Bladder-actuated railroad retarder
US7530432B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 12, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2121/12
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An air bladder actuated railroad car retarder is designed to simplify installation, operate in a manner imposing minimal stress on the bladder, improve preventive maintenance, and simplify access to the main fulcrum bearings. The air bladder actuator is made with lightweight aluminum end plates and utilizes a unique stud assembly for attaching the actuator to the retarder pivot arms. Rigid mounting of the air bladder with a unique pivot geometry exposes the bladder to minimal lateral deflection which is balanced in both directions. A simple stroke limiter assembly, external to the air bladder, is also used to measure and monitor wear of the main fulcrum bearings. The stroke limiter assembly is easily demountable and removable to enhance access to the main fulcrum pivot for replacement of the fulcrum bearings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.