A system and method is disclosed for predicting and comparing wear scenarios in a rail system. The method can include generating and running a contact model of the interaction between a rail and a train car to produce a simulated loading on the rail for a predetermined time period; generating and running a wear model based on the material properties and/or friction modifier properties of the rail using the simulated loading to produce a simulated wear profile of the rail for the predetermined time period; obtaining a grinding profile to be performed on the rail during the predetermined time period; and generating an updated rail profile by modifying the rail profile by the simulated wear profile and the grinding profile. The method can predict and compare crack growth over time, and provide a financial model and comparison of costs and benefits for different maintenance protocols for the rail system.
G06F 30/20 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation
B61K 9/00 - Railway vehicle profile gaugesDetecting or indicating overheating of componentsApparatus on locomotives or cars to indicate bad track sectionsGeneral design of track recording vehicles
G06F 30/17 - Mechanical parametric or variational design
G06F 30/23 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation using finite element methods [FEM] or finite difference methods [FDM]
B61K 9/10 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way for detecting cracks in rails or welds thereof
E01B 31/17 - Removing metal from rails, rail joints, or baseplates, e.g. for deburring welds, reconditioning worn rails by grinding
G06F 119/14 - Force analysis or force optimisation, e.g. static or dynamic forces
2.
Method and system for performing and comparing financial analysis of different rail life scenarios in a rail system
A system and method is disclosed for predicting and comparing wear scenarios in a rail system. The method can include generating and running a contact model of the interaction between a rail and a train car to produce a simulated loading on the rail for a predetermined time period; generating and running a wear model based on the material properties and/or friction modifier properties of the rail using the simulated loading to produce a simulated wear profile of the rail for the predetermined time period; obtaining a grinding profile to be performed on the rail during the predetermined time period; and generating an updated rail profile by modifying the rail profile by the simulated wear profile and the grinding profile. The method can predict and compare crack growth over time, and provide a financial model and comparison of costs and benefits for different maintenance protocols for the rail system.
G06F 30/20 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation
B61K 9/00 - Railway vehicle profile gaugesDetecting or indicating overheating of componentsApparatus on locomotives or cars to indicate bad track sectionsGeneral design of track recording vehicles
B61K 9/10 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way for detecting cracks in rails or welds thereof
E01B 31/17 - Removing metal from rails, rail joints, or baseplates, e.g. for deburring welds, reconditioning worn rails by grinding
G06F 30/17 - Mechanical parametric or variational design
G06F 30/23 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation using finite element methods [FEM] or finite difference methods [FDM]
G06F 119/14 - Force analysis or force optimisation, e.g. static or dynamic forces
An x-ray spectrometer includes a radiation path and a plurality of layer groups oriented along the radiation path. The radiation path extends from a start point to an end point. The layer groups each include an attenuation layer, a scintillation layer, and a light diffuser layer. The light diffuser layer directs light emitted from the scintillation layer away from the radiation path. A linear diode array is positioned to measure the redirected light and generate a signal representing the penetration characteristics of the beam of radiation throughout the layer groups.
G01T 1/20 - Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors
G01N 23/225 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by measuring secondary emission from the material using electron or ion microprobes
G01T 1/36 - Measuring spectral distribution of X-rays or of nuclear radiation
A catenary idler comprises a cable, a plurality of bearing surfaces disposed along a length of the cable, and a plurality of rollers disposed over the plurality of bearing surfaces. The plurality of bearing surfaces are fixed to the cable. The plurality of bearing surfaces may be a plurality of clamps. The plurality of rollers are rotatably supported upon the plurality of bearing surfaces. The cable may be rotatably supported at its ends. The catenary idler may include a first compression spring at a first end of the cable and a second compression spring at a second end of the cable. The rollers may be formed of an oil filled nylon. A conveyor belt impact bed includes a frame, a plurality of catenary idlers supported upon the frame, and a conveyor belt supported upon the plurality of catenary idlers.
B65G 39/04 - Adaptations of individual rollers and supports therefor the rollers comprising a number of roller- forming elements mounted on a single axle
B65G 39/12 - Arrangements of rollers mounted on framework
B65G 39/14 - Spring-supported sets, e.g. permitting troughing of a load-carrying belt
A railcar ballast delivery gate with first and second parallel side walls spaced apart by a center truss plate that extends between and is perpendicular to each of the two side walls, a center angled bar that straddles the center truss plate, first and second primary elongated tubes extending between the first and second side walls on opposing sides of the side walls, and a divider assembly. The primary elongated tubes are rotatably connected to first and second tube arms, which in turn are fixedly couple to first and second secondary elongated tubes that are configured to move relative to the primary elongated tubes while remaining parallel to them. The tube arms are rotatably connected to door linkages that are situated underneath and fixedly attached to door panels resting on trusses that extend from a center truss plate.
