JOSEPH D VRABEL
Broker in West Concord, MA
License number
Massachusetts 77573
Issued Date
Apr 1, 1972
Expiration Date
May 5, 1977
Type
Broker
Address
Address
West Concord, MA 01742
Professional information
Locomotive Track Curvature Indicator
US Patent:
4103547, Aug 1, 1978
Filed:
Feb 7, 1977
Appl. No.:
5/765876
Inventors:
Joseph D. Vrabel - Concord MA
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the
Department of Transportation - Washington DC
Department of Transportation - Washington DC
International Classification:
G01M 1702
US Classification:
73146
Abstract:
A system for dynamically measuring and displaying track curvature information to a locomotive engineer on a real-time basis. A car mounted sensor produces a variable output responsive to changes in the car's orientation caused by variation in track curvature, a control circuit converts the sensor output into an electrical signal representative of the changes in orientation, and an indicator receives the signal and provides a dynamic display of the derived track curvature information. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor comprises an extendable line having one end attached to a bracket that is connected to the center of a supporting truck cross-frame, while the other end is wound on a retractable supply reel mounted on the car's frame. In response to relative movement between the car's frame and the supporting truck, caused by movement of the car over curved track, the length of the line withdrawn from the reel varies and is monitored by an electrical potentiometer that produces an output signal indicative of track curvature.
Self-Adjusting String Extensiometer
US Patent:
4057904, Nov 15, 1977
Filed:
Jul 16, 1976
Appl. No.:
5/705929
Inventors:
Joseph D. Vrabel - Concord MA
Dennis W. Gosselin - Saugus MA
Dennis W. Gosselin - Saugus MA
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the
Department of Transportation - Washington DC
Department of Transportation - Washington DC
International Classification:
G01B 310, H01C 1000, G01B 702, G01D 100
US Classification:
33125R
Abstract:
Apparatus for use in the measurement of changes in the spacing between objects includes a rotatable wire storage reel coupled, by means of replaceable gears, to the drive shaft of a potentiometer. The apparatus is mounted on a first object and a wire on the storage reel is extended and attached to a second object spaced a variable distance from the first object. Constant tension is applied to the wire storage reel by means of a spring extending between a spring supply reel and a spring take-up reel coupled to the wire storage reel.