Abstract: Disclosed is an aerodynamic pseudocontainer for a train. The pseudocontainer is configured to be stacked atop an intermodal container in a lead container car at a lead end of the train, so that its aerodynamic configuration reduces drag when the train is in motion, thereby reducing fuel costs and emissions. The pseudocontainer may have connectors on its bottom so that when it is placed on top of the intermodal container, locking devices may be used for attachment.
Abstract: Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. The series includes at least a first, leading set of containers and a second, trailing set of containers. The first, leading set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto facing a forward direction. The attachment frame includes at least one mounting device configured to be removably mounted in the tunnel of the top container of the first, leading set of containers. Additionally, the second, trailing set of containers may include a second, aerodynamic drag reducing device. Curtains may also be attached between a plurality of intermediate or adjacent sets of stacked containers to assist in reducing drag on the train when moving.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 9, 2008
Date of Patent:
August 31, 2010
Assignee:
Union Pacific Railroad Company
Inventors:
Michael E Iden, Wayne A. Kennedy, Matthew M. Larson, John P. Haenggi
Abstract: Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. The series includes at least a first, leading set of containers and a second, trailing set of containers. The first, leading set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto facing a forward direction. The attachment frame includes at least one mounting device configured to be removably mounted in the tunnel of the top container of the first, leading set of containers. Additionally, the second, trailing set of containers may include a second, aerodynamic drag reducing device. Curtains may also be attached between a plurality of intermediate or adjacent sets of stacked containers to assist in reducing drag on the train when moving.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 9, 2008
Publication date:
November 12, 2009
Applicant:
Union Pacific Railroad Company
Inventors:
Michael E. Iden, Wayne A. Kennedy, Matthew M. Larson, John P. Haenggi
Abstract: A system is provided for tracking the wheel bearing temperatures of a train and selecting those that are statistically determined to be abnormally high, while eliminating from consideration, or otherwise categorizing those high temperature readings which are the result of other anomalous and non-anomalous conditions. The system determines the overall distribution of the bearing temperatures for both sides of a train at each wayside location. The bearing temperatures are ranked for comparison with the overall train distribution. Outliers are detected and characterized based on temperature patterns and previous history.