Semi-rigid railcar cover

"Semi-Rigid Railcar Coverage" Relationship with Prior Applications The present invention claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 60,891,724 filed February 27, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to railcar covers. In particular, the present invention relates to unitary, semi-rigid and deformable covers for upper opening rail cars.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Top-opening rail cars are known in the art, whether they are garbage-carrying rail cars or top-discharge gondola cars, which may be provided with removable covers to cover the upper opening. In general, these covers can be removed from rail cars for loading or, in the case of gondolas, for unloading. Once the load has been placed or removed, the cover can be repositioned.

These covers offer a number of benefits, including product containment, for example dust prevention, which poses an environmental risk, and product loss prevention, as well as product protection, for example, rain or snow protection. , and debris protection. Different granulated or powdered products can be transported in this manner, including ore, grains, hazardous waste, coal, etc.

Generally, the covers are fixed to the railcars by using various types of fasteners or clamps that secure the railcar to the railcar and prevent it from being released during transport, but allow manual or automatic opening to handle the railcar.

The covers may typically be made of steel, aluminum or various composite materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The covers can be made in one piece covering the entire length and width of the rail carriage, or in two or more pieces, depending on the material selected and the circumstances of the operation. Due to their large size, railcar covers require heavy fixed or mobile equipment for removal and replacement, as well as large areas for moving and stacking the removed covers ... The weight of each cover can be significant, ranging from 1500 lbs for a composite cover, up to 5000 lbs for a steel cover. The weight of the cover reduces the effective payload of the rail car, thereby reducing the load the user can pull.

In large volume situations, it is generally not possible to have a suitable method for removing and replacing covers. For example, in a coal mine loading facility, rail cars usually do not stop moving, but are slowly driven in a long row by the loading rail facilities, and exit on the opposite side of the loading facilities, which may situated many meters away. Reducing speed or stopping ranks is not usually an option. The logistics of removing the covers at the entrance to the premises, moving them to the unloading area for the exit and replacing the covers on the rail cars, make the use of the covers very problematic. As a result, to date,

At the discharge end, the problem is similar.

In gondola unloading rail cars, high volume operations such as coal will use a rail car unloader, a large device that rotates on the shaft of the rail car couplers, completely reversing one or more rail cars at a time, remaining coupled to the front and rear cars. Again, the covers would have to be removed from the cars entering the unloading facilities, moved around them, and replaced on the other side.

Past and present solutions included lifting the covers within the unloading facility on the unloader itself. This adds time to the unloading cycle and is not suitable for reconditioning situations, as unloading facilities typically do not have the bulk capacity for such a roof lift mechanism, and many unloaders are built with part of their mechanism on top. which would prevent removal of the rail car cover.

This solution would also not work at the loading end. Thus, a new system is required to remove the cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cover assembly for a rail car of the type with an upper opening, first and second sides and first and second side sills, the cover assembly comprising a cover provided with opposite side edges. wherein the cover can rotate in an arc of up to 270 degrees at each side edge between a closed position on top of the rail car and an open position along a corresponding side of the rail car. The cover may be fabricated with a deformable semi-rigid main cover section, and a pair of rigid end sections, each end section pivotally joined to opposite ends of the main cover section. The cover assembly may have means for reversible opening of the cover.

Each end section may have a planar element having first and second faces, a straight edge and a parabolic edge, at least two oblong hollow cylindrical guide elements fixedly connected in spaced relation to the first face of the planar element, a pair of first and second elongate tubes, the first tube pivotally connected at the first end to an edge of one end of the main cover and telescoping with the first end of a second tube, the second end of the second tube pivotally connected to an opposite corresponding edge the corresponding end of the main cover; and a pair of guide rings, each ring attached to a tube to guide the sliding movement of a corresponding guide element in the corresponding tube. Maximum cover rotation can orient each end section to coplanar alignment with the main cover section. The cover assembly may have at least one first side pivot, each first side pivot comprising a cover subassembly and a carriage subassembly, wherein the carriage subassembly may be attached to the upper threshold of the first side of the rail carriage to engage freely and rotationally. the subset of the cover on a corresponding side of the cover. There may be at least a second side joint, each second side joint comprising a cover subset and a carriage subset, wherein the carriage subassembly may be attached to the upper threshold of the second side of the rail carriage to freely and rotationally engage the roof subset on a corresponding second roof side. The cover, in the fully open position, can be retracted toward the side of the rail carriage. In the fully closed position, the cover may form a dome over the upper opening.