A catenary idler comprises a cable, a plurality of bearing surfaces disposed along a length of the cable, and a plurality of rollers disposed over the plurality of bearing surfaces. The plurality of bearing surfaces are fixed to the cable. The plurality of bearing surfaces may be a plurality of clamps. The plurality of rollers are rotatably supported upon the plurality of bearing surfaces. The cable may be rotatably supported at its ends. The catenary idler may include a first compression spring at a first end of the cable and a second compression spring at a second end of the cable. The rollers may be formed of an oil filled nylon. A conveyor belt impact bed includes a frame, a plurality of catenary idlers supported upon the frame, and a conveyor belt supported upon the plurality of catenary idlers.
B65G 39/04 - Adaptations of individual rollers and supports therefor the rollers comprising a number of roller- forming elements mounted on a single axle
B65G 21/12 - Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively- movable partsDevices for moving framework or parts thereof to allow adjustment of position of load-carrier or traction element as a whole
B65G 39/09 - Arrangements of bearing or sealing means
B65G 15/08 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration the load-carrying surface being formed by a concave or tubular belt, e.g. a belt forming a trough
7.
Aggregate train and methods of loading and unloading
A system to transport and unload bulk materials includes at least one rail car and a moving wall system. The moving wall system has a first end, a second end, and a trough. The trough is configured to contain a payload of the at least one rail car. The trough includes sidewalls that contact the payload when loaded and move with the payload to move the payload towards the second end. The trough may be formed of at least one conveyor belt that forms a hopper of the at least one rail car. The trough may span a plurality of rail cars. The system may include a take-up system connecting the sidewalls. Each of the rail cars may include a frame and a plurality of pulleys connected to the frame may support the trough.
A method for locating railroad components along a railroad track including obtaining a guidance plan and obtaining inspection data. The guidance plan includes an identity of each of a plurality of assets, the identity including previous features of the assets. The assets may be railroad components. The inspection data includes current features of a plurality of railroad components along the railroad track. The method includes using one or more processors, comparing and correlating the current features of the plurality of railroad components with the previous features of the assets to determine which of the plurality of railroad components corresponds with the plurality of assets.
A method for locating railroad components along a railroad track including obtaining a guidance plan and obtaining inspection data. The guidance plan includes an identity of each of a plurality of assets, the identity including previous features of the assets. The assets may be railroad components. The inspection data includes current features of a plurality of railroad components along the railroad track. The method includes using one or more processors, comparing and correlating the current features of the plurality of railroad components with the previous features of the assets to determine which of the plurality of railroad components corresponds with the plurality of assets.
B61K 9/08 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way
E01B 35/10 - Applications of measuring apparatus or devices for track-building purposes for measuring irregularities in longitudinal direction for aligning
E01B 35/02 - Applications of measuring apparatus or devices for track-building purposes for spacingApplications of measuring apparatus or devices for track-building purposes for cross levellingApplications of measuring apparatus or devices for track-building purposes for laying-out curves
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or trains
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
E01B 35/00 - Applications of measuring apparatus or devices for track-building purposes
E01B 29/06 - Transporting, laying, removing, or renewing sleepers
10.
Virtual barricade for radiation inspection of predefined paths
A method of operating a radiation inspection system includes identifying a regulatory region along a predetermined path where public access is restricted based upon criteria other than radiation exposure, measuring a radiation exposure level from a radiation source of the radiation inspection system within the regulatory region, irradiating a target within the regulatory region using the radiation source and without erecting a physical barricade, and determining a restricted area around the radiation source. The restricted area corresponds to an area where a radiation exposure rate exceeds a predetermined threshold. The radiation exposure rate may be determined by the radiation exposure level from the radiation source and a speed of the radiation inspection system. The method may include operating the radiation inspection system to dynamically adjust the restricted area so that it does not extend beyond the regulatory region. The radiation inspection system may be moveable along the predetermined path.
G01V 5/00 - Prospecting or detecting by the use of ionising radiation, e.g. of natural or induced radioactivity
G01N 23/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material
A system to transport and unload bulk materials includes at least one rail car (100) and a moving wall system (120). The moving wall system (120) has a first end (121), a second end (122), and a trough. The trough is configured to contain a payload of the at least one rail car. The trough includes sidewalls (140) that contact the payload when loaded and move with the payload to move the payload towards the second end. The trough may be formed of at least one conveyor belt (130, 140) that forms a hopper of the at least one rail car (100). The trough may span a plurality of rail cars. The system may include a take-up system connecting the sidewalls. Each of the rail cars may include a frame (110) and a plurality of pulleys (150) connected to the frame may support the trough.
