Abstract: An apparatus and a method for increasing the movement speed of the rail vehicle while carrying out measures for controlling weeds on track systems. A rail vehicle equipped with an apparatus for increasing the movement speed of the rail vehicle while carrying out measures for controlling weeds on track systems.

Abstract: At least some of the exemplary embodiments are a method. The method includes obtaining, at an underwater imaging device, a stream of images of geophysical surveying equipment, wherein the geophysical surveying equipment includes a target pattern having a calibrated image size. The geophysical surveying equipment is tracked using the image stream and the target pattern. The method further includes capturing from the image stream, a single image of the images of the geophysical surveying equipment, wherein the single image comprises an image of the target pattern having an apparent size. Based on the calibrated image size and the apparent size, a distance between the underwater imaging device and the geophysical surveying equipment is determined.

Abstract: A solution for performing a set of tasks using one or more robotic devices is provided. The robotic device can be configured to perform each task using one or more effector devices, one or more sensor devices, and a hybrid control architecture including a plurality of dynamically changeable levels of autonomy. The levels of autonomy can include: full autonomy of the robotic device, teleoperation of the robotic device by a human user, and at least one level of shared control between the computer system and the human user.

Abstract: An attachment is provided for us on an articulated boom of an excavator in order to excavate earth from beneath a buried pipeline or other utility. The attachment features at least one working arm pivotally mounted to a base plate for movement relative to the base plate about an axis passing therethrough. A working end of the arm is thereby movable between a retracted position overlying the base plate and a deployed position reaching laterally outward from an edge of the base plate. With the excavator facing in a longitudinal direction of the utility, and the attachment carried beside the utility at a short depth therebelow by the boom of the excavator, the arm can be deployed and retracted in order to sweep material out from under the pipeline and onto the base plate. The material is then lifted to the surface by raising of the excavator boom.

Abstract: A combination livestock bedding leveler and groomer attachment preferably includes a mounting base, a mechanized equipment mounting plate, a rake arm and a leveler blade. The rake arm is pivotally mounted to one end of the mounting base and the leveler blade is pivotally mounted to the other end of mounting base. The mechanized equipment mounting plate is attached to a rear of the mounting base with any suitable method. The mechanized equipment mounting plate is supplied by numerous manufacturers. The mechanized equipment mounting plate allows the bedding leveler and groomer to be attached to a quick release mounting device retained on a skid steer, construction equipment, farming equipment or any other mechanized equipment. The rake arm includes a plurality of teeth projections for grooming soil or sand. The leveler blade includes a blade member for leveling soil or sand.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to dump trucks having a dump bed and a chute for discharging material onto a road shoulder and/or roadway. The apparatus allows the truck with a single operator to perform shoulder and/or roadway surfacing and/or repair by receiving and grading repair material into place. The attachment being adjustable as to pitch, width and depth of the repair material. The attachment being adjustable to allow a greater or lesser amount of material to be applied to a shoulder closer to the roadway surface if a deeper fill is required. The apparatus allows for rotational movement between the apparatus and the dump truck in a direction parallel to the roadways length and perpendicular to the roadways surface. The tires of the dump truck being utilized to compact the repair material. The apparatus being stored in a vertical position when not in use.

Abstract: A sidewalk grader provided for grading a sidewalk base disposed along a curb of an existing road structure. The sidewalk grader comprises a tracking assembly fixable to a vertically adjustable backfill blade of a compact excavator positioned to move forward over an existing road structure to advance the sidewalk grader. The tracking assembly comprises a vertically adjustable tracking means disposed for engagement with the top surface of the curb, to provide a reference point. A grading assembly is mounted to the tracking assembly. The grading assembly comprises a frame, and a grading blade rotatingly mounted to the frame to permit adjustment of slope of the blade. An adjustable link connects the grading blade to the frame to adjustable fix their relative position.

Abstract: A sidewalk grader provided for grading a sidewalk base disposed along a curb of an existing road structure. The sidewalk grader comprises a tracking assembly fixable to a vertically adjustable backfill blade of a compact excavator positioned to move forward over an existing road structure to advance the sidewalk grader. The tracking assembly comprises a vertically adjustable tracking means disposed for engagement with the top surface of the curb, to provide a reference point. A grading assembly is mounted to the tracking assembly. The grading assembly comprises a frame, and a grading blade rotatingly mounted to the frame to permit adjustment of slope of the blade. An adjustable link connects the grading blade to the frame to adjustable fix their relative position.

