US3402677A - Signal producing means for use with a railway car handling mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 24, 1968 w. J. SAXONMEYER 3,402,677

SIGNAL PRODUCING MEANS FOR USE WITH A RAILWAY CAR HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 7, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet l \COUNTER CABLE ROBOT CABLE q 34 |4 (ROBOT I all m ROBOT TRACKSw INVENTOR WALLACE J. ZAXONMEYER BY fl/w'fif g7 *17- ATT'YS.

Sept. 24, 1968 w. J. SAXONMEYER 3,402,677

SIGNAL PRODUCING MEANS FOR USE WITH A RAILWAY CAR HANDLING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 7, 1966 INVENTOR WALLANMEYER Sept. 24, 1968 w. .1. SAXONMEYER 3,

SIGNAL PRODUCING MEANS FOR USE WITH A RAILWAY CAR HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Feb. '2, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVEN TOR ALLACE J. SAXONMEYER W?" 'ATTYS.

Sept. 1968 w J. SAXONMEYER 3,402,677

SIGNAL PRODUCING MEANS FOR USE WITH A RAILWAY CAR HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 7, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VENTOR E TM W WC w w United States Patent Ofice 3,402,677 Patented Sept. 24, 1968 3,402,677 SIGNAL PRODUCING MEANS FOR USE WITH A RAILWAY CAR HANDLING MECHANISM Wallace J. Saxonmeyer, Park Forest, Ill., assignor to Whiting Corporation, a corporation of Illinois Filed Feb. 7, 1966, Ser. No. 525,500 Claims. (Cl. 104176) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE In one embodiment, the railway car handling robot supports an actuating member including a pair of rollers engaging a cable which is suspended along the track serviced by the robot and connected to a counting mechanism. The actuating member includes a member engageable with the flange of a railway car wheel so as to momentarily bend the cable each time the robot passes a railway car wheel. After the counting mechanism has been actuated a predetermined number of times by the bending action of the cable, a signal is produced indicating to the operator that the robot has been moved to the desired position. In another embodiment, a circuit is substituted for the cable actuating means for the counter. In this embodiment, the engagement of a member with the flange of the railway car wheel opens and closes a set of contacts which are connected in a circuit to the counter. After the contacts have been opened and closed a predetermined number of times, a signal is produced indicating to the operator that the robot has been moved to the desired position.

The present invention relates in a general way to mechanism for moving or positioning one or more railway cars along a section of railway track by a cable operated device known as a robot, and more particularly the invention relates to means for producing a signal after the robot has been moved past a predetermined number of railway cars on the track section.

By way of background, one means for moving or positioning railway cars along a section of track extending to a shop, building, or other area where work is performed on or in connection with such cars, involves the use of a cable operated device known as a robot. The robot consists of a carriage or dolly mounted by rollers in a guideway for movement in either direction along a path parallel with and adjacent to the section of track. Such guideway is mounted in parallel relation between the rails of the track section, which track section is preferably rectilinear. Cables are connected to opposite ends of the robot; these cables extend to and are connected with suitable power means which serve to pull the robot in either direction along its guideway adjacent the track section. The robot includes a collapsible axle engaging member which adapts the robot to move one or more railway cars when the robot is being pulled in one direction. When the robot is pulled in the other direction, the axle engaging member thereof is either collapsed or merely deflects under the rail car axles upon engaging the same. Means for automatically collapsing and erecting a robot of this type are disclosed and claimed in copending Ames et al. application Ser. No. 469,696, filed July 6, 1965, and assigned to the assignee of the present application.

In practice, assuming a cut of cars, say twenty cars, for example, is to be moved in three car increments along the track section into the adjacent shop or building, the robot is pulled under the three railway cars whereupon the robot is stopped in a position ready for pushing engagement with one of the axles of the last railway car under which the robot is passed. It is desirable to provide some means whereby the robot can be stopped just after it has been moved past the predetermined number of railway cars. The present invention provides such means in the form of new and improved construction which produces a signal after the robot has been moved past the predetermined number of cars, or more specifically a predetermined number of railway car wheels. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this signal is an electrical signal which causes de-energizing of the robot motor.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide new and improved means for producing a signal after an associated railway car robot has been moved past a predetermined number of railway cars.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of signal producing means of the type described, which means include railway car sensing means carried by the robot.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of signal producing means according to the preceding paragraph wherein the sensing means includes mechanical means for sensing the presence of a rail wheel flange on the track section.

