Manifoled tank cars for unit train service

Claim 2

A railway tank car adapted for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling at the top of said tank to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars while safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit, whereby said tank may be connected to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the top of said tank safely accommodates the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit.

Claim 3

The railway tank car set forth in claim 1, wherein the outer ends of said lading conduits respectively terminate inboard of the ends of said tank.

Claim 4

A railway tank car adapted for interconnection in fluid communication with associated tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, at least one lading conduit coupled to said tank adjacent to one end thereof in fluid communication therewith and extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, conduit coupling means on said lading conduit for coupling at the top of said tank to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tank of an adjacent tank car while safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit, and a loading and unloading assembly mounted on the bottom of said tank for connection to a source of lading for loading said tank and for connection to an outlet pipe for unloading said tank, whereby said tank may be connected to an associated tank as the end tank in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while the position of said lading Conduits adjacent to the top of said tanks safely accommodates the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit.

Claim 5

A railway tank car adapted for interconnection in fluid communication with associated tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, at least one lading conduit coupled to said tank adjacent to one end thereof in fluid communication therewith and extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, conduit coupling means on said lading conduit for coupling at the top of said tank to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tank of an adjacent tank car while safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit, and a loading and unloading assembly mounted on the bottom of said tank for connection to a source of lading for loading said tank and for connection to an outlet pipe for unloading said tank, whereby said tank may be connected to an associated tank as the end tank in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while the position of said lading Conduits adjacent to the top of said tanks safely accommodates the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit.

Claim 6

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of expandable liquid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a lading input conduit and a lading output conduit respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, each of said lading conduits having an outer end extending outwardly from said tank adjacent to the top thereof, the inner end of said output conduit terminating a predetermined distance below the top of said tank, filling of said tank to a level above the inner end of said lading output conduit causing compression of gas trapped above said liquid lading to a pressure at which occurs outflow of liquid lading through said output conduit at the same rate of inflow of liquid lading through said input conduit thereby to provide in said tank above the liquid lading a free vapor space, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which expandable liquid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading to a predetermined level while automatically providing a free vapor space at the top of said tank above the liquid lading.

Claim 7

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of expandable liquid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a lading input conduit and a lading output conduit respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, each of said lading conduits having an outer end extending outwardly from said tank adjacent to the top thereof, the inner end of said output conduit terminating a predetermined distance below the top of said tank, filling of said tank to a level above the inner end of said lading output conduit causing compression of gas trapped above said liquid lading to a pressure at which occurs outflow of liquid lading through said output conduit at the same rate of inflow of liquid lading through said input conduit thereby to provide in said tank above the liquid lading a free vapor space, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which expandable liquid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading to a predetermined level while automatically providing a free vapor space at the top of said tank above the liquid lading.

Claim 8

The railway tank car set forth in claim 4, wherein the inner end of said lading output conduit is flared to permit an increased rate of loading of said tank.

Claim 9

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of expandable liquid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a lading vent conduit and a lading eduction conduit respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, each of said lading conduits having an outer end extending outwardly from said tank adjacent to the top thereof, the inner end of said vent conduit terminating a predetermined distance below the top of said tank, filling of said tank to a level above the inner end of said vent conduit causing compression of gas trapped above said liquid lading to a pressure at which occurs outflow of liquid lading through said vent conduit at the same rate as the inflow of liquid lading through said eduction conduit thereby to provide in said tank above the liquid lading a free vapor space, the inner end of said eduction conduit terminating closely adjacent to the bottom of said tank to facilitate emptying of said tank through said eduction conduit, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which expandable liquid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading to a predetermined level, transporting thereof while automatically providing a free vapor space at the top of said tank above the liquid lading, and substantially complete unloading thereof through said eduction conduit.

Claim 10

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of expandable liquid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a lading vent conduit and a lading eduction conduit respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, each of said lading conduits having an outer end extending outwardly from said tank adjacent to the top thereof, the inner end of said vent conduit terminating a predetermined distance below the top of said tank, filling of said tank to a level above the inner end of said vent conduit causing compression of gas trapped above said liquid lading to a pressure at which occurs outflow of liquid lading through said vent conduit at the same rate as the inflow of liquid lading through said eduction conduit thereby to provide in said tank above the liquid lading a free vapor space, the inner end of said eduction conduit terminating closely adjacent to the bottom of said tank to facilitate emptying of said tank through said eduction conduit, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which expandable liquid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading to a predetermined level, transporting thereof while automatically providing a free vapor space at the top of said tank above the liquid lading, and substantially complete unloading thereof through said eduction conduit.

