Abstract: A drawbar for a slackless drawbar coupler assembly which includes a shank portion extending to a truncated butt end portion defining a convex, hemispherical buff load bearing surface adapted to abut against a concave, hemispherical buff load bearing surface on a rear support block. A generally rectangular aperture is provided through the butt end portion at the axis of said hemispherical buff load bearing surface which is adapted to receive a drawbar pivot pin and a three-dimensional bearing block, with the bearing block having a half-cylindrical surface on one side adapted to engage against a cylindrical side surface of the drawbar pivot pin, and a flat, generally rectangular surface opposite the cylindrical surface which is adapted to abut against a flat side of the rectangular aperture, to thereby bias the bearing block against the drawbar pivot pin such that the drawbar is pivotally attached to the pivot pin.

Abstract: A slackless drawbar coupler assembly for use in combination with a railway car having a center sill wherein the drawbar has a shank portion extending to an enlarged truncated butt end portion defining essentially a convex, hemispherical buff load bearing surface, with an aperture at the axis of the hemispherical buff load bearing surface, and includes a rear support block having a concave hemispherical buff load bearing surface on one side adapted to engage the convex, hemispherical buff load bearing surface on the drawbar.

Abstract: A support housing for supporting a slackless drawbar coupler assembly within a center sill of a railway car, in which the slackless drawbar assembly has a drawbar pivotally attached within a spool by a pivot pin, the support housing including a generally rectangular three-dimensional body having a generally rectangular, three-dimensional cavity in an underside surface, a forward end wall and a pair of generally parallel side wall portions with a pair of opposed and axially aligned apertures through the generally parallel side wall portion of the cavity, each aperture adapted to receive a disk pin insertable therethrough and also insertable through one each of a second pair of opposed and axially aligned apertures through parallel side walls of the spool, such that said spool is pivotal within said cavity on the axially aligned disk pins.

Abstract: A spool for supporting an end of a drawbar in a drawbar coupler assembly, having a first pair of vertically disposed and parallel side wall members extending from a second pair of horizontally disposed and parallel top and bottom wall members, a first pair of axially aligned apertures centrally disposed in the first pair of horizontally disposed and parallel side wall members, each adapted to receive an interlocking disk-pin for pivotally connecting the spool to a support housing, a second pair of axially aligned apertures centrally disposed in the second pair of horizontally disposed top and bottom wall members, adapted to receive a drawbar pivot pin for pivotally connecting a drawbar within the spool.

Abstract: A box car for carrying bulk material and capable of being incorporated into a freight train of a plurality of successively arranged like box cars, the box car comprising a box having an open top and an endless horizontal conveyor at the bottom, one of the endless conveyor ends being a rear end in the conveying direction and another endless conveyor end being a front end in the conveying direction, and a bulk material transfer device for transferring the bulk material from a preceding to a succeeding box car, the preceding and succeeding box cars being coupled to each other, the bulk material transfer device comprising an inclined endless conveyor having a lower end and an upper end, a drive for moving the inclined endless conveyor, and an adjusting drive for adjusting the distance of the transfer device from the ends of the horizontal endless conveyor, and the inclined endless conveyor being so arranged that the lower end subtends the front end of the horizontal endless conveyor of the preceding box car, and

Abstract: A lightweight and topless draft arm is disclosed for use in a railway car. The draft arm includes an open top surface with the metal layer removed, lateral support members and tiebars transversing the side walls for greater draft arm strength, and thinner side walls below the keyslots. Removal of the top surface of the draft arm eliminates the traditional double layer of material formed by the bottom of the car body and the top of the draft arm. Effectively, the bottom of the car body becomes the top of the draft arm resulting in a lighter weight railway car.

Abstract: A rotary type slackless drawbar assembly for connecting one end of a first railway freight car to an adjacently disposed end of a second railway freight car in a substantially semi-permanent fashion. Such drawbar assembly includes a rear block member having a substantially flat front face portion which is disposed in a generally vertical direction. A first spherically shaped cavity is formed in a center of the front face portion of such rear block member. A ball-like member has a first portion of an outer surface thereof disposed in such first cavity. An elongated drawbar member is connected at a first end thereof to a radially opposed second portion of such ball-like member. There is a generally U-shaped front block member which includes a substantially flat inner face portion disposed in a generally vertical direction and a second spherically shaped cavity is formed in such flat inner face portion of such front block member.

