Abstract: A system and method for moving an object against a working surface of a finishing machine that is set in a fixed position. The object is moved in a precise movement pattern while following a precise contact pressure pattern. The object is moved against the working surface of the finishing machine using a robot with an articulating arm. Other movement is provided by a dynamic platform upon which the robot rests. The dynamic platform includes a linear slide that enables the robot to reciprocally move. The dynamic platform also includes an active contact flange that acts upon the linear slide. The active contact flange is programmable and imparts the contact pressure pattern to the object through the linear slide and the robot. A rotary table can also be provided that selectively rotates the robot, the linear slide and the active contact flange.

Abstract: An automated system and method of mounting wayside equipment on a surface that is adjacent to railway tracks. A robot is carried by a railway car with an included odometry system. The robot has an articulating arm that can reach between the railway car and an adjacent wall. The robot is provided with working head units. The robot can connect to, and disconnect from, the various working head units in order to perform different tasks. The tasks performed by the robot include scanning the wall for defects and obstructions that may prevent a proper mounting, drilling holes in the wall, mounting bolts in the holes, mounting brackets to the bolts, and connecting electronics units to the brackets. The robot can optionally clean the mounting site and test the mounting site for signal strength.

Abstract: A cleaning system that utilizes a dispensing head to spray carbon dioxide and a propellant against a surface. The carbon dioxide being propelled includes solid phase crystals. A supply line is used to feed the carbon dioxide to a dispensing head. Within the dispensing head, a first manifold chamber receives the carbon dioxide. A plurality of pathways link the first manifold chamber to a plurality of output nozzles. Each of the pathways contains an internal configuration that induces a formation of solid phase carbon dioxide crystals as the carbon dioxide from the supply line flows through the pathways toward the output nozzles. The propellant enters the dispensing head and flows into a second manifold chamber. The second manifold chamber has an exit opening near, or at, the output nozzles. As carbon dioxide, in both gas and solid phase, exits the output nozzles, it is accelerated by the propellant.