Claim 11

The railway tank car set forth in claim 6, wherein the inner end of said lading eduction conduit is flared to permit maximum unloading of said tank through said eduction conduit.

Claim 12

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of expandable ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, each of said lading conduits having an outer end extending outwardly from said tank adjacent to the top thereof and an inner end in communication with the interior of said tank, the inner end of one of said conduits extending into said tank and being adjustable toward and away from the top of said tank so as to terminate an adjustable predetermined distance below the top of said tank, filling of said tank to a level above the inner end of said one lading conduit causing compression of gas trapped above said liquid lading to a pressure at which occurs outflow of liquid lading through said output conduit at the same rate of inflow of liquid lading through said input conduit thereby to provide in said tank above the liquid lading a free vapor space, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated tanks in a series through which expandable liquid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading to a predetermined adjustable level while automatically providing an adjustable free vapor space at the top of said tank above the liquid lading.

Claim 13

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of expandable ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, each of said lading conduits having an outer end extending outwardly from said tank adjacent to the top thereof and an inner end in communication with the interior of said tank, the inner end of one of said conduits extending into said tank and being adjustable toward and away from the top of said tank so as to terminate an adjustable predetermined distance below the top of said tank, filling of said tank to a level above the inner end of said one lading conduit causing compression of gas trapped above said liquid lading to a pressure at which occurs outflow of liquid lading through said output conduit at the same rate of inflow of liquid lading through said input conduit thereby to provide in said tank above the liquid lading a free vapor space, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated tanks in a series through which expandable liquid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading to a predetermined adjustable level while automatically providing an adjustable free vapor space at the top of said tank above the liquid lading.

Claim 14

The railway tank car set forth in claim 8, wherein the position of the inner end of said one lading conduit can be adjusted from the exterior of said tank.

Claim 15

The railway tank car set forth in claim 8, wherein the position of the inner end of said one lading conduit is adjustable from the interior of said tank.

Claim 16

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive unloading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a lading input conduit and a lading output conduit respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, each of said lading conduits having an outer end extending outwardly from said tank adjacent to the top thereof and an inner end extending into said tank, the inner end of said output conduit terminating closely adjacent to the bottom of said tank to facilitate emptying of said tank through said output conduit, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive unloading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the top of said tank safely accommodates the relative motions of the tank cars in transit.

Claim 17

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive unloading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a lading input conduit and a lading output conduit respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, each of said lading conduits having an outer end extending outwardly from said tank adjacent to the top thereof and an inner end extending into said tank, the inner end of said output conduit terminating closely adjacent to the bottom of said tank to facilitate emptying of said tank through said output conduit, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive unloading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the top of said tank safely accommodates the relative motions of the tank cars in transit.

Claim 18

The railway tank car set forth in claim 11, and further including support means mounted on the inside of said tank adjacent to the bottom thereof and connected to said output conduit adjacent to the inner end thereof for effecting a rigid mounting thereof in said tank.

Claim 19

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected In tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; and a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks, said flexible connecting conduits interconnecting said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tanks in fluid communication with each other while safely accommodating the relative motions between said tank cars in transit, whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks permits said flexible connecting conduits safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 20

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected In tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; and a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks, said flexible connecting conduits interconnecting said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tanks in fluid communication with each other while safely accommodating the relative motions between said tank cars in transit, whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks permits said flexible connecting conduits safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 21

The railway tank car train set forth in claim 13, wherein the inner end of one of said lading conduits of each of said tanks terminates closely adjacent to the bottom of said tank to facilitate emptying of said tanks therethrough.

Claim 22

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, at least one lading conduit respectively coupled to the tanks of the end tank cars of said train and in fluid communication with the respective tank and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, two lading conduits respectively coupled to the tanks of the intermediate tank cars of said train adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks, said fexible connecting conduits interconnecting said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tanks in fluid communication with each other while safely accommodating the relative motions between said tank cars in transit, and a loading and unloading assembly mounted on the bottom of the tank of an end tank car of said train for connection to a source of lading for loading said train and for connection to an outlet pipe for unloading said train, whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks permits said flexible connecting conduits safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 23

