Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the error monitoring of chassis components of rail vehicles, including at least one vibration sensor. According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one vibration sensor is arranged on a bogie frame or on a wheel set bearing of an axis of a bogie of the rail vehicle such that the detection direction thereof has a component in the moving direction (x-direction) or a component perpendicular to the moving direction (y-direction) and at the same time a component parallel to the vertical axis (z-direction) of the rail vehicle.

Abstract: A system to monitor the integrity of a railway track is provided. The system comprises a mechanical signal source and a correlation detector. The mechanical signal source coupled to the railway track and is configured for generating a mechanical signal pulse train over the railway track. The correlation detector monitors the integrity of the railway track by observing the pulse trains transmitted by the mechanical signal sources. If the railway track is intact, then the pulse train will travel to the correlation detector and afford the opportunity for repeatable detection.

Abstract: System for monitoring the working of rotation or roll dampers in rail vehicles provided with a superstructure which rests on at least two chassis, in which the motions which can be generated as a consequence of the self-seeking character of a wheel set are damped in at least one of the chassis by the said rotation or roll dampers which are mounted between chassis and superstructure, on one side each of the chassis. The working of the dampers is monitored by means of suitable sensors, which emit electric signals dependent upon the working of the particular damper. The system is provided with means for comparing the signals of both sensors and for determining a differential signal. The system is further provided with means by which the differential signal is compared with a reference value, which means emit a warning signal if the differential signal exceeds the said reference value.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing mechanical tests on structures, in particular on energy absorber elements in the field of railways, wherein a pyrotechnics launcher comprising a launch tube slidably receiving a thrust rod is disposed at one end of a segment of rail track, said pyrotechnics launcher being supported in its central portion by a support element and being prevented from moving backwards by a buffer stop element disposed behind the pyrotechnics launcher, said support element and said buffer stop element including fixing means making it possible to hold said pyrotechnics launcher at various heights relative to the rails of the rail track.

Abstract: A simulation apparatus for simulating vehicle movement during actual running has a mock vehicle that is provided with a truck and a vibrator, and a numerical model that is virtually connected to the mock vehicle and stored in a digital computer. Wheels are joined to the bottom portion of the truck, and a driving machine for rotationally driving the wheels is provided under the wheels. The driving machine drives the wheels in such a manner as to simulate a running surface such as a road or rails. The rotation of the wheels causes the truck to generate reaction force. A reaction force measuring device measures this reaction force. Based on a resulting measurement value and the numerical model stored in the digital computer, the digital computer calculates a vehicle movement after a lapse of a preset time. A controller controls the vibrator so as to realize the calculated vehicle movement.

Abstract: A testing device is provided for checking the resistive force of a retarder installed on the rail of a railway track for reducing the speed of a railcar rolling along the track. The retarder is a hydraulic unit including a housing, a cylinder slidably mounted in the housing, a piston rod fixed to the housing, a piston assembly fixed to the piston rod and dividing the cylinder into upper and lower chambers, and a valve arrangement responsive to the flow of hydraulic fluid flowing between the upper and lower chambers. The testing device is constructed and arranged to allow a user to check the resistive force of a retarder installed upon the railway track while standing in an upright position.