Another object of the present invention is the pro vision of electrically operated signal producing means for a robot of the type described, such means being adapted to produce a signal after actuation of an associated switch a preselected number of times, which switch is carried by the robot and is actuated by mechanical sensing means also carried by the robot.

Even another object of the present invention is the provision of electrically operated signal producing means for use in association with a railway car moving robot of the type described, which signal producing means is actuated by mechanical means including cable bending means carried by the robot and in rolling engagement with a cable suspended along the track section with one end of such cable being connected with switch means associated with the signal producing means.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specification disclosing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of a typical robot installation including one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top plan view of a robot with which the present invention is associated;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top plan view showing the major components of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged section taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG 7 is a section taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 8 showing another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of such other embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a section taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a preferred circuit for use with the FIGS. 7-9 embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, an installation wherein the present invention may be used includes a straight section of railway track defined by rails 10 and 11, which track section extends to a shop, building or area 12 to which it is desired to advance railwa'y cars on the track section. A robot, generally designated 14, is mounted for movement in either direction along a path parallel with and adjacent to the track section formed by the rails 10 and 11. Actually, the robot 14 is mounted for movewhich extend in parallel relation with the rails 10 and 11 between the same.

The robot 14, as best seen in FIG. 2, is of the dual type and includes a pair of identical robots 16 connected together in side-by-side relation by a pair of cross plates 17 and 18 braced by a longitudinal member 19. Each robot 16 includes a base frame consisting of spaced beams 20 and 21 connected at their respective opposite ends to blocks 22 and 23. Each of such blocks mounts a pair of rollers 25 which are received within the channels 15 defining the guideway for the robot.

An arm assembly 27 is pivotally mounted at one of its ends between the beams 20, 21 for swinging movement 'in a vertical plane parallel with the direction of movement of the robot. The arm assembly 27 mounts a railway car axle engaging roller 28. The length of the arm 27 is such that when the same is in the vertical or erected position illustrated in FIG. 3, the axis of rotation of the roller 28 is disposed slightly above the axis of rotation of the rail car axle to be engaged by the roller.

A suitable spring assembly 30 engages the lower end of arm assembly 27 and urges the same in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3. The arm assembly 27 is braced against clockwise swinging movement beyond its vertical or erected position by means of a brace arm 32 pivoted at one end thereof to the arm assembly 27 adjacent the end thereof mounting the roller 28. The other end of brace 32 is arranged for abutting engagement with an inclined face 23a of the block 23. It will be understood that when the robot 14 is moved from right to left as viewed in FIGS. 1-3, the rollers 28 will engage a rail car axle thereby to cause corresponding movement of the railway car. When the robot is moved in the opposite direction the arm assembly 27 will deflect or swing in a counterclockwise direction as the rollers 28 engage the railway car axles thereby to allow the rollers to deflect or roll under such axles without imparting movement to the associated railway car. For a more detailed explanation of the robots, reference may be had to the aforementioned Ames et a1. application.

A cable 34 is connected to one end of the robot 14, which cable passes around pulleys 35 and extends to a control station 36 where the cable is connected to suitable power means, such as a winch (not shown). Another cable 38 is connected to the other end of the robot 14; this cable passes around pulleys 39 and is also connected with suitable power means, such as the same or another winch at the control station 36. It will be understood that operation of such winch means serves to move the robot in either direction along the section of track defined by the rails 10 and 11.

Assume that a number of railway cars are positioned on the track section to be advanced to the work area 12 in seriatim or in increments of a certain number of cars. For example, suppose three railway cars are to be moved into the area .12 by the robot 14. Accordingly, the robot 14 will be moved in reverse from left to right until it has passed under the first three cars whereupon movement of the robot in the opposite direction, i.e., forward movement, will result in the same pushing the three cars to the left and into the area 12. Of course, the remaining cars in the cut of cars will also be moved to the left.

