AU2003201275A1 - Applicator for an arc-shaped composition stick - Google Patents

Description

.I

Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 (Cth) KELSAN TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (ORIGINAL) Invention Title: Applicator for an arc-shaped composition stick The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 141476770 Applicator for an are-shtaped cornpositio.-i stick The Present invention relates to an applicator for housing ai solid composition stick. More paricularly, the Present invention relates to an applij aior for an arcshaped solid composition stick BACKGROUND OF THE flVENTION Systems art; lnown for hltbricatiag or otherwise modifyin, tht: coefficient of friction between steel surfaces in sliding contact, for example, dut flanges of rail car wheels and a track, or fifth-wheels. One type of s~ystem uses a. li uid lubricant, such as oil or grease, to lubricate the flanges of the rail car wheels. A :roblern associated with these liqUid lubrication systems, however, is the inability To -neter the amount of the liquid lubricant applied in a controlled manner. This-lack oftc ontrol may result in the app~ication of an excess amount of liquid lubricant to the flan tei of the rail car wheals causing some of the lubricant to runoff onto the tread port;on of the rail car wheels. The lubricant on the tread portion of the wheels can then coat the top of the rail and result i n appreciable slippage of the rail car wheels on rhN rail. In addition, if the liquid lubricant is applied at too high 4 flow rate i; may be flu ig from the wheel to beneath T~he rail car, andI result in contamination of the environmre it.

In attempting to overcome the abovo problems cxperience I with liquid lubrication systems, solid lubricanror friction. modifier compositi tis in tho form of.

sticks, for example US 6 136,757 (which is incorporated harein br reference), have been used to apply compositions to the flanges of rail car wheels. As These solid ~sticks are usually made of hbud, brittle mat~erials, applicators for q ie with These sticks have been developed, which arte capable of withstandi~ig the sevei e vibration and shock conditions experienccd.cluring operation. -Applicators hav 4 kg a rectangular conduit for accomumodating a rectangular shiaped lubricant stick~ h ive been used to apply lubricaat to the flange of rail car wheels. These applicators are, however, difficulT to reload, and catt only accotmmodate sufficient lubricant material for short duration transit systems, or for closed Track sysitnms.

Ani alternatc applicator for use wich a solid composition 1J dl2es an 4rc-sbaped solid composition stick produced by Kels~n Tcchniologies Corpo -ation. This applicator,. is circular itt shape, and houses a one-piece, arc-shape d, composition stick.

This type of applicator is suitable for both closed ad open rail si stemrs as the length of rhe stick is greater than the rectangular sticks mentioned abovi and te useable life, of Ehc composition stick is increased. Upon completion of the cQ mpositior4 suck, the entire applicator is discarded. To simplilf' attaching and removir g the circular applicator, a centrally located fastening point is used to connect t ie applicator to the undercarriage of a rail car. However, tthe central attachment poiuA t reduces the extent of repositioning of the applicator relative to the flange off the rail :ar wheel, and may also allow increased vibration of the applicator while in use, resu ting in damage to the composition stick.

a. ro buatv app Licator, chbzacterized as c xh~ibiting oo. incrca, cd cluraiion perioDC berween refills along with an increased ease of refilling, capable. of mainimig vibrational effects on a solid composition stick housed within, au I that can be adjusted to properly interface with a dr-sired steel surface for ire& merit, is required.

it is ani object of the invention to overcome disadvantages of the prior arn.

The combiriations of feaes of the main claims incet'tle above object. The sub-clairrs disclose Nrher advaar~ge~ous embodiments of the in% entiont.

SUMMARY OF THE rNVENTION The present inv'ention relates to an applicator for a solid c )mposition stick.

More parriculaxly, the Present invention relates to an applicator f4 r an arc-shaped solid composition stick.

The present invention provides an applicator for an arc-sb tped composition stick, comprising: -a houising defining an arc-shaped conduit, the arc-shapee conduit sized to accept the arc-shaped solid comnposition stick, the housing comrprising: one, or more than one opening for engaging a fastener, tJ Lc one, or more tan one opening being of a sufficieat 3iZO to permnit at least p uTWa lateral mo vement of the fastener; an inlet and an outlet, te inlet and the outlet in commun cation with the is conduitand -a biasing assembly for advancing the arc-shaped solid cq taposition. stick within the arc-shaped conduit.

Furthermo-e, the housing of the applicator may further coi apiie one, or more than one radially extending rib. The applicator may also include the arc-shaped soli d composition stick.

The housing of the applicator defned above may be fabric ired frorr4 a polymer having a sutitable tensile strength, or compression strength. Non-i miring examples of a polymer include high density polyethylene (HPPE), or Nylon@. Alternatively, the housing may be fabricated from aluminurn, steel or fiber reinforce I plastic (FRP).

