Patent Grant
12104329
New construction and proper maintenance of railroad tracks (a track) includes replenishing aggregate (i.e. ballast rock, gravel, and sand) that is degraded from the track through normal wear and tear on the track, flooding, human intervention, and the like. Often the loss of aggregate on the track is not even, such that one track area (i.e. to the left of the rails, between the rails, and to the right of the rails) of the track experiences a greater loss of aggregate. Additionally, different areas of track not in close proximity (e.g. portions of the track a number of kilometers (miles) apart) may have aggregate delivery needs. The ability to deliver aggregate to the proper location (e.g. accuracy) in the correct amount (e.g. precision) to all track areas is paramount to completing track maintenance efficiently from both a time and materials (e.g. amount of aggregate used) standpoint.
Conventional apparatuses for dumping aggregate (e.g. ballast rock, gravel, and sand) for track maintenance include ballast cars and manual dumping gates. These conventional apparatus present practical limitations that do not provide the accuracy and precision of dumping to all track areas. For example, ballast cars provide delivery of aggregate with accuracy to one track area but may lack precision, given the amount of aggregate delivered to one track area at a time. Further ballast cars do not deliver aggregate to all track areas simultaneously as needed, as they are not equipped to dump ballast between the rails. Finally, the mode of transporting ballast cars is via the railroad track itself, so ballast cars lack a portability aspect in that to get to an area of track not in close proximity to its current area, it must travel via the railroad track to arrive at the proper location.
Further, the manual dumping gates provide for accurate dumping of ballast to the track, but do not allow for precise dumping. Additionally, manual dumping gates expose the individual operating the manual dumping gate to safety risks. These safety risks include inhalation of aggregate dust by proximity to the dumping aggregate, and the risk of being struck with aggregate causing physical injury, again by proximity to the dumping aggregate. The manual gates requires manually fixing the gate in an open position, where dumping continues at the rate of the selected open position. Modifying the dumping gate position requires either an individual to be positioned at the gate on the hi-rail equipment as it moves down the track, or halting the hi-rail equipment to which the manual dumping gate is attached, and then manually changing the open position to provide a different dumping rate.
If the gate position is modified by an individual being positioned on the hi-rail equipment as it moves, the individual is subject to increased safety risk associated with being unrestrained on a moving vehicle and being in close proximity to falling aggregate. While positing an individual on the hi-rail vehicle does allow for some degree of precise dumping through real-time adjustment of the gate, this real-time adjustment is hindered by the vantage point of the individual controlling the gate being obstructed by falling aggregate and/or the hi-rail vehicle. This vantage point may make it difficult to ascertain the amount of aggregate needed by a particular track area. Moreover, manual real-time adjustment is hindered through the manual movement required for an individual to move the correct position on the gate and to actually adjust the gate.
If the gate position in modified by halting the hi-rail equipment the safety risks associated with falling aggregate and inhalation of debris remain. Moreover, halting the hi-rail equipment does not allow for real-time adjustment of the gate for precise delivery of aggregate to the railroad track. This may lead to some track areas receiving too much ballast, which cannot be corrected without further manual intervention. This may also lead to too little ballast on a particular track area, which is only corrected by going over that track area again, duplicating efforts.
It is therefore desirable to have a dumping system that provides precise dumping of aggregate through real-time modifications to the rate of aggregate delivery to reduce waste of aggregate delivered to the track. It is further desirable for the dumping system to provide operation without close proximity of an individual to the dumping aggregate to enhance the safety of the dumping system. It is further desirable for the dumping system to have portability to be transported to a new area of track without using the railroad track.
In one aspect of the invention A dumping system for accurate and precise delivery of aggregate to a railroad track, the dumping system includes a dump box configured to hold aggregate; a dump gate, the dump gate comprising at least two delivery gates, each delivery gate having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a flange; and a frame, the frame in mechanical communication with each of the at least two delivery gates, and wherein the dump gate forms a fourth side of the dump box; an operating system configured to move the at least two delivery gates between an open, a partially open, and a closed position, the operating system comprising a pump configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the operating system, where the pump is in fluid communication with a pressure hose, the pressure hose, where the pressure hose is in fluid communication with a spool valve, a spool valve having at least two valves, at least two hydraulic cylinders, where each hydraulic cylinder is in mechanical communication with one of the at least two delivery gates, each of the at least two hydraulic cylinders having an extension hose and a retraction hose, wherein each extension hose and each retraction hose is in fluid communication with the one of the at least two valves of the spool valve, a return hose in fluid communication with the spool valve, and a tank in fluid communication with the return hose; and a control system configured to provided real time adjustment of the at least two delivery gates between the open, the partially open, and the closed positions, the control system comprising a wireless controller configured to transmit a signal to a signal receiver, a control unit having the signal receiver, the control unit in mechanical communication with the dump box, and control lines, the control lines in electric communication with the control unit and the at least two valves of the spool valve.
