Rail, Made Of Multiple Materials Patents (Class 191/22DM)
  • Patent number: 5967271
    Abstract: A composite section (10) features a base (12) of light-weight metallic material as section component and at least one further profiled section component, in particular a profiled strip (18) of another metallic material which is joined metallically as a surface layer to the base section during an extrusion process. Projecting out of the inner-lying face (21) of the profiled strip (18) and directed at the base (12) is at least one projection and/or an additional element (23) which are/is embedded in the base (12). Each additional element (23) may delimit an undercut space which is filled in an interlocking manner by metallic material of the base (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Diethelm Wompner, Joachim Gluck, Uwe Bock
  • Patent number: 5918712
    Abstract: A composite section (10) features a base (12) of light-weight metallic material as section component and at least one further profiled section component, in particular a profiled strip (18) of another metallic material which is joined metallically as a surface layer to the base section during an extrusion process. Projecting out of the inner-lying face (21) of the profiled strip (18) and directed at the base (12) is at least one projection and/or an additional element (23) which are/is embedded in the base (12). Each additional element (23) may delimit an undercut space which is filled in an interlocking manner by metallic material of the base (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Diethelm Wompner, Joachim Gluck, Uwe Bock
  • Patent number: 5865282
    Abstract: In a system comprising at least two conductor rails, in particular composite sections each featuring a rail-shaped load-bearing section and at least one strip-shaped section of another metal of greater wear resistance joined to the matrix of the load-bearing section, the ends of pairs of neighbouring rails are connected electrically by at least one conductor of variable length. The ends of the conductor rails are bent out of the central axis (M) of the conductor rail and led parallel to and a distance (n) displaced from that axis, such that the strip-shaped section of one conductor rail end is approximately aligned with the strip-shaped section of the other conductor rail away from the rail end; the conductor rail ends are joined in such a manner that they can move with respect to each other along the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventor: Joachim Gluck
  • Patent number: 5605209
    Abstract: A conductor rail and method for its production. The rail is constituted as a bimetallic, non-integral, unitary laminate assemblage of two formed, nesting dissimilar metal strips, for sliding engagement by an electrical collector shoe. The assemblage has a grooved track portion for receiving the shoe, and a suspension portion adapted to be clamped by suspender fittings. One of the metal strips is fully exterior to the other strip and is preferably constituted of steel, whereas the other metal strip is preferably copper, characterized by relatively higher electrical conductivity. The arrangement is such that the nested strips are in intimate, large-surface contact with each other. The rail thus enjoys the advantage of high strength and abrasion resistance, and improved electrical performance. The rail can be utilized in new equipment, or as a replacement for worn or damaged rail sections, essentially without modification of existing hanger or insulating hardware, or existing jacketing insulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Howell Corporation
    Inventors: Robin A. Clarke, William R. Heil, Robert S. Beale
  • Patent number: 5310032
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a power conductor rail structure is provided using a multi-metallic construction. The composite rail of the invention includes an asymmetrical steel portion having a top flange thickness greater than that of the bottom flange in a generally I-shaped configuration with spaced apertures along the length of the web. Aluminum cladding is cast onto both sides of the web with a cold rolled high conductivity layer, such as copper disposed between the aluminum and steel on either side of the web and having holes corresponding in size and shape to the apertures of the web. The aluminum cladding extends through the web apertures producing a multi-metallic sandwich construction. The high conductivity layers provide a mechanical bond between the steel and aluminum and reduces transfer resistance and increasing overall conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Dietmar G. Plichta
  • Patent number: 5279397
    Abstract: A conductor rail has a main body (10) of aluminum and a facing layer (11) formed of a steel having a chromium content of between 10 and 13.5% by weight. The preferred steel composition is that of British Standard No. 416 S21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Brecknell, Willis & Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: David J. Hartland
  • Patent number: 5267634
    Abstract: A composite continuous surface rail is constructed by combining a load-bearing support rail divided into segments to allow for thermal expansion with a continuous surface rail that slideably engages the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The continuous top or surface rail includes a running rail and an expansion rail. The expansion rail is provided to absorb thermal expansion of the running rail while continuing to provide a continuous composite rail surface. The surface rail and/or support rail may be electrified. An electrified running rail and expansion rail will provide an electrified composite rail with electrical continuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Donald D. Bruning
  • Patent number: 5263561
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a power conductor rail structure is provided using a multi-metallic construction. The composite rail of the invention includes an asymmetrical steel portion having a top flange thickness greater than that of the bottom flange in a generally I-shaped configuration with spaced apertures along the length of the web. Aluminum cladding is cast onto both sides of the web with a cold rolled high conductivity layer, such as copper disposed between the aluminum and steel on either side of the web and having holes corresponding in size and shape to the apertures of the web. The aluminum cladding extends through the web apertures producing a multi-metallic sandwich construction. The high conductivity layers provide a mechanical bond between the steel and aluminum and reduces transfer resistance and increasing overall conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Inesscon, Inc.