The present inivention also pertains to the applicator define I above, wherein.

the biasing assembly comprises a spring assembly for biasing a co 2tact member against the arc-shaped solid composition stick, the contact. mrnbe -connected to the spring assembly. Furthermore, the contact member may be a coat ict stick, where the contact sick is in operative association with the spring assembly, 1 nd pivotally connected to the applicator housing, dhw contact itick moveable 6. rough an area contained within the arc-shaped conduit.

The present invention also provides the applicator defined above, wherein the housing comprises an upper and a lower section, the upper, lower or both Upper zund lower section comprising one, or more than one opening for iaser itig a fastenier for installing the applicator while in use, the one, or more th~an one ol ehing being of a sufficienit size to permit at least partial lateral naovement of the La tener within the opening.

This invention is also directed to the applicator as defined above, that comprises one or mote than one attachment plate attached to the i ppe lower, or both the upper and lower housing. Furthermore, the applicator may co riprise one or more than one bracket attached to the upper, lower, or both The upper az., lower housing.

The present invenition also provides an applicator for an al :-shaped solid composition stick, comprisinig: -a housing, the housing defining an arc-shaped conduit for the az :-shaped composition stick, the housing comprising: an upper and a lower section, the upper section, the lower sectic n, or both the upper and lower sections comprising one, or more than one opening for -rigaging a fastener, the one, or more than one opening being of a sufficient size to per nit at least partial lateral movement of the fhstener, the upper section, the lowcr sect ton or bosh the upper and lower sections fur-ther comprising one, or more than on! radially extending rib; a biasing assembly for advancing the arc-shaped solid coraposit non stick within the arc-shaped conduit, the biasing assembly comprising a spring asst mbly and a contact stick, the spring assembly biasing the contact stick against the arc shaped solid composition stick, the contact stick pivotally connected to the houising, and moveable through an area contained within the arc-shaped conduit, and an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet int communication wvith the arc-shaped concluit.

The ipplicator of the present invention is stronger and ma -e rigid than prior art appilicacors for arc-shaped solid compositiun sticks. Th, improve i rigidity reduces fatigue and vibrations that reduce wear on the applicator and the iaounting used to connect the housing of the applicator to the 4ndercarriage of a rai car, and increases the vibraTional stability oftrhe applicator, compared to prior art ap plicators.

Another advanmtage of the applicator of' The present inventi. t is that te position of the applicator relative to the surface to be treated, for xarople but not limited to a flange of a rail car wheel, or a fifth wheel, or an elevw tor track, can be easily adjusted by laterally sliding the housing a f the applicator r; lative to its mounting bracket.

Furthermore, The applicator as described herein may be ea ;ily refilled, and docb nlot need to be disiposable. The applicator may be refil led b inserting one, or 1S more than one arc-shapedc..pozirion :ickthrugbOoute-of heouir-T lid-*process of refiling does not require disassembly of the applicator housing. By increasing the length of the arc-3haped conduit, more composiriot sticks can be introduced into the applicator per loading, thercby reducing tie fr:quency of refilling the applicator. Utilization of the composition stick may also be ri actily observed by visual inspection of' advancement of the mechanism that advance: the composition stick through the conduit, or visual inspection of the conduit.

6 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These Anld Other features of the invention will become more appar ±nc from the followiang desciptioa in which reference is made to theapedd'dxig -_cu.

Figuire 1 shows a prior arn applicator for an arc-shaped lubricant s tick. FigLtrc I A shows a top vicw of the prior art applicator. Figure lB shows a si cTional view of the prior art applicator at line IlB- 1 B.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an example of the applicaic r of The present invention.

Figure 3.A6 shows apl~n view of the housing of Figure 2 including, a composition Figure 3B shows a set of six interlocking compositions sticks tha may be used with The applicator of the present invention.

figures XC shows Lt Top plan view of one of the Composition sticl s of Figure 3B.

Figures 3fl-3F show diffcrent perspective views of the composiri Dn stick of Figure 3C.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectioad view along line: 4-4 in Figure 34.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another example The applic aor of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an addlitional example of tlh applicator of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a top plan view of the a~pplicator of Figure 6.

Figure 8s hows a parmai cross sieciohai viewv aloh lfie in l'i 1 ure 7.

7 Figure 9 shows a bottom plan view of an example of the applicatr of the present invention.

Figure 1OA shows a perspective view of an example of the biasiz g assembly of the present invention.

Figure 10B shows a side elevational view of the biasing assambl, of Figure Figure 10C shows a top plan view of the biasing assembly of Figurc Figure 11A shows a perspective view of a further example of the applicator of the present invention.

Figure 11B shows aa clcvatiunal view in the direction of line 1 lls-l 1B of Figure 11A.

Figure 12A shows a top plan view of the applicator of Figure I l-.

Figure 128 shows a side elevatioaal view in the direction of line 12B-12B of Figure 12A.

Figure 12C shows a bottom plan view of the applicator of Figure 11 A- Figure 13 shows an exploded view of the applicator of Figure 1 IA.

