Abstract: Present embodiments relate to a railroad tie plate distribution apparatus and method therefore. The tie plate distribution apparatus which may be used in manual or automatic distribution modes in order to place tie plates on a railroad tie in a spaced apart sequence as the apparatus moves over a track being serviced. The tie plate distributor includes an actuator to feed tie plates on to a railroad track system being serviced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving and placing tie plates is disclosed. The machine may place at least one railroad tie plate in a hopper assembly for storage and transfer of the at least one railroad tie plate, transfer the at least one railroad tie plate from the hopper assembly to a conveyor assembly, upright the at least one railroad tie plate, singulate the at least one railroad tie plate, orient the at least one railroad tie plate, and place the at least one railroad tie plate on a railroad tie.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving and placing tie plates is disclosed. The machine may place at least one railroad tie plate in a hopper assembly for storage and transfer of the at least one railroad tie plate, transfer the at least one railroad tie plate from the hopper assembly to a conveyor assembly, upright the at least one railroad tie plate, singulate the at least one railroad tie plate, orient the at least one railroad tie plate, and place the at least one railroad tie plate on a railroad tie.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving and placing tie plates is disclosed. The machine may place at least one railroad tie plate in a hopper assembly for storage and transfer of the at least one railroad tie plate, transfer the at least one railroad tie plate from the hopper assembly to a conveyor assembly, upright the at least one railroad tie plate, singulate the at least one railroad tie plate, orient the at least one railroad tie plate, and place the at least one railroad tie plate on a railroad tie.

Abstract: A tie plate rotator which may be mounted in line of a tie plate distribution system along a horizontal or angled conveyor which may take various forms but functionally allows or provides for movement of tie plates from one location to a second. The tie plate rotator receives tie plates and senses a position of the field side or gauge side of the tie plate. Subsequently, the turner will rotate the tie plate if rotation to an alternate orientation is desirable. The tie plate turner also senses a position of the rotating structure so that a controller can determine a position of the tie plate rotator during operation. The tie plates are subsequently directed to a second conveyor for further processing of the tie plates.

Abstract: The disclosed railroad tie plate placement system facilitates or enables a railroad crew to minimize interaction with railroad tie plates while placing railroad tie plates in a proper orientation on a railroad or railway track in preparation for insertion under a rail. Thus, the railroad tie plate placement system of the present disclosure reduces labor costs and decreases risk of injury while providing for consistent placement of tie plates.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: A rail plate handling device is provided for removing and reinstalling rail tie plates located on rail ties on a railroad track, includes a frame configured for movement relative to the track, at least one tie plate gripping assembly mounted to the frame, the assembly configured for grasping a selected tie plate at the front and rear edges between an adjacent one of the at least one raised rail raised from the operational position supported by the selected tie plate and the associated tie in the operational position upon which the plate was resting, each gripping assembly including a pair of opposing gripping jaws which are configured for controlled reciprocation in a direction parallel to the rails along a guide bar, the guide bar being slidable with the gripping jaws and the selected plate, relative to the frame.

Abstract: A rail plate dropping apparatus is provided, including a plate magazine having an upper end and a lower end and constructed and arranged for retaining at least one rail tie plate, a locating portion connected at the upper end and constructed and arranged for reciprocally positioning the magazine between a raised, travel position and a lowered work position, and an ejector mounted in operational relationship relative to the lower end of the magazine and configured for ejecting the plates sequentially from the magazine.

Abstract: A rail plate handling device is provided for removing and reinstalling rail tie plates, wherein at least one of the rails is raised from an operational position during the removal and installation process. A frame is configured for movement relative to the track; at least one tie plate gripping assembly is mounted to the frame, the assembly is configured for grasping a selected tie plate at front and rear edges between an adjacent rail raised from the operational position supported by the selected tie plate and the associated tie, pulling the selected plate away from the adjacent raised rail and away from the associated tie, retaining the selected plate in a suspended position above the track while the tie is extracted and a new tie inserted, and then replacing the suspended tie plate back upon the rail from a gage side of the rail.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: A railroad tie plate dispenser includes a feed chute having a top portion for receiving a stack of railroad tie plates and a push tab at a bottom portion of the feed chute for stripping railroad tie plates from the feed chute through an opening in the feed chute to dispense railroad tie plates from a front side of the feed chute.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: A cribbing work head including a work head frame having a longitudinal extent and a lateral extent. At least two inverted U-shaped work arms are mounted parallel to one another on the work head frame and spaced longitudinally from each other for lateral reciprocating movement on the frame, each of the work arms having a replaceable tool secured to each free end of the inverted U-shaped work arm. A separate fluid power double cylinder is secured to the work head frame and to each of the inverted U-shape work arms for independently laterally reciprocating the work arms. A main cylinder of each of said fluid power double cylinders is operable to laterally reciprocatingly move a respective work arm and a secondary cylinder of each of the fluid power double cylinders operable to move a respective work arm to one of two discrete lateral starting points.

