Abstract: A detection and indication system for use in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position. The system includes a mounting structure structured to be coupled to a housing of the switch machine and a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure. The first sensing device is positioned and structured to detect movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a portion on an articulated connector relative to a reference portion of said connector is provided. The apparatus comprises a fixable base mountable to the connector against the reference portion of the connector, an arm pivotally mounted to the base and extendable toward the portion of the connector, the arm having a measurement portion, the measurement portion movable across at least a section of the portion of the connector, and a rotating component connected to a mounting piece.

Abstract: A method for mapping a railroad track is provided. The method includes defining a plurality of track segments that form the railroad track and determining coordinates of each track segment. The method also includes storing the coordinates of each track segment in a database as map segments and linking the map segments stored in the database to create a multi-dimensional railroad track map.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the position of a point detector bar having an outer surface and linked to a moveable point associated with a fixed rail utilizing a probe. The probe is moveable to contact and ride on the outer surface of the point detector bar. A housing is connected to the probe and is moveable toward point detector bar also. A leg is positioned relative to the housing to form a unit. The leg is moveable within and relative to the housing when the probe contacts a certain portion of the outer surface of the point detector bar. A driver is linked to the leg and the housing unit and moves the housing and connected probe toward the point detector bar. A signal generator alerts the relative movement between the housing and leg within the housing and the probe contacts a certain portion of the outer surface of the point detector bar which may take the form of an enlarged diameter area.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the position of a point detector bar having an outer surface and linked to a moveable point associated with a fixed rail utilizing a probe. The probe is moveable to contact and ride on the outer surface of the point detector bar. A housing is connected to the probe and is moveable toward point detector bar also. A leg is positioned relative to the housing to form a unit. The leg is moveable within and relative to the housing when the probe contacts a certain portion of the outer surface of the point detector bar. A driver is linked to the leg and the housing unit and moves the housing and connected probe toward the point detector bar. A signal generator alerts the relative movement between the housing and leg within the housing and the probe contacts a certain portion of the outer surface of the point detector bar which may take the form of an enlarged diameter area.

Abstract: A railway car coupler head contour gauge includes a cylindrical portion configured to be rotatably coupled to a coupler head. The railway car coupler head contour gauge also includes a pulling lug gauging portion, and a contoured gauging surface that is configured to align with a contour face of a top pulling lug of the coupler head during gauging. The coupler head contour gauge may also include a convex portion configured to align with a buffing shoulder of the coupler head.

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 railway car coupler head contour gauge includes a cylindrical portion configured to be rotatably coupled to a coupler head. A gauging blade is coupled to the cylindrical portion. The gauging blade includes a gauging contour that is configured to align with a contour face of a top pulling lug of the coupler head after operational use of the coupler head.

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: The invention relates to a method for measuring tracks in relation to a measuring plan of the track which contains the actual position of the track, in relation to an absolute coordinate system. A measuring platform (2) is guided along the track (1), whereon an inertia platform (6) is arranged, which is initialised, respectively, calibrated to the beginning of the measurement and is aligned in relation to the coordinate system. The inertia platform (6) detects the respective positions of the measuring platform (2) in relation to the coordinate system during the journey of the measuring platform (2). Positional data of the inertia platform (6) is periodically examined based on fixed points (9; 9?) which are arranged in the vicinity of the track and deviations in relation to the coordinate system are corrected by novel calibration, respectively, alignment.

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: In a method of tracing a track geometry immediately ahead of a ballast pick-up device of a cleaning machine in a working direction, a first and a second measuring chord are guided on the track by a respective front and rear end point. A versine measured by a first versine sensor of the first measuring chord is stored, in connection with a distance measurement, for registering the rear end point of the first measuring chord as a desired position with respect to a local track point. After the rear end point of the second measuring chord has reached the local track point, the rear end point is displaced until a measurement value corresponding to the stored versine is reached by a second versine sensor, and thus the desired position has been attained.

Abstract: Device for monitoring the state of the substructure of fixed tracks, especially in the transition region of substructure supporting plates, measuring bolts, which, in vertical recesses, pass freely through the track plate above, being fastened at the ends of the substructure plates, which are to be monitored.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the dimensions of an articulated connector for reconditioning while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The connector is measured to find areas and amounts of wear on portions of the connector. The measurements are taken relative to a reference portion of the connector. A pivot gauge apparatus can be used to determine if a male casting meets industry standards. The pivot gauge includes a fixable base for interaction with the casting and a pivotably mounted arm with measurement portions.

