Abstract: A system and method for remotely lubricating a rail switch plate, the system comprising at least one lubricant distribution nozzle mounted proximate a rail switch arm such that when the rail switch arm is in a first position, the at least one lubricant distribution nozzle is positioned above and over the rail switch plate and wherein a lubricant supply vessel and pump therefor are positioned at a location spaced apart from the rail switch arm and wherein the lubricant supply vessel is fluidically connected to the at least one distribution nozzle for directing lubricant through the nozzle to the switch plate.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a friction modifying material to the surface of a rail is provided. The applicator comprises a resilient body for applying a composition to a surface of a rail. The resilient body comprises an outer impervious surface and defines a sealed passageway that extends through the resilient body for the composition to flow through; and an applicator support, wherein the resilient body is secured to the applicator support. A rail applicator assembly and methods for using the applicator are also provided.

Abstract: A rail port insert is provided. The insert comprises an outer casing comprising a tubular sidewall and a base, the sidewall and base defining a spatial volume therein, the base defining an inlet passage that extends through the base and that is fluid communication with the spatial volume, and an elastomeric body having a first end and a second end, the elastomeric body disposed within the spatial volume and affixed to an inner surface of the tubular sidewall, the base, or both an inner surface of the tubular sidewall and the base. The elastomeric body comprising a flow passageway having a length extending from the first end to the second end, the first end in fluid communication with the inlet passage of the base, the second end further comprising a depth-length and defining an orifice along the depth-length, the orifice moving from a closed position in the absence of any applied pressure within the flow passageway, to an open position when pressure is applied within the flow passageway.

Abstract: A gauge-face lubrication assembly and related methods of use in which a removable and replaceable applicator member is positioned proximate a gauge-face for lubrication of a rail member. Generally, the replaceable applicator member can be molded of a resilient polymeric material having shaped-memory properties. The replaceable applicator member includes one or more molded lubricant channels for delivering lubricant supplied by a lubrication system to the gauge-face. Each molded lubricant channel can include a molded seal for sealably engaging a lubrication bracket that retains the applicator member in position against the gauge-face. The removable applicator member can further include a liner for physically engaging the gauge-face and protecting removable applicator member. The applicator member can include a coupling portion that insertably interfaces with a bracket channel defined in the lubrication bracket, whereby the applicator member can be removed and replaced in the event of damage or wear.

Abstract: A gauge-face lubrication assembly and related methods of use in which a removable and replacable applicator member is positioned proximate a gauge-face for lubrication of a rail member. Generally, the replaceable applicator member can be molded of a resilient polymeric material having shaped-memory properties. The replaceable applicator member includes one or more molded lubricant channels for delivering lubricant supplied by a lubrication system to the gauge-face. Each molded lubricant channel can include a molded seal for sealably engaging a lubrication bracket that retains the applicator member in position against the gauge-face. The removable applicator member can further include a liner for physically engaging the gauge-face and protecting removable applicator member. The applicator member can include a coupling portion that insertably interfaces with a bracket channel defined in the lubrication bracket, whereby the applicator member can be removed and replaced in the event of damage or wear.

Abstract: A wayside friction management system, and method for monitoring and controlling a wayside friction management system is described. The system comprises one or more wayside device for mounting with a track of a rail system. The wayside device comprises a delivery system connected to a reservoir comprising a friction control media, the delivery system for applying the friction control media from the reservoir to one or both rails of a track. The wayside device further comprises one or more data collection module located at or adjacent to the delivery system. The data collection module for collecting and transmitting data to a remote performance unit. The data may comprise performance information, track status information, information of an environment of the track, information of a train passing over the track, status of the one or more wayside device, or a combination thereof. The wayside device may comprise a power source operatively connected to one or more components of the wayside device.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a speed displayed in a vehicle is provided. In one example, a method includes adjusting a determination of vehicle speed responsive to character recognition of an image from an on-board camera of the vehicle, the image including an external speed measurement source (such as a radar speed sign) displaying a speed measurement. The speed displayed in the vehicle may be corrected if the determined vehicle speed is outside of a threshold range generated from the speed measurement displayed on the external speed measurement source.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a friction modifying material to the surface of a rail is provided. The applicator comprises a resilient body for applying a composition to a surface of a rail. The resilient body comprises an outer impervious surface and defines a sealed passageway that extends through the resilient body for the composition to flow through; and an applicator support, wherein the resilient body is secured to the applicator support. A rail applicator assembly and methods for using the applicator are also provided.

