Fuel pressure actuated coupling for train consist
AssigneeElectro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
InventorsJoshua Wayne Steffen, Aaron Gamache Foege
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure is directed to a coupling system for a train consist. The coupling system may include a first conduit associated with a locomotive of the train consist, a second conduit associated with a tender car of the train consist, and a fluid coupling connecting the first and second conduits. The coupling system may also include a first mechanical coupler associated with the locomotive and a second mechanical coupler associated with the tender car and configured to engage and lock with the first mechanical coupler. The coupling system may further include a locking device driven by fluid passing through the fluid coupling that is configured to inhibit disengagement of the first mechanical coupler and the second mechanical coupler.
Claims20
A coupling system for a train consist, comprising:
- a first conduit associated with a locomotive of the train consist;
- a second conduit associated with a tender car of the train consist;
- fluid coupling connecting the first and second conduits;
- a first mechanical coupler associated with the locomotive;
- a second mechanical coupler associated with the tender car and configured to engage and lock with the first mechanical coupler;
- and
- a locking device configured to inhibit disengagement of the first mechanical coupler and the second mechanical coupler, the locking device driven by fluid passing through the fluid coupling.
A train consist, comprising:
- a locomotive;
- a tender car;
- an internal combustion engine disposed on the locomotive;
- a fuel tank disposed on the tender car;
- a first conduit associated with the locomotive;
- a second conduit associated with the tender car;
- a fluid coupling connecting the first and second conduits;
- a first mechanical coupler associated with the locomotive;
- a second mechanical coupler associated with the tender car and configured to engage and lock with the first mechanical coupler;
- and
- a locking device configured to inhibit disengagement of the first mechanical coupler and the second mechanical coupler, the locking device driven by fluid passing through the fluid coupling.
A method of connecting a tender car to a locomotive, comprising:
- establishing a mechanical coupling between the locomotive and the tender car;
- establishing a fluid communication between the locomotive and the tender car;
- and
- using the fluid communication to inhibit disengagement of the mechanical coupling.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.