In other aspect of the invention, a dumping system for accurate and precise delivery of aggregate to a railroad track, the dumping system including a dump box configured to hold aggregate; a dump gate, the dump gate comprising a means for delivering aggregate to the railroad track in an accurate and precise manner, wherein the dump gate forms a fourth side of the dump box; an operating system configured to operate the means, the operating system comprising a pump configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the operating system, where the pump is in fluid communication with a pressure hose, the pressure hose, where the pressure hose is in fluid communication with a spool valve, a spool valve having at least two valves, at least two hydraulic cylinders, where each hydraulic cylinder is in mechanical communication with the means, wherein each extension hose and each retraction hose is in fluid communication with the one of the at least two valves of the spool valve, a return hose in fluid communication with the spool valve, and a tank in fluid communication with the return hose; and a control system configured to provided real time adjustment of the means, the control system comprising a wireless controller configured to transmit a signal to a signal receiver, a control unit having the signal receiver, the control unit in mechanical communication with the dump box, and control lines, the control lines in electric communication with the control unit and the at least two valves of the spool valve.
In other aspects of the invention, a dumping system for accurate and precise delivery of aggregate to a railroad track, the dumping system including a dump box configured to hold aggregate; a dump gate, the dump gate comprising at least three delivery gates, each delivery gate having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a flange, where each delivery gate is 0.66 meters in width; and a frame, the frame in mechanical communication with each of the at least three delivery gates, and wherein the dump gate forms a fourth side of the dump box; an operating system configured to move each of the at least three delivery gates between an open, a partially open, and a closed position, the operating system comprising a pump configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the operating system, where the pump in fluid communication with a pressure hose, the pressure hose, where the pressure hose is in fluid communication with a spool valve, a spool valve having at least three valves, at least three hydraulic cylinders, where each hydraulic cylinder is in mechanical communication with one of the at least three delivery gates, each of the at least three hydraulic cylinders having an extension hose and a retraction hose, wherein each extension hose and each retraction hose is in fluid communication with the one of the at least three valves of the spool valve, a return hose in fluid communication with the spool valve, and a tank in fluid communication with the return hose; and a control system configured to provided real time adjustment of the at least three delivery gates between the open, the partially open, and the closed positions, the control system comprising a wireless controller configured to transmit a signal to a signal receiver, a control unit having the signal receiver, the control unit in mechanical communication with the dump box, and control lines, the control lines in electric communication with the control unit and the at least three valves of the spool valve.
A dumping system for accurate and precise dumping of ballast rock, sand, and gravel (aggregate) to all areas of a railroad track (a track) is described. The dumping system includes a dump box, a dump gate having at least two delivery gates, an operating system, and a control system. The at least two delivery gates of the dump gate each include a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of each of the at least two delivery gates is adjusted in real time by the operating system via the control system to accurately and precisely deliver the aggregate to all areas of the track. The dump box may further be rotated horizontally and vertically to aid with the delivery of aggregate to the track in an accurate manner.
The dump box 102 is configured hold aggregate for delivery to a track via the gate 110. The dump box 102 is in mechanical communication with the hi-rail vehicle 300. The dump box 102 may be three sided where the dump gate 110 forms the fourth side of the dump box 102 at the rear of the hi-rail vehicle 300. The dump box 102 is constructed from any material capable of withstanding the force of the aggregate when the dump box 102 is full, such as metal, metal alloys, and the like.
The dump box 102 may include an extender 104 configured to move aggregate away from the hi-rail vehicle 300 when dumping aggregate on the track. The extender 104 extends straight from the rear of the hi-rail vehicle 300 at the bottom of the dump gate 102, past the wheels of the hi-rail vehicle 300, such as from 0.5 to 2 meters. The extender 104 keeps aggregate from falling into the wheels or other machinery of the hi-rail vehicle 300.
The dump gate 110 of the dumping system 100 provides a means for delivering aggregate to the rail in a precise and accurate manner. The dump gate 110 includes at least two delivery gates 112 and a frame 118. Preferably, the dump gate 110 includes three delivery gates 112 (as shown in
The at least two delivery gates 112 provide for accurate delivery to all track areas. The at least two delivery gates 112 are arranged side-by-side and extend substantially the width of the dump gate 110, where each delivery gate 112 is substantially equal or equal in width. For example, when the dump gate 110 includes three delivery gates, each of the three delivery gates are from 0.46 to 0.91 meters (1.5 to 3 feet) in width. Each of the at least two dump gates 112 opens vertically. Each delivery gate of the at least two delivery gates 112 include a top portion 114, a bottom portion 116, and a flange 122. Each gate of the at least two delivery gates may include a brim 122.