Abstract: A wayside friction management system, and method for monitoring and controlling a wayside friction management system is described. The system comprises one or more wayside device for mounting with a track of a rail system. The wayside device comprises a delivery system connected to a reservoir comprising a friction control media, the delivery system for applying the friction control media from the reservoir to one or both rails of a track. The wayside device further comprises one ore more data collection module located at or adjacent to the delivery system. The data collection module for collecting and transmitting data to a remote performance unit. The data may comprise performance information, track status information, information of an environment of the track, information of a train passing over the track, status of the one or more wayside device, or a combination thereof. The wayside device may comprise a power source operatively connected to one or more components of the wayside device.

Abstract: A rail gauge face applicator is provided. The gauge face applicator comprises a resilient pad comprising one or more than one channel extending from one or more than one inlet to one or more than one outlet. The one or more than one channel is operable from a closed position when the pressure within the channel is low to an open position when the pressure within the channel is raised. Thus, when the pressure of the friction modifying material is raised the one or more than one channel opens and material can be delivered from the one or more than one outlet. The applicator further comprises a rail engagement element which allows the gauge face applicator to be positioned appropriately to engage a rail. The applicator may be less prone to clogging and may be more efficient at delivering friction modifying material efficiently than prior art applicators.

Abstract: A trough for use on wiping bar assembly of a rail lubrication system, wherein the wiping bar assembly includes a Manifold body and a flow passageway having an exit end at least partially defined in the manifold body. The trough includes a body having a first section and a second section extending away from the first section, wherein the first section of the body is positioned adjacent the exit end, and wherein a mat is provided within the trough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for wetting or lubricating a rail head (7). The device has at least one outlet (30) for a wetting agent and/or lubricant. To ensure that the noise generated by a track-bound vehicle is reduced safely and regardless of the weather, a rail head-side end portion (33) of the at least one outlet (30) is movably mounted between a position at a remote distance from the rail head (7) and a position in closer proximity to the rail head.

Abstract: A rail applicator assembly includes a rail having a head portion, a base portion, and a web portion extending between the head portion and the base portion. The head portion defines an outer surface. An applicator for applying a friction modifying material to the surface of the rail includes a foam body and an applicator support. The foam body is secured to the applicator support and defines a flow passageway that extends through the foam body for friction modifying material to flow through.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying lubricant to a rail road track. The apparatus comprising a control module; a housing; a lubricant distribution block; and a plurality of tubes for connecting the control module to the housing wherein the housing houses the lubricant distribution block. The control module is positionable in close proximity to the rail road track and the housing is positionable adjacent to and along a section of rail road track to be lubricated. The lubricant is stored in a vessel in the control module and pumped from the control module to a lubricant distribution nozzle connected to the housing and wherein sliding the lubricant distribution nozzle along the section of rail road track in a first or second direction distributes lubricant along the section of rail road track.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for delivery of a pumpable material to a top surface of a rail head includes an applicator body having a plurality of orifices. The body is resiliently yieldable to permit the applicator body to move from a raised position, in which the orifices are located adjacent the top surface of the rail head and open toward the top surface of the rail head for delivery of lubricant directly from the orifices to the top surface of the rail head, to a depressed position in the event the applicator is contacted by a train wheel. The applicator body thereafter returns to the raised position. A metal portion of the applicator body contacts a side surface of the rail head to form a metal-on-metal hard seal extending lengthwise of the rail head for inhibiting leakage of the pumpable material from the top of the rail head.

