Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device for measuring lateral rail measurements under service to record and report excessive rail movement and angle differential to prevent a train from derailing. The device may be spring-loaded and light-weight. The device may include a microprocessor, sensors, and a display. The device may be installed on the rail. The device may sense an approaching train, automatically turn on the device, detect the train speed, and measure the angle differential, the real-time displacement, and the maximum/minimum displacement between the two rails while the train is operating over the rail at all speeds. The device measures and records the separation and angle differential of the rail to ensure the rail does not exceed separation that could derail the train.

Abstract: A rail inspection device comprises a carriage having wheels, a first roller in contact with a side surface of a first rail, a second roller in contact with a side surface of a second rail, a first position sensor configured to detect a position of a side surface of the first rail or an outer surface of the first roller, a second position sensor configured to detect a position of a side surface of the second rail or an outer surface of the second roller, and at least one rotation sensor each configured to detect a rotation angle of a wheel, the first roller, or the second roller.

Abstract: Track systems for traction of an off-road vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a snowmobile, etc. The track systems may have various features to enhance their traction and/or other aspects of their use and/or performance, such as, for example, to better adapt to a suspension of the off-road vehicle (e.g., by compensating for and/or otherwise adapting to alignment settings, namely camber, caster and/or toe), to improve ride quality (e.g., by better absorbing impacts or vibrations within the track systems), and/or to facilitate their installation and/or adjustment on the off-road vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile unit (5) is described for measuring running paths for handling systems, in particular bridge cranes, sliding on a route (2), comprising at least one first measuring device (62) which constitutes a space reference of the mobile unit (5) with respect to at least one fixed measuring unit (3) comprising second measuring device (61), the first measuring device (62) being connected to the mobile unit (5) by interposing at least one handling device adapted to synchronize measuring operations between the first measuring device (62) and the second measuring device (61) of the fixed measuring unit (3). A system for measuring (1) running paths for handling systems through such mobile unit (5) and a process for measuring through such system (1) are further described.

Abstract: A rail gauge measurement tool includes a frame mounting the tool to a rail vehicle, and an engagement unit that moves relative to the frame. The engagement unit has a first contacting element that maintains contact with a rail as the vehicle moves along a rail track, and a pair of parallel connecting shafts. The tool also includes an air cylinder exerting a biasing force so that the engagement unit maintains contact with the rail as the vehicle travels along the rail track. The tool also includes a linear sensor, separate from the air cylinder, that measures movement of the first rail engagement unit relative to the frame. The linear sensor and the air cylinder are parallel, but in a different plane from the parallel connecting shafts to lend structural support to the tool.

Abstract: Rail cant measurement tools and associated methods enable users to measure rail cant. The measurement tools comprise a reference assembly, and a cant angle measurement assembly. The reference assembly comprises a track plane reference bar, a rail centerline reference head, and a measurement gauge for measuring rail cant.

Abstract: Rail cant measurement tools and associated methods enable users to measure rail cant. The measurement tools comprise a reference assembly, and a cant angle measurement assembly. The reference assembly comprises a track plane reference bar, a rail centerline reference head, and a measurement gauge for measuring rail cant.

Abstract: A rail cant measurement tool and associated methods enable users to measure rail cant. The measurement tool comprises a reference assembly, and a cant angle measurement assembly. The reference assembly comprises a track plane reference bar. The cant angle measurement assembly comprises a web-engaging arm assembly, a spring-biased lock-release mechanism, a rail cant indicator, and a rail cant linear adjustment mechanism. The web-engaging arm assembly comprises pivot arms and web rollers. The pivot arms each comprise upper arm ends and lower arm ends. The upper arm ends are attached to the lock-release mechanism. The reference bar engages opposed rails and the cant angle measurement assembly engages a select rail of the opposed rails. The rail cant indicator indicates rail cant information as determined from the track reference plane and the running surface of the select rail.

