US20060032396A1 - Safety latch lock indicator for railcar door operation mechanism - Google Patents
Safety latch lock indicator for railcar door operation mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060032396A1 US20060032396A1 US11/182,975 US18297505A US2006032396A1 US 20060032396 A1 US20060032396 A1 US 20060032396A1 US 18297505 A US18297505 A US 18297505A US 2006032396 A1 US2006032396 A1 US 2006032396A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- railway car
- indicator
- control system
- discharge control
- hopper
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
- B61D7/00—Hopper cars
- B61D7/14—Adaptations of hopper elements to railways
- B61D7/16—Closure elements for discharge openings
- B61D7/24—Opening or closing means
Definitions
- the present invention is related in general to railcars and more particularly to a safety latch lock indicator for railcars which discharge cargo or lading from below an associated railway car underframe.
- railway hopper cars with one or more hoppers have been used for many years to transport and sometimes store dry, bulk materials. Hopper cars are frequently used to transport coal, sand, metal ores, ballast, aggregates, grain and any other type of lading which may be satisfactorily discharged through respective openings formed in one or more hoppers. Respective discharge openings are typically provided at or near the bottom of each hopper to rapidly discharge cargo. A variety of door assemblies and gate assemblies along with various operating mechanisms have been used to open and close discharge openings associated with railway hopper cars.
- Hopper cars may be classified as open or closed. Hopper cars may have relatively short sidewalls and end walls or relatively tall or high sidewalls and end walls.
- the sidewalls and end walls of many hopper cars are typically reinforced with a plurality of vertical side stakes.
- the sidewalls and end walls are typically formed from steel or aluminum sheets.
- Some hopper cars include interior frame structures or braces to provide additional support for the sidewalls.
- One embodiment of the present invention includes a railway car having at least one hopper for transporting lading and a safety indicator associated with discharging lading.
- the railway car may include an underframe including a center sill which defines in part a longitudinal axis of the railway car and a discharge opening formed proximate to a lower portion of the hopper.
- a respective door assembly may be mounted adjacent to the discharge opening to control the flow of lading from the hopper.
- the door assembly may be operable for movement between a first, closed position and a second, open position relative to the discharge opening.
- a discharge control system operable to move the door assembly between the first position and the second position.
- An indicator may extend or appear from at least one side of the railway car as the door assembly moves between the first position and the second position, wherein a portion of the indicator become visible from the at least one side of the railway car.
- the indicator may be visible to an observer viewing along the length of an associated railway car.
- the present invention avoids having to view a railway car from a generally perpendicular direction to determine the status of an associated door assembly.
- respective indicators associated with multiple railway cars may be satisfactorily observed by looking down the length of the railway cars.
- One aspect of the present invention includes a discharge control system which may be mounted on various types of railway cars to control discharge of lading when the railway car is stationary at a discharge facility or when the railway car is moving relative to a discharge facility.
- the discharge control system may be satisfactorily used with hopper cars having longitudinal discharge openings and associated gate or door assemblies.
- a discharge control system may include an air cylinder able to move a plurality of linkage to open and close the door assembly.
- An indicator may be associated with the discharge control system to provide a visual indication from the side of the railway car whether the system is placed in a secured locked orientation.
- the latch component may move between a first, secured position and a second, open or unsecured position based on the movement of the discharge control system between an open position and a closed position.
- the latch component may be mechanically linked to an indicator portion.
- the indicator portion may extend (appear) and retract (disappear) from at least one side of the railway car to provide a user with visible indication of the position of the discharge control system.
- the status of respective discharge control systems associated with multiple railway cars may be simultaneously determined by looking along the sides of adjacent railway cars. Observations made along the length of a train having multiple railway cars with such indicators may quickly or simultaneously indicate the status of each discharge control system.
- a method of indicating status of a discharge control system in a railway car includes moving a door assembly between a first, closed position and a second, open position using the discharge control system.
- the discharge control system may control the flow of lading through the door assembly.
- the method further includes extending and retracting a portion of an indicator from at least one side of a railway car based on displacement of the latch component.
- Technical benefits of the present inventions include an economical indicator for determining whether the discharge system on a railway car is in a secure status. Having a highly visible indicator on the side of each railway car permits a user to readily view several railway cars simultaneously prior to loading/unloading the lading from the hoppers. In addition, the railway cars may be readily checked prior to and even during transportation for ensuring that the associated discharge system is in a secure status. Because operation of the indicator may be based on operation of the associated door assembly mechanism, any movement by the door assembly may allow a user to determine a changed condition with the associated railcar via the indicator.
- Other technical benefits of the present invention include relatively easy adjustments which may be made to an indicator linkage to determine a secure position for a discharge system. Because the position of the indicator may be based on a common air cylinder or actuator, adjustments to the indicator are relatively easy.
- the indicator may be set to indicate a secure status when the position of the mechanism has moved beyond an over center locking position.
- FIG. 1 For purposes of this specification, the indicator typically indicates whether all of the associated door assemblies are in secured or unsecured position.
- Further technical benefits of the present invention include providing indication of the status of associated door assemblies or gates from an actuator on one or both sides of a railway car. Because the indicator may use a variety of linkages such as translating a axial displacement in to a rotational displacement, one of the indicator linkages may allow the position of the indicator to be located at one end of the railway car. The indicator may be extended from one side of the car above the minimum safe level for railway car operations and readily visible to a railcar operator.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing in elevation with portions broken away showing a side view of a railway car incorporating teachings of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing a plan view with portions broken away of taken along lines 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away taken long lines 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 showing portions of an indicator for a discharge control system incorporating teachings of the present invention with a pair of door assemblies in their first, closed position;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing portions of the indicator for the discharge control system of FIG. 3 with the door assemblies in their second, opened position;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing one example of an indicator for a discharge control system incorporating teachings of the present invention satisfactory for indicating a locked or closed position of associated door assemblies;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation with portions broken away showing a side view of the indicator for the discharge control system of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing a side view of the indicator mechanism for the discharge control system
- FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation showing the indicator mechanism for the discharge control system taken along long lines 9 - 9 of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9A is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing a end view of the indicator mechanism for the discharge control system in closed position of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9B is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing an end view of the indicator moved to an open position with end portions extending from the sides of the railcar as shown along lines 9 - 9 of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing a side view of an example embodiment of the indicator extending from a side of the railcar.
- FIGS. 1-10 of the drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention and its advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1-10 of the drawings. Like numbers may be used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
- Hopper car 20 which may be satisfactorily used to carry coal and other types of lading.
- Hopper car 20 may be generally described as an open hopper car with bottom discharge openings or outlets. Respective door assemblies or gates may be opened and closed to control discharge of lading from the discharge openings or outlets of hopper car 20 .
