Abstract: A material handling and transport apparatus for railroad use comprises a rail car loading assembly and a deck vehicle. The rail car loading assembly comprises a loading machine having a handling arm, and means to move the rail car loading assembly forward and rearward along top edges of sidewalls of a string of gondola cars and across gaps between the gondola cars. The deck vehicle comprises a deck located at a deck end of the deck vehicle such that the deck can be maneuvered adjacent to an end gondola car of the string of gondola cars wherein the deck is located at a vertical loading position such that the means to move the rail car loading assembly is operative to move the rail car loading assembly onto the deck.

Abstract: A dock or railway has a length of parallel track-driveway spaced along side for rail mounted tractor-trailers or truck-bus chassis-cab to guide on and travel to transfer cargo or people containers between the dock or cars in a train stopped for these transfers. The truck bed, chassis, or dock has one or more parallel oblique channels extensible or with roller bars extensible obliquely from a side to engage transfer rollers added on the container or oblique channels in the bottom of the container to move the container between the truck bed and the dock or car according to the direction the truck is driven or moved along parallel past the dock or car or the container is extended to initiate transfer. Various actuators can initiate and complete the transfer between the truck and standing train car or dock. Passenger and freight containers are interchangeable on the same bus-truck chassis and railway car container berth.

Abstract: In a freight train comprising at least two like storage cars for bulk material, the storage cars comprising loading containers extending in a longitudinal direction, and the storage cars being supported on undercarriages for movement on a track, each storage car comprises a bottom conveyor band extending in the longitudinal direction for conveying the bulk material in a conveying direction from a rear end to a front end of the loading container, and a transfer conveyor band at the front end of the loading container, the transfer conveyor band being arranged to receive the conveyed bulk material from the bottom conveyor band and projecting from the front end to a preceding one of the two storage cars to transfer the conveyed bulk material to the loading container of the preceding storage car where the transferred bulk material forms a bulk material pile.

Abstract: In a method of loading several like coupled storage cars with bulk material, in which each storage car comprises a bottom conveyor band to a transfer conveyor band projecting from a front end of the storage car, the bulk material is conveyed at a conveying speed mode by the bottom and transfer conveyor bands arranged successively in the conveying direction, a first storage car is first filled with the bulk material by reducing the conveying speed mode of the bottom conveyor band in the first storage car to a bulk material storing speed mode while the transfer conveyor band of the adjacent storage car fills the first storage car, the storing speed mode of the bottom conveyor band in the first storage car being automatically adjusted in response to a measured amount of the bulk material accumulating in a pile in the first storage car so that the first storage car is filled to a maximal height, and after the accumulated pile of bulk material in the first storage car has reached a forward end position, the convey

Abstract: An installation for filling a rail vehicle sand box comprises both a pressurized vessel containing sand or other granular material and a portable delivery head connected to the vessel. The installation further comprises an intermediate assembly having a first end fitted with means for airtight coupling to the portable delivery head and a second end connected to the sand box. The intermediate assembly can form part of the equipment of a rail vehicle, or alternatively it can form part of the equipment of a platform.

Abstract: A railroad car loader/unloader apparatus includes a mobile machine adapted to operate atop an open top rail car. The apparatus includes a plurality of support subassemblies with surfaces adapted to engage upper surfaces of sidewalls of the rail car when the apparatus is positioned thereon. The support subassemblies are removable. The apparatus also includes a boom structure with a bucket attached at an end thereof. The apparatus can move atop the rail car on its own power, or by coordinated use of the boom structure to push or pull the apparatus along the rail car. In an alternative embodiment, rollers are attached to the support subassemblies in a position to engage the sidewall's upper surface to reduce travel friction.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a load from a source to a destination. The apparatus includes a freight container (1) which has a plurality of cells (7) each for containing a discrete load and a conveyor (10) for conveying loads between cells (7). Plural discrete loads are loaded into the container (1). The loads are allocated amongst the cells (7) according to the destinations of the individual loads and then each individual load is conveyed to its allocated cell (7).

