Abstract

A jacking tie and method of using a jacking tie to level and/or lift a railroad track. The jacking tie is configured with an elongate body that is configured to span beneath two parallel rails of a railroad track. Preferably the jacking tie is of the configuration to replace a standard railroad tie. The jacking tie has two jacks that are positioned so as to lift each of the parallel rails of the railroads. A track support shell is supported by the hydraulic cylinder jacks. The track support shell is configured for nesting or mating engagement with the lower body shell in a compressed or resting position. The hydraulic jack cylinders are configured to lift the track support shell away from the lower body shell, thus lifting the rail positioned above the hydraulic jack cylinder. The track support shell and lower body shell are pivotally connected such that the ends of the track support shell can be independently raised.

IPC Classes  ?

• E01B 27/08 - Renewing or cleaning the ballast in situ, with or without concurrent work on the track the track having been taken-up
• E01B 29/09 - Transporting, laying, removing, or renewing sleepers under, or from under, installed rails
• E01B 29/10 - Transporting, laying, removing, or renewing sleepers under, or from under, installed rails for inserting or removing sleepers
• E01B 37/00 - Making, maintaining, renewing, or taking-up the ballastway or the track, not provided for in a single one of groups
• E01B 26/00 - Tracks or track components not covered by any one of main groups
• E01B 27/17 - Machines therefor, e.g. so-called sleeper-tamping machines combined with means for lifting, levelling, or slewing the track

Abstract

A system and method for use in raising the height of railroad structures. Railroad structures are defined as the structures where two or more railway tracks merge, cross, or divide. The method utilizes excavating an opening beneath a railway track at or adjacent to a railroad structure. A hydraulic jack is positioned within the opening. This is repeated until sufficient hydraulic jacks have been positioned around the structure. The hydraulic jacks are then actuated to raise the railroad structure to a desired height. Generally this height provides a slight crown to the structure. Ballast is then positioned beneath the raised railway. The hydraulic jacks can be disconnected from the hydraulic lines and left in position, or removed. Preferably the hydraulic jacks are positioned on hydraulic jack sleds for improved ease in transporting the hydraulic jacks and to provide a platform on which the hydraulic jack is slid into and out of the opening beneath the railway. An apparatus is provided for use in raising a railroad structure. The apparatus utilizes a hydraulic pump and motor positioned on a frame. Hydraulic fluid is selectively provided through a manifold to the hydraulic jacks, or to one or more remote manifold(s) either directly or through the manifold. Hydraulic jack sleds are provided that are preferably configured for storage and transport on the frame.

IPC Classes  ?

• E01B 29/04 - Lifting or levelling of tracks
• E01B 27/17 - Machines therefor, e.g. so-called sleeper-tamping machines combined with means for lifting, levelling, or slewing the track
• B66F 3/24 - Devices, e.g. jacks, adapted for uninterrupted lifting of loads fluid-pressure operated
• B66F 3/42 - Constructional features with self-contained pumps, e.g. actuated by hand