Rail flaw detector

US11254336B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Nordco Inc. · US

Inventors

• Paul Sanders Underwood · Bridgewater, US
• David W. Giragosian · Waterbury, US
• Ian Wallace McGrath Gage · Stratford, US
• Phillip Edwards · Bridgeport, US
• John E. Leonard · Middlefield, US
• Jacob Eisler · Wellington, US
• Ronald M. Keenan · Oxford, US
• Joseph Setaro · Danbury, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 18, 2019
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2022
• Expiry date: Jun 3, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2291/2623
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A rail flaw detector is configured for locating flaws in rails of a railroad track and for use with a vehicle travelling on the railroad track. The detector includes at least one signal applicator configured for applying ultrasonic signals to the rail and for receiving return signals; a mechanical subsystem connected to the applicator and to the vehicle and configured for maintaining the at least one signal applicator in operational position on the track. A human-machine interface is connected to the at least one signal applicator, is configured to control the detector and to monitor sensed rail condition. In one embodiment, the human-machine interface includes a schematic display of the rail being monitored and at least one touch screen control for controlling the mechanical subsystem and the at least one signal applicator.