The present invention generally relates to a rail transport system having no internal drive, and in particular to an improved rail transport system for conveying bulk materials. The rail transport system includes horizontal and vertical drive stations that include a drive tire that rotates on a plane parallel to the track. In this arrangement, force is applied on a different plane than earlier systems, and the reaction force is separated out of the tensioning device. The improvements of the drive stations provide for a reduction of steel used in the system, improved manufacturability and, therefore, reduction in system component costs as compared to previous drive stations. Moreover, the drive stations allow for improved maintainability and access to the drive tires.

The present invention generally relates to a rail transport system having no internal drive, and in particular to an improved rail transport system for conveying bulk materials. The rail transport system includes horizontal and vertical drive stations that include a drive tire that rotates on a plane parallel to the track. In this arrangement, force is applied on a different plane than earlier systems, and the reaction force is separated out of the tensioning device. The improvements of the drive stations provide for a reduction of steel used in the system, improved manufacturability and, therefore, reduction in system component costs as compared to previous drive stations. Moreover, the drive stations allow for improved maintainability and access to the drive tires.

A vehicle coupler including a coupling head and a dampening device attached thereto. A beam is provided and configured to attach to the vehicle. A housing assembly is connected to the beam and configured to receive a portion of the dampening device. A first release mechanism in the form of a shear ring is arranged within the housing assembly and is configured to provide a releasable connection between the dampening device and the housing assembly. A second release device in the form of a plurality of shear elements provides a releasable connection between the beam and the housing assembly. A preload mechanism may also be provided for applying an initial shearing force on the plurality of shear elements.

A vehicle coupler including a coupling head and a dampening device attached thereto. A beam is provided and configured to attach to the vehicle. A housing assembly is connected to the beam and configured to receive a portion of the dampening device. A first release mechanism in the form of a shear ring is arranged within the housing assembly and is configured to provide a releasable connection between the dampening device and the housing assembly. A second release device in the form of a plurality of shear elements provides a releasable connection between the beam and the housing assembly. A preload mechanism may also be provided for applying an initial shearing force on the plurality of shear elements.

A vehicle coupler including a coupling head and a dampening device attached thereto. A beam is provided and configured to attach to the vehicle. A housing assembly is connected to the beam and configured to receive a portion of the dampening device. A first release mechanism in the form of a shear ring is arranged within the housing assembly and is configured to provide a releasable connection between the dampening device and the housing assembly. A second release device in the form of a plurality of shear elements provides a releasable connection between the beam and the housing assembly. A preload mechanism may also be provided for applying an initial shearing force on the plurality of shear elements.

Systems and methods for sensing a train position of a train with no internal drive operating in an automated train system are provided. According to one embodiment, a train system comprises a track extending in a travel direction, a plurality of cars riding on the track and connected to form a train, a position sensing unit, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) in signal communication with the position sensing unit and configured to determine a train position based on inputs therefrom.

Systems and methods for sensing a train position of a train with no internal drive operating in an automated train system are provided. According to one embodiment, a train system comprises a track extending in a travel direction, a plurality of cars riding on the track and connected to form a train, a position sensing unit, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) in signal communication with the position sensing unit and configured to determine a train position based on inputs therefrom.

The present invention generally relates to a rail transport system having no internal drive, and in particular to an improved rail transport system for conveying bulk materials. The rail transport system includes horizontal and vertical drive stations that include a drive tire that rotates on a plane parallel to the track. In this arrangement, force is applied on a different plane than earlier systems, and the reaction force is separated out of the tensioning device. The improvements of the drive stations provide for a reduction of steel used in the system, improved manufacturability and, therefore, reduction in system component costs as compared to previous drive stations. Moreover, the drive stations allow for improved maintainability and access to the drive tires.

The present invention generally relates to a rail transport system having no internal drive, and in particular to an improved rail transport system for conveying bulk materials. The rail transport system includes horizontal and vertical drive stations that include a drive tire that rotates on a plane parallel to the track. In this arrangement, force is applied on a different plane than earlier systems, and the reaction force is separated out of the tensioning device. The improvements of the drive stations provide for a reduction of steel used in the system, improved manufacturability and, therefore, reduction in system component costs as compared to previous drive stations. Moreover, the drive stations allow for improved maintainability and access to the drive tires.

The present invention discloses a train coupler structural health monitoring system. The system includes one or more sensors mounted to or integrated with the train coupler, a data acquisition unit for receiving signal or data from the sensors, and a processing unit for determining the train coupler's structural health based on the received signal or data. Inspections via the system can be performed in real time continuously or periodically while a train is in service. It can also be performed offline while a train is not in service. Inspection method can be either passive, where sensors collect signals without generating excitation signals to the structure, or active, where some sensors are used as actuators to actively send excitation signals to the structure and other sensors or the actuators themselves collect the structural response signals. The data acquisition unit receives signals or data from sensors. The processing unit processes sensor data acquired by the data acquisition unit and determines if there are structural changes or damages.