Abstract: An improved system for transporting vehicles and passengers from one destination to another using pallets, trains and guideways. The automobile uses ramp 1 to enter station 2 and park in port 3. The port then rotates 45 degrees 4 and parallel to a pallet guideway 5. The system then moves the pallet 6 along the pallet guideway next to a port 7 and parks. A mechanism on the pallet transfers the vehicle from the port 7 to the pallet 6. The pallet accelerates on a pallet guideway 8 and moves next to a train 9 that is traveling in the same direction on a train guideway 10. The pallet docks with an empty slot 11 on said train while both are moving. The pallet moves the automobile onto said train and undocks. The empty pallet continues along the pallet guideway 12 back to the station to pick up another vehicle. As said train approaches the next station, an empty pallet docks with the train at the said slot that contains the automobile. The pallet transfers the automobile from the train to the pallet.

Abstract: A device and method of loading wheelchair-using passengers includes a passenger platform, a ride vehicle, a lifting device, and a moveable transfer platform. The lifting device is located under the passenger platform and has raised and lowered positions. A moveable transfer platform is affixed to the lifting device when the lifting device is in the raised position. The lifting device is then lowered in the lowered position, wherein a wheelchair-using passenger is secured to the top of the moveable transfer platform. The lifting device then raises the moveable transfer platform and passenger to a raised position. The moveable transfer device is then rolled to a nearby ride vehicle wherein the moveable transfer device and passenger are secured. After completion of the ride, the moveable transfer device is then rolled on top of the lifting device, which is then lowered beneath the platform. The wheelchair-using passenger is then able to simply exit the ride attraction via the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing logs from a forestry site. The apparatus and method includes a primary mobile machine having means attached to a rearward portion thereof for holding a first end of a first log cluster. The apparatus and method also includes a first secondary mobile machine with a first end having means for holding a second end of the first log cluster, and a second end having means for holding a first end of a second log cluster. The primary mobile machine and the first secondary mobile machine are interconnected by the first log cluster.

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The vehicles are loaded from the ground by use of a movable ramp that is positioned next to a separate coupler end of the rail road car. The ramp has a locating guide, in the nature of a pair of tapered prongs, that locate in mating sockets in the end of the rail road car. The co-operation of the guides and sockets forces the ramp to align with the deck of the rail road car in a predetermined position, namely aligned centrally with the deck. The ramp has a telescoping, pivoting boom. The boom has a hitch that can be engaged by a towing vehicle, permitting the ramp to be moved into position as desired. The boom can then be collapsed and lowered out of the way of the path of the wheeled vehicles. The boom is counterweighted to facilitate manual operation.

Abstract: A tractor (20) for unloading a trailer (12) from a railcar (14) is disclosed. The tractor (20) comprises a trigger actuator (34) and a bumper (30). The trigger actuator (34) is fixably mounted to the tractor (20) and remains stationary. The bumper (30) of the tractor (20) may be operated between an extended position and a retracted position. When the bumper (30) is in the extended position and the tractor (20) is adjacent to a stanchion (16), the trigger actuator (34) does not engage the trigger of the stanchion (16). When the bumper (30) is in the retracted position and the tractor (20) is adjacent to the stanchion (16), the trigger actuator (34) engages the trigger (28) of the stanchion (16) to operate the stanchion (16) from the raised position to the lowered position, thereby transferring the trailer (12) from the stanchion (16) to the tractor (20).

Abstract: In a transshipment system for combined transport, a drop-bed freight car, with a frame mounted on bogies and at least one onboard or stationary mounting which can be moved transverse to the longitudinal axis of the freight car, is used for a transporting unit. The mounting moves under the transporting unit, for example a semitrailer, brings it onto the freight car and lower it down there.

Abstract: A linkage connection which loosely and yet securely mounts an excavator bucket on a hydraulic excavator and facilitates enhanced positioning capability of the bucket on the excavator, particularly in confined areas. In a preferred embodiment the linkage connection includes a pair of bucket flanges which extend rearwardly from the excavator bucket, in horizontally spaced-apart relationship to each other. A pair of circular linkage openings is provided in vertically spaced-apart relationship with each other in each bucket flange, and a circular pin plate is disposed in each linkage opening. A linkage pin extends through the pin plates of each bucket flange for connection to the rotation linkage and dipper stick linkage, respectively, of a hydraulic excavator, such that the bucket is supported on the respective pin plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading open top railroad cars, especially hopper cars, comprising a crawler excavator having a pair of tracked treads and a hinged arm with a bucket thereon able to rotate a fill 360 degrees and to move forward and rearward atop the open top railroad cars, an attachment on the crawler with side extensions to hold the crawler atop the rail cars due to the side extensions slidably resting atop the sides of the rail cars and a portable ramp by which the crawler excavator can mount the ends of the cars.

