A method comprises removing a first deck of a plurality of decks and a second deck of the plurality of decks from an autorack. The method further comprises removing one or more of a plurality of posts of the autorack and coupling a cross-brace assembly to one or more of the plurality of posts, wherein the cross-brace assembly is coupled to the one or more of the plurality of posts at a location above an existing brace bay of the autorack. The method also comprises coupling the second deck of the plurality of decks to the autorack at a location above or below the cross-brace assembly.

Open top gondola railcars and closure assemblies for cleanout openings of those railcars are disclosed. In some embodiments, the closure assembly includes a closure member sized to be received in a cleanout opening and to span a substantial portion of the cleanout opening to define at least one gap between a closure perimeter and a floor perimeter. The closure assembly additionally includes a sealing member fixedly attached to, or formed with, the closure member. The sealing member spans between the floor perimeter and the closure perimeter to cover the at least one gap. The closure assembly further includes a tethering member having opposed first and second end portions. The first end portion is fixedly attached to the closure member and the second end portion is attached to one of the floor or a cross bearer of the open top gondola railcar.

Open top gondola railcars and closure assemblies for cleanout openings of those railcars are disclosed. In some embodiments, the closure assembly includes a closure member sized to be received in a cleanout opening and to span a substantial portion of the cleanout opening to define at least one gap between a closure perimeter and a floor perimeter. The closure assembly additionally includes a sealing member fixedly attached to, or formed with, the closure member. The sealing member spans between the floor perimeter and the closure perimeter to cover the at least one gap. The closure assembly further includes a tethering member having opposed first and second end portions. The first end portion is fixedly attached to the closure member and the second end portion is attached to one of the floor or a cross bearer of the open top gondola railcar.

An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

An automated carrier system is disclosed for moving objects to be processed. The automated carrier system includes a discontinuous plurality of track sections on which an automated carrier may be directed to move, and the automated carrier includes a base structure on which an object may be supported, and at least two wheels assemblies being pivotally supported on the base structure for pivoting movement from a first position to a second position to effect a change in direction of movement of the carrier.

Arranged on a rail loading train for transporting long-welded rails is a fixing device for anchoring the rails. The fixing device is composed of a number of clamping devices, each provided for anchoring a single rail. The clamping devices are configured to be adjustable relative to the rail loading train in a longitudinal direction of the wagon by a displacement drive.

An object processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of track sections, and a plurality of remotely actuatable carriers for controlled movement along at least portions of the plurality of track sections, wherein each of the remotely controllable carriers is adapted to support and transport an object processing bin.

The invention described refers to an equipment and corresponding method that enables side sliding load transfer between one vehicle/structure acting as loader, and another vehicle/structure acting as receptor. Both loaders and receptors can be vehicles or piers using a side sliding loading system that includes lifting and lateral displacement equipment. The great innovation of this system is the appearing of carriages consisting of 2 chassis, one inferior and one superior, both mobile and independent, that are coupled to form a single carriage. One of the equipment developed, automatically auto-load/unload standard containers to/from railway wagons and fixed platforms. This equipment can be loaded directly by the pier crane and move autonomously to the loading areas of railway wagons, trucks or buffer areas, where the containers are organized on leaving the port. When groups of these vehicles lined up parallel to the railway track, loaded on one side and empty on the other, they can load and unload the train quickly and simultaneously.

The invention described refers to an equipment and corresponding method that enables side sliding load transfer between one vehicle/structure acting as loader, and another vehicle/structure acting as receptor. Both loaders and receptors can be vehicles or piers using a side sliding loading system that includes lifting and lateral displacement equipment. The great innovation of this system is the appearing of carriages consisting of 2 chassis, one inferior and one superior, both mobile and independent, that are coupled to form a single carriage. One of the equipment developed, automatically auto-load/unload standard containers to/from railway wagons and fixed platforms. This equipment can be loaded directly by the pier crane and move autonomously to the loading areas of railway wagons, trucks or buffer areas, where the containers are organized on leaving the port. When groups of these vehicles lined up parallel to the railway track, loaded on one side and empty on the other, they can load and unload the train quickly and simultaneously.

A container apparatus includes a sandwich structure. In another aspect, a cargo-securing or logistics track is attached to a sandwich structure of a container apparatus which employs at least one core sheet including alternating peaks and valleys therein in addition to at least one adhesively bonded outer face sheet. Yet another aspect of a container apparatus includes a depression in a sandwich structure adapted to receive a flush mounted track or post therein. Another aspect of a container apparatus includes a ship-lap and/or bent peripheral flange at a panel-to-panel interface seam.