Each cover subset may comprise a plate for securing the cover subset to the cover; a suitably shaped pivot arm having first and second ends, the pivot arm connected perpendicularly from the first end to the plate; and a pivot rod connected midway to the second end of the pivot arm.

Each subset of the carriage may comprise a pivot arm receptacle having a pair of adjacent side plates selectively shaped to orient the pivot rod into one or more grooves formed in the side plates, where each groove may have a releasably retaining outer portion the cover subset on the cover uncoupling side edge during opening and closing of the cover; and an inner portion for receiving the pivot rod in the locking position for rotation of the cover at the undocking side edge of the cover during opening and closing of the cover. The cover assembly may further comprise a locking element having a pivoting end and an expanded end,

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a rail carriage cover assembly is provided where the cover may have corrugated end sections made of flexible composite laminate material.

In another embodiment, the joints may have a cover member comprising a pair of bolt plates for securing the cover member to the cover; a pair of selectively shaped pivot arms having first and second ends, each pivot arm connected perpendicularly from the first end to the corresponding bolt plate; and a connecting bar provided with opposite ends, each end connected to a second end of a corresponding articulating arm; and a carriage component comprising a guide block having a pair of adjacent side plates selectively shaped to guide the cover member connecting bar into a groove formed in the guide block, wherein the slot has a first outer portion for releasably retaining the cover member at the cover uncoupling side edge during opening and closing of the cover; and a second inner portion to allow movement of the tie bar to a rotation position of the cover at the undocking side edge of the cover during opening and closing of the cover. The hinge may have a spring loaded pin attached to the cover member which, in a closed position, retains the cover on the hinge and, in an open position, allows the cover to move up and away from the hinge. and a second inner portion to allow movement of the tie bar to a rotation position of the cover at the undocking side edge of the cover during opening and closing of the cover. The hinge may have a spring loaded pin attached to the cover member which, in a closed position, retains the cover on the hinge and, in an open position, allows the cover to move up and away from the hinge. and a second inner portion to allow movement of the tie bar to a rotation position of the cover at the undocking side edge of the cover during opening and closing of the cover. The hinge may have a spring loaded pin attached to the cover member which, in a closed position, retains the cover on the hinge and, in an open position, allows the cover to move up and away from the hinge.

In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a top-opening rail car roof system comprising a semi-rigid and deformable rail car roof; and means for reversibly opening the cover. The means for reversibly opening the cover may comprise at least one mechanical arm connected to at least one side edge of the cover, each movable arm between a retracted and an expanded position, and provided with a spring-loaded fastener; means for expanding each mechanical arm; a track to allow directional movement of the rail car; a stationary helical equipment adjacent the track to engage each mechanical arm; and means for retracting each mechanical arm. The at least one mechanical arm may further comprise a hollow elevator arm, provided with a longitudinal slot hingedly connected at the first end to the cover; a sliding arm slidably coupled to a first end at the second end of the lift arm; a block connected to a second end of the sliding arm for coupling with the helical equipment; a support arm pivotally attached at a first end to the cover and pivotally attached at a second end to the first end of the sliding arm; and a pivot guide lever attached at the first end to the support arm and at a second end to a projection of the cylindrical rod of the pivot cover subset. a sliding arm slidably coupled to a first end at the second end of the lift arm; a block connected to a second end of the sliding arm for coupling with the helical equipment; a support arm pivotally attached at a first end to the cover and pivotally attached at a second end to the first end of the sliding arm; and a pivot guide lever attached at the first end to the support arm and at a second end to a projection of the cylindrical rod of the pivot cover subset. a sliding arm slidably coupled to a first end at the second end of the lift arm; a block connected to a second end of the sliding arm for coupling with the helical equipment; a support arm pivotally attached at a first end to the cover and pivotally attached at a second end to the first end of the sliding arm; and a pivot guide lever attached at the first end to the support arm and at a second end to a projection of the cylindrical rod of the pivot cover subset. a support arm pivotally attached at a first end to the cover and pivotally attached at a second end to the first end of the sliding arm; and a pivot guide lever attached at the first end to the support arm and at a second end to a projection of the cylindrical rod of the pivot cover subset. a support arm pivotally attached at a first end to the cover and pivotally attached at a second end to the first end of the sliding arm; and a pivot guide lever attached at the first end to the support arm and at a second end to a projection of the cylindrical rod of the pivot cover subset.