Abstract: A sidewalk grader provided for grading a sidewalk base disposed along a curb of an existing road structure. The sidewalk grader comprises a tracking assembly fixable to a vertically adjustable backfill blade of a compact excavator positioned to move forward over an existing road structure to advance the sidewalk grader. The tracking assembly comprises a vertically adjustable tracking means disposed for engagement with the top surface of the curb, to provide a reference point. A grading assembly is mounted to the tracking assembly. The grading assembly comprises a frame, and a grading blade rotatingly mounted to the frame to permit adjustment of slope of the blade. An adjustable link connects the grading blade to the frame to adjustable fix their relative position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for use in track sledding operations. Machine (1) comprises a wagon (2) having adjustably carried therebeneath a multibladed plough (3). A rail clamp assembly (4) is included for suspending the track above the plough during the sledding operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spreading ballast along railways makes use of an inertial measurement system to determine where to apply ballast from a hopper car. A variety of techniques can be used to determine the location and speed of the ballast spreading train, including manual or automated visual techniques, laser technology, radar technology, radio frequency transponders, magnetic sensor, thermal imaging and aerial photogrammetry. The invention also contemplates “on the fly” surveys and terrain profiling using lasers or radar.

Abstract: An apparatus for suction and discharge of material comprises a container (9) with a suction opening (19) for letting in a sucked-up air/material mixture and a discharge opening (14) for discharging material. The container (9) is rotatable and has inner conveying means (18) which upon rotation of the container (9) are adapted to convey the material to the discharge opening (14).

Abstract: A method for the contactless scanning of a track bed profile extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal extension of the track, comprises the steps of simultaneously effectuating the scanning and a measurement of any deviation from a desired track level at a location of the scanning, recording the scanned track bed profile, and calculating an amount of ballast required for raising the track to the desired track level and for uniformly distributing the ballast in the track bed in dependence on the measured track level deviation and the recorded scanned track bed profile.

Abstract: A mobile machine for clearing ballast from a ballast bed section wherefrom a tie has been removed comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction, undercarriages supporting the machine frame for mobility on a track supported on the ballast bed, and a ballast clearing device vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame for clearing ballast from the ballast bed section. The ballast clearing device comprises an inner ballast clearing element arranged on the gage side of at least one rail and pivotal by a pivoting drive in a plane extending transversely to the longitudinal direction about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction, and an outer ballast clearing element vertically adjustable by a vertical adjustment drive independent of the inner ballast clearing element and arranged on the field side of the rail.

Abstract: A ballast plow that is attached to a KERSHAW ballast regulator wing. The plow will be attached to the wing so that it can be moved toward and away from the wing, and in addition, it can be moved up and down and can be rotated from side to side. The plow will allow the device to extend its reach to an area outside the normal ballast area of a railroad track and to clear away brush and small trees which might impinge upon the ballast area. The plow reclaims ballast, drainage, and creates an improved walkway, thus providing a safe working area.

Abstract: A right of way grader that is attached to a Kershaw ballast regulator wing. The grader will be attached to the wing so that it can be moved toward and away from the wing, and in addition, it can be moved up and down and can be rotated from side to side. The grader will allow the device to extend its reach to an area outside the normal ballast area of a railroad track and to clear away brush and small trees which might impinge upon the ballast area. The grader reclaims ballast, drainage, and creates an improved walkway, thus providing a safe working area.

Abstract: A rubber tired railway plow (100) has a plow unit (102) mounted to a plate (111) which extends across the forward end of the rubber tired vehicle (100). The plow unit (102) is attached so as to be movable on the plate (111). Wedges (122, 123) are used to maintain the plow unit (102) in position on the plate (111). When the wedges (122, 123) are removed, the plow unit (102) is movable on the plate (111) from one side of the vehicle (100) to the opposite side thereby to be able to plow on either side of the rails (141).