B61D 15/00 - Other railway vehicles, e.g. scaffold carsAdaptations of vehicles for use on railways
B65G 15/08 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration the load-carrying surface being formed by a concave or tubular belt, e.g. a belt forming a trough
B65G 15/10 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration comprising two or more co-operating endless surfaces with parallel longitudinal axes, or a multiplicity of parallel elements, e.g. ropes defining an endless surface
E01B 27/02 - Placing the ballastMaking the ballastwayRedistributing ballasting materialMachines or devices thereforLevelling means
B61D 7/32 - Means for assisting charge or discharge
12.
Aggregate train and methods of loading and unloading
A system to transport and unload bulk materials includes at least one rail car and a moving wall system. The moving wall system has a first end, a second end, and a trough. The trough is configured to contain a payload of the at least one rail car. The trough includes sidewalls that contact the payload when loaded and move with the payload to move the payload towards the second end. The trough may be formed of at least one conveyor belt that forms a hopper of the at least one rail car. The trough may span a plurality of rail cars. The system may include a take-up system connecting the sidewalls. Each of the rail cars may include a frame and a plurality of pulleys connected to the frame may support the trough.
A shutter for controlling radiation exposure includes a rotatable member. The rotatable member is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The rotatable member includes a passageway, wherein the passageway is positioned to receive radiation in the open position and is not positioned to receive radiation in the closed position. In the closed position, the rotatable member may substantially block or absorb the radiation. The passageway may collimate the radiation into a beam of radiation. The rotatable member may include a plurality of passageways positioned to receive radiation in the open position. The rotatable member may be rotatable between a plurality of open positions, each open position corresponding to at least one passageway. The open positions may align the source of radiation with different passageways in the rotatable member to form a different beam shape, a different number of beams, a different beam direction, or combinations thereof.
G21K 1/02 - Arrangements for handling particles or ionising radiation, e.g. focusing or moderating using diaphragms, collimators
G21K 1/04 - Arrangements for handling particles or ionising radiation, e.g. focusing or moderating using diaphragms, collimators using variable diaphragms, shutters, choppers
14.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION USING TRANSMISSION AND SCATTER RADIOGRAPHY METHODS
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED (USA)
LORAM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
Liesenfelt, Michael John
Baciak, James Edward
Grissom, Gregory Thomas
Abstract
A method for image reconstruction includes irradiating an object with a beam of radiation from a radiation source, measuring an attenuated portion of the beam, estimating a density of the object, determining a predicted attenuated portion of the beam using the density estimate, and iteratively adjusting the density estimate of the object. The predicted attenuated portion and the measured attenuated portion are compared to determine a signal difference. The density estimate of each portion of the object is adjusted by scaling the density estimate using the average signal differences of rays that intersect the portion of the object. The density estimate may be repeatedly adjusted until a difference between consecutive density estimates is below a selected threshold or a predetermined number of adjustments have been completed. The attenuated portion of the beam may include a scattered portion and a transmitted portion.
A method for image reconstruction includes irradiating an object with a beam of radiation from a radiation source, measuring an attenuated portion of the beam, estimating a density of the object, determining a predicted attenuated portion of the beam using the density estimate, and iteratively adjusting the density estimate of the object. The predicted attenuated portion and the measured attenuated portion are compared to determine a signal difference. The density estimate of each portion of the object is adjusted by scaling the density estimate using the average signal differences of rays that intersect the portion of the object. The density estimate may be repeatedly adjusted until a difference between consecutive density estimates is below a selected threshold or a predetermined number of adjustments have been completed. The attenuated portion of the beam may include a scattered portion and a transmitted portion.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01N 23/046 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using tomography, e.g. computed tomography [CT]
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED (USA)
LORAM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
Belcher, Jeb E.
