Abstract: A railcar anti-scissoring system includes a base controller positioned within a train locomotive that sends a launch initiation command to railcar-stabilizing units when detecting rapid deceleration indicative of a collision or derailment. The stabilizing units include a receiver secured to the rear end of each rail car and a coupling unit attached to the front end of each rail car. The coupling unit houses a deployable locking rod that is thrust into a mating cavity in the receiver upon receipt of the launch command. The deployed locking rod maintains the host railcar and the preceding railcar in a linear orientation during a rapid deceleration to prevent jackknifing.
Abstract: A rotary railway drawbar coupler is provided which comprises two elongated shank members each having a convex butt surface at one end and a generally circular butt surface at the other end. The two elongated shanks are positioned between the two railway cars being coupled such that the circular butt ends are adjacent each other. A connecting collar surrounds the circular flange of which the circular butt surface is a part. Each elongated shank may have a longitudinal cavity extending inwardly from the circular butt surface to accommodate a cylindrical bar that extends between the elongated shanks.
Abstract: A slackless drawbar arrangement for unit train service and the like including a drawbar having enlarged butt end portions each provided with essentially spherical buff and draft load bearing surfaces on the rear and forward surfaces thereof. The enlarged butt end portions are supported by a front draft block and a rear buff block within a center sill. The front draft block is supported against a curved surface of a wear block which is, in turn, supported by keys welded to the sill. The rear buff block is supported against a gravity-activated wedge which is, in turn, supported by rear draft lugs welded to the center sill. A bottom plate retains the various blocks inside the cavity of the center sill.
Abstract: A railway transport vehicle including a single load carrying beam having a novel coupling mechanism provided at each end and with one end including a rail truck and hydraulic lifters for lifting that end of the beam from a lowered position to a trailer axel engaging and lifting position, an upstanding support disposed proximate the other end of the beam for mating with and supporting the fifth wheel of the trailer unit to be transported, and a jack for lifting that end of the beam into a coupling position.