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, at least one lading conduit respectively coupled to the tanks of the end tank cars of said train and in fluid communication with the respective tank and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, two lading conduits respectively coupled to the tanks of the intermediate tank cars of said train adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks, said fexible connecting conduits interconnecting said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tanks in fluid communication with each other while safely accommodating the relative motions between said tank cars in transit, and a loading and unloading assembly mounted on the bottom of the tank of an end tank car of said train for connection to a source of lading for loading said train and for connection to an outlet pipe for unloading said train, whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks permits said flexible connecting conduits safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 24

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of expandable liquid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connecting in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a lading vent conduit and a lading eduction conduit respectively coupled to each of said tanks adjacent to the opposite ends theReof and being in fluid communication therewith, each of said lading conduits having an outer end extending outwardly from said tank adjacent to the top thereof, the inner end of said vent conduit terminating a predetermined distance below the top of said tank, filling of said tank to a level above the inner end of said vent conduit causing compression of gas trapped above said liquid lading to a pressure at which occurs outflow of liquid lading through said vent conduit at substantially the same rate as the inflow of liquid lading through said eduction conduit thereby to provide in said tank above the liquid lading a free vapor space, the inner end of said eduction conduit terminating closely adjacent to the bottom of said tank to facilitate emptying of said tank through said eduction conduit, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks, said flexible connecting conduits interconnecting said lading conduits to place the adjacent ones of said tanks in fluid communication with each other while safely accommodating the relative motions between the tank cars in transit, whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which expandable liquid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading to a predetermined level, transporting thereof while automatically providing a free vapor space at the top of each tank above the expandable liquid lading, and substantially complete unloading thereof through said eduction conduits, the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks permitting said flexible connecting conduits safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 25

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of expandable liquid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connecting in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a lading vent conduit and a lading eduction conduit respectively coupled to each of said tanks adjacent to the opposite ends theReof and being in fluid communication therewith, each of said lading conduits having an outer end extending outwardly from said tank adjacent to the top thereof, the inner end of said vent conduit terminating a predetermined distance below the top of said tank, filling of said tank to a level above the inner end of said vent conduit causing compression of gas trapped above said liquid lading to a pressure at which occurs outflow of liquid lading through said vent conduit at substantially the same rate as the inflow of liquid lading through said eduction conduit thereby to provide in said tank above the liquid lading a free vapor space, the inner end of said eduction conduit terminating closely adjacent to the bottom of said tank to facilitate emptying of said tank through said eduction conduit, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks, said flexible connecting conduits interconnecting said lading conduits to place the adjacent ones of said tanks in fluid communication with each other while safely accommodating the relative motions between the tank cars in transit, whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which expandable liquid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading to a predetermined level, transporting thereof while automatically providing a free vapor space at the top of each tank above the expandable liquid lading, and substantially complete unloading thereof through said eduction conduits, the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks permitting said flexible connecting conduits safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 26

The railway tank car train set forth in claim 16, wherein the inner ends of said lading vent conduits and said lading eduction conduits are flared to permit an increased rate of loading and unloading of said tank car train.

Claim 27

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading and transporting of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, two valves respectively connected in said two lading conduits for controlling the flow of fluid lading therethrough, and automatic valve control mechanism coupled to each of said valves and actuatable from a single location to accommodate simultaneous operation of said valves, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading and transporting thereof and with the valves of all cars in the series being controllable automatically from a single location.

Claim 28

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading and transporting of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, two valves respectively connected in said two lading conduits for controlling the flow of fluid lading therethrough, and automatic valve control mechanism coupled to each of said valves and actuatable from a single location to accommodate simultaneous operation of said valves, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading and transporting thereof and with the valves of all cars in the series being controllable automatically from a single location.

Claim 29

The railway tank car set forth in claim 18, wherein said valve control mechanism is pneumatically operated.

Claim 30

The railway tank car set forth in claim 18, wherein each of said valves is movable between a closed condition and an open condition, each of said valves further including bias means resiliently urging said valve toward the closed condition thereof, said automatic valve control mechanism being operable for moving said valves to the open conditions thereof Against the urging of said bias means, whereby said valves will remain in the closed conditions thereof until said automatic valve control mechanism is actuated.

Claim 31

The railway tank car set forth in claim 18, and further comprising strong means connecting said valves to said tank, and wherein the connection between said valves and the portion of said lading conduits in said tank is substantially mechanically stronger than the connection between said valves and the outer portions of said conduit coupling means, whereby the connection between said conduit coupling means and said valves will break before the connection between said valves and said lading conduits thus to insure that the valves remain connected to said lading conduits in the event of damage to said railway tank car.

