Aaa Sales + Engineering, Inc.

Lowell B Ziese

Thomas J Heyden

James D Braatz

Gregory P Reitz

John A Hooper

Jim Thomas

Richard C Bohme

A device and system for controlling travel of a railcar along a set of rails is provided. In one example, a railcar stop is coupled to the set of rails and is selectively movable between a first position wherein the railcar is free to travel along the set of rails and a second position wherein the railcar stop engages the treads of the wheels to thereby prevent travel of the railcar in at least one direction along the rails.

Devices and systems for controlling travel of a railcar

A railcar presence detector including magnetic field sensors spaced along the length of a rail track for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects, such as railcars, passing along the rail track. Each of the magnetic field sensors generates an output signal that is received by a control unit. The control unit compares the output signal from each of the magnetic field sensors to a detection threshold and controls the position of a contact member dependent upon the comparison between the output signal and the detection threshold. Each of the magnetic field sensors includes a test device that is selectively operable to modify the magnetic field near the magnetic field sensor to test the operation of the magnetic field sensor. During operation of the system including the magnetic field sensor, the control unit can automatically activate the test device to assure that each of the magnetic field sensors are operating properly.

Railcar presence detector

The present invention pertains to an electro-pneumatic retarder control (EPRC) valve for a pneumatic retarder that controls the speed of railroad cars in a marshaling yard. The EPRC valve has a housing that generally encloses and protects its various components. The housing has a lid that can be opened to gain access to a control panel mounted on an interior door. The control panel includes a display, keyboard and programmable logic controller or PLC module that can be adjusted to set the desired pressure levels of the retarder. The EPRC valve has a modular pressure control assembly that includes an intake and exhaust manifold, a retarder supply and return manifold and several interchangeable control lines formed by like-shaped control valves and components. A pilot air control assembly enables the PLC module to selectively open and close the control valves and lines to deliver or release pressurized air to the retarder.

Pneumatic retarder acutator valve

A hydraulic control and operating system is provided for a railroad car retarder to control the movement of railroad cars in railroad classification yard. The system utilizes a double-acting hydraulic cylinder to operate the retarder mechanism and includes a hydraulic control circuit that provides protection against pressure spikes and high pressure excursions, high and low temperature excursions, low oil levels and oil filter fouling. The above system not only shuts itself down to prevent damage, but provides a warning to maintenance staff that service should be performed long before a need for system shut-down is required. The system includes a central operating panel in the rail yard control center, remote control panel located at the position of the retarder and the system can be connected for operation from a completely remote location.

Growing community of inventors

Pewaukee, WI, United States of America

Lowell B Ziese