Abstract: A groove cleaning unit has a high pressure jet nozzle from which a cleaning liquid impinges in a high pressure jet stream inclined downwardly onto a cleaning surface and is covered by a covering screen. An exit opening for the dirt liquid mixture is placed in the cover screen. The cover screen (5) covers a piece of a railtrack (17) with a railtrack groove (3). A high pressure jet nozzle (1) is placed in the region of a front wall (8) on the jet stream side. A high pressure liquid jet stream (2) is directed onto an impingement location (4) in the railtrack groove (3) by the high pressure jet nozzle (1). A reflected liquid jet stream (11) of the high pressure liquid jet stream (2) is reflected under an angle. The angle is steeper as compared to the inclination of a lower screen wall (7) disposed inclined relative to a travel advance direction (19) and is rising forwardly. The reflected liquid jet stream (11) passes essentially immediately to an exit opening (18).

Abstract: A maintenance cart in a maintenance system is substituted for a material handling cart in a continuous train of material handling carts circulating on a closed track. The maintenance cart includes both inspection and cleaning functions which may be divided among separate maintenance carts, as desired. Inspection includes location sensing (preferably with a bar-code reader), inspection with one or more television-like cameras and clearance measurements. Cleaning functions include removal of dust and debris from a channel-like track by a vacuum arrangement. The maintenance cart or carts may be continuously left in place or substitute as needed in the train and provide continuous cleaning service and system diagnostics for scheduling repairs prior to failure while in use. The system is particularly advantageous for application to mail sorting systems which are largely unaccessible and which permit only brief time windows during which maintenance, repair and inspection can otherwise be carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clearing a railroad track of contaminants, such as snow, including a control system for providing control signals to a compressed air system mounted on a locomotive based on a plurality of predetermined conditions. A learning system evaluates the effects of railroad track clearing and provides input for activating the railroad track clearing system.

Abstract: A track cleaning system mounted on a railcar and comprising track rail cleaning nozzles, leaf removal nozzles and third rail cleaning nozzles. Each of the nozzles may provide a fan-shaped spray pattern diverging to either side of a central axis and having a major axis. For each track rail nozzle, the central axis may be perpendicular to a horizontal top rail surface and the major axis may be perpendicular to the rail surface centerline. For each leaf nozzle, the central axis may be directly downwardly from the horizontal and the major axis may be parallel to an elongated spray bar on which one or more leaf nozzles are mounted. For each third rail nozzle, the central axis may be directed downwardly from the horizontal and the major axis may be positioned vertically. The third rail nozzles may be mounted to the rear of the leaf nozzles to aid in leaf removal. Main water valves are remotely actuated by air to release high pressure water to corresponding sets of nozzles.

Abstract: An sir blowing system for use in deeping railroad track switches clear of snow utilizes flexible tubes, preferebly of rubber or plastic, located transversely beneath the main tracks, and connecting with resilient nozzles to direct a high flow of air in the direction of the track switch points. The system may include resilient ducts conveying air in protective relation with the switch control rods, extending laterally beneath the track. The rod protective air discharge may be by way of a louvered cross-tube, extending parallel with the rods, to discharge air laterally of the rods, or one or more nozzles discharging air longitudinally of hte rods.

Abstract: A three rail Model Railroad track cleaning method and device in which a roll of cleaning tissue is unwound from a supply roll and rewound on a second roll in contact with the tracks, at a rate slower than it is travelling over the tracks, so that it has a wiping action, and can travel long distances before fresh cleaning tissue coming from the supply roll is used up.

Abstract: A vehicle transporting arrangement for transporting a vehicle in a parking building automatically from a drive-in module to a parking space (27), wherein the arrangement includes a first carriage (1), a so-called transfer carriage, which can be moved on and between different parking floors or storeys of the parking building and which includes a second carriage (2) and a third carriage (3), each of which includes lifting devices (4, 5, 6, 7) for lifting and supporting a pair of vehicle wheels, the second and third carriages being positioned sequentially in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first carriage on a parking floor and being movable in relation to the first carriage at right angles to its direction of movement on a parking floor. According to the invention, at least one of the second and the third carriages (2, 3) includes drive wheels (10) and drive elements for moving the carriage in relation to the first carriage (1).