Abstract: A railroad vibratory system having a hopper, a shaker, a conveyor assembly and a handling device that fastens railroad material to secure a railroad track onto a railroad track system. The hopper releases the railroad material, through an aperture. The shaker oscillates the hopper so the railroad material releases, controlled and orderly, through the aperture. The conveyor assembly receives the railroad material through the aperture and transports the railroad material to the handling device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paving materials loading apparatus. In particular, a paving materials loading feeder 16 is so disposed that a lower end 19a of a loading frame 19 thereof is connected to a receiving hopper 17, a discharge port 19c, 19d is formed in a middle part of the loading frame 19 between the lower end 19a and a discharge end 19b, and a lid 35 is provided on the discharge port 19c, 19d so as to be openable and closable. The loading feeder 16 may also be raised and lowered. The invention also relates to a paving machine provided with a front hopper 2 and a rear hopper 3, on a self-propelled vehicle 1. In particular, the paving materials loading apparatus of the above construction is mounted on the self-propelled vehicle 1 so that the discharge port 19c, 19d of the loading feeder 16 is located above the front hopper 2 and the discharge end 19b of the loading feeder 16 is located above the rear hopper 3.

Abstract: A railway maintenance vehicle exchanges worn crossties for new ones. Worn ties are collected and stored in open-top gondola cars, preferably progressing longitudinally. New ties are simultaneously unloaded from the gondola cars for distribution along the-track. Flange-wheeled tie transport vehicles such as a mobile crane and a bundle clasping transport travel on rails atop the gondola cars to move worn and new ties between collection and distribution devices and the respective storage and unloading locations. Gaps between the cars are bridged by hinged telescoping rail sections. The travel distance between the storage or unloading location and the collection or distribution points change over time. To improve efficiency, at least one intermediate temporary storage basket is moved along the cars and can be passed over by the transport vehicles.

Abstract: A bulk loader car (1) comprises a storage box (2) exhibiting a ground conveyor belt (4) and a support frame (3). The storage box (2) is supported on a vehicle undercarriage frame (9), wherein in each case rail undercarriages (12) are disposed on end sides of the vehicle undercarriage frame (9). A transfer conveyor belt (8) is coordinated to a discharge end (6) of the ground conveyor belt (4) disposed at an angle to the horizontal. The vehicle undercarriage frame (9) is composed out of a first and a second car frame (10, 11) connected to each other by a coupler (15). The storage box (2) is supported in each case by a swivel ring (19, 20) on the two car frames (10, 11). One of the swivel rings (19) is supported longitudinally shiftable relative to the car frame (10).

Abstract: A loading car for bulk material for incorporation in a freight train of a plurality of successively arranged like loading cars, includes a box open on top and mounted on a frame for storing bulk material. A bottom conveyor is disposed in a lower portion of the box and has opposite conveyor ends spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction. Positioned between the boxes of two successive cars, each loading car has a transfer conveyor arrangement which projects beyond the frame and is angularly adjustable with respect to the bottom conveyor, with the transfer conveyor arrangement including two separate transfer conveyors, with one of the two transfer conveyors cooperating with one of the conveyor ends and the other one of the two transfer conveyors cooperating with the other one of the conveyor ends so as to allow a reversal of the conveying direction for the bulk material.

Abstract: A rail-movable car (1) for removing and pulling out long rails (3), stored on a transport car (2), includes a car frame (6), supported on an undercarriage (5) guided on rails, and a rail-removing device (4) for gripping and shifting a long rail (3) in the longitudinal direction of the car. The rail-removing device (4) includes a crawler (7), wherein the crawler is furnished with a first drive (11) and is deflectable around two deflection rollers (9), disposed at a distance from each other and exhibiting a rotation axis (10), contact plates (15) disposed in series in the removal direction for engaging and resting at the long rail, and a counter support (8) adjustable by means of a second drive (23) relative to the crawler, and wherein the counter support (8) is adapted to roll off on the long rail (3).

