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 specially configured insert used in a drawbar support housing. The insert is essentially a block member having at least a portion of an aperture extending therethrough from a front face to a back face. A concave draft load bearing surface is formed in the front face of the block member adjacent such aperture. A tapered surface area is formed adjacent such aperture which extends from the back face of the block member inwardly towards the concave draft load bearing surface to enable requisite movement of a shank portion of a drawbar.

Abstract: A retractable intermodal vehicle (10) for supporting and connecting modified semitrailers (11) end-to-end to form a train of trailers capable of being operated on a railroad track (172); the semitrailers also able to be operated on a highway as regular semitrailers. In the preferred embodiment, the intermodal vehicle (10) is comprised of two lower frames (12), with a wheel/axle assembly (18) mounted to each, and each pivoted from and supporting a single upper frame assembly (14), the pivoting of these lower frames providing a limited steering of the rail axles relative to the upper frame. Inflatable air springs (22) are mounted between the lower frames (12) and upper frames (14) to allow each upper frame to be raised and lowered.

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: An improved female connecting member for an articulated connector has a ring seat for a ring within an annular groove for contacting the male member of the connector, which female member has an improved undersurface passage for a probe to provide greater access to the ring-seat undersurface and more mechanical leverage to dislodge a worn ring seat; and, in an alternative embodiment, a structure and tool are provided for removal of a ring-seat from the exposed upper ring-seat surface.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing tow bar coupler is disclosed. The tow bar coupler includes a housing dimensioned and configured at forward end to engage a trolley of a power and free conveyor. At its rearward end, a clevis is disposed within and rotatably attached to the housing. A hitch dimensioned and configured to engage a tow bar is rotatably attached to the clevis. The tow bar hitch provides a resilient, shock-absorbing attachment between the trolley and the tow bar.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for connecting a functional part of a mobile unit to a basic unit. The mobile unit consists of a mobile bottom part provided with compression springs on which the functional part rests. The functional part is provided with connecting elements which can cooperate with connecting elements on the basic unit with the compression springs compressed. The connecting elements are formed by a hook and a roller which form an arcuate contact interface at a lower portion of the units, and by confronting vertical contact surfaces at the top of the units.

Abstract: A rotary locking mechanism connects an upper ramp and a lower ramp of a split ramp railway car. A pin carrier supports a coupling pin and is mounted to the lower ramp by a swivel pin. The pin carrier can pivot horizontally relative to the lower ramp. A dual vertical rotor lock is mounted to the upper ramp. The rotor lock includes first and second coupling disks which have rotor slots or grooves for receiving the coupling pin. The coupling disks have a horizontal axis of rotation so that the disks are vertically mounted. The action of the coupling pin entering the grooves in the first and second coupling disks will automatically rotate the coupling disks into a locked position. Locking pins then engage slots in the peripheries of the coupling disks to secure the coupling disk in the locked position.

Abstract: A sway stabilization system to inhibit an undesirable sideways sway between a towed vehicle (15) and a lead vehicle (14) comprises a brake assembly (17) having towed vehicle parts and lead vehicle parts operatively connected together in parallel with the draw bar and hitch assembly (16). The towed vehicle parts include a sway transmission member (21) secured to a draw bar (18). The lead vehicle parts include a braking surface carrier member (22), which engages with the draw bar (18), for pivoting movement with the sway transmission member (21) about the axis of the hitch pin, the braking surface carrier member (22) being subject to braking action by clutch plates (33, 34) in response to undesirable sway being detected by a coupling sensor (36).

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: A longitudinally adjustable coupling rod for central buffer couplings of rail-borne vehicles. The coupling rod has a longitudinally adjustable section, which is formed by four shear elements fastened to a support body in an articulated manner. Two shear elements form front shears and two shear elements form rear shears. The two shear elements of the rear shears are associated extensively mirror-symmetrically with the shear elements of the front shears. The shear elements of each of the shears, which are arranged opposite each other, are connected to one another in their front area by hinges.

Abstract: A cushioned tow bar for connecting a drive trolley to a load carriage in a power and free conveyor system includes a particulate shock absorber with a damping chamber which is partially filled with particulate material, such as small ball bearings, which act to dampen the movement of a piston through the damping chamber. The damping chamber comprises a portion of a sleeve which includes a threaded end cap which mates with threads on an open end of the sleeve. The threads in the sleeve extend along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve to an extent which allows the end cap to be threadably adjusted, changing the portion of the sleeve forming the damping chamber, and thus adjusting the cushioning effect of the tow bar.

