System for enhancing traction and energy efficiency in trains
US4781121A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1987 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61C15/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for enhancing traction capacity and energy efficiency of locomotives and powered cars while helping to maintain the crown of the rail profile for better ride quality of trains. This is achieved by utilizing beneficially the effects of lateral creepage of a number of small, hard nonpowered cleaning wheels with alternately opposite angles of attack. The apparatus may include deflector shields and hot air jets for cleaning and preparing the rail crown surface, when the apparatus is used in locomotives or cars. An arrangement for automatically adjusting the angle of attack of the cleaning wheels is also given. The degree of cleaning of the rails can be electrically controlled by the locomotive engineer as desired including shutting off the device altogether.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.