allowing the knuckle and knuckle pin to be conveniently stored on the coupler during the repair of the internal coupler parts.

Abstract: Am improved railway vehicle coupler head is provided having knuckle pin retaining element which is free to fully rotate with the knuckle pin to enable continuous rotation of the knuckle pin during use. An elastic ring located within a circumferential groove on a bottom portion of the knuckle pin precludes the knuckle pin from unintentional upward removal during use while allowing for continuous rotation therewithin. The continuous rotation of the knuckle pin allows for the distribution of stress about the circumference of a knuckle pin resulting in a longer fatigue life for the knuckle pin.

Abstract: An improved knuckle design for railway couplers wherein the knuckle pin is supported midway between its ends to prevent premature failure of the pin. The kidney core which forms the hollow cavity in the throat portion of the knuckle is isolated from the core which forms the pivot pin hole during casting and is provided with a lateral projection which forms an opening in the side wall of the hollow knuckle throat portion. This insures that under severe stress conditions, the coupler will fracture at the throat portion of the knuckle rather than possibly at the coupler head itself.

Abstract: A railway car coupler knuckle includes integral nose, hub, and tail portions. The tail portion has a lock shelf and an associated locking face as well as pulling lugs associated therewith. A tail core support aperture in the tail portion communicates with internal tail portion coring extending from a free end of the tail portion toward coring in the hub portion. The core support aperture and tail portion coring have been strategically relocated and reconfigured to reduce stresses imposed at critical areas during loading of the knuckle pulling lugs and locking face to thereby increase the resistance of the tail portion to fatigue failures.

Abstract: A knuckle for a railway coupler in which an annular knuckle pin support wall is located between upper and lower knuckle pin holes. The knuckle pin support wall in one embodiment is an annular rib and in another embodiment, a continuous wall is formed between knuckle pin holes to prevent fatigue fracture of the pin due to bending fatigue.

Abstract: A coupler knuckle made from cast metal and having cored sections providing exterior walls adjacent the location subject to stress in use. These wall sections are formed in such a manner as to withstand the stresses.