Patent Grant
8222893
The present invention relates to the inspection of railroad tracks for anomalies, and more particularly, to a portable tool and method for inspecting railroad tracks.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requires periodic inspection of railways to ensure safety of track structures. The inspection requirements of railways are set forth in 49 CFR Part 213. In addition to other types of required inspections, such as the biannual inspection of tracks with ultrasonic and magnetic testers for internal defects, visual inspections of the tracks are required.
49 CFR 213.233 (b) mandates that each inspection must be made on foot or by riding over the track in a vehicle at a speed that allows the person making the inspection to visually inspect the track structure for compliance. However, mechanical, electrical and other track inspection devices may be used to supplement visual inspection. If a vehicle is used for visual inspection, the speed of the vehicle may not be more than 5 miles per hour when passing over track crossings, highway crossings, or switches.
The frequency of such visual inspection varies with the class of the track. Each track is classified depending on, for instance, the type of use to which the track is subjected, e.g., freight, hazardous freight, passenger, etc.; the speed for which the track is rated; the number and weight of the cars typically travelling over the track; etc. The most rigorous inspection schedule is twice weekly with at least a one calendar day interval between inspections. 49 CFR 213.233 (c). Because a number of different rail usages trigger the most rigorous inspection schedule, most of the main line railroad in the United States is required to comply with twice weekly visual inspections.
The types of anomalies to be detected by visual inspection are set forth in Part 213 of 49 CFR and generally encompass anything that affects the structure of the track or the ability of trains to operate on the track. A competent inspector will note such things as loose spikes, defective ties, weeds or other growth near the tracks, brush or other growth blocking signals, blockage in a drainage ditch, catenary wires hanging too low, or a weakness in the ballast. Track inspectors sometimes find a crack in a rail, either by seeing the crack or, if the inspector is operating a vehicle, by hearing an unusual noise indicating a problem with the rail structure. Additionally, the inspector must take measurements regarding track alignment, surface profile, surface runoff, cross-level or super elevation to ensure the track is in compliance with the federally mandated Safety Standards.
Currently, visual inspection of track is accomplished by one of two methods. In the first method, an individual inspector walks a length of track, viewing the track for anomalies. Upon detecting an anomaly, the inspector takes measurements of the anomaly; notes the type of defect, measurements taken of the defect and approximate location of the anomaly; and either takes remedial action to correct the defect or orders an appropriate remedial action. Typically, a walking inspector covers 5 miles of track each day, at a rate of approximately 1.5 miles per hour. Because the FRA requires the track to be inspected twice per week, not on consecutive days, a standard inspection schedule for a walking inspector typically involves covering a five-mile segment of track on Monday, covering a second five-mile segment of track on Tuesday, repeating the first five-mile segment on Wednesday, repeating the second five-mile segment on Thursday, with Friday scheduled as a free day, enabling the inspector to inspect track that was missed during the week, for whatever reason, or to complete whatever paperwork is required.
In the second method, a vehicle is used to travel a length of track, with one or more inspectors viewing the track through a window. The vehicle is generally a truck adapted to ride on rails, more commonly called a high rail truck. Upon detection of an anomaly, the inspector may stop the vehicle to take measurement. As in the first method, the inspector takes the measurements; notes the type, measurements, and approximate location of the anomaly; and either takes remedial action or recommends an appropriate remedial action. Inspection by vehicle typically follows an inspection schedule similar to that of a walking inspector, covering one segment of track on Monday, a second segment on Tuesday, repeating the two segments on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, with Friday as a scheduled free day.
Many visual inspections are performed using a high rail truck. However, in areas where there is a high traffic incidence, it is not feasible to tie up the track with a high rail truck during the day, and nighttime testing with the vehicle is difficult due to lighting constraints. Hence, walking inspection is required in such areas.
In all of these inspections, the inspectors must carry or use heavy, cumbersome tools to determine such things as track alignment, surface profiles, surface runoff, cross-level, super elevation, etc. The use of these cumbersome, multiple tools causes inspector inefficiencies. The weight of the tools makes it physically difficult for the inspector to carry the tools for long distances, particularly in harsh environments and over difficult terrain. In addition, due to the weight and size of these tools, three or more inspectors are required to properly manipulate the tools in order to perform the inspections.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide portable, lightweight tools which could be easily manipulated by a single inspector. This would allow one inspector to inspect more track in a day than is currently inspected by multiple inspectors, thereby increasing the efficiency and decreasing the costs of such required inspections.