It is desirable to provide means which will produce a signal just after the robot has passed beneath the predetermined number of railway car axles. Such signal may be used for de-energizing the robot control means as shown herein in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

However, it will be appreciated that the signal may be a visual or audible signal indicating to an operator of the robot that the same should be stopped. The present invention has to do with means for producing a signal just after the robot has passed a predetermined number of rail car wheels, which wheels of course bear a direct relation to the number of railway cars.

One embodiment of the present invention is best illustrated in FIGS. 46 This embodiment includes a cable 40 suspended in parallel adjacent relation with rail 11 of the track section. One end of the cable is fixedly secured to an angle 41 which is suitably anchored to a foundation 42. The other end of the cable is connected to a rod 43; this rod is mounted for axial reciprocable movement in aligned apertures in a pair of angles 44, 45. The angles 44, 45 are mounted to the base 47 of a generally rectangular housing 48; this base is fixedly mounted to foundations 49, 50'.

Rod 43 includes a threaded section mounting a pair of adjustment nuts 52, one of which nuts abuts a washer '53 which in turn abuts one end of a coil spring 54 encircling a portion of the rod 43. The other end of the spring 54 engages a nut 55 which abuts the upwardly extending flange or" the angle 44. It will be understood that spring 54 acts to urge the rod 43 to the right as viewed in the figures thereby to maintain the cable 40' taut.

,The rod 43 also mounts a nut 57 at one end of a sleeve 58. The other end of the sleeve is engaged by a nut 59, which nut is threadingly mounted on the rod 43 It will be understood that nut 57 may be adjustably positioned along the rod 43.

A switch assembly 61 is mounted within housing 48. This switch includes a generally vertically extending actuating arm 62 which mounts a roller 63. The roller 63 is positioned to be engaged by the nut 57 on the rod 43 upon movement of the latter from right to left. Movement of the rod 43 and the nut 57 serves to deflect the actuating arm 62 to the broken line position illustrated in FIG. 5. Biasing means (not shown) within the switch 61 serve to return the arm 62 and roller 63 to the solid line position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 upon return of the arm 43 and nut 57 to their positions shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, i.e., upon movement of the rod 43 and the nut 57 from left to right. Movement of the arm 62 from its solid line position to its broken line position and back to its solid line position serves to cycle or actuate the switch 61, i.e., to close and open the contacts therein. As will be explained hereinbelow, cycling or actuating of the arm 62 a preselected number of times causes an electric signal to be produced, which signal may be used to control movement of the robot.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, it will be seen that a plate 65 is secured to the robot 14 adjacent plate 17 thereof; plate 65 extends outwardly of the robot transversely thereof and mounts an angle bracket 66 by means of a plurality of fasteners 67. The depending flange of angle bracket 66 supports a pivot pin 68 at one end of the latter. Pin 68 pivotally mounts a pair of plates 70, 71, which plates support a pair of rollers 72, 73 in respective rolling engagement with upper and lower portions of the cable 40*. A sleeve on the pin 68 serves to maintain plate 71 in spaced relation from the depending flange of the bracket 66 for unobstructed pivoting movement relative thereto.

Plate 70 mounts a pin 76; this pin supports a roller 77. A suitable spacer 78 on the pin 76 maintains the roller 77 in proper spaced relation from the plate 70.

The cable 40 serves to maintain the plates 70, 71 in the position illustrated in FIG. 5. When the plates 70, 71 are in this position, the roller 77 is mounted in such a position that the same comes into engagement with the lower portion of the flange of a rail wheel on the rail 11 of the track section. Such a flange is represented by the numeral 80. As the robot moves past a railway car wheel, the roller 77 causes the plates 70, 71 to be pivoted about the pin 68 (in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 5) by reason of the engagement of the roller 77 with the lowermost portion of the flange of the rail car wheel. This pivoting movement of the plates 70, 71 causes the rollers 72, 73 to bend the cable 40 which in turn causes the rod 43 to be pulled from right to left. As the roller 77 passes beyond the lowermost portion of the flange 80, the spring 54 serves to return the rod 43 to its position illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. This axial recipro cable movement of the rod 43 results in corresponding movement of the nut 57 thereby to actuate or cycle the switch 61. It will be apparent that the switch 61 will be cycled once each time the roller 77 passes a rail wheel on the rail 11 of the track section. Or in other words, the switch 61 is actuated each time the robot 14 passes a connected pair of railway car wheels (two wheels having a common axle) on the section of track. As it will be explained hereinbelow, after the switch 61 has been cycled a preselected number of times an associated, electrically operated, signal producing means produces a signal resulting in closing of a switch which is used to control movement of the robot. Before describing a circuit including signal producing means and the switch 61, another embodiment of the invention will be described. Such other embodiment is used with substantially the same circuit.

