Abstract: A rail plate handling device is provided for removing plates located on rail ties on a railroad track having a pair of rails, and includes a frame configured for movement relative to the track, at least one tie plate gripping assembly mounted to the frame, the assembly configured for grasping a selected tie plate, pulling the plate away from the rail and away from the tie, and subsequently releasing the plate onto the track. The device is mounted upon a cart which is movable on the track, and features gripping assemblies for working on both rails. A tie jack is preferably provided for ensuring the release of the tie from the gripped plate. Still another feature of the present device is a plate height mechanism associated with each gripping assembly for ensuring that the gripping assembly engages the plates at the proper height.

Abstract: A combined tie extractor and plate remover for railroad track maintenance includes a frame configured for movement along the track and having a first side corresponding to a first side of the track and a second side corresponding to a second side of the track, each side of the track having a corresponding rail. A rail lifting apparatus associated with the frame is configured for lifting a selected one of the first and second rails away from the track. A plate remover assembly associated with the frame is configured for grasping and removing tie plates associated with each side of the track from a selected tie. At least one tie extracting assembly is disposed on the frame for extracting the gripped tie transversely relative to the track in conjunction with the removal of the tie plates.

Abstract: A railway maintenance device movable on a railroad track having a pair of spaced rails, the device including a frame configured for movement relative to the track and having at least two side members. At least one track contacting element is associated with at least one of the sides. An adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the relative position of at least one of the track contacting elements to the frame to thus position the frame relative to the rails. The device preferably includes a fluid power cylinder associated with each track contacting element to control the position of the wheel relative to the frame, as well as a stop mechanism for adjustably limiting the pivoting action of the contacting element relative to the frame, and thus control the displacement of the element.

Abstract: A rail plate handling device is provided for removing plates located on rail ties on a railroad track having a pair of rails, and includes a frame configured for movement relative to the track, at least one tie plate gripping assembly mounted to the frame, the assembly configured for grasping a selected tie plate, pulling the plate away from the rail and away from the tie, and subsequently releasing the plate onto the track. The device is mounted upon a cart which is movable on the track, and features gripping assemblies for working on both rails. A tie jack is preferably provided for ensuring the release of the tie from the gripped plate. Still another feature of the present device is a plate height mechanism associated with each gripping assembly for ensuring that the gripping assembly engages the plates at the proper height.

Abstract: A railway maintenance device movable on a railroad track having a pair of spaced rails, the device including a frame configured for movement relative to the track and having at least two side members. At least one track contacting element is associated with at least one of the sides. An adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the relative position of at least one of the track contacting elements to the frame to thus position the frame relative to the rails. The device preferably includes a fluid power cylinder associated with each track contacting element to control the position of the wheel relative to the frame, as well as a stop mechanism for adjustably limiting the pivoting action of the contacting element relative to the frame, and thus control the displacement of the element.

Abstract: A bulk loader conveys rigid, stick-like articles in bulk. The bulk loader has a bin for holding a plurality of the articles and a trough connected to a bin having an entrance portion for receiving the articles from the bin and a discharge portion for discharging the articles. An auger, with an inlet end and an outlet end, is rotatably positioned in the trough so that the inlet end is positioned near the entrance portion and the outlet end is positioned near the discharge portion. Upon rotation of the auger, the auger conveys the articles from the entrance portion to the discharge portion. The trough is constructed and arranged to prevent conveyed articles from becoming jammed between said auger and said trough.

Abstract: A system for detecting targets and for positioning at least one work module over a particular target to perform a task thereon. The system includes a movable machine having a main frame, a drive mechanism for propelling the machine across a base surface, a sensor associated with the machine for detecting locations of at least one target positioned on said base surface, and an encoder assembly associated with the machine for obtaining motion data. The motion data includes at least one of the displacement and velocity of the machine across the base surface. Also included is a control unit for receiving the target locations from the sensor, for receiving the motion data from the encoder assembly, for determining a target distance for the drive mechanism to propel the machine such that the work module is generally aligned with a particular target in a target area, and for creating a destination signal indicating when the work module is operationally aligned with the target area.

Abstract: An automatic fastener applicator for securing fasteners to track support members of a railroad track includes a retaining apparatus for receiving and orienting at least one of the fasteners for application to the track support members, and a drive apparatus for automatically engaging at least one of the oriented fasteners and for rotating the fastener axially for engagement upon the rail support members.

Abstract: A hose reel support assembly for supporting a hose reel assembly on a vehicle, the support assembly including a number of support beams secured to the vehicle, a base plate mounted on the support beams and having an elongate slot, the hose reel assembly being supported on the base plate with the axis of the hose reel located in a parallel relation to the elongate slot, the hose reel assembly being mounted on the support assembly for simultaneous rotation and translation of the support assembly from the position with the axis of rotation of the reel assembly parallel to the slot to a position transverse to the slot. The support assembly being tiltable forwardly to move the hose reel assembly away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A separator, for example of the type used for the separation of hazardous materials, is docked to an industrial vacuum source, such as a truck mounted industrial vacuum loader, utilizing a docking system adapted to provide ease of attachment and separation. The docking system allows rotational and elevational control of the separator and provides retrofit capability for existing systems. Furthermore, by using the readily detachable separator described in the present specification, a single separator may be used with a variety of trucks, thereby increasing overall fleet efficiency.

Abstract: A device for use in connection with the operation of high pressure equipment, such as a sewer and/or catch basin cleaner which has a hose reel for the water hose, and includes a protective shield which can be located in at least two positions. A first position is an operator protection position used when the machine is pumping fluid. A second position is a position in which access may be had to a hose reel or other machine components. An interlock coupled to the shield prevents high pressure fluid from being passed through the hose when the enclosure is in its second position. The shield of the present invention can be used in conjunction with a second, flexible tubular sleeve to provide head-to-toe protection for the operator of such equipment.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for a dump truck operative to pivot the dump body rearwardly about a pivot axis at the rear of the hoist frame and operative to pivot the dump body about a pivot axis at the front of the hoist frame. The mechanism includes a lift arm assembly pivotally mounted in the hoist frame and operatively connected to the body. A power cylinder is pivotally connected at one end to the hoist frame and at the other end to the lift arm assembly. First and second pivot supports are located at the rear and front of the hoist frame respectively. A latch means is operative to selectively latch the body to the first and second pivot supports. The second pivot support at the front of the hoist frame includes a support shaft which is adapted for horizontal sliding movement on the hoist frame by means of a pair of horizontal guide rods to which the opposite ends of the support shaft are slidably attached.