COUPLING AND CONDUIT FOR CONSIST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A coupling for a communication conduit, comprising:
- a nipple configured for insertion within the communication conduit;
a flange configured to engage an end of the communication conduit;
a retention member configured to engage an outer surface of the communication conduit;
a first fitting extending from the flange away from the nipple;
a retaining tab configured to retain a second fitting of another coupling in engagement with the first fitting; and
a closure mechanism configured to close off an end of the first fitting and movable during engagement with the second fitting to open the end of the first fitting.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A coupling for a communication conduit is disclosed for use with a train consist. The coupling may include a nipple configured for insertion within a fluid conduit, a flange configured to engage an end of the fluid conduit, a retention member configured to engage an outer surface of the fluid conduit, a first fitting extending from the flange away from the nipple, and, a retaining tab configured to retain a second fitting of another coupling in engagement with the first fitting. The coupling may further include a closure mechanism configured to close off an end of the first fitting and movable during engagement with the second fitting to open the end of the first fitting.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A coupling for a communication conduit, comprising:
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a nipple configured for insertion within the communication conduit; a flange configured to engage an end of the communication conduit; a retention member configured to engage an outer surface of the communication conduit; a first fitting extending from the flange away from the nipple; a retaining tab configured to retain a second fitting of another coupling in engagement with the first fitting; and a closure mechanism configured to close off an end of the first fitting and movable during engagement with the second fitting to open the end of the first fitting. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A communication conduit, comprising:
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a fluid conduit; at least a first cable disposed within the fluid conduit; and a first coupling fixedly connected to an end of the fluid conduit, the coupling including; a nipple configured for insertion within the fluid conduit and around the at least a first cable; a flange configured to engage an end of the fluid conduit; a retention member configured to engage an outer surface of the fluid conduit; a first fitting extending from the flange away from the nipple and configured to receive and position an end of the at least a first communication cable; a retaining tab configured to retain a second fitting of a second coupling; and a closure mechanism configured to close off an end of the first fitting and movable during engagement with the second fitting to open the end of the first fitting and expose a communication pathway to the at least a first cable. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A train consist, comprising:
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a first consist vehicle; a second consist vehicle mechanically coupled to the first consist vehicle; a first fluid conduit extending from an end of the first consist vehicle and having; a synthetic elastomer inner tube; a sheath overlaying the inner tube; a synthetic elastomer outer cover surrounding the sheath and the inner tube; at least a first cable disposed within the first fluid conduit; and a coupling fixedly connected to an end of the first fluid conduit, the coupling including; a nipple inserted within the inner tube and around the at least a first cable; a flange engaged with an end of the fluid conduit; a retention member engaged with the outer cover of the fluid conduit; a first fitting extending from the flange away from the nipple to receive and position an end of the at least a first cable; a retaining tab extending away from the flange; and a closure mechanism movable to open and close an end of the first fitting; a second fluid conduit substantially identical to the first fluid conduit and extending from an end of the second consist vehicle; and
,a second coupling substantially identical to the first coupling and configured to engage the first coupling via relative rotary motion, wherein engagement of the first and second couplings aligns the cables and opens the closure mechanisms.
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Specification