- the present invention is not limited to open hopper cars or hopper cars that carry coal.
- various features of the present invention may be satisfactorily used with closed hopper cars, hopper cars that carry grain, other types of hopper car and ballast cars.
- FIGS. 1-7 Hopper car 20 incorporating teachings of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-7 with a pair of sidewall assemblies 30 a , 30 b , bottom slope sheet assemblies 40 a and 40 b and sloped end wall assemblies 80 a and 80 b mounted on railway car underframe 50 .
- Railway car underframe 50 includes center sill 52 and side sills 54 a and 54 b . See FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- Side sills 54 a and 54 b extend generally parallel with center sill 52 and are spaced laterally from opposite sides of center sill 52 .
- a plurality of cross bearers 60 may be mounted on center sill 52 .
- Side sills 54 a and 54 b may be attached to opposite ends of cross bearers 60 .
- center sill 52 A pair of railway trucks 22 and 24 may be attached to opposite ends of center sill 52 .
- center sill 52 has a generally rectangular cross-section with a generally triangular-shaped dome or cover 56 disposed thereon.
- Sidewall assemblies 30 a and 30 b may have approximately the same overall configuration and dimensions. Therefore, only sidewall assembly 30 b will be described in detail.
- Sidewall assembly 30 b preferably includes top cord 32 b with a plurality of side stakes 34 extending between top cord 32 b and side sill 54 b . Side stakes 34 may also be spaced laterally from each other along the length of top cord 32 b and side sill 54 b .
- a plurality of metal sheets 36 may be securely attached with interior portions of top cord 32 b , side stakes 34 and side sill 54 b .
- sidewall assembly 30 a preferably includes top cord 32 a , side stakes 34 and metal sheets 36 .
- metal sheets 36 which form the interior surface of sidewall assembly 30 a have been designated 36 a .
- metal sheets 36 which form the interior surface of sidewall assembly 30 b have been designated as 36 b . See FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- Bottom slope sheet assemblies 40 a and 40 b may have approximately the same overall dimensions and configuration. Therefore, only bottom slope sheet assembly 40 b will be described in more detail.
- Bottom slope sheet assembly 40 b preferably includes a plurality of angles 42 extending inwardly from side sill 54 a to bottom cord 44 b .
- Bottom cord 44 b and top cord 32 b may be formed from hollow metal tubes having a generally rectangular configuration.
- a plurality of metal sheets 46 may be attached with interior surfaces of respective angles 42 and bottom cord 44 b .
- Metal sheets, 36 and 46 may have similar specifications and thickness.
- an additional angle 48 b may be attached to the opposite side of bottom cord 44 b to provide additional structural strength for assembly of hopper car 20 .
- Bottom cord 44 b and angle 48 b preferably extend along substantially the full length of hopper car 20 .
- bottom slope sheet assembly 40 a preferably includes angles 42 , metal sheets 46 , bottom cord 44 a and an additional angle 48 a.
- Bottom slope sheet assemblies 40 a and 40 b may be attached with respective side sills 54 a and 54 b .
- Slope sheet assemblies 40 a and 40 b preferably extend inward at an angle from respective side sills 54 a and 54 b to a location proximate bottom clearance or minimum clearance for railway car 20 relative to associated railway tracks (not expressly shown).
- slope sheet assemblies 40 a and 40 b may extend at an angle of approximately forty five (45°) degrees relative to respective sidewall assemblies 30 a and 30 b.
- bottom slope sheet assembly 40 a cooperates with adjacent portions of center sill 52 and dome 56 to define longitudinal discharge openings 26 a .
- portions of bottom slope sheet assembly 40 b cooperate with adjacent portions of center sill 52 and dome 56 to define in part longitudinal discharge openings 26 b .
- Longitudinal discharge openings 26 a and 26 b are preferably disposed along opposite sides of center sill 52 .
- a hopper car may be formed in accordance with teachings of the present invention with more than one hopper and more than two longitudinal discharge openings. The present invention is not limited to hopper cars with only two longitudinal discharge openings.
- a plurality of longitudinal door assemblies 70 a and 70 b are preferably hinged proximate the upper portion of center sill 52 adjacent to dome assembly 56 .
- Longitudinal door assemblies 70 a and 70 b may also be described as “swinging longitudinal slope sheets.”
- Longitudinal door assemblies 70 a and 70 b may be formed with overall dimensions and configurations similar to bottom slope sheet assemblies 40 a and 40 b .
- Attaching longitudinal door assemblies 70 a and 70 b proximate the upper portion of center sill 52 in accordance with teachings of the present invention may increase the volume of lading which is carried within hopper car 20 and may also reduce the center of gravity when hopper car 20 is loaded.
- hinge assemblies 72 may be satisfactorily used to respectively engage door assemblies 70 with dome assembly 56 proximate the upper portion of center sill 52 .
- piano type hinges 72 may be used to rotatably attach or pivotally attach door assemblies 70 proximate upper portions of center sill 52 .
- hinge assemblies 72 may include any suitable hinge to allow door assemblies 70 to move between an open and closed position.
- door assemblies 70 have been designated as 70 a and 70 b .
- Hinge assemblies 72 have been designated as 72 a and 72 b.
- Each door assembly 70 a and 70 b preferably includes a first, closed position which prevents the discharge of lading from hopper car 20 (see FIG. 3 ) and a second, open position which allows lading to be discharged from hopper car 20 (see FIG. 4 ).
- longitudinal door assemblies 70 a and 70 b may be directly attached to or directly coupled with the upper portion of center sill 52 .
- the length of longitudinal openings 26 a and 26 b and door assemblies 70 a and 70 b may be approximately twenty-nine (29) feet.
- Door assemblies 70 formed in accordance with teachings of the present invention may extend along approximately the full length of respective longitudinal discharge openings 26 a and 26 b .
- the overall empty car weight of hopper car 20 may be reduced as compared to prior hopper cars. As such, the cost associated with manufacture and maintenance of hopper car 20 may also be reduced.
- Door assembly 70 may be formed using metal plates 96 a and 96 b having similar thickness and other characteristics associated with metal plates 36 and 46 .
- Respective angles 98 a and 98 b may be attached with the longitudinal edge of each door assembly 98 a and 98 b opposite from respective hinges 92 a and 92 b .
- angles 98 a and 98 b may be replaced by an I-beam, a Z-beam or any other suitable structural shape.
- respective longitudinal recesses 99 a and 99 b may be formed along an edge of each door assembly 90 a and 90 b opposite from respective hinges 92 a and 92 b .
- the overall dimensions and configuration of recesses 99 a and 99 b may be selected to be compatible with the dimensions and configuration of respective angles 48 a and 48 b .