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 crane carrying vehicle for transporting track ties comprises an elongated machine frame supported on undercarriages for movement on rails in an operating direction, the machine frame comprising a storage section for temporarily storing track ties and having two side walls extending in this direction, the side walls being spaced from each other in a transverse direction extending perpendicularly to the operating direction by a distance corresponding at least to the length of the track ties. A track tie supporting platform in the storage section may be tilted between a horizontally extending loading position and an unloading position extending at an angle to the loading position, and the vehicle carries a power-adjustable pivotal crane outrigger with a gripping device for gripping track ties.

Abstract: A railroad car is particularly constructed for transporting heavy elongated structures such as T and box girder prestressed concrete bridge beams. The railroad car has a frame including a planar top surface with first and second ends and sides, and railroad wheels mounting the frame for movement on rails. A number of lifting bladders are mounted on the top surface for lifting a beam to move it away from the top surface (e.g. to lift it above a number of wooden blocks supporting the beam). Stationarily mounted roller structures are provided adjacent each of the first and second ends, and movable rollers are provided for movement underneath a beam once lifted by the lifting bladders. A winch is also mounted adjacent each of the ends of the railroad car for pulling beams supported by the rollers along the car, and from one car to the next car to facilitate unloading of the beams (as with a crane) at a discharge site without having to move the railroad cars in a string.

Abstract: A freight car includes a carrier frame supportable on track-bound undercarriages for mobility on a track, a box formed by side walls and a bottom for storing bulk material, and a conveyor belt constituting the bottom of the box and extending in longitudinal direction for conveying bulk material in a conveying direction. Further mounted to the freight car are two off-track undercarriages which are spaced from each other in longitudinal direction and vertically adjustable independently from each other by own drives.

Abstract: A deployable and retractable ramp assembly includes at least three Z-foldable ramp sections which are pivotally connected to each other and to a railroad car. A number of mechanical deployment and retraction facilitating elements--preferably gears--are mounted to the ramp sections and operatively connected to a plurality of actuators--preferably linear actuators such as hydraulic cylinders--mounted on and completely contained within ramp sections. Using a linear actuator on the railroad car the ramp sections, once folded, can be pivoted into a position substantially completely supported by the railroad car. The ramp sections (typically six in number and pivotally connected to a lever on the railroad car) may be automatically and positively deployed in less than twenty minutes, and once deployed allow railroad equipment to be moved to and from the railroad tracks.

Abstract: A deformable gangway (14), located between two successive loading platforms (15) and (16) for a road or a railroad chassis, is composed of a succession of transverse slats (25), such as metallic transverse slats, carried adjacent their ends (39) by two longitudinal supporting and guiding elements (26) and (27). The slats (25) are disposed side by side and separated from one another, at least adjacent their ends (39), by inserts (43) made of an elastic material which bear against the longitudinal supporting and guiding elements (26) and (27). The slats (25) become immobilized, when subjected to a load, and form a fixed supporting area (17) while a remainder of the other slats (25) are still able to move on a curve, as a result of relative movement between adjacent end faces (20, 21) and (22, 23) of the platforms (15) and (16) to which the gangway (14) interconnects.

Abstract: An automated material handling system utilizing one or more train-type guided vehicles moving along a rail with each train including a locomotive pulling a plurality of trolleys. Each trolley includes a tiltable tray, an onboard CPU, and onboard sensors for sensing information with respect to the product being carried by the tray. The sensed information is transmitted to the CPU of the trolley where it is stored and also transmitted to a CPU in the locomotive. The locomotive CPU is in radio frequency contact with an off-track dispatch computer controlling the overall operation of the material handling system. The CPU of each trolley is also in infrared communication with local CPU's positioned at unloading stations so that the CPU on each car may receive information by infrared transmission from local CPU's, information generated onboard by the onboard sensors, and command information from the locomotive CPU.

Abstract: A ramp car for use in an intermodal train includes a ramp having a set of rail wheels mounted at one end and a connector at the one end for coupling the ramp car to a flat bed rail car. A second connector, including lifting apparatus, is operatively associated with a second end of the ramp car opposite the one end for coupling the ramp car to a locomotive. A coupling apparatus is provided at the second end of the ramp car for coupling to the locomotive to permit both raising and lowering the second end and pushing and pulling the ramp car. The second connector is disconnected from the ramp car when the ramp is in a lowered position. The second connector includes a rotatable pin mounted to the locomotive and extending vertically downward and having a pair of circumferentially spaced shoulders for bearing upwardly against a supporting surface on the ramp car to hold the ramp in a raised position. The pin is rotated to lock the ramp car to the rail car.

