System and method for operating a locomotive parking brake

Abstract

A system for operating a locomotive parking brake includes a wheel brake, a coupling connected to the wheel brake, and means for applying force to the coupling. A sensor connected to the coupling measures a force applied to the coupling and generates a signal reflective of the force applied to the coupling. A method for operating a locomotive parking brake includes applying a force to a coupling connected to a wheel brake, measuring the force applied to the coupling, and comparing the force applied to the coupling to a first predetermined limit. The method further includes indicating that the force applied to the coupling is equal to or greater than the first predetermined limit.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for operating a locomotive parking brake, comprising:
 a. a wheel brake;   b. a coupling connected to the wheel brake;   c. means for applying force to the coupling; and   d. a sensor connected to the coupling, wherein the sensor measures a force applied to the coupling and generates a signal reflective of the force applied to the coupling.   
     
     
         2 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the means for applying force comprises at least one of a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric motor. 
     
     
         3 . The system as in  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a strain gauge or a fiber optic cable. 
     
     
         4 . The system as in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one of a cable or chain that connects the means for applying force to the coupling to the coupling. 
     
     
         5 . The system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a visual indicator operatively connected to the sensor, wherein the visual indicator reflects the force applied to the coupling. 
     
     
         6 . The system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a processor proximate to the sensor, wherein the processor receives the signal reflective of the force applied to the coupling and generates a digital output. 
     
     
         7 . The system as in  claim 6 , further comprising a controller remote from the processor, wherein the controller receives the digital output from the processor and compares the digital output to a predetermined limit. 
     
     
         8 . The system as in  claim 7 , wherein the controller disables operation of the means for applying force to the coupling. 
     
     
         9 . A system for operating a locomotive parking brake, comprising:
 a. a coupling to the parking brake; and   b. a sensor connected to the coupling, wherein the sensor measures a force applied to the coupling and generates a signal reflective of the force applied to the coupling.   
     
     
         10 . The system as in  claim 9 , further comprising at least one of a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric motor connected to the coupling. 
     
     
         11 . The system as in  claim 9 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a strain gauge or a fiber optic cable. 
     
     
         12 . The system as in  claim 9 , further comprising at least one of a cable or chain connected to the coupling. 
     
     
         13 . The system as in  claim 9 , further comprising a visual indicator operatively connected to the sensor, wherein the visual indicator reflects the force applied to the coupling. 
     
     
         14 . The system as in  claim 9 , further comprising a processor proximate to the sensor, wherein the processor receives the signal reflective of the force applied to the coupling and generates a digital output. 
     
     
         15 . The system as in  claim 14 , further comprising a controller remote from the processor, wherein the controller receives the digital output from the processor and compares the digital output to a predetermined limit. 
     
     
         16 . The system as in  claim 15 , wherein the controller disables operation of the parking brake. 
     
     
         17 . A method for operating a locomotive parking brake, comprising:
 a. applying a force to a coupling connected to a wheel brake;   b. measuring the force applied to the coupling;   c. comparing the force applied to the coupling to a first predetermined limit; and   d. indicating that the force applied to the coupling is equal to or greater than the first predetermined limit.   
     
     
         18 . The method as in  claim 17 , further comprising disabling operation of a take-up device based on the comparison between the force applied to the coupling and the first predetermined limit. 
     
     
         19 . The method as in  claim 17 , further comprising indicating that the force applied to the coupling is less than the first predetermined limit. 
     
     
         20 . The method as in  claim 17 , further comprising indicating the force applied to the coupling.