- recesses 99 a and 99 b cooperate with respective angles 48 a and 48 b to help seal respective longitudinal discharge openings 26 a and 26 b to eliminate or substantially minimize any leakage of lading from hopper car 20 .
- Various types of sealing mechanisms may be satisfactorily used to engage a door assembly with adjacent portions of a bottom slope sheet assembly in accordance with teaching of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to use with recesses 99 and angles 48 .
- End wall assemblies 80 a and 80 b may have approximately the same overall configuration and dimensions. Therefore, only end wall assembly 80 a will be described in detail.
- end wall assembly 80 a may include sloped portion 82 a and a generally vertical portion 84 a . Sloped end wall assembly 80 a may be formed from one or more metal sheet 86 .
- hopper car 20 may be generally described as having a single hopper defined in part by sidewall assemblies 30 a , 30 b and end wall assemblies 80 a and 80 b .
- Other railway cars formed in accordance with teachings of the present invention may include two or more hoppers.
- a plurality of interior supporting structures or interior brace assemblies 100 may be disposed within hopper car 20 extending between sidewall assemblies 30 a and 30 b and bottom slope sheet assemblies 40 a and 40 b .
- Interior supporting structures are typically formed from structural members such as plates, angles, bars, channels, beams, tubing, a combination of different structures, or any other structural member.
- Each interior brace assembly 100 preferably includes respective horizontal cross bearers 130 and 135 extending from respective side sills 54 a and 54 b and connecting to center attachment member 110 .
- Various types of mechanical fasteners such as bolts and huck fasteners and/or welding techniques may be satisfactorily used to securely attach interior brace assembly 100 .
- cross bearer 130 may bolt to respective side sill 54 b using plate member 131 b at first end 130 a and second end 130 b of cross bearer 130 couples with center attachment member 110 .
- cross bearer 135 may connect to respective side sill 54 a using plate member 131 a at first end 135 a and second end 135 b of cross bearer 135 couples with center attachment member 110
- Upper diagonal braces 120 and 125 preferably extend between sidewall assemblies 30 a and 30 b and center attachment member 110 .
- first end 120 a of upper diagonal brace 120 may be secured proximate sidewall assembly 30 b at connector plate 102 b and extend diagonally to connect with center attachment member 110 at second end 120 b .
- first end 125 a of upper diagonal brace 125 may be secured proximate sidewall assembly 30 a by connector plate 102 a and extend diagonally to connect with center attachment member 110 at second end 125 a.
- Lower diagonal braces 140 and 145 preferably extend between bottom slope sheet assemblies 40 a and 40 b and center attachment member 110 .
- First end 140 a of lower diagonal brace 140 preferably couples to bottom cord 44 b and angle 48 b of bottom slope sheet assembly 40 b being secured by connector plate 141 b .
- Second end 140 b of lower diagonal brace 140 may be secured with center attachment member 110 .
- first end 145 a of lower diagonal brace 145 may be connected with bottom cord 44 a and angle 48 a of sloped sheet assembly 40 a by connector plate 141 a .
- Second end 145 b of lower diagonal brace 145 may be secured with center attachment member 110 .
- Horizontal brace 105 preferably extends between sidewall assemblies 30 a and 30 b .
- First end 105 a of horizontal crosspiece 105 may be engaged with connector 102 a .
- Second end 105 b of horizontal brace 105 may be securely engaged with connector plate 102 b .
- Pairs of connector plates 102 a and 102 b are preferably mounted on interior surfaces of sidewall assemblies 30 a and 30 b at locations generally aligned with respective horizontal cross bearers 130 and 135 .
- discharge controlled system 160 includes operating assembly or opening and closing assembly 150 along with door connector assembly 170 .
- Discharge control system 160 incorporating teachings of the present invention generally has pivot points and linkages and no torsion members, incorporates over center locking, and simplified adjustment.
- Discharge control system 160 incorporating teachings of the present system may operate gates or doors 90 a and 90 b by pushing or pulling with air cylinder 152 , hydraulic cylinder or other type of actuator via a common linkage such as clevis 180 centered under center sill 52 of railcar 20 or highway truck (not expressly shown) longitudinally.
- the common linkage or clevis 180 may be attached to secondary linkages such as bar 162 and arms 174 a and 174 b that connect to door assemblies 70 or gates 90 a and 90 b on both sides that are swung up or down depending on the direction of the common linkage.
- Gates 90 a and 90 b may be hinged proximate center sill 52 or other centrally located structure with hinges 72 a and 72 b oriented longitudinally and above the common linkage.
- Each secondary linkage such as arm 174 a and 174 b provides the lower horizontal leg of a triangular shaped mechanism consisting of gate 90 a and 90 b as the hypotenuse and the common linkage such as bar 162 and centrally located structure or center sill 52 as the upright leg in a closed position.
- the secondary linkages such as arms 174 a and 174 b may be pushed or pulled past center to provide a positive lock on gates 90 a and 90 b , commonly known as over center locking.
- the secondary linkages may be symmetrical to each other and provide an equilibrium of the transverse forces both while operating and in a locked position.
- operating assembly 150 preferably includes air cylinder 152 with piston 154 and piston rod 156 disposed therein.
- Piston 154 and piston rod 156 may be slidably disposed within air cylinder 152 .
- Piston 154 divides the interior of air cylinder 152 into two variable volume fluid chambers 158 a and 158 b .
- Air pressure can be applied to one chamber 158 a or 158 b and air pressure may be released from or vented from the other variable volume fluid chamber causing piston 154 to move within air cylinder 152 . Because of this movement, piston rod coupled to piston 154 moves or reciprocates longitudinally relative to center sill 52 and other components associated with railway car underframe 50 .
- air cylinder 152 is formed proximate to a lower portion of the hopper such as proximate center sill 52 .
- air cylinder 152 may be formed, located, placed, coupled or disposed with any portion of hopper car 20 .
- air cylinder 152 is located beneath center sill 52 .
- operating assembly 150 may replace or supplement air cylinder 152 with any suitable drive actuator for providing a reciprocating longitudinally movement relative to center sill 52 and other components associated with railway car underframe 50 .
- operating assembly 150 may include an electrically operated motor (not expressly shown).
- drive actuators including, but not limited to, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, manual actuators such as geared drives, and any other suitable drive actuators.
- connector plate or plank 161 preferably includes a connection end that interconnect with clevis 180 such as pin 161 a inserted through clevis eye 180 a of clevis 180 .
- the opposing end of connector plank 161 includes a generally rectangular cross section that connects to bar 162 .
- connector plank 161 may extend along substantially the full length of discharge controlled system 160 longitudinally relative to center sill 52 .
- two or more operating assemblies may be coupled with center sill 52 in accordance with teachings of the present invention.