Abstract: A tool and method for inspecting a track having a first rail and a second rail. The tool has a first mounting device which is attached to a first rail of the track. A cord attached to the mounting device is tensioned and positioning the cord in a proper position, allowing an inspector to measure a first distance between a defined point on the cord and the first rail or the second rail to determine if anomalies are present in the track.

Abstract: For the controlled lowering of a track, a longitudinal inclination of the track is determined at a rear tracing point of a measuring system and stored. For a length reaching back at least 10 meters, a current vertical profile is formed, and a rear compensation straight line is calculated which is superimposed upon the vertical profile and renders a target track position. The rear tracing point is guided by calculation along the rear compensation straight line, so that a compensation value for the position of the measuring chord ensues at a middle tracing point positioned between the rear tracing point and a front tracing point.

Abstract: A tool and method for inspecting a track having a first rail and a second rail. The tool has a first mounting device which is attached to a first rail of the track. A cord attached to the mounting device is tensioned and positioning the cord in a proper position, allowing an inspector to measure a first distance between a defined point on the cord and the first rail or the second rail to determine if anomalies are present in the track.

Abstract: In a rail track system having transition points, a locomotive having a navigation system (such as a combined inertial/GPS location system) moves along an initially known track and enters the “halo” surrounding a track transition to begin data collection/logging to accumulate successive position information data points as the locomotive moves into, progresses through, and exits the “halo.” The collected data for movement within the “halo” is then subject to a best fit assessment relative to the data pre-stored in the track database.

Abstract: An end of train unit includes a positioning system such as a GPS receiver and is configured to transmit a message including the EOT unit's location when the EOT unit detects a loss of air pipe pressure and/or it is tipped over and/or a low battery condition is detected. In highly preferred embodiments, the EOT unit periodically re-transmits the message until an acknowledgment message is received. In some embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to create a signal as a substitute for a motion sensor. In other embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to determine the speed of the end of the train. End of train unit tracking is also performed.

Abstract: An integrated measurement device for taking gauge and cross-level measurements between two objects. The integrated measurement device includes at least an emitter/receiver unit, a sensor unit, and a microprocessor. In operation, the integrated measurement device is pivotably placed on the top of the first object such that a light emitted from the emitter/receiver unit travels along a surface of the second object as the device rotates about a pivot point of the first object. The sensor unit senses data associated with incident angles and traveling distances of the emitted light. Based on the data sensed by the sensor unit, the microprocessor calculates the incident angle, the traveling distance, and a distance between the first and second objects. The calculated values can also be transformed to (x, y) space coordinates that are used to describe a profile of the second object.

Abstract: A split axle assembly for obtaining gage measurements of a track including a first wheel with a first split axle, a second wheel with a second split axle, a first bearing for rotatably receiving the first split axle, and a second bearing for rotatably receiving the second split axle, the first bearing and the second bearing being positioned inboard between the first wheel and the second wheel. In one embodiment, a sliding barrel device is provided. In another embodiment, the first bearing is received in a first bearing body and the second bearing is received in a second bearing body so that they are axially movable relative to one another. At least one linear guide is provided to allow axial movement of the first bearing body and the second bearing body relative to one another.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gage sensing system having sensor heads positioned over each rail of a railroad track that measures both rail gage and height distance above the rails of a railroad track. Each sensor head includes an array of electromagnetic field generating coils and an array of electromagnetic field sensors positioned above each rail so as to extend substantially across the rail surface. A method of measuring gage distance is also provided in which lateral EM field output signal indicative of an edge surface of a rail is sensed.

Abstract: A split axle assembly for obtaining gage measurements of a track including a first wheel with a first split axle, a second wheel with a second split axle, a first bearing for rotatably receiving the first split axle, and a second bearing for rotatably receiving the second split axle, the first bearing and the second bearing being positioned inboard between the first wheel and the second wheel. In one embodiment, a sliding barrel device is provided. In another embodiment, the first bearing is received in a first bearing body and the second bearing is received in a second bearing body so that they are axially movable relative to one another. At least one linear guide is provided to allow axial movement of the first bearing body and the second bearing body relative to one another.