Claim 32

The railway tank car set forth in claim 18, and further including a valve position indicator for each of said valves mounted exteriorly thereof and visible from the exterior of said tank car and movable between a first position corresponding to the open condition of the associated valve and a second position corresponding to the closed condition of the associated valve.

Claim 33

A railway tank car train which can be loaded and unloaded from a single location for accommodating consecutive loading and transporting of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chasis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, and two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits, and two valves respectively connected in said two lading conduits for controlling the flow of liquid lading therethrough; automatic valve control mechanism coupled to each of said valves on each said tank car and actuatable from a single location to accommodate essentially simultaneous operation of said valves; and a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and interconnecting the outer ends of said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tank cars in fluid communication with each other; whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading and transporting thereof and with the valves of all of said tanks being controllable automatically from a common location.

Claim 34

A railway tank car train which can be loaded and unloaded from a single location for accommodating consecutive loading and transporting of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chasis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, and two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits, and two valves respectively connected in said two lading conduits for controlling the flow of liquid lading therethrough; automatic valve control mechanism coupled to each of said valves on each said tank car and actuatable from a single location to accommodate essentially simultaneous operation of said valves; and a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and interconnecting the outer ends of said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tank cars in fluid communication with each other; whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading and transporting thereof and with the valves of all of said tanks being controllable automatically from a common location.

Claim 35

The railway tank car train set forth in claim 23, wherein a plurality of common locations is provided along said train for controlling automatically the valves of all of said tanks.

Claim 36

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a main lading conduit disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof, two branch lading conduits communicating with said main conduit and being respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, a valve assembly connected in said main conduit intermediate said two branch conduits, said valve assembly having an open condition permitting passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in parallel and accommodating parallel loading thereof, said valve assembly having a closed condition preventing passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for conneCting adjacent tank cars in series and accommodating serial loading thereof, and conduit coupling means at each of the opposite ends of said main lading conduit for coupling to one end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series to form a continuous lading vessel accommodating serial or parallel loading thereof depending upon the condition of said valve assembly.

Claim 37

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a main lading conduit disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof, two branch lading conduits communicating with said main conduit and being respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, a valve assembly connected in said main conduit intermediate said two branch conduits, said valve assembly having an open condition permitting passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in parallel and accommodating parallel loading thereof, said valve assembly having a closed condition preventing passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for conneCting adjacent tank cars in series and accommodating serial loading thereof, and conduit coupling means at each of the opposite ends of said main lading conduit for coupling to one end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series to form a continuous lading vessel accommodating serial or parallel loading thereof depending upon the condition of said valve assembly.

Claim 38

A railway tank car train which can be loaded and unloaded from a single location for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, and a main lading conduit disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof, two branch lading conduits communicating with said main conduit and being respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, conduit coupling means at each end of said main lading conduit, and a valve assembly connected in said main conduit intermediate said two branch conduits, said valve assembly having an open condition permitting passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in parallel and accommodating simultaneous loading thereof, said valve assembly having a closed condition preventing passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars is series and accommodating serial loading thereof; and a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and interconnecting the ends of said main lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tank cars in fluid communication with each other; whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate serial or parallel loading thereof depending upon the condition of said valve assembly.

Claim 39

A railway tank car train which can be loaded and unloaded from a single location for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, and a main lading conduit disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof, two branch lading conduits communicating with said main conduit and being respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, conduit coupling means at each end of said main lading conduit, and a valve assembly connected in said main conduit intermediate said two branch conduits, said valve assembly having an open condition permitting passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in parallel and accommodating simultaneous loading thereof, said valve assembly having a closed condition preventing passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars is series and accommodating serial loading thereof; and a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and interconnecting the ends of said main lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tank cars in fluid communication with each other; whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate serial or parallel loading thereof depending upon the condition of said valve assembly.

Claim 40

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connection conduits for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means movable between a coupling condition for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars and an uncoupling condition, a coupling control member mounted on said chassis and connected to said chassis coupling means and movable from a coupling configuration to an uncoupling configuration for effecting movement of said chassis coupling means from the coupled condition thereof to the uncoupled condition thereof, lock mechanism engageable with said coupling control member in the coupling configuration thereof for preventing movement thereof to the uncoupling configuration thereof, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits coupled to said tank and being in fluid communication therewith, conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while accidental uncoupling of adjacent cars in the series is prevented.