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: An articulated coupling is effected between two vehicles A and B supported on a common bogey between the vehicles. The coupling includes a toroidal part connected to one of the vehicles A and a support part connected to the other vehicle B. A cylindrical pivot is fixed on a soleplate and engaged in a cylindrical bore. A toroidal coupling element is fixed on the soleplate and provides articulated coupling between the soleplate and the toroidal part. An energy absorption system is disposed between first or second cylindrical outside surfaces of the toroidal part and the facing surface of the support part. A shear system holding the support part secured to a longitudinal translation system which is fixed to a support arm connected to the other vehicle shears to prevent damage to the toroidal coupling element, with excessive force being absorbed by the energy absorption system. The present invention is also directed to a method of absorbing energy between two vehicles.

Abstract: A coupler carrier wear plate for a long-shank coupler which includes a mild steel base plate weldable to the carrier, a manganese steel wear plate engageably supporting the coupler shank and connected to the base plate by a resilient bonding material. The bonding material is of a thickness to accommodate flatness variations encountered on a coupler carrier.

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: A ball-and-socket coupling for connecting two bodies to one another. The coupling includes a U-shaped welded support frame having a base as well as first and second legs extending from the base. The two legs are spaced from one another and define an open side of the frame opposite the base. The first leg forms a ball-holding pin, while the second leg is adapted to be attached to one of the two bodies. The ball-holding pin traverses and carries a ball of the coupling. A support bracket adapted to be attached to the other of the two bodies carries a socket in which the ball nests. A lid closes off the open side of the frame, and a securing device releasably attaches the lid to the frame.

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: An articulated coupling male connection member support assembly having an improved lubrication arrangement incorporated therein. Such support assembly includes a bottom ring bearing member supported on an upper surface of a bottom wall portion of a female connection member adjacent an outer end thereof. The bottom ring bearing member has a concave shaped spherical upper surface. An upper ring bearing member having a convex shaped spherical bottom surface is supported by such concave upper surface of the bottom ring bearing member. The upper ring bearing member has a substantially flat upper surface for supporting a bottom surface of a male connection member adjacent an outer end thereof. There is a substantially solid lubricating liner member disposed between such concave shaped spherical upper surface of the bottom ring bearing member and such convex shaped spherical bottom surface of the upper ring bearing member.

Abstract: A support housing for a rotary end of a slackless drawbar adapted to be secured within an end of a center sill of a railroad car having an elongated cavity defined by a pair of side wall portions, a top wall portion and a back wall portion, said cavity being adapted to receive the rotary end portion of a rotary drawbar such that a shank portion of such rotary drawbar extends through an open front of the support housing, said cavity being further adapted to receive a buff load bearing block and a slack adjusting gravity wedge between the back wall portion and the rotary end of the rotary drawbar and having a specially configured surface therein adapted to receive a specially configured draft load bearing insert and a flange to retain the specially configured draft load bearing insert within the cavity and against the spherical draft load bearing surface on the rotary end of the rotary drawbar.

Abstract: An articulated connector for flexibly connecting the adjacent ends of a pair of rail car platforms which are supported on a common truck bolster, the connector comprising a spherical bearing formed integrally with a conventional center plate bearing of one car platform, and spherical elements carried by the other car platform for cooperable engagement with the spherical bearing to transmit vertical, lateral and longitudinal train forces between the adjacent platforms solely through engagement of the mating spherical bearing elements.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a coupling device for a conveyor device which in particular is used for the suspended transport of clothing in the garment industry, whereby the conveyor device comprises a support rail which is suspended on a runner or a similar element, and whereby stay pipes (7) are arranged as holding devices in a movable fashion on said support rail via support straps (15). According to the invention, adjacent stay pipes (7) may be connected to each other selectively by coupling elements (1,2) that may engage each other. A blocking device (20,21) is provided for selectively blocking and releasing the coupling connection between adjacent stay pipes (7), whereby the blocking device comprises a blocking block (22) which is connected to the end of the stay pipe and assigned to the respective coupling element (1,2), and the blocking block may be pivoted between a blocking position and a release position in which the coupling engagement is not prevented.

