Track Layers Patents (Class 104/2)
  • Patent number: 6668728
    Abstract: A track bed rehabilitating machine comprises a machine frame supported on a track by undercarriages for movement along the track in an operating direction. The machine frame comprises a first machine frame part, a second machine frame part and a third machine frame part. A first coupling links the second machine frame part to the first machine frame part, a second coupling links the third machine frame part to the second machine frame part, and one of the undercarriages is arranged adjacent the first coupling. Two crawler tractors are spaced from each other in a direction extending transversely to the machine frame and connected to the second machine frame part, and drives connect the crawler tractors to the second machine frame part for vertically adjusting the crawler tractors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Wörgötter
  • Patent number: 6662728
    Abstract: For detecting a tie position in a track, a non-contact scanning device on a track-bound machine is associated with an odometer for recording a distance travelled by the machine. The scanning device is configured as distance measuring device for registering vertical distance measurement values between the machine and track, and is operatively connected to a control unit. The control unit is designed for continually and sequentially subdividing a measuring span, correlated to the distance travelled, into a succession of tie detection sections and adjacent ballast detection sections, which are associated with a ballast region situated between the ties. The tie detection section includes distance measurement values differing only slightly from one another, while the ballast detection section contains a sequence of abruptly fluctuating distance measurement values. As a result of detecting the tie position, a working unit, such as a tamping unit, can be centered over the tie automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Patent number: 6655296
    Abstract: Prior to renewing a damaged tie of a track, a fastening element (35) is inserted into an anchoring hole (49) in both portions of the base plate (39), disposed respectively adjacent to the rail base (52), and has a contact nose (51) for abutment against the rail base (52). Subsequently, the fastening element (35) is welded to the base plate (39) so that the base plate remain in its correct disposition with respect to the rail (23) during the tie renewal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Josef Theurer
  • Patent number: 6651353
    Abstract: A rail alignment system for locating a first end piece and a second end piece of a first rail section and a second rail section. The rail alignment system comprises (a) a first rail alignment tool for engaging and applying force to said first rail section; and (b) a second rail alignment tool for engaging and applying force to said second rail section. The first rail alignment tool includes: (1) a planar plate for extending transversely beneath said first rail section; (2) a pair of block members, each secured to said planar plate and each defining a threaded cavity which is substantially orthogonal to said first rail section and which are aligned with one another; (3) a pair of externally threaded bolts, each adapted for engaging one of said threaded cavities of said pair of block members; and (4) a pair of contoured rail engagement end pieces, each secured to an inner terminating portion of said pair of externally threaded bolts for engaging said first rail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company
    Inventors: Donald G. Evans, Charles V. Blackwell, Terry E. Turner, Bobby L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6647891
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identifying a feature of a railway and deploying equipment for servicing same by image processing range data pertaining to the railway feature. The method includes identifying a feature of a railway, wherein the identifying involves processing an image corresponding to ranges to the feature. The apparatus includes a vision system for determining a range to a feature of the railway and means for positioning equipment relative to, for servicing, the feature, based on the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Norfolk Southern Corporation
    Inventors: Quentin Holmes, Paul Kortesoja, David McCubbrey, Joseph Samson, Thomas Wessling, Lester Witter, Robert Rendleman, John Blanchfield, Gregory Lowe
  • Publication number: 20030205162