Abstract: A laser apparatus for monitoring the rails of a railway or tramway line, characterized by comprising at least two measurement units mounted on a railway or tramway carriage and operating at last on the inner part of the two rails, along with said carriage is made to advance, and a unit for processing the signals transmitted by said measurement units, each of which comprises at least one triangulation reading device.

Abstract: A method for confirming the dimensions of an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The connector is measured by use of a gauge secured to a reference point on portions of the connector. Another portion of the gauge is aligned with a non-reference point to determine if the dimensions fall within industry standards.

Abstract: During use, a wheel of a railway vehicle may become out of round, which will be detrimental to both the vehicle suspension and the railway track. The shape of such a wheel may be monitored to detect any such out of roundness, while the wheel is rolling, by measuring how far the flange of the wheel projects below the upper surface of the rail. This may be achieved by mounting a rigid bar (24) alongside the rail (10), the bar (24) being supported resiliently so as to be depressed by a flange of a wheel (40), and by measuring the vertical displacement of the bar. The bar (24) may be supported by a plurality of flat leaf springs (26), which are inclined to the horizontal at for example 30°. This ensures that the bar (24) remains substantially parallel to the top surface of the rail (10) when depressed by the flange of a wheel (40).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed by which wooden railroad ties are pre-plated prior to use in constructing and/or repairing railroad lines. Methodology disclosed comprises placing two plates on top of each of a succession of wooden ties, temporarily positioning disclosed one of the two plates on each tie with a distance or spacer template temporarily clamping the two plates accurately to the tie using a jig, starting a field spike and a gauge spike (usually with one or more sledge hammers) into each wooden tie through the selected apertures in each plate, and further driving the started spikes into the associated tie (usually using a jackhammer). Typically, the field spike is located outside the field flange of the plate and is driven until the head of the spike is contiguous with the plate. Typically, the gauge spike is displaced through an aperture in the gauge flange of the plate until the head is about 1½ inches above the plate.

Abstract: A gauge is provided that is useful in measuring the horizontal wheelbase of a railway freight car truck sideframe. The gauge itself is comprised of a main horizontal body section usually of a single piece of aluminum bar stock. A stationary depending leg extends downwardly and is affixed to near one end of the main horizontal body section. A bearing slide assembly is affixed to the main horizontal body section near its other end. A measuring leg depends from the bearing slide assembly and is movable along the bearing slide assembly. An indicator scale is associated with the measuring leg so that its relative position with regard to the main horizontal body can be readily measured from a scale affixed thereon. The stationary depending leg is brought into contact with one edge of a pedestal jaw of the railway freight car sideframe, and the measuring leg is moved into contact along the bearing slide assembly with an opposite edge of the opposite pedestal jaw.

Abstract: The gauge and cess panels (3, 4) of a level crossing creep apart lengthwise of the track (1, 2) and need closing up again from time to time. A device (5, 24) for this consists of a member (8, 26) that engages under or over a rail (1) and has a portion (10, 27) extending transversely to the rail carrying a cam (6) or screw (28) for engaging the end of a panel (3, 4). When the cam or screw is turned, the reaction from the panel (3, 4) jams the member (8, 26) on the rail (1), and further turning forces the panel lengthwise of the track. Another device for gauge panels is a two armed toggle (29) with a cam (31) at its pivot (30), the arms (29) being in a shallow V with their free ends (32) braced against the insides of the rails (1).

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 technique for monitoring anomalies in a railway system 400 to predict a future track behavior. The technique uses a motion sensor 207, 209 operably coupled to a chassis of a rail car 101 to detect a possibility of an event which may correspond to an anomaly in the railway system. A global positioning sensor (GPS) 213 operably coupled to the chassis detects a geographical location of the rail car 101 at a time corresponding to the event, which correlates the anomaly to the geographical location and the time. The technique also uses a processor 301 operably coupled to the motion sensor 207, 209 to direct a signal corresponding to the event and a recorder 215 operably coupled to the processor 301 to log the signal which may correspond to the anomaly and the geographical location of the rail car corresponding to the event. A central station 104 tracks and analyzes the anomaly over time to predict a possible defect in the railway system using a record of the events over time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for accurately locating a train or a track repair vehicle along the track, or to locate accurately a track defect. When measuring track geometry, i.e. gage, cross level, warp, the measuring device moves foot by foot along the track and senses and stores a historical profile of various track geometry parameters. The historical profile is stored in a form usable in a processor in the geometry measuring equipment on a train or repair vehicle. The vehicle is run for a set distance to generate a real time profile which is correlated with the historical profile to get a match and a starting location. Then the vehicle proceeds foot by foot correlating the real time profile with the historical one so that an exact location on a specific track can be determined.