Abstract: This track cleaning device is for model railroading enthusiasts that can be easily installed into many different types of model railroad cars. The track cleaning device car will provide an efficient method of keeping the electrical rails clean of foreign substances. The purpose of this car is to eliminate the manual operation of cleaning the rails.

Abstract: The present invention include a non-motorized low-profile platform cart system for transporting heavy equipment, machinery and vehicles to limited access areas. The system includes a low profile platform cart without motorization and a portable loading ramp for loading vehicles and such onto the cart. The cart may be moved by any motor power source with hi-rail capability other than train engines. The cart also has a rear plow which is capable of removing ballast and debris from the tracks. Use of the cart and ramp allow easy access to limited access areas such as construction areas and bridge repair areas, as well as limited access railway areas where there are no access roads. This invention produces a simple, highly economical solution to the problem of limited access.

Abstract: At least one powered disc is suspended from a locomotive and applied to a rail surface for treating the rail surface ahead of driven locomotive wheels to increase adhesion between the driven wheels and the rail surface. Torque applied to the disc varies the rate of rotation of the disc away from that of a freely-rotating disc so that a significant level of creep may be maintained between the disc and the rail surface with substantially no angle of attack between the disc and the longitudinal axis of the rail. The torque may be generated through a second disc contacting the rail and coupled to the first disc with the first and second discs rotating with differing rates of rotation, or may be generated through a passive or active actuator coupled directly to the disc. The amount of creep between the disc and the rail surface and the direction of the creep may be varied in accordance with the level of contamination of the rail and the disc may be disengaged from the rail when cleaning is not required.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful apparatus for use in a railway switch heating assembly. The apparatus includes a hollow structural member adapted to replace a conventional railway tie and adapted to be connected to a source of heated air, and a mechanism for discharging the heated air from the hollow member to desired locations along the assembly.

Abstract: A device for removing debris on upper surfaces of the ties of a railroad track adjacent to the rails thereof includes a frame selectively positioned on the rails such as to be displaced therealong with the frame carrying a pair of cleaning assemblies each including two motorized rotatable brushes adapted to be positioned on both sides of a respective rail such that when the brushes are rotated in their operational position, debris are swept off the upper surfaces of the ties. Each brush is adapted to be vertically displaced with respect to the rails and the ties' upper surfaces and to be horizontally displaced so as to adjust the spacing therebetween in view of the rail's width and the brushing pressure required thereon.

Abstract: An equipment for cleaning automatically railway tracks, including a box (4) guided and carried by rails, designed for installation under a railway vehicle and which can be lifted by means of jacks (6, 6'). The box includes two shaped brushes (13, 13') driven in rotation, placed one in front of the other in the direction of the axis of the rail. A brush (14) arranged between each rail and the axis of the track makes it possible to project debris in the direction of the shaped brushes (13, 13'). The shaped brushes (13, 13') rotate in opposite directions with respect to each other and drive the debris into the upper part of the box to be subsequently sucked into a suction conduit (10). Receiving drawers (16, 16') make it possible to recover debris which are too heavy to be sucked away.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snow and ice melting device (10) comprising a road transport vehicle (12) and a railroad track transport vehicle (14) mounted on a common road transport vehicle chassis (12I). Upon the railroad track transport vehicle (14), a melter (16) is mounted on a melter rotator (16C) functioning to rotate the melter from a rearward (road transport vehicle (12) frontward) direction which is utilized as a propulsion device to a frontward (road transport vehicle (12) rearward) direction which is utilized for melting snow and/or ice. The melter (16) has a melter lift (16E) such that a user can angle the melter (16) to a desired position.