Figure 14 shows an applicator of the present invention mounted i a bracket and positioned so that a composition stick interfaces with a flange of rail car wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRJ 'TERRED EMaODIMBFNT3 The present invention relates to an applicator for a solid ci imposiron stick.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an applicator fq r an arc-shaped 5 solid composition s6i4.

The following description is of a preferred~ embodimient by- way of example orgy and without limnitation to the combination of features access; ry for carryiag the invention into effect.

Figure 1 shows a prior art circular applicator While -ffective in extending the cturation of use of a compositon stick (20) under fir ld conditions, The applicator is disposable andi it is replaced after completion of the: tick. The composition stick is matic otf one piece, uid ib not rc~dily insertac wittan the applicator when mounted on a vehicle. Refilling tie applicator re 4uircs disassembly.

The applicator is artahed by a central fas tening point (30) to pen 4t rapid rep kscement of The applicator, however, this method of artachin: permits the miter periphery of The applicator to vibrate while in use leading to fracti aing of' the composition stick.

Referring to Figure 2, There i s shown au example of the aF plicator (40) of the present iuventou comprising a upper section (50) and a lower se4 tion The upper and lower sections (50, 60) are connected by a series of fas criers (6i,'Eigures 4 and 13) inserted through openipigs Each fastener (65) is sec- ired in place using a suitable retainer, such as nut together with washer as 3i Lown in Figure 13.

When connected, the top and bottom sections (50, 60) define two contiguous openings: an vrc-shaped conduit (80; see Figure 4) for accotnmoo ating an are-shaped composition stick (90; Figtire 3A-F), and a passageway (100) in c ornoticarion with the conduit However, che applicator may be made up of a o ze piece housing comprising both the upper and lower sections.

SWith referenc& to Figure 4, the arc-liped conduit (80) co cprises a conltinuouLs outer wall a continuou.s top wall a continua as bottom wall a flange extending from the inner edge of the top wal(97) and ailange exTendifng frorn the inaner edge of the bottom wanl (99).

The applicator of the present invention can be used with a single arc-shaped composition stick, or with a set of onie, or more than one interlocbing are-shaped composition stick.. Noa-liting zxamples of the composition sridc, and the set of interlocking composition sticics for use with the 4pplicator of The 'resent ivention arc shown in Figures 3C-F and Figure 3B, respectively. The arc-ihaled composition stick is preferably an arc-shaped solid composition stick. The cot iposition stick is shown to have a rectangular cross icctioa, however, other crosA sectional shapes may also be used, including but not limnited to, circular, elliptical, rectangular, or triangular. The conduit of the applicator of the present invention :an be easil y modif~ed to acconunodate composition sticks of different cross-st ctional are as and sh~pcs. Thc coinposi~iun btit~k maiy be of any dlesiredl lengtfl. Thc example shown in Figure 3B comprises a sac of composition sticks, where each stick has a length that i3 approximately. 116' the length of the conduit However, ocht r lengths may be used. Advantages of using a set of interlocking sticks -instead of i single long stick inacludes the ability to refill the applicator before it becomes comp letely empty, and the ease with which tho applicator can be refilled. Furthcrmore, tie interlockcing feature provides support to a segment of a set of interlocking sticl s, which is in contact with. a surfaice, such as a wheel flange, and prevents it froi a failing out of the applicator and contibninafing the enviroanent once it is worn dot fn to a short length.

Ths interlocking feature is therefore also advantageous from an e :-onomic -standpoint as individual segments of the set of interlocking, segmented stick;. may be used to completion. A aingle arc-shaped composition stick may require disassembly of the housing for replacement. However this is not always the case, aj it depends on The length of the composition stick and The size of the opening define. I between the inleT (160) and the outlet (170). Utilization of the corupositi stick wthin the applicator may also be readily observed by visual inspection of the mechani m (see below) that advances The composition stick through the conduit. or visual insl ectian of the conduit.

The composition stick for use in the applicator Of the- Pres, nt invention may be formedcc uf one of the compositions disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,136, 757, the discelosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The following description will relate to an applicator that s used with segmented, interlocking, or inter-firning solid composition sticks, is illustrated in Figures 2, 3A. a-ad 4-14. It is to be understood, however, that the applicator (40) of the present invention can be used with an arc-shaped solid compo4tion stick of any length, or cross-svctional shape, which has an arc that is conmplertitary to that of the arc-shuped conduit (80) deffaed by the housing, As described abtive, the composition sticks may comprise features That permit Their firting together, for example a male end and a corresponding feirnale receiving end. However, such ends a :e nor required, and any end, including a flat surface, may be used on a composition s; ick.

is The applicator of the present invention may include a rubi er seal or a brush .seal, for examnple, which is not to be considere4 lrnmiting. made of nylon or other flexiable mnaterial, to seal the opcning that leadns to passageway (IQ 03) to prevent dirt and oil from entering Wot the applicator housing yet allowip movement of a contact stickc (1 10) Through passageway (100).

