System and method for railroad track tie plate collection from a rail bed
US8365673B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB03C2201/20
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A machine for collecting tie plates strewn along a rail bed includes a frame adapted for travel along a railroad in a forward direction. A pickup drum having magnetic properties is rotatably supported by the frame and extends over a bed portion of the railroad. A top drum is mounted at a location that is higher and forward of the pickup drum and rotates parallel to the pickup drum. An endless conveyor circulates around the pickup and top drums, and a separation drum is disposed between the pickup drum and the top drum along an ascending portion of the endless conveyor. The separation drum includes a magnetized rim that can lift ferrous objects but not tie plates from the endless conveyor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.