This other embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. The robot mounts a plate 83 which extends outwardly and transversely of the robot. This plate supports a bar 84, which bar mounts a bracket assembly 85. The bracket assembly includes an integral cylindrical portion 85a mounting a vertically extending rod 86. The rod 86 includes a bifurcated lower portion mounting a pin 87 on which one end of a collector arm 88 is pivoted. The other end of the arm 88 mounts a bracket 89 of inverted U- shape. This bracket supports a pin 90 which pivotally engages a collector shoe housing 91 formed of suitable dielectric material. The shoe 91 carries a contact 92 which is mounted for sliding electrical engagement with a conductor 94 mounted in parallel relation between the rail 11 and the adjacent channel of the robot guideway. Conductor 94 is supported at intervals along the length thereof by supports 95. As noted in FIG. 7, the end of arm 88 adjacent the pivot pin 87 is in the form of a hook engaging one end of a spring 97. The other end of this spring is engaged with a hook integral with a collar member 98 mounted on the upper end of rod 86. Spring 97 serves to maintain the contact 92 in sliding electrical engagement with the conductor 94 during movement of the robot 14 in either direction along its path of travel.

Plate 17 of the robot also mounts a generally vertically disposed plate 100; this plate supports a switch assembly -101. Switch assembly 101 mounts a generally horizontally extending actuating shaft 102, one end of which shaft extends externally of the switch housing and is fixedly connected to one end of an actuating arm 104. Means (not shown) within the switch assembly 101 serve to maintain yieldably the shaft 102 and the arm 104 in the position illustrated in FIG. 8, but such means permit limited rotation of the arm 104 and shaft 102 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. '8. Biasing means (not shown) within the switch assembly serve to return the arm 104 to its position illustrated in FIG. 8.

One contact within the switch 101 is connected with sliding contact 92 by means of an insulated connector or lead 105. The other contact in the switch 101 is grounded to the housing thereof. It will be understood that the housing of switch -101 is not insulated from plate 100, or any other of the various robot parts, all of which parts are of metallic construction.

Bar 84 also supports a vertically disposed plate 108. Plate 108 supports a horizontally disposed pin 109; this pin pivotally mounts an arm 110 intermediate the ends of the latter. A sleeve 1 11 maintains the arm 110 in spaced relation with the plate 108 for free pivoting movement relative thereto. As noted in FIG. 8, one end of arm 110 is in engagement with the actuating arm 104 of the switch assembly 101. Theother end of the arm 110 mounts a pin 112, which pin supports a roller 114.

As mentioned above, anm 1 10 is pivotally mounted on the pin 109. The arm 110 is unbalanced and tends to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 8.

However, the engagement between the arm 110 and the actuating arm 104 of the switch normally prevents such counterclockwise rotation. When the arm 110 is held in this position by the actuating arm 104, roller 114 is positioned to come into engagement with the flange of a rail wheel on the rail 11 of the track section. As the robot moves past such a railway car wheel, engagement of the flange thereof with the roller 114 causes the arm to be cammed in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 8, thereby to rotate the arm 104 for actuating the switch 101 controlled thereby. As the roller 114 rolls along the lowermost portion of the flange, i.e., deflects past the same upon movement of the robot, the switch 101 is cycled, i.e., the contacts therein are closed and then separated. As the roller 1-14 passes beyond the flange 80, the biasing means (not shown) within the switch assembly 101 serves to return the arm 110 and the arm 104 to the position illustrated in FIG. 8. In other words, the switch 101 is cycled or operated once each time the robot passes a connected pair of railway car wheels on the track section defined by the rails 10 and 11.