The applicator housing (40) comprises several attachment openings (120, 125) Thai can be accessed for attaching the applicator (40) To a moiannr g bracket (nor shown) when in use- The applicator may be attached to the moup ting brack-cet through One, or more ihanorie re ofordeen plate (130; see! Figue 6) aist. comprising an arcshaped opening (140). The reinforcement plate (130) may be arts hcd to the applicator housing (40) at openings see Figures 6-7, 1 IA-B, 2A-C and 13).

Fasteners (150; see Figures 8 and 13) together with sui-a ble rerair ers, such as nuts (155, 157) and wisher (158) may be used with each attachment opening (120, 125) for connecting the applicator housing (40) to the mountfing brackA t. The openings (120, 125) in the top and bottom of the housing, and the openiag 1140) in the reinforcement plate (130), are each of a sufficient size To permit leas; partial lateral movement of the fastener (150) within each Opening to permit ust of mounting brackets of varying- size and to adjust the position of the applicato rwhen. in usec. For example, once the housing (40) is connected to the unidercam-age a railcar, its position relative to a rail car wheel can be adjusted by sliding tie owiing relative to the mounting bracket to bring a surface of the solid composition s ick (90) protruding from the housing, in contact with the flange of the rail car wheel (,cc tigurt 14).

The applicator housing (40) includes an inlet (160) and an outlet (170) in communication with the conduit The applicators shown in E igurti 2-7, 9, 1 LA- B, 12 A-C and 13 define an are of about 2700 extending from the i ilet (160). along the condtut to the outlet (170). R-owever, other lengths of circur iference, or arc, of the conduit may also be used for example, but niot limited to, an ap plicator defining an arc from about 180' to about 320*, an arc from about 195* to abo4itt 300', or an arc fromn about 2200 to 280'. If the arc is too small less than abokt 1800), then There may be isufficient reservoir space within the conduit TO contain 3a adequate amount of the composition stick. This would require more frequent refIllj ag of the applicator.

H-owever, for some uses an applicator comprising a conduit descp bing an arc of less than 1800 may be suitable, for example for treating fifth wheel sw faces, guide rails in elevators, or closed loop rail-transit systems. In situations where 'ongor periods of -use arc: desired between refilling the applicator, a longer length of arc may be required, so That the conduit reservoir is larger and houses more ci imposition sticks.

The length of arc of the conduit in these circumstances may excee 1 3201, and willI be limited by the size of the opening required between The inlet (160' and the outlet (170). This Opening size may be limited by the thickness of steel ;urface to be treated, and the size of the composition stick (90) to be inserted within the applicator.

Bly increasing the length c" co ither1 Li~ li CU4WLL I UU4L&LAWI circumiference to for example about 2601, 2800, 3000, or 3200, or 3y increasing the diameter of the hou.Sirg, more composition stick can be introduce. I into the applicator per loading, thereby reducing the frequency of refillinig" the applic 1tor.

As shown in Figure 2, a guide Track (180) may be present an the inside of the upper section Alternatively, the guide track may be present )a the inside of the lower section or the inside of both the upper and lower secri, ins (50, 60), for mating engagement with a channel on the composition stick This feature may be used to ensure that an interlocking solid c orposition stick (90' is inserted into thie applicator housing in an oriantation that will allow it to properly iaterconnect with other segmenis preceding or following if.

The applicator housing (40) also includes a biasing assern 1ly (227) comprising j a biasing element (180) and a contact stick (1 10), as ilhtsnrated in Figures 3A, 4, lOQA- C and 13). The biasing element (180) advancts contact stick (I through the conduit (SO) and ensures that the contact stick (I 10) presses agair si and pushes the composition stick (90; Figures 3A and B) through thc conduit The contact stick (I110) also ensures contact of the composition Atck (90) wit a su, face to be trcated, for example, but not limited to the flange off a rail car wheel 7 igure 14). The biasing assembly also comprises a hub (240) having a spindle (230), as seen mn Figures I OA-C. Hub (240) comprises a channel (250) for accorru odating and securing a straight end (260) of biasing element (180). Securerne at ofstvaight end (260) within cbanl (250) retainzz spring assembly (180) 41 placce aud spindkc (230). Biasing element (180) also ba~s an endc loop portion (270) lor connecting to a bearing (280) that surrounds a bolt (100) s ecured near the front oi passageway (100).

as illustrated in Figure 13. The contact stick (1 10) is disposed wi hin, and may extend through, passageway (100), and into conduit The spindle (2 30) is pivotally attached tw the applicator housing (40) using, for example, bushizi gs (190, 200).

Although the contact stick (110) and The hub (240) are shown as. eparate Components, they can be fabricated as a single uit.

The contact stick (1 10), connected through hub (240) to tt e biasing, member (180), for example but not limited to, a spring loader assembly, ij moveable through an area contained within. the passageway (100) and the conduit It is preferred That the biasing element (180) be made of a material that is UghtA eight and strong, Non-limiting examples of such a material include aluminum, higi density polyethylene (l-DPE), nylon, steel and fiber-reinforced plastic. 11 is particularly preferred that the bias ing member (180), if it is a spring, be made of anodized aluminum to improve wear.

