The present invention relates to a train coupler adapted for energy absorption by the use of a deformation unit. According to the invention an axial expansion module is provided and mounted together with the deformation unit and an anchor in the housing of the train coupler. By expanding the axial expansion module after being mounted into the housing, the deformation unit and the anchor will be biased between the front and rear lugs of the housing and held in place by a predetermined force in the axial direction only.

The present invention relates to a train coupler adapted for energy absorption by the use of a deformation unit. According to the invention an axial expansion module is provided and mounted together with the deformation unit and an anchor in the housing of the train coupler. By expanding the axial expansion module after being mounted into the housing, the deformation unit and the anchor will be biased between the front and rear lugs of the housing and held in place by a predetermined force in the axial direction only.

A system includes a bearing bracket, for connecting a coupler rod or a connection rod to a car, and a coupler rod or a connection rod connected to the bearing bracket. The bearing bracket has an adapter and a joint that allows the adapter to swivel relative to the bracket. The rod has a stabilizing element having a surface that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod and is spaced apart from a surface of the bearing bracket. Upon application of a force of a predetermined first strength in one direction, the adapter moves relative to the bracket in the one direction until the surface of the stabilizing element contacts the surface of the bearing bracket. Upon application of a force of a second strength to the rod, the stabilizing element detaches from the rod, so that the rod can move relative to the stabilizing element.

A system includes a bearing bracket, for connecting a coupler rod or a connection rod to a car, and a coupler rod or a connection rod connected to the bearing bracket. The bearing bracket has an adapter and a joint that allows the adapter to swivel relative to the bracket. The rod has a stabilizing element having a surface that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod and is spaced apart from a surface of the bearing bracket. Upon application of a force of a predetermined first strength in one direction, the adapter moves relative to the bracket in the one direction until the surface of the stabilizing element contacts the surface of the bearing bracket. Upon application of a force of a second strength to the rod, the stabilizing element detaches from the rod, so that the rod can move relative to the stabilizing element.

A safety system and related methods for a train are provided. Sensors are located at axles and bearing of freight cars. Where a control system determines that data received from sensors located at axles and bearings of freight cars exceed safety parameters, safety devices for the train are activated which slow or stop the train, an alert is transmitted to at least two remote devices, one associated with a railroad operator authority and one associated with a local governmental authority, and deactivation of the safety devices is electronically prevented unless and until authenticated override authorizations are received from both remote devices.

A safety system and related methods for a train are provided. Sensors are located at axles and bearing of freight cars. Where a control system determines that data received from sensors located at axles and bearings of freight cars exceed safety parameters, safety devices for the train are activated which slow or stop the train, an alert is transmitted to at least two remote devices, one associated with a railroad operator authority and one associated with a local governmental authority, and deactivation of the safety devices is electronically prevented unless and until authenticated override authorizations are received from both remote devices.

A system and method for identifying at least two transport units in coupled relationship forming a consist including determining via the presence of an electrical signal whether one end of a coupling unit at an end of a first transport unit is coupled to a second end of said coupling unit at an end of a second transport unit; determining by computer executable instructions executed by a computer processor a transport unit in closest proximity to said first transport unit; upon a condition in which said one end of said coupling unit is determined to be coupled to a second end of said coupling unit, identifying by said computer processor said second transport unit as said transport unit in closest proximity to said first transport unit.

A system and method for identifying at least two transport units in coupled relationship forming a consist including determining via the presence of an electrical signal whether one end of a coupling unit at an end of a first transport unit is coupled to a second end of said coupling unit at an end of a second transport unit; determining by computer executable instructions executed by a computer processor a transport unit in closest proximity to said first transport unit; upon a condition in which said one end of said coupling unit is determined to be coupled to a second end of said coupling unit, identifying by said computer processor said second transport unit as said transport unit in closest proximity to said first transport unit.

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 snow protection assembly is provided for a coupling region of a rail vehicle. The rail vehicle has, on an end face, a recess which protects against snow, in which recess a coupling of the rail vehicle is arranged. A fixed housing partially extends around the recess. The housing has an opening in the direction of travel of the rail vehicle, from which opening the coupling partially protrudes to enable a process of coupling to an additional rail vehicle. The opening of the fixed housing is peripherally fixedly connected to a first sealing element. A second sealing element is rotatably connected to the coupling, and the second sealing element partially extends around the coupling. The two sealing elements partially overlap in the region of the opening. The two sealing elements are coupled to one another by pressure to protect the opening against the ingress of snow.