Abstract: A rail port insert is provided. The insert comprises an outer casing comprising a tubular sidewall and a base, the sidewall and base defining a spatial volume therein, the base defining an inlet passage that extends through the base and that is fluid communication with the spatial volume, and an elastomeric body having a first end and a second end, the elastomeric body disposed within the spatial volume and affixed to an inner surface of the tubular sidewall, the base, or both an inner surface of the tubular sidewall and the base. The elastomeric body comprising a flow passageway having a length extending from the first end to the second end, the first end in fluid communication with the inlet passage of the base, the second end further comprising a depth-length and defining an orifice along the depth-length, the orifice moving from a closed position in the absence of any applied pressure within the flow passageway, to an open position when pressure is applied within the flow passageway.

Abstract: A rail port insert is provided. The insert comprises an outer casing comprising a tubular sidewall and a base, the sidewall and base defining a spatial volume therein, the base defining an inlet passage that extends through the base and that is fluid communication with the spatial volume, and an elastomeric body having a first end and a second end, the elastomeric body disposed within the spatial volume and affixed to an inner surface of the tubular sidewall, the base, or both an inner surface of the tubular sidewall and the base. The elastomeric body comprising a flow passageway having a length extending from the first end to the second end, the first end in fluid communication with the inlet passage of the base, the second end further comprising a depth-length and defining an orifice along the depth-length, the orifice moving from a closed position in the absence of any applied pressure within the flow passageway, to an open position when pressure is applied within the flow passageway.

Abstract: A method to determine fuel consumption, energy consumption, or both fuel consumption and energy consumption, during one test train run, or a plurality of test train runs, that is associated with modifying an operating parameter is provided. The method includes determining a reference fuel/energy consumption, and a cumulative ITE for one, or a plurality of reference train runs (CITERR) over a portion of track, and correcting the reference fuel/energy consumption using the CITERR of the one, or a plurality of reference train runs, to produce a corrected reference fuel/energy consumption value. The operating parameter is modified, and a modified fuel/energy consumption and cumulative ITE for the one, or a plurality of test train runs (CITETR), over the portion of track is determined, and a corrected test fuel/energy consumption value is obtained by correcting the modified fuel/energy consumption using the CITETR of the one, or a plurality of test train runs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified solid stick composition comprising a thermosetting plasticizer, a resin, a lubricant, a friction modifier, or a combination thereof. The solid stick compositions may be used for application between two metal surfaces in sliding and rolling-sliding contact such as steel wheel-rail systems including mass transit and freight systems. A method of reducing energy consumption, or controlling friction between a metal surface and a second metal surface by applying the solid stick composition to one or more than one of the metal surfaces, is also provided.

Abstract: A solid stick composition for use on steel surfaces that are in sliding or rolling-sliding contact. The solid stick composition comprises a vinyl ester resin, for example, from about 20 to about 80 weight percent vinyl ester resin, a solid lubricant, for example from about 0 to about 80 weight percent lubricant, and optionally a friction modifier, for example from about 0 to about 40% weight percent friction modifier, or a combination of a solid lubricant and a friction modifier. The solid stick comprises at least one of the lubricant or the friction modifier. A method of controlling friction between a metal surface and a second metal surface by applying the solid stick composition to one or more than one of the metal surfaces is also disclosed as well as a method of reducing lateral force in a rail system comprising applying the solid stick composition onto a wheel or rail surface.

Abstract: A method for applying a liquid composition to a rail surface is provided. This method involves supplying a liquid composition in one or more reservoirs on a rail car (revenue generating car), and applying the liquid composition from the one or more reservoirs to the rail surface. A liquid composition application system is also provided. The liquid composition application system includes a reservoir(s) for holding a liquid composition mounted on a rail car. A pipe is connected to the reservoir(s), and a pump, for moving the liquid composition from the reservoir(s) to a dispensing nozzle(s), is provided. A controller processes topological information, data from the liquid composition application system, or both. The application of the liquid composition may be monitored and controlled from a remote site separate from the rail car.