Patent ID: 6283700
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B61D,B66F

Abstract:
A method for removing cable tie downs from a center beam railcar having an upper beam to which cable ends of the cable tie downs are removably attached, the method comprising the steps of:loosening a cable tie down to create cable slack;attaching a cable removing apparatus to a lift mechanism having a cable claw located distally from the lift mechanism, the cable claw being rigidly mounted within the cable removing apparatus and including an open hook end rigidly mounted and configured to receive and contact cable tie downs;engaging a portion of the loosened cable tie down with the cable claw using the lift mechanism to position the cable claw adjacent the loosened cable tie down and moving the cable claw substantially parallel to the upper beam, whereby the loosened cable tie down is received into the open hook end of the cable claw; andmoving the cable removing apparatus with the cable claw towards the upper rail of the center beam railcar until the cable tie down engaged by the cable claw is released from a keyhole in the upper rail.