Abstract: A slackless drawbar or coupler head rotary connection between adjacent cars of a train which is movable along a fixed trackway, is described as having a ball and socket swivel-type connection which allows the elongated shank of a drawbar or coupler head to swivel freely in any direction, contrary to existing devices which employ a cylindrical connector which rotates in a cylindrical recess, thereby allowing the shank to rotate about its longitudinal axis rather than the center of a ball-shaped connector. In the existing designs, angling is achieved by distorting the shape of the pin hole in the shank of the drawbar or coupler head. This is undesirable and causes greater wear of the shank. The swivel connection eliminates the need for such a distorted pin hole which can be cylindrical and only slightly larger, in diameter, than that of the pin.

Abstract: A retainer is provided for retaining a catch mounted to a first portion of a split ramp car in its unlocked position as a second portion of a ramp car exits a locking area in which it is previously locked. An arm portion of the retainer extends into the locking area and controls the operation of the retainer in response to the movement of the ramp and the locking area. A fluid coupler, automatically couples a first and second portions of a main reservoir pipe and a first and second portions of a brake pipe connected to each first and second portion of the ramp car respectively, when the ramp is in its raised and travel position. Valves in each of the main reservoir passages close the main reservoir passage when the first and second housings are separated and opens the main reservoir passages when the first and second housings are joined. An electrical coupler is also automatically coupled as the two portions of the ramp car are joined.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a hinge connection for connecting vehicle parts 1 and 2 of a multiple-unit rail-borne vehicle in an articulated manner by a rolling bearing 3, which is held on a support 2a projecting beyond the end of one of the vehicle parts 2. The hinge cooperates with a support 1a projecting beyond the end of another vehicle part 1 in an articulated manner, and permits horizontal and vertical deflecting movements of the vehicle parts 1 and 2 in relation to one another. The design of the hinge connection is such that the rolling bearing is relieved of wear-promoting loads and greater horizontal buckling angles between the connected vehicle parts can be obtained. This objective is accomplished by the support 2a of the second vehicle part 2 being fixed, via an elastomer hinge 4, to the inner ring 3a of the rolling bearing 3, which has neither radial nor axial play, at least in the installed state.

Abstract: A retainer is provided for retaining a catch mounted to a first portion of a split ramp car in its unlocked position as a second portion of a ramp car exits a locking area in which it is previously locked. An arm portion of the retainer extends into the locking area and controls the operation of the retainer in response to the movement of the ramp and the locking area. A fluid coupler, automatically couples a first and second portions of a main reservoir pipe and a first and second portions of a brake pipe connected to each first and second portion of the ramp car respectively, when the ramp is in its raised and travel position. Valves in each of the main reservoir passages close the main reservoir passage when the first and second housings are separated and opens the main reservoir passages when the first and second housings are joined. An electrical coupler is also automatically coupled as the two portions of the ramp car are joined.

Abstract: A method and device for uncoupling a self-propelled truck from a carring truck, wherein an uncoupling point defined on a path is detected by a sensor so as to temporarily stop a motor of the self-propelled truck, thereby provisionally stopping the two trucks at the uncoupling point, then another motor is driven to cause disengagement in an engagement element, and thereafter only the self-propelled truck is again moved, while maintaining such disengagement, so as to complete the uncoupling of the carrying truck from the self-propelled truck.

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: Method and device for coupling a self-propelled truck with a carrying truck, wherein the self-propelled truck is provided with a female engagement member having right and left catching spacings, whereas the carrying truck is provided with a male engagement pin, and wherein, while the self-propelled truck is moving along a rectilinear or curved path, the male engagement pin is caught and engaged in one of the right and left catching spacings, thereby effecting automatic, unmanned coupling of those two trucks. Also, an uncoupling arrangement is provided by disposing an uncoupling stand member at a proper uncoupling point and an uncoupling arm member at the self-propelled truck.

Abstract: A mobile machine for leveling, lining and tamping a track, has an elongated machine frame supported on undercarriages for continuous movement along the track in an operating direction during a leveling, lining and tamping operation. The machine frame comprises three machine frame parts arranged successively adjacent each other in a direction of elongation of the machine frame and pivotally linked to each other, one of the machine frame parts being an auxiliary trussing linking the two adjacent machine frame parts to each other during the operation. A carrier frame is supported on at least one undercarriage for intermittent movement along the track relative to the continuously moving machine frame, the one machine frame part bridging over the carrier frame, and a track tamping unit and a track lifting and lining unit are mounted on the carrier frame.