    Inventor: Dietmar G. Plichta
  • Patent number: 5251732
    Abstract: A composite continuous surface rail is constructed by combining a load-bearing support rail divided into segments to allow for thermal expansion with a continuous surface rail that slideably engages the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The continuous top or surface rail includes a running rail and an expansion rail. The expansion rail is provided to absorb thermal expansion of the running rail while continuing to provide a continuous composite rail surface. The surface rail and/or support rail may be electrified. An electrified running rail and expansion rail will provide an electrified composite rail with electrical continuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Donald D. Bruning
  • Patent number: 5249654
    Abstract: A composite continuous surface rail is constructed by combining a load-bearing support rail divided into segments to allow for thermal expansion with a continuous surface rail that slideably engages the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The continuous top or surface rail includes a running rail and an expansion rail. The expansion rail is provided to absorb thermal expansion of the running rail while continuing to provide a continuous composite rail surface. The surface rail and/or support rail may be electrified. An electrified running rail and expansion rail will provide an electrified composite rail with electrical continuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Donald D. Bruning
  • Patent number: 5244746
    Abstract: A composite structure is manufactured by joining a first material, preferably made of a magnetically permeable material and having a first joining surface in which a recess having an overhang surface is formed, to a second material, preferably made of an electrically conductive material and having a second joining surface to be joined to the first joining surface of the first material. On the second joining surface is integrally formed a protrusion having an outer configuration substantially corresponding to the inner shape of the recess. The first and second materials are firmly mechanically joined to each other by, for example, a casting method, a rolling method, a pressing method, or a method utilizing plastic flow of the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigetomo Matsui, Hiroyuki Matsumura, Takeshi Yamada, Yasuhiro Kumon, Makoto Ryoji, Masaki Uekado, Shigeki Koe, Hiroatsu Asari, Toshihiko Ishizuka, Toshio Atsuta, Shigemi Murakami, Shozo Okazaki, Shinji Koga, Akitoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5161667
    Abstract: A conductor rail is made of an aluminum conductor bar covered with a stainless steel contact cap. The cap is pressed against the top of the conductor bar during assembly and is permanently clamped to the bar by integral ears deformed over and down onto doubled over edges the side legs of the contact cap, holding the outer legs of the contact cap in tension, holding the cap against the top of the conductor bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Insul-8 Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kilburg
  • Patent number: 5126514
    Abstract: A process for producing an electrical supply rail comprising the following steps: (a) producing a mounting body and a wearing plate between rebates of the mounting body and edges of the wearing plate, interposing a sheet of electrically conductive material between the mounting body and the wearing plate; (b) mutually superposing faces of the mounting body and the wearing plate transversely with interposition of the sheet of electrically conductive material having a fusion temperature below those of the mounting body and of the wearing plate; (c) causing the fusion of the sheet by heating and exerting a stress on the mounting body and on the wearing plate; and (d) cooling the solidification of the continuous longitudinal film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Delachaux S.A.
