Railroad handbrake chain tension condition sensing device and method
US8584551B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20492
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Chain tension sensing device includes a hollow enclosure, a sensor mounted in a stationary position within enclosure and a member mounted for a reciprocal movement in a substantially linear direction relative to the sensor. The member includes a chain engaging first portion, a second portion mounted for reciprocal movement and a sensor target disposed on a distal end of the second portion. A compressible resilient member is mounted in abutting engagement with at least a rear surface of the first portion. Chain take-up attains tension thereon generating force and moving the member towards the sensor so as to position the sensor target in operative sensing alignment therewith. Chain let-up causes the compressible resilient member to move the member in an opposite direction, removing the sensor target from the operative sensing alignment with the sensor. Sensor generates a control signal in response to sensing or not sensing the sensor target.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.