Load transferring system
US5718550A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G63/004
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system is provided for transferring loads between railroad cars on different tracks. If desired the system may be highly automated. A series of parallel, adjacent railcar tracks are provided for carrying separate strings of connected railcars and/or boats or trucks in side-by-side relation. A second series of tracks is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first-named series of tracks. A plurality of load lifting mechanisms are provided, these mechanisms being independently movable along the second tracks. The mechanisms each have at least one and preferably a plurality of grapplers capable of lifting a load from one vehicle such as a railcar on a first of the railcar tracks and placing the load on another vehicle such as a railcar on a second of the railcar tracks. Thus, the plurality of load lifting mechanisms can redistribute the loads of separate strings of connected railcars and other vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.