Abstract: The invention is a wiping bar of a rail lubrication apparatus of the type used with a rail having a base with outwardly extending flanges, a head, and a web connecting the base and the head, where the lubrication apparatus is comprised of a wiping bar and a first set of clamps for maintaining the wiping bar in position with respect to the rail. The lubrication apparatus also comprises a pump actuator and a second set of clamps for maintaining the pump actuator in position with the rail. The rail lubrication apparatus may be used with a pump, responsive to the pump actuator, for pumping a lubricant from a reservoir to the wiping bar to form a complete rail lubrication system. Specifically, the wiping bar of the present invention includes an improved distribution blade over those known in the art. Further, the wiping bar of the present invention includes the improvement of coating the surface of the wiping bar contacting the lubricant with an anti-stick material.

Abstract: A railroad ballast broom vehicle uses a double or split auger to move ballast received from a rotary core broom. The auger has various features to minimize the risk of it jamming on ballast which it moves to the field side of rails of the railroad bed which is being swept. Flex plates are used to mount broom drive hydraulic motors to minimize or avoid problems which might otherwise be caused by slight misalignments in the motors and the rotary core of the broom. A dust control system is used to minimize escape of dust from operation of the vehicle. A method of using the vehicle advantageously uses only a single pass of the vehicle over a given section of road bed in need of sweeping.

Abstract: A ballast regulator machine for dressing the ballast of a railroad bed during movement of the machine along tracks on the railroad bed has a frame for supporting various assemblies for distributing the ballast across the bed and ballast removal apparatus for removing ballast from between the rails to the outside of the rail which comprises a rotary broom assembly including a rotary broom for sweeping the ballast from between the tracks. The broom assembly is disposed for propelling the ballast rearwardly during the sweeping operation. A ballast deflector assembly is pivotally mounted to the rotary broom assembly and disposed for deflecting said rearwardly propelled ballast to the outside of the tracks. The deflector assembly is provided a baffle for deflecting the ballast in a direction which is substantially normal to the center line of the ballast machine.

Abstract: A magnetic sweeper 20 is disclosed for capturing airborne particles which exhibit ferromagnetic behavior. The magnetic sweeper 20 uses a magnet(s) 43 having a magnetic field strength which captures particles coming within a predetermined distance of the magnet 43. A non-magnetic endless belt 31 is arranged about the magnet 43, wherein the particles are impinged against the belt 31 by the magnetic field lines of flux. This area is defined as a particle capturing first station. The belt 31 moves the captured particles further away from the magnet 43 to a second station. Located at the second station is a collector which includes a vacuum, a brush 41 and a particle flange. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the magnetic field strength diminishes with distance from the magnet 43. Accordingly, after a certain distance from the magnet 43, the field strength drops to a point where the particles fall from the belt 31.

Abstract: A rail-cleaning locomotive for electrical toy and model trains with a cleaning unit including polishing disks rotated by an electric motor and lying on the rails, wherein the cleaning unit is disposed in a fore-part, coupled to the locomotive so that it can pivot about a vertical and slightly also about a horizontal axis, and is provided with a cleaning motor, which is separated from the driving motor of the locomotive, and wherein the polishing disks are constructed as cleaning wheels with guiding wheel flanges.

Abstract: A ballast plow assembly adapted for connection to a frame of a hopper-type railroad car having a series of openings from which ballast is gravitationally discharged and which is supported for rolling movement over tracks or rails by a pair of wheeled undercarriages. The ballast plow assembly includes a ballast plow that is pivotally connected to the frame of the railroad car in proximate relation to the wheels of a respective undercarriage and has a free end which is automatically movable into engagement with an upper surface of the tracks under the influence of gravity for clearing the upper track surfaces from ballast discharged from the railroad car and for generally distributing ballast across the track bed. The forward end of the ballast plow extends across the upper track surfaces and generally normal to the tracks. A lift mechanism is provided in combination with the ballast plow for removing the track engaging end of the ballast plow from engagement with the track.