    Abstract: A multiple function railway maintenance machine includes a plurality of cars connected together to form a self-propelled consist having cabs at opposite ends so that it can be driven along railway tracks to an area requiring maintenance work. The cars are provided in their beds with rails which extend between the cars continuously. A crawler type service vehicle is mounted on the rails and has a cab from which the service vehicle can be driven along the rails for precise positioning. The service vehicle has a rotatable and articulating boom that interchangeably receives different working heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Stanley M. Herzog, Ivan E. Bounds, Ronald A. Schmitz, Wayne L. Gladden, Timothy M. Beers
  • Patent number: 6640725
    Abstract: A track work machine for mobility on a track extending in a longitudinal direction and supported on ballast, includes a machine frame extending in the longitudinal direction and having a front end and a rear end. An excavating device is mounted on the machine frame at the rear end and has a leading ballast pick-up unit arranged underneath the track and a trailing discharging end. A conveyor belt is associated with the discharging end and provided for receiving and transporting excavated ballast. A front undercarriage and a rear undercarriage are provided for supporting the machine frame on the track, the rear undercarriage being mounted on the machine frame for displacement in the longitudinal direction from a transit travel position, in which the rear undercarriage is situated between the discharging end and the ballast pick-up unit of the excavating device, in the direction towards the front undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Patent number: 6640726
    Abstract: A machine for continuously removing old ties of a railroad track supported on a ballast bed includes a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction along the track. Undercarriages support the machine frame for mobility in an operating direction. An apparatus for picking up old ties from the ballast bed is mounted on the machine frame, and a conveyor device for transporting away the picked-up old ties in the longitudinal direction is associated with said apparatus. A tie displacement device having a pushing member is positioned ahead of—with regard to the operating direction—the apparatus for picking up old ties. Drives are, provided for adjusting the pushing member vertically and transversely to the longitudinal direction in order to push an old tie laterally out of the track and onto a ballast bed shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Wörgötter
  • Patent number: 6637340
    Abstract: A rail pulling system for efficiently drawing the ends of two rails together. The rail pulling system includes an elongate frame, a control unit, a first sliding unit and a second sliding unit, a pair of first actuators attached to the first sliding unit, a pair of second actuators attached to the second sliding unit, a plurality of third actuators attached to the frame, a pair of first engaging cams rotatably attached to the first sliding unit, and a pair of second engaging cams rotatably attached to the second sliding unit. The cams are rotated to engage a first rail and a second rail respectively by actuating the first actuators and the second actuators thereby causing an engaging portion of the cams to engage pillow blocks on the third actuators. The third actuators then draw the first sliding unit and the second sliding unit together thereby drawing the rails together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030183115
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: NORDCO INC.
    Inventors: David Sean Johnsen, William D. Straub, Bruce M. Boczkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20030183117
    Abstract: Ducting associated with rail track comprising a bed (13) located along at least a portion of the length of the rail track, the bed lying proximate the rails (11), a resiliently deformable cover (27) receivable over the bed and comprising a plurality of elongated channel members located in an end to end relationship having their flanges (29) extending downwardly and outwardly, the cover being intended to cooperate with the bed to define a duct able to accommodate conductors, optical fibres, cable and services. The bed has retention means (21) in the form a groove to receive and retain the lips (31) of the channel members. An apparatus having a carriage (73) is movable along the rail track to cause inward resilient deformation of the cover by pairs of rollers (71) to enable installation and withdrawal of the lips (31) from the grooves (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jonathan Mark Morris
  • Publication number: 20030183116
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: NORDCO INC.
    Inventors: David Sean Johnsen, William D. Straub, Bruce M. Boczkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6622633
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Nordco Inc.