Abstract: The multi-sensor route detector system preferably consists of at least four sensors (three rail detectors and a truck angle detector), sensor power supplies, signal conditioning for the output of the sensors, and a computer performing pattern matching and logic functions to positively identify track features of interest. The system is not a stand-alone navigation system, but will interface with the rest of the vehicle navigation system and provide data over an interface. This data will include notification of passage of turnouts, whether or not the route changed through the turnout and possibly the type of turnout (i.e., number 6 left). From external sensors, the multi-sensor route detector will obtain a signal such as block distance pulse indicating distance traveled along the track. The best estimate of the vehicle position will also be sent to the multi-sensor route detector. Based on the present position, the multi-sensor route detector will access the appropriate turnout data from its internal database.

Abstract: A machine frame of a ballast bed rehabilitation machine is composed of two articulatedly coupled frame parts. A longitudinal inclination meter is mounted on the leading frame part, in the working direction, for detecting the inclination of the track. A laser reference system is provided for controlling the position of vertically adjustable track working units arranged on the trailing frame part, the laser reference system being formed by a laser transmitter, equipped for relative adjustment of a reference plane by means of an adjusting device, and laser receivers. A control device is designed for the time-delayed delivery, in dependence upon the distance travelled, of a longitudinal inclination value detected by the longitudinal inclination meter to the adjusting device of the laser transmitter. The reference plane, used to guide the working units, is adjusted in accordance with the detected longitudinal track inclination.

Abstract: A method for correcting the track geometry of a track, includes measuring an initial track position of the track following lifting of the track and tamping under the track, and so computing a final desired track position as to eliminate long-wave alignment errors of the track geometry. Subsequently, corrective values are determined commensurate with a difference between the final desired track position and the initial track position, and the track is stabilized by lowering the track in a controlled manner into the final desired position and controlling in response to the corrective values the static load and/or transverse vibration acting on the track, thereby eliminating during track stabilization in particular long-wave geometrical track errors.

Abstract: A detecting system for rail vehicles having at least one sprung rigid structure, for instance a bogie frame, and two axles, comprises photosensor position-detecting means applied to the structure and adapted to detect typical geometrical characteristics of the track and the relative position between the axles and the rails when the vehicle is running along the track and to supply electrical signals which are indicative of such geometrical characteristics and such relative position, and displacement detecting means also applied to the structure and adapted to detect relative displacements between the structure and the axles and to supply electrical signals indicative of these displacements. Electronic acquisition and processing means of these electrical signals provide a monitoring related to the configuration of the track and to the dynamic attitude of the structure and of the two axles.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for surveying a railway track includes a light-receiving and emitting head capable of swivelling about vertical and pitch axes mounted on a measuring platform moveable along the track, as constantly aligned with a reference mark such as by stepping motors controlled by electronic control elements that evaluate the signals detected by the head. These control signals represent at the same time the value of the relative angular displacement of the head with respect to the reference mark while travelling along the track. A space-stabillized gyroplatform on the measurement platform detects the absolute change in position of the measurement platform which is used to correct the angular displacement values of the displacement head. The distance covered is detected by a separate distance measuring device or by the gyroplatform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a railroad vehicle for measuring the parameters of a railroad track, characterized by the presence of third axles (13 and 23) with independent wheels and disposed between the main axles (11 and 12; 21 and 22) of the bogies (10 and 20) of the vehicle, and by the existence of a third bogie (30) having two axles (31 and 32) capable of undergoing relative angular displacement about a line passing through their centers, said third bogie (30) also having a third axle (39) with having independent wheels; the measurements are made by means of optical proximity meters and distance gauges.