Abstract: A ballast broom machine for sweeping ballast off a track comprises an elongated machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages, and at least three ballast brooms vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame, the ballast brooms being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction and including a leading ballast broom, each ballast broom comprising a rotary shaft extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and flexible sweeping elements projecting radially from the rotary shaft. A conveyor band is mounted on the machine frame and extends in the longitudinal direction, the conveyor band having an input end arranged to receive ballast swept off the track by the leading ballast broom and a discharge end positioned higher than the input end, and a ballast storage bin having discharge openings is arranged on the machine frame below the conveyor band discharge end for receiving discharged ballast therefrom.

Abstract: A rail lubrication apparatus of the type used with a rail having a base with outwardly extending flanges, a head, and a web connecting the base and the head, is comprised of a wiping bar and a first set of clamps for maintaining the wiping bar in position with respect to the rail. The lubrication apparatus also comprises a pump actuator and a second set of clamps for maintaining the pump actuator in position with the rail. The rail lubrication apparatus may be used with a pump, responsive to the pump actuator, for pumping a lubricant from a reservoir to the wiping bar to form a complete rail lubrication system. The clamps, wiping bar, and pump actuator are each of a unique construction.

Abstract: A snow-melting apparatus of an electromagnetic induction heating type, comprises: a high frequency power source; a pair of conductive cables wound in at least one turn around a segment of each rail and through through-holes which are formed through side walls of the rail, the segment of the rail being defined between two through-holes; and a lead wire interconnecting the power source and the conductive cable, for supplying current from the power source to the conductive cable, thereby heating the rail by the flow of electromagnetic ally induced current in the rail segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying unwanted vegetation in the region of travel ways that includes a steam generating unit, which is mounted on a vehicle and to the steam output of which are connected steam nozzles which form at least one nozzle bar. The at least one nozzle bar extends transversely to the direction of travel essentially across the width of the travel way and is mounted beneath the bogie of the vehicle by a central support of adjustable height. The apparatus further includes lateral support portions with nozzle bar sections which are pivotable about a shaft extending in the direction of travel, as well as adjustable vertically and laterally. The central support and the lateral support portions are constructed as an open-bottomed hood with a top, side walls and end walls.

Abstract: A rail lubrication apparatus of the type used with a rail having a base with outwardly extending flanges, a head, and a web connecting the base and the head, is comprised of a wiping bar and a first set of clamps for maintaining the wiping bar in position with respect to the rail. The lubrication apparatus also comprises a pump actuator and a second set of clamps for maintaining the pump actuator in position with the rail. The rail lubrication apparatus may be used with a pump, responsive to the pump actuator, for pumping a lubricant from a reservoir to the wiping bar to form a complete rail lubrication system. The clamps, wiping bar, and pump actuator are each of a unique construction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for picking up and removing gravel. The apparatus and method are particularly adapted to the removal of gravel from the surface of a roof when an old roof is being removed or repaired.

Abstract: A mobile unit positionable and drivable upon railroad tracks for applying a bead of lubricant to the gauge surfaces of the track which includes a lubricant delivery source for delivering lubricant to a pair of nozzles which are arranged in position to direct the lubricant onto the proper area of the track. The unit includes an electric/hydraulic power unit to supply pumping power to a primary lubricant delivery unit which directs the lubricant through a common flow system to the nozzles which are directed to the proper rail locations. The unit also includes lubricant filters, automatic shut off devices and automatic speed control devices for proper delivery of the lubricant to the rail surface. Heating devices are included for temperature maintenance of the lubricant under various temperature conditions.

Abstract: The process for on-track neutralization of the rails of a railway consists in causing to move past continuously along the rails (R2) at least one heating element (12), measuring continuously the value of the temperature of the rails before heating, measuring the value of the speed of movement past of the heating elements in relation to the rails, measuring the value of the change in the temperature of the rails after heating until the moment of their on-track fixing and controlling the heating of the heating elements (12) as a function of the said values.

