On Vehicle Patents (Class 184/3.2)
  • Patent number: 11946784
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved metalworking lubricant monitoring, logging, recording, calculating, analyzing, alerting and reporting apparatus, system and method that monitors data and changes to the lubricant application process and the amount and concentration of lubricant being dispensed or delivered, analyzes, calculates and records data and changes or alterations to the amount dispensed, and alerts or reports the data and changes in real-time, when necessary, over various communication channels, to those responsible for overseeing the system changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL REFINING & MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Frank Joseph Kenny, Steve John Glowacz
  • Patent number: 11499673
    Abstract: An automatic lubricator for lubricating an object is described, which comprises a housing with a coupling section configured to couple with a lubricant container containing a lubricant, wherein the lubricant container comprises a rotatable shaft with a piston to dispense the lubricant from an output of the lubricant container. The lubricator further comprises an electric motor configured to drive the rotatable shaft of the lubricant container during at least one lubrication action, such that at least a part of the lubricant is dispensable from the lubricant container during the at least one lubrication action, and a power supply configured to supply the electric motor with a supply current during the at least one lubrication action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Dodge Industrial, Inc.
    Inventors: Grzegorz Wawrzola, Daniel Lewandowski, Eric Lambert, Greg Hewitt, Artur Rdzanek
  • Patent number: 10900559
    Abstract: An automatic lubricating arrangement for a chain hoist in which a lubricating body is inserted in a downwardly angled hole in a fixed structure enclosing a rotary drive member engaging the chain. The lower end of lubricating body rubs a surface on the rotary drive member to deposit lubricant thereon as the drive member is rotated, which lubricant body is pushed laterally along and onto adjacent chain links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: James Zaguroli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10526089
    Abstract: The embodiments of the disclosure discloses an aircraft spraying control device, a method thereof, and a spraying system, relating to the technical field of agricultural plant protection. The aircraft spraying control device comprises a micro-controller, a pump motor, and a nozzle motor; the micro-controller acquires the flight information of the aircraft and the preset pesticide spraying information of the aircraft, and acquires the target rotational speed n of the pump motor according to the flight information of the aircraft, the preset pesticide spraying information of the aircraft, and the pesticide discharging amount K per rotation of the pump motor so as to control the pump motor to rotate at the target rotational speed n of the pump motor so that the pump supplies pesticide to a nozzle. The micro-controller also controls the nozzle to spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU XAIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bin Peng, Dengfeng Li
  • Patent number: 10071756
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for the control of applying lubrication to the wheels of a fleet of railed-based vehicles and the rails on which the railed-based vehicles travel. In an aspect, the wheel-rail lubrication fleet management system is configured to analyze and optimize the application of wheel/rail lubrication within a whole fleet to the best possible efficiency. In an additional aspect, the wheel-rail lubrication fleet management system is further configured to manage the noise created by the interaction between the wheels and rails of the whole fleet. In such aspects, the wheel-rail lubrication fleet management system can monitor the real results of the application of lubricant of rail-wheel systems that utilize the lubrication fleet management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Igralub North America, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt A. Boehni, Andre Kofmehl
  • Patent number: 9409582
    Abstract: The time lag between start and application of a medium onto the rail vehicle wheel's flank is solved by line distributor for anti-noise medium for rail brakes wherein the line distributor is positioned directly next to rails to provide for accurate dosage. Applicator guides are rounded, preferably elliptical, or essentially circular cross-section so the edges of damaged wheels do not transfer shocks onto the device. The medium is spread around the wheel's flank and it does not necessarily lower the friction coefficient—it may even increase of said friction coefficient. Said lubricant is preferably very complex Composite Heavy Fluid Compound (CHFC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Bojan Pav{hacek over (c)}nik
  • Patent number: 9411299
    Abstract: A lubricant supply device includes a solid lubricant, a supply member contacting and rubbing the solid lubricant and thereby scraping a lubricant off the solid lubricant and supplying the lubricant to a lubricant supplying target, and a pressing mechanism pressing the solid lubricant against the supply member. The pressing mechanism includes a biasing device, and a plurality of pressing members receiving a biasing force of the biasing device and thereby pressing places of the solid lubricant at symmetrical positions with respect to a center of a contact part of the solid lubricant contacting the supply member, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kawahara, Hiroomi Harada, Teruyuki Kasuga, Takatsugu Fujishiro
  • Patent number: 9376123
