US20060260872A1 - Flow divider arrangement grease distribution system - Google Patents
Flow divider arrangement grease distribution system Download PDFInfo
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- US20060260872A1 US20060260872A1 US11/361,013 US36101306A US2006260872A1 US 20060260872 A1 US20060260872 A1 US 20060260872A1 US 36101306 A US36101306 A US 36101306A US 2006260872 A1 US2006260872 A1 US 2006260872A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flow divider
- modifying material
- friction modifying
- rail
- railroad
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- Abandoned
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- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 title claims description 38
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61K—AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR RAILWAYS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B61K3/00—Wetting or lubricating rails or wheel flanges
Definitions
- the present invention relates to lubrication of railroad tracks and, more particularly, to an arrangement for applying a constant flow of friction modifying material, such as grease, to railroad rails.
- lubricant or friction modifying materials onto railroad rails, such as to the top of the rails or sides of the rails at curves, turnouts, switches, and in some cases, the sections of the track immediately before a switch, and periodically spaced along the length of the track.
- Such lubricants and friction modifying materials can either reduce or increase the friction where necessary, to improve train performance and reduce wear on both the railroad rails and the train wheels.
- An important aspect relating to the lubrication of railroad rails is that the appropriate amount of friction modifying material is applied to the railroad rails.
- the friction modifying material can be applied to the railroad rails through a wiping bar assembly, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,958, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and sold under the registered trademark MC-4 AND MC-4 XL by Portec Rail Products, Inc.
- FIG. 1 shows a prior art rail lubrication system 10 that includes railroad rails 12 , 14 and wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D secured thereto.
- Grease is typically pumped from a nearby grease tank and pump (not shown) to the wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D, such as those described above in U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,958, to the railroad rails 12 , 14 .
- the wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D are secured to the railroad rails 12 , 14 by respective clamps 18 A-D.
- a plurality of conduits 20 A-D such as tubing or hoses are fluidly coupled to the respective wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D at one end such as with the use of adapters (not shown).
- a valve assembly 22 which includes a plurality of shutoff valves 24 A-D is fluidly coupled to an opposite end of the respective conduits 20 A-D.
- An inlet line 26 is fluidly coupled to the valve assembly 22 which is in fluid communication with a grease tank and pump (not shown).
- the valve assembly 22 acts as a manifold to supply grease from inlet line 26 to conduits 2 OA-D.
- the conduits 20 A-D which are arranged in parallel with each other, generally have the same length and diameter for the purpose of providing a constant flow rate of grease passing through the valve assembly 22 and respective conduits 20 A-D.
- the flow rate of grease passing through the conduits 20 A-D will also vary, resulting in uneven flow to the respective wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D.
- railroad rails 12 , 14 may vary in temperature because the sun may shine on only one of the railroad rails 12 , 14 , while the other adjacent railroad rail is in the shade. For example, the sun may only heat up railroad rail 12 and the corresponding wiping bar assemblies 16 A-B, while the adjacent railroad rail 14 and corresponding wiping bar assemblies 16 C-D remain in the shade. This can be a particular problem during sunrise and sunset.
- the different temperatures and various back pressures of the wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D can change the viscosity of the grease passing through the respective wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D and conduits 20 A-D, thereby varying the flow rate of the grease. This, in turn, can cause improper lubrication to the railroad rails 12 , 14 , thus affecting the lubrication of train wheels coacting with the railroad rails 12 , 14 .
- the present invention provides for a flow divider arrangement for a rail lubrication distribution system for applying friction modifying material to a pair of adjacent railroad rails.
- the arrangement includes a first wiping bar assembly adapted to affix to a railroad rail, a second wiping bar assembly adapted to affix to an adjacent railroad rail and a flow divider in fluid communication with the first wiping bar assembly and the second wiping bar assembly.
- the flow divider is adapted to control the flow rate of friction modifying material to the wiping bar assemblies so that the flow rate of friction modifying material is at a constant rate independent of temperature and operating pressure to each wiping bar assembly.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a prior art grease distribution system
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a flow divider arrangement grease distribution system made in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a flow divider for the flow divider arrangement shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the flow divider shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a third embodiment the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a flow divider provided within a lubricant tank of the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of a flow divider of the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a seventh embodiment of the flow divider arrangement shown in FIG. 10 .
- a first embodiment of the present invention provides for a rail lubrication distribution system 30 that is similar to the prior art rail lubrication system 10 , except for the differences noted below.
- the system 30 includes railroad rails 12 , 14 and a flow divider arrangement 32 having a plurality of wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D secured to the railroad rails 12 , 14 for applying friction modifying material to the railroad rails 12 , 14 .
- the wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D are secured to the railroad rails 12 , 14 by respective clamps 18 A-D as described in the prior art rail lubrication system 10 .
- the flow divider arrangement 32 is in fluid communication with a lubricant tank containing a lubricant, such as grease, and a pump, via an inlet line 26 .
- a lubricant tank containing a lubricant, such as grease
- a pump such arrangements are well known in the art and are designated as TP shown in phantom in FIG. 2 .
- the flow divider arrangement 32 which provides for a constant flow rate of grease to the railroad rails 12 , 14 , includes a flow divider 34 fluidly coupled to the wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D via a plurality of conduits 20 A-D such as tubing or flexible hoses, and the inlet line 26 fluidly coupled to the flow divider 34 .
- the conduits 20 A-D can have adapters (not shown), such as hose or tube adapters, which are well known in the art for attachment of the conduits 20 A-D to the respective wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D and the inlet line 26 to the flow divider 34 .