Abstract: A mobile ballast regulator comprises an elongated machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track, a ballast plow connected to the machine frame, a ballast storage container mounted on the machine frame, and a carrier frame which has a front end linked to the machine frame rear end for pivoting about axes extending vertically and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the elongated machine frame. A further undercarriage supports the carrier frame rear end for mobility on the track. A ballast sweeping and receiving arrangement comprises a ballast broom connected to the carrier frame for sweeping ballast off the track and a conveyor band having an input end arranged to receive the ballast swept by the broom.

Abstract: A mobile ballast plow comprises a machine frame and a ballast planing plow vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame and extending from shoulder to shoulder. The ballast planing plow includes central plow elements extending over the center track portion, and a ballast conveying device associated with the central plow elements and arranged in the center track portion. The ballast conveying device consists of at least one vertically adjustable broom rotatable about an axis extending in the direction of the track, the broom having radially extending flexible ballast sweeping elements, and respective drives for vertically adjusting and rotating the broom.

Abstract: In combination with a mobile ballast cleaning machine advancing continuously in an operating direction along a railroad track, which comprises a ballast excavating chain including a transverse course extending under the track and driven to excavate a transversely extending portion of the ballast bed during the continuous advancement of the machine: a device connected to the machine for continuous advancement therewith and arranged to receive ballast deposited on the ballast bed and the track ties ahead of the transverse ballast excavating chain course and to discharge the received ballast in the transversely extending excavated ballast bed portion, the device comprising a ballast receiving and discharging element extending in the direction of the track, and a vertical adjustment drive arranged to lower the element onto the upper surfaces of the ties between the rails whereby the ballast deposited on the ballast bed and the track ties is separated from the underlying ballast bed and is received on the element

Abstract: A mobile ballast regulator comprises a machine frame supported by two undercarriages for mobility on the track in an operating direction, a ballast plow carrier frame arranged below the machine frame between the undercarriages and extending in the longitudinal direction, the carrier frame having one end linked to the machine frame and an opposite end supported by an undercarriage for mobility on the track, and a ballast plow vertically adjustably mounted on the carrier frame.

Abstract: A method and a device for treating the upper surfaces of rails, where the upper surfaces of rails (3) are acted upon by movable grinding blocks (7) disposed on a bogie which can be moved along on the tracks and where a plurality of grinding blocks (7) is used. The grinding blocks (7) are periodically lifted and lowered again singly or in groups, cleaning of the work face of the grinding block (7) being performed during the lifting of the respective grinding block (7). In case of curves in the rails, a change of the position of the grinding block (7) in relation to a hydraulic unit (11), which vertically moves the grinding block (7), is detected by proximity switches (12), and the position of the hydraulic unit (11) can then be adjusted via a transverse guide (10).

Abstract: The present invention incorporates a caged roller transported along a railroad track by a railroad car adapted for the purpose. The roller is covered with a fluid retaining wear resistant layer which contacts the rail surface. Rolling motion of the roller is generated by movement of the cage along the track and wiping action is caused by retarding rolling motion by contact of the roller with the rear portion of the cage. In a further feature the motion of the roller may be additionally retarded by providing in the interior of the roller a quantity of particulate matter to increase rolling resistance and the weight of the roller.

Abstract: For cleaning the top surfaces of railway rails, a vehicle (1) carried on rails, and has scrapers, looseners, and rotatable brushes. In case of wet rail, the scrapers are used to make the top surfaces of the rails dry. The looseners are used to loosen up encrustments located on the top surfaces of the rails after which the encrustments are removed by the aid of the brushes means from the top surfaces of the rails (4). The scrapers and the looseners are carried by slewing brackets connected with the chassis of the vehicle and the brushes are carried by telescopic supports connected to the chassis of the vehicle. The scrapers, looseners and brushes are operable between an inactive position of repose and an active working position. The vehicle it can be used for cleaning of rails in both directions of travel.

