Railcar Gate Opener offers fully automated operation.March 20, 2009 -
RailHawk System automatically dumps hopper car contents as car is positioned over pit. Scanner is set up to scan pit infeed as cars are indexed in and identify capstans that pass by. When capstan is detected, its orientation is recorded, and position is tracked through entire pit. Automated car door opener is dispatched to capstan, where it automatically aligns, inserts, and opens gate. System operates on cars that are coupled, uncoupled, stationary, or in motion.
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Original Press release
Concept Systems, Inc.
1957 Fescue St. S.E.
Albany, OR, 97322
USA
Concept Systems Inc. Introduces an Automated Railcar Gate Opening System
The system leverages Concept's motion and vision system expertise to launch the industry's first fully automated car door opener.
Albany, OR - February 27, 2009 - Concept Systems Inc. today announced the release of RailHawk, a fully automated railroad car door opening system that dumps a hopper car's contents as the car is positioned over the pit. The system leverages the company's vision and motion system design expertise to make rail car unloading more productive and increase the safety of operations.
The RailHawk's scanning system is set up to scan the pit infeed as cars are indexed in. Advanced algorithms are used to identify capstans that pass by. When a capstan is detected, its orientation is recorded and its position is tracked through the entire pit. An automated car door opener (CDO) is then dispatched to the capstan, where it automatically aligns, inserts, and opens the gate.
Since the RailHawk continually scans & tracks each railcar, the system has the flexibility to operate on cars that are coupled, uncoupled, stationary, or in motion. In addition, the system will detect when the grain is unloading and when unloading is complete, triggering the gate closing sequence automatically.
At a rate of approximately 30 seconds faster per capstan than the manual process, the RailHawk repeats the fully-automated unloading cycle faster and more safely than if done by hand, with far less risk and labor for the operator.
About Concept Systems Inc.
Founded in 1999 and based in Albany, Oregon with offices in Seattle, Washington, and Casper, Wyoming, Concept Systems Inc. provides automation services by taking advantage of the latest in proven technologies. These technologies include: process control, PLC/HMI controls, motion control (PLC-based, robotics, and CNC), vision inspection/laser scanning, database applications, and custom PC applications. Concept Systems serves customers in the following industries: forest products, converting, food processing, aerospace, automotive, mining, oil and gas, pulp and paper, communication equipment, entertainment, packaging, and others.
Recognized as 2007 Integrator of the Year by Control Engineering magazine in the $10 million and under revenue category, Concept Systems is a CSIA (Control System Integrators Association) Certified Member. The company is also a certified Rockwell Automation Solution Provider, a Siemens Solution Partner and a UL 508A- and 698A-certified panel shop. For more information, please visit www.conceptsystemsinc.com.
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