Abstract: A machine for distributing ballast in a track bed comprises a machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages for mobility in an operating direction, a ballast plow adjustably mounted on the machine frame for distributing the ballast in the track bed, drives for adjusting the ballast plow relative to the machine frame, a contactless sensor arranged ahead of the ballast plow in the operating direction for detecting an existing track bed profile extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, a position indicator for indicating a change in the position of the ballast plow relative to the machine frame, and a control for the drives comprising a memory storing a desired track bed profile.

Abstract: A track maintenance machine for excavating material from a track bed comprises a machine frame comprising an upwardly recessed machine frame section, undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track for movement in an operating direction, and sequentially arranged on the machine frame in the operating direction, a ballast receptacle comprising chutes for discharging the ballast from the receptacle, an inclined, vertically adjustable and revolvable endless excavating chain comprising a drive at an upper end for revolving the chain, the excavating chain being mounted underneath the upwardly recessed machine frame section for excavating the material from the bed, a track lifting device, a conveying arrangement arranged to remove the received excavated material and having an inlet end arranged below the upper excavating chain end to receive the excavated material therefrom, the ballast discharging chutes being arranged immediately behind the conveying arrangement inlet end in the operating direction, and

Abstract: A berm clearing attachment for removable securement to a road clearing vehicle, such as a bulldozer, road grader, hi-lift, dump truck, tractor, or skid-steer loader, for side or lateral dozing accumulated dirt and debris off of roads and road berms and away from guiderails by reciprocating laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the road clearing vehicle as the vehicle travels on the road and road berm. The berm clearing attachment includes a support framework removably securable to the front of the road clearing vehicle, and when used with the skid loader, the support framework would be removably securable to the front mounting plate of the loader.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper discharge control member which is operable to selectively drop material from the respective hopper either inside of or outside of the rails of a railroad track. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, either between the hopper discharge control members or one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade and each hopper discharge control member can be selectively operated via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper discharge control members and blades on a car.

Abstract: A ballast machine for plowing ballast from the outer ends of rail supporting cross ties of a railroad bed. The machine is provided with a ballast ridge plow assembly including a slider box having an inner section which is vertically movable by a hydraulic actuator. The slider box is mounted to the frame of the ballast machine. The ridge plow assembly further includes a blade assembly having ballast engaging blades which are disposed for biased, pivotal movement responsive to engagement of the blades with an obstruction on the railroad bed or cross ties. Means are provided for vertical positioning of the blade assembly and for movement of the blade assembly to an "in and up" position for stowing the blades against the sides of the machine and for movement of the blade assembly to a "down and out" position for the ballast dressing operation. The "in and up" movement and the "down and out" movement are both responsive to displacement of the inner section of the slider box.

Abstract: Cable laying apparatus for burying cable in or adjacent to a railway bed. A cable laying plough is mounted to a rubber tired loader and the loader moves forwardly under its own power while straddling the track. A pair of rail wheels are mounted on the forward and rearward ends of the loader. The cable laying plough is mounted to a bracket or plate spanning the track and pivotally mounted to hydraulically controlled arms extending from the loader. The plough may be attached to the bracket on either side of the track in order to reach cable burying positions located on both sides of the track.

Abstract: A mobile arrangement for rehabilitating a ballast bed by installing a protective layer between a subgrade and layer of ballast at a construction site of the track includes an excavation unit for continuously removing old ballast from the ballast bed to expose the subgrade and a rock crusher unit which receives at least a portion of withdrawn old ballast for comminution thereof. Comminuted old ballast is then laid over the exposed subgrade for forming at least part of the protective layer.

Abstract: A ballast machine for plowing ballast from the outer ends of rail supporting cross ties of a railroad bed. A ballast tie plow assembly is mounted to the frame of the ballast machine for vertical movement thereon. The tie plow assembly includes ballast engaging blades which are disposed for biased, pivotal movement responsive to engagement of the blades with an obstruction on the railroad bed or cross ties. Means are provided for vertical positioning of the tie plow assembly.

