Submarines Patents (Class 104/71)
  • Patent number: 10881972
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an underwater park ride system that includes a track having a plurality of air registers embedded within the track for discharging compressed air. The underwater park ride system further includes an underwater vehicle having an air engine that is configured to collect the discharged compressed air in a manner that propels the underwater vehicle along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Sub Sea Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Ryan Mayfield
  • Patent number: 10016692
    Abstract: It is disclosed a water amusement ride (1) comprising at least one vehicle (2) comprising means (6) for accommodating at least one passenger, a container (10) for storing water having an opening (10a) to define a water surface (S). The vehicle (2) is movable between a raised position (RP) with respect to the water surface (S), and a stop position (SP), in which at least part of the vehicle is submerged in the water. The ride further comprises lifting means (30) to move the vehicle from the stop position to the raised position, and wherein the vehicle (2) moved from the raised position (RP) towards said stop position (SP) is decelerated by the contact with water in said container (10) to reach the stop position (SP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ANTONIO ZAMPERLA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Zamperla
  • Patent number: 9844732
    Abstract: A vehicle for conveying a rider within a tubular track comprises a support portion for supporting the rider and a retaining body adapted to retain the support portion against an interior wall of the tubular track. The retaining body has a sliding surface for slidable engagement with the wall of the tubular track. The support portion and the retaining body have a vehicle axis of movement about which the vehicle may rotate within the tubular track. An apparatus for transporting a rider comprises a tubular track having an interior wall and at least one vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Skyturtle Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Lance Fisher
  • Patent number: 6857373
    Abstract: A variably curved track-mounted amusement ride having at least one outside curve and at least one inside curve, each lying substantially within a vertical plane and each having an axis of symmetry which is substantially horizontal. Preferably, the top curve is an outside curve; and preferably inside and outside curves alternate with each other. Also preferably, before the first curve, between each outside curve and each inside curve, and after the last curve is a substantially straight segment which slopes downward. The vertical distance occupied by an outside curve is less than that occupied by an inside curve. The track can retain a cart which runs on the track no matter what the orientation of the body of the cart is with respect to the track. Any means that is well known in the art can be used to raise the cart to the beginning of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventors: Stanley J. Checketts, Ned R. Hansen, Quin R. Checketts, Lawrence E. Allen, Dody Bachtar, Benjamin Clegg, Michael K. Winger
  • Patent number: 6154973
    Abstract: A method for correcting the track geometry of a track, includes measuring an initial track position of the track following lifting of the track and tamping under the track, and so computing a final desired track position as to eliminate long-wave alignment errors of the track geometry. Subsequently, corrective values are determined commensurate with a difference between the final desired track position and the initial track position, and the track is stabilized by lowering the track in a controlled manner into the final desired position and controlling in response to the corrective values the static load and/or transverse vibration acting on the track, thereby eliminating during track stabilization in particular long-wave geometrical track errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Patent number: 6145442
    Abstract: An underwater mobile observatory system comprising an aquarium (20) able to hold water and large enough to support fish, coral, and to display artificial objects such as shipwrecks and ruins, a vehicle track (21) extending through the aquarium (20), the track (21) generally being adjacent the bottom of the aquarium (20), the track (21) having a portion (24) which rises to a loading/unloading position, and a passenger vehicle (22) coupled to the track (21) for movement therealong and unable to leave the track (21) such that inclination of the track (21) causes the vehicle (22) to move up and down through water in the aquarium (20), the passenger vehicle (22) having a main body portion to seat passengers and which is capable of being submerged, and a top portion which is open to the air, the spacing between the track (21) and the water level being controlled such that water does not pass over the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Underwater Mobile Observatories Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Anthony Lofts
  • Patent number: 6089161
    Abstract: A railway panel transport apparatus for moving prefabricated railway panels to installation sites includes a plurality of ties, a first rail, and a second rail. The ties are positioned in spaced parallel relation to support the first and second rails, which extend substantially the length of the railway panel. At least two truck assemblies are connected to the railway panel. The truck assemblies include a pair of travel wheels mounted thereon for engaging and traveling upon existing railway sections. Following transport to the installation site, the truck assemblies are removed and the railway panel is installed in a proper location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: John M. Saban
  • Patent number: 6089163
    Abstract: A system for adjusting the separation distance between adjacent rails over which vehicles travel, the apparatus including a vehicle moveable along the rails and including a boom or pivoted art member mounted on the frame, the boom or arm extending in cantilevered fashion from a pivot mount to and terminating adjacent one end of the vehicle. A rail gripper is mounted on, and oriented normal to, the boom or arm and includes telescoping members extending laterally of and between the rails. Each end of the rail gripper is provided with one or more lug members adapted to engage a respective rail for the applying of a moving force to the rail in a direction substantially normal to the length of the rail and selectively toward or away from its companion rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Barnett Williams
  • Patent number: 6058848
    Abstract: An underwater and land travel system comprising an underwater and land travel vehicle which is capable of being reliably and safely moved from on the land into the water and which may also be used for viewing the sight in the water with delight and safety irrespective of the weather or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Koyo Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Futami, Kenjiro Futami
  • Patent number: 5775226
    Abstract: A pair of travel rails (46) each having an upper surface and a lower surface are laid to extend from on the land (44) into the water (45). Main tires (12) are rotatably disposed on opposite sides of a vehicle body (1), so that they are located between the upper and lower surfaces of the travel rails (46), and so that they abut against the lower surfaces of the travel rails (46) during traveling of the vehicle body on the land. Auxiliary tires (13) are disposed on upper portions of the main tires (12) to abut against the main tires (12). The auxiliary tires (13) are adapted to abut against the upper portions of the travel rails (46) under influence of the buoyancy of the vehicle body (1) during traveling of the vehicle body in the water. Thus, the travel vehicle body (1) can continuously travel on the land and in the water by rotatively driving the main tires (12) to move the travel vehicle body (1) along the travel rails (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Koyo Engineering Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Futami, Kenjiro Futami
  • Patent number: 5704293
    Abstract: A lifting device for manipulating a track element at a manipulating location at least partially above a track transported to a manipulating location on a transport platform of a transport vehicle and includes a lifting device frame provided with power and drive system. Lifting elements are supported by the lifting device frame, for lifting the track element and transfer elements for moving the lifting device frame. At least one pair of support members supports and manipulates the transfer elements. The support members are mounted on a common subframe and at least one brace element is provided for movably mounting the common subframe to the lifting device frame, to allow the subframe to tilt and rotate with respect to the lifting device frame. Each of the support members has telescopic arms, movable between a retracted position in which the transfer elements are retractable upon the transport platform and an extended position in which the transfer elements are extended beyond the transport platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Insinooritoimisto Desec Oy
    Inventors: Seppo Koivisto, Einari Venalainen, Timo Mustasilta
  • Patent number: 5649490
    Abstract: The subject invention is an improved apparatus structured and adapted to support rail wheels on an over-the-road vehicle that is adapted accordingly to ride over railroad rails as well as over the ground on roadways, such apparatus being adapted to support as well as raise or lower the railroad wheels as needed for such purpose, and with a basic structure comprising one or more vertically disposed support members affixed to the main frame of the vehicle, there being affixed to each such vertically disposed support members affixed to the main frame of the vehicle, a reciprocally movable lifting arm, each such support member having a rail wheel affixed to the lower end of each such lifting arm, with the lowest movable extent of such lifting arm adapted to position the affixed rail wheel to the rail level, with the extreme upper vertical movement of such lifting arm being positioned away from the rail in the retracted position so that the vehicle can travel over the road or ground without impediment from the rai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Estel L. Lovitt
  • Patent number: 5479725
    Abstract: A mobile arrangement for rehabilitating a ballast bed by installing a protective layer between a subgrade and layer of ballast at a construction site of the track includes an excavation unit for continuously removing old ballast from the ballast bed to expose the subgrade and a rock crusher unit which receives at least a portion of withdrawn old ballast for comminution thereof. Comminuted old ballast is then laid over the exposed subgrade for forming at least part of the protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industrieges. m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Patent number: 5469791
    Abstract: A mobile machine for preparing rails for welding comprises an elongated bridge-like machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction, the machine frame having an upwardly recessed frame portion extending between opposite ends of the machine frame and defining a work space, and undercarriages support the opposite machine frame ends. Rail lifting devices are mounted on the machine frame for displacement in the longitudinal direction, and drives vertically adjust the rail lifting devices. The machine further has support shelves for storing rails on the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Worgotter
  • Patent number: 5465666
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing railway sleepers is disclosed wherein lifting devices are spaced along a section of railway line to be repaired. The lifting devices simultaneously lift and separate the rails from the sleepers. Thereafter, a plough levels the ground on which new sleepers will be placed. Finally, new sleepers are inserted under the rails. The plough additionally serves to provide a foundation upon which the rails are supported, and should it be necessary, the plough can support the weight of a passing train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Jaakko Niiranen
  • Patent number: 5456180
    Abstract: A mobile machine for rehabilitating a ballast bed comprises an elongated machine frame supported by spaced apart undercarriages on the track for mobility in an operating direction. Mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages are a vertically adjustable device for excavating ballast, a ballast discharge device arranged rearwardly of the ballast excavating device in the operating direction, the ballast discharge device having a discharge end, and a track lifting device and a vertically adjustable ballast tamping head arranged rearwardly of the discharge end of the ballast discharge device. The track lifting device comprises flanged rollers supporting the track lifting device on the track, and the ballast tamping head comprises reciprocable tamping tools for tamping the discharged ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Worgotter, Friedrich Oellerer
  • Patent number: 5435252
    Abstract: A mobile working machine for treatment of a ballast bed or subgrade for a ack comprised of rails fastened to ties includes a machine frame which is defined by a longitudinal axis and supported by undercarriages for movement in an operating direction along a track, and a track lifting unit which is vertically adjustably mounted to the machine frame between two undercarriages for lifting the track. The track lifting unit includes a load-bearing member which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine frame and has a length exceeding a tie length. The load-bearing member forms with its drives a structural unit, which encircles the track in a direction transversely to the machine frame during operation and is solely supported by the machine frame, and has a rolling element which is rotatable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the machine frame for providing a support for the ties of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: die Firma Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen - Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Patent number: 5435253
    Abstract: A vacuum highway seal provides an effective barrier for maintaining a separation between the atmosphere and a vacuum highway, which allows vehicles to reach near orbital speeds on the surface of the earth. The vacuum highway seal is composed of a pool of water with a pipe extending from several feet below the surface to approximately forty feet above the surface of the water. Water is pushed by atmospheric pressure from the pool to approximately thirty two feet above the pool into the pipe. A vehicle is loaded with cargo and/or people at the dock in the pool, then is submerged and travels to the entrance of the pipe underneath the water. The pipe is tapered and sloped to allow an easy transition from the pool into the vacuum highway. As the water ballast used to submerge the vehicle is expelled the vehicle is accelerated to the surface of the water and the vacuum highway beyond. Once in the vacuum highway a second propulsion system is used to propel and lift the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: George T. Milligan
  • Patent number: 5385102
    Abstract: Vehicle able to lay a specially designed track formed from elements (5, 6, 7) joined end to end. The vehicle (8) advances along the track and carries a track element on the carriage. When it reaches the end of the track, the carriage is lowered so that the element can be fitted into the preceding element. The elements are of different types so as to permit track height and direction changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Eric Villedieu, Daniel Francois
  • Patent number: 5357867
    Abstract: A machine for renewing and laying a railway track comprises an elongated machine frame and undercarriages supporting the machine frame at the ends thereof. The undercarriages include at one of the machine ends an undercarriage which is vertically adjustable relative to the machine frame and detachable therefrom, the vertically adjustable undercarriage not being track-bound, and a track-bound undercarriage which is arranged adjacent the vertically adjustable undercarriage and is detachable from the machine frame. A first coupling detachably mounts the vertically adjustable undercarriage on the machine frame and a second coupling is provided at the track-bound undercarriage for mounting the vertically adjustable undercarriage on the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Patent number: 5343810
    Abstract: A switch tamping machine comprises a machine frame, a track lifting and lining unit operated by lifting and lining drives linking the track lifting and lining unit to the machine frame, and at least one ballast tamping unit mounted on the machine frame for displacement transversely to the direction of elongation of the machine frame. The tamping unit comprises a carrier frame, a tamping tool carrier vertically adjustably mounted on the carrier frame for vertical displacement along a vertical guide, and a pair of vibratory tamping tools mounted on the tamping tool carrier for reciprocation in the direction of elongation. An auxiliary lifting device is vertically adjustably mounted on the carrier frame of the transversely displaceable tamping unit for lifting a switch rail transversely spaced from the machine frame, the auxiliary lifting device comprising a vertically adjustable rail engaging tool, and a lifting drive links the auxiliary lifting device to the carrier frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft M.B.H.
    Inventor: Josef Theurer
  • Patent number: 5331898
    Abstract: Vehicle able to lay a specially designed track formed from elements (5, 6, 7) joined end to end. The vehicle (8) advances along the track and carries a track element on the carriage. When it reaches the end of the track, the carriage is lowered so that the element can be fitted into the preceding element. The elements are of different types so as to permit track height and direction changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Eric Villedieu, Daniel Francois
  • Patent number: 5305692
    Abstract: A tie exchanger assembly is mounted upon a truck and is used for removal and insertion of ties in a railroad roadbed. A boom is mounted to a rail clamp table which is vertically movable between an upper stored position and a lowered operable position. The boom is mounted to the center of the rail clamp support table and is rotatable 180.degree. about a vertical axis so that the boom may be used for manipulating ties on both sides of the vehicle. Rail clamps and rail engagement wheels are mounted to the underside of the rail clamp table. The boom is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. A tie clamp is mounted at a distal end of the boom. A self-aligning tie clamp may advantageously be used so as to clamp concrete ties or other ties with irregular or concave surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Harsco Corporation
    Inventors: Harry Madison, Robert F. Ryan, Michael B. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5299505
    Abstract: A ballast tamping machine comprises a machine frame supported on undercarriages, a tamping unit vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame and comprising reciprocable vibratory tamping tools, and a track lifting and lining unit mounted on the machine frame and comprising lifting and lining drives, a flanged roller and a lifting tool. An auxiliary track lifting device is associated with the track lifting and lining unit, the auxiliary track lifting device comprising a carrier frame, a tool for gripping a branch track rail mounted on the carrier frame end, a lifting drive, a displacement drive for adjusting the branch track rail gripping tool on the carrier frame relative to the machine frame, and a part for contacting and resting on the branch track rail mounted adjacent the branch track rail gripping tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Friedrich Peitl
  • Patent number: 5297482
    Abstract: A rail threader comprising a top plate having side plates extending downwardly from the opposite sides thereof. A vertically disposed plate extends upwardly from the top plate and is adapted to serve as an abutment for the loose rail during the threading operation. The inside surface of one of the side plates has a pair of bars extending inwardly therefrom. When the rail threader has been positioned on a rail, a spacer bar is positioned between one side of the rail and the inside surface of the other side plate. A pair of bolts threadably extend through the other side plate and draw the bars on the first side plate into engagement with one side of the rail. The rail threader is securely held onto the rail by the engagement of the rods and the spacer bar which are urged into engagement with the opposite sides of the rail by the bolts. The loose rail may be threaded into the center of the tracks or threaded outwardly from the center of the tracks through the use of the rail threader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Robert K. Cleveland
  • Patent number: 5295440
    Abstract: A rail puller for attachment to the end of a rail comprising a top plate having side plates extending downwardly therefrom in a spaced-apart relationship. The bottom surface of the top plate is provided with a centrally disposed guide slot formed therein adapted to receive the tapered end of a wedge. An elongated rod is secured to the inside surface of each of the side plates near the lower end thereof. The puller is installed on a rail by slipping the same over the end of the rail. A wedge is then inserted into the guide slot of the top plate and is driven thereinto to force the elongated rods upwardly into frictional engagement with the underside of the head of the rail. A lifting bracket is provided on the top surface of the top plate and chain hooks are mounted on the exterior surfaces of the side plates to facilitate the connection of the puller to either a hoisting device, a Hy-Railer or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Robert K. Cleveland
  • Patent number: 5257579
    Abstract: A continuously advancing track working machine for compacting ballast comprises a self-propelled machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track for mobility in an operating direction and a track stabilization assembly vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages. The track stabilization assembly comprises drives for vertically adjusting the assembly, oscillatory rolling tools arranged for engaging the rails, vibrators for oscillating the rolling tools, and spreading drives for pressing the rolling tools against the gage sides of the rails. The machine further comprises a leveling reference system including a leveling reference base having a leading and a trailing end point in the operating direction, and a measuring axle carrying a pickup indicating the track level measured by the axle, the measuring axle rolling on the track off-center between the reference base end points and rearwardly of the track stabilization assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Josef Theurer
  • Patent number: 5257580
    Abstract: A mobile track working machine arrangement comprises two consecutively arranged, independent track working vehicles, each track working vehicle comprising an elongated two-part machine frame, the two parts of the machine frame being linked by a pivot for pivoting of one part in relation to the other part about a horizontal axis extending perpendicularly to the track, and undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track. A ballast excavating device is vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame of a first track working vehicle for excavating the ballast supporting the track whereby the subgrade is exposed, and a conveyor arrangement is mounted on the machine frame of the first track working vehicle for removing the excavated ballast. A device for planing and compacting a protective layer of sand on the subgrade is mounted on the machine frame of the second track working vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Patent number: 5243918
    Abstract: A multiple railroad tie handling method includes simultaneously clamping a layer of closed packed, parallel concrete railroad ties, lifting and moving the clamped group toward a track bed, spreading the clamped ties to the required tie interval spacing, laterally aligning the clamped group with previously laid ties and spacing the group to continue the existing tie spacing, lowering the clamped group to the track bed, and simultaneously releasing the ties on the track bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Herzog Contracting Company
    Inventor: Ivan E. Bounds
  • Patent number: 5215016
    Abstract: A rail type underwater travel vehicle includes a passenger observation room, an engine room housing drive apparatus and a flotation adjustment tank chamber. The vehicle can travel freely from land into water by means of drive tires that are rotated by the drive apparatus, the drive tires riding on a pair of travel guides extending from the land into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Koyo Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Futami
  • Patent number: 5193461
    Abstract: A machine for exchanging old ties of a railroad track for new ties comprises a machine frame supported by undercarriages for mobility along the track, a longitudinally, vertically and transversely displaceable tie exchange device connected to the machine frame for laterally pulling the old ties out of the track and laterally inserting the new ties in the track at a tie exchange position, and a ballast scarifying device for clearing ballast at the tie exchange position. According to the invention, a mobile tie transporting crane is mounted on the machine for movement along the track towards and away from the tie exchange device, and a device is arranged below the machine frame for depositing the old ties pulled out of the track by the tie exchange device and the new ties transported by the crane, the tie exchange device having a side facing the tie depositing device and the tie transporting crane comprising a vertically adjustable boom and tie gripper affixed to the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Worgotter
  • Patent number: 5172637
    Abstract: A continuously advancing dynamic track stabilization machine comprises a first cross level measuring element arranged at the machine frame front end and generating reference signals corresponding to the measured cross level at successive points as the machine continuously advances, a second cross level measuring element arranged adjacent a track stabilization assembly spaced from the front end and generating a signal corresponding to the measured cross level, and a control for actuating the drives for applying a vertical load to the track rails and for vibrating the track in a horizontal, transverse direction. The control is arranged to receive the reference signals from the first cross level element, to store the received reference signals until the second cross level element has reached the successive points, to compare the stored reference signals with the signals generated by the second cross level element to obtain a control signal, and to transmit the control signal for actuating the drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Patent number: 5172636
    Abstract: A mobile ballast cleaning machine comprises a machine frame, undercarriages supporting the machine frame for mobility on the track, an excavating chain mounted on the machine frame and arranged to excavate the ballast to expose the subgrade, a ballast screening installation arranged to receive the excavated ballast from the excavating chain and to clean the received ballast, a ballast conveyor unit extending in the longitudinal direction and having an input end receiving the cleaned ballast from the ballast screening installation and a discharge end, a chute arranged at the excavating chain for receiving the cleaned ballast from the discharge end of the ballast conveyor unit, the chute having at least one outlet opening, a conveyor band associated with each outlet opening for receiving the cleaned ballast from the outlet opening and having a discharge end for discharging the cleaned ballast on the exposed subgrade, a variable speed drive for operating each conveyor band to impart thereto a desired conveying s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Worgotter
  • Patent number: 5142988
    Abstract: An auxiliary railroad track lifting assembly for assisting conventional lifting grippers of a railroad track construction machine, especially a tamper, in lifting a switchgear unit includes a lifting device carried by an arm articulated, at its end remote from the lifting device, on a carriage movable along a rail fastened to the flank of the machine. The assembly permits displacement of the construction machine between at least two successive tamping position in the longitudinal direction of the track with the auxiliary assembly remaining stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Matisa Materiel Industriel S.A.
    Inventor: Jorg Ganz
  • Patent number: 5127335
    Abstract: A points and crossing changer including an elongated frame having a plurality of extendible support members pivotally mounted thereon for horizontal movement about a vertical axis. Each support member includes a downwardly extendible telescoping shaft supported on a lower end by a tracked conveyor pivotally mounted thereon. Mounted to the frame is means for engaging selected sections of track subjacent frame wherein the frame and the selected section of track can be lifted by the telescopic shafts and propelled in an unlimited variety of horizontal directions by the tracked conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Kershaw Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Whitaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5119723
    Abstract: The subject invention is an improved apparatus adapted to facilitate the installation of railroad ties, either by automatic or semi-automatic members. The apparatus incorporating the features of the subject invention comprises, in general, a pair of laterally disposed stabilizing and leveling arms flexibly mounted to each side of a vehicle that is capable of riding on railroad tracks, and wherein each said stabilizing and leveling arm is in turn comprised of two flexible subarms flexibly mounted together in the manner of a parallelogram structure. Mounted at the end of the parallelgram-like subarms are flat brace members. Integrally affixed to the end of such flat brace members are self-levelling jacks. A flexible movable boom member is integrally mounted to a portion of such vehicle, with such boom member having a rotatable holding device rotatably and integrally affixed to the end of the boom arm, such holding device adapted to hold a portion of a tie member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Estel L. Lovitt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5090484
    Abstract: A mobile machine arrangement for excavating ballast from a ballast bed, for cleaning the excavated ballast and for redistributing the cleaned ballast to the ballast bed, comprises a first, elongated machine frame and a second machine frame supported for mobility on a track. Mounted on the first machine frame are a track lifting device, a ballast excavating chain including a transverse course insertable in a central ballast bed portion under the track for excavating ballast from the central ballast bed portion, and a first ballast cleaning screen arranged to receive the excavated ballast from the excavating chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Friedrich Oellerer
  • Patent number: 5090483
    Abstract: In combination with a mobile ballast cleaning machine advancing continuously in an operating direction along a railroad track, which comprises a ballast excavating chain including a transverse course extending under the track and driven to excavate a transversely extending portion of the ballast bed during the continuous advancement of the machine: a device connected to the machine for continuous advancement therewith and arranged to receive ballast deposited on the ballast bed and the track ties ahead of the transverse ballast excavating chain course and to discharge the received ballast in the transversely extending excavated ballast bed portion, the device comprising a ballast receiving and discharging element extending in the direction of the track, and a vertical adjustment drive arranged to lower the element onto the upper surfaces of the ties between the rails whereby the ballast deposited on the ballast bed and the track ties is separated from the underlying ballast bed and is received on the element
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Friedrich Oellerer
  • Patent number: 5090329