Abstract: A lubrication device includes at least one attachment unit for attaching the lubrication device relative to and adjacent to a rail of a track during an operating process. At least one dispensing unit sprays lubricant onto at least one part of a top side of the rail during the operating process. The dispensing unit includes a high-pressure-exerting device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an input size of a wheel of a vehicle, determining a derived speed of the vehicle that is based on the input size of the wheel, determining a reference speed of the vehicle as the vehicle moves, comparing the derived speed with the reference speed of the vehicle, and identifying an error in the input size of the wheel based on a difference between the derived speed and the reference speed. A system includes a control unit configured to determine a derived speed of a vehicle that is based on an input size of the wheel and a reference speed of the vehicle as the vehicle moves. The control unit compares the derived speed with the reference speed of the vehicle in order to identify an error in the input size of the wheel.

Abstract: A clamp device for mounting a rail device onto a railroad rail includes a clamp body having an upper section and a lower section. The clamp body defines a recess portion between the upper and lower sections and a bore extending through the lower section of the clamp body. A bolt having a first end and a second end extends through the bore of the clamp body. The clamp device also includes a quick release mechanism having a lever arm and a cam member pivotally connected to the second end of the bolt. The lever arm is connected to the cam member and has a clamped position and a released position whereby pivoting the lever arm from the released position to the clamped position draws the first end of the bolt and the clamp body together.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for delivery of a pumpable material to a top surface of a rail head includes an applicator body having a plurality of orifices. The body is resiliently yieldable to permit the applicator body to move from a raised position, in which the orifices are located adjacent the top surface of the rail head and open toward the top surface of the rail head for delivery of lubricant directly from the orifices to the top surface of the rail head, to a depressed position in the event the applicator is contacted by a train wheel. The applicator body thereafter returns to the raised position. A metal portion of the applicator body contacts a side surface of the rail head to form a metal-on-metal hard seal extending lengthwise of the rail head for inhibiting leakage of the pumpable material from the top of the rail head.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a friction modifying material to the surface of a rail is provided. The applicator comprises a resilient body for applying a composition to a surface of a rail. The resilient body comprises an outer impervious surface and defines a sealed passageway that extends through the resilient body for the composition to flow through; and an applicator support, wherein the resilient body is secured to the applicator support. A rail applicator assembly and methods for using the applicator are also provided.

Abstract: A rail gauge face applicator is provided. The gauge face applicator comprises a resilient pad comprising one or more than one channel extending from one or more than one inlet to one or more than one outlet. The one or more than one channel is operable from a closed position when the pressure within the channel is low to an open position when the pressure within the channel is raised. Thus, when the pressure of the friction modifying material is raised the one or more than one channel opens and material can be delivered from the one or more than one outlet. The applicator further comprises a rail engagement element which allows the gauge face applicator to be positioned appropriately to engage a rail. The applicator may be less prone to clogging and may be more efficient at delivering friction modifying material efficiently than prior art applicators.

Abstract: A trough for use on wiping bar assembly of a rail lubrication system, wherein the wiping bar assembly includes a Manifold body and a flow passageway having an exit end at least partially defined in the manifold body. The trough includes a body having a first section and a second section extending away from the first section, wherein the first section of the body is positioned adjacent the exit end, and wherein a mat is provided within the trough.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for delivery of a pumpable material to a top surface of a rail head of rail includes an applicator body having an orifice for delivery of the pumpable material to the top surface of the rail. The body is resiliently yieldable to permit the applicator body to move from a raised position, in which the orifice is positioned for delivering the pumpable material to the top surface of the rail head, to a depressed position in the event the applicator is contacted by a train wheel. The applicator body thereafter returns to the raised position. The applicator body is mounted for movement between a working position in which the applicator body is closely adjacent the rail head and a rail-service position in which the applicator body is remote from the rail head.

Abstract: A wayside friction management system, and method for monitoring and controlling a wayside friction management system is described. The system comprises one or more wayside device for mounting with a track of a rail system. The wayside device comprises a delivery system connected to a reservoir comprising a friction control media, the delivery system for applying the friction control media from the reservoir to one or both rails of a track. The wayside device further comprises one ore more data collection module located at or adjacent to the delivery system. The data collection module for collecting and transmitting data to a remote performance unit. The data may comprise performance information, track status information, information of an environment of the track, information of a train passing over the track, status of the one or more wayside device, or a combination thereof. The wayside device may comprise a power source operatively connected to one or more components of the wayside device.