- connector plank 161 may form a part of bar 162 such that bar 62 connects directly with clevis 180 .
- Connectors or brackets 164 may be attached with center sill 52 and respectively engaged with bar 162 .
- the dimensions of bracket 164 are preferably selected to allow bar 162 to slide or move within bracket 164 longitudinally with respect to center sill 52 .
- Bracket 164 may be used to maintain bar 162 respective distance from center sill and in alignment with respect to center sill 52 .
- an insert member (not shown) may be disposed between bar 162 and bracket 164 to reduce the friction of the sliding motion.
- each door 70 a and 70 b may include one or more respective door connector assemblies 170 .
- Each door connector assembly 170 preferably includes a respective boss or socket 172 attached with bar 162 opposite from center sill 52 .
- Each door connector assembly 170 also preferably includes a pair of arms 174 a and 174 b which may extend laterally from operating assembly 150 to engage respective longitudinal door assemblies 70 a and 70 b .
- First end 176 of each arm 174 a and 174 b preferably includes a respective ball joint (not expressly shown) which may be rotatably engaged with socket or boss 172 .
- Second end 178 of each arm 174 a and 174 b may be rotatably engaged with each door assembly 70 a and 70 b opposite from associated hinges spaced from respective hinges 72 a and 72 b.
- indicator mechanism 200 may include latch component 182 placed adjacent to piston rod 156 .
- indicator mechanism 200 may be referred to as a “safety latch lock indicator”.
- indicator mechanism incorporating teachings of the present invention may be used to indicate the status of various components associated with a railway car discharge system.
- Indicator mechanism incorporating teachings of the present invention may be used to indicate the status of any component associate with a railway car when the component is moved between a first position and a second position by discharge control system 160 .
- latch component 182 is mounted above piston rod 156 on mounting bracket 183 extending longitudinally from air cylinder 152 along center sill 52 .
- Latch component 182 may be pivotally mounted on mounting bracket 183 and disposed between center sill 52 and clevis 180 to allow the force of gravity to cause latch component to rest against clevis lever 181 disposed on clevis 180 .
- latch component 182 is designed of sufficient length to allow clevis lever 181 to maintain contact with lever component 182 throughout the entire length of stroke of piston rod 156 .
- clevis lever 181 may move between two regions of latch component 182 , namely a safe latched position 184 a and an open position 184 b . In some embodiments, these two regions are divided by peak 184 that sets a limit for indicating the minimally safe position of operating assembly or opening and closing assembly 150 .
- clevis lever 181 When discharge controlled system 160 moves to a first, closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , clevis lever 181 may move along latch component 182 to the closed indication position whereby door assemblies 70 a and 70 b are safely locked closed. Similarly, when discharge controlled system 160 moves to a second, open position, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , clevis lever 181 may move along latch component 182 to the open indication position whereby the door assemblies 70 a and 70 b are not safely locked closed. For example, in some embodiments, by moving piston rod 156 into a retracted position creates the closed position such that clevis lever 181 is positioned on region 184 a of latch component 182 .
- latch component 182 has a varied thickness between closed indication region 184 a and open indication region 184 b .
- the thickness of closed indication region 184 a on latch component 182 is approximately three-quarters of an inch greater than open indication region 184 b .
- open indication means placing door assemblies 70 a and 79 b in any position that is not adequately or safely locked.
- latch component 182 pivots or moves with respect to clevis 180 a distance based on the differences in thickness.
- Safety latch lock indicator mechanism 200 preferably includes latch rod 186 connected to a portion of latch component 182 . Based on the movement of latch component 182 , latch rod 186 is also displaced. In one instance, latch rod 186 lifts upward approximately three-quarters of an inch.
- latch rod 186 may extend through center sill 52 and couple to cam 188 .
- Cam 188 is able to translate the movement of latch rod 186 from a first direction into a second direction or orientation.
- latch rod 186 may displace between two positions and cause cam 188 to rotate about a center point, namely connection rod 190 .
- connection rod 190 In one example embodiment, latch rod 186 lifts upward approximately three-quarters of an inch to move from an open indication position to a closed indication position.
- cam 188 may rotate counter-clockwise approximately thirty degrees. Generally, the rotation of cam 188 causes connection rod 190 to rotate.
- connecting rod 190 extends between two bearing 191 and 192 with cam 188 and extension cam 193 securely coupled therebetween. While the size of connecting rod 190 is typically one inch in diameter, the length of connecting rod 190 varies based on the placement of the safety latch lock indicator in relation to air cylinder 152 . Generally, the varied length allows the relocation of movement of latch component 182 to a more accessible place on railway car 20 for indication.
- extension cam 193 causes extension cam 193 to rotate based on a rotational force transmitted by connecting rod 190 .
- extension cam 193 may rotate about connecting rod 190 between a first, open indication position (indicated in phantom) and a second, open indication position (illustrated by the solid lines).
- Extension cam 193 typically includes at least one indicator rod 194 and 196 coupled at respective position on extension cam 193 and at respective radii from connecting rod 190 .
- Each indicator rod 194 or 196 may further include a multitude of bends or angles that enable the rod to translate the rotational movement of extension cam 193 into a third orientation or plane. This translation of movement allow extension rods 194 and 196 to extend in an outward direction from center sill 52 such that indicator portion 197 and 198 of respective indicator rod 194 and 196 extends beyond side wall 30 b and 30 a , as illustrated in FIG. 10 .
- latch component 182 may lower causing cam 188 and extension cam 193 via connecting rod 190 to rotate clockwise. This rotation of extension cam 193 causes extension rods 194 and 196 to return to a retracted position.
- extension cam 193 Based on moving from an open position to a closed position, in one embodiment, a thirty degree rotation of extension cam 193 causes extension rods 194 and 196 to extend approximately one inch from respective side walls 30 b and 30 a . In one instance, indicator portions 197 and 198 are highlighted with a high visibility coloring such as “safety orange” to augment visibility of indicator portions 197 and 198 for a railcar user/operator.
- colored indicator portions 197 and 198 are visible from respective sides 30 b and 30 a of railway car 20 . Based on their visibility, an operator may readily determine whether door assemblies 70 a and 70 b are in a secured locked position. In one example embodiment, door assemblies 70 a and 70 b of railway car 20 are placed in a secured locked position when indicator portions 197 and 198 are visible.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application entitled “Safety Latch Lock Indicator for Railcar Door Operation Mechanism,” Application Ser. No. 60/600,290 filed Aug. 10, 2004.
- The present invention is related in general to railcars and more particularly to a safety latch lock indicator for railcars which discharge cargo or lading from below an associated railway car underframe.
