Abstract: A machine for removing hairpin spikes from railroad ties includes at least one hairpin spike pulling tool supported by the machine frame, each tool being positioned on one side of the rail for pulling spikes on that side of the rail. Each of the pulling tools includes a lower end portion having a pair of exposed hooks curved toward the center of the pulling tool and abutted against each other in a pivoting relationship. Each pulling tool is supported for movement from a retracted position to a position wherein the curved hooks of that pulling tool are positionable under the loop-shaped head of a hairpin spike on opposite sides of the spike. The machine also includes apparatus for supporting the pulling tools for movement from the retracted position downwardly and toward the hairpin spikes into a position wherein the pulling tools engage the spikes with the curved hooks and then move upwardly to pull the spikes from the tie.

Abstract: A machine for driving spikes into the ties of a railroad track includes a spike driving assembly movably disposed relative to a frame for gripping spikes and driving gripped spikes into the ties, the spike driving assembly having a spike pushing function and a spike percussive function. In the pushing function the spike driving assembly pushes the spike a specified distance into the tie by the application of constant pressure, and in the percussive function the driving assembly percussively completes the driving of the spike into the tie. An operator may selectively alternate between the pushing and percussive functions.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor for rail tie plates or the like including an inclined frame having an upper end and a lower end, and an endless conveyor belt formed of a plurality of links pivotally joined to each other. The links are designed to have plate retaining pockets formed thereon and the belt is adapted to travel a contoured path on the frame between the lower end and the upper end. The belt has an upper working strand and a lower slack strand. A hopper provides a supply of randomly oriented tie plates to the lower end of the conveyor which are agitated or tumbled by the action of the moving conveyor belt. At least one rejecter hook is provided to ensure proper positioning of the plates within the pocket. As the conveyor belt progresses towards the upper end of the frame, certain plates are oriented properly within the plate pockets and will be conveyed to the upper end of the frame through the movement of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A machine for automatically setting rail tie plates includes a frame adapted to be propelled along a rail bed having one or both rails removed, the frame including a hopper adapted to store a plurality of randomly oriented plates therein, a crane for transferring plates to a plate sorting conveyor which sorts the plates as to specified length-to-width orientation and deposits the oriented plates upon an inclined conveyor where they are sensed as to specified top-to-bottom orientation, with improperly oriented plates being automatically inverted; the sensed and inverted plates are then manually disposed as to proper high-to-low side orientation, from where they are stored for eventual automatic deposition upon the tie by a reciprocating pusher assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically setting tie plates on tops of the ties for a railroad track includes a frame adapted to be moved along the track, an inclined slide surface adapted to accommodate a plurality of tie plates thereon, a plate control mechanism adapted to release the plates one at a time to slide down the slide surface and into a plate pocket where the plate is received by a reciprocating pusher which deposits the plate upon the top of a respective tie with a minimum of movement thereon so that the plate will be accurately positioned on the tie.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor for rail tie plates or the like including an inclined frame having an upper end and a lower end, and an endless conveyor belt formed of a plurality of links pivotally joined to each other. The links are designed to have plate retaining pockets formed thereon and the belt is adapted to travel a contoured path on the frame between the lower end and the upper end. The belt has an upper working strand and a lower slack strand. A hopper provides a supply of randomly oriented tie plates to the lower end of the conveyor which are agitated or tumbled by the action of the moving conveyor belt. At least one rejector hook is provided to ensure proper positioning of the plates within the pocket. As the conveyor belt progresses towards the upper end of the frame, certain plates are oriented properly within the plate pockets and will be conveyed to the upper end of the frame through the movement of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An electromechanical manipulation system for reorienting the position of sensed conveyed articles such as rail tie plates upon an inclined conveyor surface includes first and second transverse openings in the inclined conveyor surface, the second opening being located closer to the upper conveyor end than the first opening, a stop member located in the first opening and adapted for reciprocal vertical movement therein to obstruct the descent of improperly oriented individual plates down the conveyor surface. Once the descent of the plate has been stopped, a reciprocal flipper member located in the second and opening of the conveyor is adapted to impart an impulse to an end of the immobilized plate to cause the plate to be inverted and thus properly oriented upon the conveying surface. Once inverted, the flipper member and the stop member quickly retract to permit the properly oriented plate to continue its descent and also to prepare for the descent of the next plate.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical orientation system for conveyed articles having a distinguishable top and bottom such as a rail tie plate or the like is disclosed comprising a sensor frame having a transverse pivot axis, a plurality of elongate sensor fingers pivotable about that axis and subject to a biasing force, a plurality of notched beam interceptors, one mounted to each sensor finger, a corresponding plurality of opto switches and a logic circuit, whereby the frame is oriented in relation to a conveyor surface so that the sensor fingers intercept and are triggered by the conveyed article. The pattern of triggered sensor fingers is transmitted through the beam interceptors and opto switches to the logic means, from where it may be used to trigger a conveyed article reorientation device.

Abstract: A control system for providing power to independently driven wheels of a power driven cart for transporting medical diagnostic equipment. A manually engageable handle is mounted to the cart in a position allowing a person to exert a manual force on the handle in a direction in which it is desired for the cart to move. Force sensors are coupled to the handle to sense the manual force applied to it in a plane parallel to the plane on which the cart is to be moved. The force sensors provide signals representative of the magnitude and direction of the manual force applied to the handle in forward, reverse and turning directions. Electronic circuits are coupled to the force sensors for providing control signals to motors driving the wheels of the cart for independently controlling direction and velocity of movement of the cart.

Abstract: A multicell x-ray detector of the gas-filled ionization type includes a metal body in which the front, rear, end and bottom walls together with a sealed cover define a channel in which there is a row of spaced apart electrode plates which define cells in which ionization events and resultant analog signals are produced in response to absorption of x-ray photons by the gas. The x-ray entrance window is formed in the front wall and extends over substantially the length of the channel. The window has a curved cross section which permits restriction of its internal stresses to tensile stresses so its thickness and, hence, its x-ray absorption is minimized. The edges of the electrode plates which are presented toward the window are curved to be concentric with and slightly spaced from the window.

Abstract: A multicell x-ray detector includes a chamber for confining a gas that produces electron-ion pairs incidental to absorbing radiation. A unitary multicell electrode assembly is mounted within the chamber. The assembly includes a plurality of electrode plates secured in first and second insulating members. A method is provided for bonding the electrode plates into the insulating members with a uniform distribution of adhesive which does not allow the adhesive to bridge between adjacent plates. The opposed ends of the plurality of electrode plates are inserted into grooves of the members. A relatively non-viscous liquid adhesive is brought into contact with one edge of each of the grooves of both members by a cellular applicator until the adhesive propagates by capillary action along the entire length of each groove.

Abstract: A multicell x-ray radiation detector includes a chamber for confining a gas that produces electron-ion pairs incidental to absorbing radiation. The chamber is formed by a channel having a bottom and sidewalls, one of the side walls having a window for admitting radiation to the chamber. A multicell unitary electrode assembly is mounted within the chamber. An upper compressed elastic member is interposed between the electrode assembly and the chamber and, similarly, a rear compressed elastic member is interposed between the assembly and the sidewall opposite the window of the chamber. The compressed elastic members interposed between the electrode assembly and the chamber isolate the electrode assembly from any mechanical vibration and thermal distortion of the chamber while maintaining a precise position of the electrode assembly to the chamber window.

Abstract: A radiation detector is fabricated by the insertion into an arcuate support structure, a plurality of modules comprised of ceramic members with electrode plates disposed therebetween. Securing of the ceramic members to the support structure is accommodated by threaded fasteners which pass through the support section into inserts which are bonded into cavities formed in the ceramic members. Before installation of the module into the support structure, the modules can be tested and the better performing modules can then be installed in the central portion of the support structure.

Abstract: An array of electrode plates are arranged in parallel and spaced apart relationship to define ionization cells in a channel within a housing that is occupied by high pressured gas. A broad beam of x-ray photons penetrates a window in the housing and produces ionization events that result in analog signals corresponding with photon energies and intensities. Conduction of the signals from the interior to the exterior of the detector housing is accomplished with a printed circuit board assembly that is sealed between the housing and its cover.