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: The present invention involves the addition of a device attached to each of the follower block side walls in order to prevent metal-to-metal contact between the follower block side walls and the center sill side walls. The preventative device comprises an elastomeric wear pad attached to a base plate, a base plate being anchored to each of the follower block side walls. The pads are made of a softer, low-friction material, compared to the carbon steel side walls. Since the elastomeric wear pads are softer than the center sill side walls, only the restrictive means will wear, thereby preventing destruction of the center sill side walls no matter how much slack has been developed in the coupling system. The present invention is also adaptable to either E or F type couplers.

Abstract: A railcar moving vehicle having a hydraulic system for raising the vehicle coupler while coupled to a railroad car or the like to transfer weight from the railcar to the vehicle. By this invention, fluid pressure in the hydraulic power line is sensed, to monitor an increase in the fluid pressure as the hydraulic system raises the vehicle coupler while coupled to a railcar. Then, when a substantial termination of the increase in fluid pressure is sensed as the hydraulic coupler is raised, an indicator signals the occurrence of this event, typically by automatically terminating the hydraulic raising of the vehicle coupler. Thus, weight may be transferred without overraising the railcar, without the need for estimating the weight of the railcar prior to the weight transfer process.

Abstract: A draw bar replacement strap and method for temporarily coupling and moving a disabled railroad car without actuating the drawbar. The strap comprises an elongated, multi-section, multi-ply body extending between a terminal two ply eye through which the strap may be looped and a remote tail. The strap is integrally formed from an elongated, single ply that is appropriately looped and folded. A ratchet system is attached to the strap for tightening. An auxiliary pad is provided for preventing abrasion of the strap when deployed, and for restraining the strap when stored. A multiple ply section forms the eye and extends from the eye to an end journalled to the ratchet. An elongated, double ply body section extends between the ratchet journal and the tail. Through the multi-ply multi-segment structure the tow strength of the cable is vastly improved. In the method the strap is coupled around the towing drawbar, and the tail and ratchet are drawn through the eye.

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 vehicle 10 which inspects pipes 12 using flux-leakage has a flux generating electromagnet 14 and foils 18, 20 to transfer the flux to the pipewall 12. Sensors 22 detect flux forced to leak from the pipe by defects. The vehicle is required to pass 1-D bends as shown and has a swivel 40 having a load bar 48 on which there is a link 46 of a towing chain 26. On straight pipe the link 46 occupies a first position nearer to the axis 44. In a bend the swivel turns so that the link 46 can slide along the load bar 48 to a second position further from the axis 44. This reduces the angle which the chain 26 makes with the axis 44 and jamming of the vehicle 10 in the bend is avoided.

Abstract: Elastomeric rubber bearing for being connected between two bodies. The bearing employs an element having a series of resilient elements connected together by a series of interposed rigid elements. The thickness of the resilient elements and the width of the cross-section of the resilient and rigid elements vary in relation to the position of the elements.

Abstract: An articulation coupling includes a female coupling having a pair of members each forming a portion of an aperture to receive the male coupling and supported for horizontal movement. A structure, for example, a wedge, is provided for biasing the first female member along the longitudinal axis towards the male coupling and elements secure the second member to prevent movement along the longitudinal axis after mating. The first and second female members are of identical structures and each are capable of both receiving a wedge to produce the biasing as well as a pin or other securements. The wedge extends vertically and a spring biases the wedge vertically and maintains it on the car. Preferably the wedge is made up of two segments and provides a pin or other structure for mounting shims between the segments if necessary to accommodate for wear over time.

Abstract: A bearing assembly having a removable shaft member. The shaft member has a center portion is designed such that rotation of the ball portion of the bearing assembly on the center portion is prevented. A first end portion extends outwardly from one end of the center portion and has a diameter substantially equal to an arcuate portion formed in a first side wall portion of a cavity located at one end of the female connection member. A flat face portion engageable by a wedge member is provided on the first end portion. A locking device is engageable with the first end portion to secure the ball portion against lateral movement in a first direction. A second end portion extends outwardly from the other end of the center portion and has a diameter also substantially equal to a diameter of an arcuate portion in a second side wall portion of the cavity. A flat face is formed on the second end portion which is engageable by another wedge member, thereby securing the male member to the female connection member.

Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam includes a miner for cutting material from the seam and a conveyor for conveying the won aggregate material from the miner for recovery. The conveyor is formed by a series of individual conveyor units that are coupled or interconnected in series so as to form a train. The coupling comprises cooperating clevises and tongues interconnected by locking pins. Each unit includes a main frame supported on ground engaging wheels. A belt conveyor is supported in the main frame and a conveyor drive mechanism is provided on each unit. The apparatus also includes a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a frame holding a conveyor for receiving won aggregate material from the conveyor train and for delivering that material to a discharge conveyor. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a reciprocating drive assembly to aid in advancing the conveyor train and miner into the seam face.

Abstract: A conveyor for a suspension conveyor system comprising a carrier bar suspended from two yokes for receiving objects to be transported. Each of the yokes is suspended from a rail by a pair of rollers and is connected to the carrier bar via at least one joint having an axis of rotation which extends horizontally to the rail and an axis of rotation which extends transverse to the rail. To make the conveyor more universally usable without any negative impact on its conveying properties, the end of the carrier bar is connected to its yoke via a pivot pin extending at right angles to the horizontal axis of rotation, the pivot pin being received in a bearing shell on the end of the bar that permits the carrier bar to be pivoted relative to the pivot pin over a predetermined angular range in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis extending perpendicular to the pivot pin.

Abstract: A tappet valve arrangement for a railway car coupler having a main valve for supplying air pressure from one railway car to another coupled railway car. A piston and cylinder valve for supplying air pressure to a coupler centering device when the railway is in an uncoupled state and for interrupting the flow of air to the coupler centering device when the railway car is in a coupled state. A negating spool valve for overriding the flow of air to the coupler centering device when the railway car is in an uncoupled state. A shut-off valve for interrupting the supply of air from one railway car to another railway car when it is desired to uncouple the railway cars.

Abstract: A male connection member utilized in an articulated coupling arrangement is provided by this invention. Such male connection member includes a first end portion engageable with and connectable to one end of a railway car to be connected in a semi-permanent manner. This male connection member has a second end portion formed integrally with such first end portion and disposed axially opposite thereof. The second end portion includes an outer end surface configured such that it will ensure that no contact will be made between such outer end surface and any other component of such articulated coupling arrangement. An aperture is formed through such second end portion to receive a bearing assembly therein. Such aperture has a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis of such male connection member and is in a substantially horizontal plane. A portion of such second end is adapted to enable securing such bearing assembly within such aperture formed in such male connection member.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling for coupling together two spaced conveyor rods adapted to be moved on rollers on a suspension conveyor system, the rods extending in their direction of transport and being aligned with respect to each other, the coupling comprising two coupling members and each of the coupling members being arranged on one of the conveyor rods. Each coupling member includes a coupling face, the coupling face of each being adapted to be moved relative to the coupling face of the other coupling member. In the coupled condition, the coupling faces of the two coupling members engage one behind the other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal center line. In order to permit the use of a mechanical coupling of this type in an automated sequence of operations, a rigid coupling connection is provided so that the distance between the conveyor rods remains essentially constant even under the influence of transporting forces.

Abstract: A linkage for articulated vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, the linkage serving to provide connection between an intercommunication tunnel supported by a bogie and the ends of adjacent cars supported by the intercommunication tunnel, the cars and the intercommunication tunnel being coupled together near the bottoms thereof, the linkage being characterized in that the end of each car (2, 3) is connected to the tunnel (1) near the top thereof by means of a connection rod (10, 11), with the connection rods being interconnected by link elements, the assembly constituted by the connection rods and the link elements constituting a deformable parallelogram.

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: 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 articulated connector for flexibly connecting the adjacent ends of a pair of rail car platforms which are supported on a common truck bolster, the connector comprising a spherical bearing formed integrally with a conventional center plate bearing of one car platform, and spherical elements carried by the other car platform for cooperable engagement with the spherical bearing to transmit vertical, lateral and longitudinal train forces between the adjacent platforms solely through engagement of the mating spherical bearing elements.