Abstract: A railroad tie plate dispenser includes a feed chute having a top portion for receiving a stack of railroad tie plates and a push tab at a bottom portion of the feed chute for stripping railroad tie plates from the feed chute through an opening in the feed chute to dispense railroad tie plates from a front side of the feed chute.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for pre-plating railway ties, including switch ties of varying lengths. An infeed deck and singulator feeds individual ties, each provided with identifying indicia, to a pre-scanner. Using the scanned indicia, a control system accesses stored data to determine a preliminary drill pattern. A scanning and drilling station positions, secures and scans the tie. The scan results are combined with the stored data to produce a corrected optimal drill pattern, which is used to drill the tie. The drilled tie moves to a plate and screw loading station, where the proper plates and fasteners are attached. A fourth station inspects the assembled tie. If it is properly assembled, the screw spikes are tightened and the plated tie moves to an outfeed deck, where it is marked for identification and removed for storage and shipping.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a finger for use in a rail plate inserter machine workhead and for positioning a rail plate predisposed on a rail tie under a rail, having a planar body having an upper arm with a hook-shaped end and including an opening for accommodating a spring, the end being configured for being contacted by a bar operatively associated with a finger lift assembly; a lower arm having a depending tip; and a middle portion joining the upper and lower arms to define an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A constant contact side bearing assembly for a railcar includes a housing having a base, a pair of mounting apertures formed through a thickness of the base, a generally cylindrical housing wall upstanding on the base, a pair of diametrically opposed channels, a pair of diametrically opposed openings and a guide member disposed centrally on and upstanding from an inner surface of the base. A cap is disposed for reciprocal axial movement relative to the housing. An elastomeric spring is disposed within a generally closed chamber formed by a combination of the housing and the cap. A pair of air passages is provided for dissipating heat generated during operation of the constant contact side bearing assembly. Each air passage is defined by a pair of aligned openings formed through a wall portion of the cap. Each opening may be disposed within a pocket provided within the cap wall.

Abstract: A cleated belt conveyor is positioned atop a frame connected to a hi-rail truck. The cleated belt conveyor is operably connected to a railroad engagement wheel positioned under the frame to coordinate movement of the cleated belt conveyor relative to the railroad engagement wheel. A sliding member can be positioned at the top, or infeed end, of the cleated belt conveyor for receiving railroad tie plates from an infeed conveyor. One or more sets of rollers can be positioned at the bottom of the cleated belt conveyor for distributing the tie plates near a rail in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A tie plate handling device for use in connection with removing and replacing railroad tie plates from a track during a rail change-out process. The tie plate handling device provides operator lift assistance and certain embodiments provide for a fully automated lift and movement of railroad tie plates. The tie plate handling device comprises a lifting arm, an engaging unit for securely coupling with a tie plate and a control unit for operating the same. Methods for using the tie plate handling device in conjunction with the rail change-out process are also described.

Abstract: A method for positioning a replacement railroad tie plate along a railroad, comprising the steps of positioning a carrier vehicle on a railroad track, positioning a feed conveyor on the railroad track for movement with the carrier vehicle, moving a sensor assembly in a longitudinal direction of the feed conveyor and relative to a release point a first distance based upon a second distance between two adjacent ties, moving the carrier vehicle and the feed conveyor along the railroad track, detecting an in-service tie plate with the sensor assembly and, actuating a gate assembly upon the detection of the in-service tie plate.

Abstract: A machine for collecting tie plates strewn along a rail bed includes a frame adapted for travel along a railroad in a forward direction. A pickup drum having magnetic properties is rotatably supported by the frame and extends over a bed portion of the railroad. A top drum is mounted at a location that is higher and forward of the pickup drum and rotates parallel to the pickup drum. An endless conveyor circulates around the pickup and top drums, and a separation drum is disposed between the pickup drum and the top drum along an ascending portion of the endless conveyor. The separation drum includes a magnetized rim that can lift ferrous objects but not tie plates from the endless conveyor.