FIG. 10 illustrates a circuit incorporating the present invention. Actually, the FIG. 10 circuit is used with the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7-9. There are only minor differences between this circuit and the circuit used with the FIGS. 4-6 embodiment, which differences will be explained hereinbelow.

Referring now to FIG. 10, numerals -115 represent the input lines from a suitable source of alternating current. The lines 115 are connected through a set of forward contacts 116 and a set of reverse contacts 117 to the three phases of a reversible drive motor 118. It will be understood that the motor 118 operates the winch or winches connected to the cables 34, 38 which are secured to the robot 14. A transformer 120 reduces the voltage on the other side of the motor to approximately conventional line voltage, i.e., 117 volts. An electronic relay 121 with a self-contained transformer connected in parallel with the transformer 120 reduces the voltage further to approximately 10 volts. This relay includes a mechanically connected contactor 122. Thus, the electronic relay 121 serves to reduce the voltage in the exposed conductor 94 and channel 15 to a level which will not be a hazard to operating personnel. The switch 101, which is actuated by engagement of the roller 114 with the railway flange 80, is connected in a circuit on the low voltage side of the relay 121. One leg of this circuit is defined by the conductor 94 which extends along the track section and the other leg of the circuit is defined by one of the channels 15 forming a part of the guideway of the robot. Referring back to FIG. 8, one contact of the switch 101 is connected to conductor 94 by the contact 92 and electrical lead .105. The other contact of the switch 101 is grounded to the switch housing which is in electrical communication with the channel 15 via the robot itself.

Numeral 123 represents an electrically operated counting device which is connected in the circuit in a line including contactor 122 and also including normally open contacts 125. The counter includes a normally open reset contacts 124 and normally closed contacts 126. The contacts 126, which are shown remote from the counter 128 but which actually form a part thereof, are associated with a manually operated control knob and appropriate indicia (not shown) for setting a preselected number in the counter, say twelve for example. The counter 123, which is of known construction and of itself forms no part of the present invention, is of the type adapted to cause closing of the contacts 126 after the switch 101 has been cycled for a number of times equal to the number set by the manually operable control knob just mentioned.

A timing relay 12-7 is connected in a line with a forward limit switch 128. This limit switch is mounted along the robot guideway at the forward limit of travel of the robot (see FIG. 1). Suitable means (not shown) are carried by the robot to engage and close the switch 128 as the robot reaches its forward limit of travel. The switch 128 is mechanically connected to another switch 130 so that closing of the former causes opening of the latter. The switch 130 is connected in a line with a forward contactor coil 132. Also connected in this line are normally opened contacts 133, normally closed contacts 134 controlled by the tirning relay 127, and normally closed reverse contacts 135. A momentary start switch 136, of the push button type for example, is connected in parallel with the normally open contacts 133.

Numeral 138 represents normally open time delay contacts which are associated with the timing relay 127. These contacts are connected in parallel with normally open contacts 139, which contacts are connected in a line with a reverse contactor coil 140. This line also includes the selector switch 126 and a normally closed reverse limit switch 141 which is mounted along the robot guideway at the reverse limit of travel of the robot 14 (see FIG. 1). Suitable means (not shown) carried by the robot serve to engage and open the switch 141 when the robot reaches its reverse limit of travel along the guideway therefor. Normally closed contacts 142 are also mounted in the line with the reverse contactor coil 140.

Broken line 144 represents mechanical linkage which causes simultaneous actuation of the contacts 116, 124, 133 and 142 upon energizing of the forward contactor coil 132. Broken line 145 represents mechanical linkage which causes simultaneous actuation of the contacts 117, 125, 135 and 139 upon energizing of the reverse contactor coil 140.

The operation of the FIGS. 79 embodiment of the invention is as follows: Referring to FIG. 1, assume that a cut of railway cars, say twenty cars for example, is located on the railway track section to the right of area 12. Assume that the robot motor 118 is de-energized and that the robot is positioned between the third and fourth cars (counting left to right from area 12) in the cut of cars. In other words, it is desired to move the cut of cars in three car increments. Assuming further that each railway car has four pairs of rail wheels, the number twelve is set in the counter 123.