Abstract: An interlocking mechanism positioned intermediate each end of a drawbar member portion of a slackless drawbar assembly which includes an elongated member engageable at a first end thereof to an end of a first male connection member and at an axially opposed second end to an end of a second male connection member of such drawbar assembly. At least one of such elongated member and such end of such first and such second male members include at least a hollow portion so that one of such elongated member can be disposed in such at least a hollow portion of such end of such first and such second male members, and such end of such first and such second male members can be disposed in the at least a hollow portion of such elongated member. A first aperture, having a first predetermined shape, is formed through the elongated member adjacent at least one predetermined first end and such axially opposed second end thereof.

Abstract: A slackless drawbar assembly joining railcars includes a drawbar, each end of the drawbar being joined to a yoke surrounding a cushioning unit and a follower block confined between forward and rear stops in a conventional sill pocket. The cushioning unit includes a front plate, an elongate spacer block and a compressed stack of elastomer pads sandwiched between the plate and block. Tightening wedges and shims are not used. The compressed pad stock holds the cushioning unit between the stops with a preload of about 50,000 pounds to prevent binding between the drawbar and the follower plate from causing derailments. The preload also holds the cushioning unit tight in the pocket.

Abstract: An interlocking mechanism is positioned intermediate first and second end portions of a drawbar member portion of a slackless type drawbar assembly utilized in coupling adjacently disposed ends of a pair of railway freight cars together in a substantially semipermanent fashion. Such interlocking mechanism includes a first elongated member engageable at a first end thereof to an end of a first male connection member. A first at least one plate like member is disposed at a second end of the first elongated member of such interlocking mechanism. There is a first elongated slot formed through such first at least one plate like member. A second elongated member is engageable at a first end thereof to an end of a second male connection member.

Abstract: When slack-free railcar connector assemblies are placed under very high tensile loading, the connector assembly components will stretch and allow a typical "rigid" gravity wedge to descend into a fully seated position between the components and lock-in the tensile loads. The locked-in loads become additive in nature when successively encountered compressive loads are experienced by the connector assembly, thereby increasing the lateral drawbar angling forces, as well as accelerating coupling component wear. The wedge component of the present invention includes a means for vertically supporting and retaining the wedge in a holding position slightly above the normally fully seated position during the tensile loading, thereby eliminating the build up of tensile forces in the connector assembly.

Abstract: A slackless drawbar assembly connecting adjacent ends of a pair of freight cars together. Such assembly includes a first pair of vertically disposable rear draft stop members and a first pair of radially opposed front draft stop members engageable with and securable to respective ones of a pair of side wall portions of a center sill member disposed on a first car. Each of such first pair of rear and front draft stops include a flat and respectively facing surface portion formed thereon. Additionally, each flat surface portion on at least one of such first pair of rear and front draft stops include a taper. There is a drawbar member provided which has a predetermined length. A first aperture is formed through this drawbar adjacent a first end thereof. There is a first ball member provided which has at least a portion thereof disposed in such first aperture. A first race assembly is secured to such drawbar adjacent such first aperture.

Abstract: A slackless drawbar comprising a female member with one end engaging an end of a car body center sill and another end extends outwardly from the center sill end. A cavity formed in such other end defined by inner surfaces of the back wall, top wall and pair of side walls and open at a bottom and outer end thereof. Openings are formed through each side wall. A male member includes a first end movably disposed in such cavity and a second end. An aperture is formed through such male member first end. A portion of a spherical shaped member is disposed in such aperture. A pair of shaft members extend from outer surfaces of such spherical member. A portion of each shaft member is disposed in respective side wall openings. Each shaft member has a flat surface formed thereon. A race having a portion thereof disposed in such aperture and secured to such male member. The race inner surface is disposed around the spherical member.

Abstract: A slackless drawbar assembly connecting adjacent ends of a pair of freight cars together includes a pair of rear draft stop members and a pair of front draft stop members engageable with and securable to a pair of side wall portions of a center sill member disposed along a longitudinal centerline of such car. Each one of at least one of the pairs of rear and front draft stop members having a substantially flat surface portion. There is an elongated drawbar member having an aperture formed therethrough. A ball member has at least a portion thereof disposed in such aperture and a race assembly is secured to such drawbar member adjacent such aperture and having an inner surface thereof surrounding such at least a portion of such ball member disposed in such aperture. A pair of elongated shaft members extend outwardly from radially opposed sides of such ball member. Each of such pair of shaft members includes at least a portion thereof being wedge shaped.