- Railway hopper cars with one or more hoppers have been used for many years to transport and sometimes store dry, bulk materials. Hopper cars are frequently used to transport coal, sand, metal ores, ballast, aggregates, grain and any other type of lading which may be satisfactorily discharged through respective openings formed in one or more hoppers. Respective discharge openings are typically provided at or near the bottom of each hopper to rapidly discharge cargo. A variety of door assemblies and gate assemblies along with various operating mechanisms have been used to open and close discharge openings associated with railway hopper cars.
- Hopper cars may be classified as open or closed. Hopper cars may have relatively short sidewalls and end walls or relatively tall or high sidewalls and end walls. The sidewalls and end walls of many hopper cars are typically reinforced with a plurality of vertical side stakes. The sidewalls and end walls are typically formed from steel or aluminum sheets. Some hopper cars include interior frame structures or braces to provide additional support for the sidewalls.
- Due to the construction of hopper cars, many are bottom loading and unloading cars that include opening and closing gates located underneath the railcar. Through the use of linkages and several moving elements, an air cylinder is able to move the linkages to open and close the bottom gates on the railcars. Because the air cylinder is typically located underneath the railcar, it is often difficult to see whether the air cylinder is moved to a fully closed and locked position. Therefore, a person or other type of device must be used to determine whether the air cylinder has been moved to the locked position prior to loading the railcar or moving the railcar between locations prior to emptying the contents or lading from the railcar.
- In accordance with teachings of the present invention, several disadvantages and problems associated with railway cars having discharge control systems and indicators to show the status of the discharge system have been substantially reduced or eliminated. One embodiment of the present invention includes a railway car having at least one hopper for transporting lading and a safety indicator associated with discharging lading. The railway car may include an underframe including a center sill which defines in part a longitudinal axis of the railway car and a discharge opening formed proximate to a lower portion of the hopper. A respective door assembly may be mounted adjacent to the discharge opening to control the flow of lading from the hopper. The door assembly may be operable for movement between a first, closed position and a second, open position relative to the discharge opening. A discharge control system operable to move the door assembly between the first position and the second position. An indicator may extend or appear from at least one side of the railway car as the door assembly moves between the first position and the second position, wherein a portion of the indicator become visible from the at least one side of the railway car.
- For some applications the indicator may be visible to an observer viewing along the length of an associated railway car. The present invention avoids having to view a railway car from a generally perpendicular direction to determine the status of an associated door assembly. For some applications respective indicators associated with multiple railway cars may be satisfactorily observed by looking down the length of the railway cars.
- One aspect of the present invention includes a discharge control system which may be mounted on various types of railway cars to control discharge of lading when the railway car is stationary at a discharge facility or when the railway car is moving relative to a discharge facility. The discharge control system may be satisfactorily used with hopper cars having longitudinal discharge openings and associated gate or door assemblies. For example, a discharge control system may include an air cylinder able to move a plurality of linkage to open and close the door assembly. An indicator may be associated with the discharge control system to provide a visual indication from the side of the railway car whether the system is placed in a secured locked orientation.
- In accordance with another teaching of the present invention, an indicator for a discharge control system that controls the flow of lading from a hopper in the railway car may include a latch component operably coupled to a portion of the discharge control system. The latch component may move between a first, secured position and a second, open or unsecured position based on the movement of the discharge control system between an open position and a closed position. The latch component may be mechanically linked to an indicator portion. The indicator portion may extend (appear) and retract (disappear) from at least one side of the railway car to provide a user with visible indication of the position of the discharge control system. The status of respective discharge control systems associated with multiple railway cars may be simultaneously determined by looking along the sides of adjacent railway cars. Observations made along the length of a train having multiple railway cars with such indicators may quickly or simultaneously indicate the status of each discharge control system.
- For some embodiments, a method of indicating status of a discharge control system in a railway car includes moving a door assembly between a first, closed position and a second, open position using the discharge control system. The discharge control system may control the flow of lading through the door assembly. The method further includes extending and retracting a portion of an indicator from at least one side of a railway car based on displacement of the latch component.
- Technical benefits of the present inventions include an economical indicator for determining whether the discharge system on a railway car is in a secure status. Having a highly visible indicator on the side of each railway car permits a user to readily view several railway cars simultaneously prior to loading/unloading the lading from the hoppers. In addition, the railway cars may be readily checked prior to and even during transportation for ensuring that the associated discharge system is in a secure status. Because operation of the indicator may be based on operation of the associated door assembly mechanism, any movement by the door assembly may allow a user to determine a changed condition with the associated railcar via the indicator.
- Other technical benefits of the present invention include relatively easy adjustments which may be made to an indicator linkage to determine a secure position for a discharge system. Because the position of the indicator may be based on a common air cylinder or actuator, adjustments to the indicator are relatively easy. For some embodiments, the indicator may be set to indicate a secure status when the position of the mechanism has moved beyond an over center locking position.
- Further technical benefits of the present invention include one indicator placed at one end of the railway car that indicates the position of multiple door assemblies. Because all of the door assemblies may use a common actuator such as an air cylinder that is connected to multiple door assemblies via a common linkage extending generally perpendicular to the direction of each door assembly swings, the indicator typically indicates whether all of the associated door assemblies are in secured or unsecured position.
- Further technical benefits of the present invention include providing indication of the status of associated door assemblies or gates from an actuator on one or both sides of a railway car. Because the indicator may use a variety of linkages such as translating a axial displacement in to a rotational displacement, one of the indicator linkages may allow the position of the indicator to be located at one end of the railway car. The indicator may be extended from one side of the car above the minimum safe level for railway car operations and readily visible to a railcar operator.