Grissom, Gregory Thomas
Baciak, James Edward
Jordan, Kelly Alexander
Nimmagadda, Jyothier
Cui, Shuang
Manuel, Michele Viola
Abstract
An internal imaging system has a radiation source and a plurality of detectors positioned to receive portions of the plurality of collimated beams that have been attenuated by interaction with the target. The radiation source is configured to irradiate a target with a plurality of collimated beams of radiation. Two of the plurality of collimated beams of radiation may have different beam shapes. Another internal imaging system includes a radiation source configured to irradiate a target with at least one collimated beam of radiation and at least one detector. A planar rotating collimator is positioned adjacent to the radiation source and is configured to form the at least one collimated beam. The at least one detector is positioned to receive attenuated portions of the at least one collimated beam. The radiation source may be or include a neutron source. The detectors may be or include a plurality of neutron converters.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
B61K 9/10 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way for detecting cracks in rails or welds thereof
G01N 23/05 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material using neutrons
G01T 3/06 - Measuring neutron radiation with scintillation detectors
17.
System and method for internal inspection of rail components
An internal imaging system has a radiation source and a plurality of detectors positioned to receive portions of the plurality of collimated beams that have been attenuated by interaction with the target. The radiation source is configured to irradiate a target with a plurality of collimated beams of radiation. Two of the plurality of collimated beams of radiation may have different beam shapes. Another internal imaging system includes a radiation source configured to irradiate a target with at least one collimated beam of radiation and at least one detector. A planar rotating collimator is positioned adjacent to the radiation source and is configured to form the at least one collimated beam. The at least one detector is positioned to receive attenuated portions of the at least one collimated beam. The radiation source may be or include a neutron source. The detectors may be or include a plurality of neutron converters.
G01N 9/24 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing the transmission of wave or particle radiation through the material
18.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERNAL INSPECTION OF RAIL COMPONENTS
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED (USA)
LORAM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
Belcher, Jeb E.
Grissom, Gregory Thomas
Baciak, James Edward
Jordan, Kelly Alexander
Nimmagadda, Jyothier
Cui, Shuang
Manuel, Michele Viola
Abstract
An internal imaging system has a radiation source and a plurality of detectors positioned to receive portions of the plurality of collimated beams that have been attenuated by interaction with the target. The radiation source is configured to irradiate a target with a plurality of collimated beams of radiation. Two of the plurality of collimated beams of radiation may have different beam shapes. Another internal imaging system includes a radiation source configured to irradiate a target with at least one collimated beam of radiation and at least one detector. A planar rotating collimator is positioned adjacent to the radiation source and is configured to form the at least one collimated beam. The at least one detector is positioned to receive attenuated portions of the at least one collimated beam. The radiation source may be or include a neutron source. The detectors may be or include a plurality of neutron converters.
B61K 9/10 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way for detecting cracks in rails or welds thereof
G01N 9/24 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing the transmission of wave or particle radiation through the material
G01N 23/204 - Measuring back scattering using neutrons
An air-to-hydraulic fluid pressure amplifier comprising m air cylinder having an internal reciprocating air piston; a first hydraulic cylinder having a first valve fitting and a first internal hydraulic ram that is slidably positioned within the first hydraulic cylinder: a second hydraulic cylinder having a second valve fitting and a second internal hydraulic ram that is slidably positioned within the second hydraulic cylinder; a first flow control valve and a second flow control valve; a first plunger-operated pilot valve and a second plunger-operated pilot valve. Each of the first and second plunger-operated pilot valves comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a plunger, a barrel, and a compression spring.
F15B 3/00 - Intensifiers or fluid-pressure converters, e.g. pressure exchangersConveying pressure from one fluid system to another, without contact between the fluids
B60P 1/16 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load supporting or containing element actuated by fluid-operated mechanisms
B61D 9/02 - Tipping wagons characterised by operating means for tipping
An air-to-hydraulic fluid pressure amplifier comprising an air cylinder having an internal reciprocating air piston; a first hydraulic cylinder having a first valve fitting and a first internal hydraulic ram that is slidably positioned within the first hydraulic cylinder; a second hydraulic cylinder having a second valve fitting and a second internal hydraulic ram that is slidably positioned within the second hydraulic cylinder; a first flow control valve and a second flow control valve; a first plunger-operated pilot valve and a second plunger-operated pilot valve. Each of the first and second plunger-operated pilot valves comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a plunger, a barrel, and a compression spring.
F04B 9/133 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air having plural pumping chambers with two mechanically connected pumping members reciprocating movement of the pumping members being obtained by a double-acting elastic-fluid motor
F15B 13/02 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
F15B 3/00 - Intensifiers or fluid-pressure converters, e.g. pressure exchangersConveying pressure from one fluid system to another, without contact between the fluids
F04B 9/131 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air having plural pumping chambers with two mechanically connected pumping members
F15B 13/04 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor
A self-unloading aggregate train including a plurality of hopper cars and an individual conveyor belt located beneath each hopper car. The head pulley at one end of each individual conveyor belt may rotate the belt in a direction from a tail pulley towards the head pulley. The head pulley of one hopper car is positioned above and adjacent of a tail pulley of the adjacent hopper car. This arrangement of hopper cars with individual conveyor belts may be used to unload material from the train. The individual conveyor belts may be adapted so that the trajectory of material transfer to an adjacent belt is near the pivot point between the adjacent hopper cars. The individual conveyor belts may have a substantially constant slope. The hopper of the hopper cars may also be configured with a substantially constant slope that matches the slope of the individual conveyor belts.