Abstract: A method for applying a liquid composition to a rail surface is provided. This method involves supplying a liquid composition in one or more reservoirs on a rail car (revenue generating car), and applying the liquid composition from the one or more reservoirs to the rail surface. A liquid composition application system is also provided. The liquid composition application system includes a reservoir(s) for holding a liquid composition mounted on a rail car. A pipe is connected to the reservoir(s), and a pump, for moving the liquid composition from the reservoir(s) to a dispensing nozzle(s), is provided. A controller processes topological information, data from the liquid composition application system, or both. The application of the liquid composition may be monitored and controlled from a remote site separate from the rail car.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for wetting or lubricating a rail head (7). The device has at least one outlet (30) for a wetting agent and/or lubricant. To ensure that the noise generated by a track-bound vehicle is reduced safely and regardless of the weather, a rail head-side end portion (33) of the at least one outlet (30) is movably mounted between a position at a remote distance from the rail head (7) and a position in closer proximity to the rail head.

Abstract: A device for the application of lubricant onto the running surface of rails for rail vehicles includes at least one dispensing nozzle for issuing out a lubricant, and an air nozzle provided above the dispensing nozzle and aligned to blow out air in a direction of an upper edge of the dispensing nozzle and a railhead. The dispensing nozzle extends upwardly on an outer railhead surface which is distal to a contact surface for a rim of a running wheel of the rail vehicle.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a friction modifying material to the top of rails (12). The wayside applicator includes an applicator bar (26) that has a dam for holding friction modifying material.

Abstract: A wheel flange lubrication system for rail vehicles is described consisting of a rigid lubrication block, which is forced against a wheel flange to provide lubrication to the wheel flange. The block or stick is maintained in position to reduce flange wear, to minimize the movement of lubricant to undesirable locations, such as the crown of the rails and the tread of the wheel, and to provide a lubrication system which is environmentally safe. Preferably the lubrication block is arc shaped and spring-forced laterally and radially into the flange. The lubrication system is designed to stay in contact with the wheel flange and apply the desired amount of lubrication in the flange area using the side contact surface of the block. This adjustable position control is provided by applying independent forces which are directed radially towards the crotch of the wheel and laterally towards the wheel flange. The lubrication system is applicable to single or two flange wheels.

Abstract: A rail applicator assembly includes a rail having a head portion, a base portion, and a web portion extending between the head portion and the base portion. The head portion defines an outer surface. An applicator for applying a friction modifying material to the surface of the rail includes a foam body and an applicator support. The foam body is secured to the applicator support and defines a flow passageway that extends through the foam body for friction modifying material to flow through.

Abstract: A solid composition stick applicator is provided. The applicator comprises an applicator body having a first and second end, the second end having an opening through which a solid composition stick is dispensed. Within the applicator is housed a helical tension spring having a first spring end and a second spring end, the first spring end, second spring end, or both the first and second spring end held at a fixed position with respect to the applicator body. The helical tension spring is wound around a guide system that is housed within the applicator body. A pushing assembly is attached to the helical tension spring and the pushing assembly is movable from a first position at or near the first end of the applicator body, to a second position at or near the second end of the applicator body. Tension within the helical tension spring is greater in the first position than in the second position thereby urging the pushing assembly towards the second end of the applicator body.

Abstract: A modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system includes a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller. The pump assembly is in fluid communication with the tank and the controller is in communication with the pump assembly for controlling the pump assembly. The controller is enclosed within a panel and the tank is self-contained and movable relative to the panel.

Abstract: A rail lubricator for a railroad rail has a nozzle adjacent to the rail and attached thereto. The nozzle has a discharge orifice disposed beneath the top surface of the rail. The orifice is aimed generally longitudinally of the rail with the aiming including an upward component and a lateral component toward the centerline of the rail. Jets of lubricant project upwardly from the nozzle, arch above the top surface of the rail, and then fall onto the top surface and gage corner of the rail. This lubricates the top of a rail using an optimum amount of lubricant on the optimum area of the railhead. The lubricant is applied when the nozzles are spanned by a car.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved device for the lubrication of railway tracks in the form of grease distribution bar (1) of simplified construction, which may be machined from a single piece of suitable material. This is possible because the greaseways (3) are simple, without multiple bifurcations forming complex distribution trees, thus allowing the internal greaseways (3) to be drilled or machined rather than requiring construction by layering multiple blades. In further aspects, the invention provides improved channels (6) and nozzles (22) for grease delivery, and improved grease delivery using a progressive distributor system (10) and improved means of rapid attachment and disengagement of such a device from the rail to be lubricated.