Abstract: Apparatus for the non-contact measurement of the gage of a track comprises a machine frame equipped with undercarriages supporting the machine frame for mobility on the track and a wheel axle having wheels running on the track rails, and an optical sensor associated with each track rail and affixed to the wheel axle. Each sensor is mounted on the wheel axle and pivotal about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame, and each sensor emits a light beam capable of sensing the distance of the sensor from the associated rail without contact therewith. A stepping motor is connected to each sensor for pivoting the sensor about this axis, the stepping motor and connected sensor constituting a closed control circuit for calculating an angular position required for focussing the light beam on a location of the associated track rail having a constant vertical position and correspondingly pivoting the sensor with respect to the associated track rail into the calculated angular position.

Abstract: In the method, the actual position of a track (1) is measured and the theoretical position is calculated, and the distance therebetween is calculated or measured, the track repair being controlled directly on the basis of this distance. The method is based on the principle that a survey line is directed from a known point (A) to another known point (B) on the basis of which angle data are obtained. Thereafter the survey line is directed to a measuring point (C) which is observed or controlled continuously. The measuring point (C) moves along the track (1). The distance from the measuring point (C) to the point (A) along the track or along a straight path is measured continuously by an automatic measuring device, in addition to which angle data are measured continuously from the point (A). The position of the track and distances to the known geometry of the track (1) or to the geometry of the track (1) as calculated on the basis of the position data are determined on the basis of these measurements.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring railroad track geometry for a pair of tracks. e instrument includes a carriage having wheels for permitting the carriage to ride on one of the tracks. An elongated cross-level bar has one end mounted on the carriage and the other end joined to a roller assembly. The roller assembly supports a pair of measuring wheels that ride on the top of the other track. A plurality of sensors are mounted on the bar for sensing the gage and cross-level of said tracks, and for measuring the linear distance that the instrument moves with respect to the tracks. A removable handle, hinged to the cross-level bar, supports a digital read-out meter for displaying the gage, cross-level and distance traversed.

Abstract: The crosslevel measuring adapter includes a battery-powered electronic level sensor, a processor unit, a display, and data, display and power switches mounted in a housing through which an inclination measuring bar passes. The adapter unit may be mounted anywhere intermediate the ends of the bar which engage spaced railroad tracks during a measurement cycle. When the power switch is activated, the adapter initiates a zero mode to determine an automatic zero offset value to be automatically applied to subsequent crosslevel measurement values. The adapter calculates warp and crosslevel index values from a plurality of crosslevel measurements, and if the warp or crosslevel index values exceed respective threshold levels, automatic display of the value is initiated. Otherwise, measured crosslevel values are automatically displayed and calculated values are displayed by activation of the display switch.

Abstract: The new instrument is a three piece frame which folds into a compact, hand carried device and when opened forms a track spanning frame. In its open position the frame carries on its midsection an electronic levelmeter and the track gage meter or indicator.The main frame consists of four arms. Two of these arms are hinged to fold on themselves for carrying and opening into a straight line for making measurements of gage and level. The other two arms fold back onto the first two for carrying and open at a predetermined angle to support the first mentioned arms in a perpendicular relationship to the track being observed.Under the three outer ends of the arms are feeler contacts. The two on the angled arms are fixed to ride on the inner edge of one of the tracks being measured. A third feeler contact is carried under the end of the single and oppositely extended arm.

Abstract: An electronic levelling apparatus using an inclinometer mounted to a platform for sensing deviations from the horizontal and generating an output signal representative thereof, filtering the inclinometer output signal to remove electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, level-shifting the filtered inclinometer output signal to establish both positive and negative threshold voltages, determining positive and negative voltage level shifts to generate a level control signal therefrom and transmitting the level control signal to an actuating mechanism for maintaining the platform level.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously monitoring the gage of a railroad track from a vehicle on said track comprising measurement means which continuously measure the distance between the rails of a railroad track and remote indication means which display data of said measurement means to a vehicle operator.

