Brakes – Operators – Multiple
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-29
2001-01-09
Oberleitner, Robert J. (Department: 3613)
Brakes
Operators
Multiple
C188S00111E, C246S16700M
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170619
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to sensors capable of distinguishing when the manual hand brake setting apparatus of a railroad car is in the “Off” or “Brake Release” position.
2. Description of the Related Art
The rail industry has a very high maintenance cost related to wheel damage. The majority of this damage is the result of handbrakes being left on prior to a train departing the rail yard. If a car has the handbrake left on when the train begins to move, the wheels of that car will not turn, resulting in a worn, flat spot on the wheel. The handbrake being left on can also result in a derailment if not detected prior to the train leaving the rail yard. For these reasons it is desirable to provide the manual handbrake setting apparatus of a railcar with a sensor having an indication means whereby the railroad operator is able to determine that the manual setting of the brakes is placed in the “off” position before moving the train.
It is well known in the art of railroad car building to equip railcars with a manual brake system which is actuated by a manually turned wheel located on the front, or back, of said car. Generally the wheel is attached through gearing to an axle which is attached to a chain running down the front of the car and generally to the undercarriage of said car where the chain is linked to the brake rigging. Turning of the wheel gathers the chain, putting it in tension, whereby the brakes, i.e. brake pads, are pulled into the wheel assembly. Release of the chain to sufficient slack where it will not tighten and engage the brakes under any conditions, such as the rail car tilting when going around curves etc., is accomplished by turning the wheel in the opposite direction, or pulling a release arm, to unwind chain from the main axle.
Because the railroad car will often be subject to extremes of environment including temperature, dirt, water, and the like it is further very desirable that the sensor have a rugged construction unlikely to be susceptible to environmental degradation. It is further desirable that the sensor be located on the railroad car where it is least likely to be susceptible to such environmental degradation or contamination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
By utilizing the rotation of the main shaft, which gathers the brake chain, to drive a target object toward a sensor located near the main shaft; sensing of the chain position can be accomplished and the railroad operator can be notified when the brakes are, or should be, in the released position. An indicator electrically connected to the sensor will of course be utilized to provide some operator interface to notify the train operator.
Preferably, a magnetically sensitive sensor able to detect shifts in magnetic field caused by a magnetic or ferromagnetic target are utilized since such sensors are highly resistant to environmental contamination or degradation. Other environmentally rugged sensors such as a proximity sensor may be substituted for the magnetically sensitive sensor. The target object to be sensed may be driven by a variety of means linked to the main shaft such as cam plates, gears, screw mechanisms or the like. The present invention is further easily adapted to present hand brake systems, requiring minimal amounts of retrofitting.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1491753 (1924-04-01), Sauvage
patent: 4368927 (1983-01-01), Billingsley et al.
patent: 4552412 (1985-11-01), Balukin et al.
patent: 4555120 (1985-11-01), Frait et al.
patent: 4904027 (1990-02-01), Skantar et al.
patent: 4972145 (1990-11-01), Wood et al.
patent: 5286096 (1994-02-01), Ferri et al.
patent: 5415379 (1995-05-01), Hoyt et al.
patent: 5469941 (1995-11-01), Horvath
patent: 5528948 (1996-06-01), De Gelis
patent: 5632367 (1997-05-01), Bergeron et al.
Cummins Brad L.
Hammond Brady J.
O'Brien Gary R.
Sheriff Alan V.
Sies Duane J.
Abeyta Andrew A.
Honeywell Inc
Norris Roland W.
Oberleitner Robert J.
Rodriguez Pamela J.
LandOfFree
Manual hand brake sensor for a railroad car does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Manual hand brake sensor for a railroad car, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Manual hand brake sensor for a railroad car will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2510696