GB1456999A - Brush uncoupler for rail cars - Google Patents

Abstract

1456999 Uncoupling rail cars SOUTHERN PACIFIC TRANSPORTATION CO 28 Dec 1973 59903/73 Heading B7T Apparatus for uncoupling rail cars rolling along a track, comprises: a cylindrical brush which is rotatably mounted adjacent to the track and which includes radially extending bristles; and means for displacing the brush relative to the track. In use, the brush is rotatably driven and engages a handle 31 of a lever 29 which is pivotally mounted on a rail car 27 and which is arranged to operate a coupling member 28. In a first embodiment, Fig. 4, a brush 35 is rotated about a vertical axis by means of a hydraulic motor 44. The brush 35 is moved parallel to the rail track 25, and towards and away from the rail track 25, by means of a motor 50 and a belt or chain 49 disposed in a guide track 47. Additional brushes 35<SP>1</SP> may be provided. The second embodiment, Fig. 7, includes a brush 61 for initiating upward movement of the lever 29 towards its uncoupling position, a brush 66<SP>1</SP> for completing upward movement of the lever 29, and brushes 66 for holding the lever 29 in its raised uncoupling position. The brushes 66 are movable towards and away from the track 25 by means of hydraulic rams (70), Fig. 8 (not shown). The brush 61 is raised to an operative position by means of a hydraulic ram (65), Fig. 6 (not shown). The brushes of the inventive apparatus may comprise polypropylene and may include bristles arranged in a helical pattern.