Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to automated detection of railroad track features. Images of a railroad track are captured and analyzed to identify track features such as anchors, spikes, rail ties, tie plates, and joints. Various image processing techniques are utilized to accurately distinguish between track features and other objects in the captured images. Track features identified in the images are assigned identifiers and locations and stored in a database so that a status and/or condition of the track features may be monitored for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rail vehicle having a track stabilization unit for use in stabilizing rails into ballast. The rail vehicle comprises a frame and a track stabilization unit coupled to the frame. The track stabilization unit includes a base and a plurality of wheels disposed about the base. The wheels are configured to bias against rails of a railroad track. At least one of the wheels is coupled to a motor through a drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft drives rotation of the wheel. Related methods are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a road rail stoneblower vehicle for carrying out rail maintenance operations near fixed structures such as bridges and overpasses. The road rail stoneblower includes a hi-rail chassis having a first set of wheels configured to engage a road surface and a second set of wheels configured to engage surfaces of substantially parallel rails of a railroad track. The road rail stoneblower further includes a plurality of workheads that are capable of dispensing ballast stones into a bed of ballast underlying the railroad track to adjust the height of the rails. The road rail stoneblower further includes a leveling system detachedly coupled to the hi-rail chassis that is configured to transmit a detectable signal that defines a reference plane with which the rails are to be aligned. Related methods of operation of the road rail stoneblower vehicle and associated maintenance of ballast beds underlying railroad tracks are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to work block encroachment warning systems for providing protection for rail workers working in a mobile or fixed work block. For example, a vehicle (V)-aware unit installed on a moving rail vehicle and a work block limit encroachment unit mounted on a railroad may wirelessly communicate with each other to determine a distance between them. When a vehicle is moving toward an occupied work block, the distance may be used to identify potential hazards.

Abstract: A security fence structure including posts, rails, fence gratings, mounting brackets, fence clips and fasteners is easily assembled in the field. The rails are secured to the post by mounting brackets and fasteners, and the fence grating secured to the rails by means of the fence clips and fasteners. The fence gratings, in conjunction with the mounting brackets, fence clips and fasteners are resistant to climbing.

Abstract: A security fence structure including posts, rails, fence gratings, mounting brackets, fence clips and fasteners is easily assembled in the field. The rails are secured to the post by mounting brackets and fasteners, and the fence grating secured to the rails by means of the fence clips and fasteners. The fence gratings, in conjunction with the mounting brackets, fence clips and fasteners are resistant to climbing.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a boiler comprising a microcomputer operatively connected to a microcontroller wherein the microcontroller is configured to provide flame safeguard operations and the microcomputer is configured to provide operating control instructions to the microcontroller. The boiler control system may operate either in a stand-alone, cascade master or cascade slave configuration.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus comprising structure to support a user interface incorporated into the cabinet housing of an electro-mechanical system for improved viewing and interaction with the user interface when the cabinet housing is opened during technician service, while simultaneously not obstructing access to the cabinet interior.

Abstract: A rail maintenance vehicle includes a frame, a workhead, and a vibrating unit. The frame includes wheels that travel along rails. The vibrating unit is coupled to the workhead and includes a rotor, a stator, a first rotor coil coupled to the rotor and a first stator coil coupled to the stator.

Abstract: A track geometry measurement system includes a plurality of wheels, a frame, an inertial measurement unit, a global positioning system, and a processor. The plurality of wheels are operable to trail over rail track. The frame is coupled to the wheels. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) is coupled to the frame. The global positioning system (GPS) is coupled to the frame. The processor is configured to determine a relative position of a portion of the frame based on data from the GPS and data from the IMU.

Abstract: Systems and methods for alerting rail workers of an oncoming rail vehicle are described. The system and method provide for a vehicle alert device on a rail vehicle. The vehicle alert device has two radios operating at different frequencies. Further provided is a personal alert device worn by a rail worker. The personal alert device has two radios operating at different frequencies. The frequencies of the radios in the vehicle alert device and of the radios in the personal alert device correspond to one another. One of the radios in the vehicle alert device and one of the radios in the personal alert device operate on the same frequency and perform ranging functions. The other radio in the vehicle alert device and the other radio in the personal alert device operate at the same frequency and provide for data communication between the rail worker and the rail vehicle.

Abstract: A fence structure providing a secure and resilient perimeter.

Abstract: A heat exchanger plenum apparatus comprising structure to support, among other components, an engine silencer substantially incorporated therein.

Abstract: A rail worker protection system having a first device configured to generate and send an identification code, a second device configured to transmit a request to the first device and to transmit a signal to one or more remote devices, and the remote device able to issue alarms to rail workers upon reception of the signal from the second device.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a rail vehicle having a frame and a carriage assembly coupled to the frame. The carriage assembly includes at least one workhead coupled thereto. The workhead includes a jaw member that is operable to engage and remove rail spikes during rail maintenance operations. Further, the carriage assembly and workhead are operable to move longitudinally along the frame and relative to the frame.

Abstract: A rail warning system using wireless portable transmitters/receivers is described. The rail warning system uses a chirp spread spectrum modulation scheme, and alerts personnel in work zones on or near train tracks as well as optionally, on track equipment and train operators, of approaching trains or on track equipment. Portable wayside devices may also be positioned on the rail web, optionally magnetically, to alert work personnel, allowing for secure placement but also portability to other locations on the same track or adjacent tracks.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an improved tamping operation where a rail tamping machine advances at different speeds during different stages of tamping and workhead assembly operation. The workhead assembly is also capable of moving longitudinally relative to the rail tamping machine frame when it is detected that the rail tamping machine is at an appropriate distance from a reference point. Related methods of tamping are also described.

Abstract: A workhead assembly for use in rail applications may comprise a frame and two pairs of workheads, wherein each pair of workheads is disposed on opposing sides of the frame and carries tamping tools. The workhead assembly may further include two vertically-oriented actuators being disposed on opposing sides of the frame. Two pairs of linkage arms are coupled between the vertically-oriented actuator and a pair of tamping arms. Each pair of linkage arms are disposed on opposing sides of the frame. Actuation of the linkage arms imparts movement to the tamping tools.

Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a rail vehicle frame, a pocket, a first beam, a second beam, an endplate, an actuator and a workhead carrier. The pocket is coupled to a frame portion of the rail vehicle frame. The first beam is disposed in a cavity defined by the pocket. The second beam is disposed proximal to the first beam. The end plate couples the first beam and the second beam. The actuator extends the first and second beams such that the end plate is displaced transversely with respect to the rail vehicle frame. The work head carrier is operable to translate along the first and second beams and couple the second beam to the frame portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a railroad chassis vehicle having independently operable workheads for carrying out rail maintenance operations on non-uniform sections of railroad tracks. Related methods of operation of the railroad chassis and associated maintenance of ballast beds underlying railroad tracks are also described.