Patent ID: 7063022
Filing Date: 2006-06-20
Classification: B61D

Abstract:
1. A trackside railcar door opener for a railcar door latch, the railcar door opener comprising: an elongated railcar door opener support substantially parallel to and extending along a railroad track; a tool carriage movably mounted on the support and configured to move along at least a portion of the support; a railcar door opening tool mounted on the tool carriage, the railcar door opening tool comprising: an opener alignment tool having at least one sensor configured to sense a position of a portion of the railcar in relation to the railcar door opening tool; and at least one railcar door latch opener moveably extending from the opening tool and configured to release the railcar door latch, wherein the railcar door opening tool is pivotally mounted on the tool carriage, the railcar door opening tool having a lowered position in which the railcar door opening tool opens the railcar door latch, and a raised position in which the railcar door opening tool is clear of interference with a moving railcar on the tracks; and at least one controller operatively associated with the tool carriage and the railcar door opening tool, the at least one controller configured to cause the railcar door opening tool to move into alignment with and release the railcar door latch.