    Inventors: David Sean Johnsen, William D. Straub, Bruce M. Boczkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6616061
    Abstract: A railway or tramway rail fastening system includes a shell (2) and a resilient fill (4) within the shell for holding a rail (1), the shell having an inner profile open channel form to receive the rail, the inner profile being shaped to hold firmly, through the fill (4), the head and base region and/or an intermediate portion of the rail. The arrangement is such that pinch points are produced which hold the rail in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Penny
  • Publication number: 20030140814
    Abstract: The invention is a machine for repair and construction of railway tracks. The laying machine comprises a frame, railway trucks, upper and lifting mechanisms which are designed for lifting and laying of switch and railway section, two rods hinge connected at the lower part of the frame and two power cylinders. There is also a bracket-swing crane and a retractable support with a pusher, which is designed for removal of the third rail from the railway section surface. The invention allows reducing the cost of repair works.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Boris Konstantinovich Pavlov
  • Patent number: 6598537
    Abstract: A tie plugger riding station which includes a main frame assembly, a seat assembly coupled to the frame assembly, at least one rail wheel coupled to the frame assembly, an articulated wheel assembly, and a coupling device structured to couple the frame assembly to a plugging machine. The articulated wheel assembly includes a truss frame assembly having a main pivot coupling and at least two wheel member pivot couplings. The truss frame assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly at the main pivot coupling. The two wheel members are each pivotally coupled to the truss frame assembly at a wheel member pivot coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Harsco Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony DeLucia, John Sanders
  • Patent number: 6591755
    Abstract: In a method of renewing ties of a railroad track extending in a longitudinal direction and including a succession of ties supported on a ballast bed, damaged old ties are comminuted either before removal from the track or after removal of the track and subsequently ejected into a storage wagon by a first conveyor device extending longitudinally in the direction of the track. The comminuted ties are then transported via a second conveyor device, extending in the longitudinal direction, to a number of further like storage wagons arranged behind one another, for selectively filling the further storage wagons, whereas new tie replace the removed damaged ties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbamaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Wörgötter
  • Patent number: 6581526
    Abstract: A stripping apparatus is associated with a track maintenance machine having a machine frame mobile on a track comprised of rails fastened to ties. The stripping apparatus is designed for stripping off ballast lying on the ties and includes a supporting beam, which is mounted for vertical adjustment on the machine frame, and a plurality of elastic sweeping elements, which are disposed in a substantially vertical position. The sweeping elements are fastened at their upper ends to the supporting beam and are arranged adjacent to one another in a sweeping plane extending perpendicularly to the direction of longitudinal extension of the track. Two support rollers fastened to the supporting beam are provided for riding on the rails of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen- Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Friedrich Peitl
  • Patent number: 6536354
    Abstract: A railway tie bed scarifier mounts on a tie remover/inserter machine. The tie bed scarifier is dimensioned and configured to widen the pre-existing channels left in the ballast through the removal of old ties. The tie bed scarifier includes a carriage moving between a raised travel position and a lowered work position, and a pair of tines reciprocating between a retracted position wherein they fit between the rails, and an extended position wherein they extend towards the sides of the ballast. A method of inserting a railway tie is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Harsco Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Harry Madison, Jarud Hoefker
  • Publication number: 20030037694
    Abstract: A track working machine includes a track-bound machine frame and a working unit mounted on the machine frame. A track lifting unit is vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame and includes a tool frame, lifting drives connecting the tool frame for vertical adjustment to the machine frame, and flanged rollers for supporting the tool frame on each rail of the track. Two pairs of lifting rollers are mounted on the tool frame in the region of each rail, and spaced apart in longitudinal direction. Each pair has a transverse adjustment drive for squeezing the lifting rollers together transversely to the longitudinal direction, and a vertical adjustment drive for independent vertical adjustment of the lifting rollers relative to the tool frame. Distancing of the lifting rollers of each pair is coupled to automatic actuation of the associated adjustment drive for lowering the lifting rollers relative to the tool frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: FRANZ PLASSER BAHNBAUMASCHINEN- INDUSTRIEGESELLSCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Patent number: 6524681