Abstract: A cleated belt conveyor is positioned atop a frame connected to a hi-rail truck. The cleated belt conveyor is operably connected to a railroad engagement wheel positioned under the frame to coordinate movement of the cleated belt conveyor relative to the railroad engagement wheel. A sliding member can be positioned at the top, or infeed end, of the cleated belt conveyor for receiving railroad tie plates from an infeed conveyor. One or more sets of rollers can be positioned at the bottom of the cleated belt conveyor for distributing the tie plates near a rail in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a finger for use in a rail plate inserter machine workhead and for positioning a rail plate predisposed on a rail tie under a rail, having a planar body having an upper arm with a hook-shaped end and including an opening for accommodating a spring, the end being configured for being contacted by a bar operatively associated with a finger lift assembly; a lower arm having a depending tip; and a middle portion joining the upper and lower arms to define an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a machine having wheels, a placing conveyor secured to the machine and having a distal end with a drop mechanism, a trigger operatively connected to a door in the drop mechanism, and wherein the drop mechanism door is opened over a railroad tie when the trigger contacts an edge of the railroad tie with the machine moving.

Abstract: A workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a rail lifter and configured for movement relative to a railroad track having a pair of rails, the workhead assembly constructed and arranged for positioning a tie plate predisposed on a rail tie, including a workhead body connected to the machine; a centering apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for centering the workhead over the rail tie; a squaring apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for squaring the tie plate on the rail tie; and a pusher assembly on the body for positioning the tie plate under a selected one of the rails being lifted by the rail lifter, and including at least one plate engaging finger constructed and arranged for engaging the tie plate.

Abstract: A tie plate slide structure comprises a tie plate slide frame having a first frame member and a second opposed frame member, the first frame member and the second frame member extending substantially parallel from a first upper end to a second lower end, a substantially central support structure extending from the first upper end to the second lower end, the substantially central support disposed between the first frame member and the second frame member, a support assembly having first and second rail wheels depending from a lower side of the tie plate frame, a gate assembly disposed near the lower end of the tie plate slide frame to discharge tie plates slidably moving downwardly along the first and second frame members and the central support structure.

Abstract: First and second conveyors are positioned along opposite sides of a frame positioned about centrally between the first and second conveyors, wherein the first and second conveyors are operably connected to a railroad engagement wheel positioned under the frame to coordinate movement of the first and second conveyors relative to the railroad engagement wheel. The conveyors can be integrated with a hi-rail truck adapted for use with the first and second conveyors and which contains an infeed conveyor for transporting tie plates from the hi-rail truck to the first and second conveyors.

Abstract: A machine for automatically orienting railroad tie plates includes a sensing region having at least one optical sensor adapted to sense a physical feature of a tie plate. An electronic controller is connected to the optical sensor and is disposed to receive a sensor signal indicative of the physical feature of the tie plate when the tie plate is in the sensing region. The electronic controller further determines an orientation of the tie plate based on the sensor signal, compares it to one or more predetermined or possible orientations, and provides a command to at least one actuator adapted to perform at least one tie plate orientation operation to change the orientation of the tie plate based on the comparison of the orientation of the plate with the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a machine having wheels, a placing conveyor secured to the machine and having a distal end with a drop mechanism, a trigger operatively connected to a door in the drop mechanism, and wherein the drop mechanism door is opened over a railroad tie when the trigger contacts an edge of the railroad tie with the machine moving.

Abstract: A device for sorting railroad tie plates comprises hopper, singulator and chute assemblies mounted to a main frame capable of rolling movement along a railroad track. The device receives a plurality of tie plates from an upstream supply, e.g., a railroad gondola, and deposits the tie plates on the hopper assembly positioned above the singulator. Upon discharge from the hopper the tie plates are directed onto a central hub for guidance into a rotating track within the housing. The track width is selected so that the field and gage ends transverse the track upon the tie plates falling flat onto the track. Structure projects into the track to tip over the tie plates to a flat position during track rotation. Rotation of the track moves the tie plates towards a baffled opening for discharge from the opening. A chute assembly receives the tie plates and maintains the tie plate orientation for delivery to downstream devices, such as a conveyor belt.