To load the applicator, the spindle (230) c=n be wound bak kto retract The biasing member (180) and move the contcit stick (110) out of the passageway (100) until one, or more than one composition stick (90) has sufficient -pace to enter into inle:t (160). Alternatively, the composition sticks may be fed thro igh the otlet and push the contiact stick back along the passageway (100). The outleT (170) of the applicator (40) isi Then brought in close proximity to the stel suwf-ce to bc created, for example, but not lim~ted to a flange of a rail car wheel (see Fig=r 14). The contact stick (110) is then broughL into contact with a surface of the com~osjtjon stick biasing an end of the one, or more Than one composition stick (90 1to engage the steel surfrace. Therefore, the applicator as described herein may be eas: ly refilled. Thq.

applicator may be refilled by inserting one or more than one arc-s iaped composition stck through the outlet of the conduit, in 4 process that tloes not r :quire disassembly of the applicator housing.

In another examrple, the biasing assembly may comprise a leaf spring biasing member, comprising for exampie, spring steel that is fitted alongstde the passageway (100) =nd extending from the outlet (170) to the inlet (160). One -nd of the leaf spring biasing member is in commnunication with a contact zncrnb:r (not shown), so that the contact member engages a surface of the composition st-ickI The other end of the leaf spring biasing member is anchored at one or both c f the upper section and lower section (60) at the outlet (170). (nt this example, Tl e applicator may be loaded by extending the biasing assembly along passage'4 ay (100) from the outlet (170) to a position at or near The: inlet (160). A stop rnewb r (not shown) may be used to bold The biasing assembly in place. The interlocking, s tgmented solid composition. sticks (90) can then introduced through outlet (170). Alternatively, the composition iticks may be feed Through the outlet (170) and push the contact member and leaf-spring biasing member back along the passageway (100). and if desired the stop member engaged. Outlet (170) of the applicator (40) may 4:q :n be brought in close proximity to The flange of a steel surface To be rreated for e? ample a rail car wheel. The stop member is then released, and the. contact membe is forced against the composition stick by, The action of the biasing member forcing an end of the composition stick to engage the steel surface.

In other examples, the arc-shaped composition stick is loal led through openings present in the top, bottom or sidc of the housing.

Therefor&, tht: present invention Providles an applicator foi an arc-shaped solid composition comprising: a housing defining an arc-shaped aduiz; accept the arc -shaped so lid c omp ic.on -tjc k; h one, or more than one opening for engaging a fastener, I one, or more than one opening being of a sufflcckot size to permit at least piu-tial lateral mnovement of the fistenter; an inlet aiW an outlet, the ialct and the Outlet in coinMUR Cation With the conduit, and a biasing assembly for advancing the arc.%hapedsoli4d copzin n qtie'K wirhirq the arc-shaped conduit.

The present invention also relates to the applicator describ.-d above in vurnbinaion with the arc-shaped solid conmposition stick.

If desired, an indicator, for example an arrow (235) that ix ints in the direction of the longitudinaax'is of the contact stick, may be molded into ii.e top of spindle (230) to indicate the position of the contact stick (110) within pas,:ageway (100). This indicator will rotate with the contact stick as The one, or more that on~e composition stick reduce in size during use. However, other methods for indic iting the position of the contact stick (110) or composition stick may be used, includling, for example, visual inspection through openings, for example, attachmnent operings (120, 125).

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a variant of the presear invention, in which the upper lower, or both sections of the housing 4an inclacde a series of iqjecrion-xnolded ribs (210), which provide strength. and durabi iry to the overall :-nucrux of the housing. The ribs (210) rigidify the housing, and rnovide further resistance to vibrations and shocks that may be encountered durn r use of The applicator Referring to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown an alternate vi riant of the applicator (40) of the present invention, in which one, or more th3a one reinforcement (attachment) plate (130) constiucted of, for example, but not limit 4d to, a durable metaL such as steel, or a suitable polymer, are connected to the ujF per section the lower section or both the upper and lower sections (50, 60). The reiforccment plate (13q) has an apetrzz of' 3irnilar shape and size (140)&a thif c petrig's (120), ro permit lateral movement of fastener (150, st!e Figures 4 and S) wii hin. the aperture of each of the reinforcement plates (130) whea the applicator (40) is mounted, for example, to an undercarriage of a rail car, pcrtming, if required, -epositioning of the applicator. The plate (130) can also have one or more than one ht It (220) at Cither end, for accommodating a fastener, such'as a bolt, to secure the p1 ite: to the upper section the lower section or both the upper andlower S&:ctioins (50, However, any other mneans of attachument may be used to secure tt e plate to cte upper, lower, or both housings. Two reinforcement plates may be used tjcover both sides of the upper section the lower section or both sections (SC, 60), or a single large reinforcement plate (13 5, Figures 12C and 13) may be used. The reinforcement plates reinforce the applicator as well as re-distribute and reduce t -e bending forces on the applicator under vibration.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a cross-section of Eho applicator shown in Figure 7, which illustrates how The fastener (150) may b -positioned relative to a reinforcement plate (130) and the upper section (50) or the lo v~er section Additional reinforcement may be provided by additional r inforcement brackets, for examnple, but not limited to the brackets (225) ihowr in Figure 9, mourned oni the upper section the lower section (60) or both sections. These reinforcement brackets may also be combined wirth reinforcement plates (130). The brackets are preferably constructed of a strong durable mater-ial fc r example steel or suitable polymer.

