GB472793A - Improvements in and relating to apparatus for weighing locomotives and rail vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

472,793. Weighing-apparatus. LIVSEY, D. M. Feb. 3, 1937, No. 3168. [Class 143] An apparatus for weighing or ascertaining the axle loads of locomotives and rail vehicles, comprising a hydraulic piston or ram interposed in the rail track at the level thereof and connected to a pressure gauge or indicator calibrated to show or record the pressure is characterized by the provision of articulated or bridge rails freely connecting the ram with the adjacent track section. As shown in Fig. 1, the ram head 3 is connected to the track rail 2 by bridge sections 4 and preferably a ram is provided in each rail so that the total load on one axle may be obtained at one reading. The ram extends into a cylindrical casing 6 seated upon a sleeper, and is furnished with an enlarged piston head 8, Fig. 3. Oil beneath the piston head communicates with a pressure gauge 13 or with a second cylinder, the piston of which is pressed upon by a steelyard. A dowel 17 prevents rotation of the ram and a spring 18 enables the device to be filled with oil through a channel 20 provided with a closure plug 19. A stop cock 14 may isolate the gauge. In a modification, Fig. 4 (not shown), the ram bears upon a diaphragm instead of being provided with a piston head. In a further modification, Fig. 5 (not shown), the upper part of the ram is formed as an oil reservoir vented to the atmosphere and communicating with the hydraulic cylinder via a check valve, so that oil deficiency in the cylinder is automatically made up. Instead of a pressure gauge or in addition thereto, an automatic recording device making a record on a tape, may be used.