Abstract: A tie plate handling device for use in connection with removing and replacing railroad tie plates from a track during a rail change-out process. The tie plate handling device provides operator lift assistance and certain embodiments provide for a fully automated lift and movement of railroad tie plates. The tie plate handling device comprises a lifting arm, an engaging unit for securely coupling with a tie plate and a control unit for operating the same. Methods for using the tie plate handling device in conjunction with the rail change-out process are also described.

Abstract: A machine for automatically orienting railroad tie plates includes a sensing region having at least one optical sensor adapted to sense a physical feature of a tie plate. An electronic controller is connected to the optical sensor and is disposed to receive a sensor signal indicative of the physical feature of the tie plate when the tie plate is in the sensing region. The electronic controller further determines an orientation of the tie plate based on the sensor signal, compares it to one or more predetermined or possible orientations, and provides a command to at least one actuator adapted to perform at least one tie plate orientation operation to change the orientation of the tie plate based on the comparison of the orientation of the plate with the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A method for positioning a replacement railroad tie plate along a railroad, comprising the steps of positioning a carrier vehicle on a railroad track, positioning a feed conveyor on the railroad track for movement with the carrier vehicle, moving a sensor assembly in a longitudinal direction of the feed conveyor and relative to a release point a first distance based upon a second distance between two adjacent ties, moving the carrier vehicle and the feed conveyor along the railroad track, detecting an in-service tie plate with the sensor assembly and, actuating a gate assembly upon the detection of the in-service tie plate.

Abstract: A device for sorting railroad tie plates comprises hopper, singulator and chute assemblies mounted to a main frame capable of rolling movement along a railroad track. The device receives a plurality of tie plates from an upstream supply, e.g., a railroad gondola, and deposits the tie plates on the hopper assembly positioned above the singulator. Upon discharge from the hopper the tie plates are directed onto a central hub for guidance into a rotating track within the housing. The track width is selected so that the field and gage ends transverse the track upon the tie plates falling flat onto the track. Structure projects into the track to tip over the tie plates to a flat position during track rotation. Rotation of the track moves the tie plates towards a baffled opening for discharge from the opening. A chute assembly receives the tie plates and maintains the tie plate orientation for delivery to downstream devices, such as a conveyor belt.

Abstract: A workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a rail lifter and configured for movement relative to a railroad track having a pair of rails, the workhead assembly constructed and arranged for positioning a tie plate predisposed on a rail tie, including a workhead body connected to the machine; a centering apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for centering the workhead over the tie; a squaring apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for squaring the tie plate on the rail tie; and a pusher assembly on the body for positioning the tie plate under a selected one of the rails being lifted by the rail lifter, and including at least one plate engaging finger constructed and arranged for engaging the tie plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning railroad tie plates along a railroad track comprises a carrier vehicle having a carrier conveyor, a roller conveyor formed of frame members and a plurality of idler rollers, the roller conveyor having an upper input end and a lower output end for gravity feeding the plurality of tie plates, the roller conveyor adapted to receive a plurality of tie plates at the input end and feed the tie plates toward the output end, the roller conveyor connected to the carrier vehicle and in feeding communication with the carrier conveyor adjacent an input end of the roller conveyor, the roller conveyor further comprising a rolling support adjacent the output end for movable support of the roller conveyor along the railroad track, an actuator positioned at the output end of roller conveyor, the actuator successively engaging each of the plurality of tie plates during feeding, a sensor adapted to detect an in-service railroad tie plate wherein the sensor signals a controller and the controller act

Abstract: A track mounted machine is capable of inserting a previously positioned tie plate between a rail and underlying cross tie of a railway. The machine preferably is also capable of lifting the rail from the tie prior to tie plate insertion and/or, is capable of operating on both rails of a railway simultaneously. The preferred embodiment includes two tie plate inserter assemblies mounted on a common workhead. Each tie plate inserter assembly includes a pusher that can be moved, under control of an operator stationed on the machine, vertically and longitudinally on the rails so as to be aligned with a field end of the tie plate. The pusher can then be actuated to push the tie plate laterally under the rail.

