Patent ID: 7845504
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: B61G,B61J,B61L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for indicating whether a first coupler of a locomotive is in a coupled or an uncoupled state, the apparatus comprising: a sensor positioned on a portion of the coupler, wherein the sensor provides a real-time signal indicative of either a coupled state or an uncoupled state, the coupled or uncoupled state indicating a proximity or presence of a portion of a second coupler within a receiving area of the first coupler, wherein the sensor comprises a magnetic circuit configured to provide a detectable permeability when the first coupler is proximate to or coupled to the second coupler, and wherein the magnetic circuit is provided by a pair of coils located in a facing space relationship on the first coupler and the apparatus further comprises a sensor for detecting an induced current greater than a predetermined value through the pair of coils, the induced current being generated when the first coupler is secured to the second coupler.