System and method for determining whether a locomotive or rail engine is coupled to a rail car or other engine
US7845504B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 18, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61L15/0054
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for indicating whether a coupler of a locomotive is in a coupled or uncoupled state is provided. The apparatus comprising: a sensor positioned on a portion of the coupler, wherein the sensor provides a real-time signal indicative of either a coupled or an uncoupled state of a coupler, wherein the signal is transmitted wirelessly by a transmitter in operable communication with the sensor. The method comprising: providing a signal indicative of the presence or proximity of a second coupler to the first coupler, the signal being provided by a sensor configured to provide the signal as the state of the coupler has changed; transmitting the signal wirelessly to a controller; processing the signal with a control algorithm resident upon the controller; and providing visually perceivable indication of the position of the coupler.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.