The invention is directed to a method for inspecting a track having a first rail and a second rail. The method includes the steps of: viewing the track to locate areas of concern in which an anomaly may be present and measuring the area of concern to determine if an anomaly is present and the size of the anomaly. The method of measuring includes the steps of: magnetically attaching a first mounting device to a first rail of the track; deploying a measuring line attached to the mounting device; positioning the measuring line in a proper position; and measuring a first distance between a defined point on the measuring line and the first rail or the second rail.
The method may also include the steps of: magnetically attaching the first mounting device to the gauge side of a head of the first rail of the track; positioning the measuring line in a horizontal position; measuring the first distance vertically from a middle of a top surface of a head of the first rail to the defined point on the measuring line; measuring a second distance from the first mounting device to the defined point on the measuring line; and calculating the rise of the track using the first distance and the second distance.
The method may also include the steps of: magnetically attaching the first mounting device to the gauge side of a head of the first rail of the track; positioning the measuring line in a horizontal position; magnetically attaching a second mounting device to the gauge side of the head of the first rail at a predetermined distance from the first mounting device; measuring the first distance from a midpoint of the measuring line to a point on the gauge side of the head of the first rail; and calculating the curvature of the track using the first distance and the predetermined distance.
The method may also include the steps of: magnetically attaching the first mounting device to the first rail of the track proximate to the area of concern and to a first side of the area of concern; magnetically attaching a second mounting device to the gauge side of the first rail of the track proximate the area of concern and to a second side of the area of concern which is opposite the first side; and measuring the first distance from the area of concern of the first rail to the defined point on the measuring line to determine if an anomaly is present and the severity of the anomaly.
The method may also include the steps of: attaching the first mounting device to a field side of a web of the first rail; tensioning the measuring line across a top surface of the head of the first rail toward the second rail; measuring the first distance vertically from a middle of a top surface of the head of the second rail to the measuring line; determining a second distance from the first rail to the second rail; and calculating the elevation of the second rail relative to the first rail using the first distance and the second distance.
The invention is also directed to a tool used for performing inspections on rails of track. The tool has a mounting assembly for engaging a first rail of the track and a measuring line. The mounting assembly has a base with a magnetic device which extends from a bottom surface of the base toward a top surface. The magnetic device is configured to magnetically engage the first rail of the track. A clip support member is provided on the mounting assembly and is spaced from the bottom surface. Upon the magnetic engagement of the magnetic device of the mounting assembly, the measuring line is extended to enable an inspector to determine if anomalies are present on the track.
The invention is directed to a method for inspecting a track having a first rail and a second rail. The method includes the steps of: viewing the track to locate areas of concern in which an anomaly may be present and measuring the area of concern to determine if the anomaly is present. The method of measuring includes the steps of: attaching a first mounting device to the first rail of the track; extending a measuring line attached to the mounting device; and measuring a first distance between a defined point on the measuring line and the first rail or the second rail.
The measuring line may be a beam of light which projects from the first mounting device or a cord which extends from the first mounting device. The method may also include the step of attaching a second mounting device to the first rail at a predetermined distance form the first mounting device.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
Referring to
Referring to
Tool 50, as best shown in
Each mounting assembly 52, 56 has a base 60 and handle 62. The base 60 has a top surface 64 and a bottom surface 66. A magnetic device 68 is positioned between sidewalls 70 and end walls 72 and extends from bottom surface 66. In the embodiment shown the magnetic device having a magnetic force of 95 lbs., but other size magnetic devices which produce sufficient magnetic fields may be used. The size of the magnetic device used will depend on the retention and release force desired. The dimensions of the base may vary, but the thickness of the magnetic device is approximately ½ inch. This is to ensure the measurement is taken at a point ⅝″ down from the top of rail at the point where the wheel flange of the train touches the gauge side 26 of the rails 12, 13 of the track 10. It is at this point that the rail gauge matches the train gauge.
The handle 62 is attached to and extends from the end walls 72 of the base 60. In the embodiment shown, the handle 62 is riveted to the end walls 72, but any other known method of attaching the handle 62 to the end walls 72, e.g., screw, weld, nut and bolt, can be used. The handle can also be attached to the sidewalls 70 or any other portion of the base 60. In the embodiment shown, the handle 62 has a generally C-shaped configuration with a mounting section 74 positioned proximate the center thereof. The mounting section 74 is used to attach the mounting assembly 52, 56 to a tool belt (not shown) or the like. The function of the handle 62 is to allow the inspector to easily grasp the mounting assembly 52, 56, thereby allowing the inspector to easily position the mounting assembly 52, 56 on the rail 12, 13 and to remove the mounting assembly 52, 56 therefrom. Therefore, the particular configuration of the handle 62 can vary without departing from the invention.