- All, some, or none of these technical advantages may be present in various embodiments of the present invention. Other technical advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following written description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing in elevation with portions broken away showing a side view of a railway car incorporating teachings of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing a plan view with portions broken away of taken along lines 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away taken long lines 3-3 ofFIG. 1 showing portions of an indicator for a discharge control system incorporating teachings of the present invention with a pair of door assemblies in their first, closed position; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing portions of the indicator for the discharge control system ofFIG. 3 with the door assemblies in their second, opened position; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing one example of an indicator for a discharge control system incorporating teachings of the present invention satisfactory for indicating a locked or closed position of associated door assemblies; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation with portions broken away showing a side view of the indicator for the discharge control system ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing a side view of the indicator mechanism for the discharge control system; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing in section and in elevation showing the indicator mechanism for the discharge control system taken along long lines 9-9 ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9A is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing a end view of the indicator mechanism for the discharge control system in closed position ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9B is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing an end view of the indicator moved to an open position with end portions extending from the sides of the railcar as shown along lines 9-9 ofFIG. 7 ; and -
FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing in section with portions broken away showing a side view of an example embodiment of the indicator extending from a side of the railcar. - Preferred embodiments of the invention and its advantages are best understood by referring to
FIGS. 1-10 of the drawings. Like numbers may be used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. - Various features of the present invention will be described with respect to
hopper car 20 which may be satisfactorily used to carry coal and other types of lading.Hopper car 20 may be generally described as an open hopper car with bottom discharge openings or outlets. Respective door assemblies or gates may be opened and closed to control discharge of lading from the discharge openings or outlets ofhopper car 20. However, the present invention is not limited to open hopper cars or hopper cars that carry coal. For example, various features of the present invention may be satisfactorily used with closed hopper cars, hopper cars that carry grain, other types of hopper car and ballast cars. -
Hopper car 20 incorporating teachings of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 1-7 with a pair ofsidewall assemblies slope sheet assemblies end wall assemblies railway car underframe 50.Railway car underframe 50 includescenter sill 52 andside sills FIGS. 3 and 4 .Side sills center sill 52 and are spaced laterally from opposite sides ofcenter sill 52. A plurality of cross bearers 60 may be mounted oncenter sill 52.Side sills railway trucks center sill 52. For embodiments of the present invention as represented byhopper car 20, center sill 52 has a generally rectangular cross-section with a generally triangular-shaped dome or cover 56 disposed thereon. -
Sidewall assemblies sidewall assembly 30 b will be described in detail.Sidewall assembly 30 b preferably includestop cord 32 b with a plurality ofside stakes 34 extending betweentop cord 32 b andside sill 54 b. Side stakes 34 may also be spaced laterally from each other along the length oftop cord 32 b andside sill 54 b. A plurality ofmetal sheets 36 may be securely attached with interior portions oftop cord 32 b, side stakes 34 andside sill 54 b. In a similar manner,sidewall assembly 30 a preferably includestop cord 32 a, side stakes 34 andmetal sheets 36. - For purposes of describing various features associated with the present
invention metal sheets 36 which form the interior surface ofsidewall assembly 30 a have been designated 36 a. In a similarmanner metal sheets 36 which form the interior surface ofsidewall assembly 30 b have been designated as 36 b. SeeFIGS. 3 and 4 . - Bottom
slope sheet assemblies slope sheet assembly 40 b will be described in more detail. Bottomslope sheet assembly 40 b preferably includes a plurality ofangles 42 extending inwardly fromside sill 54 a tobottom cord 44 b.Bottom cord 44 b andtop cord 32 b may be formed from hollow metal tubes having a generally rectangular configuration. A plurality ofmetal sheets 46 may be attached with interior surfaces ofrespective angles 42 andbottom cord 44 b. Metal sheets, 36 and 46 may have similar specifications and thickness. For some applications, anadditional angle 48 b may be attached to the opposite side ofbottom cord 44 b to provide additional structural strength for assembly ofhopper car 20.Bottom cord 44 b andangle 48 b preferably extend along substantially the full length ofhopper car 20. In a similar manner, bottomslope sheet assembly 40 a preferably includesangles 42,metal sheets 46,bottom cord 44 a and anadditional angle 48 a. - Bottom
slope sheet assemblies respective side sills Slope sheet assemblies respective side sills railway car 20 relative to associated railway tracks (not expressly shown). For embodiments of the present invention represented byhopper car 20slope sheet assemblies respective sidewall assemblies - Portions of bottom
slope sheet assembly 40 a cooperate with adjacent portions ofcenter sill 52 anddome 56 to definelongitudinal discharge openings 26 a. In a similar manner portions of bottomslope sheet assembly 40 b cooperate with adjacent portions ofcenter sill 52 anddome 56 to define in partlongitudinal discharge openings 26 b. SeeFIG. 4 .Longitudinal discharge openings center sill 52. For some applications a hopper car may be formed in accordance with teachings of the present invention with more than one hopper and more than two longitudinal discharge openings. The present invention is not limited to hopper cars with only two longitudinal discharge openings. - A plurality of
longitudinal door assemblies center sill 52 adjacent todome assembly 56.Longitudinal door assemblies Longitudinal door assemblies slope sheet assemblies longitudinal door assemblies center sill 52 in accordance with teachings of the present invention may increase the volume of lading which is carried withinhopper car 20 and may also reduce the center of gravity whenhopper car 20 is loaded. - Various types of mechanical hinges may be satisfactorily used to respectively engage door assemblies 70 with
dome assembly 56 proximate the upper portion ofcenter sill 52. For embodiments of the present invention as shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and 5, piano type hinges 72 may be used to rotatably attach or pivotally attach door assemblies 70 proximate upper portions ofcenter sill 52. However, in alternate embodiments,hinge assemblies 72 may include any suitable hinge to allow door assemblies 70 to move between an open and closed position. For purposes of describing various features of the present invention door assemblies 70 have been designated as 70 a and 70 b.Hinge assemblies 72 have been designated as 72 a and 72 b. - Each
door assembly FIG. 3 ) and a second, open position which allows lading to be discharged from hopper car 20 (seeFIG. 4 ). For some applicationslongitudinal door assemblies center sill 52. For some applications the length oflongitudinal openings door assemblies - Door assemblies 70 formed in accordance with teachings of the present invention may extend along approximately the full length of respective
longitudinal discharge openings hopper car 20 may be reduced as compared to prior hopper cars. As such, the cost associated with manufacture and maintenance ofhopper car 20 may also be reduced. Door assembly 70 may be formed using metal plates 96 a and 96 b having similar thickness and other characteristics associated withmetal plates - As shown in