    Abstract: A friction material for a friction facing member useful for transmitting torque includes a backing having a front surface and a rear surface. A plurality of precisely shaped friction composites defining patterned friction coating are attached to the front surface of the backing. The precisely shaped friction composites include a plurality of friction particles dispersed in a binder. In one embodiment, the friction material has an elastic modulus of about 107 dynes/cm2 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David S. Seitz, Elizabeth C. Edblom, Karl T. McKeague
  • Publication number: 20030029350
    Abstract: For detecting a tie position in a track, a non-contact scanning device on a track-bound machine is associated with an odometer for recording a distance travelled by the machine. The scanning device is configured as distance measuring device for registering vertical distance measurement values between the machine and track, and is operatively connected to a control unit. The control unit is designed for continually and sequentially subdividing a measuring span, correlated to the distance travelled, into a succession of tie detection sections and adjacent ballast detection sections, which are associated with a ballast region situated between the ties. The tie detection section includes distance measurement values differing only slightly from one another, while the ballast detection section contains a sequence of abruptly fluctuating distance measurement values. As a result of detecting the tie position, a working unit, such as a tamping unit, can be centered over the tie automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: FRANZ PLASSER BAHNBAUMASCHINEN- INDUSTRIEGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Publication number: 20030010248
    Abstract: A track work machine for mobility on a track extending in a longitudinal direction and supported on ballast, includes a machine frame extending in the longitudinal direction and having a front end and a rear end. An excavating device is mounted on the machine frame at the rear end and has a leading ballast pick-up unit arranged underneath the track and a trailing discharging end. A conveyor belt is associated with the discharging end and provided for receiving and transporting excavated ballast. A front undercarriage and a rear undercarriage are provided for supporting the machine frame on the track, the rear undercarriage being mounted on the machine frame for displacement in the longitudinal direction from a transit travel position, in which the rear undercarriage is situated between the discharging end and the ballast pick-up unit of the excavating device, in the direction towards the front undercarriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: FRANZ PLASSER BAHNBAUMASCHINEN- INDUSTRIEGESELLSCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Publication number: 20030006871
    Abstract: A magnet configuration comprising a pair of Halbach arrays magnetically and structurally connected together are positioned with respect to each other so that a first component of their fields substantially cancels at a first plane between them, and a second component of their fields substantially adds at this first plane. A track of windings is located between the pair of Halbach arrays and a propulsion mechanism is provided for moving the pair of Halbach arrays along the track. When the pair of Halbach arrays move along the track and the track is not located at the first plane, a current is induced in the windings and a restoring force is exerted on the pair of Halbach arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Richard Freeman Post
  • Publication number: 20030005849
    Abstract: A magnet configuration comprising a pair of Halbach arrays magnetically and structurally connected together are positioned with respect to each other so that a first component of their fields substantially cancels at a first plane between them, and a second component of their fields substantially adds at this first plane. A track of windings is located between the pair of Halbach arrays and a propulsion mechanism is provided for moving the pair of Halbach arrays along the track. When the pair of Halbach arrays move along the track and the track is not located at the first plane, a current is induced in the windings and a restoring force is exerted on the pair of Halbach arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Richard Freeman Post
  • Patent number: 6481358
    Abstract: In a first operating stage during which ballast is delivered to a track section delimited by two undercarriages while it is lifted, the length of the track section is extended, and the track section is shortened in a second operating stage during which the ballast is tamped until a desired track level has been obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Wörgötter
  • Patent number: 6477960
    Abstract: A machine for removing an old track and laying a new track includes a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and supported by undercarriages for mobility in an operating direction. A tie laying device for laying new ties is mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages. A tie conveyor unit extending in the longitudinal direction includes a first conveying section, having a tie receiving end positioned ahead of the tie laying device in the operating direction and a transfer end positioned behind the tie laying device, and a second conveying section, positioned underneath the first conveying section, for receiving ties from the transfer end. The second conveying section has a delivery end positioned immediately behind the tie laying device in the operating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Patent number: 6474241
    Abstract: A machine for removing an old track and for simultaneously laying a new track on a ballast bed, which comprises a first tie transport apparatus for receiving the old ties, and a second tie transport apparatus for delivering new ties and laying the new ties. A lifting device may be selectively placed in an operating position on the first or the second tie transport apparatus for insertion between the ballast bed and an old tie for engaging the old tie and lifting it off the ballast bed. This may be done by selectively coupling the lifting device to a respective tie transport apparatus, or by driving the lifting device on each tie transport apparatus between operative and inoperative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Publication number: 20020148378
