Pneumatic retarder acutator valve
US7325567B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87507
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention pertains to an electro-pneumatic retarder control (EPRC) valve for a pneumatic retarder that controls the speed of railroad cars in a marshaling yard. The EPRC valve has a housing that generally encloses and protects its various components. The housing has a lid that can be opened to gain access to a control panel mounted on an interior door. The control panel includes a display, keyboard and programmable logic controller or PLC module that can be adjusted to set the desired pressure levels of the retarder. The EPRC valve has a modular pressure control assembly that includes an intake and exhaust manifold, a retarder supply and return manifold and several interchangeable control lines formed by like-shaped control valves and components. A pilot air control assembly enables the PLC module to selectively open and close the control valves and lines to deliver or release pressurized air to the retarder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.