Abstract: A ballast distributing and planing machine comprises an elongated machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages for mobility along the track in an operating direction, a ballast broom extending transversly across the track and mounted on the machine frame at a rear end thereof in the operating direction, and a ballast plow arrangement mounted on the machine frame. A ballast storage container is mounted on the machine frame and has at least one discharge opening enabling ballast stored in the container to be discharged onto the track, and a ballast discharge conveyor band is mounted immediately below each discharge opening and is arranged to close the opening, each conveyor band having a drive for moving the conveyor band in a conveying direction.

Abstract: A mobile ballast regulating machine comprises a machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track for mobility therealong in an operating direction, a vertically adjustable ballast plow arrangement comprising a substantially vertical ballast damming wall extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the machine frame to the opposite machine frame sides, a respective ballast guide plate associated with the damming wall at each machine frame side, each guide plate being adjustable to define a desired angle with the respective machine frame side, and a cover plate preceding the damming wall in the operating direction and connected to the damming wall, the cover plate extending substantially parallel to a plane defined by the track and immediately above the running surfaces of the rails, and the cover plate including opposite ends associated with the rails and extending in the direction of the longitudinal machine frame extension, each cover plate end projecting obliquely downwardly towards the bas

Abstract: A rail heating system is provided for heating railroad components such as railroad switch areas and electrified third rails. The heating system includes a side heater having a heating pad that has a flexible contact surface. A clip arrangement such as a spring steel clip is provided for securing the heating pads to the stock rail and pressing the contact surface into engagement with the rail. The contact surface of the heating pad is forced to conform to the shape of the contacted portion of the rail. Ground pan heaters may be used to keep areas of the switch that are not suitable for attachment by the side heaters, such as the switch rod, free from ice and snow.

Abstract: In railroad operations, a method and apparatus for optimizing on-board rail lubrication for both curved and tangent track. The apparatus is mounted on the car body of the last locomotive of a locomotive consist behind the last axle. A lubricating device applies two different lubricants, one on the crown of the rail and the other on the gage side. The amount and type of the crown lubricant are chosen such that the crown lubricant is totally consumed by the passage of the train wheels. The amount of application of the two lubricants is controlled by a microprocessor. A new sensor has been devised which measures degree of rail curve and estimates the angle of attack of the wheel on the rail by converting lateral displacement into either of the two quantities. This value is provided to the microprocessor. Other sensors measuring speed, temperature, humidity, etc. provide input signals to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A system for use with a rail for carrying a moving conveyance, the rail having a web portion, a base portion and an increased width top portion, the system serving to heat the rail top portion to decrease the accumulation of snow and ice thereon, including studs secured to the rail web portion, such as by spot welding, at spaced intervals along the length of the rail, a series of elongated carrier members each defined in cross-section normal the length thereof by an upper trough forming portion and a lower clamping portion, the clamping portion having openings spaced along the length thereof in register with and arranged to receive the studs affixed to the rail web portion and being positionable in a first position wherein the trough forming portion is exposed to receive a heating cable therein and in a second position wherein the heating cable is in close proximity to the top rail portion whereby heat supplied by the cable is readily transmitted to the rail top portion.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for sequentially exchanging selected consecutive groups of old ties in an existing railroad track for groups of new ties while retaining groups of old ties therebetween to support the mobile apparatus on the track, which comprises a continuously advancing bridge-like work vehicle having a machine frame defining an upwardly recessed portion between respective ends thereof and a respective swivel truck supporting each machine frame end. A continuous guide track is mounted atop the work vehicle and a power-driven tie transporting crane is mounted for mobility on the guide track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing traction capacity and energy efficiency of locomotives and powered cars while helping to maintain the crown of the rail profile for better ride quality of trains. This is achieved by utilizing beneficially the effects of lateral creepage of a number of small, hard nonpowered cleaning wheels with alternately opposite angles of attack. The apparatus may include deflector shields and hot air jets for cleaning and preparing the rail crown surface, when the apparatus is used in locomotives or cars. An arrangement for automatically adjusting the angle of attack of the cleaning wheels is also given. The degree of cleaning of the rails can be electrically controlled by the locomotive engineer as desired including shutting off the device altogether.

