A towing device of an automatic guided vehicle is mounted on the automatic guided vehicle for towing a cart. The towing device includes a hook member and a driving device. The hook member is engageable with a cart and is to be engaged with the cart in an elastically biased state at least when towing the cart. The driving device is for driving the hook member.

Articulated connectors are attached to and extend from center sills of adjacent car units of a multi-unit railroad freight car, connecting the car units to each other and to a shared truck. The center sill of each of the car units includes a top member that is of increased thickness at the outer end of the center sill. A weld extending along a shoulder that extends around the main body of s portion of the articulated connector attaches the articulated connector portion to the outer end of the center sill with ample strength to carry draft and buff train loads as well as the weight of the car unit and its lading, without the need for weld joints inside the center sill.

A towing device of an automatic guided vehicle is mounted on the automatic guided vehicle for towing a cart. The towing device includes a hook member and a driving device. The hook member is engageable with a cart and is to be engaged with the cart in an elastically biased state at least when towing the cart. The driving device is for driving the hook member.

Articulated connectors are attached to and extend from center sills of adjacent car units of a multi-unit railroad freight car, connecting the car units to each other and to a shared truck. The center sill of each of the car units includes a top member that is of increased thickness at the outer end of the center sill. A weld extending along a shoulder that extends around the main body of s portion of the articulated connector attaches the articulated connector portion to the outer end of the center sill with ample strength to carry draft and buff train loads as well as the weight of the car unit and its lading, without the need for weld joints inside the center sill.

A system comprising a type H tightlock coupler comprising a channel and an inner chamber, the channel running from a top side of the type H tightlock coupler to the inner chamber, and an anti-creep shelf disposed on an interior surface of the inner chamber, a plug comprising a first surface operable to contact the anti-creep shelf, the plug configured to fit at least partially within the channel, a link comprising a second surface operable to contact the anti-creep shelf and a hook, the link configured to fit at least partially within the channel, and a lock comprising a slot operable to receive the hook, the lock configured to fit at least partially within the inner chamber.