Abstract: A railway nipper machine is provided that includes a nipper frame having a pair of nipper hooks for performing a nipping operation, and a position feedback device having a central control module configured for controlling the nipping operation based on a depth signal and a time signal. Further included in the nipper machine is a depth sensor connected to the position feedback device for generating the depth signal relative to a nipper actuator connected to the nipper frame, wherein the depth sensor transmits the depth signal to the position feedback device. A timer is provided for generating the time signal, and the nipper machine is actuated by the nipper actuator in response to a determination value generated by the position feedback device based on the depth signal and the time signal.

Abstract: A rail fastener driving machine used for performing a spiking operation is provided, and includes a rail fastener workhead unit configured for driving a fastener into a rail tie. Also included in the machine is a position feedback system configured for controlling the spiking operation of the fastener driving machine based on a position signal and a mode signal, and a position sensor connected to the position feedback system for generating the position signal relative to a cylinder connected to the workhead unit, the position sensor transmitting the position signal to the position feedback system. The mode signal indicates an operation mode selected by an operator, and the workhead unit is actuated by the cylinder based on the mode signal for automatically positioning the workhead unit for driving the fastener into the rail tie.

Abstract: A railway nipper machine is provided that includes a nipper frame having a pair of nipper hooks for performing a nipping operation, and a position feedback device having a central control module configured for controlling the nipping operation based on a depth signal and a time signal. Further included in the nipper machine is a depth sensor connected to the position feedback device for generating the depth signal relative to a nipper actuator connected to the nipper frame, wherein the depth sensor transmits the depth signal to the position feedback device. A timer is provided for generating the time signal, and the nipper machine is actuated by the nipper actuator in response to a determination value generated by the position feedback device based on the depth signal and the time signal.

Abstract: A propulsion control system is provided for controlling a hydraulic drive system of a railway maintenance vehicle. An axle monitoring module receives and monitors a first signal from a first rotation sensor, and a second signal from a second rotation sensor, the first and second signals associated with first and second axles of the vehicle, respectively. A speed comparison module calculates a delta value representing a difference between the first and second signals, and generates a speed control signal based on the difference. A speed control module receives the speed control signal, and generates a power signal for controlling an amount of power applied to at least one of the first and second axles based on the speed control signal. An actuation control module receives the power signal, and performs a power allocation function for controlling a speed or power of the hydraulic drive system.