The extraction means of each mechanical arm may comprise a hook in each mechanical arm; at least one U-shaped extraction equipment for coupling each hook to effect outward movement of each mechanical arm from a retracted position to an expanded position; and a sensor for radio frequency identification on the helical equipment and a radio frequency identification card on the cover for activating the arm extraction equipment. The helical equipment may comprise a capture segment; a cover opening segment having inlet and outlet ends; a guide segment; a cover closure segment having inlet and outlet ends; and a segment for release. The segment for opening the cover may further comprise at least one helical tube for coupling at least one mechanical arm, where each helical tube has an inlet end and a slot extending in its length, being selectively shaped based on the cover geometry, rail car geometry, rail car speed, and available operating space to allow full cover opening. The cover closure segment may further comprise at least one helical tube for coupling at least one mechanical arm, where each helical tube has an outlet end and a slot extending in its length that is selectively shaped based on geometry. of coverage, in the geometry of the rail car,

There may be only one segment helical tube for opening the cover and there may be only one segment helical tube for closing the cover. In that case, the guide segment may further comprise a planar guide extending between the segment pipe for opening the cover and the segment pipe for closing the cover, a portion of the planar guide at a vertical height sufficient to engage either. the slide arm block or a lower edge of the cover to keep the cover within a desired distance from the side of the rail car.

There may be two parallel helical tubes in the segment for opening the cover and in the segment for closing the cover. In this case, the guide segment may further comprise a planar guide extending between each segment pipe for opening the cover and a corresponding segment pipe for closing the cover, a portion of the planar guide at a vertical height sufficient to engage lower edge of the cover and keeping the cover within a desired distance from the side of the rail carriage, the guide having a first opening near the exit end of the segment for opening the cover, the opening extending to a first door, the selectively operable door to permit passage through a first of at least one sliding arm; and a second opening near the entrance end of the cover closing segment, the opening extending through a second door, the door selectively operable to allow passage through the second opening of at least one sliding arm. The capture segment may further comprise an expanded section at the inlet end of each tube to orient the slide arm block in the tube.

The means for retracting each mechanical arm may comprise a device for deflecting the cover in the helical equipment for aligning the cover with each joint and each single joint prior to releasing at least one mechanical arm; and a drive arm for driving each spring-loaded fastener to retract each arm to the retracted position. The release segment may further comprise an expanded section at the distal end of each tube to guide the sliding arm out of the tube.

