Abstract: A rail heating assembly including a series of individual heating modules is operable to raise and maintain the temperature of rails of a railroad track to reduce bending and deforming of the rails due to variations of atmosphere conditions. The heating module includes a series of burners with attached radiator plates so as to provide convective and radiant energy to heat the rails. The heating module includes an outer shell and a Venturi-shaped inner shell to surround the rail, with a series of burners attached to one end providing a stratified flame to heat the rail. A series of radiator plates mounted to the inner shell are heated by the flame, and the radiator plates radiate thermal energy towards the rail.

Abstract: Shutoff system for a gas fired appliance includes a shutoff for increased carbon monoxide concentration. A proximity sensor is associated with a thermocouple and conventional solenoid shutoff valve. Slight changes in the current resulting from temperature variations monitored by the thermocouple provide an indication of increased carbon monoxide levels. The thermocouple sensor is also preferably placed in the plenum to monitor the temperature of primary and/or secondary screens associated with the gas fired appliance. Moreover, a reflector, or concentrating element such as a parabolic reflector, focuses the radiant energy on the thermocouple.

Abstract: A rail heater car for heating rails in a continuous track installation procedure is provided. The rail heater car includes a power generation arrangement for generating the power required for operation of the car. A drive system uses the generated power to propel the car along a set of rails in a transportation mode and a creep mode. An induction heater is connected to and extends from the car for operational engagement with the rails to induce heat in the rails. Data gathering devices are included on the car to input and store data concerning environmental conditions, time, and temperature of the rails for use in adjusting the output of the induction heater and for use in statistical predictive maintenance.

Abstract: The subject burner assembly disposes an air inlet along a base surface of a housing opposite from a radiant, multi-ply screen surface. Air enters the inlet for mixture with an associated supply of gas in a mixing chamber. An air/gas mixture exits the mixing chamber and enters a plenum chamber for distribution and combustion on the entire radiant surface. The multi-ply, radiant surface is defined by three separate screens having a predetermined weave pattern. A reverberator is spaced from the radiant surface and reflects heat from the exhaust gas toward the radiant surface.

Abstract: A weather instrumentation station including a louvered instrument housing containing weather instruments. An exterior double-walled housing radiation shield is disposed over the instrument housing in spaced relation thereto to shield the instrument housing from the sun. A double-walled auxiliary shield may be positioned over at least one open side of the housing shield in spaced relation thereto to shield sun rays from the instrument housing on such open side. The housing shield and the auxiliary shield inner walls are formed of thermoplastic or aluminized asbestos material, and the outer walls of stainless steel. The housing shield roof is peaked to forestall accumulation of water and snow thereon. The instrumentation station may have a chimney to increase interior air circulation.There is also provided a rainwater gauge including a rainwater receiving flask with a funnel disposed over the flask to channel rainwater therein.

Abstract: A weather instrumentation station including a louvered instrument housing containing weather instruments. An exterior double-walled housing radiation shield is disposed over the instrument housing in spaced relation thereto to shield the instrument housing from the sun. A double-walled auxiliary shield may be positioned over at least one open side of the housing shield in spaced relation thereto to shield sun rays from the instrument housing on such open side. The housing shield and the auxiliary shield inner walls are formed of thermoplastic or aluminized asbestos material, and the outer walls of stainless steel. The housing shield roof is peaked to forestall accumulation of water and snow thereon. The instrumentation station may have a chimney to increase interior air circulation.There is also provided a rainwater gauge including a rainwater receiving flask with a funnel disposed over the flask to channel rainwater therein.