Abstract: A railway vehicle for inserting plates on rail ties that engage with rails includes a frame configured for movement relative to the track and a plate inserter workhead mounted to the frame. The plate inserter workhead is configured for pivoting the tie plate about a leading edge of the plate so that the trailing edge of the tie plate is lifted off the tie. The plate inserter workhead is configured to subsequently release the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus partially carried on and partially towed behind a railroad track mounted highway truck or box car for conveying tie plates from the truck or car for deposit in a predetermined spaced apart sequence along the bed of a railroad track as the truck or car and the apparatus move in unison along the track. A method executed by this apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A railroad car energy absorption apparatus is disclosed. The railroad car energy absorption apparatus includes a spring assembly having an elastomer spring element arranged in operable combination with structure for inhibiting localized heat deterioration of the elastomer spring element.

Abstract: A railway tie plate insertion vehicle includes operator's chairs mounted on both sides of the vehicle; with the occupants of each chair being provided with a tie plate insertion wand including controls for movement of the vehicle. A tie magazine deposits a tie plate on the tie upon actuation by the operator when a tie plate has not been previously deposited. A first rail clamp includes a pair of rollers for engaging the rail, attached to the ends of a pair of scissor arms, so that raising the rail draws the scissor arms closer together, increasing the gripping pressure on the rail. A similar rail clamp is located at the rear of the vehicle, which also includes an electrical connection for the operator's wand, thereby permitting tie plate insertion from the rear of the vehicle when obstacles are present along the sides of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which wooden railroad ties are pre-plated prior to use in constructing and/or repairing railroad lines. Methodology disclosed comprises placing two plates on top of each of a succession of wooden ties, temporarily positioning disclosed one of the two plates on each tie with a distance or spacer template temporarily clamping the two plates accurately to the tie using a jig, starting a field spike and a gauge spike (usually with one or more sledge hammers) into each wooden tie through the selected apertures in each plate, and further driving the started spikes into the associated tie (usually using a jackhammer). Typically, the field spike is located outside the field flange of the plate and is driven until the head of the spike is contiguous with the plate. Typically, the gauge spike is displaced through an aperture in the gauge flange of the plate until the head is about 1½ inches above the plate.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed by which wooden railroad ties are pre-plated prior to use in constructing and/or repairing railroad lines. Methodology disclosed comprises placing two plates on top of each of a succession of wooden ties, temporarily positioning disclosed one of the two plates on each tie with a distance or spacer template temporarily clamping the two plates accurately to the tie using a jig, starting a field spike and a gauge spike (usually with one or more sledge hammers) into each wooden tie through the selected apertures in each plate, and further driving the started spikes into the associated tie (usually using a jackhammer). Typically, the field spike is located outside the field flange of the plate and is driven until the head of the spike is contiguous with the plate. Typically, the gauge spike is displaced through an aperture in the gauge flange of the plate until the head is about 1½ inches above the plate.

Abstract: Before replacing an old tie with a new tie in a railroad track, the associated tie plates are temporarily welded to the respective rail bases of the two rails with the aid of an old rail spike.

Abstract: A machine for fastening rail plates to cross-ties, utilizing spikes or the like, and method therefore, is disclosed in the present invention. The preferred apparatus of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a conveyor for conveying a plurality of laterally arranged, juxtaposed ties in bulk, a loader or retriever for loading a single tie upon a template conveyer, and a positioner for positioning the single tie during the pre-plating process. The present invention further includes a template system for securing the cross-tie or tie in place, feeding and positioning the rail-plate in place, feeding, dispensing, and positioning the spikes in place, driving the spikes, and discharging the processed tie, the template system utilizing as a principle motive force the displacement of the template reciprocating drive piston for positioning the template, as well as dispensing the plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing tie plates between a rail and selected crossties along a railroad track. The apparatus includes a mobile frame which travels on the rails along a railroad track and carries a magnetic wheel for retrieving loose tie plates, a magazine for holding and positioning the loose tie plates over a selected rail lie, a rail jack for lifting the rail away from the tie to allow insertion of the tie plate, and an insertion arm and plate which urge the tie plate into position between the tie and the rail. The magazine holds a number of tie plates and has an elongated guide plate, dimensioned to fit the rail receiving area of the tie plates. A series of biased linkages, arranged vertically along the guide plate, urge the tie plates against the guide plate to hold them in place.

Abstract: A railroad car energy absorption apparatus is disclosed. The railroad car energy absorption apparatus includes a spring assembly having an elastomer spring element arranged in operable combination with structure for inhibiting localized heat deterioration of the elastomer spring element.