and moving the rail carriage further on the track to rotate the cover by at least 90 degrees at the second side edge from a closed position on top of the rail carriage to a partially open position away from the rail carriage opening; and a series of closures of the rail carriage movement steps further down the track to reverse rotation of the cover to the second side edge, from the partially open position away from the rail carriage opening to a closed position on the rail carriage, moving the rail car further on the track to lock the cover at the joints of the rail car's first side threshold, and moving the rail carriage further down the track to a propeller exit position to decouple at least one mechanical arm from the first side edge of the bonnet from each segment helical tube to close the bonnet. The method for reversible opening of the semi-rigid and deformable cover may further comprise another final step in the opening series of rail carriage moving steps further along the track for rotating the cover at the second side edge from a partially open position. away from the rail car opening to a fully open position along the rail car; and another first step in the closing series of railroad moving steps further down the track, to reverse rotation of the cover at the second side edge from the fully open position along the rail carriage to the partially open position away from the rail carriage opening. The method for reversible opening of the semi-rigid and deformable cover may further comprise another final step in the series of opening the railway carriage moving steps further along the track along a deformation equipment to transition the cover from a formation into arc along the rail carriage for retracted formation along the rail carriage; and another first step in the closing series of rail car handling steps, beyond the track and beyond the deformation equipment to transition from the cover of a retracted formation along the rail carriage to an arc formation along the rail carriage. The method for reversible opening of the semi-rigid and deformable cover may further comprise another final step in the opening series of the rail carriage moving steps further down the track to a propeller exit position which decouples each mechanical arm in the first side edge of the cover of each corresponding segment helical tube for opening the cover; and another first step in the series of closing the rail carriage moving steps further down the track to a helical inlet position for coupling each mechanical arm to a first side edge of the bonnet in each corresponding segment helical tube for the cover closure. The method for reversible opening of the semi-rigid and deformable cover may further comprise another step of moving the rail carriage further along the track along the planar guide to maintain the rotational position of the rail during loading and unloading of the rail car. The method for reversible opening of the semi-rigid and deformable cover may comprise yet another step in the rail carriage loading steps between the series of cover opening steps and the series of cover opening closures. The method for reversible opening of the semi-rigid and deformable cover may further comprise another step in the rail unloading steps between the series of cover opening steps and the series of cover opening closures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A detailed description of the preferred embodiments is provided below by way of example only, and with reference to the following drawings, where: Ά Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cover in a closed position at the top of a rail car according to with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a view of the cover in a partially open position prior to separation of the edge of the rigid end section from the semi-rigid section of the main cover; according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a view of the partially open position cover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a view of the cover in a fully open position according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cover in a closed position at the top of a rail car, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a view of the pivot in the locked position according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a view of the joint in a locked position, also showing a part of the mechanical arm, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a side view of the pivot in the locked position according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a side view of the joint in an unlocked position according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a side view of the joint in an unlocked position showing the joint rod partially withdrawn from the grooves, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 is a side view of the hinge with the cover in a fully open position in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative joint configuration showing the carriage and bonnet components according to the invention; Figure 14 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the hinge with the closed cover according to the invention; Figure 15 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the fully open cover hinge according to the invention; Figure 16 is a side view of a mechanical arm according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 17 is a side view of an alternative mechanical arm configuration in a retracted travel position according to the invention; Figure 18 is a side view of an alternative expanded mechanical arm configuration coupled by the tube helical equipment according to the invention; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the arm extraction equipment for mechanical arm extension according to the invention; Figure 20 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the partially open position cover with the helical support structure removed for clarity according to the invention; Figure 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cover fully open and retracted against the side of the rail carriage according to the invention;

In the drawings, an embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are for illustration purposes only and as an aid to understanding and are not intended to define the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First with reference to Figure 1, the main cover section 2 of the rail carriage cover 4 consists. of a single sheet of a thin fiber reinforced composite material sufficient to cover the width of the rail carriage while arcing upwards to create a curved end view profile of sufficient height to provide a degree of structural rigidity to the roof. The longitudinal sides of the main cover section are made of a thicker composite material to increase edge stiffness. Along each side edge, from the edge, a hollow reinforced or foam-filled section is provided to give the cover edge more rigidity. The rest of the main cover section is made of a thin composite material, wherein a plurality of composite 'slats' are laminated for added rigidity. Made from high fiber composite materials, these reinforcements will have the rigidity selected to maintain the arch shaped cover when not retracted, yet allow the cover to retract or flatten against the side of the carriage when the cover is fully open. This roof design provides a roof that is much lighter overall than comparable prior art roofs, even those constructed of lightweight compounds. still allowing the cover to retract or flatten against the side of the car when the cover is fully open. This roof design provides a roof that is much lighter overall than comparable prior art roofs, even those constructed of lightweight compounds. still allowing the cover to retract or flatten against the side of the car when the cover is fully open. This roof design provides a roof that is much lighter overall than comparable prior art roofs, even those constructed of lightweight compounds.