Abstract: A dust suppression system is particularly designed for the control of dust generated by a self-propelled, on-site, shoulder ballast cleaning machine. The shoulder ballast cleaning machine scoops up the stone ballast of a railroad track bed, separates the ballast from dirt and debris, and replaces the ballast along the shoulder of the track bed. The dust suppression system includes a main pressure line extending along the length of the shoulder ballast cleaning machine, and a plurality of branch lines connecting the main line to spray assemblies positioned on the shoulder ballast cleaning machine at areas of primary dust generation. The various assemblies provide a liquid spray pattern to moisten the air borne dust and debris, neutralizing the static electricity charge of the dust and debris, and/or increasing the particulate weight, and causing the dust and debris to rapidly settle.

Abstract: A side wing blade assembly for a vehicle, comprising an elongated blade, an articulated coupling between the front end of the blade and the vehicle, and an articulated attachment system to connect the rear end of the blade to the vehicle. The articulated attachment system includes a pair of vertically spaced apart and generally parallel arms, each of these arms including one end universally mounted to the rear end of the blade and another end universally mounted to the vehicle. A fluid ram having one end connected to the vehicle and another end slidingly engaging one of the arms is used for raising the blade off the ground toward a retracted position. Stops are provided on the arm receiving the fluid ram in order to limit the sliding movement thereon, forcing the fluid ram to act as a dampener as a result of an excessive upward movement of the blade caused by an impact on an obstacle.

Abstract: A tie remover/inserter machine uses the vehicle and bucket of a conventional backhoe with various modifications. Grader blades are added to the loader bucket such that the machine may be used for grading ballast along a railroad track. Rail engagement wheels which may be raised and lowered are mounted to the chassis of the vehicle. A three section telescopic boom is equipped with a tie clamping device that also has the ability to tilt a tie in relation to the boom. The boom may be pivoted about horizontal and vertical axes. The boom is mounted to the vehicle by way of a side shift carriage which allows the proximal end (i.e., end closest to the vehicle) of the boom to be moved towards the center line of the vehicle so as to allow the vehicle to meet road clearance limitations.

Abstract: A railroad right-of-way trench plowing machine which includes a locomotive 11, standard flat car 12, a hydraulic boomed vehicle, such as a backhoe 13, attached to flat car 12, a steerable plowing blade 15 attached to the hydraulic boom 16 and a cable 14 attached at one end to the plowing blade 15 and the other end to the locomotive 11. The plowing blade 15 is pivotally attached to hydraulic boom 16 and has tooth 29 located at its bottom end, foot 28, which is disposed to point in the direction to be trenched. A cable guide 17, consisting of a J-shaped tube, is attached to trailing edge 26 of vertical blade 18 and is disposed such that utility cable 1, fed into the top end of cable guide 17, is automatically directed to the base of the trench.An optional feature provides a hydraulic ram 30 attached between pivoting blade 18 and the hydraulic boom 16 for hydraulically pivoting blade 18 about boom 16. Hydraulic ram 30 provides additional steering capabilities.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for constructing structures composed of several superposed layers of embankment mixed with a hydraulic binder, machine comprising a self-propelled chassis bearing two vibrating rammers: a first inclined rammer which compacts the slope of each layer and a second horizontal rammer which, at the same time, compacts a horizontal strip of said layer lying along the upper edge of the slope.

Abstract: A metalling re-distribution system on a machine to shape and re-distribute railway road beds is disclosed having movable screens with terminal ploughs and cooperating with chutes that cover the rails, including, in a central position between the chutes, a bladed drum which has its axis substantially horizontal and parallel to the railway line, powered and capable of two-directional motion. The machine to shape and re-distribute railway road beds which employs the metalling re-distribution system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Self-propelled machine (10) to dress and re-distribute railway road bed ballast, which is suitable for the operations of flattening and forming such road beds and comprises a wheeled (12-13) frame (11), a motor (14) and a cab (15) with windows, and also includes a forming unit (17), a unit (18) to transfer ballast and a brush unit (19) with rotary brush, the forming unit (17) having at least one rotary adjustable forming drum (23-24).

