Method for actuating discharge doors of railroad hopper cars
US10029706B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60L2200/26
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for a door-actuating assembly that utilizes a pick-up shoe and a rechargeable battery to minimize the occurrence of rail sparks inside dump sites. The door-actuating assembly includes a pick-up shoe, a battery electrically connected to the pick-up shoe, a hermetically sealed switch electrically connected to the battery, and an electro-pneumatic valve electrically connected to the hermetically sealed switch. The battery is rechargeable via the pick-up shoe when the pick-up shoe is biased into an active position having physical contact with a wayside conductor rail; the electro-pneumatic valve actuates the bottom discharge door between an open position and a closed position, after the battery is charged beyond a pre-determined state of charge, and after the pick-up shoe is biased into an inactive position not having physical contact with the wayside conductor rail. Railroad hopper cars comprising such door-actuating assemblies, and methods of operation are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.