As best shown in Figures 2-5, in a preferred embodiment, the end sections 6 of the cover are made of a rigid, glass type or other rigid material. Each end section has a parabolic shape to match the curve defined by the end of the main coverage section. To allow flattening of the cover when the cover is opened and rotated along the rail carriage, the hinge 8 connects to the peak curve of each end section to the center of the corresponding end 10 of the main cover section, allowing the section end is substantially separated from the end of the main cover section during opening of the cover, while pivotally attached in a central position.

A cover end section guide assembly comprises a first tube 12 hinged at a first end 14 of the outer surface of an edge of one end of the main cover section, telescoping with a second end 16 at the first end 18 of a second tube 20 is hinged at its second end 22 to the outer surface of an opposite edge of the corresponding end of the main cover section. The end section guide assembly of the cover further comprises at least one guide element 24 attached to the inner surface of the end section. Each guide element comprises a hollow oblong cylinder which can slide along a fixed support 26 in the telescopic tube assembly.

When the cover is fully rotated in its opening arc over a longitudinal edge, the main cover section may be flattened, causing the curved end edges of the main cover section to separate from the curved edge of each cover end section. .

When the main cover flattens, thereby separating the edges of the main cover section from each other, the telescopic tube assembly is extended, causing each guide member to slide from its position on the telescopic tube. While increasing the distance between the center and each longitudinal edge of the main cover section, the end section is separated from the main cover section. Each guide element supports the end section as it moves from a closed position on top of the rail carriage to a fully open position along the rail carriage, allowing each hinged end section to remain flat, coplanar with the planed body section. main.

In the alternative embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6, the ends of the cover may be made of composite materials. In this configuration, each end 28 will come from a corrugated, flexible laminate. When the cover is retracted or flattened, the end is required to change its shape so that more material is required.

By building the corrugated ends, this material is available. The stiffness of the composite material will pull the ends of the cover back into corrugated shape when the cover is not retracted.

The materials used in the fabrication of the main section of the cover are selected so that the cover can support its own weight and the weight of the snow load when in the closed position, yet can be bent or retracted when necessary to give clearance to loading and unloading dependencies. Telescopic tubes of the preferred end section are made of fiberglass or similar lightweight rigid material. The cover is provided with a plurality of joints, which may be lock joints, or simple joints. There is at least one joint, and preferably at least two joints on each side of the cover.

According to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 7-12, each pivot consists of two subsets, a subset of the cover 30 associated with the cover, and a subset of the carriage 32 associated with the upper or rail rail threshold 34. The cover subset consists of one or more plates 36 attached to the outer surface of the cover. A pivot arm 38 extends perpendicular to each plate. Each pivot arm has a transverse pivot rod 40 which extends generally collinearly with the upper carriage rail. The cover subset further comprises a cylindrical rod 42 extending longitudinally along the edge of the outer surface of the rail carriage cover by an opening or series of apertures 44 per each pivot arm. A pair of spaced hinged guides 46 extend perpendicular to the cylindrical shank in the vicinity of each hinge. The cylindrical rod supporting the pivot guides is rotated during opening and closing of the cover as described below. The carriage subset of each pivot consists of at least one pivot arm receptacle 48, each pivot arm receptacle having selectively shaped side plates 50 to orient each pivot arm and associated pivot rod to a lock position when cover closes.

When the cover is raised on one side, the shape of the subassemblies and their elements causes the rods in the pivot arms on the opposite side of the cover to slide into the grooves. This effectively changes the rotation point of the cover by moving the rotation point of the pivot armrest 54 to pivot rod 40, preventing the pivot rod from leaving the pivot. Moving the pivot point allows the cover to be rotated to a position along rail carriage 56, below and outside the carriage sill. The carriage subset of each hinge according to the preferred embodiment further comprises a hinged locking member 58 between an unlocked position and a locked position in at least one of the hinges. In the locked position 60, The locking element prevents the cover from lifting until it is unlocked. In the locked position, the expanded end 62 of the locking member is positioned in the slot opening into which the pivot rod rests, preventing the pivot rod from leaving. In the unlocked position 64, the locking element is rotated downwardly and inwardly towards the bottom of the expanded end, thereby allowing the pivot rod to be withdrawn from the locking position in the slot.