Claim 41

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connection conduits for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means movable between a coupling condition for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars and an uncoupling condition, a coupling control member mounted on said chassis and connected to said chassis coupling means and movable from a coupling configuration to an uncoupling configuration for effecting movement of said chassis coupling means from the coupled condition thereof to the uncoupled condition thereof, lock mechanism engageable with said coupling control member in the coupling configuration thereof for preventing movement thereof to the uncoupling configuration thereof, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits coupled to said tank and being in fluid communication therewith, conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while accidental uncoupling of adjacent cars in the series is prevented.

Claim 42

The railway tank car set forth in claim 27, wherein said lock mechanism includes a pin movable between a locking position for engagement With said coupling control member in the coupling configuration thereof to prevent movement thereof to the uncoupling configuration thereof and an unlocking position accommodating movement of said coupling control member between the coupling and uncoupling configurations thereof.

Claim 43

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means movable between a coupling condition for coupling to the chassis of adjacent cars and an uncoupling condition, a coupling control member mounted on said chassis and connected to said chassis coupling means and movable from a coupling configuration to an uncoupling configuration for effecting movement of said chassis coupling means from the coupled condition thereof to the uncoupled condition thereof, lock mechanism engageable with said coupling control member in the coupling configuration thereof for preventing movement thereof to the uncoupling configuration thereof, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits coupled to said tank and being in fluid communication therewith, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; and a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon interconnecting said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tank cars in fluid communication with each other; whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while accidental uncoupling of adjacent cars is prevented.

Claim 44

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means movable between a coupling condition for coupling to the chassis of adjacent cars and an uncoupling condition, a coupling control member mounted on said chassis and connected to said chassis coupling means and movable from a coupling configuration to an uncoupling configuration for effecting movement of said chassis coupling means from the coupled condition thereof to the uncoupled condition thereof, lock mechanism engageable with said coupling control member in the coupling configuration thereof for preventing movement thereof to the uncoupling configuration thereof, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits coupled to said tank and being in fluid communication therewith, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; and a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon interconnecting said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tank cars in fluid communication with each other; whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while accidental uncoupling of adjacent cars is prevented.

Claim 45

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading and transporting of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits coupled to said tank in fluid communication therewith and extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, two valves mounted on said tank externally thereof and respectively connected in said two lading conduits for controlling the flow of liquid lading through said lading conduits, and conduit coupling means respectively connected to each of said valves by a breakaway connection for coupling to one end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading and transporting thereof while said external valves are protected against damage in transit.

Claim 46

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading and transporting of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits coupled to said tank in fluid communication therewith and extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, two valves mounted on said tank externally thereof and respectively connected in said two lading conduits for controlling the flow of liquid lading through said lading conduits, and conduit coupling means respectively connected to each of said valves by a breakaway connection for coupling to one end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading and transporting thereof while said external valves are protected against damage in transit.

Claim 47

The railway tank car set forth in claim 30, wherein said two valves have a low profile, thereby further to protect said valves against damage in transit.

Claim 48

The railway tank car set forth in claim 30, and further comprising two discrete housings respectively surrounding said two valves.

Claim 49

The railway tank car set forth in claim 32, wherein each of said housings includes a pair of upstanding heavy duty guard plates rigidly mounted on said tank externally thereof, said guard plates being respectively disposed closely adjacent to the opposite ends of the associated valve and extending transversely of said tank substantially parallel to each other, and a box-like rigid outer covering cooperating with said tank and said guard plates substantially to surround the associated valve.

Claim 50

A railway tank car for interconnection to fluid communication with associated liKe tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading and transporting of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, two valves respectively connected in said two lading conduits for controlling the flow of fluid lading therethrough, and automatic valve control mechanism coupled to each of said valves and actuatable from a single location to accommodate simultaneous operation of said valves, said valves and said valve control mechanism being fail-safe in operation whereby upon failure or deactivation of said valve control mechanism said valves move to the closed positions thereof, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading and transporting thereof and with the valves of all cars in the series being controllable automatically from a single location.

Claim 51

A railway tank car for interconnection to fluid communication with associated liKe tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading and transporting of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, two valves respectively connected in said two lading conduits for controlling the flow of fluid lading therethrough, and automatic valve control mechanism coupled to each of said valves and actuatable from a single location to accommodate simultaneous operation of said valves, said valves and said valve control mechanism being fail-safe in operation whereby upon failure or deactivation of said valve control mechanism said valves move to the closed positions thereof, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading and transporting thereof and with the valves of all cars in the series being controllable automatically from a single location.