    Inventor: Patrick Bommart
  • Patent number: 5120910
    Abstract: A composite minimum-joint electrified rail is constructed by combining a non-conductive support rail divided into easily installed segments with a continuous conductive rail that mounts on the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The conductive rail may be attached to the non-conductive rail by a tongue and groove arrangement. Multiple conductive rails or strips may be attached to different portions of the same support rail. In addition spring clips are shown for attaching the support rail to railroad ties or roadbed, and fish plates are shown for attaching abutted support rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Donald D. Bruning
  • Patent number: 5061829
    Abstract: The composite conductor rail comprises an aluminum base-section (12) and at least one steel strip (12) as power transfer surface for the power collector. The aluminum base-section is connected in a mechanically stable manner and with good electrical contact to at least one small extruded composite section made of a steel strip and an aluminum retaining section which is ductile, exhibits high electrical conductivity and holds the steel strip in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Alusuisse-Lonza Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Gerhard Mier
  • Patent number: 5055638
    Abstract: A contact line for the transmission of data and/or energy for conveyors and obots, or the like, with a pickup that incorporates a wiper head that is connected to the conveyor. The contact line comprises an electrically conductive plastic. As a result, the transmission of data and/or energy is enhanced and made less costly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Martin Geschka, Michael ten Hompel
  • Patent number: 5047595
    Abstract: A conductor rail comprises a main body of aluminium and a stainless steel facing layer which is produced by welding together two longitudinal J-section strips. The welding operation is effected with the strips in contact with the main body and provides an extremely effective interlocking engagement of the facing layer and main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Willis Brecknell & Co., Limited
    Inventor: David J. Hartland
  • Patent number: 4463057
    Abstract: An extruded section bar member for use as a vertical support in furniture, particularly in industrial and office furniture, comprising a cross section corresponding to an elongated rectangle with rounded edges and including T-grooves recessed into its long sides for receiving fastening elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Inventor: Hans Knurr
  • Patent number: 4284181
    Abstract: A rigid trolley rail having a continuous unified structural body which is formed by continuously laying a plurality of short trolley rail bodies made of aluminum along the track of a travelling body and by mechanically connecting or welding confronting ends of adjacent trolley rail bodies to each other. Each of the plurality of aluminum trolley rail bodies consists of a base part attached to fixed support parts, a protruding middle part formed to protrude from the middle portion of the upper or lower face of the base part approximately into a T-shape; and a pair of protruding clamping strips positioned with the protruding middle part interposed between them. A long single sheet of stainless steel is bent to cover the protruding middle parts of the aligned rail bodies to form the continuous unified structural body and the ends of the two bent sides thereof are fixed in a gripping manner by bending the pair of protruding clamping strips inwardly to clamp the bent sides against the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Assignee: Japan Air Line Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masamoto Shuto
  • Patent number: 4215770
    Abstract: A guide rail assembly for transmitting electrical current to a trolley or like vehicle and comprising a pair of non-linear support rail assemblies attached to one another and formed of light-weight metallic alloys, with each support rail including a band of highly wear-resistant metal for engaging and transmitting electrical current to the trolley. At least one of the support rail assemblies further including a plurality of fin-like projections for dissipating excess heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Assignee: Wampfler GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Bormann
  • Patent number: 4016961
    Abstract: A rail construction for rail-type electrification systems, comprising a metal, conducting carrier rail member of relatively high expansion coefficient, having a cross-sectional configuration somewhat like a pair of channel shapes disposed back-to-back. One channel shape is used for suspension or mounting, as well as rigidity. The other channel shape contains a metal insert in the form of a flat contact member of relatively low expansion coefficient which is secured in place by being pinched between opposed wall areas of flanges of the rail member, in consequence of the flanges being swaged or displaced beyond their elastic limit to effect a gripping of the contact member. The inner walls of the flanges, which adjoin the elongate contact member, constitute metal guideways that assure a positive tracking of the collector shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1977
    Inventor: Alleyne C. Howell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4005255
    Abstract: A composite section with a body mainly of light metal which has embedded in it inserts of a metal of higher strength. The inserts are not round in cross section and engage in the matrix by virtue of their shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Assignee: Swiss Aluminium Ltd.
    Inventors: Alfred Wagner, Hermann Kidratschky
  • Patent number: 3957142
    Abstract: The power line comprises a conducting section enclosed in an electrically insulating casing open on one side. The section and the casing are hung by claws. At least one claw is designed to block the conducting section and the casing. Expansion joints are designed at some intervals, and end elements prevent any access to the conducting section which is electrically supplied by junction units included in the end elements connecting two adjacent segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1976
    Assignee: S. A. Chadefaud
    Inventor: Guy Eugene Gaston Devolle