Inter-car optical coupling
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for electrically-isolated transfer of data between at least a pair of contiguous cars to be mechanically interconnected in tandem in the direction of intended travel by combining:
- (A) source means for signal data to be transferred between said pair of cars;
(B) at least one cable within each car for transfer of signal data within each said car, and(C) an inter-car system for automatic electrically-isolated coupling of said at least one cable of each said car, including;
(i) means associated with said at least one cable of each car for selectively receiving or transmitting signal data to provide for bi-directional transfer of data between said at least one cable of each said pair of cars to be connected in tandem,(ii) partial encasement means on each said car located contiguously to where said cars are to be mechanically interconnected for travel in tandem,the partial encasement means on one said car being in confronting relationship with the partial encasement means on the remaining car of said pair,said partial encasement means for each car being selected to provide for interfitting so as to enclose cable-free space for electrically-isolated transfer signal data between said cars,the partial encasement means for each car being selected to be free of any requirement for integral interlocking means while providing for a circumscribing enclosure and a predetermined relationship permitting a change in alignment and change of spacing between said means for selectively receiving and transmitting signal data, and(iii) mechanical alignment and car interconnecting means providing for said interfitting of said partial encasement means as said pair of cars are mechanically interconnected in tandem.
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Abstract
Apparatus enabling electrically-isolated transfer of signal data between rail cars connected in tandem in the direction of intended travel. Cable-free space is established between optical transmitter and optical receiver means enabling automatic optical coupling and decoupling. Means are provided to maintain signal intensity and accuracy of signal data transfer notwithstanding changes in alignment and spacing between transmitters and receivers during rail guided travel.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. Apparatus for electrically-isolated transfer of data between at least a pair of contiguous cars to be mechanically interconnected in tandem in the direction of intended travel by combining:
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(A) source means for signal data to be transferred between said pair of cars; (B) at least one cable within each car for transfer of signal data within each said car, and (C) an inter-car system for automatic electrically-isolated coupling of said at least one cable of each said car, including; (i) means associated with said at least one cable of each car for selectively receiving or transmitting signal data to provide for bi-directional transfer of data between said at least one cable of each said pair of cars to be connected in tandem, (ii) partial encasement means on each said car located contiguously to where said cars are to be mechanically interconnected for travel in tandem, the partial encasement means on one said car being in confronting relationship with the partial encasement means on the remaining car of said pair, said partial encasement means for each car being selected to provide for interfitting so as to enclose cable-free space for electrically-isolated transfer signal data between said cars, the partial encasement means for each car being selected to be free of any requirement for integral interlocking means while providing for a circumscribing enclosure and a predetermined relationship permitting a change in alignment and change of spacing between said means for selectively receiving and transmitting signal data, and (iii) mechanical alignment and car interconnecting means providing for said interfitting of said partial encasement means as said pair of cars are mechanically interconnected in tandem. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification