Abstract: A suction nozzle insert is provided for arranging in a storage container of a sand discharge device of a rail vehicle, through which compressed air can flow in succession through a nozzle, an injection chamber, a venturi pipe and then a sand feed pipe, wherein the injection chamber and the venturi pipe are located in a first hollow chamber, and furthermore at least one suction channel which connects the storage container with the injection chamber is provided in the housing of the suction nozzle insert, wherein the housing has a second hollow chamber which is arranged between the compressed air pipe and the nozzle, and at least one at least partially closable air channel is provided between this second hollow chamber and the first hollow chamber, wherein the air channel inlet lies in the second hollow chamber and the air channel outlet lies in the first hollow chamber.

Abstract: A sand dispensing device for vehicles has an exchangeable sand container and a sand outlet comprising a sand conduit for transporting sand from the sand container to a sand dispensing location. A container receptacle is provided that exchangeably secures the sand container.

Abstract: An apparatus (40,60) for aligning a rail conditioning system, such as a sanding system or a compressed air snow removal system of a locomotive. A source of light (50,70) is removeably and unmovingly attached to a conduit (44,62) of the rail conditioning system to direct a beam of light (53) toward a rail (46) to verify a location of impingement (56) of a spray of rail conditioning material (45,66). The source of light may be a battery operated laser pointer, and it may be attached to a fixture (48,72) that is removeably secured to the conduit. The fixture may be attached over an outlet nozzle (42,62) of the conduit, or it may be threaded onto the conduit in place of the nozzle when the nozzle is removed for cleaning and inspection.

Abstract: This invention consists of a funnel mounted near the wheel well of a vehicle, which contains marble chips and is activated when a button located on the steering wheel is depressed. The flow of marble chips continues until the button is depressed a second time.

Abstract: To ensure functioning and permanent readiness for operation of a sand-dispensing device for motor vehicles, which comprises a sand container and at least one sand channel with a sand outlet facing the wheel, two closing means are provided. The first one closes the outlet of the sand container, i.e. the passage into the sand channel, and the second one closes the sand outlet. The two closing means open simultaneously, so that the sand is discharged from the sand container directly onto the roadway. To stop dispersion, the outlet of the sand container is closed earlier, so that the sand channel can get discharged. Only then the second closing means closes the sand outlet of the channel and protects the discharged sand channel and the first closing means against humidity and mud.

Abstract: A salt dispensing accessory mountable on an automotive vehicle so to dispense salt in front of the rear wheels thereof for traction on ice; the device including a salt storage container with a downward spout underneath, and also a unit for moistening the dispensed salt, the unit including a water storage vessel, a tube from the vessel being intercepted by a motor-driven water pump, and an outlet of the line being constructed to form an atomizer and being directed transversely across the falling salt.