it is preferred that the applicator be fasbricated of a light w ~ight material, so that it does not cause excessive loading on the undercarriage of tlb t rail car' that supports it. An example of a material that can be used in the font ation of the applicator of the present inventiona, includes, without limitation, a steel, for example alumirn, or a -polymer having a tensile strength of at leat about 4500 psi, or a compression strength of at leat 4bout 500 psi, or both, for excunp but not limited to, high density polyethylene, HDPE, nylon or other mnatetial. If jequimed, the outlet (170) of the applicator (40) may be reinforced, to provide additioj u*1 support for The portion of te icOmposition stick that contacts the steel surface, as this region may be subjected to high vibrations. Such rein ±brcernent May include inc ceased thickness of the housing material, or the addition of a reinforcing band of nat rial, for exuarnple an aluminumt band that may be fasrtnd to the housing at or near The outlet.

The rugged design of the applicator of the present inventic a allows it to be used in envirornents where dusty, oily, harsh vibration or severe 3huck conditions, and changes in temnperature art: encountered.

LO The above description is not intended to limit the claimed Lavention in any manner, furthermnore, the discussed combination of features mighi nor be absolutely necessary for the inventive solution, The present invention will be furher illustrue in the follo'wing examples.

However it is to be unOCerTMOCI that these e.'ampcs are for illustra ive purposes oaly, and should not to be used to limit the scope of the preset inventi a in any mannaer.

Example The applicators of the preseat invention were subjected to testing to determine their suitability urider standard conditions of random vibration leV~ ts (Long Life Test), and their resistance to shock (Shock Test). Both tests wvere per-formed in the vertical direction and were conducted in accordance to the proced ires of fPC specification 61373, In the long life test, the applicators of the present invenrioi were subjected to an equivalence of 34.6 hours of vibration at a level of 42.5 rn/s2 R MS from 5 to 25S0 Hz. For bogie mounted equipment, the [EC 61 373 specification! pecifies a 5 hour duration at this vibration level to represent a field life of 6.25 year; based on 300 days of service per year and 10 hours of service per day. There was no ndication of fatigue failure or loss of integrity to any of the applicators after this test.

Alter the conclusion of the long life test at increased randoma vibracion levels, the ability of the applicators of the present invention to withstand ;hocks was cestec1.

The0 Shock Test was Performned using a 30G half sine pulse with a pulse duration Of I11 milliseconds. All applicators were subjected to 10 negative pidke, and 3,3 10 posiiive Pulses in 1te vertical direction. The rime between pulses was ict zt 1 second. For bogie-mounTed equipment, the lr-C 61 373 specification specifies 3 pulses in bot~h the positive and negative directions with a half sine pulse of 30.6 G 4 a duration of IS milliseconds. There was no indication of failure or loss of integrit y to any of the applicators after this test even though the test ieverity greatly exc -eded the IEC 61373 sptcifications.

Test Specificaions and Procedures The vibration tests were conducted at the National Resear, -h Council of Canada, Centre for Surface Transportation Technology test lab in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. NRC, using ITEC 61373: 1999( Simulated Long L fe Testing at Increased Random Vibration Levels: Section 9),and LEC 61373: 1999 Shock Testing Conditions: Section 10). The Shock and Vibration Equipment inc luded a LDS (Ling Dynamic Systems), Shock and Vibration Table Model: V894 122 )C.

The insrm~entation and control equipmentr used for the te 3ts were as follows: Control System: Spectral Dynamics Vibration Control System 1 4odel:2252-9704-1 Control Accelerometer: PCB Model: 302A02 Serial: 16914 Response Accelerometers: PCB Model: 353B15 Serial: 64746 Model: 353BIS Serial: 64747 *Model: 353B16 Serial: 64983 -Model: 353B16 Serial: 64984 Four solid applicators were tested.

Model 1: PAO73LOO0O; I-LPE applicator -no ribs; (Figure 2) Model PAO73LOOOO/I; ribbed applicator made from HDPE; (F-igure Model PAO73LOOOOII; ribbed applicator made fromi I{DPE W th Attachment 'Plates; (Figure 6) Model ?A073L0000/I; ribbed applicator made from Nylon; (I igure A custom designed fixture for the shaker table was prepar:d comprising the brackets used to mount the applicator as used in the field. The fix ure was designed.to hold four applicators so that the vibration test was conducted on I applicators at the same time. This design ensured that all applicators wold be exp< sed to the same vibration severity levels and for the same period of time prior to: ny possible occurrence of failures. The base of the fixture was designed to mr tch the holes on the base of the vibration table.

