WABTEC HOLDING CORP. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160107664 | Broken Rail Detection System for Communications-Based Train Control - A system and method for detecting broken rails in a track of parallel rails includes at least one first broken rail detection module configured to measure a current through the track and a central control system configured to determine a location of at least one train on the track. The at least one first broken rail detection module is configured to send the central control system a signal based on the measured current. The central control office is configured to determine if a broken rail exists on the track and/or a location of the broken rail on the track based at least partially on the measured current and the location of the at least one train on the track. | 04-21-2016 |
20150339863 | Data Recorder System and Unit for a Vehicle - Disclosed is a data recording unit and data recording system for use in connection with a vehicle, such as a train, a locomotive of a train, a railcar of a train, and the like. | 11-26-2015 |
20150329127 | Coupler Torsion Spring Centering Device - A coupler for a railway vehicle includes a coupler anchor and a coupler centering device having a pair of arm sub-assemblies. Each arm subassembly has an upper centering arm connected to a lower centering arm via a torsion bar extending through the coupler anchor. The lower centering arms are connected by a cross link such that movement of one of the upper centering arms causes a corresponding movement of both of the lower centering arms. Each upper centering arm engages a roller that rolls along a curved surface of the centering arm when the coupler is rotated horizontally toward the upper centering arm. A centering stop element prevents the movement of the opposing upper centering arm to generate a restoring force in the torsion bars that facilitates horizontal movement of the coupler. The coupler centering device may be disengaged from an active centering position to facilitate servicing of the coupler. | 11-19-2015 |
20150213080 | Data Improvement System and Method - A data improvement system, including an initial database, a verification database, and a processing device in communication with the initial database and the verification database. The processing device receives data from the initial database and the verification database, and determines verification data based thereon. A track data improvement system and a track database improvement system are also disclosed. | 07-30-2015 |
20150075369 | OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSOR FOR RAIL VEHICLES WITH AIR VENTILATION - An oil-free compressor for a rail vehicle includes a multi-piece compressor housing, a first piston cylinder supported in a first opening in the compressor housing, a second piston cylinder supported in a second opening in the compressor housing, a multi-piece crankshaft assembly supported by the compressor housing, and an optionally filtering air plenum in fluid communication with the compressor housing interior to provide a volume of air to the compressor housing interior. The crankshaft assembly is linked to pistons of the first and second piston cylinders by respective connecting rods. The connecting rods connect to a wrist pin associated with each of the pistons, and the wrist pins are respectively supported by a dry lubricant bushing to the associated piston. The compressor housing may have a first housing portion and a second housing portion forming respective halves of the compressor housing. | 03-19-2015 |
20140345491 | Thermally Optimized Railway Vehicle Brake System - A railway vehicle brake system includes at least two relay valves in electrical communication with one another and in fluid communication with a brake pipe, at least two friction brake units in fluid communication with each relay valve, and at least one electric brake unit in electrical communication with each relay valve. Upon a failure of one of the electric brake units, the relay valve in communication with the failed electric brake unit sends a signal to at least one other relay valve to provide pressurized fluid to the at least two friction brake units in fluid communication with the at least one other relay valve. The at least two relay valves may include integrated electric relay valves. The at least two friction brake units may include disc brake units. Each relay valve may be positioned between and in fluid communication with the brake pipe and a main reservoir pipe. | 11-27-2014 |
20140343767 | Braking Systems and Methods for Determining Dynamic Braking Data for a Braking Model for a Train - Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for determining dynamic braking data for use in a braking model of at least one train, the method including: (a) determining at least one initial safety factor; (b) determining at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor based at least partially on (i) the expected dynamic braking force, and (ii) specified retarding forces of the train; and (c) determining at least one new safety factor based at least partially on the at least one initial safety factor and the at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor. Also disclosed are braking systems including dynamic braking for a train having at least one locomotive. | 11-20-2014 |
20140305240 | Handbrake with a Double-Sided Gear Box - A handbrake for a railroad car includes a handbrake body having one or more gear train components therein and a drive shaft operatively connected to the one or more gear train components. An intermediate pinion shaft is operatively connected to the drive shaft through one or more gears. A shaft alignment link is adapted for maintaining a relative spacing between the drive shaft and the intermediate pinion shaft during rotation of the drive shaft. A gear box housing is provided to enclose at least a portion of the drive shaft, the intermediate pinion shaft, and the shaft alignment link. The shaft alignment link is movable relative to the gear box housing due to any eccentric movement of the drive shaft to maintain the proper spacing between the drive shaft and the intermediate pinion shaft, thereby eliminating a possibility of gear binding. A method for aligning internal gear components within a handbrake and an alignment system for use with a railway vehicle handbrake is also provided. | 10-16-2014 |
20140284297 | Automated Coupler Positioning Device - A coupler for a railway car including a coupler anchor, a coupler mechanism pivotable relative to the coupler anchor from an on-center position to an off-center position in a substantially horizontal plane, and a coupler positioning device for pivoting the coupler mechanism relative to the coupler anchor. The coupler positioning device includes a controller adapted for receiving signal information from a bogie relating to an angular position of the bogie relative to a body of the railway car, and at least one pneumatic cylinder for pivoting the coupler mechanism. The controller controls the operation of the at least one pneumatic cylinder in response to the signal information received from the bogie. | 09-25-2014 |