When more than one locking element is used, all locking elements may be released simultaneously, with each pivot guide extending from a common cylindrical shank. Ά rod rotation simultaneously rotates all pivot guides connected to the rod, unlocking all locking elements on a corresponding side of the rail carriage. The articulation of the locking element is made by mechanical pressure exerted on a transverse pin 66 extending from one side of the locking element. The pin is slidably coupled with a curved opening 68 on each side of the carriage subassembly block. When the mechanical arm 70 used for opening and closing the cover is raised or lowered as described below,

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 13-15, each pivot consists of two components, a cover member 76 permanently attached to the cover surface, and a carriage member 78 attached to the rail car's upper or railing threshold . The cover member consists of a rod 80 extending longitudinally in the width of the carriage member. The bar is connected to the two pivot arms 82, each perpendicular to the surface of the cover and extending approximately the full width of the upper carriage threshold, thus forming the carriage component. These pivot arms are individually fixed to a bolt plate 84, allowing the entire cover member to be bolted to the cover. The carriage component consists of a block 86 with selectively shaped side plates 88, to guide the orientation of the cover member in position when the cover closes. When closed, the bar in the cover member rests in a groove 90 made in the side plates of the carriage member. When the cover is raised on one side, the shape of the components and their elements causes the bars in the joints on the opposite side of the cover to slide into the grooves. This effectively changes the rotation point of the roof to allow the roof to be rotated to a position along the rail car, below and outside the car's threshold. In at least two joints on each side of the cover, there is another locking mechanism, preventing the cover from lifting until it is locked. The locking mechanism comprises a spring loaded pin 92 in the cover member which, with the cover closed, will traverse the outside of a bent bulge 94 in the carriage member. Removing the pin will allow the cover to be lifted and moved inwards, releasing it from the joint. With the pin held in place, the cover cannot be lifted and remains securely confined to the pivot.

In one or more positions along the length of the cover the mechanical arms 70 are located for interaction with the helical equipment system. Due to size restrictions on the rail carriage, these mechanical arms must be located within the width of the rail carriage during the journey. To allow locomotives, which are larger than the gondola or funnel cars, to pass through the loading or unloading area, the helical equipment must be outside the space occupied by the rail car. Therefore, the mechanical arms should be ideally extendable to allow coupling with the helical equipment. In addition, the mechanical arm system should ideally be as close as possible to the cover surface to allow complete rotation of the cover. In a fully rotated position,

As shown in Figures 16-18, the arms consist of several parts. The first part is an A-shaped metal profile mounted on side 98 of the cover, pivotally mounted on top 100 of its structure. The lower (outer) end of profile A is a single hollow tube arm 102, with an opening or slot along the lower side. The second arm part is a sliding arm 104 which slides into the hollow of the first extending tube of the first portion extending toward the outside of the cover. The opposite side of this arm is fitted with a block 106 of low friction material such as ultra high molecular weight plastic. This block is sized and shaped to fit within the helical tube. On the upper surface 108 of the sliding arm, near the outer end, there is a small hook 110 facing up and inwards. This hook can be coupled by the arm extraction means of the helical equipment to allow extraction of the mechanical arm. The third part of the mechanical arm mechanism is a support arm 112 attached to the cover below the A-profile connection point, and above the inner end of the slide arm. The other end 114 of the support arm is pivotally connected to the underside of the sliding arm. In a preferred embodiment, a lever 72 extends between the support arm and a projection on the cylindrical rod of the pivot cover subset. When the mechanical arm is retracted for retention, this support arm and pivot guide lever, if any, will lodge into the slot in the hollow section of the A-profile. When the arm is extended, This part of the support arm lifts the mechanical arm up and out. Also, there is a locking mechanism attached to the sliding arm comprising a steel spring clip for locking the mechanical arm in the expanded position if desired and which can be released when the mechanical arm needs to return to a retracted and retained position. ''.