A system for inspecting railroad ties in a railroad track includes a light generator, an optical receiver and a processor. The light generator is oriented to project a beam of light across the railroad track while moving along the railroad track in a travel direction. The optical receiver is oriented to receive at least a portion of the beam of light reflected from the railroad track and configured to generate image data representative of a profile of at least a portion of the railroad track. The processor is configured to analyze the image data by applying one or more algorithms configured to find boundaries of a railroad tie and determine one or more condition metrics associated with the railroad tie.
G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
G01B 11/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
B61K 9/08 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way
B61K 9/00 - Railway vehicle profile gaugesDetecting or indicating overheating of componentsApparatus on locomotives or cars to indicate bad track sectionsGeneral design of track recording vehicles
G01M 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
Goods & Services
Railroad services, namely, aggregate cargo handling services using multiple conveyor belts and boom to offload the aggregate cargo from railroad trains
24.
Ballast delivery and computation system and method
A method, performed by a computer having a processor and system memory, for calibrating a tie height of a ballast profiling rail vehicle having a remote sensing system, includes traversing the rail vehicle along a first calibration section of railroad track at a calibration speed, detecting, using the remote sensing system, a plurality of height to tie measurements in the first calibration section, establishing a rolling median average of the height to tie measurements, and determining a calibration tie height relative to the rail vehicle based upon the rolling median average.
This invention may comprise a railcar ballast distributing apparatus comprising a ballast railcar traveling in a direction of travel on a pair of railroad rails, a plow mechanism operatively attaching to a main bracket assembly attaching to the middle underside of the railcar, and being powered by a hydraulic system, the plow mechanism comprising: a spring box assembly mechanism operating a single plow blade assembly comprising: a pair of articulating and independently movable plow blades vertically and independently adaptable during contact against the pair of railroad rails and having a transport mode span and a separate deployed mode span, and a spring-loaded safety locking latch mechanism, the spring box assembly mechanism vertically deploying and retracting the pair of plow blades, which automatically and differentially change orientation when contacting the pair of railroad rails, and increase to the deployed mode span and decrease to the transport mode span.
A self-unloading aggregate train including a plurality of hopper cars and an individual conveyor belt located beneath each hopper car. The head pulley at one end of each individual conveyor belt may rotate the belt in a direction from a tail pulley towards the head pulley. The head pulley of one hopper car is positioned above and adjacent of a tail pulley of the adjacent hopper car. This arrangement of hopper cars with individual conveyor belts may be used to unload material from the train. The individual conveyor belts may be adapted so that the trajectory of material transfer to an adjacent belt is near the pivot point between the adjacent hopper cars. The individual conveyor belts may have a substantially constant slope. The hopper of the hopper cars may also be configured with a substantially constant slope that matches the slope of the individual conveyor belts.
E01B 27/00 - Placing, renewing, working, cleaning, or taking-up the ballast, with or without concurrent work on the trackDevices thereforPacking sleepers
A system for inspecting railroad ties in a railroad track includes a light generator, an optical receiver and a processor. The light generator is oriented to project a beam of light across the railroad track while moving along the railroad track in a travel direction. The optical receiver is oriented to receive at least a portion of the beam of light reflected from the railroad track and configured to generate image data representative of a profile of at least a portion of the railroad track. The processor is configured to analyze the image data by applying one or more algorithms configured to find boundaries of a railroad tie and determine one or more condition metrics associated with the railroad tie.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Railroad track inspection services, namely, providing 3D scan of railroad ties yielding a condition assessment for the purpose of inspecting railroad tracks
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Railroad track inspection services, namely, providing 3D scan of railroad ties yielding a condition assessment for the purpose of inspecting railroad tracks
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Railroad equipment, namely, a hydraulic conversion kit for converting air-operated side-dumping railroad cars consisting primarily of hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, motors, solar panels for converting energy to electricity, and remote control joysticks and conversion kits consisting primarily of hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, motors, solar panels for converting energy to electricity, and remote control joysticks to convert manual ballast gates of a railroad ballast car into remote controlled ballast gates having the electrical system recharged by solar energy Railroad services, namely, aggregate freight and cargo loading and unloading services using continuous belt and boom to offload the aggregate from the train; cargo handling services using an excavator and a series of endless gondola rail cars without bulkheads; freight and cargo loading and unloading services, namely, unloading cargo by use of ballasts at desired locations along the bed of a railroad track and also using remote controlled gates on railroad ballast cars Railroad track inspection services through the use of a 3D scan of railroad ties which yields a condition assessment and railroad tie inspection services in the nature of inspection of the ballast profile of a track bed using light detection and ranging technology, videography, and a wheel encoder
A system for the inspection of the internal structure of a target includes at least one x-ray source that emits collimated x-rays to irradiate the target. At least one detector is positioned to detect backscatter x-rays from the target. The detector may include a collimation slot that limits the field of view of the detector. The target may be a railway component and the system may inspect the internal structure of the component as it is moved along the railway by a vehicle. The system may detect a change in the density of a target based on a comparison of the detected backscatter x-rays. The use of a plurality of segmented backscatter x-ray detectors having a collimation slot may pixelate the internal image in the direction of the collimation slot.