Abstract: A track leveling, lining and tamping machine comprises a track lifting assembly, a leveling reference system associated with the track lifting assembly, the reference system including a reference line associated with each track rail, each reference line having a forward end and a rear end, a forward track sensing element supporting the forward end of the reference lines in an uncorrected track section, a rear track sensing element supporting the rear end of the reference lines in a corrected track section, and a level sensor associated with each track rail and supported on a corrected track section rearwardly of the track lifting assembly for measuring the level of each track rail with respect to the associated reference line, the level sensor generating a control signal responsive to the measured level, an element for measuring the cross level mounted on the rear track sensing element, the cross level measuring element generating a correction signal indicating any residual error in the desired cross level, a

Abstract: A railroad measuring, gauging, and spiking apparatus uses a closed servoloop arrangement to provide accurate rail gauging. An LVDT sensing arrangement uses three rail feeler wheels to sense the rail gauge immediately adjacent to spiking guns on the apparatus. The output from the LVDT sensor is fed into a signal processing circuit which compares this signal with the desired track gauge in addition to calibrating various analog signals. A gauger control circuit comprises a microprocessor chip which raises and lowers a gauger mechanism and causes the gauger mechanism to track an error signal output by the signal processing circuit until the error signal is equal to zero. The hammers of the spiking guns are interlocked to receive an OK TO SPIKE signal from the microprocessor such that the spiking can not take place until the circuits indicate that the rails are properly gauged.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for determining the lateral position of a railroad track with respect to an adjacent railroad track without physical contact with the adjacent railroad track and for indicating the determined lateral position, which comprises a carriage mounted for movement along the railroad track, a laser beam emitting and receiving instrument mounted on the carriage for focussing on the adjacent railroad track and fixed parts of the right of way to measure the distance thereof from the instrument, the instrument having coincident optical axes for emitting and receiving the laser beam and said axes extending in a transverse plane perpendicular to the track, and means for indicating the measured distance.

Abstract: A railroad track tamper control system of the type wherein the grade rail is jacked relative to a reference line, the level rail is cross leveled to the grade rail before tamping, and the tamper frame is relatively independent of the jacking; in which a cross level sensor is mounted on the main tamper frame to free it from jacking vibrations and vertical position sensors measure the jacked elevations of both the grade and level rails relative to the tamper frame. The system cross levels the level rail by comparing the elevation of the grade and level rails relative to the tamper frame and adjusting that comparison by any out-of-cross level of the frame sensed by the cross level sensor.

Abstract: A measuring vehicle for roadways comprises a tow vehicle and an instrument carrying vehicle connected for movement to the tow vehicle. The connection between the two vehicles includes a periodically operative lost motion arrangement so that as the tow vehicle moves continuously along the roadway, the instrument carrying vehicle automatically remains stationary periodically.The connection between the tow vehicle and the instrument carrying vehicle advantageously comprises a connecting rod connected at one end to the instrument carrying vehicle and at its other end to an endless belt or chain revolving on guide means such as rollers or sprockets whose rotational speed is proportional to the speed of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A survey system for determining the shape of a fixed path along which there may be no line of sight from end to end. The system comprises a mobile optical detector adapted to travel along the path and a plurality of optical sources which can be arranged along the path. As it moves along, the detector receives optical signals from consecutive groups of the sources and processing circuitry in the system deduces the angular positions of the sources and hence the shape of the path. In a coal mine, the optical sources are positioned on mine roof supports and the detector on a mining machine which traverses to and fro along the coalface. The system then determines the shape of the coalface. The frequency with which the detector and processing circuitry scan the sources is compatible wiht the mining machine. The sources can be retro-reflectors, in which case a primary optical source is mounted adjacent to the detector.