Abstract: A material handling and transport system for transporting goods between a number of discharge/induction stations and selectively receiving and discharging goods at the stations. A moving transport unit, for example a train-type string or cars or trolleys with tilting trays for receiving, transporting and discharging goods between induction and discharge stations positioned along a track, incorporates a number of self-contained, locally controlled sensing, signal and actuation devices which allow the trolleys to selectively interact with passive stations around the track. The centralization of systems control on the trolleys themselves, as opposed to on the track-side stations, results in greater system flexibility, reduced cost, and allows the train to operate in essentially autonomous mode without the need for external control and monitoring.

Abstract: An improved railroad car loader/unloader apparatus includes a backhoe-type machine adapted to operate atop an open top railroad car. The apparatus includes front and rear support feet and a center support beam to which are pivotally attached a pair of center support feet, one to either end of the center support beam with each of the feet contacting an upper surface of the sidewalls of the railroad car. Each center support foot is pivotable through a horizontal plane between extended support position and a retracted, stored position. In one alternative version, double action hydraulic piston and cylinder units are provided to selectively extend and retract the center support feet.

Abstract: For the transloading of loaded goods units (82), such as containers, interchangeable containers, semi-trailers or the like by means of transloading lifting gear (18) from or onto a slowly travelling train (6) formed by container cars (48), there is initially associated with each container car (48) to be unloaded and/or loaded a reference-point (R) the position of which, is continuously measured in relation to a fixed measuring section (40). Subsequently there is measured, in relation to the fixed measuring section (40)in the case of a unit (82) to be unloaded, the position, of at least one load attack point (81 ), andin the case of a unit (82) to be loaded, the position of locating elements (93) of the container car (48).

Abstract: A transportation system is adapted for transporting and removing roll on/roll off containers from a trailer surface. A tractor having a fifth wheel is used to tow the trailer. The tractor carries a supplemental platform, which is placed over the fifth wheel area to permit transfer of a container from the trailer onto the platform of the towing tractor for transportation of the container to a delivery site. The container and tractor also include mating members to permit raising one end of the container relative to the other to facilitate dumping of the contents from the container while it is carried on the supplemental platform on the tractor. A specific form of container, particularly suitable for use in the transportation system, is a double walled, insulated container for carrying hot mix asphalt.

Abstract: A modular rail car unloading pit which supports railroad tracks and facilitates the removal and transfer of aggregate, particulate, or other material from rail cars. The modular unloading pit is comprised of a set of precast concrete panels enabling the unloading pit to be environmentally friendly, reusable, and reducing installation time and cost. The set of panels includes one or more floor panels, four equally spaced vertical lateral walls oriented perpendicular to the railroad tracks, and a vertical longitudinal wall oriented parallel to the railroad tracks. Each lateral wall includes rail support plates at the top and anchors protruding from the bottom. The anchors are inserted into corresponding anchor receiving orifices in the floor for connecting the lateral walls to the floor. The lower end of the lateral walls are capped by metal channel members which are welded to metal plates on the top surface of the floor.

Abstract: An improved railroad car loader/unloader apparatus includes a backhoe-type machine adapted to operate atop an open top railroad car. The apparatus includes front and rear support feet and a removable center support beam to which are pivotally attached a pair of center support feet, one to either end of the center support beam with each of the feet contacting an upper surface of the sidewalls of the railroad car. Each center support foot is pivotable through a horizontal plane between extended support position and a retracted, stored position. Alternative versions of the center and front support feet include support rollers for enhanced movement. A movable front bucket support stop block enhances the conversion of the apparatus between railroad car loading/unloading operations and other uses.

Abstract: A stanchion is provided with a latch system which is operable from the tractor which positions the trailers such that a gate on the tractor locks and unlocks the latch to appropriately reposition the stanchion during the positioning of the trailer. The tractor also includes a hook which engages the stand to raise the stand during loading of the trailer from its lowered to its raised position to engage and secure the tractor and also to reposition the unlocked stand during unloading of the trailer.