A system for the inspection of the internal structure of a target includes at least one x-ray source that emits collimated x-rays to irradiate the target. At least one detector is positioned to detect backscatter x-rays from the target. The detector may include a collimation slot that limits the field of view of the detector. The target may be a railway component and the system may inspect the internal structure of the component as it is moved along the railway by a vehicle. The system may detect a change in the density of a target based on a comparison of the detected backscatter x-rays. The use of a plurality of segmented backscatter x-ray detectors having a collimation slot may pixelate the internal image in the direction of the collimation slot.
G01N 23/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material
G01N 9/36 - Analysing materials by measuring the density or specific gravity, e.g. determining quantity of moisture
G01N 9/24 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing the transmission of wave or particle radiation through the material
A system for inspecting railroad ties in a railroad track includes a light generator, an optical receiver and a processor. The light generator is oriented to project a beam of light across the railroad track while moving along the railroad track in a travel direction. The optical receiver is oriented to receive at least a portion of the beam of light reflected from the railroad track and configured to generate image data representative of a profile of at least a portion of the railroad track. The processor is configured to analyze the image data by applying one or more algorithms configured to find boundaries of a railroad tie and determine one or more condition metrics associated with the railroad tie.
G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
G01B 11/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
B61K 9/08 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way
A system for detecting stress in rails includes a railcar, having a rail temperature detector, and a rail imaging device oriented to produce images of rail joints and rail anchors. The imaging device and temperature detector are connected to a computer controller, which is programmed to provide an output signal indicative of estimated axial stress in the rail based upon rail temperature and the images of at least one of the rail joints and rail anchors.
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
A laser profiling calibration system includes a light emitting device, a light-reflecting target, and an optical receiver. The light emitting device is configured to project a light and define a light plane. The light-reflecting target is configured to be positioned at multiple positions within the light plane, and has a plurality of non-reflective regions. The optical receiver is oriented to receive light reflected from the target, and further configured to capture a plurality of images, comprising at least one image at each of the target's multiple positions. The system is configured to use the plurality of images to calibrate the optical receiver within the light plane.
A laser profiling calibration system includes a light emitting device, a light- reflecting target, and an optical receiver. The light emitting device is configured to project a light and define a light plane. The light-reflecting target is configured to be positioned at multiple positions within the light plane, and has a plurality of non-reflective regions. The optical receiver is oriented to receive light reflected from the target, and further configured to capture a plurality of images, comprising at least one image at each of the target's multiple positions. The system is configured to use the plurality of images to calibrate the optical receiver within the light plane.
A method for delivering ballast to a section of railroad track includes measuring an existing ballast profile of a section of railroad track using a remote sensing system, and providing a signal indicative thereof to a first computer. Using the first computer, the existing ballast profile is compared with an ideal ballast profile to compute a track file representing a volume of additional ballast needed as a function of linear position along the section of railroad track, and data representing the track file is transmitted to a second computer of an automatic ballast dump train. Ballast is dumped along the section of railroad track according to the track file under control of the second computer.
E01B 29/00 - Laying, rebuilding, or taking-up tracksTools or machines therefor
E01B 27/02 - Placing the ballastMaking the ballastwayRedistributing ballasting materialMachines or devices thereforLevelling means
E01B 27/00 - Placing, renewing, working, cleaning, or taking-up the ballast, with or without concurrent work on the trackDevices thereforPacking sleepers
38.
