Automated decoupler for rail cars
AssigneeInco Limited
InventorsJoseph Cappelletti, Samir Zakaria
Life of this patent
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Abstract
There is provided an automated rail car uncoupling system that reduces the possibility of injury. The system includes an object locator that detects and locates a locking pin actuator associated with a coupler. Upon confirmation of the location of the actuator, a robot reaches over and moves the actuator thus uncoupling the cars.
Claims15
An automated system for uncoupling coupled cars having a shared coupling therebetween, the coupling having opposed engagable clamps, the engagable clamps having locking pins, and means for moving the locking pins, the automated system comprising an object identifying system adapted to:
- 1) identify at least one component of the coupling, 2) compare the identified component of the coupling with previously identified coupling values, and 3) locate the position of the locking pin moving means, a robot responsive to the object identifying system for actuating the locking pin moving means, and means for separating the resultant uncoupled cars.
An automated method for uncoupling cars, the cars having opposed engagable clamps forming a couple therebetween, a locking pin associated with a clamp, an actuator for moving the locking pin, and means for locomoting the cars, the method comprising:
- a) situating an object identifier and robot near a predetermined site for uncoupling cars;
- b) routing a coupled car pair to a site adjacent to the robot;
- c) the object identifier detecting the presence and location of the actuator;
- d) instructing the robot to seek out the actuator and causing the actuator to move;
- e) unlocking the locking pin;
- f) uncoupling the cars;
- and
- g) separating the cars.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.