FIG. 5 , respective longitudinal recesses 99 a and 99 b may be formed along an edge of eachdoor assembly respective angles FIG. 3 recesses 99 a and 99 b cooperate withrespective angles longitudinal discharge openings hopper car 20. Various types of sealing mechanisms may be satisfactorily used to engage a door assembly with adjacent portions of a bottom slope sheet assembly in accordance with teaching of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to use with recesses 99 and angles 48. -
End wall assemblies wall assembly 80 a will be described in detail. For some applications endwall assembly 80 a may include slopedportion 82 a and a generallyvertical portion 84 a. Slopedend wall assembly 80 a may be formed from one ormore metal sheet 86. For embodiments of the present invention as shown inFIGS. 1-7 ,hopper car 20 may be generally described as having a single hopper defined in part bysidewall assemblies wall assemblies - A plurality of interior supporting structures or
interior brace assemblies 100 may be disposed withinhopper car 20 extending betweensidewall assemblies slope sheet assemblies - Each
interior brace assembly 100 preferably includes respectivehorizontal cross bearers respective side sills attachment member 110. Various types of mechanical fasteners such as bolts and huck fasteners and/or welding techniques may be satisfactorily used to securely attachinterior brace assembly 100. For example,cross bearer 130 may bolt to respective side sill 54 b usingplate member 131 b atfirst end 130 a andsecond end 130 b ofcross bearer 130 couples withcenter attachment member 110. Similarly,cross bearer 135 may connect to respective side sill 54 a usingplate member 131 a atfirst end 135 a andsecond end 135 b ofcross bearer 135 couples withcenter attachment member 110 - Upper
diagonal braces sidewall assemblies center attachment member 110. For the embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 3 ,first end 120 a of upperdiagonal brace 120 may be securedproximate sidewall assembly 30 b atconnector plate 102 b and extend diagonally to connect withcenter attachment member 110 atsecond end 120 b. Similarly,first end 125 a of upperdiagonal brace 125 may be securedproximate sidewall assembly 30 a byconnector plate 102 a and extend diagonally to connect withcenter attachment member 110 atsecond end 125 a. - Lower
diagonal braces slope sheet assemblies center attachment member 110. First end 140 a of lowerdiagonal brace 140 preferably couples tobottom cord 44 b andangle 48 b of bottomslope sheet assembly 40 b being secured byconnector plate 141 b.Second end 140 b of lowerdiagonal brace 140 may be secured withcenter attachment member 110. In a similar mannerfirst end 145 a of lowerdiagonal brace 145 may be connected withbottom cord 44 a andangle 48 a ofsloped sheet assembly 40 a byconnector plate 141 a.Second end 145 b of lowerdiagonal brace 145 may be secured withcenter attachment member 110. -
Horizontal brace 105 preferably extends betweensidewall assemblies horizontal crosspiece 105 may be engaged withconnector 102 a.Second end 105 b ofhorizontal brace 105 may be securely engaged withconnector plate 102 b. Pairs ofconnector plates sidewall assemblies horizontal cross bearers - Various types of operating assemblies formed in accordance with teachings of the present invention may be satisfactorily used to open and close
longitudinal door assemblies FIGS. 1-10 discharge controlledsystem 160 includes operating assembly or opening and closingassembly 150 along withdoor connector assembly 170. -
Discharge control system 160 incorporating teachings of the present invention generally has pivot points and linkages and no torsion members, incorporates over center locking, and simplified adjustment.Discharge control system 160 incorporating teachings of the present system may operate gates ordoors air cylinder 152, hydraulic cylinder or other type of actuator via a common linkage such asclevis 180 centered undercenter sill 52 ofrailcar 20 or highway truck (not expressly shown) longitudinally. The common linkage orclevis 180 may be attached to secondary linkages such asbar 162 andarms gates -
Gates proximate center sill 52 or other centrally located structure withhinges arm gate bar 162 and centrally located structure orcenter sill 52 as the upright leg in a closed position. The secondary linkages such asarms gates - Only relatively simple adjustments are required such as lengthening or shortening secondary linkages such as
arms respective gates bar 162 which can be adjusted longitudinally to increase or decrease the desired travel of the common linkage. The secondary linkages orarms gates gates gates bar 162. Multiple gate arc travel (not expressly shown) can be accomplished by changing the secondary linkages lengths. - For embodiments of the present invention as shown in
FIGS. 1-10 operating assembly 150 preferably includesair cylinder 152 withpiston 154 andpiston rod 156 disposed therein.Piston 154 andpiston rod 156 may be slidably disposed withinair cylinder 152.Piston 154 divides the interior ofair cylinder 152 into two variablevolume fluid chambers chamber chamber causing piston 154 to move withinair cylinder 152. Because of this movement, piston rod coupled topiston 154 moves or reciprocates longitudinally relative tocenter sill 52 and other components associated withrailway car underframe 50. - Typically,
air cylinder 152 is formed proximate to a lower portion of the hopper such asproximate center sill 52. However,air cylinder 152 may be formed, located, placed, coupled or disposed with any portion ofhopper car 20. In one embodiment of the present invention,air cylinder 152 is located beneathcenter sill 52. - In alternate embodiments of the present invention, operating assembly 150 may replace or supplement
air cylinder 152 with any suitable drive actuator for providing a reciprocating longitudinally movement relative to centersill 52 and other components associated withrailway car underframe 50. For example, operating assembly 150 may include an electrically operated motor (not expressly shown). Other examples of drive actuators including, but not limited to, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, manual actuators such as geared drives, and any other suitable drive actuators. - One end of
piston rod 156 is preferably connected to for fitted withclevis 180 that connects with an adjacent end of plank orconnector plate 161. For embodiments of the invention as shown inFIG. 6 connector plate orplank 161 preferably includes a connection end that interconnect withclevis 180 such aspin 161 a inserted through cleviseye 180 a ofclevis 180. The opposing end ofconnector plank 161 includes a generally rectangular cross section that connects to bar 162. For someapplications connector plank 161 may extend along substantially the full length of discharge controlledsystem 160 longitudinally relative to centersill 52. For other applications two or more operating assemblies may be coupled withcenter sill 52 in accordance with teachings of the present invention. In yet other applications,connector plank 161 may form a part ofbar 162 such that bar 62 connects directly withclevis 180. - Connectors or
brackets 164 may be attached withcenter sill 52 and respectively engaged withbar 162. Generally, the dimensions ofbracket 164 are preferably selected to allowbar 162 to slide or move withinbracket 164 longitudinally with respect tocenter sill 52.Bracket 164 may be used to maintainbar 162 respective distance from center sill and in alignment with respect tocenter sill 52. In some embodiments, an insert member (not shown) may be disposed betweenbar 162 andbracket 164 to reduce the friction of the sliding motion. - For embodiments of the present invention as shown in
FIGS. 3-7 , eachdoor door connector assemblies 170. Eachdoor connector assembly 170 preferably includes a respective boss orsocket 172 attached withbar 162 opposite fromcenter sill 52. Eachdoor connector assembly 170 also preferably includes a pair ofarms longitudinal door assemblies arm boss 172.Second end 178 of eacharm door assembly respective hinges - Longitudinal movement of
bar 162 will result in radial extension ofarms door assembly FIG. 4 ) to their first, closed position (seeFIG. 3 ). Movement ofbar 162 in the opposite direction relative to centersill 52 will result in pulling or movingdoor assemblies railway hopper car 20. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-10 ,indicator mechanism 200 may includelatch component 182 placed adjacent topiston rod 156. For someapplications indicator mechanism 200 may be referred to as a “safety latch lock indicator”. However, indicator mechanism incorporating teachings of the present invention may be used to indicate the status of various components associated with a railway car discharge system. Indicator mechanism incorporating teachings of the present invention may be used to indicate the status of any component associate with a railway car when the component is moved between a first position and a second position bydischarge control system 160. - In one embodiment,
