Railroad tie plate handling machine

US8468948B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Doug Delmonico · Broomfield, US
• Fabian Weber · Opfingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 6, 2011
• Grant date: Jun 25, 2013
• Expiry date: Oct 25, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E01B29/32
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A tie plate handling device for use in connection with removing and replacing railroad tie plates from a track during a rail change-out process. The tie plate handling device provides operator lift assistance and certain embodiments provide for a fully automated lift and movement of railroad tie plates. The tie plate handling device comprises a lifting arm, an engaging unit for securely coupling with a tie plate and a control unit for operating the same. Methods for using the tie plate handling device in conjunction with the rail change-out process are also described.