    Abstract: Prior to renewing a damaged tie of a track, a fastening element (35) is inserted into an anchoring hole (49) in both portions of the base plate (39), disposed respectively adjacent to the rail base (52), and has a contact nose (51) for abutment against the rail base (52). Subsequently, the fastening element (35) is welded to the base plate (39) so that the base plate remain in its correct disposition with respect to the rail (23) during the tie renewal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Josef Theurer
  • Patent number: 6450101
    Abstract: A track renewal machine includes an elongate machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track and having front and rear frame parts connected by a frame joint. In an upper region, the frame parts are interconnected by a drive by which the frame parts can be spread apart and raised in a vertical direction at the frame joint. A rotatable endless ballast clearing device is mounted between tie lifting and tie laying devices which are mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages. A first conveyor cooperates with the ballast clearing device for transporting away removed ballast, and a second conveyor for transporting ballast has a discharge end arranged between the ballast clearing device and the tie laying device. A ballast discharge device is associated with the discharge end of the second conveyor, and a vertically adjustable ballast planing device is arranged between the ballast clearing and tie laying devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Publication number: 20020117075
    Abstract: A seal arrangement is disclosed. The seal arrangement includes a seal groove having a central axis. The seal groove is defined by at least a first wall segment, a second wall segment, and a third wall segment interposed the first wall segment and the second wall segment. The first wall segment is angled relative to the central axis so that a linear extension of a surface of the first wall segment intersects the central axis so as to define an angle &agr; therebetween. An associated method of producing a seal arrangement is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Roy L. Maguire
  • Patent number: 6435098
    Abstract: A suspension system configured to provide suspension to a railroad maintenance machine having a frame and a chassis, where the suspension system is selectively operable between work and transportation modes of the machine. The suspension system includes a suspension that is operable between a first position and a second position. The first position is when the suspension is substantially inflated for transportation of the machine, and the second position is when the suspension is substantially deflated for conducting railroad maintenance. Contact with the rail is maintained in either position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Nordco Inc.
    Inventors: Leary Peterson, William D. Straub
  • Patent number: 6425333
    Abstract: A loading car for bulk materials includes a vehicle undercarriage frame defining a longitudinal axis and including first and second car frames connected to one another by a coupler. Rail undercarriages are provided for supporting the vehicle undercarriage frame for mobility on a railroad track. A carrying frame is mounted on the first and second car frame by means of swivel rings, with a storage box built on the carrying frame. A bottom conveyor belt having a discharge end is deposited in the storage box, and a transfer conveyor belt extending at an angle to a horizontal plane is associated with the discharge end of the bottom conveyor belt. Disposed between the storage box and the first and second car frames are supported members, each of which including two hydraulic cylinders positioned opposite one another transversely to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Wörgötter
  • Patent number: 6422150
    Abstract: A track renewal machine includes an mobile machine frame having a ballast chute on a machine end. A tie laying device for laying new ties and a tie lifting device for picking up old ties are mounted on the machine frame, and a ballast clearing device for taking up ballast is arranged following the tie lifting device in an operating direction. A first conveyor transports ballast to the machine end and is disposed behind the ballast clearing device, and a ballast planing device is mounted on the machine frame immediately ahead of the tie laying device. A second conveyor extends on the machine frame in longitudinal direction thereof and has a receiving end positioned at the machine end and a discharge end arranged above the ballast planing apparatus. Cleaned ballast can thus be received from either a screening car or from a storage wagon coupled to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen- Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Patent number: 6415720
    Abstract: A machine for renewing a railroad track on a ballast bed comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction, undercarriages for supporting the machine frame on the railroad track, a first tie transport device for receiving old ties and a second tie transport device for laying new ties, old tie transport devices being mounted on the machine frame and being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction, and a crawler vehicle and ballast bed planing apparatus being arranged on the machine frame between the tie transport devices, the ballast bed planing apparatus being rotatable by 180° about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen Industrigesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Publication number: 20020078853