The top portion 114 of each of the at least two delivery gates permits the attachment of one of each of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 202 of the operating system 200. The top portion 114 may be from 0.46 to 0.91 meters (1.5 to 3 feet) in height. The top portion remains stationary when the dump system 100 is in use. The top portion 114 is made from a material capable of withstanding the aggregate when the dump box 102 is full, such as from at least 0.91 centimeters (⅜ inch) thick metal, metal alloys, and the like.
The bottom portion 116 of each of the at least two delivery gates 112 provides precise delivery of aggregate to an area of a railroad track through real-time adjustment of the rate of delivery of aggregate to the track. The bottom portion 116 provides an attachment point for a rod 216 of one of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 202 of the operating system. The bottom portion 116 is from 0.23 to 0.69 meters (0.75 to 2.25 feet) in height. The bottom portion 116 is made from a material capable of withstanding the aggregate when the dump box 102 is full, such as from at least 0.91 centimeters (⅜ inch) thick metal, metal alloys, or the like. When adjusted upward and downward the bottom portion modifies the rate of delivery of aggregate to the track. When the bottom portion is fully down (i.e. delivery gate 112 is in a closed position) the bottom portion prohibits delivery of aggregate to the track. When the bottom portion is fully up (i.e. delivery gate 112 is in a fully open position) or partially up (i.e. delivery gate 112 is partially open) the bottom portion permits delivery of aggregate to the track.
The flange 120 of each of the at least two delivery gates 112 receives edges of the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116. The flange 120 extends along each vertical side and the top of one of the at least two delivery gates 112. The flange 120 is a depth to accommodate the width of both the top portion 114 and the bottom portion 116, such that the edges of both the top portion 114 and bottom portion 116 are received within the flange 120 when the bottom portion 116 is in any position, such as from at least 1.9 centimeters (¾ inch). The flange 120 is in mechanical communication with the frame 118, such as through a weld, rivets, or the like. The flange 120 is in mechanical communication with a top edge of the top portion 114, such as through a weld, rivets, bolts or the like. The flange 120 is in sliding communication with the bottom portion 116. The flange 120 may be formed from the frame 118.
The brim 122 of each of the at least two delivery gates 112 facilitates the bottom portion 116 remaining in a closed position without damage by the aggregate. The brim 112 extends from each bottom of the at least two delivery gates 112 from 2.54 to 30.48 centimeters (1 to 12 inches). Each brim 122 is in mechanical communication with the frame 118. Each brim 122 may be formed as part of the frame 118.
The frame 118 of the dump gate 110 may surround the perimeter of each of the at least two dump gates 112. The frame 118 may surround the perimeter of the at least two dump gates 112. The frame 118 is made from a material capable of withstanding the aggregate when the dump box 102 is full, such as from at least 0.91 centimeters (⅜ inch) thick metal, metal alloys, or the like. The frame 118 of the dump gate 110 may include removably attached wings, where each wing extends outward at a diagonal angle from one of the at least two delivery gates 112. The removably attached wings provide further delivery accuracy for delivery of aggregate to an area of the track. The removably attached wings may be rectangular and are made of a material that can withstand falling aggregate, such as metal, metal alloys, or the like.
The spool valve 206 includes at least two valves 208, where the number of valves 208 directly corresponds to the number of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210. Each of the at least two valves 208 are four port, three position valves to supply pressurized fluid to the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210 to provide extension, retraction, and stasis of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210. In
Each of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210 moves each bottom portion 116 upward and downward to move each of the at least two delivery gates 112 between the closed, fully open, and partially open positions. The number of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210 directly corresponds to the number of the at least two delivery gates 112. In
When the rod 216 of one of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210 is extended, the extension hose 212 receives pressurized fluid from the corresponding spool 208 of the spool valve 206 and supplies the pressurized fluid to one of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210 to extend the rod 216. Extension of the rod 216 moves the bottom portion 116 of the delivery gate 112 downward to a partially open or closed position. Simultaneously during extension, the retraction hose 214 of the one of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 212 receives pressurized fluid from the one of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210 for return to the corresponding spool 208, where the pressurized fluid moves to the return hose 216, and the tank 218. The spool valve 206, return hose 216, and the tank 218 are in fluid communication.
