METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING OBJECTS DRAGGING BENEATH A TRAIN

A dragger detects objects dragging beneath a train as the train travels along a track. The dragger includes at least one stationary impact element a nd a detection circuit including at least one sensor coupled with the impact element for sensing the force of the impacts between the objects and the impact element. A method for detecting objects dragging beneath a train involves positioning the stationary impact element along the track in a fixed position intersecting the path of movement of the objects. The method also involves sensing the force of each impact and generating an outp ut signal if the magnitude of any impact is greater than a predetermined magnitude.