Abstract: The trailing, load supporting component of a product conveyor is connected to a powered, leading component by a shock absorbing tow bar that employs a dampener tube in which a plunger moves against the resistance of a sleeve of resilient material. The head of the plunger is oversized with respect to a passageway defined by the sleeve and thus is forced to compress and displace the resilient material in order to move relative to the passageway in response to an impact caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of the conveyor. Compression and displacement of the material occurs at a zone of contact of the head with the material, the head shifting the zone of contact and compressing and displacing the material in response to the impact communicated to the tow bar. A protective sleeve shields an exposed plunger rod from contaminants and enhances the structural integrity of the assembly.

Abstract: Slackless drawbar includes female member, having a cavity, engaging end of a railway car. Openings through first and second side walls of cavity. A male member has portion movably disposed in cavity. An aperture formed through such male member. A ball has portion disposed in such aperture and shafts extending from outer surfaces thereof. A portion of one shaft disposed in one opening and a portion of another one disposed in another opening. Such shafts have flat surface portions. A race assembly disposed in such aperture and secured to male member. An inner surface of race surrounds such ball. A second female member, having a cavity, engages end of second car. Openings are formed through second pair of side walls. Another male member has portion movably disposed in second cavity. An aperture formed through the second male member. Another ball includes portion disposed in second aperture and shafts extending from outer surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A drawbar bearing block for a slackless drawbar system which connects adjacent ends of a pair of railway cars in a semi-permanent manner. Such bearing block includes a top portion supported and retained in a hemispherical recess which extends partially around a pin opening formed in a pin receiving opening disposed in a butt end of a drawbar. Such top portion of the bearing block has an outer surface which closely matches a surface of such hemispherical recess and an inner surface having a cylindrical shape to receive a pin therein. There is at least one recessed opening formed in the top portion adjacent a bottom surface and an outer surface thereof. A bottom portion is supported and retained in such hemispherical recess and assists in supporting and retaining such top portion in the hemispherical recess. Such bottom portion of the bearing block includes an outer surface which closely matches the surface of such hemispherical recess and an inner surface having a cylindrical shape to receive a pin therein.

Abstract: A railway car connection system for a railway car having a center sill. Such connection system includes a sliding yoke. The sliding yoke having a front pocket portion open at a front end thereof. The front pocket portion is formed by a top wall portion, a bottom wall portion and a pair of radially opposed side wall portions which form a continuous outer wall. Such continuous outer wall has an outer cross section complementary to an interior cross section of such center sill and capable of both being received therein and sliding longitudinally thereof. The top wall portion has a first bore therethrough and the bottom wall portion has a second bore therethrough concentric with such first bore. A rear block portion having a top wall portion, a bottom wall portion and side wall portions each adjacent the corresponding top wall portion, bottom wall portion and side wall portions of such front pocket portion.

Abstract: An improved drawbar connection for railroad cars reduces slack between cars and results in improved train handling. The drawbar connection fits in a standard draft gear pocket and utilizes a standard yoke, standard follower and standard coupler pin, thereby permitting the application of drawbars with minimal structural modification to cars originally equipped with conventional couplers. The usual draft gear is replaced by a filler which is relatively rigid. The filler includes a follower block, a wedge, a filler block and may include a mini-draft gear having a maximum travel of about one-half inch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a railway car for hauling stacked containers. The railway car comprises a coupler and draft assembly having a vertical dimension that is substantially reduced over conventional railway car systems. The reduced height of the coupler and draft assembly allow three tiers of containers to be stacked on the railway car without exceeding A.A.R. height requirements.

Abstract: A slackless railcar coupler assembly, which is mountable in a railcar center sill, has a draft gear subassembly operable against a rear stop, and a slackfree coupler apparatus mounted in a coupler pocket forward of said draft gear subassembly, which subassembly and apparatus are connected to provide a dynamic load in both the buff and draft directions to avoid a mechanical, longitudinal stress load on the coupler assembly and railway car.

Abstract: This invention provides a locking wedge assembly capable of exerting a predetermined pressure in at least one direction. Such assembly removably secures a male connection member to a female connection member of an articulated coupling arrangement. Such articulated coupling arrangement used to secure one end of a first railway car to an adjacent end of said railway car in a semi-permanent fashion. The assembly includes a wedge-shaped member having a surface engageable with a surface located in an opening in a side wall portion of a cavity at an outer end of the female member and another surface engageable with a surface on a shaft member of a spherical bearing carried by such male member. An aperture is formed through such wedge-shaped member along a longitudinal axis thereof. A bolt member is disposed through this aperture and an aperture formed through a bottom wall on the outer end of such female member adjacent the side wall opening.

Abstract: A railcar connector assembly includes an elastic pad held in a cage that is interposed between parts of the assembly to provide limited slack of an amount approximately equal to a dimension that the pad extends from the cage.

Abstract: A railway car with a slackless drawbar arrangement for unit trainservice and the like is provided and includes a drawbar having a section which is fabricated. The fabricated intermediate section is cut from a section of seamless pipe or tubing or can be fabricated from plate, while the coupling end pieces attached to each end of the shank are cast members made from typical casting methods. The coupling end pieces can be cast into standard fixed or rotatable drawbar ends or even be a combination thereof with rotational capability. The geometric shape of the intermediate section is varied, depending upon the application, so that resistance to torsional or bending loads is maximized. The fabricated shank portion is hollow, as well as part of the body of the coupling end pieces, thereby reducing the railcar's weight and costs to manufacture.

Abstract: A drawbar for a slackless drawbar system comprises an elongated bar having a load support portion adjacent its one end for connection to one of a pair of adjacent cars in a train, a pin receiving opening extending through the load support portion, a hemispherical recess extending partially around the pin receiving opening and a pin bearing having a hemispherical outer surface receivable in the hemispherical recess and a cylindrical inner surface to receive a pin. The pin bearing preferably is constructed of two symmetrical halves retained in the hemispherical recess by a retaining clip of spring material and the pin receiving opening is provided with a recess to receive the pin bearing retaining clip. The drawbar is provided with a second load support portion at its other end which may be the same as the load support portion at its one end or which may be different if required to connect to a railway car with a different form of coupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a railway car coupler arrangement whereby a standard yoke, follower, and draft gear are removed from the center sill and replaced with a short yoke member, a spacer block member and slackless drawbar arrangement, namely, a pocket casting wedge shim, and follwer, easily converting the coupler arrangement to a drawbar arrangement without modifying the center sill. The short yoke member, spacer block and slackless arrangement fit exactly within the space formerly occupied by the draft gear pocket casing. The drawbar arrangement maintains the same degrees of angling freedom as the coupler since the drawbar is connected and pivoted from the same pin location as when the coupler was installed. The short yoke member is also designed to more uniformly distribute draft loads to the center sill by transferring forces from the connecting pin into the short yoke member, which in turn transfers those forces into abutting center sill front stops, left intact from the coupler arrangement.

Abstract: An axially adjustable blockout apparatus positionable in a draft gear pocket of a yoke to allow equipping a railway car with a slackless drawbar coupling arrangement. The apparatus has a pair of spaced end blocks, a pair of spaced wedge members disposed between such end blocks and a threaded member engageable with each of the wedge members for adjustable securing a confronting pair of wedge members together a slidable connection provided to connect the wedge members with the end blocks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing assembly for use in an articulated coupling apparatus which connects one end of one railway car to an adjacent end of a second railway car in a semipermanent manner. Such coupling apparatus includes a male connection member, a female connection member, and a device for securing such bearing assembly to the coupling apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable securing device for securing spaced wedge members to provide for movement of the wedges together or apart comprises a threaded bore in one wedge that has threads opposite in direction from a threaded bore in the second wedge. A threaded member has threaded portions engageable with the threaded bores of the wedge members and upon engagement therewith, rotation of the threaded member in one direction moves the wedges apart while rotation in the other direction moves the wedges together. The wedge members preferably have tongues which fit complementary members, such as flanges, on blocks so that engagement of the wedge members with the blocks and movement of the wedges together or apart will either push the blocks apart or pull the blocks together.

Abstract: An apparatus which provides versatility in securing an articulated coupling arrangement to a center sill member of a railway car is provided. Such apparatus includes a bottom wall portion which matingly engages a bottom wall of such center sill member and a top wall portion which matingly engages one of a top wall of such center sill member and a bottom surface of such railway car. A pair of vertically disposed side wall portions are disposed between such top wall portion and such bottom wall portion. Each of such pair of side wall portions have a predetermined configuration which provides such enhanced versatility in securing such articulated coupling arrangement to such center sill member.