Abstract: A device for the application of lubricant onto the running surface of rails for rail vehicles includes at least one dispensing nozzle for issuing out a lubricant, and an air nozzle provided above the dispensing nozzle and aligned to blow out air in a direction of an upper edge of the dispensing nozzle and a railhead. The dispensing nozzle extends upwardly on an outer railhead surface which is distal to a contact surface for a rim of a running wheel of the rail vehicle.

Abstract: This invention is an electro-hydraulic system to automatically lubricate railroad switches and enhance their performance. The lubrication covers switch plates, switch rods, switch points, the base of stock rail adjacent to switch rail and the top of both switch and stock rails. Wear and tear of the switch rail and lateral creep force impact are thus reduced and the switch operates smoothly. Switch related derailments, rail fractures and maintenance labor will be reduced significantly. A pressurized tank with a microprocessor controller, placed on the wayside, supplies an environmentally acceptable smooth-flowing lubricant via hoses or pipes to two nozzle holders with check valves mounted with special brackets a short distance from the switch point on both rails. Lubricant is sprayed with one or more nozzles on each rail switch to cover all or part of the switch length. One or two solenoid valves in the flow lines control the quantity of lubricant applied in each shot and the frequency of application.

Abstract: A lubricating device for a linear guideway, used at either side of the slide block of a linear guideway, comprises: a housing, oil-containing member, magnets and metallic magnetic members. Using a magnetic force to push the oil-containing member against the rail, the magnetic force will not fatigue but will increase with the reduction in distance between the magnets and the metallic magnetic members, therefore, the oil-containing member can be kept in a good contact with the rolling passage of the rail, and the lubricating oil can be continuously transmitted from the oil-containing member to the surface of the rail, thus lubricating the linear guideway automatically without disassembling it.

Abstract: There is provided a device for applying liquid on a rail capable of minimizing wasteful flowing down of expensive application liquid to suppress the total amount of discharge of the liquid, reducing costs and further suppressing occurrence of environmental contamination, and preventing slippage of a wheel due to excessive liquid application. The device for applying liquid on a rail includes a tank, a liquid discharge pump for receiving supply of application liquid from the tank and performing a liquid discharge operation as a wheel passes, and a liquid application unit for discharging the application liquid onto a rail upon being supplied with the liquid from the liquid discharge pump. The liquid application unit has a nozzle block 40 having a large number of nozzle holes 43 arranged in the upper surface of the nozzle block, and the nozzle block 40 has on its end section a hole-less end section 40a where no nozzle hole is provided.

Abstract: The tracks of a railroad yard system have an access track and a plurality of switches leading to a plurality of yard tracks are lubricated by a lubricating station positioned on the access track. In addition to lubricating the tracks, lubrication nozzles are directed at the switch plates and switch points of the switches of the system. Detectors are positioned on the yard tracks to determine the speed of the cars as they roll down track and into the yard, and a computer, responsive to these detectors, control the discharge of lubricant by the lubricating station. Detectors are also positioned near each switch plate to detect when each switch plate moves, and a dispensing system dispense lubricant through the nozzle directed toward a switch plate whenever the switch plate is moved.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for delivery of a pumpable material to a top surface of a rail head of rail includes an applicator body having an orifice for delivery of the pumpable material to the top surface of the rail. The body is resiliently yieldable to permit the applicator body to move from a raised position, in which the orifice is positioned for delivering the pumpable material to the top surface of the rail head, to a depressed position in the event the applicator is contacted by a train wheel. The applicator body thereafter returns to the raised position. The applicator body is mounted for movement between a working position in which the applicator body is closely adjacent the rail head and a rail-service position in which the applicator body is remote from the rail head.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for delivery of a pumpable material to a top surface of a rail head of rail includes an applicator body having an orifice for delivery of the pumpable material to the top surface of the rail. The body is resiliently yieldable to permit the applicator body to move from a raised position, in which the orifice is positioned for delivering the pumpable material to the top surface of the rail head, to a depressed position in the event the applicator is contacted by a train wheel. The applicator body thereafter is adapted to return to the raised position.