latch component 182 is mounted abovepiston rod 156 on mountingbracket 183 extending longitudinally fromair cylinder 152 alongcenter sill 52.Latch component 182 may be pivotally mounted on mountingbracket 183 and disposed betweencenter sill 52 andclevis 180 to allow the force of gravity to cause latch component to rest against clevislever 181 disposed onclevis 180. - Generally,
latch component 182 is designed of sufficient length to allow clevislever 181 to maintain contact withlever component 182 throughout the entire length of stroke ofpiston rod 156. As clevislever 181 moves alonglatch component 182, clevislever 181 may move between two regions oflatch component 182, namely a safe latchedposition 184 a and anopen position 184 b. In some embodiments, these two regions are divided bypeak 184 that sets a limit for indicating the minimally safe position of operating assembly or opening and closingassembly 150. - When discharge controlled
system 160 moves to a first, closed position, as illustrated inFIG. 3 , clevislever 181 may move alonglatch component 182 to the closed indication position wherebydoor assemblies system 160 moves to a second, open position, as illustrated inFIG. 4 , clevislever 181 may move alonglatch component 182 to the open indication position whereby thedoor assemblies piston rod 156 into a retracted position creates the closed position such that clevislever 181 is positioned onregion 184 a oflatch component 182. - Generally,
latch component 182 has a varied thickness betweenclosed indication region 184 a andopen indication region 184 b. In one example embodiment, the thickness ofclosed indication region 184 a onlatch component 182 is approximately three-quarters of an inch greater thanopen indication region 184 b. For the purposes of this disclosure, open indication means placingdoor assemblies 70 a and 79 b in any position that is not adequately or safely locked. Thus, as clevislever 181 moves between the tworegions latch component 182 pivots or moves with respect to clevis 180 a distance based on the differences in thickness. - Safety latch
lock indicator mechanism 200 preferably includeslatch rod 186 connected to a portion oflatch component 182. Based on the movement oflatch component 182,latch rod 186 is also displaced. In one instance,latch rod 186 lifts upward approximately three-quarters of an inch. - As illustrated in
FIG. 8 ,latch rod 186 may extend throughcenter sill 52 and couple tocam 188.Cam 188 is able to translate the movement oflatch rod 186 from a first direction into a second direction or orientation. For instance,latch rod 186 may displace between two positions andcause cam 188 to rotate about a center point, namelyconnection rod 190. In one example embodiment,latch rod 186 lifts upward approximately three-quarters of an inch to move from an open indication position to a closed indication position. Based on the movement,cam 188 may rotate counter-clockwise approximately thirty degrees. Generally, the rotation ofcam 188 causesconnection rod 190 to rotate. - Typically, connecting
rod 190 extends between two bearing 191 and 192 withcam 188 andextension cam 193 securely coupled therebetween. While the size of connectingrod 190 is typically one inch in diameter, the length of connectingrod 190 varies based on the placement of the safety latch lock indicator in relation toair cylinder 152. Generally, the varied length allows the relocation of movement oflatch component 182 to a more accessible place onrailway car 20 for indication. - The rotation of
cam 188 causesextension cam 193 to rotate based on a rotational force transmitted by connectingrod 190. As illustrated inFIG. 9 ,extension cam 193 may rotate about connectingrod 190 between a first, open indication position (indicated in phantom) and a second, open indication position (illustrated by the solid lines). -
Extension cam 193 typically includes at least oneindicator rod extension cam 193 and at respective radii from connectingrod 190. Eachindicator rod extension cam 193 into a third orientation or plane. This translation of movement allowextension rods center sill 52 such thatindicator portion respective indicator rod side wall FIG. 10 . - Similarly, in one example embodiment, as
door assemblies latch component 182 may lower causingcam 188 andextension cam 193 via connectingrod 190 to rotate clockwise. This rotation ofextension cam 193 causesextension rods - Based on moving from an open position to a closed position, in one embodiment, a thirty degree rotation of
extension cam 193 causesextension rods respective side walls indicator portions indicator portions - Typically,
colored indicator portions respective sides railway car 20. Based on their visibility, an operator may readily determine whetherdoor assemblies door assemblies railway car 20 are placed in a secured locked position whenindicator portions - Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims (22)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/182,975 US20060032396A1 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2005-07-15 | Safety latch lock indicator for railcar door operation mechanism |
US11/548,492 US20070079726A1 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2006-10-11 | Over Center Lock Indicator For Railway Car Door Operation Mechanism |
US11/550,098 US7735426B2 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2006-10-17 | Hopper cars with one or more discharge control systems |
US12/816,203 US8915194B2 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2010-06-15 | Hopper cars with one or more discharge control systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US60029004P | 2004-08-10 | 2004-08-10 | |
US11/182,975 US20060032396A1 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2005-07-15 | Safety latch lock indicator for railcar door operation mechanism |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/381,687 Continuation-In-Part US7681507B2 (en) | 2003-08-26 | 2006-05-04 | Railcar with discharge control system |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/548,492 Continuation-In-Part US20070079726A1 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2006-10-11 | Over Center Lock Indicator For Railway Car Door Operation Mechanism |
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US20060032396A1 true US20060032396A1 (en) | 2006-02-16 |
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ID=35798773
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/182,975 Abandoned US20060032396A1 (en) | 2004-08-10 | 2005-07-15 | Safety latch lock indicator for railcar door operation mechanism |
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US20110025481A1 (en) * | 2009-08-03 | 2011-02-03 | Gaydos Christopher C | System and related method for visually indicating a condition of a lock on a railroad hopper car |
US9091285B2 (en) | 2009-11-23 | 2015-07-28 | Numatics, Incorporated | Piston and cylinder assembly with an indicator pin device |
CN106919978A (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2017-07-04 | 西南交通大学 | A kind of high ferro contact net support meanss parts recognition detection method |
CN109720363A (en) * | 2019-02-13 | 2019-05-07 | 青岛欧特美交通装备有限公司 | A kind of cab apron device with engagement type locking mechanism |
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Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20110025481A1 (en) * | 2009-08-03 | 2011-02-03 | Gaydos Christopher C | System and related method for visually indicating a condition of a lock on a railroad hopper car |
US8319660B2 (en) * | 2009-08-03 | 2012-11-27 | Miner Enterprises, Inc. | System and related method for visually indicating a condition of a lock on a railroad hopper car |
US9091285B2 (en) | 2009-11-23 | 2015-07-28 | Numatics, Incorporated | Piston and cylinder assembly with an indicator pin device |
CN106919978A (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2017-07-04 | 西南交通大学 | A kind of high ferro contact net support meanss parts recognition detection method |
CN109720363A (en) * | 2019-02-13 | 2019-05-07 | 青岛欧特美交通装备有限公司 | A kind of cab apron device with engagement type locking mechanism |
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