20140277824 | System, Method, and Apparatus to Detect and Report Track Structure Defects - A system, method, and apparatus for detecting and reporting track defects while a train is in motion on railway tracks includes at least one defect sensor configured to sense an acceleration of at least a portion of the train; and at least one computer-readable medium. The at least one computer-readable medium comprises program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: detect, while the train is in motion on the railway tracks, at least one track defect in the railway tracks based at least partially on the acceleration of the at least a portion of the train; and generate track defect data based at least partially on a location of the train when the at least one track defect is detected. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263859 | DERAILMENT DETECTOR - A derailment detector for a railway vehicle includes a housing in selective fluid communication with a brake pipe of the railway vehicle to receive compressed air from a pneumatic braking system. A main chamber is disposed within the housing and pressurized by the compressed air. A shock detection assembly is adapted for detecting an acceleration indicative of a derailment condition and activating a main valve disposed within the main chamber upon detection of the acceleration indicative of the derailment condition. A discharge valve is in selective fluid communication with the main chamber, where, upon detection of the acceleration indicative of the derailment condition, the discharge valve is operative for discharging a predetermined amount of the compressed air from the main chamber to indicate that the derailment condition has occurred. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262640 | Parking Brake Reset Mechanism for Railway Vehicles - A parking brake reset system for a railway vehicle, such as a transit vehicle, includes a brake operating unit fluidly connected to a main air reservoir and controlling air flow to a brake cylinder of the railway vehicle, a brake pipe, a parking brake, and a control valve in line between the brake pipe and the parking brake to establish fluid communication between the brake pipe and the parking brake. The control valve is in line between the brake operating unit and the parking brake, whereby the control valve controls air flow to the parking brake from the main air reservoir and the brake pipe. The control valve may be a double check valve or a 3-way cutout valve, as examples. | 09-18-2014 |
20140234134 | Pressurized Oil Delivery System for a Reciprocating Air Compressor - A pressurized oil delivery system for a reciprocating air compressor includes an oil pump having an inlet port connected to an oil pickup tube and an outlet port connected to a filter inlet tube and a user interface panel mounted to a crankcase of the air compressor. The filter inlet tube may be connected to an oil filter assembly supported on an exterior face of the user interface panel. A pressure regulating valve may be provided in line in the filter inlet tube upstream of the oil filter assembly. An oil fill port may be located on the user interface panel. An oil level indicator may be connected to an oil level indicator tube passing through and supported by the user interface panel. An oil pressure measurement port may be provided on the user interface panel. | 08-21-2014 |
20140215757 | BASE PLATE STRUCTURE FOR TRANSIT DOORS - According to this invention there is provided an adjustable base plate structure for a transit door comprised of a plurality of fixed dimension elements and a plurality of variable dimension elements for accommodating a plurality of door sizes and types. The base plate structure comprises a roller channel for spanning the width of the door and a center brace for being secured to the channel centered on the roller channel. Mounting brackets are secured to the vehicle or door frame and the roller channel. | 08-07-2014 |
20140176711 | Track Data Determination System and Method - A track data determination system including: a video camera device positioned on a vehicle to capture video data in at least one field-of-view; a geographic positioning unit associated with the vehicle to generate position data and time data; a recording device to store at least one of the following: at least a portion of the video data, at least a portion of the position data, at least a portion of the time data, or any combination thereof; and a controller to: (i) receive the video data, the position data, and/or the time data; and (ii) determine track data based at least in part upon the video data, the position data, and/or the time data. A computer-implemented track data determination method is also disclosed. | 06-26-2014 |
20140151162 | "Spring-Applied Parking Brake with Ball Screw Reset Mechanism" - A parking brake for a railway vehicle includes a pneumatic cylinder having a cylinder wall, a first wall opposite a second wall, and a piston movable within the pneumatic cylinder. At least one spring extends between the piston and the second wall for biasing the piston against the first wall. A gear box is fixed relative to the second wall and includes a hand wheel. A spindle is operatively connected to the gear box to affect movement of a manual reset mechanism having a threaded shaft and a ball screw nut rotatably engaged with the threaded shaft. A pushrod is connected to the manual reset mechanism and extends through the cylinder and the first wall. When the hand wheel is rotated, the manual reset mechanism is rotated to cause the pushrod to move relative to the piston corresponding to the direction of the rotation of the hand wheel. | 06-05-2014 |
20140131524 | System and Method of Transforming Movement Authority Limits - A computer-implemented method of transforming movement authority limits for a train traveling in a track network, which includes determining authority of tracks associated with a switch, based at least partially on authority data and/or train authority data for the train, and providing authority on a switch leg of the switch based at least partially on the authority of the associated tracks. The computer-implemented method also includes determining authority of tracks associated with switches on at least two tracks, based at least partially on authority data and/or train authority data for the train, and providing authority on a crossover track between the at least two tracks based at least partially on the authority of the associated tracks. | 05-15-2014 |
20140125115 | Brake Cylinder Maintaining Valve - A system for maintaining brake cylinder pressure comprises a maintaining valve, a brake pipe, an emergency reservoir, and a brake cylinder configured to be in fluid communication with the brake pipe and the emergency reservoir. The brake pipe is configured to sustain a predetermined pressure within the brake cylinder during a brake application based on a differential between a pressure of the emergency reservoir and a pressure of the brake pipe. | 05-08-2014 |
20140123790 | HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR TRANSIT SHAFT AND ARM ASSEMBLY - A height adjustment device for a transit shaft and arm assembly that enables height adjustments without significant disassembly of a transit door. An additional advantage is that the device does not require the use of shims, spacers or adjustment rings to adjust the height of the shaft and arm assemblies. Rotation of a nut threaded on the shaft allows for the adjustment of how much of the shaft hangs below a support member and a bearing. A surface of the nut bears on the bearing and the attached shaft and arm assembly hangs from the bearing and the support member the bearing is attached to. This arrangement allows the arm assembly to pivot along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This arrangement also allows the height of the shaft and arm assembly to change with changes in position of the nut by threading the nut along the shaft. | 05-08-2014 |
20140123558 | SEALING ASSEMBLY FOR A SWING DOOR - A sealing assembly for sealing a gap between a swing door and a floor comprises a sealing member installed to be able to rotate from a closed position to an open position, an elastically deforming member made of an elastomer composition engaged to the sealing member, and a seal driving member to rotate the sealing member from the closed position to the open position when the door is opened. The elastically deforming member is deformed when the sealing member rotates from the closed position to the open position, and the sealing member returns from the open position to the closed position by elastic force of the elastically deforming member when the door is closed. | 05-08-2014 |
20140114507 | System, Apparatus, and Method for Automatically Controlling a Locomotive - A system, method, and apparatus for automatically controlling a locomotive include a control interface unit configured to receive input from at least one manual control, receive input from an automatic control system, and transmit commands to a locomotive control system, wherein the commands are based at least partially on the input received from the automatic control system. A bypass relay may also be provided to enable and disable communication between the at least one manual control and the locomotive control system. | 04-24-2014 |
20140081487 | System and Method for Addressing a Pneumatic Emergency in a Helper Locomotive - Methods and systems for control and use in connection with an electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP)-equipped train after transmission of a brake pipe emergency dump command message by a helper locomotive associated with the train. These methods and systems are implemented in an effort to improve braking safety and reduce brake system recovery time of a train. | 03-20-2014 |
20140049037 | ECP/Triple Valve Transition Plate - A transition plate connects an electronic manifold to a pipe mounting bracket of a railway brake system and includes a body having a manifold portion that defines a face configured to engage the manifold and a pipe bracket portion that defines a face configured to engage the pipe mounting bracket; ports defined in the manifold face that are configured to align and communicate with ports in the face of the manifold; ports defined in the pipe bracket face that are configured to align and communicate with ports in the face of the pipe mounting bracket; and a plurality of air passages extending through the body for connecting the plurality of ports defined in the manifold face with the plurality of ports defined in the pipe bracket face. The transition plate establishes a pneumatic interface between the electronic manifold and the pipe mounting bracket. | 02-20-2014 |
20130332012 | Empty-Load Device Feedback Arrangement - An empty-load device feedback arrangement for a train with the railcar having an air brake arrangement with an one air-operable braking assembly, the arrangement including: an empty-load device having: at least one sensor arrangement to sense a load associated with the railcar; a braking assembly input exhibiting a delivered air pressure; a regulation arrangement to regulate air pressure; and a braking assembly output exhibiting a regulated air pressure; and a pressure sensor to: sense the regulated air pressure of the air being delivered to the air-operable braking assembly; and generate a regulated air pressure signal. An air brake arrangement is also disclosed. | 12-12-2013 |
20130299529 | Modular Support Frame for Railway Vehicle Equipment - A modular support frame assembly for attachment to a railway vehicle body is provided. The modular support frame assembly generally includes a support frame comprising a plurality of tubular frame members and a plurality of connecting brackets connecting the tubular frame members to form a three-dimensional structure. The connecting brackets comprise flange elements to accept respective ends of the tubular frame members to form the three-dimensional structure. The ends of the tubular frame members are swaged to the flange elements of the connecting brackets. A mechanical device is supported by the tubular frame members, such as an air compressor driven by a driving motor. | 11-14-2013 |
20130297163 | Brake Monitoring System for an Air Brake Arrangement - A brake monitoring system for an air brake arrangement including: at least one sensor to measure air pressure in at least one component of an air brake arrangement; at least one local controller to determine air brake data; and at least one communication device to transmit at least a portion of the air brake. An air brake arrangement and a computer-implemented method of determining air brake data in an air brake arrangement are also disclosed. | 11-07-2013 |
20130248031 | RAILROAD CONTROL VALVE - A service portion of a rail control valve includes a body defining a piston passageway, an inshot valve passageway, and a service accelerated release valve passageway. An inshot valve is received by the inshot valve passageway of the body and a service accelerated release valve is received by the service accelerated release valve passageway. | 09-26-2013 |
20130234448 | Electric Swing Plug Door Operator with Auxiliary Door Locking Mechanism - The invention is directed to an electric swing plug door operator with a remotely powered auxiliary lock mechanism, door striker, catch and manual release system for use on light to medium duty shuttle or utility vehicles. The swing plug door system includes a door operator and base plate assembly, a shaft and arm assembly, a guide rod assembly, a lower shaft pivot, a door panel with a leading edge catch and lock striker assembly, an auxiliary lock and a manual release cable. The auxiliary lock assembly includes a lock bar engaging the lock striker mounted to the trailing edge of the door panel when the door reaches the fully closed position. The door operator includes a manual release lever and gear motor subassembly to drive the door system linkage and to manually disengage the door linkage and lock assembly to gain manual egress from the vehicle. | 09-12-2013 |
20130221166 | Rail Car Intercar Cable Arrangement, Rail Car Intercar Cable, and Hanger Arrangement Therefor - A rail car intercar cable arrangement, including: a rail car intercar cable having a first end comprising a first connection arrangement configured for attachment to a connection point of a rail car; and a second end comprising a second connection arrangement configured for attachment to a second end of another rail car intercar cable; and a hanger arrangement comprising at least one hanger member having a first end and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the hanger member is attached to at least a portion of the rail car intercar cable, such that the at least one hanger member is not directly attached to a portion of the rail car, and wherein the hanger member is configured to support the rail car intercar cable, thereby preventing the rail car intercar cable from contacting a ground surface. | 08-29-2013 |
20130097866 | METHOD OF MAKING COMPRESSIBLE ELASTOMERIC SPRING - A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly. | 04-25-2013 |
20130069292 | Compressible Elastomeric Spring - A compressible spring includes a substantially solid body defining a central axis and manufactured from an elastomeric material. A substantially solid abutment upstands axially on one end of the substantially solid body. There is also a lip that is disposed on a distal end of the axial abutment in a plane being substantially transverse to the central axis. An axial bore may be provided extending through the thicknesses of the body and abutment. Furthermore, a plate shape member may be provided that is mechanically secured to the substantially solid body during the forming process, wherein the abutment is passed through a central aperture in the rigid member and wherein the lip cages a thickness portion of the rigid member around the central aperture. | 03-21-2013 |
20130068714 | Elastomeric Draft Gear For A Railcar - A draft gear assembly includes housing and an elastomeric spring stack disposed therewithin and including a plurality of compressible elastomeric springs disposed in series with each other. Each compressible elastomeric spring includes a compressible elastomeric pad, a rigid member positioned in direct contact with one end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad, a central aperture through a thickness of the rigid member, an abutment upstanding axially on the end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad, the abutment having a peripheral surface thereof sized to be received within the central aperture formed through the thickness of the rigid member, and an annular lip disposed on a distal end of the axial abutment in a plane being substantially transverse to the central axis, whereby an annular thickness portion of the rigid member is caged between the end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad and an inner surface of the annular lip. | 03-21-2013 |
20120291354 | Electric Door Operator - An electric door operator for opening and closing one or a spaced pair of transit vehicle passenger doors for being mounted over an opening for the doors. A rotatable input shaft has an electric motor secured to the input shaft for driving the input shaft, a worm centrally positioned on the motor shaft, and an electric brake mounted to the input shaft at an end opposite of the electric motor. A drum cam lifts a pinion from a worm gear disconnecting the worm gear from an output gear train in an emergency. | 11-22-2012 |
20120261218 | Lubricating Insert for Railroad Brake Head Assembly - A lubricating arrangement for an end guide of a railcar truck mounted brake rigging includes at least one elongated groove provided in the at least one surface of the end guide in open communication therewith, the elongated groove having a length thereof disposed generally transverse to a direction of the sliding reciprocal movement of the end guide. A lubricating member is secured within the at least one elongated groove, the lubricating member has a thickness portion thereof protruding, a predetermined height at initial installation, above the at least one surface of the end guide. The predetermined height of the protruding thickness portion is reduced during the reciprocal movement of the end guide within the channel or pocket so that material removed from the predetermined height during the reciprocal movement substantially resurfaces the at least one surface of the end guide. | 10-18-2012 |
20120234741 | Air Compressor with Oil Pump Inlet Strainer and Bypass Valve - An air compressor with oil pump inlet strainer bypass features includes a bypass valve assembly in fluid communication with the air compressor crankcase to provide lubricating oil to the dynamic compressor components, or simply to the air compressor. The bypass valve assembly includes a valve housing defining an interior chamber and an oil strainer screen engaged with the valve housing to filter the lubricating oil entering the interior chamber. A bypass valve is in fluid communication with the interior chamber and includes a valve body having a bypass port and an indicator port. An optional suction tube is connected to the bypass port on the valve body. An indicator assembly is connected to the indicator port on the valve body. | 09-20-2012 |
20120217427 | Trip Cock Fault Detector - A trip cock device includes a housing, a cam dog, a handle engaging the cam dog, a piston assembly at least partially received within the housing, and a fault detection valve secured to the piston assembly. The piston assembly includes a piston and the fault detection valve is configured to open and close. The fault detection valve engages the cam dog when closed. | 08-30-2012 |
20120211098 | Ball Valve with Integrated Cam Operated Internal Microswitch - A ball valve includes a valve housing that has a main passage defined therein and a valve assembly that includes a valve body, which is movable within the main passage between open and closed positions, and a valve stem that fixedly engages the valve body. A handle is disposed on the valve housing that is connected to the valve stem and is operable to rotate the valve body between the open and closed positions via the valve stem. A switch is disposed within the housing, which operatively engages the valve assembly and is configured to transmit a signal to an operator's station regarding the position of the valve body. | 08-23-2012 |
20120205200 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SENSING APPLIED CONDITION OF A RAILROAD HANDBRAKE - A device for indirectly sensing tension of a chain in a railroad handbrake includes an elongated bore formed through a holding pawl of the handbrake, sensor target attached to the holding pawl and a sensor mounted in close proximity to an upper end of the housing so as to sense the sensor target. The ratchet wheel of the handbrake positions the sensor target for operative sensing alignment with the sensor during at least partial handbrake application. A biasing member moves the sensor target away from the operative sensing alignment during handbrake release. | 08-16-2012 |
20120204655 | RAILROAD HANDBRAKE CHAIN TENSION CONDITION SENSING DEVICE AND METHOD - 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. | 08-16-2012 |
20120199545 | Energy Absorbing Coupler - An energy absorbing coupler for railway vehicles includes a coupler anchor, a coupler mechanism supported to the coupler anchor by a deformation tube and draft gear element, and a plurality of energy absorbing devices associated with the coupler anchor. The energy absorbing devices each include two mating components in frictional engagement with one another. Sliding movement between contacting surfaces of the two components occurs when energy is applied to the coupler mechanism, thereby creating friction and dissipating the applied energy at least in part in the form of heat. The two mating components may include a male part, such as a mounting bolt, in mating engagement within a female part, such as a collar. An inside diameter of the collar may be slightly smaller than an outside diameter of the mounting bolt to create a press-fit engagement. | 08-09-2012 |
20120192957 | Manifold Joint Seal - A pneumatic manifold for a braking system of a railway vehicle includes a first manifold section and a second manifold section, each having an interior surface thereon and a plurality of ports and passageways extending therethrough, and a manifold joint seal for creating a sealing engagement between the first manifold section and the second manifold section. The manifold joint seal is removably mounted inside a slot provided on the surface of one or both manifold sections. The manifold joint seal includes a retainer body having an opening extending therethrough, and two sealing elements are disposed within respective channels provided on opposing surfaces of the retainer body in the axial direction of the annular opening. | 08-02-2012 |
20120192710 | Oil-Free Air Compressor for Rail Vehicles - An oil-free compressor for a rail vehicle includes a multi-piece compressor housing, a first piston cylinder supported in a first opening in the compressor housing, a second piston cylinder supported in a second opening in the compressor housing, and a multi-piece crankshaft assembly supported by the compressor housing. The crankshaft assembly is linked to pistons of the first and second piston cylinders by respective connecting rods. The connecting rods connect to a wrist pin associated with each of the pistons, and the wrist pins are respectively supported by a dry lubricant bushing to the associated piston. The compressor housing may have at least a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may form respective halves of the compressor housing that are secured together with mechanical fasteners. | 08-02-2012 |
20120179309 | Data Improvement System and Method - A data improvement system, including an initial database, a verification database, and a processing device in communication with the initial database and the verification database. The processing device receives data from the initial database and the verification database, and determines verification data based thereon. A track data improvement system and a track database improvement system are also disclosed. | 07-12-2012 |
20120166109 | System and Method for Determining Air Propagation Data in a Braking Arrangement of a Train - A system for determining air propagation rate through a pneumatically-controlled braking arrangement of a train, the braking arrangement having a controller for adjusting air pressure of air transmitted through a brake pipe from a lead locomotive to a rear railcar, the system including: a lead device positioned on the lead locomotive and configured to associate first time data with first air pressure data sensed in the brake pipe at a first position; a rear device positioned on the rear railcar and configured to associate second time data with second air pressure data sensed in the brake pipe at a second position; and a control device configured to determine air propagation data based at least partially upon at least one of the following: first time data, first air pressure data, the first position, second time data, second air pressure data, the second position, or any combination thereof. | 06-28-2012 |