A clip support member 76 extends from the handle 62. The clip support member 76 is spaced consistently from the bottom surface 66 of the base 60. In the embodiment shown, the clip support member 76 is spaced 2 inches from the bottom surface 66, but other spacing can be used, so long as the spacing is consistent for first mounting assembly 52 and second mounting assembly 56.
The stringline mechanism 54 has take-up reel 80 with a clip 82 extending from one side thereof and an extendable cord 84 extending from the other side. A rotatable handle 86 is provided to allow the inspector to retract the cord 84 as required. The cord 84 has a clip 88 attached to the free end of the cord which extends from the take-up reel 80. The take-up reel is a commercially available product and is sold as a plum bob. The take-up reel 80 is made from a material which is not attracted to a magnetic device, such as aluminum. As take-up reels 80 are known in the art, a detailed description of its operation will not be provided. The clip 82 engages the clip support member 76 of the first mounting assembly 52, and the clip 88 engages the clip support member 76 of the second mounting assembly 56. This allows the mounting assemblies 52, 56 to be moved away from each other by the length of the take-up reel 80 and the length of the cord 84. Although the overall extended length of the stringline mechanism can vary, the stringline mechanism generally has an extended length of 62 feet, 31 feet or 20 feet. The variation in the length becomes more relevant when measuring the curvature of track 10, as will be more fully described below. A midpoint 90 of the cord 84 is marked, regardless of the length of the cord 84. Although stringline mechanism 54 is shown and described herein, other types of mechanisms or measuring lines can be used, e.g. a simple cord or string with no take-up reel. In addition, the stringline mechanism and cord could be replaced by a measuring line which is a beam of light transmitted from either of the mounting assemblies 52, 56. If a beam of light is transmitted, one mounting assembly may be sufficient, thereby eliminating the need for the second mounting assembly. The beam of light, the cord, or any other device used are generically referred to as a measuring line.
A measuring device is provided to facilitate the inspection process. The measuring device may be a measuring tape, ruler or any device that allows the operator to determine distance from the cord to the rail.
As shown in
The tool 50 is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. Whether the inspector is conducting a walking inspection or an inspection using a high rail truck, the use of this lightweight tool allows the inspector to more easily manipulate the tool and, consequently, allows the inspection to proceed more quickly. In addition, the use of the tool 50 allows one inspector to conduct inspections. Previously, the tools used by inspectors were heavy and cumbersome, requiring that more than one inspector be present to deploy the tools and take measurements. The costly use of multiple inspectors is not needed with the use of the tool 50 described and claimed herein.
The tool 50 allows the inspector to make measurements while performing his/her routine inspections. These measurements allow the inspector to check for anomalies related to track alignment, surface profile, surface runoff, cross-level and super elevation.
With respect to track alignment, the inspector can measure track alignment for both curved and straight track. To check for misalignment of a curved section of track, the inspector visually inspects the track as he walks. When the inspector views a section of track which he/she does not believe is properly aligned, the inspector takes measurements to determine if an anomaly is present. Referring to
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As is evident from the above description, the tool 50 can be used to perform various measurements. This enhances the productivity of the inspector, as the inspector can use one tool for all measurements. In addition, as only one tool must be carried by the inspector, the inspector is not weighted down by numerous, heavy tools, thereby allowing the inspector to inspect more track in a given time.
The tool 50 is also durable. Unlike prior art measuring devices, the tool 50 is attached to the side of the rails 12, 13 by magnetic device. In corridors in which train traffic is extremely heavy, inspectors must quickly inspect the track during the intervals between trains. Because of this timing constraint, it is sometimes difficult to remove all tools from the track before the next train arrives. With prior tools, if a train ran over the tool, the weight of the train would destroy the tool. However, with the tool 50, the wheels of the train will contact the tool 50 and merely push the tool 50 toward the bed 16. As the tool 50 is mounted on the side (either gauge or field) of the rails 12, 13, and as the mounting assemblies 52, 56 are maintained in position by the magnetic device force, the weight of the train causes the mounting assemblies to be slid toward the bed 16. Consequently, the tool 50 is not damaged and can be recovered after the train has passed.
The ability to quickly mount and dismount the mounting assemblies 52, 56 is also beneficial. In corridors where train traffic is extremely heavy, the ability of the inspector to quickly position the tool 50, take measurements, and quickly disconnect the tool 50 is beneficial. Therefore, the use of magnetic devices 68 or other quick-release clip support members facilitates the speed of the inspections and enhances safety, since the inspectors can quickly stop the inspection as a train approaches.
While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
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| Number | Date | Country |
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| 2000205806 | Jul 2000 | JP |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20100237857 A1 | Sep 2010 | US |
