General Electric Company

John B Bendig

Kevin E Harmon

Alexander G Grigorian

Joseph J McQuiston

Dennis Mahoney

A propulsion skid module useful for refurbishing locomotives is taught. In one embodiment, the propulsion skid module includes a skid base serving as a support for an engine; the skid base including at least two support members extending substantially the length of the module and at least one panel spanning the two support members; with the module further comprising an engine; a blower for delivery of air under pressure, a control device compartment, an auxiliary cab including power connectors, and an air compressor secured onto the skid base; and an air plenum defined in the base. Methods for refurbishing a locomotive are also taught.

Locomotive propulsion system module for refurbishment of used locomotives

The present invention is directed to a controller having a power handle to control both the propulsion function and the braking function, and a reverser handle to control the direction in which the locomotive travels. The power handle is operatively connected to a propulsion and brake control device which controls the propulsion and braking functions of the locomotive, while the reverser handle is operatively connected to a reverser control device which controls direction of travel. The propulsion and brake control device preferably includes a propulsion controller to control the propulsion function of the locomotive, a braking controller to control the braking function and an indexing mechanism to independently operate either the propulsion controller or the braking controller. The indexing mechanism preferably includes a drive gear operatively connected to the propulsion controller via a first lost motion device which controls the propulsion function when the power handle is moved in a first direction and to the braking controller via a second lost motion device which controls the braking function when the power handle is moved in a second direction. In order to insure mutually exclusive movement of either the propulsion controller or the braking controller, a throttle-brake interlock is preferably provided. Additionally, in order to provide tactile feedback to the user on the movement of the power handle, a detent mechanism is preferably provided.

Two handled controller for a locomotive

A controller for a railway locomotive is provided having a first control handle which controls propulsion power and braking power, and a second control handle which controls the direction of movement of the locomotive. The controller includes first and second shafts having a plurality of cams fixed thereto for actuating propulsion and braking power control contacts. Additional cams are rotatably mounted on the second shaft for actuating contacts which control the direction in which the locomotive travels. The first control handle is connected to a drive gear which is operatively connected by two lost motion mechanisms to the first and second control shafts. By manually operating the first control handle, the drive gear and two lost motion mechanisms selectively and alternatively rotate the first and second shafts so as to control propulsion power and braking power for the locomotive. The second handle may be manually actuated to rotate the additional control cams about the second shaft in order to control the direction of movement of the locomotive.

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Waterford, PA, United States of America

John B Bendig