Abstract: A railway truck includes a frame having a pair of side frames and laterally extending transoms therebetween. A plurality of journal boxes are resiliently suspended from the side frames and support a pair of longitudinally spaced apart end axles extending laterally between the side frames. A pair of longitudinally spaced apart bellcranks are rotatably joined to each of the side frames between the end axles, with each bellcrank having a vertical crankshaft and a crank arm extending outwardly therefrom. A pair of traction links extend longitudinally along each of the side frames, with each link being pivotally joined between respective ones of the journal boxes and the crank arms for carrying tension and compression loads therebetween. A pair of adjoining reaction arms extend longitudinally along each of the side frames, with each reaction arm having a proximal end fixedly joined to a respective one of the crankshafts, and distal ends thereof adjoining each other.

Abstract: A rail guard for monitoring the limits of transverse inclination and extension between the rails of a railroad track and transmitting an indication when these limits are breached. The rail guard has a plurality of tension switches, each switch being coupled between the outer edge of a railroad track and a penetrable surface near the railroad track. The tension switches are coupled in series and in turn are coupled to a relay. The relay controls a warning signal when one or more of the switches is in an open position.

Abstract: System for monitoring the angle-of-attack of the wheelsets of a railway vehicle moving along a track section. The apparatus includes a rangefinder to repeatedly measure at known intervals the instanteous distance between a reference point and successive registering points on a face plate surface of a wheel of a passing wheelset. A detector generates a signal representative of the velocity of the wheel passing along the reference point. A computer receives the output signals generated by the velocity sensor and of the rangefinder to compute the angle-of-attack of each wheelset.

Abstract: An alignment gauge to facilitate the measurement of welded joints and the alignment of elongated structures including beams, pipes, rails, such as train rails and trolley car rails. The alignment gauge has five basic components, a base, an upright member and three dial indicators. The dial indicators are fastened along the top of the base, one at the center and one to each side of the center equally spaced from the center. The dial indicators have actuating plungers which pass through openings in the base and protrude through the bottom of the base. The upright member is mounted to the top of the base. It protects the dial indicators. The bottom of the base is placed on a calibration standard and dial indicators are adjusted to zero by a zero adjustment. With the dial indicators adjusted to zero, the alignment gauge is placed on the elongated structure with its center over the welded joint. The base has a channel in the center of the bottom surface that provides clearance for the welded joint.

Abstract: A gauge for determining the maximum width of a load of material supported on a railway car has an elongated, upstanding boom and car side sill engaging feet extending transversely of one side of the boom. A gauge support is mounted on the opposite side of the boom to facilitate sliding the gauge along a side sill so as to gauge any extent of the material beyond a predetermined fixed distance at which the terminal end of the feet are set from the boom to thereby determine the maximum width of the load of material on the car.

Abstract: A saw mill guide rail capable of being quickly, easily and accurately aligned to the saw blade, having two intersecting surfaces machined into the head of the rail, each parallel to the rail head length and extending for the length of the rail, one being vertical and the other being horizontal, to thereby form a line of intersection, such that a straight-edge can be positioned against one or both said planar surfaces at the line of intersection to align the rail in a straight line in either or both the vertical and horizontal plane.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the field alignment of the drive and idler wheels of a rail supported S/R machine. Vertical alignment is determined by means of a spirit level at the end of a pivotally mounted bar which is initially set perpendicular to a surface of a base member in magnetic engagement with the side of the wheel, the degree of misalignment being indicated by a dial indicator in contact with the bar. Longitudinal misalignment is determined by a parallelogram assembly one side of which is parallel to the surface of the base member and which includes a pair of spaced apart pins, one stationary and one movable, which engage the rail under the influence of a biasing force applied to the parallelogram assembly. The extent and direction of movement of the movable pin indicates the extent and direction of longitudinal misalignment of the wheel as read by a dial indicator in contact with the movable pin.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered, electronic wheel wear gauge is described for use in train wheel wear measurements. The gauge consists of a portable computer controller electrically connected to a portable gauge head. The gauge automatically determines proper positioning of the gauge head with respect to a wheel and then automatically measures rim thickness, flange thickness, flange height and, optionally, rim diameter of a train wheel using suitable contact and non-contact sensors. The measurement readings are displayed and can be stored in a non-volative memory of the controller for subsequent transfer to another computer or a printer.