A cycle of operation is commenced by momentarily closing start switch 136 which causes energizing of the forward contactor coil 132. Energizing of this coil causes simultaneous closing of the contacts 116, 124, 133 and opening of contacts 142. Closing of the contacts 124 actuates the counter 123 for being reset for the next cycle of operation. Closing of the contacts 116 causes motor 118 to be energized in the forward direction thereof thereby to bring about forward movement of the robot, i.e., from right to left as viewed in FIG. 1.

Such forward movement of the robot causes the robot rollers 28 to come into pushing engagement with the rearwardmost axle of the third railway car thereby causing movement of the entire cut of cars from right to left. The rail cars are then moved toward the area 12 until the robot 14 brings about closing of the forward limit switch 128. At this stage of operation, the three cars will be positioned within the work area 12. Closing of forward limit switch 128 causes simultaneous opening of switch 130 because of the mechanical connection between these two switches. Opening of the switch 130 causes de-energazing of the forward contactor coil 132, thereby opening contacts 116, 124, 133 and closing contacts 142. Opening of the contacts 116 causes de-energizing of the motor 118 thereby to allow the robot to come to rest.

Closing of the forward limit switch 128 also causes energizing of the timing relay 127. Timing relay 127 brings about closing of the switch 138 after a predetermined interval of time. This interval of time is sufficient to'allow the robot to come to a c'omplete'stop before energizing the motor 118 in its reverse direction. Closing of the switch 138 causes energizing of the reverse contactor coil 140. Energizing of the coil brings about closing of contacts 117, 125, 139 and opening of the contacts 135. Closing of the reverse contacts 117 energizes the robot control motor 118 for driving the robot in the opposite or reverse direction, i.e., from left to right as seen in FIG. 1.

As the robot moves in its reverse direction, the roller 114 will successively engage the flanges of the railway car wheels. The switch 10-1 will be cycled each time the roller 114 engages and deflects past a railway car fianlge. Each cycle of operation of the switch 101 caused cycling of the contactor 122 through the relay 121, thereby advancing the timer 123. After the counter has been energized or pulsed the preselected number of times, i.e., twelve, the counter will cause opening of the switch 126. Opening of this switch will cause cle-energizing of the reverse contactor coil 140 thereby causing simultaneous opening of the contacts 117, 125, 139 and closing of the contacts 135. Opening of the contacts 117 results in deenergizing of the motor 118 thereby causing the robot to come to a stop after it has passed the three railway cars.

Another cycle of operation is commenced by again pushing the momentary start switch 136. Should it now be desired to advance the cut of cars in only two car increments, the appropriate number, in this case eight, is set into the counter before the robot reaches the forward limit switch and commences reverse movement. During reverse movement of the robot, that is from left to right as seen in FIG. 1, the robot rollers 28 merely deflect beneath the axles of the railway cars.

When the FIGS. 4-6 embodiment of the invention is used, the FIG. 10 circuit need only be modified as follows: the switch 61 is substituted for the switch 101. Since the conductor 94 is not used in this embodiment and since the channel 15 does not define a leg of the circuit in this embodiment, suitable electrical conductors are used to complete the circuit. Since no portions of the circuit need be exposed when using the FIGS. 4-6 embodiment, low voltage is not a necessity and therefore the transformer forming part of the electronic relay 121 may be dispensed with. Otherwise, the circuit and the operation thereof are the same as explained above in connection with the FIGS. 7-9 embodiment.

Although the counter 123 has been shown in the circuit for causing automatic operation of the robot control motor, the present invention is not to be limited for use in such a circuit. For example, the counter might be used in connection with visual or audible means for indicating to an operator of the motor 118 when the robot has been moved past the predetermined number of cars.

Both embodiments of the present invention possess many advantages which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. One particular advantage of the FIGS. 4-6 embodiment is that no electrical components need be mounted on the robot or along the section of track. The switch 61 and the actuating means therefor may be mounted at either end of the track section. In the event area 12 is a closed area, such as a shop or building, it is desirable to mount the switch 61 and the actuating means therefor at the end of the track section within such shop or building. Both embodiments of the invention make advantageous use of a roller which engages the flange of a rail car wheel. The vertical distance from the top of the rail 11 to the lowermost portion of the flange remains substantially constant regardless of the diameter of the railway car wheel. In other words, the position of the roller 77 or 114 need not be adjusted to accommodate different types of railway cars.

