Fuel pressure actuated coupling for train consist
AssigneeElectro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
InventorsJoshua Wayne Steffen, Aaron Gamache Foege
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A coupling system for a train consist is disclosed. 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.
Claims16
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;
- 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;
- 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, wherein the fluid passing through the fluid coupling is fuel for the train consist;
- a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of the pressure of the fuel;
- an actuator configured to drive the locking device from an unlocked position to a locked position;
- and
- a controller configured to cause the actuator to drive the locking device based on the signal from the pressure sensor.
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 engine;
- a second conduit associated with the fuel tank;
- 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;
- a locking device configured to inhibit disengagement of the first mechanical coupler and the second mechanical coupler, the locking device driven by pressure of fluid passing through the fluid coupling;
- a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of the pressure of the fluid;
- an actuator configured to drive the locking device from an unlocked position to a locked position:
- and
- a controller configured to cause the actuator to drive the locking device based on the signal from the pressure sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.