    Abstract: A reference system for a track working machine comprising a vertically and/or laterally adjustable working tool unit, comprises a front carriage spaced from a front end of the machine and being movable independently thereof, and a wireless remote control mounted on the machine and controlling the independent movement of the front carriage. A television camera and an emitter of a reference guide beam is pivotally mounted on the front carriage, and drives for pivoting the television camera and the reference guide beam emitter are controlled by the wireless remote control. A reference is mounted on the machine and controls and vertical and/or lateral adjustment of the working tool unit, a reference guide beam receiver is associated with the reference and is arranged on the machine for receiving the reference guide beam from the emitter, and a monitor is mounted on the machine and is in communication with the television camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Josef Theurer
  • Patent number: 5063856
    Abstract: A machine for picking up and storing tie plates of a railroad track comprises the combination of a machine frame, two vertically adjustable tie plate pick-up devices transversely spaced from each other on the machine frame, the tie plate pick-up devices being vertically adjustable between a lower pick-up position wherein their transverse spacing corresponds to the track gage and an upper tie plate depositing position, a storage device arranged on the machine frame for receiving the tie plates from the pick-up devices in their upper tie plate depositing position, a transversely displaceable device mounted on the machine frame for transversely displacing a track tie within a range of about 30 cm to about 100 cm, and a vertically adjustable rail lifting device mounted on the machine frame adjacent the track tie displacing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Worgotter
  • Patent number: 5048424
    Abstract: A vehicle for replacing selective ties in a road bed uses a conveyor system whereby ties may be picked up from on top of the rails. If the ties are to be used by the particular vehicle, they may be held by that vehicle. On the other hand, the conveyor system allows ties to pass over top of the vehicle such that the ties will be again disposed on top of the rails such that a following tie replacement vehicle may use the ties. By use of a tie replacement or inserter head having two tie clamps, one can more quickly remove an old tie from underneath the rails and replace the old tie with a new tie which has been picked up from on top of the vehicle. Electromagnets are used to hold the tie plates against the rails during the selective replacement of particular ties such that replacement of the tie plates is not usually necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Harsco Corporation
    Inventors: Harry Madison, G. Robert Newman
  • Patent number: 5025733
    Abstract: A railroad tie replacing device (10) including a support frame (11) on rollers (22) for movement over a series of parallel railroad tracks (28) supported by railroad ties (29). A main piston or cylinder (15) is positioned such that the stroke of the piston rod is horizontally toward and away from the rails. A gripping mechanism (23) is arranged on the main cylinder rod and is capable of gripping a railroad support to be replaced. The main cylinder and an attached spacer (24) for securing the invention to the rail during operation are lowered over the rail by a lift cylinder (18). Upon operation, the grippers are closed over a tie to be removed and the main cylinder is activated. The outward stroke of the main cylinder piston rod with appended gripper mechanisms pulls the tie from beneath the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Elio Pierobon
  • Patent number: 5007350
    Abstract: A universal mobile track leveling, lining and tamping machine useful for work in track switches and tangent track comprises four ballast tamping units mounted between the undercarriages of the machine and immediately preceding the rear undercarriage in the operating direction. The ballast tamping units are mounted for independent transverse and vertical adjustment with respect to the machine frame, a respective one of the ballast tamping units being arranged at the gage side and the field side of each rail, and each ballast tamping unit comprising a pair of vibratory tamping tools reciprocable in the direction of the track and immersible in the ballast with a respective one of the ties positioned between the tamping tools. Each unit is independently vertically adjustable on an independent vertical guide and independently transversely adjustable on at least one transverse guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Josef Theurer
  • Patent number: 5007349