20120085596 | RAILWAY TRUCK MOUNTED BRAKE RIGGING HAVING RAISED CONNECTION OF FORCE-TRANSMITTING MEMBER WITH TRANSFER LEVER - A railway vehicle truck mounted brake rigging includes spaced apart first and second brake beams, a horizontally disposed first transfer lever having a pivotal connection with one brake beam and further having an upturned flange, a link seated horizontally on the shoulder, a horizontally disposed second transfer lever having a pivotal connection with another brake beam, a first force-transmitting member passing through the first opening of the bolster for pivotal connection with each of the link and the second transfer lever, the pivotal connection is offset in a vertical direction from a horizontal plane defined by the first transfer lever, and a second force-transmitting member passing through the second opening of the bolster for pivotal connection with opposed ends of the respective first and second transfer levers. | 04-12-2012 |
20110266101 | PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY FOR RAILWAY VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM - A parking brake assembly for a railway car includes a ratchet mounted for rotation on a threaded piston rod of a brake actuator and a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for maintaining a push rod of the parking brake assembly to apply braking force when the air pressure is lost in the brake pipe and releasing the push rod to accordingly release the braking force when the supply of air pressure in the brake pipe is restored. An operating lever and a cylinder connected thereto are provided for selectively rotating the holding pawl. Valve is provided for supplying air pressure to and evacuating it from the cylinder. Release mechanism is provided for manually releasing the braking force. The parking brake assembly is employed with either truck-mounted or carbody-mounted braking system. | 11-03-2011 |
20110259681 | PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY FOR RAILWAY VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM - A parking brake assembly for a railway car includes a ratchet mounted for rotation on a threaded piston rod of a brake actuator and a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for maintaining a push rod of the parking brake assembly to apply braking force when the air pressure is lost in the brake pipe and releasing the push rod to accordingly release the braking force when the supply of air pressure in the brake pipe is restored. An operating lever and a cylinder connected thereto are provided for selectively rotating the holding pawl. Valve is provided for supplying air pressure to and evacuating it from the cylinder. Release mechanism is provided for manually releasing the braking force. The parking brake assembly is employed with either truck-mounted or carbody-mounted braking system. | 10-27-2011 |
20110259680 | PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY FOR RAILWAY VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM - A parking brake assembly for a railway car includes a ratchet mounted for rotation on a threaded piston rod of a brake actuator and a holding pawl engageable with the ratchet for maintaining a push rod of the parking brake assembly to apply braking force when the air pressure is lost in the brake pipe and releasing the push rod to accordingly release the braking force when the supply of air pressure in the brake pipe is restored. An operating lever and a cylinder connected thereto are provided for selectively rotating the holding pawl. Valve is provided for supplying air pressure to and evacuating it from the cylinder. Release mechanism is provided for manually releasing the braking force. The parking brake assembly is employed with either truck-mounted or carbody-mounted braking system. | 10-27-2011 |
20110251742 | Visual Data Collection System for a Train - An end-of-train unit for a rear railroad car, including: a housing mountable to a portion of the rear railroad car; a visual data collection device in operative engagement or at least partially integral with the housing and having a field-of-view, wherein the visual data collection device is configured to obtain visual data representative of at least a portion of the area in the field-of-view; and a transmission device in operative engagement or at least partially integral with at least one of the housing and the visual data collection device and configured to transmit the visual data to a processing unit of a forward railroad car. A visual data collection system and method are also provided. | 10-13-2011 |
20110203180 | SKIRT FOR SLIDE-GLIDE DOOR - A solid skirt seal mounted to the bottom edge of a slide-glide door panel hinged to rotate about an axis generally parallel to the bottom edge of the door panel, a spring biasing the hinged skirt seal to rotate the lower edge of the skirt seal in a downward direction, and a flexible cover extending between the lower edge of the skirt seal and the lower edge of the door panel. | 08-25-2011 |
20110172856 | Short Headway Communications Based Train Control System - A train control system, including: a communication device associated with at least one control unit located on a first train; and a communication device associated with at least one control unit located on a second train; wherein at least one of the control units of the first train and the second train is configured to: (i) receive, at the associated communication device, an authority signal including data sufficient to identify one of the first train and the second train as a lead train and the other of the first train and the second train as a follower train; (ii) establish at least one peer-to-peer communication link between the communication devices of the lead train and the follower train; and (iii) exchange train data between the lead train and the follower train via the at least one peer-to-peer communication link. An on-board control unit is also disclosed. | 07-14-2011 |
20110147140 | UNIVERSAL BRAKE ASSEMBLY - A brake actuator assembly for a railway vehicle braking system includes a pair of end members spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the brake actuator assembly, a hollow flexible elastomeric member, two peripheral flanges extending outwardly from ends of the hollow flexible elastomeric member. Two retaining members, apertures and fasteners are employed for attaching each peripheral flange directly to a respectively positioned end member. The brake actuator assembly is connected to a source of fluid under pressure enabling inflation of the flexible elastomeric member and initiation of a braking sequence of the railway vehicle braking system. The brake actuator assembly of the instant invention allows for improved control of the brake shoe forces including visual travel measurement indication which is especially desirable during light load conditions. Currently used brake assemblies employing cylinder type actuators may be retrofitted with the brake actuator assembly of the instant invention. | 06-23-2011 |
20110132093 | ULTRASONIC PASSENGER DETECTION - A method and apparatus of recognizing the presence of a passenger in front of a door of a transit vehicle comprises directing an ultrasound transmitter/receiver at a volume of space adjacent the door, emitting an ultrasound pulse into the empty volume, recording and integrating intensity of the echoes and storing the integrated value as a standard value, repeatedly emitting an ultrasound pulse into the volume, and comparing the integrated values to the standard value. | 06-09-2011 |
20110127125 | Railway Vehicle Brake Disc - The railway vehicle brake disc includes a cylindrical hub, friction ring, and bell-shaped flange connecting the hub with the friction ring. The cylindrical hub defines a central axis and has an axial width and an outer diameter. The surface at the outer diameter defines an outer hub periphery. The friction ring includes two opposed annular members each having an outer braking surface and an inner surface. The annular members are connected to each other by a plurality of fins extending from the inner surface of one annular member to the inner surface of the other annular member. The bell-shaped flange has an inner portion connected to the hub, an outer portion connected to the fins, and a radial portion connecting the inner portion to the outer portion. The hub, friction ring, and bell-shaped flange are formed integrally from a single material. | 06-02-2011 |
