Thomas H Engle

US Patent:

6491352, Dec 10, 2002

Filed:

Mar 15, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/809703

Inventors:

Thomas Engle - Clayton NY

Assignee:

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation - Wilmerding PA

International Classification:

B60T 1300

US Classification:

303 8, 303127, 188107, 188170

Abstract:

An integral intermodal train is provided for carrying standard over-the-highway semi-trailers. Each segment can have a plurality of platforms and may be loaded or unloaded independently of any other segment using a self contained, roll-on/roll-off system. Several sub-systems to speed performance and enhance reliability, such as an electronic assisted air brake, health monitoring, trailer tie-down and locomotive interface subsystems, can be provided on each segment. A spring applied parking brake is provided for the segments and operably connected to the train pneumatic brake systems. In a preferred embodiment the brake is automatically applied when brake pipe pressure falls below 40 psi nominal. The pneumatic valving for the parking brake prevents application of the valve in an emergency braking situation, until the pressure has bled off in normal system leakage, preventing wheel damage. A handle is provided for manual application and release of the parking brake when desired.

US Patent:

6609769, Aug 26, 2003

Filed:

Jun 28, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/894053

Inventors:

James E. Hart - Trafford PA
Thomas Engle - Clayton NY

Assignee:

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation - Wilmerding PA

International Classification:

B60T 1554

US Classification:

303 74, 303 36

Abstract:

A release graduating valve for freight brake control is provided for a railcar having a pneumatic control valve, emergency and auxiliary reservoirs each normally charged with pressurized fluid from a brake pipe and a fluid pressure activated brake cylinder device for applying the brakes on the railcar. A selectively operable release graduating valve can include a graduated release valve and a changeover valve which selectively interposes the graduated release valve to exhaust brake cylinder pressure in a graduated manner responsive to brake pipe pressure. Alternatively, the changeover valve can isolate the graduated release valve and direct the pneumatic control valve to exhaust brake cylinder pressure in a conventional manner. The changeover valve can be operated responsive to the pressure in an air pipe supplied with pressurized fluid from a remote source. A permanent release graduating valve can be provided wherein the changeover valve is omitted, in which case the brake cylinder exhaust is always controlled by the graduated release valve.

US Patent:

6705478, Mar 16, 2004

Filed:

Oct 27, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/698570

Inventors:

Thomas L. Engle - Clayton NY

Assignee:

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation - Wilmerding PA

International Classification:

B61G 508

US Classification:

213 13, 213 76, 439195

Abstract:

An integrated electrical and pneumatic train line connector is provided. In a typically glad hand connector for connecting the pneumatic lines on either end of a train car, each glad hand also includes an integrated electrical connector for the train electrical line which runs along the length of the train. Each glad hand comprises an inner and outer face to which are connected respective male and female connectors for the electrical train line. The male contact is preferably provided on the lower portion of the glad hand and a correspondingly figured female connector is provided on the upper portion of the glad hand. When a glad hand from one railcar is attached to the glad hand of a second railcar the cooperating male and female connectors of each of glad hands are automatically connected as the pneumatic line is connected. One step electrical and pneumatic coupling is therefore provided for railroad cars.

US Patent:

6718886, Apr 13, 2004

Filed:

Sep 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/243011

Inventors:

Thomas H. Engle - Clayton NY

Assignee:

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation - Wilmerding PA

International Classification:

B61D 1100

US Classification:

105355

Abstract:

A ramp car rail vehicle can have a contoured deck portion to reduce the height above the rails of the deck at the ramp end of the car such that a smaller, shorter ramp can be utilized for loading freight, such as semi-trailers, onto the ramp car and any other rail cars which may be connected to the ramp car. The contoured end of the ramp car can further be provided with a movable draft arm and coupler arrangement such that the coupler can be lowered to provide clearance for loading the ramp car, and thereafter returned to a standard height for coupling with conventional couplers.

US Patent:

6736071, May 18, 2004

Filed:

Feb 22, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/255204

Inventors:

Thomas H. Engle - Clayton NY

Assignee:

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation - Wilmerding PA

International Classification:

B61D 300

US Classification:

1052381, 105 3

Abstract:

An integral intermodal train is provided for carrying standard over-the-highway semi-trailers. The intermodal train can include a standard locomotive pulling one or more train segments. Each segment can have a plurality of platforms and may be loaded or unloaded independently of any other segment using a self contained, roll-on/roll-off system. At least one platform should be equipped with a standard knuckle coupler at standard height to permit the segments to be pulled by any existing locomotive. Each segment can consist of three platform types, articulated together, an adapter platform coupled behind the locomotive, an intermediate platform having a truck at only one end and the other end supported by the end of the adapter platform and a loading ramp platform also having a truck at only one with the other end supported by the truck end of the intermediate platform. The truck end of the ramp platform can have a hinged ramp assembly which can be raised or lowered to load the platforms. Several sub-systems to speed performance and enhance reliability, such as an electronic assisted air brake, health monitoring, trailer tie-down and locomotive interface subsystems, can be provided on each segment.

US Patent:

6971723, Dec 6, 2005

Filed:

Jan 3, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/028779

Inventors:

Thomas H. Engle - Clayton NY, US
John Carroll - Irwin PA, US
Gary Sich - Irwin PA, US

Assignee:

Wabtec Holding Corp. - Wilmerding PA

International Classification:

B60T008/18

US Classification:

303 222, 303 74

Abstract:

A release graduating proportioning valve for a rail car brake system having a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, and a load sensor valve. The release graduating proportioning valve has a conventional proportioning piston with a control volume communicating on a first side thereof and a second volume communicating on an opposite side thereof. A graduated release valve member, which can be incorporated into the top of the proportioning valve, is interposed between the control volume and atmosphere for providing a graduated release of brake cylinder pressure via the control volume. The graduated release valve member is activated by movement of the proportioning piston.

US Patent:

7140477, Nov 28, 2006

Filed:

Sep 9, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/937522

Inventors:

Thomas H. Engle - Clayton NY, US
James E. Hart - Trafford PA, US
Jason Connell - Bethel Park PA, US
Joseph Pollono - Youngwood PA, US
Andrew Marko - North Braddock PA, US

Assignee:

Wabtec Holding Corp. - Wilmerding PA

International Classification:

F16D 69/00
B61H 13/00

US Classification:

188265, 188 67, 188 69, 188 33

Abstract:

A parking brake for a rail vehicle can automatically lock the rail vehicle brakes in an applied position, such as by clamping the brake cylinder push rod to prevent retraction from an applied position to a release position. An actuator can operate the parking brake, and a manual release can also be provided.

US Patent:

7232282, Jun 19, 2007

Filed:

Feb 24, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/064915

Inventors:

Thomas Engle - Clayton NY, US

Assignee:

Wabtec Holding Corp. - Wilmerding PA

International Classification:

B60P 7/08

US Classification:

410 59, 410 58, 410 63, 410 64

Abstract:

An improvement to a collapsible stanchion on a railcar for supporting semi-trailers thereon. The improvement consists of a linkage which is activated by the pulling of a handle away from the stanchion during the operation of raising it from a resting position to an upright position. The linkage exerts a force on a diagonal support member of the stanchion to urge it into a position where the stanchion's locking mechanism may be engaged to lock the stanchion in an upright position.