Abstract: Provided is an articulable spherical connection for a railway coupling arrangement. The connection includes a male connection member having a spherical connection portion secured to one end of a body portion and a female connection member having a split body portion. Each body portion of such femal connection member having a spherical cavity formed therein to receive a portion of the spherical connection portion of the male connection member therein. A securing device is provided to secure such split body portion together around the spherical connection portion of the male member.

Abstract: A drawbar coupler for a railway car having a center sill is disclosed for connecting two railway cars together in a slackless arrangement and provide uni-train service. The drawbar coupler is particularly characterized by a quick disconnect feature. The coupler includes a drawbar having at each end a vertical pin hole to receive a cylindrical pin that is held at its top and bottom end portions in a drawbar support casing that is in turn connected by weld to the center sill. Draft loads are imposed on a bearing block having curved bearing surfaces and fitted in the pin hole between the drawbar and the pin. Buff loads are transferred from the butt portion of the drawbar to a bearing block that is acted upon by a gravity actuated wedge placed between the bearing block and end wall of the support casing. Two support plates extend across the bottom of the casing and can be removed to permit removal of the vertical pin as well as the bearing block.

Abstract: A slackless railcar connection system includes a gravity wedge shim that has an extension means extending upwardly from the broad edge of the shim through an opening in a railcar center sill. A reference post may also be located adjacent the opening to visibly indicate the degree of wear of the wedge.

Abstract: An assembly mechanism is provided for removably securing a bearing assembly carried by a male connection member to a female connection member of an articulated coupling system. Such assembly mechanism includes at least one vertically disposed lug member secured to an outer surface of a vertically disposed side wall of a cavity formed in one end of such female connection member adjacent an opening formed in such side wall portion. There is at least one horizontally disposed lug member secured to such outer surface adjacent another portion of such opening in such side wall portion. A locking member is engageable with each of such vertical lug member and such horizontal lug member and a portion of a shaft-like member extending outwardly from such bearing assembly. The locking member removably secures such shaft-like member against rotation in such opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for securing a bearing assembly to an articulated coupling apparatus which connects one end of one railway car to an adjacent end of a second railway car in a semipermanent manner. Such coupling apparatus includes a male connection member, a female connection member, a bearing assembly, and such device for securing such bearing assembly to the coupling apparatus.

Abstract: A gravity wedge shim includes a cavity and aperture at the top thereof and a lifting tool is extended through an opening in a sill ceiling above the wedge, inserted into the aperture and twisted so as to engage the wedge for lifting same.

Abstract: A railway vehicle drawbar slackless rotary dump arrangement having one end fixed against rotation to one railway vehicle and the other end connected to be rotatable in a second adjoining railway vehicle. Slack elimination is provided by a wedge at each connection. The rotatable connection includes a drawbar ball end held between concentric pulling blocks and follower block with a shim and cradle arrangement to maintain alignment of the concentric parts. Appurtenances are provided to the drawbar shank to simulate striker castings and interlocked E and F type couplers so as to accommodate the drawbar for use with indexing apparatus at the unloading site. Means are also incorporated to move cars in case of failure of system components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slackless rotary drawbar assembly of simple yet rugged construction. The drawbar assembly preferably consists of five parts: a rotary drawbar, a rotary drawbar support housing, a bottom support casting, a rear support block, and a slack adjustment wedge. The rotary drawbar support housing is welded into the center sill of a railroad car and supports the rotary drawbar so as to permit unrestricted universal movement of the drawbar through the range of movement required under normal operating conditions. The rotary drawbar has an enlarged truncated convex spherical end portion which mates with concave surfaces formed in the support housing and the bottom support casting. The bottom support casting is secured to the center sill and holds the drawbar in the support housing. The truncated convex spherical end portion also mates with a concave surface formed in the rear support block.

Abstract: A drawbar assembly for interconnecting railcars comprises a drawbar having enlarged ends, each of which is positioned in a socket formed in a railcar sill having outer side walls. A drawbar pin is retained in the sill and passes through an aperture in the enlarged drawbar end, retaining the drawbar in the socket. Pin bearing block means are carried in the drawbar and are in abutting relation with the pin. Slack adjusting wedge means urge the pin against the bearing block means. In accordance with this invention, the slack adjusting wedge means are positioned in the sill outer side walls. Thus, the slack adjusting wedge means can be inspected and maintained without disassembling the drawbar assembly.

Abstract: A slackless railcar connector system includes a gravity wedge shim that has a tail piece extending from the narrow edge of the sim through an aligning groove in a sill pocket casting, or the like. A biasing member may also be located adjacent the aligning groove to engage the tail piece.

