Patent ID: 8250991
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: B61D

Abstract:
1. An automated trackside railcar discharge gate operating system comprising: (a) a pair of automated carriage-mounted capstan-operating tool systems, comprising a gate-opening tool system and a gate-closing tool system, said tool systems being disposed to travel along a carriage track and open and/or close moving capstan-operated railcar gates, said tool systems including, communication means to acquire and process data, including data regarding capstan coordinates for each car to be processed, a capstan-operating tool and visual device to acquire and track capstans to coordinate tool operation; (b) a railcar location feedback system comprising a pair of carriage-mounted trackside devices comprising gate-opening and gate-closing feedback devices to coordinate railcar opening and closing operations, respectively, for detecting, being moved by, and communicating the location of railcars to be processed, said devices being disposed to travel along a feedback track and communicate with said at least one fixed camera device for providing railcar location to said fixed-position camera devices; and (c) at least one, fixed-position camera device in communication with said feedback system and said tool systems for sequentially acquiring, processing and transmitting information regarding passing railcars including railcar locations and identity information regarding each car and coordinates of passing gate capstans to coordinate automated opening/closing operation of said tool systems.