Claim 52

A railway tank car adapted for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, a flexible hose for at least one of said lading conduits, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling at the top of said tank to the adjacent end of said flexible hose to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, said flexible hose safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit while maintaining a fluidtight connection therefor, whereby said tank may be connected to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the top of said tank safely accommodates the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit.

Claim 53

A railway tank car adapted for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, a flexible hose for at least one of said lading conduits, and conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling at the top of said tank to the adjacent end of said flexible hose to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, said flexible hose safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit while maintaining a fluidtight connection therefor, whereby said tank may be connected to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the top of said tank safely accommodates the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit.

Claim 54

A railway tank car adapted for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, a flexible hose for at least one of said lading conduits, conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling at the top of said tank to the adjacent end of a flexible hose to place said tank in fluid communication with tanks of adjacent like tank cars, and a support for said flexible hose mounted on the adjacent end of said tank car for maintaining said flexible hose at an elevation higher than that of the associated conduit coupling means so as to cause drainage of all the lading from said flexible hose through the associated conduit coupling means and into said tank, said flexible hose safely accommodating the relative motions beTween the adjacent tank cars in transit while maintaining a fluid-tight connection therefor, whereby said tank may be connected to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the top of said tank safely accommodates the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit.

Claim 55

A railway tank car adapted for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, a flexible hose for at least one of said lading conduits, conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling at the top of said tank to the adjacent end of a flexible hose to place said tank in fluid communication with tanks of adjacent like tank cars, and a support for said flexible hose mounted on the adjacent end of said tank car for maintaining said flexible hose at an elevation higher than that of the associated conduit coupling means so as to cause drainage of all the lading from said flexible hose through the associated conduit coupling means and into said tank, said flexible hose safely accommodating the relative motions beTween the adjacent tank cars in transit while maintaining a fluid-tight connection therefor, whereby said tank may be connected to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the top of said tank safely accommodates the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit.

Claim 56

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; and a plurality of flexible hoses respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks to place said tanks in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent tank cars, said flexible hoses safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit while maintaining a fluid-tight connection therefor, whereby said flexible hoses cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks permits said flexible hoses safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 57

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; and a plurality of flexible hoses respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks to place said tanks in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent tank cars, said flexible hoses safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit while maintaining a fluid-tight connection therefor, whereby said flexible hoses cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks permits said flexible hoses safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 58

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; and a plurality of flexible hoses respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks to place said tanks in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent tank cars, and supports for said flexible hoses respectively mounted on the adjacent ends of said tank cars for maintaining said flexible hoses at an elevation higher than that of the associated conduit coupling means so as to cause drainage of all the lading from said flexible hoses through the associated coupling means and into the associated tanks, said flexible hoses safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit while maintaining a fluid-tight connection therefor, whereby said flexible hoses cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks permits said flexible hoses safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 59

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; and a plurality of flexible hoses respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks to place said tanks in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent tank cars, and supports for said flexible hoses respectively mounted on the adjacent ends of said tank cars for maintaining said flexible hoses at an elevation higher than that of the associated conduit coupling means so as to cause drainage of all the lading from said flexible hoses through the associated coupling means and into the associated tanks, said flexible hoses safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit while maintaining a fluid-tight connection therefor, whereby said flexible hoses cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks permits said flexible hoses safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 60

A railway tank car adapted for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication thereWith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling at the top of said tank to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars while safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit, and a fluid level detecting means mounted on said tank adjacent to the top thereof and extending downwardly thereinto for sensing the fluid lading when it reaches the desired level in said tank, whereby said tank may be connected to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the top of said tank safely accommodates the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit.

Claim 61

A railway tank car adapted for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, two lading conduits respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof in fluid communication thereWith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, conduit coupling means on each of said lading conduits for coupling at the top of said tank to an adjacent end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars while safely accommodating the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit, and a fluid level detecting means mounted on said tank adjacent to the top thereof and extending downwardly thereinto for sensing the fluid lading when it reaches the desired level in said tank, whereby said tank may be connected to associated like tanks in a series through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the top of said tank safely accommodates the relative motions between the adjacent tank cars in transit.