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle control system, a friction modification unit, and a friction management module. The vehicle control system is configured to obtain a trip plan for the vehicle. The trip plan is based on one or more characteristics of a trip of the vehicle along a route in a transportation network, characteristics of the vehicle, or characteristics of the route along which the vehicle travels. The trip plan designates one or more tractive operations or braking operations. The friction modification unit is configured to modify a friction characteristic of a surface of the route as the vehicle travels on the route. The friction management module is configured to direct the friction modification unit to modify the friction characteristic of the surface of the route based on the trip plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, David Eldredge, Daniel Ballesty, Jared Klineman Cooper, Christopher Roney
  • Patent number: 9200420
    Abstract: A railcar mover is provided that is configured for use on a railroad track and has a frame, a plurality of traction wheels, and a traction enhancing system. Included in the traction enhancing system is an air nozzle associated with at least one of the traction wheels, mounted directly or indirectly relative to the frame so that an outlet of the air nozzle is directed at a corresponding rail of the railroad track for emitting high pressure air for removing at least one of unwanted debris and moisture. In addition, a scraper blade is associated with the nozzle and mounted relative to the nozzle so that the scraper blade contacts debris on the track before the high pressure air, in a direction of travel of the mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Nordco Inc.
    Inventor: Pat Bramlett
  • Patent number: 9182032
    Abstract: A lubrication structure of a gear change mechanism includes an actuation valve, a valve body, a detent member, and an elastic contact member. The actuation valve is to set the gear change mechanism to a selected shift position status. The valve body is to house the actuation valve. The detent member is disposed in a vicinity of the valve body and is movable by an operation of the actuation valve. The valve body includes a supply port to supply a hydraulic oil to the detent member. The actuation valve is to communicate the supply port and a drain oil passage in the valve body with each other in a case where a predetermined shift position is selected. The elastic contact member is engaged to one of a plurality of groove portions provided in the detent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Ohtani
  • Publication number: 20140339022
    Abstract: A lube car is provided for a locomotive configured to power a consist of revenue cars. The lube car includes a control unit, and a dispensing unit. The control unit is configured to determine one or more of a rolling resistance of the revenue cars, and a number of revenue cars trailing the lube car in the consist. The control unit is further configured to generate a control signal based on the determined rolling resistance, and number of revenue cars trailing the lube car in the consist. The dispensing unit is operatively connected to the control unit, and is configured to dispense lube onto an underlying rail based on the control signal. In an embodiment, a size and weight of the lube car is substantially smaller than a size and weight of the revenue cars thus allowing easy hoisting of the lube car with a lifting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Randall Bushen
  • Publication number: 20140318897
    Abstract: The time lag between start and application of a medium onto the rail vehicle wheel's flank is solved by line distributor for anti-noise medium for rail brakes wherein the line distributor is positioned directly next to rails to provide for accurate dosage. Applicator guides are rounded, preferably elliptical, or essentially circular cross-section so the edges of damaged wheels do not transfer shocks onto the device. The medium is spread around the wheel's flank and it does not necessarily lower the friction coefficient—it may even increase of said friction coefficient. Said lubricant is preferably very complex Composite Heavy Fluid Compound (CHFC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Bojan Pavcnik
  • Patent number: 8874345
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vishram Vinayak Nandedkar, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Patricia Sue Lacy, Pavan Vempaty
  • Patent number: 8573362
    Abstract: An application device and a method of use for the lubrication of a chain drive, more preferably for motorcycle chain drives or the like, includes a rail device. The rail device having a longitudinal side that can be brought to bear against a chain of the chain drive. The rail device includes a contact region formed of a consumable solid lubricant that can be applied to the chain and that can be brought in contact with the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Nägele, Werner Koch, Mohammad Karimi Tabatabai, Guntram Fleischhauer, Jan Tabellion
  • Patent number: 8544607
    Abstract: A lubrication system is contained within the body of a non-freight carrying intermodal container for lubricating a pair of rails of a train track. The lubrication system includes at least a lubricant holding tank for holding lubricant, a lubricant dispensing pump, and one or more hoses connected to the lubricant holding tank for directing a flow of the lubricant to one or more nozzles. The nozzles are positioned to distribute lubricant to at least a top of the pair of rails. The nozzles may be mounted with respect to a car body, floor, or axle trucks. The container is easily moved and repaired via its corner fittings, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Union Pacific Railroad Company
    Inventor: Michael E. Iden
  • Patent number: 8408362
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: L. B. Foster Rail Technologies, Corp.