Abstract: A trough for use on wiping bar assembly of a rail lubrication system, wherein the wiping bar assembly includes a manifold body and a flow passageway having an exit end at least partially defined in the manifold body. The trough includes a body having a first section and a second section extending away from the first section, wherein the first section of the body is positioned adjacent the exit end, and wherein a mat is provided within the trough.

Abstract: A system for increasing the efficiency of the movement of a railroad car over a length of rail, including a fluid reservoir for containing a quantity of efficiency enhancing fluid, a fluid dispensing member, a fluid pump connected in fluidic communication between the reservoir and the fluid dispensing member for dispensing a predetermined quantity of fluid through the fluid dispensing member, a microprocessor operationally connected to the fluid pump, and a first sensor for generating a first sensor signal in response to a railroad car crossing a predetermined section of track and operationally connected to the microprocessor. The fluid dispensing member is positioned along a railroad portion substantially equal in length to the circumference of a railroad car wheel to provide a substantially continuous flow of efficiency enhancing fluid substantially equal in length to the circumference of a railroad car wheel onto the rail portion when the predetermined quantity of fluid is dispensed.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a friction modifying material to the top of rails (12). The wayside applicator includes an applicator bar (26) that has a dam for holding friction modifying material.

Abstract: A skirt for use on an applicator bar, wherein the applicator bar includes a body and a flow passageway having an exit end defined in the body, and wherein a second section of the skirt defining a lip is adapted to coact with the body so that the second section is positioned adjacent the exit end of the body.

Abstract: A wayside lubrication apparatus (10) for applying a lubricant (26) in response to the presence of a train (14) on the rail (14). To avoid excessive lubricant on the rail, lubricant may be applied in response to a second train only if a predetermined time period has elapsed between first and second trains. The amount of lubricant applied in response to the second train may be controlled by refilling a lubricant container (68) at a controlled rate. The application of lubricant may be terminated before a number of rearmost load cars (46) of the train pass the lubricant applicator (28) so that the quantity of lubricant remaining on the rail is reduced by the wheels (40) of the cars at the end of the train. This prevents the lubricant from reducing the traction capability of the drive wheels (38) of the next oncoming locomotive (16). Operation of the lubricant dispensing apparatus (22) may be bypassed by an operator-controlled bypass device (60) located on-board the train.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling the delivery of lubricant between two parts which are movable relative to one another, in particular for lubricating rails, above all on curved tracks, in order to prevent or reduce squealing noises, wherein at least one sensor, e.g., a microphone, is provided for picking up sound vibrations, particularly structure-borne sound vibrations, the signal of the sensor being fed to a selective amplifier, e.g., an active bandpass filter, and used as an actuating variable for initiating the delivery of lubricant. For this purpose, at least two frequency bands are filtered out, the intensity of the sound vibrations of the filtered frequency bands is compared, and the determined difference or the ratio of the determined values is used as an actuating variable.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying friction modifying materials to a railroad track includes an input for receiving a signal representative of the passage of railroad vehicle wheels, and means for applying friction modifying material to the railroad track for a user defined, field programmable time duration when the number of wheels reaches the user defined, field programmable, activation level. A method of applying friction modifying materials to a railroad track performed by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for distributing lubricants in grooved rails, particularly for railborne urban traffic. An elongated plate is provided which can be arranged in the groove of the rail and which is provided with cutouts at least along one longitudinal edge, but preferably along both longitudinal edges. The cutouts start at the longitudinal edge and are accordingly open-edged. The lubricant can be supplied to these cutouts. The open-edged cutouts of the plate are covered by a cover plate which is constructed so as to be elastic at least in the covering area.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a friction modifying material to the top of rails (12). The wayside applicator includes an applicator bar (26) that has a dam for holding friction modifying material.