    Abstract: A mobile track leveling, lining and tamping machine comprises four ballast tamping units mounted between the undercarriages of the machine and immediately preceding the rear undercarriage in the operating direction. The ballast tamping units are mounted for independent transverse and vertical adjustment with respect to the machine frame by power drives, a respective one of the ballast tamping units being arranged at the gage side and the field side of each rail, and each ballast tamping unit comprising a pair of vibratory tamping tools reciprocable in the direction of the track and immersible in the ballast with a respective one of the ties positioned between the tamping tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Josef Theurer
  • Patent number: 4979247
    Abstract: The train comprises transport vehicles (16) for the new (T1) and old (T2) ties, followed by a storage vehicle (12) for the ties, a railroad car (1) as a dismantling car, articulated to the storage vehicle (12), and a laying unit (17) constructed in a manner such as to be mobile between a working state and a state of rest when running light. When working, this mobile unit (17) bears at one end on the car (1), for example via a wheel gear (22), and at the other end on a running support (24) which moves on the new track (R2). In the state of rest, the mobile unit (17) is moved and loaded onto the car (1), the running support (24) being retracted. The running support can also be formed by a railroad vehicle (26) or by a bissel truck (28), coupled to the car when running light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Les Fils d'Auguste Scheuchzer S.A.
    Inventor: Fritz Buhler
  • Patent number: 4953467
    Abstract: A continuously advancing track surfacing machine for compacting a ballast bed comprises a power-actuated, vertically adjustable track stabilization assembly mounted on the machine frame between front and rear undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track. The track stabilization assembly includes rail-engaging vibratory roller tools and a drive for pressing the roller tools into engagement with the facing gage sides of the track rails, and a track leveling reference system monitors the track level. A vertically adjustable plow arrangement for smoothing the ballast bed is mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages and associated with the track stabilization assembly, the plow arrangement extending across the track at least from one of the tie ends to the opposite tie end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Josef Theurer
  • Patent number: 4911246
    Abstract: A ballast cleaning machine comprises a machine frame comprising two frame parts, one of the ends of one machine frame part adjoining one of the ends of the other machine frame part while the machine frame part ends opposite to the one ends are remote from each other, and the adjoining machine frame part ends being pivotally linked to each other for pivoting about a vertical axis. Respective undercarriages support the machine frame on the track, two of the undercarriages being arranged at the remote machine part ends and a third one of the undercarriages being arranged on one of the machine frame parts in the range of the vertical pivoting axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Patent number: 4905604
    Abstract: A mobile switch leveling, lining and tamping machine comprises a vertically and laterally adjustable leveling and lining tool carrier frame linked to the machine frame, a pair of flanged wheels supporting the carrier frame on a main track for mobility therealong, each flanged wheel engaging a respective rail and serving as a track lining tool, a respective power-operated, vertically and transversely adjustable track lifting tool mounted on the carrier frame for gripping each rail at one side thereof, a leveling and lining reference system including a main track position sensing device, the leveling and lining reference system controlling actuation of the track lifting and lining drives in response to the main track position sensed by the device, a vertically adjustable auxiliary device mounted on the machine frame for lifting a laterally adjacent track section, a power-actuated drive for laterally displacing the auxiliary device, and a measuring carriage associated with the machine and running on the laterall
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Josef Theurer
  • Patent number: 4890557
    Abstract: An attachment for railroad track maintenance equipment utilizes a parallelogram linkage to position a vibrating skid on the surface of the interstitial ballast intermediate railroad crossties to loosen such ballast for subsequent removal by an undercutter device which is a part of the track maintenance equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Kershaw Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Whitaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE35788
    Abstract: A mobile arrangement for rehabilitating a ballast bed by installing a protective layer between a subgrade and layer of ballast at a construction site of the track includes an excavation unit for continuously removing old ballast from the ballast bed to expose the subgrade and a rock crusher unit which receives at least a portion of withdrawn old ballast for comminution thereof. Comminuted old ballast is then laid over the exposed subgrade for forming at least part of the protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger