Energy absorption/coupling system for a railcar and related method for coupling railcars to each other

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9669848
APP PUB NO 20150014267A1
SERIAL NO

14467885

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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An energy absorption/coupling system for a railcar including a draft assembly provided toward opposed ends of a centersill on the railcar. Each draft assembly includes a coupler and a draft gear assembly disposed in longitudinally disposed and operable relation relative to each other. The coupler is configured to allow at least 4.5 inches of travel in a single longitudinal direction during operation of the coupler. The draft gear assembly of each draft assembly is configured to consistently and repeatedly withstand up to about 110,000 ft-lbs. of energy imparted to the energy absorption/coupling system at a force level not to exceed 900,000 lbs. over a range of travel of a wedge member in an inward axial direction relative to the housing of at least 4.5 inches. With the present invention disclosure, high level impact forces between rail cars can be absorbed and dissipated while maintaining an overall length of the railcar constant and unchanged. A method for releasably coupling two railcars to each other is also disclosed.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • TRINITY NORTH AMERICAN FREIGHT CAR, INC.

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Creighton, George S Pompano Beach, US 27 418
McKisic, Aubra D Flower Mound, US 19 186
Pokorski, Robert J Saint Charles, US 4 40
Salis, Keith A Clare, US 10 109
Schoedl, Erich A Yorkville, US 15 71
Wilt, Donald E Batavia, US 14 200

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