Trailer sensor for railroad hitch
US5139374A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61D45/005
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A trailer sensor (83) for use on a retractable railcar trailer hitch (1) is disclosed. The hitch has a hitch head (3) for capturing a kingpin (K) of a trailer (T), a locking mechanism (35) for latching the hitch in its erect position, and a manually operable release mechanism (67) for retracting the hitch. A movable sensing element (85) carried on the hitch head senses the presence or absence of a trailer. A rod (93) moves the sensing element in response to operation of the release mechanism. If a trailer is supported by the hitch, the assembly blocks movement of the sensor and prevents retraction of the hitch. If no trailer is supported by the hitch, the sensing element allows the release mechanism to unlock the hitch so it can retract.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.