Abstract: Ballast dressing unit (17) on machines (10) which dress and re-distribute railway road bed ballast, such unit (17) comprising at least one rotary dressing drum (23-24).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconditioning ballast along a railroad track utilizes lateral excavators to excavate the ballast adjacent the track ahead of an undercutter which excavates beneath the track. The ballast from adjacent the track is discharged below the track without processing, while the ballast taken from beneath the track is processed by a cleaning screen to recover reuseable ballast which is discharged outwardly of the center of the track.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tamping device for tamping railway track ballast adjacent and beneath the track tie ends. The device includes a track working machine, a retractable tamper frame mounted on the machine; the frame in operative position, extending, at least partially in the ballast, parallel to the center line of the track adjacent the outside the tie ends; a plurality of tamping plates mounted one behind the other longitudinally of the frame and extending inwardly thereof, in the direction of the track center, in stepped formation with a leading tamping plate extending farther from the frame inwardly towards the track center than a next adjacent trailing tamping plate. Each tamping plate has a leading edge and a trailing edge, one of the edges being flexibly connected to the frame and the other of the edges being connected to a tamping plate vibrator. A ballast plough is mounted at a leading end of said tamper frame.

Abstract: A railway track working machine is provided with a vibratory ballast surface compactor. The compactor has a top ballast engaging plate and a second ballast engaging plate arranged to work in association with top ballast plate (hinged or otherwise) along an outer longitudinal edge of the top plate. The top plate has a leading edge and a trailing edge and a ballast compacting under-surface, the leading edge being wider in a direction tranversely of the track than the trailing edge and the compactor is mounted so as to present, in ballast compacting operation, the top plate leading edge at a higher level above the ballast surface than the trailing edge, the under-surface of the top plate sloping rearwardly in the direction of track working from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The trailing edge is adjusted, in operation, so as to be located at a selected level for ballast compaction.

Abstract: Each tamping unit of the tamping machine has a gantry (6) which is inclinable transversely to the track and in which the tool holder (3) is mounted for vertical movement.The amplitude of the downward movement of the tool holder (3) is regulated by a device (16 to 21) controlled by a command level corresponding to the depth of tamping desired.In order to correct the differences (E) between the depth of tamping reached and that desired which are caused by the inlination of the gantry (6), the command level is lowered by a distance substantially equal to the differences by a correction device comprising a mechanical feeler (25) for detecting the inclination of the gantry (6) and a mechanical connection (26, 34) connecting the said feeler to the sensitive member (16) of the regulating device in order to vary the zero thereof.In a variant, this correction device is formed of an electronic circuit which permits the cancelling of the differences (E).

Abstract: A fabric insertion system for placing fabric in the rock ballast roadbed of an existing railroad track at a predetermined depth beneath the ties of the track includes a car for supporting a roll of fabric which is to be inserted into the ballast. A fabric insertion sled is secured to the car in position beneath the car in the ballast at a predetermined depth beneath the ties. The sled receives fabric from the car and the fabric is diverted within the sled such that it emerges therefrom at the depth of the sled. Fabric is continuously inserted into the ballast as the car and sled are moved along the track.

Abstract: A snow plow side wing assembly is provided which is hydraulically operated and simply constructed such that it can be easily scaled down for mounting on a lightweight pickup truck. The assembly includes a wing blade, a lightweight frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, a pair of upstanding posts mounted fore and aft of the frame with each post including track means and a travel carriage mounted for sliding movement in the track means, and a hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement mounted on the opposite side of the post to the track means with the cylinder mounted to the base of the post and the cylinder extending upwardly from the cylinder parallel to the post and connected to an extension arm extending parallel to the post and connected to the carriage. Two supporting arms extend from the carriage, both supporting arms being pivotally articulated to the carriage and to separate points on the end of the blade.

Abstract: Plow apparatus for work vehicles, particularly of the type which travel on rails, including at least one plow plate pivotally mounted on a respective end of the vehicle in a manner such that the plow plate can be pivoted through an angle of about 180.degree. between a front plowing position in the track of the vehicle and a slide plowing position on the side of the vehicle. The plow plate is pivotally mounted about a vertical axis which is laterally offset to one side of the center-line of the vehicle. In this manner, as the direction in which the vehicle is driven is changed, the plow plate can be pivoted from the front plowing position to the slide plowing position and vice versa. Preferably, such a plow plate is mounted on each end of the vehicle, each plow plate being pivotable about a vertical axis which is offset to the opposite sides of the vehicle center-line.