Abstract: In a system for positioning supporting trailers on stanchions of a railroad car, an optical system is provided to allow the operator to monitor the relationship of the tractor, trailer, stanchion and actuators on the tractor. The unique system of stanchion position indicia is provided to allow rapid and accurate selection of the stanchion position. The tractor includes a positively controlled actuator for operating the breakdown trigger of the stanchion to unlock it.

Abstract: A deployable and retractable ramp assembly is mounted on a flatbed railroad car to allow railroad equipment to be moved to and from tracks. The ramp assembly comprises four ramp sections pivotally connected to each other and in a retracted position in a Z-folded configuration. Each ramp section comprises a pair of rectangular tubes or railroad rails spaced by cross-braces a distance equal to the spacing of wheels of a railroad car on the same axle. Two masts are pivotally connected to the railroad car and can be locked in a substantially upright position, with first and second sheaves on the top end of each mast engaging a cable connected to a winch. A third winch connected by a third cable to the ramp sections applies a restraining force to preclude the ramp sections from moving too quickly under the force of gravity once moved past center during deployment.

Abstract: This invention covers self loading-unloading of containers or pallets in a lateral motion, avoiding lifting, applying particularly to rail cars, trucks, and fixed platforms. The railway embodiment includes a central power control unit, unique platform cars with gripper-equipped arms, and scanning devices for monitoring operation plus reading indicia on the containers. The crew in the power control unit, which includes a novel driving arrangement, operates the train and the on-off loading equipment, either manually or automatically, remotely. By integration with similarly equipped trucks, freight handling can be fast, shock-free, door-to-door, and superior to existing modes.

Abstract: A track-bound freight car comprises a longitudinally extending machine frame, an undercarriage at each machine frame end, a conveyor band extending obliquely with respect to the track plane and above the machine frame in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame, the conveyor band having a lower input end above one of the undercarriages and a higher output end above the other undercarriage. At least one of the conveyor band ends is displaceable transversely to the longitudinal direction with respect to the undercarriage at said one conveyor band end and a transverse displacement drive is connected to the one conveyor band end for effectuating the displacement. Parallel side walls extend in the longitudinal direction along the conveyor band, the conveyor band constituting the bottom of a storage space defined between the side walls.

Abstract: An access and support apparatus for loading and unloading gondola railroad cars using a crane-type crawler, which system includes a trailer-mounted ramp for disposition in close proximity to a gondola railroad car and multiple pallets adapted for spanning the top width of the gondola railroad car and supporting tile crane-type crawler. The crane-type crawler is unloaded from the trailer and traverses the ramp to the pallets. In a first preferred embodiment the pallets are characterized by fixed pallets having no adjustable feature. In a second preferred embodiment the pallets are adjustable to accommodate a characteristic bulge in the center of the gondola railroad cars for a higher degree of safety. The pallets are typically sequentially moved from the rear to the front of the crane-type crawler as the crawler loads or unloads tile gondola railroad cars and traverses the length of the cars.

Abstract: A transport wagon (1) is provided with a wagon frame (4) supported on on-track undercarriages (2) and a conveyor belt (8) extending in the longitudinal direction of the wagon and arranged so as to be inclined relative to the track plane, forming a lower-lying receiving end (11) and an elevated discharge end (12), with which side walls (13) are associated, extending in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt, to delimit laterally and form a storage space (14). The wagon frame (4) is formed from a number of frame parts (5) disposed one behind another in the longitudinal direction of the wagon, joined together in an articulated manner in each case in the region of an on-track undercarriage (2), forming an articulation point (6), and having respective individual conveyor belts (8).

Abstract: An access and support apparatus for loading and unloading gondola railroad cars using a crane-type crawler, which system includes a trailer-mounted ramp for disposition in close proximity to a gondola railroad car and multiple pallets adapted for spanning the top width of the gondola railroad car and supporting the crane-type crawler. The crane-type crawler is unloaded from the trailer and traverses the ramp to the pallets. In a first preferred embodiment the pallets are characterized by fixed pallets having no adjustable feature. In a second preferred embodiment the pallets are adjustable to accommodate a characteristic bulge in the center of the gondola railroad cars for a higher degree of safety. The pallets are typically sequentially moved from the rear to the front of the crane-type crawler as the crawler loads or unloads the gondola railroad cars and traverses the length of the cars.