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identifying a feature of a railway and deploying equipment for servicing same by image processing range data pertaining to the railway feature. The method includes identifying a feature of a railway, wherein the identifying involves processing an image corresponding to ranges to the feature. The apparatus includes a vision system for determining a range to a feature of the railway and means for positioning equipment relative to, for servicing, the feature, based on the range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Quentin Holmes, Paul Kortesoja, David McCubbrey, Joseph Samson, Thomas Wessling, Lester Witter, Robert Rendleman, John Blanchfield, Gregory Lowe
  • Patent number: 6385861
    Abstract: A rail alignment system for locating a first end piece and a second end piece of a first rail section and a second rail section. The rail alignment system comprises (a) a first rail alignment tool for engaging and applying force to said first rail section; and (b) a second rail alignment tool for engaging and applying force to said second rail section. The first rail alignment tool includes: (1) a planar plate for extending transversely beneath said first rail section; (2) a pair of block members, each secured to said planar plate and each defining a threaded cavity which is substantially orthogonal to said first rail section and which are aligned with one another; (3) a pair of externally threaded bolts, each adapted for engaging one of said threaded cavities of said pair of block members; and (4) a pair of contoured rail engagement end pieces, each secured to an inner terminating portion of said pair of externally threaded bolts for engaging said first rail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company
    Inventors: Charles V. Blackwell, Terry E. Turner, Bobby L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6374948
    Abstract: A device for lubricating a track or a rail that is adapted to be mounted tog wheeled vehicle. The device includes a frame member adapted to be mounted to the vehicle and an arm pivotally attached to the frame member. A roller, which is adapted to ride on the rail, mounts to the arm. A lubricating nozzle is secured to the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Portec Rail Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Stack, William G. Angel, W. Thomas Urmson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6375402
    Abstract: An apparatus for unloading rails from a freight car on which the rails are arrayed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the freight car comprises a track-bound car, and a rail guiding unit positioned at each car end. Each rail guiding unit comprises a pair of rail guide heads having guide rollers for centering a respective one of the rails therebetween. The rail guide heads of a first rail guiding unit are positioned at one of the car ends and are displaceable in a horizontal plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, and drives are provided for vertically adjusting the rail guide heads of the first rail guiding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignees: Robel Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH, Voest-Alpine Schïenen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Josef Hertelendi, Dieter Weiss
  • Publication number: 20020005139
    Abstract: A track renewal machine includes an elongate machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track and having front and rear frame parts connected by a frame joint. In an upper region, the frame parts are interconnected by a drive by which the frame parts can be spread apart and raised in a vertical direction at the frame joint. A rotatable endless ballast clearing device is mounted between tie lifting and tie laying devices which are mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages. A first conveyor cooperates with the ballast clearing device for transporting away removed ballast, and a second conveyor for transporting ballast has a discharge end arranged between the ballast clearing device and the tie laying device. A ballast discharge device is associated with the discharge end of the second conveyor, and a vertically adjustable ballast planing device is arranged between the ballast clearing and tie laying devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Publication number: 20020002927
    Abstract: The invention relates to track-laying assistance device to hold at ground-level a raised end of an opened track having pre-angled connectors, wherein it comprises a first element fastened to the part of the track held to the ground and a second mobile element able to be dismounted with respect to said first element and able to push back to ground-level a raised end of the track to allow the vehicle to engage in it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: GIAT INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Bernard Timmer, Eric Thuillier
  • Patent number: 6334396
    Abstract: A track maintenance vehicle having a workhead that is pivotally mounted to the superstructure at its upper end. The workhead includes a blowing tube mounted at its lower end and a vertical cylinder that is selectively extendable and retractable to control the height of the blowing tube. The vehicle includes a control system that controls the height of the blowing tube as well as the left/right and fore/aft positions of the workhead. The track maintenance vehicle further includes an automated height control system that automatically extends and retracts the vertical cylinder to position the blowing tube at a uniform height despite its lateral disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Pandrol Jackson, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Perry, Kevin A. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20010050024