20110095880 | Brake Pipe Charge Monitor System and Method - A method for establishing a predicted brake pipe pressure gradient is disclosed and generally includes installing an end-of-train unit on a railcar of an active train for sensing brake pipe pressure; installing a head-end-unit on a locomotive in the active train; transmitting brake pipe pressure data from the end-of-train unit to the head-end-unit; calculating predictive brake pipe pressure gradient between a first end of the brake pipe at the locomotive and a second end at the railcar; and displaying the predictive brake pipe pressure gradient for an observer in the locomotive. | 04-28-2011 |
20110012422 | Power Generation and Distribution System Configured to Provide Power to a Motor - A power generation and distribution system for providing power to at least one motor configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle includes: at least one power module having at least one generator configured to generate alternating current having a frequency and voltage; a common alternating current bus in electrical communication with the at least one power module through a contactor and configured to receive the alternating current therefrom; at least one power conversion module in electrical communication with the common alternating current bus and configured to convert the alternating current to a specified direct current for delivery to the at least one motor; and a controller configured to communicate with and operatively control at least one of the following: at least one component of the at least one power module; at least one component of the common alternating current bus; at least one component of the at least one power conversion module; or any combination thereof. | 01-20-2011 |
20100319261 | ELECTRIC SWING PLUG DOOR OPERATOR WITH AUXILIARY DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM - The invention is directed to an electric swing plug door operator with a remotely powered auxiliary lock mechanism, door striker, catch and manual release system for use on light to medium duty shuttle or utility vehicles. The swing plug door system includes a door operator and base plate assembly, a shaft and arm assembly, a guide rod assembly, a lower shaft pivot, a door panel with a leading edge catch and lock striker assembly, an auxiliary lock and a manual release cable. The auxiliary lock assembly includes a lock bar engaging the lock striker mounted to the trailing edge of the door panel when the door reaches the fully closed position. The door operator includes a manual release lever and gear motor subassembly to drive the door system linkage and to manually disengage the door linkage and lock assembly to gain manual egress from the vehicle. | 12-23-2010 |
20100307144 | A NON-PLAIN CARBON STEEL HEADER FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER - A heat exchanger, such as an air-to-air after-cooler assembly, having reduced and/or eliminated leakage at the tube/header joint is provided. The assembly comprises a series of tubular members formed from a first metal, each of the tubular members including an end portion and a header formed from a second metal, wherein the first metal and the second metal have similar coefficients of thermal expansions. The header includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough and each of the end portions of the tubular members is mechanically secured within corresponding openings within the header to form an after-cooler assembly. A method for forming the air-to-air after-cooler assembly is also provided. | 12-09-2010 |
20100302021 | System and Method for Calculating Electrically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) Brake Cylinder Piston Travel - A system for determining a distance of travel of a brake cylinder piston includes a brake cylinder having the brake cylinder piston, a pressure transducer operationally coupled to the brake cylinder and configured to determine a pressure measurement within the brake cylinder, and a control module of an electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake control system. The control module is operationally coupled to the pressure transducer and configured to convert the pressure measurement within the brake cylinder determined by the pressure transducer into at least one of a displacement time of the brake cylinder piston, an equalization pressure within the brake cylinder, a pressure build-up time within the brake cylinder, a pressure leakage from the brake cylinder, or any combination thereof. The control module determines the distance of travel of the brake cylinder piston based on at least one of the displacement time of the brake cylinder piston, the equalization pressure within the brake cylinder, the pressure build-up time within the brake cylinder, the pressure leakage from the brake cylinder, or any combination thereof. | 12-02-2010 |
20100294165 | CONSTANT CONTACT SIDE BEARING ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED HEAT DISSIPATION FOR A RAILCAR - A constant contact side bearing assembly for a railcar includes a housing having a base, a pair of mounting apertures formed through a thickness of the base, a generally cylindrical housing wall upstanding on the base, a pair of diametrically opposed channels, a pair of diametrically opposed openings and a guide member disposed centrally on and upstanding from an inner surface of the base. A cap is disposed for reciprocal axial movement relative to the housing. An elastomeric spring is disposed within a generally closed chamber formed by a combination of the housing and the cap. A pair of air passages is provided for dissipating heat generated during operation of the constant contact side bearing assembly. Each air passage is defined by a pair of aligned openings formed through a wall portion of the cap. Each opening may be disposed within a pocket provided within the cap wall. | 11-25-2010 |
20100283316 | Empty/Load Brake Control Device with Multi-Stage Sensing - An empty/load valve brake control device for a railway vehicle includes a body and a valve member disposed within the body. The body defines an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, an exhaust passageway, and a secondary passageway. The valve member has an empty position, a load position, and a partial load position. The inlet passageway is connected to the outlet passageway when the valve member is in the empty position, the outlet passageway is connected to the exhaust passageway when the valve member is in the load position, and the inlet passageway is connected to the secondary passageway when the valve member is in the partial load position. | 11-11-2010 |
20100279780 | DRIVE FOR TRANSIT DOOR - A multi-part drive shaft for a transit vehicle door comprises an upper drive shaft connected to a door operating mechanism and having a door panel operating arm extending therefrom, a lower drive shaft journaled for rotation, a door panel operating arm extending therefrom and a flexible drive shaft secured at one end to the upper drive shaft and at the other end to the lower drive shaft. Rotation of the upper drive shaft will transfer torque to the lower drive shaft at the same angular speed. | 11-04-2010 |
20100258393 | Brake Shoe Support Assembly and Method - The brake shoe support assembly is able to track the lateral movement of a wheel, typically a wheel on an axle truck that allows lateral wheel movement. In operation, a flange of the wheel pushes on one side of the brake shoe support assembly, pushing it along a pin, and compressing a resilient biasing structure. As the wheel returns to a center or neutral position, the compressed resilient biasing structure expands pushing the brake shoe support assembly back to an original or neutral position. The resilient biasing structure also minimizes the lateral movement of the brake shoe support assembly down the wheel taper under normal braking loads thus preventing shoe ride-off. The resilient biasing structure may be enclosed in a housing adapted to prevent the intrusion of contaminants. | 10-14-2010 |