While the invention has been shown but in one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not to be so limited. On the contrary, the invention is susceptible of various forms and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In the following claims, the term signal producing means is used in a broad sense and means any form or type of electrical or mechanical signal which is produced or generated upon actuation of an associated cycling device, such as a switch, a preselected number of times.

I claim:

1. In combination with a railway car handling mechanism including a robot mounted for movement in either direction along a path parallel with and adjacent to a sectionof railway track, means for producing a signal after the robot has been moved past a predetermined number of railway cars on the track section, said means comprising, signal producing means and cyclic operating means associated therewith, which signal producing means is adapted to produce a signal upon cycling of said operating means a preselected number of times, mechanical sensing means carried by said robot and including a member adapted, upon movement of the robot along said track section, to engage and deflect past a formation constituting a part of a railway car on said track section, actuating means for said operating means, the former being adapted to cycle the latter in response to each deflection of said member.

2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said formation is the flange of a railway car wheel and wherein said member is yieldably mounted to engage and follow the lower portion of such flange during movement of the robot therepast.

3. The combination according to claim 1 further defined by, said signal producing means being electrically operated, said cyclic operating means comprising switch means, and said actuating means comprising mechanical means.

I 4. In combination with a railway car handling mechanism including a robot mounted for movement in either direction along a path parallel with and adjacent to a section of railway track, means for producing a signal after the robot has been moved passed a predetermined number of railway cars on the track section, said means comprising, an electrical conductor supported in parallel adjacent relation with one of the rails of said track section, a circuit having one leg thereof defined by said conductor, a current collector carried by said robot, said current collector forming a part of said circuit and including a contact shoe in sliding electrical engagement with said conductor, a switch in said circuit for opening and closing the same, said switch being carried by said robot and being normally in one state, mechanical actuating means associated with said switch for actuating the same, said actuating means being carried by said robot and including a member adapted, upon movement of the robot along said track section, to engage and deflect past a formation constituting a part of a railway car on said track section, deflection of said member serving momentarily to actuate said switch to its other state, an electrically operated signal producing unit connected in said circuit and being adapted to produce a signal upon actuation of said switch a preselected number of times.

5. The combination according to claim 4 wherein said robot is mounted for movement in a guideway extending in parallel adjacent relation with said track section, said guideway being of metallic construction and defining one of the other legs of said circuit.

6. The combination according to claim 4 wherein said formation is the flange of a railway car wheel and wherein said member is yieldably mounted to engage and follow the lower portion of such flange during movement of the robot therepast.

7. In combination with a railway car handling mechanism including a robot mounted for movement in either directtion along a path parallelwith and adjacent to a section of railway track, means for producing a signal after the robot has been moved past a predetermined number of railway cars, said means comprising, an electric conductor supported in parallel adjacent relation with one of the rails of said track section, a circuit having one leg thereof defined by said conductor, a current collector carried by said robot, said current collector forming a part of said circuit and including a contact shoe in sliding electrical engagement with said conductor, a switch in said circuit for opening and closing the same, said switch being normally biased open and being carried by said robot, mechanical actuating means associated with said switch for actuating the same, said actuating means being carried by said robot and including a member mounted for swinging movement in a vertical plane extending longitudinally of said track section, an element supported by said member for engaging and following the lower portion of the flange of a railway car wheel on said track section upon movement of the robot therepast, such movement of said element serving to cause swinging movement of said member, said actuating means further including linkage engaged with said member and said switch for momentarily closing the latter in response to a cycle of swinging movement of the former, an electrically operated signal producing unit connected in said circuit and being adapted to produce a signal upon actuation of said switch a preselected number of times.

8. The combination according to claim 7 wherein said robot is mounted for movement in a guideway extending in parallel adjacent relation with said track section, said guideway being of metallic construction and defining one of the other legs of said circuit.

