The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 06, 2007
Filed:
Mar. 21, 2005
Richard A. Brueckert, Chicago, IL (US);
William A. Guess, Omaha, NE (US);
Donald F. Kroesch, Minooka, IL (US);
Richard A. Brueckert, Chicago, IL (US);
William A. Guess, Omaha, NE (US);
Donald F. Kroesch, Minooka, IL (US);
TTX Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for semi-automatically reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The apparatus is mountable to the connector and measures to find areas and amounts of wear on portions of the connector. The apparatus then applies weld metal to the worn portion of the connector. The excess weld metal is automatically machined away by the apparatus so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. The apparatus can again measure the weld area to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved. A method of aligning an articulated connector to a reconditioning fixture is also disclosed. The method includes securing the fixture to the connector and the use of gauges and tools to appropriately align the objects.