Span bolster
AssigneeKasgro Rail Corp.
InventorsMorgan Lottes, Edward Burris
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for manufacturing a multiple axle railcar utilizing a non-stressed span bolster is disclosed. The span bolster supports the load of the railcar using camber to efficiently distribute the load from the railcar among the truck assemblies and axles. The manufacturing method discloses the fabrication and layout of a span bolster where non-stressed camber is incorporated into the structural elements of the span bolster. The camber is produced geometrically by parallelogram shaped plates supporting the weight of the railcar. The amount of camber may be modified for different load ratings. The railcar and span bolster are constructed of alloy steel to minimize railcar tare weight and maximize load capacity.
Claims5
A method of manufacturing a span bolster for a railcar comprising:
- forming a structure comprising vertical plates, wherein the structure has a camber with a vertical peak near a pivot point adapted to engage a railcar body;
- welding a bottom plate to the structure;
- and
- welding a top plate to the structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.