The applicators were set up on the fixture, and the control accelerometer was attached to the base plate of the fixture. A response accelerometel was attached to each of the applicators by the outlet (170) where the composition stick meets the wheel flange. Each applicator was loaded with 6 interlocking cou .position sticks Simulation of composition stick contact with the wheel flange wg s done during the tests. A restrainig strucure was designed to simulate the wheel Oange surfacc. The restraining structure for each applicator was fixed outside of the s aaker table and applicator fixture; this was to approximate the independent motio s of the bogie frame, to which the applicators are mounted, and the wheel flang Sine Sweep Test A sine sweep was performed on the applicators to deterniae whether there were any natural resonance frequencies in the frequency spectrun ofinterest. The sweep was from 5 to 250 Hz at 0.5 G, at a sweep rate was ai one Ictave per minute.

For each applicator, the response as well as the Q factor (respons: vs. control ratio) were measured. The testing showed that there were no significan. resonances, especially in the 10 to 100 Hz range where higher acceleration oc :urs. For the Model there was a small broadband resonance below 100 Hz that wa; not observed in the other three designs. The applicator showing the least amount of r:sponse in thel0 to 100 Hz range was Model Models #3 and #4 had similar respo Ises.

Simulated Long Life resting at Increased Random ibraric n Levels (Response of applicator at the various vibrational severity levels). For this ti st, the initial vibration level was set at 8.32 m/s2 RMS. This value was calcul ted from a fatigue damage equation and the field vibration levels defined in IEC spe ification 61373.

The power factor was set at 15 (a value Used in vibration test ng of plastic automotive parts). As defined by the TEC specification, the ASD ;pectrum- for bogiemounted equipment is from 5 to 250 Hz. In the 5 to 10 Hz range, there is an acceleration rise off 9 db per octave. In the 100 to 250 H4z range, ere is an acceleration drop of 6 db per octave.

During the test the applicators were visually inspected for :racks and signs of fatigue failure. Due to the logarithmic nature of the SN curve, a Ic garithmic inspection of the applicators was condted. At every rnew vibrati in level applied, tha applicators were inspected after 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 30 minutes of~ braTion testing. If the test at one vibration level exceeded otic hour, the inspection ixt ervals femaineI at minutes thereafter.

No signs of craok.. or fatigue faure were aoticad dwing t~ ic recir. Table 1 summoarizes, in chronological order, the vibration levels and dural Lo of the ranidom vibration test over a 3-day testing period.

Table 1; Randoin Vibration Test Runs Vibration Run Vibration Level Duration (tn/s 2 RMS) (Minutes) 18.32 194 2 16.64 123 3 25.0 120 4 31-5 42.5 6 50.0 7 60.0 120 8 65.0 122- 9 160.0 780 At the end of each vibration run, the applicators were visu dly inspected for cracks and diamage. There were no indications of failare or loss a f integrity on any of the applicators. The rtesults of This Test showed there wer& no sign ticant resonances, especially in The 10 to 100 Hfz range. The Model I design was i rc responsive Than the other applicatori from approximately 50 to 100 Hz. Sumnmiog the nine vibration runs using rthe power factor (mn) of 4, the applicators were subjecti d to an equivalenT of 34.6 hiours of vibration a a level of 42.5 mis 2 RMAS from 5 to 2 50 Hz. For bogie mounted equipment, the IEC 61373 specification specifies a 5 ho~ur duration at this vibration level to represent a fieldI life of 6.25 years based on 300 lays of service per year and 10 houis of service per day. The applicators endured =eLrly 7 Times the vibration duration specified in the [EC specification.

Shock Test A shock Est whs conducted to evaluate the ability of the d ifferent applicator designs of the pre~ent application to withstand shocks in the vcrtiztl dirction. The shock test was performed using a 3003 half sine pulse with a pulse duration of I11 milliseconds. The LFC 61373 specification. specifties a half sinc: pt Ise, of 30.6 G and a duration of 18 milliseconds. However, the L.DS system coulcd not achieve the 18 millisecond duration due to the mass of the fixture and applicator... The pulse level on the existing set-up was, Therefore used, since multiple pulses cout I be achieved in a relatively short time. The time between pulses was set at I seconc.

Initially, all appLicators were: subjected to 10 pulses both i i the positive and negative directions. The responses were very similar in. natue th ~refore, o;jily pulses in the positive dire ction would be applied. For bogie-mounred eq iiipinent. the LEC 61 373 specification specifies 3 pulses in bath the positive and negatIva directions to be applied.

An additional 3,300 pulses were Then applied to the applicators. Inspections weie made after every 500 pulses. There was no indication of failuarc or loss of integrity to any of the Circ III applicators after this test.