9. In combination with a railway car handling mechanism including a robot mounted for movement in either direction along a path parallel with and adjacent to a section of railway track, means for producing a signal after the robot has been moved past a predetermined number of railway cars, said means comprising, a cable suspended at each end thereof in parallel adjacent relation with said section of railway track, a signal producing unit including switch means mounted adjacent one end of said cable, said unit being adapted to produce a signal upon actuation of said switch means a preselected numer of times, said one end of said cable being connected with said switch means, which cable is supported and arranged to actuate said switch means, in response to the formation of a bend in said cable, cable bending means mounted on said robot and being in engagement with said cable, said cable bending means being adapted to remain in such engagement with the latter as said robot moves in either direction along said track section, said cable bending means having an element arranged to contact and deflect past a formation on a railway car on said track section during movement of the robot therealong, said cable bending means being adapted momentarily to bend said cable in response to each deflection of said element.

10. The invention according to claim 9 and further defined by said cable bending means including an assembly supporting said element and also supporting a pair of members in respective engagement with opposite portions of said cable, which assembly is pivotally mounted for bending said cable upon pivoting movement of the former, such pivoting movement being imparted by the action of said element in contacting and deflecting past said formation.

11. The combination according to claim 10 wherein said formation is the flange of a railway car wheel and wherein said element is mounted for engaging and following the contour of the lower portion of the flange as the robot moves therepast.

12. In combination with a railway car handling mechanism including a robot mounted for movement in either direction along a path parallel with and adjacent to a section of railway track, means for producing a signal after the robot has been moved past a predetermined number of railway cars on the track section, said means comprising, a cable suspended at its ends in parallel adjacent relation with said track section, a signal producing unit including an operating switch mounted adjacent one end of said cable, said unit being adapted to produce a signal upon actuation of said switch a preselected number of times, a movable actuator for said switch, the actuator 11 being biased against movement in one direction, said one end of said cable being connected with said actuator for moving the same in said one direction in response to corresponding movement of said one end of the cable thereby to actuate said switch, cable bending means on said robot in engagement with said cable, said cable bending means being adapted to remain in such engagement with the cable as said robot moves in either direction along said track section, said cable bending means having an element arranged to contact and deflect past a formation on a railway car on said track section during movement of the robot therealong, said cable bending means being adapted momentarily to bend said cable for pulling said one end thereof in said one direction in response to each deflection of said element.

13. The invention according to claim 12 wherein said cable bending means includes an assembly having a pair of rollers in respective under and over rolling engagement with said cable, which assembly is pivotally mounted about an axis parallel with the axes of said rollers for forming a bend in said cable upon pivoting movement of the assembly, said element being mounted on said assembly for pivoting the latter in response to the action of the former in contacting and deflecting past said formation.

14. The combination according to claim 13 wherein said formation is the flange of a railway car wheel or the track section and wherein said element is mounted for contacting and following the lower portion of such flange during movement of the robot therepast.

15. In combination with a railway car handling mechanism including a robot mounted for movement in either direction alonga path parallel with and adjacent to a section of railway track, means for producing a signal after the robot has been moved past a predetermined numher of railway cars on the track section, said means comprising, a cable suspended at its ends in parallel adjacent relation with said track section, a signal producing unit including an operating switch mounted adjacent oneend of said cable, said unit being adapted to produce a'sighal upon actuation of said switch 'a preselected'number of times, a movable actuator for said switch, the actuator being biased against movement in one'direction, said one end of said cable being connected with said actuator for moving the same in said one direction in response to corresponding movement of said one end of the cable there by to actuate said switch, the other end of the ca'blebeing fixedly mounted, cable bending fneans on said robot including a pivotally mounted bracket supporting a pair ofrollers in respective over and under rolling engagement with said cable, which bracket is pivotally'mounted about an axis parallel with the axes of said rollers, an element mounted from said bracket and being arranged to contact and deflect past the flange of a railway'car wheel on said track section during movement of the robot therealong for pivoting said bracket, said rollers being effective, upon pivoting of said bracket, to form a bend in said cable and thereby pull said one end thereof in said one direction.

References Cited Garbers 104-17 6 ARTHUR L. LA POINT, Primary Examiner.

D. F. WORTH, Assistant Examiner.

Images