20100231036 | TWO-WIRE ADAPTER - A two-wire adapter circuit comprises a current shunt monitor and a circuit for sensing an abrupt change in the output of the current shunt monitor, a power supply, and a two-wire electrical conduit connecting the power supply to a load via the current shunt monitor, the circuit for sensing the abrupt change in the output of the current shunt monitor configured to output a defined digital signal on a third wire upon sensing the abrupt change. | 09-16-2010 |
20100199564 | LOCKING MECHANISM FOR PNEUMATIC DIFFERENTIAL ENGINE FOR POWER-OPERATED DOORS - A locking mechanism ( | 08-12-2010 |
20100194151 | GLAZED TRANSIT VEHICLE DOOR OR WINDOW - A transit vehicle glazing assembly comprises a window pane, a box-shaped first frame that surrounds the opening covered by the window pane, a second frame sized to fit within the space enclosed by the first frame secured to the window pane by an adhesive, an elastomeric strip positioned in the space between the flanges and a plurality of U-shaped clips securing the second frame to the first frame. | 08-05-2010 |
20100193294 | Air Compressor Pre-Lubrication System - The air compressor pre-lubrication system includes an oil pump, a priming tank, and a control valve. The oil pump is connected to an oil sump and includes a discharge line connected to an air compressor. The priming tank is connected to the oil pump to receive pressurized oil. The control valve is provided in an outline line connected to the priming tank and is further connected to the oil pump discharge line. The priming tank is configured to maintain a charge of oil from the oil pump and selectively release the charge of oil through actuation of the control valve. An auxiliary pre-lubrication oil pump may replace the priming tank. The pre-lubrication oil pump is connected to the oil sump and is fluidly coupled to the discharge line leading to the air compressor. | 08-05-2010 |
20100170158 | OUTPUT SHAFT, TEETER LEVER AND PINION GEAR ARRANGEMENT FOR PNEUMATIC DIFFERENTIAL ENGINE - A removable teeter lever and gear assembly arrangement ( | 07-08-2010 |
20100139475 | CUSHIONING SYSTEM FOR PNEUMATIC CYLINDER OF DIFFERENTIAL ENGINE - A cushioning system for a pneumatic cylinder powered differential engine door opening and closing device for use in passenger transportation vehicles wherein the cushioning initiation point can be adjusted. This cushioning initiation point is adjusted through the use of a linearly adjustable slider member within the large cylinder. The slider is linearly adjustable through the use of an adjustment screw located outside of the pneumatic cylinder and allows one to adjust the time and the mode of the opening/closing of power doors, without disassembly of the cylinder, and significantly improve the safety of the passenger. | 06-10-2010 |
20100139423 | Rotary Manual Release - A clamp and quick release mechanism for clamping and releasing a cylindrical linkage to a rod-like member comprises a locking ring located on the rod-like member and a clamping ring. The inner surface of the clamping ring and the outer surface of the locking ring are configured such that rotation of the clamping ring in one direction will compress the locking ring and rotation in the other direction will allow expansion of the locking ring. | 06-10-2010 |
20100127861 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING IN A CAB SIGNAL SYSTEM - A fault detection system ( | 05-27-2010 |
20100122808 | Temperature Management System for a 2CD Type Air Compressor - A temperature management system for an air compressor includes a plurality of cooling fans coupled to an intercooler of the air compressor; an electrical relay comprising a coil and contacts operated by the coil; and a temperature switch coupled to the coil of the electrical relay. The contacts are located between the cooling fans and an electrical power supply. The temperature switch opens at a temperature above a predetermined temperature at a high pressure inlet of a high pressure stage of the air compressor, thereby closing the contacts of the electrical relay which applies power to the cooling fans. | 05-20-2010 |
20100063656 | Train Control Method and System - A train control system for controlling trains traveling in a track network including tracks with signals associated therewith. The system includes an on-board track database, a positioning system and an on-board control system. The on-board control system receives position data and automatically brakes the train prior to encountering an upcoming signal based upon specified data points. The train is not automatically braked if certain conditions are met. A method for controlling a train traveling in a track network is also disclosed. | 03-11-2010 |
20100050860 | Single-Acting Pneumatic Cylinder for Use on a Locomotive Platform - The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder body, a non-pressure head, a hollow piston rod, a piston head, and a push rod. The cylinder body has a mounting flange and an inlet port. The non-pressure head has a mounting flange. The hollow piston rod has an open end and a closed end. The piston head is secured to the hollow piston rod and defines the closed end of the hollow piston rod. The push rod has a socket end inserted within the hollow piston rod and a coupler end. The non-pressure head has a hollow rod guide bearing and a hollow rod seal and the piston head has a piston guide bearing and a piston seal. The hollow rod guide bearing and the hollow rod seal each slidably engage the hollow piston rod. The piston guide bearing and the piston seal each slidably engage the cylinder body. | 03-04-2010 |
20100032253 | Side Reinforced Railway Brake Shoe - A molded brake shoe formed of friction material with or without a metal backing. Along at least a portion of at least one side surface of the brake shoe there is a layer of the molded friction material reinforced with a fiber. | 02-11-2010 |
20100000956 | TWO PIECE DRAFT GEAR HOUSING HAVING A INTEGRAL YOKE - A housing for a railway car draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft shocks includes a rear portion engageable with the rear stops of such railway car and a front portion configured for attachment to a coupler arm. Opposed ends of the front and rear portions are provided with complimentary flanges for removable attachment of the front portion to the rear portion with threaded fasteners. | 01-07-2010 |
20090314263 | REMOTE COOLING SYSTEM FOR CHARGE-AIR COOLED ENGINES - A remote cooling system ( | 12-24-2009 |
20090308700 | Spring-Applied Parking Brake With Manual Release and Reapply - A spring-applied parking brake with manual release and reapply. A gear box fixed relative to the rear wall of a cylinder has a manual crank. A pushrod extending through the cylinder and gear box is connected to provide braking force. A threaded collet surrounding helical threads on the pushrod has flexible radially expandable tines. When the gear box is manually cranked, the pushrod is rotated and due to interaction of the threads on the inside of the collet and on the pushrod, the pushrod is moved axially releasing or reapplying the brake. | 12-17-2009 |
20090297368 | Single Piece Water Over Air Intercooler for a Reciprocating Air Compressor - A water over air intercooler for use in a reciprocating air compressor includes a central core unit having an interior which contains a plurality of air passage tubes, a cooling water inlet and at least one cooling water outlet. A first manifold has at least one air inlet and is in communication with the plurality of air passage tubes so as to receive air from the at least one air inlet and direct the air to the plurality of air passage tubes. A second manifold has an air outlet and is in communication with the plurality of air passage tubes so as to receive air from the plurality of finned air passage tubes and direct the air to the at least one air outlet. The central core unit, the first manifold and the second manifold are integrally connected by welding to form a single piece. | 12-03-2009 |