Abstract: A loading car for receiving, conveying and discharging bulk material onto a bulk material freight car comprises an elongated machine frame end and undercarriages supporting the machine frame on a track for mobility therealong in an operating direction. An inclined, elongated conveyor band arrangement for the bulk material is mounted on the machine frame and has a lower receiving end including a hopper arranged to receive bulk material for upward conveyance by the conveyor band arrangement, and a drive is provided for vertically adjusting the rear undercarriage relative to the machine frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of acting remotely on a site, such as a damaged nuclear power station. It consists in placing lengths of waveguide end-to-end by means of at least one carriage which is remotely controlled by the line of waveguide lengths implemented in this way, the carriage being provided with handling equipment for laying purposes and with at least one robot arm for connecting the lengths of waveguide together under the control of a control station including a signal generator and a signal receiver, which line is laid to the site that is to be inspected and optionally treated.

Abstract: A freight car comprises an elongated frame supported on undercarriages, an elongated box for holding bulk material, the box being mounted on the frame and having a bottom and an open top, an elongated conveyor at the bottom of the box for transporting the bulk material in a conveying direction, the conveyor having an input at one end of the box and an output at a box end opposite to the one end, and a transfer conveyor extending in the conveying direction and arranged to receive the transported bulk material from the output of the conveyor, the transfer conveyor having a free end projecting beyond the opposite box end. A centering device is arranged at the one box end transversely displaceably with respect to the elongated frame and transfer conveyor, the free end of a transfer conveyor of a like freight car coupled to the frame at the one box end being detachably connectable to the centering device, and a remote-controlled drive is provided for transversely displacing the centering device.

Abstract: A freight car for transporting and storing bulk material, comprises an elongated frame supported on undercarriages running on a track, an elongated box mounted on the frame for storing the bulk material, a conveyor band at the bottom of the box for transporting the stored bulk material, the conveyor band extending in the longitudinal direction of the box and having an input end and an output end, and a transfer conveyor adjoining the conveyor band at the output end, the transfer conveyor extending in the longitudinal direction of the box and being arranged to receive the transported bulk material from the conveyor band. The transfer conveyor has a free discharge end projecting beyond the elongated frame and is freely pivotal transversely to the longitudinal direction about a vertical axis in a first range within the side walls of the box and a second range beyond the side walls. A blocking device is arranged for selectively limiting the first and second pivoting ranges of the transfer conveyor.

Abstract: A training idler assembly for a self-unloading train including a first hopper car, a second hopper car, a connector extending between the first hopper car and the second hopper car, a conveyor having a supply run and a return run underlying the first and second hopper cars, and a conveyor training assembly rotatably mounted to the connector. The connector allows relative angular movement of the first and second hopper cars. The conveyor training assembly supports the conveyor. The conveyor training assembly causes an angular adjustment of the conveyor relative to the angular movement of the first hopper car with respect to the second hopper car. The conveyor training assembly is an idler assembly which is rotatably mounted to the connector between the first and second hopper cars. The idler assembly includes a first training idler assembly which supports the supply run of the conveyor and a second training idler assembly supporting the return run of the conveyor.

Abstract: A track-bound freight car comprising a box for storing bulk material, the box having a bottom portion and comprising a longitudinally extending conveyor in the bottom portion of the box, a carrier frame bearing the conveyor, the conveyor and carrier frame having a width exceeding the width of the bottom portion of the box car, and two longitudinally extending side walls, at least a lower portion of the side walls adjacent the conveyor being pivotal about a longitudinally extending axis away from the conveyor, or a lower side wall portion being detachable.

Abstract: A self-unloading train for the transfer of bulk commodities having a plurality of hopper cars coupled together, a train conveyor having an endless belt supported on the hopper cars in a position so as to receive material discharged from the hopper cars, and a conveyor guide positioned adjacent the discharge end of the train conveyor. The conveyor guide exerts a downward force onto the upper surface of the train conveyor. The conveyor guide comprises a frame affixed generally adjacent the discharge end of the train conveyor and a rotatable wheel connected to the frame. The rotatable wheel is in surface-to-surface contact with the upper surface of the train conveyor. A strut is connected to the rotatable wheel so as to adjust the angle of travel of the wheel relative to the curvature of the track and the curvature of the conveyor at the discharge end. Each of the hopper cars is connected to an adjacent car by an articulated coupling and by overlapping side bearings.