Patent · US Active

Apparatus for railway freight car coupler knuckle

US7497345B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
9References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 18, 2006
Grant dateMar 3, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 7, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB61G3/08
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

In combination with a railway freight car coupler. A coupler has a knuckle side, and includes a knuckle, knuckle pin, and an apparatus for automatically pivoting and maintaining the knuckle full open position. The improvement comprises a coiled torsion spring which is capable of continuously exerting a predetermined force. A sleeve in combination with a flange is secured to the bottom end of the knuckle pin for attaching the torsion spring onto the coupler head. A support member is attached to the knuckle and cages one arm of the torsion spring which exerts a continuous force on the knuckle to rotate and maintain the knuckle full open position. A compression spring may be employed in place of the torsion spring in combination with a locking mechanism which, rigidly secures the knuckle and knuckle pin therebetween to prevent independent movement.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.