BALLAST DELIVERY AND COMPUTATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
A method for delivering ballast to a section of railroad track includes measuring an existing ballast profile of a section of railroad track using a remote sensing system, and providing a signal indicative thereof to a first computer. Using the first computer, the existing ballast profile is compared with an ideal ballast profile to compute a track file representing a volume of additional ballast needed as a function of linear position along the section of railroad track, and data representing the track file is transmitted to a second computer of an automatic ballast dump train. Ballast is dumped along the section of railroad track according to the track file under control of the second computer.
E01B 35/00 - Applications of measuring apparatus or devices for track-building purposes
E01B 27/02 - Placing the ballastMaking the ballastwayRedistributing ballasting materialMachines or devices thereforLevelling means
E01B 37/00 - Making, maintaining, renewing, or taking-up the ballastway or the track, not provided for in a single one of groups
G01B 21/20 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring contours or curvatures, e.g. determining profile
G01S 17/88 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
(1) Railroad equipment, namely, conversion kits to convert manual ballast gates of a railroad ballast car into remote controlled ballast gates having the electrical system recharged by solar energy.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Railroad track inspection services, namely, providing 3D scan of railroad ties yielding a condition assessment for the purpose of inspecting railroad tracks.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Railroad equipment, namely, a hydraulic conversion kit for converting air-operated side-dumping railroad cars, and, conversion kits to convert manual ballast gates of a railroad ballast car into remote controlled ballast gates having the electrical system recharged by solar energy.
(2) Railroad equipment, namely, a hydraulic conversion kit for converting air-operated side-dumping railroad cars consisting primarily of hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, motors, solar panels for converting energy to electricity, and remote control joysticks and conversion kits consisting primarily of hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, motors, solar panels for converting energy to electricity, and remote control joysticks to convert manual ballast gates of a railroad ballast car into remote controlled ballast gates having the electrical system recharged by solar energy. (1) Railroad maintenance services, namely aggregate delivery services using a continuous belt and boom to offload the aggregate from the train, material handling services using an excavator and a series of endless gondola rail cars (without bulkheads), and, the unloading of ballast at desired locations along the bed of a railroad track using remote controlled gates on railroad ballast cars; railroad track inspection services, namely, a 3D scan of railroad ties yielding a condition assessment, and, an inspection of the ballast profile of a track bed using light detection and ranging technology, videography, and a wheel encoder.
(2) Railroad services, namely, aggregate freight and cargo loading and unloading services using continuous belt and boom to offload the aggregate from the train; cargo handling services using an excavator and a series of endless gondola rail cars without bulkheads; freight and cargo loading and unloading services, namely, unloading cargo by use of ballasts at desired locations along the bed of a railroad track and also using remote controlled gates on railroad ballast cars; Railroad track inspection services through the use of a 3D scan of railroad ties which yields a condition assessment and railroad tie inspection services in the nature of inspection of the ballast profile of a track bed using light detection and ranging technology, videography, and a wheel encoder.
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
(1) Railroad equipment, namely, a hydraulic conversion kit consisting primarily of hydraulic lift cylinders, air-to-hydraulic amplifier and hydraulic control valves, the foregoing being machine parts for converting air-operated side-dumping railroad cars.
(2) Railroad equipment, namely, a hydraulic conversion kit for converting air-operated side-dumping railroad cars.
