Abstract: A three-batch method for the precision loading of coal into the individual railroad cars of a moving train, and a loadout system implementing the method. For each railcar, three successive batches are made up and discharged from a single weigh bin. The loadout rate of a single-batch system is approached, but at a significantly reduced facility cost. The first batch is large enough to fill the front of the railcar and to establish a "plugged flow condition," allowing the second batch to be made up and discharged while maintaining a constant load profile in the railcar. After the weigh bin is emptied of the second batch, the third batch is made up and discharged. The third batch is made up with greater precision than the first and second batches.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the loading capacity of a wagon or wagon train when loading with pourable material from a silo. The method utilizes a computer which determines the type of wagon to be loaded on the basis of values obtained with sensors.

Abstract: A computer controlled system is provided for regulating the flow of coal into a railway car or the like. The coal flows into the car through a loading chute. When the total weight in the car reaches the desired weight as determined by spaced platform scales, the computer control shuts off the flow by actuating the flow gate. The difference in the weight of the front and rear car trucks is noted and the inclination of the loading chute is regulated up or down by the computer control through operation of a hydraulic cylinder. If the chute is raised, the height of the coal within the car is raised and with all factors the same, the front of the car will be loaded more. As the chute is lowered, the height of the coal that can enter the car will be less and, thus, a shift of the weight to the back of the car can be effected. In accordance with the computer reading for each car, the position of the chute can be regulated for each following car of the same size and height.

Abstract: A load measurement bar is attached to an isolated section of railroad track rail at two locations along the neutral axis of the rail. The bar assembly contains displacement sensors to measure the bending slope of the rail relative to the bar to provide a signal output directly proportional to load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for weighing rail guided vehicles. The device has at least one moveable truck support element and in the preferred embodiment has both a stationary platform and a moveable truck support assembly. The vehicle to be weighed may be placed on the device by either pulling or pushing. The vehicle to be weighed may approach the weighing device in either direction. Each end of the vehicle is weighed on separate weighing elements and the weight on each element is summed, preferably electronically to yield the overall vehicle weight. Typically one end of the vehicle is weighed on a stationary platform and one end is weighed on a moveable assembly.

Abstract: An electronic coupled-in-motion railroad track scale is disclosed and comprises four track logic switches for detecting forward or backward train axle movement, a programmable digital voltmeter connected to load cells for effecting the weighing of the train cars, and a computer (CPU) for controlling the voltmeter as well as the track logic switches, and for correlating the axle numbers to the weight determined for each particular car. The four track switches are situated such that two switches are located in close proximity on either end of the weighbridge and the train track interface. Together with the logic circuits, the switches indicate when an axle comes on or goes off the weighbridge, and in which direction the axle is moving. In this manner, if reweighing is desired, the train may be backed up or forwarded to the particular car in question without reweighing the entire train.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for loading railroad cars coupled in motion. Prior to loading, an "empty" composite weight is obtained of the front and rear trucks of an empty selected railroad car, the rear truck of the adjacent forward railroad car with load and the front truck of the adjacent rearward railroad car. This "empty" composite weight is stored in a memory. The dynamic composite weight during loading is sensed. A desired net weight of the load (to be loaded into the selected railroad car) is selected. A total composite weight that is equal to the "empty" composite weight plus the desired net weight of the load is stored in a memory. The selected railroad car is loaded until the dynamic composite weight appears equal to the total composite weight. The actual net weight of the load is then determined by substracting the empty composite weight from the actual total composite weight.

Abstract: A system is provided for weighing freight cars coupled in motion during loading. An upstream weigh bridge is provided and is mechanically separated from a downstream weigh bridge, with a loading chute overlying one of the weigh bridges for dispensing material to the freight cars. The upstream weigh bridge has a length that is less than the distance between the rear axle of one car to be loaded and the front axle of the succeeding car.The position of the freight car under consideration is sensed and the chute is opened to load the freight car. The full draft weight of the freight car during loading is detected, taking the weight on the upstream weigh bridge into consideration. The chute is closed when the weight reaches a predetermined amount. The weight of the loaded freight car is determined after the freight car has left the upstream weigh bridge and only the weight on the downstream weigh bridge is taken into consideration.

Abstract: A system for bidirectional in-motion weighing of freight cars of a train includes a weighbridge, first and second sets of load cells, three wheel sensing devices, a control device, a device initiated by the control device for weighing operations, and a printer for the total car weight. The sets of load cells are mounted to receive the load from opposite ends of the weighbridge. Each set has a rapid change of output voltage when an axle enters or leaves the associated weighbridge end. The weighbridge is located between two spaced, aligned tracks and has a third track. The three tracks provide a path of train travel. Each wheel sensing device has a component to provide a signal when a wheel passes. Two components are mounted beside the first two tracks a predetermined distance from opposite ends of the third track. The third component is located beside one of the three tracks a predetermined distance from one end of the third track.

Abstract: A system is provided for weighing railroad cars coupled in motion by providing a first scale and a second scale located forward of the first scale. The railroad cars are moved over the first and second scales, the rear trucks of the railroad cars are weighed on the first scale and the weight is stored. While the rear truck of a railroad car under consideration is on the first scale, the front truck of the railroad car under consideration plus the rear truck of the just preceding railroad car are weighed on the second scale. The weights on the first and second scales are totaled and the stored weight of the rear truck of the just preceding railroad car is subtracted to obtain the full draft weight of the railroad car under consideration.The railroad car under consideration may be loaded while it is being weighed and in motion.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the weight of a moving vehicle which includes a series of platforms with the length of each platform being shorter than the distance between axles, means for converting displacement of said platforms to electrical signals and electronic means for averaging the signals produced by the individual axle loads to produce the weight of the vehicle.