Patent ID: 7497345
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: B61G

Abstract:
1. In combination with a railway freight car coupler assembly, such coupler assembly including a coupler shank and a coupler head having a knuckle side and a guard arm side, and further including a knuckle pin mounted within such coupler head, and a knuckle which is mounted for independent rotation on such knuckle pin, an apparatus for automatically pivoting and maintaining a full open position of the knuckle of such coupler when a coupling mechanism is actuated, the improvement comprising: (a) a coiled torsion spring capable of continuously exerting a predetermined force; (b) an attachment means for attaching said coiled torsion spring to a first portion of such coupler head, said attachment means includes: (c) a connecting means for connecting a first arm of said torsion spring to such knuckle generating a torque on such knuckle to pivot and maintain said full open position of such knuckle.