    Inventors: Don T Eadie, John Cotter, Dave Elvidge
  • Patent number: 8235177
    Abstract: A lubricant supply device includes a solid lubricant, a supply member contacting and rubbing the solid lubricant and thereby scraping a lubricant off the solid lubricant and supplying the lubricant to a lubricant supplying target, and a pressing mechanism pressing the solid lubricant against the supply member. The pressing mechanism includes a biasing device, and a plurality of pressing members receiving a biasing force of the biasing device and thereby pressing places of the solid lubricant at symmetrical positions with respect to a center of a contact part of the solid lubricant contacting the supply member, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kawahara, Hiroomi Harada, Teruyuki Kasuga, Takatsugu Fujishiro
  • Publication number: 20120037455
    Abstract: A lubricant applicator (1) for a wheel (8) of a trackbound vehicle comprises an applicator cylinder (26) for a lubricant stick (6). The lubricant applicator (1) further comprises a piston (36), which is arranged to run in the applicator cylinder (26) and to press the lubricant stick (6) against said wheel (8), and a space (37) inside the applicator cylinder (26) which is arranged to receive a pressurized fluid for pressing the piston (36) against the lubricant stick (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Auto Invent
    Inventor: Niklas Bennstedt
  • Publication number: 20110259670
    Abstract: Device for lubricating a wheel flange of a railway vehicle based on the spraying of a pressurized jet of lubricant, comprising an electromagnetic pump with a pump body (5) in which a piston (20) is displaced, and a means (19) for guiding the piston (20) in a bore (22), the guidance means (19) including an opening (32) designed to communicate with a lubricant transfer channel (17) in the pump body (5), said opening (32) opening out into a compression chamber (23) situated in a downstream part of the bore (22), the device comprising a heating block (7) arranged so as to transfer heat energy to the lubricant before spraying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Guillaume Amilien, Dominique Dalaine
  • Patent number: 8002085
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Phymet Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Lacerda, Brandon Michael Collins
  • Publication number: 20110061973
    Abstract: A lubrication system is contained within the body of a non-freight carrying intermodal container for lubricating a pair of rails of a train track. The lubrication system includes at least a lubricant holding tank for holding lubricant, a lubricant dispensing pump, and one or more hoses connected to the lubricant holding tank for directing a flow of the lubricant to one or more nozzles. The nozzles are positioned to distribute lubricant to at least a top of the pair of rails. The nozzles may be mounted with respect to a car body, floor, or axle trucks. The container is easily moved and repaired via its corner fittings, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael E. Iden
  • Patent number: 7886874
    Abstract: A lubricator for the wheel flanges of railway vehicle wheels comprises an arm carrying a lubricating pad and a mounting element formed integrally with the arm. The mounting element fits into the entrance of the key slot in the brake beam head beside the brake retainer key. The key head fits in a groove in the top of the mounting element to retain the lubricator in place. When the lubricant is exhausted, the key is partially withdrawn to allow removal of the mounting element and the lubricator is replaced. When partially withdrawn, the key still retains the show on the brake beam head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Pennsy Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne H. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7802655
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kelsan Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Jonathan de Wet, Ron C. Y. Hui, Douglas Robert McKay, Zdravko Zdjelar, Robert J. Harris
  • Patent number: 7513336
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Hsin-Tsun Hsu, Min-Yao Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7513335
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Tranergy Corporation
    Inventor: Sudhir Kumar
  • Patent number: 7481297
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Carlton Leslie
  • Patent number: 7357427
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Kelsan Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Don Eadie, John Cotter, Dave Elvidge
  • Patent number: 7273131
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Portec Rail Products, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Thomas Urmson, Jr., John W. Mospan, Frank T. Lenco
  • Publication number: 20070209877
