Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Shanley

Thomas E. Shanley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5188038
    Abstract: The present invention features a safety device that activates the air-brake system immediately upon the detection and/or occurrence of a railroad car derailment condition. The safety device includes a bar entension disposed beneath each car of a train. The extension bar is disposed transverse to the parallel rails and is positioned a few (approximately four) inches above them. When any one of the cars is caused to derail, the extension bar contacts the rail, causing a trip valve in the air-brake line to open. The opening of the trip valve gradually releases the air pressure in the line, thus automatically and instantaneously actuating the air-brake system throughout the train. The gradual release of the air pressure in the air-brake system provides more time for the engineer of the train to bring the train under control and reduces the possibility of damage and injury caused by the derailment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas E. Shanley