System and method for in-motion railcar loading
US11511776B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
10References
30Claims
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Assignee
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Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2814/0349
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for loading railcars of a train wherein the railcars are provided with upper lids having latches for securing the lids in a closed position. The system comprises at least one sensing system for determining the position of the latches and the lids in order for one or more robot arms to perform operations such as unlatching, latching, lid opening and lid closing. At least one velocity sensor measures individual railcar velocity rather than overall train speed to enable engagement of the one or more robotic arms, as adjacent railcars may move at differing velocities due to slack in the connections between them.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.