Patent classifications
Y10T137/6866
Monitoring system and method
The disclosure relates to monitoring systems and methods. A first aspect relates to a monitoring system for use when loading fluid from a source tank to a destination tank via a loader apparatus, the monitoring system having: a first input for coupling to the source tank in order to receive a source tank input signal; a second input for coupling to the destination tank in order to receive a destination tank input signal; a sensor input for receiving a sensor signal from a fill level sensor in the destination tank; circuitry configured to determine: a first status of an electrical continuity between the loader apparatus and the source tank in accordance with the source tank input signal, a second status of an electrical continuity between the loader apparatus and the destination tank in accordance with the destination tank input signal, and a fill level status in accordance with the sensor signal; and a single user interface for displaying the first status, second status and fill level status.
Valve interlock systems for use with railcars
A valve interlock system for a railcar including a valve stem locking subsystem that includes a coupling device rotatably coupled to the valve stem. The coupling device is substantially stationary in the longitudinal direction and rotatably translatable about a longitudinal axis and defines an engagement slot thereon. The subsystem also includes a stationary support member extending toward the coupling device in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and includes a locking member that is transversely translatable and complimentary with the engagement slot. The subsystem also includes a biasing device coupled to the locking member that increases an engagement bias as the locking member is transversely translated away from the engagement slot. The subsystem further includes a valve operator assembly that includes a longitudinally and rotatably translatable body configured to regulate the slot engagement bias as a function of a longitudinal position of the body.