Claim 62

The railway tank car set forth in claim 39, wherein said fluid level detecting means is electrically operated and is connectable to the pumping system for filling said tank car to interrupt operation thereof when the fluid lading reaches the desired level in said tank.

Claim 63

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, at least one lading conduit respectively coupled to the tanks of the end tank cars of said train and in fluid communication with the respective tank and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, two lading conduits respectively coupled to the tanks of the intermediate tank cars of said train adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; a plurality of flexible hoses respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks, said flexible hoses interconnecting said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tanks in fluid communication with each other, supports for said flexible hoses mounted on adjacent ends of said tank cars for maintaining said flexible hoses at an elevation higher than that of an associated conduit coupling means, and means for connecting the lading conduit through which said train of cars is filled to a source of pressure higher than that to which is connected the lading conduit at the other ends of said train of cars, so that the pressure differential will force the fluid lading from said flexible hoses from the input ends to the other ends thereof, whereby said flexible hoses cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks and the supports for said flexible hoses permits said flexible hoses safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 64

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, at least one lading conduit respectively coupled to the tanks of the end tank cars of said train and in fluid communication with the respective tank and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, two lading conduits respectively coupled to the tanks of the intermediate tank cars of said train adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; a plurality of flexible hoses respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks, said flexible hoses interconnecting said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tanks in fluid communication with each other, supports for said flexible hoses mounted on adjacent ends of said tank cars for maintaining said flexible hoses at an elevation higher than that of an associated conduit coupling means, and means for connecting the lading conduit through which said train of cars is filled to a source of pressure higher than that to which is connected the lading conduit at the other ends of said train of cars, so that the pressure differential will force the fluid lading from said flexible hoses from the input ends to the other ends thereof, whereby said flexible hoses cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks and the supports for said flexible hoses permits said flexible hoses safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 65

The railway tank car train set forth in claim 41, wherein subsequent to loading thereof the lading conduit at the inlet ends of said train is adapted to be connected to a source of pressure above atmospheric pressure and the lading conduit at the other end of said train is adapted to be connected to atmospheric pressure.

Claim 66

The railway tank car train set forth in claim 41, wherein subsequent to loading thereof the lading conduit at the inlet end of said train is adapted to be connected to atmospheric pressure and the lading conduit at the other end of said train is adapted to be connected to a source of pressure below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 67

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a main lading conduit disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof, two branch lading conduits communicating with said main conduit and being respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, a valve assembly connected in said main conduit intermediate said two branch conduits, said valve assembly having an open condition permitting passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in parallel and accommodating parallel loading thereof, said valve assembly having a closed condition preventing passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in series and accommodating serial loading thereof, conduit coupling means at each of the opposite ends of said main lading conduit for coupling to one end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, a vent line disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof and having a connection in fluid communication with said tank, connecting means connecting said vent line to vent lines on adjacent cars to provide a continuous vent line for venting said tank during loading and unloading thereof, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series to form a continuous lading vessel accommodating serial or parallel loading thereof depending upon the condition of said valve assembly.

Claim 68

A railway tank car for interconnection in fluid communication with associated like tank cars by flexible connecting conduits for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said tank car comprising a wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling to the chassis of associated like cars, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, a main lading conduit disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof, two branch lading conduits communicating with said main conduit and being respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, a valve assembly connected in said main conduit intermediate said two branch conduits, said valve assembly having an open condition permitting passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in parallel and accommodating parallel loading thereof, said valve assembly having a closed condition preventing passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in series and accommodating serial loading thereof, conduit coupling means at each of the opposite ends of said main lading conduit for coupling to one end of an associated flexible connecting conduit to place said tank in fluid communication with the tanks of adjacent like tank cars, a vent line disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof and having a connection in fluid communication with said tank, connecting means connecting said vent line to vent lines on adjacent cars to provide a continuous vent line for venting said tank during loading and unloading thereof, whereby said tank may be connected by associated flexible connecting conduits to associated like tanks in a series to form a continuous lading vessel accommodating serial or parallel loading thereof depending upon the condition of said valve assembly.

Claim 69

The railway tank car set forth in claim 44, and further comprising a check valve within said tank in the connection to said vent line in fluid communication with said tank, said check valve closing automatically when the lading in the tank reaches the proper level during loading.

