Exhaust extraction system

Abstract

An exhaust extraction system for a train is disclosed. The system includes: a stationary duct having a duct wall that defines a plurality of openings; a suction source for creating suction in the interior of the stationary duct; at least one cover flap covering the plurality of openings; a guide track extending longitudinally in spaced parallel relation to the stationary duct; and a carriage that is movable along the guide track. The carriage includes an exhaust duct having an outlet at a first end and an inlet at a second opposite end, the inlet for receiving exhaust gas from a locomotive, and a support frame for supporting the exhaust duct in a fixed vertical position. The carriage is operable to move the at least one cover flap to uncover one or more of the plurality of openings that align with the outlet as the carriage moves along the guide track.

1 . An exhaust gas extraction system for a train, comprising:
 a stationary duct extending longitudinally along a first axis, the stationary duct having a duct wall that defines a plurality of openings providing passage to an interior of the stationary duct;   a suction source for creating suction in the interior of the stationary duct;   at least one cover flap covering the plurality of openings, the at least one cover flap being positioned on an exterior surface of the duct wall;   a guide track extending longitudinally in spaced parallel relation to the stationary duct; and   a carriage that is movable along the guide track, the carriage including:
 an exhaust duct having an outlet at a first end and an inlet at a second end opposite to the first end, the inlet for receiving exhaust gas from a locomotive; and 
 a support frame for supporting the exhaust duct in a fixed vertical position and substantially perpendicular to the stationary duct, 
   
       wherein the carriage is operable to move the at least one cover flap to uncover one or more of the plurality of openings that align with the outlet as the carriage moves along the guide track. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of openings are arranged longitudinally in spaced relation to each other along an upper portion of the stationary duct. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the guide track comprises one or more guide rails and wherein the carriage is movably mounted on the one or more guide rails. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the guide track comprises a pair of parallel rails. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the carriage further includes one or more wheels that are rotatably mounted on the one or more guide rails. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the carriage comprises a trolley that is supported on the one or more guide rails. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the stationary duct and the one or more guide rails are configured to be supported from ceiling joists. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one cover flap is made of an elastic material and wherein the support frame supports the exhaust duct such that at least part of the outlet is slidably maintained between the duct wall and the at least one cover flap. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one cover flap comprises a single cover flap covering all of the plurality of openings. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the exhaust duct includes a flange at the first end and wherein the support frame supports the exhaust duct such that the flange cooperates with the exterior surface of the duct wall to form an air-tight seal. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one cover flap comprises a plurality of cover flaps, each cover flap covering a respective opening. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the carriage further includes one or more retractable projections that are configured to push against cover flaps for the plurality of openings to cause the cover flaps to be displaced from a closed position to an open position. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the exhaust duct comprises a duct pipe. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support frame supports the exhaust duct such that the inlet is maintained a fixed horizontal distance away from the stationary duct. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the exhaust duct is affixed to the support frame. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an electric motor which drives movement of the carriage along the guide track. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein spacing between adjacent openings on the duct wall is uniform. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the guide track is positioned vertically above the stationary duct. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of openings comprises at least one pair of openings that are aligned along a cross-sectional perimeter of the stationary duct. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second end of the exhaust duct is configured for connection to an exhaust pipe of a locomotive.