Abstract: A magnetic pick up system for tie plates uses a pick up head having a rotatable wheel with a plurality of fingers pivotably attached to the wheel. The fingers, which are magnet pole pieces adapted to magnetically grip tie plates and lift them from the ground, are pulled outwardly by centrifical force and serve to extend the effective distance of a magnetic circuit including block magnets mounted within the head. Tie plates lifted by the magnetic pick up head are deposited upon a conveyor belt which lifts them to a hopper upon a rail vehicle. An operator control adjacent to the pick up head provides easy and quick movement of the pick up head both vertically and horizontally allowing an operator walking along beside the pick up head to insure that the pick up head satisfactorily picks up any tie plates upon the roadbed.

Abstract: In a method of preventing snow from bedding into railway switches, air is blown into the area between the stock rail and the movable rail in a switch, and substantially horizontally in a direction obliquely outwards towards the open end between the stock rail and the movable rail. An apparatus for carrying out this includes a blower assembly (8) between the rails in a railway switch, the assembly being supplied by a fan unit (20) and adapted to provide a substantially horizontal air discharge directed obliquely outwards towards the open end between the stock rail and the movable rail in their separated positions.

Abstract: A heat retaining and snow deflecting cover assembly for railroad track switches is made up of panels that prevent snow and ice from building up in the regions where the switching rails must move. An inner panel assembly is mounted between the switching rails near the entry point of the track switch. Outer panels are secured along the outer sides of the main tracks. The panels also retain heat generated by conventional heaters. Deflecting panels are secured at both ends of the inner panel assembly to guide snow inwardly to the center of the track and away from the switching rails. The cover assembly is easily installed for winter use and removed when no snow is present.

Abstract: A particulate material control apparatus is disclosed which includes longitudinally extending fin members attached at one end to a vertical post. The fin members are capable of rotating about the vertical post in an arc limited by adjacent posts or other stopping mechanisms. The fin members close against an adjacent post when wind or water currents flow across the area to be protected preventing wind or water erosion of sand, silt or soil in that area.

Abstract: Chairlift or gondola lift with a carriage supporting a gondola or a chair and having a detachable grip for coupling on a continuously moving cable. In the terminals the carriage is uncoupled from the cable and it runs on a transfer rail. This transfer rail is equipped with friction drive wheels disposed along the carriage travel path for engaging the friction face of a running plate rigidly secured to the carriage so as to brake, accelerate or drive the carriage on the rail. During the night or bad weather periods a cover plate covers the friction face of the carriages disposed on the line and this cover plate is raised away in the terminals to clear the friction face. For removing the snow or ice which covers the friction face and hinders the correct friction drive of the carriage a brushing or rubbing device may be disposed along the carriage travel path so as to brush the friction face.

Abstract: A self-orientating barrier fence for use in controlling snow or sand drifts or other airborne particles which is rotatably mounted on a support in such a manner as to automatically direct itself into a position perpendicular to wind. The barrier fence may be positioned without regard to measurements of wind direction and may be removed when it is not needed.

Abstract: A shielding device to reduce wind velocity, in particular for the deposition of drifting sand or snow, has several plane elements which may be erected next to each other at an approximate right angle to the oncoming direction of the wind. The height of the individual plane elements amounts to at least twice the width of their base, whereas their width decreases as the height increases.

Abstract: Heating apparatus is described that is particularly adapted for thawing frozen particulate material in railroad hopper cars. The apparatus is a low profile, fuel-fired heater adapted for installation between rails traversed by the hopper cars within a thawing shed. The construction employs heat-radiating metal plates forming an elongated gas-conducting chamber through which high velocity combustion gases are conducted. The arrangement of plates is such as to enhance the emission of radiant heat to the hopper car bottoms with appropriately positioned heat insulated regions to protect hopper car brake hoses, or the like, from damage caused by overheating.