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor and a lubricant applicator. The photoconductor carries a toner image formed by developing an electrostatic latent image with a toner. The lubricant applicator applies a solid lubricant to a surface of the photoconductor, and includes a brush roller, a holder, a pressing member, and a protrusion. The holder holds the solid lubricant. The brush roller scrapes off the solid lubricant from the holder and applies the scraped solid lubricant to the surface of the photoconductor. The pressing member has an ellipse shape and presses the solid lubricant toward the brush roller via the holder. The protrusion is disposed on the holder and contacts an inner circumferential surface of the pressing member at two positions provided in both end portions of the pressing member in a direction of a minor axis of the ellipse formed by the pressing member to support the pressing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Yuji Arai, Hiroyuki Nagashima, Nobuo Kuwabara, Hirotaka Hatta, Hiroshi Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 7108104
    Abstract: A lubricant applicator for disposing lubricant onto a metal surface. The lubricant applicator generally includes a combination holder and dispenser. Lubricant is disposed from the same portion of the combination holder and dispenser as the lubricant was inserted, in the rear portion of the combination holder and dispenser. A dispensing system applies constant force to the rear portion of the combination holder and dispenser so that lubricant is disposed from the rear portion and out of the front portion of the combination holder and dispenser. Lubricant, generally in the form of a stick, can therefore be easily replaced without removing the applicator from its location or without removing its mounting arrangement. Various applications and mounting arrangements for the lubricant applicator are disclosed, as is a method for providing a lubricant applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Michael J Mitrovich, Bernard L. Boyer
  • Patent number: 6854908
    Abstract: An applicator for a circular arc-shaped solid composition comprises a housing defining a conduit that is sized to accept the circular arc-shaped solid composition stick. The conduit has a first end and a second end, the second end being open, and has a continuous circular arc-shape from the first end to the second end. The housing also contains one, or more than one opening for engaging a fastener. Each one of the one, or more than one opening is of a sufficient size to permit at least partial lateral movement of the fastener. Also included in the housing are an inlet and an outlet in communication with the conduit, the outlet being in communication with the second end, and a biasing assembly for advancing the circular arc-shaped solid composition stick within the conduit. The position of the applicator of the present invention relative to a surface to be treated can be easily adjusted by laterally sliding the housing of the applicator relative to its mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Kelsan Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Ron C. Y. Hui, Jonathan deWet, Chris Dale, Malcolm Curtis
  • Patent number: 6854563
    Abstract: A wayside lubrication apparatus (10) for applying a lubricant (26) to a second position (36) of a rail (12) in response to the head of a train (14) being proximate a first position (20) of the rail. The distance (D) between the two positions prevents the lubricant from reducing the traction capability of the drive wheels (38) of the locomotives (16). The application of the lubricant is terminated before a number of rear load cars (46) passes the lubricant applicator (28) so that the residual lubricant remaining on the rail after the train has passed is reduced. Operation of the lubricant dispensing apparatus (22) may be bypassed by an operator-controlled bypass device (60) or in response to a signal (56) indicating moisture on the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden
  • Publication number: 20040238282
    Abstract: An improved lubricant stick for utilization with a constant force spring style stick lubricant applicator for rail wheel flanges. The lubricant stick defining therein a channel for receiving a portion of the constant force spring therein, thereby reducing wear and tear on the constant force spring and providing for a more consistent application of lubricant to the wheel flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Mitrovich
  • Patent number: 6585085
    Abstract: A wayside lubricator for railroad cars has a number of sensors mounted adjacent the track which detect the approach and passage rail cars. A lubricant supply and a pressurizing system are mounted adjacent the track and in fluid communication with a control valve and spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is aimed to shoot lubricant into a target zone when the control valve is opened. The spray nozzle is turned on for a defined duration of time so that the quantity of the lubricant is kept under control. Application of the lubricant to the wheels of the locomotive is avoided by detecting locomotive wheels and leaving the valve closed until they pass. This invention reduces the friction between the wheel tread and rail on curves for the trailing cars and thus reduces the friction and the force that is experienced by the wheel flanges on curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Tranergy Corporation