When the rod 216 is retracted, the retraction hose 214 receives pressurized fluid from the corresponding spool 208 of the spool valve 206 and supplies the pressurized fluid to one of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210 to retract the rod 216, which moves the bottom portion 116 of the delivery gate 112 upward to a partially open or fully open position. Simultaneously, during retraction, the extension hose 212 receives pressurized fluid from the one of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210 for return to the corresponding spool 208, where the pressurized fluid moves to the return hose 216, and the tank 218.
When the rod 216 is in a stasis position (i.e. the rod 216 remains stationary) the corresponding spool 208 does not deliver pressurized fluid to either the extension hose 212 or the retraction hose 214, rather pressurized fluid remains in each of the extension hose 212, the retraction hose 214 and the corresponding hydraulic cylinder of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210, such that the rod 216 remains in stasis at any of the closed, fully open, or partially open positions.
The wireless controller 702 transmits a signal to the control unit 704. The wireless controller 702 may transmit a signal from a distance of 304.8 meters (1000 feet) or less from the control unit 704 allowing operation of the dumping system 100 at a distance safely away from the aggregate being delivered to the track. The control signal is received by the signal receiver 706 of the control unit 704. The control signal received by the signal receiver 706 of the control unit controls each valve 208 of the spool valve 206 via the control lines 708 to move the valves to positions corresponding to the extension, retraction, and stasis of a corresponding hydraulic cylinder 210 of the at least two hydraulic cylinders 210.
Upon determination that for a first portion of the track an area of the track between the rails requires aggregate and the neither the area to the right or left of the track requires aggregate, the wireless controller 702 is engaged to provide a signal to the control unit 704 to move the valve 208 of the spool valve 206 corresponding to a second (center) hydraulic cylinder 210 to provide retraction of the rod 216 of the center hydraulic cylinder 210 moving the bottom portion 116 upward.
Upon determination of the necessary rate of delivery of aggregate to the area of track between the rails, the wireless controller 702 sends a signal to the control unit 704 to move the valve 208 of the spool 206 corresponding to the second hydraulic cylinder 210 to provide stasis of the rod 216. This renders the second delivery gate 112 in the desired fully open or partially open position. As shown in
Upon a real-time determination that a second portion of the track requires aggregate on the area to the right of the track, and not to the area to the left of the track or between the track, the wireless controller 702 sends a signal to the control unit to move the valve 208 corresponding to the second hydraulic cylinder 208 to extend the rod 216 to move the bottom portion 116 downward, such that the second delivery gate 112 is in the closed position. Simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously, the wireless controller 702 sends a signal to the control unit 704 to move the valve 208 of the spool valve 206 corresponding to the third hydraulic cylinder 210 to a position to provide retraction of the rod 216 to move the bottom portion 116 upward.
Upon determination of the necessary rate of delivery of aggregate to the area of track to the right of the rails, the wireless controller 702 sends a signal to the control unit 704 to move the valve 208 of the spool 206 corresponding to the third hydraulic cylinder 210 to provide stasis of the rod 216 to leave the bottom portion 116 of the right delivery gate 112 in the desired fully open or partially open position. As shown in
Upon determination that a third portion of the track requires aggregate on the area to the left of the track, and not to the area to the right of the track or between the track, the wireless controller 702 sends a signal to the control unit to move the valve 208 corresponding to the third hydraulic cylinder 208 to extend the rod 216 to move the bottom portion 116 downward to the closed position. Simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously, the wireless controller 702 sends a signal to the control unit 704 to move the valve 208 of the spool valve 206 corresponding to the first hydraulic cylinder 210 to a position to provide retraction of the rod 216 to move the bottom portion 116 upward.
Upon determination of the necessary rate of delivery of aggregate to the area of track to the left of the rails, the wireless controller 702 sends a signal to the control unit 704 to move the valve 208 of the spool 206 corresponding to the first hydraulic cylinder 210 to provide stasis of the rod 216 to leave the bottom portion 116 in the desired fully open or partially open position. As shown in
The method may further include delivery of aggregate to two or more track areas at the same time, where real time adjustments of the position of each delivery gate 112 may be made according to the above detailed control mechanisms.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2989930 | Henry | Jun 1961 | A |
| 4838598 | Hyde | Jun 1989 | A |
| 5359942 | Ward | Nov 1994 | A |
| 5657700 | Bounds | Aug 1997 | A |
| 7980636 | Miller | Jul 2011 | B2 |
| 20050278982 | Herzog | Dec 2005 | A1 |
| Entry |
|---|
| R & S Track Maintenance, Inc. Manual Dumping Gates, Sep. 9, 2018. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210071368 A1 | Mar 2021 | US |