Model I was more susceptible to shock~ than The o~hers, ,vhcre for very small time durations, response peaks reached as high as 150 G. Model 14 (ribbed and made from Nylon) was the least susceptible to shock. No response peak from this applicator reached beyond 50 G.

All citations are herein incorporated by reference.

The present invention has been described with regard to pi eferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in tle art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing frc m the scope of the invention as described herein.

Claims (22)

1. An 4pplicator for an arc-shaped solid comiposition stick, C, intprising: a housing defining an arc-shaped cunduit, the arc-shapej conduit sized to accept the arc-ihaped solid composition stick, the housing comprising: one, or more than one opeiuig for engaging a fasrancr, dci eam., or mote t~han one opening being of a suf'ficient size to permit ut leazt p ial lateral movement of the fastener; an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet in conunl.n carion with the conduit, and a biasing assembly for advancing the arc-shaped solid cc mposition 3tick widhin the arc-shaped cozjiar

2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the housing further car iprises one, or more than one radially &xtending rib.

3. The applicator of claiim 1, Airther comprising the are-shap td solid composition stick.

4. The applicator of claim 3. wherein the arc-shaped solid cc npogirion itick comprises onc, or more than one 4itrlocked segments. The applicator of claim 3, wherein the arc-shaped solid cc mposition stick is an arc-shapted solid lubricant stick.

6. The applicator of claim 1. wherein the housing is £abricaq d from a polymer having a tensile strength of at leas about 4500 psi, a contplessior streriwbh of at least about 500 psi, or both.

7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the housing is made of. h-densiry polyethylenef (HDlPE), NylontO, stael or fiber reinforced plastic (I IU).

8. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the housing is ma4e of aluminum.

9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator is refillal le.

10. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the biasing assembly comprises a biasing element and a contact member, wherein the biasing element biase i the contact member against the arc-shaped solid composition stick.

11. The applicator of claim 10, wherein the biasing element is a spring assembly.

12. The applicator of claim 11, wherein the contact member is a contact stick, the contact stick in operative association with the spring assembly, atd pivotally connected to the applicator housing, the contact stick moveable it rough an area contained within the arc-shaped conquit.

13. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises., continuous outer wall, a continuous top wall, a continuous bottom wall, a flange e tending from the inner edge of the top wall, and a flange extending from the inner :dge of the bottom wall.

14. The-applicator of claim 1, further comprising one, or mon than one attachment plate attached to the top, bottom, or both the top and I ottom of the housing.

15. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising one, or mor: than one mounting bracket attached to the top, bottom, or both the top and bottom of the housing.

16. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an upper and a lower section, the upper section, the lower section, or both the up aer and lower sections comprising one, or more than one opening for inserting k. fastener for installing the applicator while in use, the one, or more than one o: ening being of a sufficient size to permit at least partial lateral movement of the ft stcncr within the opening.

17. The applicator of claim 16, futher comprising one or morc than one attachment plate attached To the upper section, the lower section, c r both the upper and lower sections.

18. The applicator of claim 1. further comprising one or more han one mounting bracket attached to the upper section, the lower section, or both th. upper and lower sections.

19. The plarnfai.L 'rine acspdcdut.s .cr v of about IRS" To about 3000. An applicator for an arc-shaped solid composition stick, comprising: a housing, the housing defining an arc-shaped conduit for the at :-shaped composition stick, tlie housing comprising: an upper and a lower section, 41-w upper section, the lower seeric n, or both the upper and lower sections comprising one, or more than one opening for :ngaging a fastener, the one, or more than one opening being of a sufficient size to per rt at toust partial lateral movement of the fastener, the upper section, the lower sect -on or both the upper and lower sections further comprising one, or more than on radially extending rib; a biasing assembly for advancing the arc-shaped soLid cogiposiiuon stick within the arc-shaped concluaT, the biasing asscmbly comprising a spring ass, mbly and a contact stick, the spring assembly biasing the contact stick against tbe arc -shaped solid composition stick, Thbe contact stick pivotally cotnected To the hot sing, and uo veable Through an area contained within the arc -shaped conduit, and an inlet and an outlet, the inWeT and the outlet in comjnurtication with the arc-shaped conduit.

21. The applicator of claim 20, wherein the housing is fabrica. ed from a polyrner having a tensile strength of at least about 4500 psi, a comrpressiorn strength of at least about 500 psi, or both.

22. The applicator of claim 20, wherein the housing is mnade ot high density polyethylcne (ITDPE), Nyloa®, steel or a fibcr rcinforced plastic

23. The applicator ot clii 20, wherein the housing is madc 01 aluminum.

24. The applicator of clai. 20, further comprisinig The arc-sha; cci solid composition stick. The applicator of claim 24, wherein the are-shiapod solid com~position stick comprises one, or more than one interlocked segmelnts. KELSAN TECHNOLOGIES COR.P. By Their Patent Attorneys: BLAKE DAWSON WALDRON PATENT SERVICES Date Date: 14 March 2003