Modifications to the Willison coupling

The automated Willison coupling is now used by about one third of the Australian raw sugar industry as a means of connecting cane bins. The couplings in their present form suffer from serious maintenance problems. Further, due to a lack of lateral restraint of the head and shank it is probable on some track that derailments can occur, particularly when empty bins are being pushed. This paper addresses the maintenance problems and discusses a new design which limits the lateral float of the head and shank without the need for add-on fixtures. In-field results during 1994 are most promising.