As shown in Figures 19-22, the helical equipment system consists of a capture segment, a cover opening segment, a guide segment, a cover closure segment, and a release segment. The capture segment consists of an expanded section of tube 116 to allow for slight variations in carriage size and positioning. By ensuring that the cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe in this segment is sufficient to allow for any reasonable variations, and inducing all sides towards the final shape of the pipe, the slide arm will be guided to the required position.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover opening segment consists of two longitudinally spaced apart metal helical tubes 118, 120 spaced to engage the sliding arms in the cover. The guide segment consists of a planar guide 121 extending between the cover opening segment and the cover closing segment, which is positioned to retain the cover between the guide and the side of the rail carriage. In a preferred embodiment, the cover closure segment consists of two longitudinally spaced apart helical tubes spaced to engage the sliding arms in the cover.

Each cover opening and segments for closing the helical equipment cover consist of at least one pipe, which may be of metal, with the slot along its length. The position of the slot in the pipe is determined by the geometry of the casing, but basically represents the position facing the center of rotation, altered by any deviation in the angle with which the slide is mounted on its arm. The tube has a helical shape defined by the geometry of the roof and the carriage, the space with which it can work and the speed of the train. In the final view, the propeller is circular, of a diameter that matches the distance between the joints and the end of the slide arm on the opposite side of the rail car. In a plan and side view, the shape of the propeller can be determined by the cover and carriage geometry,

This shape determines the speed with which the cover is opened or closed, and the forces applied to the cover.

Higher speeds may cause greater forces applied to a roof. When the slide arm block 106 runs within the helical tube, the tube is supported by an outer frame 122 as long as the frame remains outside the helix curve.

In the final section there is the release section, which may be an expanded section of the helical tube 124, to release the tube slide. In an open propeller there may not be a release segment if the intention is to retain the cover through the loading area or the unloading area. If the slide is not released, it will remain attached and run through a straight section of the pipe before the cover closes again.

There are several options for opening the covers; The preferred option is described herein. In operation, the cover is firmly secured to the upper carriage rail as it travels between loading and unloading facilities. In normal travel, the mechanical arms are spring loaded in a fixed position.

When the car approaches the loading or unloading location, it operates in a helical opening equipment. First, an arm extraction device extends and engages the mechanical arms in a cover, so that the helical equipment, which is beyond the arch of the carriage and the cover, can lock the block at the end of the arm part. mechanical arm slide.

Various methods can be used to locate and extend the arms without the use of a cover drive. In the preferred sensor design, the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology senses an RFID "tag" located on the side of the cover or near the longitudinal center of the cover. Using position sensing technology, this provides precise positioning of the arm extraction system. This system includes arm extraction equipment.

With a signal from the RFID system, the arm extraction equipment extends in and down toward the cover, attaching a hook to the arm ... The arm extraction equipment moves away from the car, pulling the arm to do this action. Then raise the arm, uncoupling the hook. The longitudinal length of the arm extraction equipment shall be determined based on the train speed. Since the train is moving while extraction is taking place, arm extraction equipment moves along the train during extraction, and should ideally be of sufficient length to allow movement during this time to perform mechanical arm extraction.

Once attached, the sliding arm travels inside the helical tube of the helical equipment, following the helical shape as it moves forward with the movement of the train. This unlocks and lifts the cover on one side as the train continues to move forward. The shape of the coil causes the casing to rotate on its pivot axis, a series of joints located on the opposite side of the casing, until the entire top of the rail carriage is exposed. This partially open position is made by rotating the cover by at least 90 degrees. The cover may then be supported in this partially open position while material is loaded into the carriage, or may be further rotated to a fully open position where it will rest against the side of the rail carriage. If it is necessary to avoid the structural components of the loading or unloading dependencies, the cover may be induced to shrink by using a wall, angled pipe or similar deformation device along the bottom edge of the cover towards the body. the car by flattening the cover for a smaller horizontal volume. This also allows the cover and the car to fit into the envelope of a car dumper.

When the carriage leaves the loading or unloading area, a helical closing device re-engages the mechanical arms in the cover and rotates the cover to a closed travel position. The final step is to release spring-loaded fasteners, using a drive arm to drive the fasteners, allowing the springs to retract each of the mechanical arms back to their retracted position onboard, allowing the cars to move to their next destinations.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variations of the preferred embodiment may also be performed without departing from the scope of the invention.

CLAIMS