Abstract: A railway coupler connection is provided for slackless arrangements wherein spacer lugs are provided between the coupler shank and the sill side castings to restrain lateral movement of the coupler member at about the draw key; and access ports are provided in a pocket casting to facilitate withdrawal of a wedge holding the coupler parts together whereby the parts may be disassembled.

Abstract: A slackless draw bar coupler arrangement in which the car has a draw bar pocket with an open top, a slotted draft plate and a buff plate and the draw bar has a bar body with a spherical head connected to the body by a neck. Located about the neck is a thrust ring for disposition between the draft plate and the head and at that side of the head remote from the neck, there is a thrust disc insert for disposition between the buff plate and the head. The thrust disc insert and thrust ring are carried in holders. Between the buff plate and the thrust disc insert is a removable wedge which is spring loaded to urge the thrust disc insert firmly towards the head of the draw bar.

Abstract: A railroad car having universal coupling capability through provision of a coupling arrangement which permits connection to a standard coupler or a drawbar is disclosed. The coupling arrangement includes facing sill side frames which define key slots and spaced stops to accommodate force transfer of traction and buff loads from either a coupler or a drawbar.

Abstract: An improved railway car striker assembly including a spring supported coupler carrier wherein the carrier has laterally extending lugs with chevron shaped bearing surfaces engageable with congruent surfaces on retainer plates to restrain longitudinal and lateral movement of the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drawbar railway coupler connection. The drawbar contacts a follower block which in turn contacts a wedge shaped shim. Such shim provides an essentially slackless feature to the coupling connection. Further, surfaces of the follower block and the shim or of the shim and the rear cavity wall are modified such that alignment of the shim within the cavity is assured despite any angling or slight rotation of the drawbar.

Abstract: A railway car underframe includes a sill structure having at one end a cushion pocket disposed rearwardly of a draft structure which is readily adapted to support a drawbar assembly having at its rear end an impact head extending into the pocket and engaging a cushion. The cushion is spaced from one end of the pocket by a removable spacer assembly which is removed when a larger cushion is disposed in the pocket and a shank coupler assembly is utilized. The draft structure includes attaching means to which a bell mouth housing is removably secured when the coupler assembly replaces the drawbar assembly. The structure includes a member which is a combination having a draft lug function, for coupler application, and a draft keyslot function for drawbar application.

Abstract: A railway car underframe center sill includes a drawbar structure which includes a rigid housing structure adapted to fit into the cushion pocket of the sill supporting the cushion. The rigid housing is readily removable if desired and includes a rigid end plate having a truncated opening which contains a truncated hemispherical reaction member which pivots in any direction. The drawbar is supported on the center sill for movement in true rotation and is provided at its inner end with an impact head at all times in flush contact with the hemispherical reaction member. The end of the drawbar includes a drawbar key structure secured in place by means of the draft key. The housing structure is securely maintained in position against a stop by a wedge member which is self-adjusting downwardly as wear may occur and thus insures a contact rigid effective assembly.This assembly provides a slackless condition in the drawbar attachment between companion units of a railway freight car.

Abstract: An articulated railroad car including a plurality of platforms each supported by a single axle wheel truck at each end. The platforms are connected to rigid drawbars which allow relative motion therebetween in both horizontal and vertical directions. The drawbars and the platforms have cooperable surfaces which engage when the car is being pushed and tend to align the platforms and drawbars to prevent jackknifing and derailment.

Abstract: A railway coupler connection is provided for use in a coupler shank-yoke or a drawbar-yoke configuration. Self adjusting slack reduction is provided by a wedge shaped shim or an angled follower block. Vertical and horizontal angling of the coupler connection is provided for by the curved shape of the contacting surfaces of the butt portion of the shank or drawbar and the follower block and the yoke.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slackless rotary drawbar assembly of simple yet rugged construction. The drawbar assembly preferably consists of five parts: a rotary drawbar, a rotary drawbar support housing, a bottom support casting, a rear support block, and a slack adjustment wedge. The rotary drawbar support housing is welded into the center sill of a railroad car and supports the rotary drawbar so as to permit unrestricted universal movement of the drawbar through the range of movement required under normal operating conditions. The rotary drawbar has an enlarged truncated convex spherical end portion which mates with concave surfaces formed in the support housing and the bottom support casting. The bottom support casting is secured to the center sill and holds the drawbar in the support housing. The truncated convex spherical end portion also mates with a concave surface formed in the rear support block.