Abstract: A railroad ballast plowing machine is provided with a side plow which comprises a pair of plow devices mounted one on each side of the machine in a parallel upright position so that a rectangular main plow board of each plow device extends longitudinally of the track. A first wing is pivotally connected to a leading edge of each plow board and a rear wing is pivotally attached to a trailing edge of each plow board. Each of the first wings includes an inner and an outer flap which is independently rotatable about a substantially vertical hinge line at the leading edge of each plow board. Each of these rear wings includes an inner and outer flap which is independently rotatable about a substantially vertical hinge line at the trailing edge of each plow board. Suitable devices are provided for rotating the flaps. Ballast passing gates are provided in the main plow board adjacent their leading and trailing edges at the bottom of each plow board.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile machine for plowing railroad ballast. Mounted centrally of the machine between the front and rear axles thereof and beneath the main chassis of the machine are a pair of plow blades. The plow blades are each mounted on an individual sub-frame which is capable of being raised and lowered so that each plow blade may be brought into engagement with the ballast and lifted therefrom for track travel. Each plow blade carries a rail embracing tunnel. A pivotal connection including a parallelogram linkage connects both tunnel and plow blade to their respective sub-frames such that the blades can be moved through a wide arc in a vertical plane, their tunnels being capable of spanning the rails in each position adopted by the plow blades.

Abstract: A mounting for a slopeboard used to grade soil on an incline is provided near the edge on the backside of a bulldozer blade on an earth moving vehicle. The mounting includes a reinforcing gusset which receives both a connection from a transverse mounting beam secured to the front of a vehicle frame and also a rearwardly and outwardly extending slopeboard support. The slopeboard is mounted about an axis extending from another gusset at the edge of the bulldozer blade rearwardly to an extremity of the slopeboard support. An actuating hinge is connected atop the slopeboard support to accommodate a pressurized fluid actuating cylinder. The slopeboard can be rotated from a vertical orientation to an outwardly extended position below grade, always behind th edge of the bulldozer blade.

Abstract: A device for the levelling and profiling of railroad ballast beds has two lateral ploughs, one designed to operate outside each rail. Each lateral plough is identical and comprises a blade connected through a joining member to a main support arm which is movable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the track. The support arm is connected to the chassis of the device by means of a hydraulic jack acting at one point on the arm and a double link connected to a second spaced point on the arm. The hydraulic jack is operable to adjust the height of the blade and a further hydraulic jack is connected to the double link to adjust the lateral position of the blade. The arm is preferably of rectangular cross-section and arranged between two lateral supporting walls of the chassis.

Abstract: A retractable snowplow wing and mounting therefor which can be installed on substantially any truck with a longitudinal frame. The wing which may basically be of any desired construction is supported at both its inboard and outboard ends to permit raising it and swinging it horizontally from plowing position to a position substantially parallel to the truck body. The mechanism comprises first means attached to the inboard end of the wing and slidably mounted for vertical movement on support means carried by the truck frame and second means attached to the outboard end of the wing and comprising an extensible strut and motor means both of which are pivotally mounted on a bracket secured to the truck frame and extending laterally therefrom.

Abstract: A truck has a pusher frame secured to its front end and has a space between its cab and its body at the rear. A front post is secured to the pusher frame and a rear post is secured to the vehicle frame between the cab and body. Each post includes a vertically disposed rectangular tubular way having a slot along one side and a double acting hydraulic cylinder having its piston rod secured to the bottom end of the way and the lower end of its cylinder secured to the rectangular portion of a pair of spaced plates adapted to slide within the posts. The cylinder has a piston secured to the upper end of a double tubed piston rod, one tube being telescoped within the other and having an annular space therebetween, the central tube extending beyond the other at each end.

Abstract: A mobile arrangement for rehabilitating a ballast bed by installing a protective layer between a subgrade and layer of ballast at a construction site of the track includes an excavation unit for continuously removing old ballast from the ballast bed to expose the subgrade and a rock crusher unit which receives at least a portion of withdrawn old ballast for comminution thereof. Comminuted old ballast is then laid over the exposed subgrade for forming at least part of the protective layer.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper discharge control member which is operable to selectively drop material from the respective hopper either inside of or outside of the rails of a railroad track. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, either between the hopper discharge control members or one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade and each hopper discharge control member can be selectively operated via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper discharge control members and blades on a car.