Abstract: A railway surveying apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a light beam transmitter for transmitting a beam along the track, a light beam receiver and an intermediate shadow board all mounted on respective rail-engaging buggies so that the transmitter, receiver and board are located on the center line of the track. The shadow board and receiver buggies are connected through a twist transducer that measures the relative angular positions of the buggies. A pendulum is mounted on the receiver buggy and serves to measure the actual rail cross level condition at that point. A pendulum on the transmitter buggy and appropriate circuitry can reference the apparatus to either the track center line or one of the rails.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring interior profiles of enclosed spaces such as railway tunnels through optical means, achieves greater speed and precision than hitherto known apparatus by using a continuous collimated band of light together with means for maintaining the light band at a constant angle of incidence with the profile to be measured and means for detecting variations of the vertical angle of the light source while the light source and an associated image analyser are moved through the enclosed space.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for measuring the profile of a railroad tunnel comprising a car mounted for mobility on the railroad track, a beam emitter and receiver instrument capable of continuously receiving a signal corresponding to the distance of the tunnel profile from the instrument, a rotatable axle supporting the instrument on the car for pivoting about an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal track axis, and a drive arranged to pivot the instrument about the axis extending parallel to the track axis whereby the instrument may sweep the profile and continuously receive the signal.

Abstract: A track displacement detecting and measuring system in which track displacement data are obtained as usual for a unit chord length of the track according to the conventional three-point measuring method by sensors mounted on three predetermined parts of a track inspection car, and such measured data are processed by an arithmetic or processing device of relatively simple structure to detect the amount of track displacement occurring over a track distance which is two or four times the unit chord length. In the system, an improved gyro device free from the adverse effect of rolling of the car is employed so as to permit precise detection of vertical track displacement irrespective of the track distance.

Abstract: An indicator mechanism for an apparatus for correcting the existing grade and horizontal alignment of railroad track in accordance with a wire reference system. The mechanism includes frame means, the position of which in use is referenced to the existing position of an adjacent section of the railroad track. Pivot means are mounted on the frame means and a needle indicator is mounted on the pivot means so as to pivot about a horizontal axis generally parallel to a reference wire. A second indicator is mounted on the needle indicator for generally vertical, sliding movement thereon. A first index is arranged on the frame means to indicate in combination with the needle indicator the existing horizontal alignment of the adjacent section with reference to the reference wire. A second index in the form of a scale is arranged on the needle indicator and it indicates in combination with the second indicator the existing grade of the adjacent section of a track again with reference to the reference wire.

Abstract: A mobile track surveying apparatus comprises two spaced-apart bogies. Track gage and superelevation measuring devices as well as track grade and lateral alignment measuring devices are mounted on the two bogies, the latter including a theodolite mounted on a carrier plate on one bogie and a target mounted on a carrier plate on the other bogie, the theodolite and target defining an optical reference line determining the grade and alignment of the track.

Abstract: An indicator mechanism for an apparatus for correcting the existing grade and horizontal alignment of railroad track in accordance with a wire reference system. The mechanism includes frame means, the position of which in use is referenced to the existing position of an adjacent section of the railroad track. Pivot means are mounted for vertical, sliding movement on the frame means and a needle indicator is mounted on the pivot means to pivot about a horizontal axis generally parallel to the rails of the railroad track. Scale means are arranged on the frame means near one end of the indicator to indicate in combination with the indicator the existing grade and horizontal alignment of the adjacent section with reference to the wire reference system. During use of the mechanism, the position of the indicator is adjusted by a reference wire of the system which contacts the indicator. Preferably, this reference wire extends through a relatively small hole in the bottom portion of the indicator.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring the lateral distance between adjacent tracks, a measuring axle has a wheel which is selectively engageable without play with a selected rail of one track while a pivotal projecting arm associates therewith has laterally movable mounted thereon a rolling element for adjusting to the lateral distance between the measuring axle and the rolling element. The rolling element is arranged to sense one rail of the adjacent track as it rolls therealong, and an indicator produces a measuring signal indicating the adjusted lateral distance.