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
Goods & Services
(1) Railroad maintenance services, namely, freight and cargo loading and unloading using ballasts at desired locations along the bed of a railroad track using remote controlled gates on railroad ballast cars.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Railroad track inspection services, namely, an inspection of the ballast profile of a track bed using light detection and ranging technology, videography, and a wheel encoder.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Railroad track inspection services, namely, an inspection of the ballast profile of a track bed using light detection and ranging technology, videography, and a wheel encoder
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Railroad equipment, namely, a hydraulic conversion kit for converting air-operated side-dumping railroad cars consisting primarily of hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, motors, solar panels for converting energy to electricity, and remote control joysticks and conversion kits consisting primarily of hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, motors, solar panels for converting energy to electricity, and remote control joysticks to convert manual ballast gates of a railroad ballast car into remote controlled ballast gates having the electrical system recharged by solar energy Railroad services, namely, aggregate freight and cargo loading and unloading services using continuous belt and boom to offload the aggregate from the train; cargo handling services using an excavator and a series of endless gondola rail cars without bulkheads; freight and cargo loading and unloading services, namely, unloading cargo by use of ballasts at desired locations along the bed of a railroad track and also using remote controlled gates on railroad ballast cars Railroad track inspection services through the use of a 3D scan of railroad ties which yields a condition assessment and railroad tie inspection services in the nature of inspection of the ballast profile of a track bed using light detection and ranging technology, videography, and a wheel encoder
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Railroad track inspection services, namely, providing 3D scan of railroad ties yielding a condition assessment for the purpose of inspecting railroad tracks
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Railroad track inspection services, namely, an inspection of the ballast profile of a track bed using light detection and ranging technology, videography, and a wheel encoder
Railroad equipment, namely, a hydraulic conversion kit consisting primarily of hydraulic lift cylinders, air-to-hydraulic amplifier and hydraulic control valves, the foregoing being machine parts for converting air-operated side-dumping railroad cars
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Railroad equipment, namely, a hydraulic conversion kit for converting air-operated side-dumping railroad cars consisting primarily of hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, motors, solar panels for converting energy to electricity, and remote control joysticks and conversion kits consisting primarily of hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, motors, solar panels for converting energy to electricity, and remote control joysticks to convert manual ballast gates of a railroad ballast car into remote controlled ballast gates having the electrical system recharged by solar energy Railroad services, namely, aggregate freight and cargo loading and unloading services using continuous belt and boom to offload the aggregate from the train; cargo handling services using an excavator and a series of endless gondola rail cars without bulkheads; freight and cargo loading and unloading services, namely, unloading cargo by use of ballasts at desired locations along the bed of a railroad track and also using remote controlled gates on railroad ballast cars Railroad track inspection services through the use of a 3D scan of railroad ties which yields a condition assessment and railroad tie inspection services in the nature of inspection of the ballast profile of a track bed using light detection and ranging technology, videography, and a wheel encoder
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
Goods & Services
Railroad maintenance services, namely, material excavation using an excavator and a series of endless gondola rail cars without bulkheads; Railroad maintenance services, consisting primarily of material excavation around railroads, also including the pick-up and transportation of resulting debris, the foregoing performed with an excavator and a series of endless gondola rail cars without bulkheads; railroad maintenance services, namely, repair and maintenance of railways Material handling, namely, pick-up and transportation of excavation debris from railroad maintenance sites, the foregoing performed with an excavator and a series of endless gondola rail cars without bulkheads
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
Goods & Services
Railroad services, namely, material excavating services using an excavator and a series of endless gondola rail cars without bulkheads; railroad maintenance services, namely, repair and maintenance of railways
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
Goods & Services
Railroad maintenance services, namely, freight and cargo loading and unloading using ballasts at desired locations along the bed of a railroad track using remote controlled gates on railroad ballast cars
Railroad equipment, namely, conversion kits consisting primarily of hydraulic actuators and control valves powered by a solar charged battery array to automate actuation of gates on rail cars delivering ballast to convert manual ballast gates of a railroad ballast car into remote controlled ballast gates having the electrical system recharged by solar energy
A system and method for determining rail seat abrasion of a rail road track is disclosed. An inspection system comprises lasers, cameras, and processors adapted to determine whether rail seat abrasion is present along the track. The processor employs a mathematics based algorithm which compensates for tilt encountered as the inspection system moves along the track.
A system and method for daylight inspection of a surface, such as a railroad track, is disclosed. The disclosed system includes lasers, cameras, and a processor. The lasers are positioned adjacent the surface. The laser emits a beam of light across the surface at a combined intensity of at least 0.15 watts of intensity per inch of width of the surface, and the camera captures images of the surface having the beam of light emitted thereon. The camera includes a bandpass filter which passes only a band of light corresponding to a dip in solar radiation. The laser is selected to provide an emitted light beam which is more intense than the solar radiation at the dip. The processor formats the images so that they can be analyzed to determine various measurable aspects of the surface. The system and method includes one or more algorithms for determining these measurable aspects of the surface.
G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
A system and method for inspecting railroad track is disclosed. The disclosed system includes lasers, cameras, and a processor. The lasers are positioned adjacent the track. The laser emits a beam of light across the railroad track, and the camera captures images of the railroad track having the beam of light emitted thereon. The processor formats the images so that they can be analyzed to determine various measurable aspects of the railroad track. The disclosed system can include a GPS receiver or a distance device for determining location data. The measurable aspects that can be determined by the disclosed system include but are not limited to the spacing between crossties, the angle of ties with respect to rail, cracks and defects in surface of ties, missing fastener components, misaligned fastener components, sunken tie plates, raised spikes, rail wear, gage of rail, ballast height relative to ties, size of ballast stones, and break or separation in the rail. The system includes one or more algorithms for determining these measurable aspects of the railroad track.
G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