    Abstract: A machine for renewing a railroad track on a ballast bed comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction, undercarriages for supporting the machine frame on the railroad track, a first tie transport device for receiving old ties and a second tie transport device for laying new ties, the tie transport devices being mounted on the machine frame and being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction, and a crawler vehicle and ballast bed planing apparatus being arranged on the machine frame between the tie transport devices, the ballast bed planing apparatus being rotatable by 180° about a vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: FRANZ PLASSER BAHNBAUMASCHINEN-INDUSTRIEGESELL SCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Publication number: 20010050023
    Abstract: A machine for removing an old track and for simultaneously laying a new track on a ballast bed, which comprises a first tie transport apparatus for receiving the old ties, and a second tie transport apparatus for delivering new ties and laying the new ties. A lifting device may be selectively placed in an operating position on the first or the second tie transport apparatus for insertion between the ballast bed and an old tie for engaging the old tie and lifting it off the ballast bed. This may be done by selectively coupling the lifting device to a respective tie transport apparatus, or by driving the lifting device on each tie transport apparatus between operative and inoperative positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: FRANZ PLASSER BAHNBAUMASCHINEN-INDUSTRIEGESELL SCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Manfred Brunninger
  • Publication number: 20010050022
    Abstract: In a first operating stage during which ballast is delivered to a track section delimited by two undercarriages while it is lifted, the length of the track section is extended, and the track section is shortened in a second operating stage during which the ballast is tamped until a desired track level has been obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: FRANZ PLASSER BAHNBAUMASCHINEN-INDUSTRIEGE SELLSCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Worgotter
  • Publication number: 20010050021
    Abstract: A mobile tamping machine for tamping ballast under a railroad track includes a machine frame supported on undercarriages running on a main track for moving the machine in an operating direction. A tamping unit is mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages, and a track lifting and lining unit for leveling and lining the main track is vertically and transversely adjustably mounted on the machine frame immediately ahead of the tamping unit in the operating direction, with drives being provided for vertically and transversely adjusting the track lifting and lining unit. An auxiliary lifting unit is mounted on the machine frame for lifting a branch track branching off the main track at a track switch. A common measuring system associated with the track lifting and lining unit and the auxiliary lifting unit is provided for controlling the lifting of the track switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Publication number: 20010042487
    Abstract: A track maintenance vehicle having a workhead that is pivotally mounted to the superstructure at its upper end. The workhead includes a blowing tube mounted at its lower end and a vertical cylinder that is selectively extendable and retractable to control the height of the blowing tube. The vehicle includes a control system that controls the height of the blowing tube as well as the left/right and fore/aft positions of the workhead. The track maintenance vehicle further includes an automated height control system that automatically extends and retracts the vertical cylinder to position the blowing tube at a uniform height despite its lateral disposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: WILLIAM E. PERRY, KEVIN A. HANSEN
  • Patent number: 6311624
    Abstract: In a method of tamping a track, the displacements between the two reference points relative to each other are recorded during a first advance of the track tamper along the track to form a first curve indicating an existing track position. On the basis of the first curve, correction values are formed and a second curve indicating a desired track position is computed on the basis of the correction values. The track is then repositioned to the desired track position during a second advance of the track tamper along the track in response to the correction values while the track is tamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
  • Patent number: 6308635
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kershaw Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Alan C. Abele
  • Patent number: 6220169
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of placing, positioning and fastening railroad sections on railroad rail sections (1) on a number of mutually adjacent and mutually spaced, loose railroad sleepers (2a, 2b), with the aid of a pulling vehicle (7) which functions to pull a rail section (1) from a first railroad wagon (4) into abutment with said sleepers, via a second railroad wagon (5). Rail sections (1) pulled from the wagon by said vehicle (7) are moved linearly at a distance (a) above the sleepers (2a, 2b) with the aid of a number of devices (10, 10a, 10b). This linear movement is adapted so that the trailing end-surface (1′) of the pulled rail section will be positioned adjacent a leading end-surface (1″) of an earlier laid rail section. In this position of the rail section, one or more of said devices (10, 10a, 10b) is/are activated to lower the rail section (1) onto rail-adapted, sleeper-associated fastener elements (81-84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: A.Rosenquist Förvaltnings AB
    Inventors: Karl Anders Rosenquist, Erne Holmberg, Per Olof Ohlsson