Claim 70

A railway tank car train which can be loaded and unloaded from a single location for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, and a main lading conduit disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof, two branch lading conduits communicating with said main conduit and being respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, conduit coupling means at each end of said main lading conduit, and a valve assembly connected in said main conduit intermediate said two branch conduits, said valve assembly having an open condition permitting passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in parallel and accommodating simultaneous loading thereof, said valve assembly having a closed condition preventing passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in series and accommodating serial loading thereof; and a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and interconnecting the ends of said main lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tank cars in fluid communication with each other; a vent line disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof and having a connection in fluid communication with said tank, a pluRality of flexible connections respectively extending between said vent lines to place said vent lines in fluid communication with each other to provide a continuous vent line through which said tanks can be vented during loading and unloading of said tanks; whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate serial or parallel loading thereof depending upon the condition of said valve assembly.

Claim 71

A railway tank car train which can be loaded and unloaded from a single location for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, and a main lading conduit disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof, two branch lading conduits communicating with said main conduit and being respectively coupled to said tank adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and being in fluid communication therewith, conduit coupling means at each end of said main lading conduit, and a valve assembly connected in said main conduit intermediate said two branch conduits, said valve assembly having an open condition permitting passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in parallel and accommodating simultaneous loading thereof, said valve assembly having a closed condition preventing passage of fluid lading through said main conduit for connecting adjacent tank cars in series and accommodating serial loading thereof; and a plurality of flexible connecting conduits respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and interconnecting the ends of said main lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tank cars in fluid communication with each other; a vent line disposed above said tank and extending longitudinally thereof substantially the entire length thereof and having a connection in fluid communication with said tank, a pluRality of flexible connections respectively extending between said vent lines to place said vent lines in fluid communication with each other to provide a continuous vent line through which said tanks can be vented during loading and unloading of said tanks; whereby said flexible connecting conduits cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate serial or parallel loading thereof depending upon the condition of said valve assembly.

Claim 72

The railway tank car train set forth in claim 46 and further comprising a check valve within each tank in the connection to said vent line in fluid communication with said tank, said check valve closing automatically when the lading in the tank reaches the proper level during loading.

Claim 73

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, at least one lading conduit respectively coupled to the tanks of the end tank cars of said train and in fluid communication with the respective tank and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, two lading conduits respectively coupled to the tanks of the intermediate tank cars of said train adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; a plurality of flexible hoses respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks, said flexible hoses interconnecting said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tanks in fluid communication with each other, fluid level detecting means mounted on the tank of the end tank car of said train opposite from the end tank car through which fluid lading is to be loaded, said fluid level detecting means being mounted adjacent to the top of the associated tank and extending downwardly thereinto for sensing the fluid lading when it reaches the desired level in the associated tank, said fluid level detecting means being adjusted to accommodate the flow into the associated tank of the fluid lading from all of the flexible hoses in said train, whereby said flexible hoses cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks and the supports for said flexible hoses permits said flexible hoses safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.

Claim 74

A railway tank car train for accommodating consecutive loading, transporting and unloading of fluid ladings, said train comprising a plurality of railway tank cars connected in tandem relationship; each of said tank cars including wheeled chassis structure provided with chassis coupling means for coupling said cars together, a tank mounted on said chassis structure, at least one lading conduit respectively coupled to the tanks of the end tank cars of said train and in fluid communication with the respective tank and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, two lading conduits respectively coupled to the tanks of the intermediate tank cars of said train adjacent to the opposite ends thereof and in fluid communication therewith and each extending outwardly therefrom adjacent to the top thereof, and conduit coupling means at the outer end of each of said lading conduits; a plurality of flexible hoses respectively extending between adjacent coupled ones of said tank cars and coupled to said conduit coupling means thereon at the tops of said tanks, said flexible hoses interconnecting said lading conduits to place said adjacent ones of said tanks in fluid communication with each other, fluid level detecting means mounted on the tank of the end tank car of said train opposite from the end tank car through which fluid lading is to be loaded, said fluid level detecting means being mounted adjacent to the top of the associated tank and extending downwardly thereinto for sensing the fluid lading when it reaches the desired level in the associated tank, said fluid level detecting means being adjusted to accommodate the flow into the associated tank of the fluid lading from all of the flexible hoses in said train, whereby said flexible hoses cooperate with said tanks to form a continuous lading vessel through which fluid lading may flow to accommodate consecutive loading, transporting and unloading thereof while the position of said lading conduits adjacent to the tops of said tanks and the supports for said flexible hoses permits said flexible hoses safely to accommodate the relative motions between adjacent ones of said tank cars in transit.