    Inventor: Sudhir Kumar
  • Patent number: 6578669
    Abstract: A lubrication system mounted on a railroad locomotive for applying a lubricant to a rail. The system is comprised of a manifold that defines a generally endless, closed lubricant path. A pump is provided to continuously convey a lubricant along the lubricant path. A reservoir for holding the lubricant defines a portion of the lubricant path. A dispensing nozzle is mounted to the locomotive above each rail for directing the lubricant onto each rail. A metering device is associated with each dispensing nozzle. Each metering device is connected to the manifold and an associated nozzle for diverting a metered amount of the lubricant from the lubricant path to the associated nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Lubriquip, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Kast, Raymond J. Niemczura, Sr., Carl A. Gedeon, James H. Wollbrinck
  • Publication number: 20020157901
    Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lubrication system mounted on a railroad locomotive for applying a lubricant to a rail. The system is comprised of a manifold that defines a generally endless, closed lubricant path. A pump is provided to continuously convey a lubricant along the lubricant path. A reservoir for holding the lubricant defines a portion of the lubricant path. A dispensing nozzle is mounted to the locomotive above each rail for directing the lubricant onto each rail. A metering device is associated with each dispensing nozzle. Each metering device is connected to the manifold and an associated nozzle for diverting a metered amount of the lubricant from the lubricant path to the associated nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Lubriquip, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Kast, Raymond J. Niemczura, Carl A. Gedeon, James H. Wollbrinck
  • 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: 6199661
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a railroad locomotive applies a lubricant with great accuracy in computer-controlled, precise quantities behind the last axle of the last locomotive such that the lubricant is consumed by the time the entire train has passed under all track, speed, temperature and train size conditions. Hydraulic pulse-width modulation (PWM or %PWM) controls the quantity of lubricant delivered. Time is divided into a series of windows each consisting of a few seconds. Lubricant delivered from a pressurized tank through long hoses to a solenoid controlled valve is then metered by the duration within this time window for which the computer computes and opens the valve. Compensation is provided for train tonnage and lubricant temperature as well as track curvature and train speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Tranergy Corporation
    Inventor: Sudhir Kumar
  • Patent number: 6182793
    Abstract: A lubrication system for automatically applying a viscous fluid lubricant to the wheel flanges of locomotives and/or rail cars. The lubricant reduces friction and wear at the interface between the wheel flanges and the sides of rails. The viscosity of the lubricant is sufficient to ensure that the lubricant does not migrate to undesirable locations, such as onto the crown of the rails. The system delivers lubricant to both sides of the train from a containers holding sufficient lubricant to last throughout the standard maintenance cycle of a long haul locomotive. The lubrication is delivered at a flow rate controlled as a function of a rotational speed of the wheels of the locomotive. The system can also be adapted to control the rate of flow of lubricant delivered to the wheel flanges in response to other criteria. Since the lubricant is derived from soybeans, it is non-toxic and biodegradable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Warren Jamison
    Inventor: Warren E. Jamison
  • Patent number: 6170610
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a railroad locomotive applies a lubricant with great accuracy in computer-controlled, precise quantities behind the last axle of the last locomotive such that the lubricant is consumed by the time the entire train has passed under all track, speed, temperature and train size conditions. Hydraulic pulse-width modulation (PWM or %PWM) controls the quantity of lubricant delivered. Time is divided into a series of windows each consisting of a few seconds. Lubricant delivered from a pressurized tank through long hoses to a solenoid controlled valve is then metered by the duration within this time window for which the computer computes and opens the valve. Compensation is provided for train tonnage and lubricant temperature as well as track curvature and train speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Tranergy Corporation
    Inventor: Sudhir Kumar
  • Patent number: RE42989
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kelsan Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Don Eadie, John Cotter, Dave Elvidge