Mechanism and method for removing and/or applying transversely applied elastic rail clips
US6138573A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01B29/24
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An applicator/remover mechanism automatically applies and/or removes a clip, such as the so-called Safelok clip. Each clip applicator/remover mechanism preferably includes a workarm which is pivotable transversely towards and away from the longitudinal centerline of the rail, a clip applicator tool mounted on the workarm, and a clip retractor tool mounted on the workarm. The clip retractor tool includes first and second retractor arms pivotably mounted on a housing, each arm having downwardly-extending fingers to engage the side of a rail clip. The arms have intermeshing teeth which cause the second retractor arm to pivot upon pivoting of the first retractor arm to selectively pinch and release the rail clip. The resulting mechanism is capable of both applying and removing clips rapidly and efficiently while accommodating variations in position and orientation of the rail and/or the clips.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.