20090294227 | End Stabilization for Brake Shoes Extending Beyond the Ends of the Brake Head - Disclosed is an end stabilized backing plate for an extended length brake shoe for use in a railway braking system. The backing plate includes an elongated main portion extending along a longitudinal axis. This main portion has a front face, a back face, a first end portion and an opposed second end portion. A first and second pair of tab members are provided on each of the first and second end portions. These tab members extend in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the main body and function to stabilize the end portions of the extended length brake shoe which extend beyond the length of a brake head and reduce and/or eliminate cracking of these end portions of the brake shoe. A method of stabilizing end portions of an extended length brake shoe is also disclosed. | 12-03-2009 |
20090281705 | Braking System - A braking system, including a brake control arrangement in operational communication with a braking arrangement for braking a vehicle, and a penalty power source to deliver current or power to the brake control arrangement through a brake interface circuit. The brake interface circuit includes a main positive current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal, and a main negative current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal. Upon opening of either of the main positive current switch or the main negative current switch, the braking arrangement will automatically brake the vehicle as controlled by the brake control arrangement. | 11-12-2009 |
20090256095 | Locomotive Air Compressor Crankcase with Oil Drain Valve - A crankcase for a locomotive air compressor including a body defining an interior space, a port in fluid communication with the interior space of the body, a valve receiving portion adjacent to and surrounding the port, and an oil drain valve engaged with the valve receiving portion and having a flow passageway in fluid communication with the port. The oil drain valve has an open position and a closed position, such that the oil drain valve in the open position allows oil to flow from the interior space of the body through the flow passageway, and the oil drain valve in the closed position prevents the flow of oil from the interior space of the body through the flow passageway. A method for installing a locomotive air compressor having the crankcase and oil drain valve is also disclosed. | 10-15-2009 |
20090255329 | Method and System for Determining Brake Shoe Effectiveness - A system for determining brake shoe effectiveness of a braking arrangement of a train during operation of the train including at least one brake database including braking data and at least one train database including train data. A control system is in communication with the at least one brake database and the at least one train database, and the control system dynamically determines brake shoe effectiveness data based upon the braking data and the train data, where the brake shoe effectiveness data includes the ability of the braking arrangement to retard the train to a specified level. | 10-15-2009 |
20090216395 | System and Method for Identifying a Condition of an Upcoming Feature in a Track Network - A system for identifying at least one condition of at least one upcoming feature of at least one track in a track network. The system includes a positioning system for determining an estimated train position on a track within the track network, and at least one database including track data and feature data. A computer (i) obtains the determined estimated train position on at least one track from the positioning system; and (ii) for the at least one track, identifies at least one condition for at least one upcoming feature based at least in part upon the track data and the feature data in the at least one database. The feature data is dynamically updated while the train is traversing the track in the track network. A method and apparatus for identifying a condition of an upcoming feature are also provided. | 08-27-2009 |
20090105893 | System and Method to Determine Train Location in a Track Network - A system for determining a possible location of a train in a track network including interconnected tracks having wayside devices associated with these tracks. The system includes a positioning system for determining an estimated location area of a train and a track database having track location data. A computer: obtains the determined estimated location area of the train from the positioning system; identifies a plurality of tracks in the estimated location area of the train, based upon the track location data; obtains signal system data for at least one wayside device associated with at least one of the tracks identified within the estimated location area; and determines at least one possible train location on at least one of the identified tracks based at least in part upon the obtained signal system data. A method and apparatus for determining the possible location of a train is also provided. | 04-23-2009 |
20090057072 | PNEUMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSURANCE MODULE - A pneumatic emergency brake assurance module comprises a high capacity transfer valve connected in a first position to the output of the variable load relay valve and in a second position connected to a source of emergency braking air pressure. A timing reservoir is in communication with the pilot port of the high capacity transfer valve. A check valve/choke circuit provides parallel connections between a double check valve and the output of the variable load relay valve such that flow from the variable load relay valve passes through a charging choke and opposite flow to the variable load relay valves passes through a dissipation choke. | 03-05-2009 |
20090038778 | MULTI-FLUID HEAT EXCHANGER ARRANGEMENT - A multi-fluid heat exchanger assembly Is provided that integrates multiple and distinct heat exchanger systems into a single, integrated system or housing utilizing a common header. Any combination of techniques as described may be utilized for optimizing exchanger performance according to the particular fluids being cooled. The heat exchanger assembly can be optimized by utilizing a pair of opposed headers having a first set of openings and a tube core arranged according to a first configuration and a second set of openings and a tube core arranged according to a second configuration and wherein the first and second configurations are different from one another. The heat exchanger assembly can also be optimized through different tube core/fin joining techniques for each of the distinct heat exchanger systems. Another technique for optimizing the heat exchanger assembly is through the use of differing core depths for each of the distinct heat exchanger systems. | 02-12-2009 |
20090007323 | QUIET, LOW WATER VOLUME TOILET - A toilet assembly is provided having a bowl assembly having an inlet, a wastewater outlet, and a water supply inlet having an inlet valve. The assembly includes an adjustable metering valve in fluid communication with the inlet valve and the inlet of the bowl assembly, and an accumulator in fluid communication with the inlet valve and disposed upstream of the adjustable metering valve. A fragmentation passage is provided in fluid communication with the wastewater outlet and disposed downstream of the wastewater outlet. The assembly includes jet assembly having an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet valve, and an outlet disposed upstream of the fragmentation passage. The water supply inlet is structured to deliver a quantity of water through the inlet of the bowl assembly, and a quantity of water to the jet assembly to remove wastewater from the fragmentation passage. | 01-08-2009 |
20080314702 | Collet Controlled Slack Adjuster - A slack adjuster for a fluid-actuated brake comprises a slack adjuster collet ( | 12-25-2008 |
20080291034 | Method, System and Apparatus for Monitoring in a Vehicle Horn System - A system for monitoring in a horn system of a vehicle having at least one activatable mechanism for causing a horn to sound. The system includes at least one monitoring device in communication with the at least one activatable mechanism, at least one component of the horn system or any combination thereof. The at least one monitoring device measures the presence or absence of at least one measurable characteristic in the horn system, and transmits a signal based upon the results of the measurement. A method for monitoring in a horn system of a vehicle is also provided. | 11-27-2008 |