- An in-line filter FL (shown in phantom in FIG. 2 ), such as a mesh screen, may also be placed in the inlet line 26 in order to filter out debris before the flow of lubricant reaches the flow divider 34 .
- the flow divider 34 includes a housing 35 and a plurality of metering gears 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 received within the housing 35 .
- the housing 35 includes a plurality of ports 37 (shown in FIG. 4 ) for attaching the conduits 20 A-D and inlet line 26 to the housing 35 , such that the metering gears 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 are in fluid communication with the respective conduits 20 A-D.
- the metering gears 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 are also in parallel fluid communication with the inlet line 26 .
- bypass fluid circuits 43 , 45 , 47 and 49 Downstream of the metering gears 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 are bypass fluid circuits 43 , 45 , 47 and 49 that are in fluid communication with the respective metering gears 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 .
- Pressure activated bypass valves 44 , 46 , 48 and 50 are provided within the respective bypass circuits 43 , 45 , 47 and 49 .
- the metering gears 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 are directly coupled to a drive gear (not shown) in order for the metering gears 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 to rotate at the same speed.
- An optional drive shaft D and an optional motor M′ shown in phantom in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be provided where the drive shaft D is coupled to the drive gear via the motor M′.
- the flow divider 34 does not require a separate power source when the motor is not used.
- the rotary gear flow divider 34 as described is well known in the art and can be made available from the John S. Barnes Corporation of Rockford, Ill., now owned by Haldex Inc.
- the flow divider 34 can be any type of flow divider which permits constant flow through a plurality of tubing. Other flow divider arrangements can be positive displacement pumps or motors.
- pressurized grease or friction modifying material is supplied to the inlet line 26 from a supply tank and pump designated as TP shown in phantom in FIG. 2 .
- the pressurized grease then flows to the flow divider 34 as represented by arrow F shown in FIG. 2 .
- the grease passes through the respective metering gears 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 and then flows to respective conduits 20 A-D. Because the metering gears 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 have the same diameter and rotate at the same rotational speed, the exact same amount of grease passes to the respective conduits 20 A-D. This amount of grease then flows through the conduits 20 A-D as represented by arrows F 1 to the respective wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D.
- the grease designated to pass through that specific conduit will be diverted by the respective bypass fluid circuit 43 , 45 , 47 or 49 and bypass valve 44 , 46 , 48 or 50 .
- the respective bypass valve 44 , 46 , 48 or 50 will open causing the grease to flow through the respective bypass fluid circuit 43 , 45 , 47 or 49 to flow upstream of the respective metering gear 36 , 38 , 40 or 42 and be re-circulated.
- An advantage of the present invention is that temperature and various back pressures or operating pressures will not affect the flow rate of grease to the respective wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D. Further, the lengths and diameters of each of the conduits 20 A-D can vary since the flow rate is not controlled by the flow resistance through the conduits 20 A-D, but is at a constant flow rate due to the metering gears 36 , 38 , 40 and 42 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the flow divider 34 is arranged between railroad rails 12 , 14 in such a way that conduits 20 A-B have different lengths than conduits 20 C-D of the flow divider arrangement 32 . Hence, the present invention overcomes the problem of the prior art of the possibility of different grease flow rates passing through respective wiping bar assemblies because of different temperatures or operating pressures of the wiping bar assemblies or conduit diameters or lengths.
- FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of a rail lubrication distribution system 60 that is similar to the rail lubrication distribution system 30 , except that the flow divider 34 is located on the outside of railroad rails 12 , 14 adjacent railroad rail 14 .
- Conduits 20 A-B have different lengths than conduits 20 C-D of the flow divider arrangement 32
- FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of a rail lubrication distribution system 70 that is similar to the rail lubrication distribution system 30 , except that the flow divider 34 , which is located between railroad rails 12 , 14 , is positioned at one end adjacent to wiping bar assemblies 16 A and 16 C.
- Conduits 20 B and 20 D have different lengths than conduits 20 A and 20 C of the flow divider arrangement 32 .
- FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a rail lubrication distribution system 80 that is similar to the rail lubrication distribution system 30 , except that the flow divider 34 has only two metering gears 38 , 40 in fluid communication with wiping bar assemblies 16 B and 16 A. Like referenced numerals are used for like elements.
- Conduit 20 A can have a different diameter (shown in phantom) than conduit 20 B of the flow divider arrangement 32 .
- FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of a rail lubrication distribution system 90 that is similar to the rail lubrication distribution system 80 , except that conduit 20 A has a different length than conduit 20 B.
- conduit 20 A has a different length than conduit 20 B.
- Like referenced numerals are used for like elements.
- FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of the flow divider 34 provided within a lubricant tank T (shown in phantom), which also includes a pump P and respective motor M for supplying pressurized grease or friction modifying materials to the flow divider 34 . It is envisioned that the present invention can operate without a pump P, wherein the lubricant is gravity fed into the flow divider 34 which is preferably located at a bottom of the tank T and which may be driven by a separate motor M′ shown in phantom in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of a rail lubrication distribution system 100 that is similar to the rail lubrication distribution system 80 , except that there are two flow dividers 34 , 34 ′ in fluid communication with wiping bar assemblies 16 A-D.
- the flow divider 34 has two metering gears 38 , 40 in fluid communication with respective wiping bar assemblies 16 B and 16 A, and flow divider 34 ′ has two metering gears . 36 , 42 in fluid communication with respective wiping bar assemblies 16 D and 16 C.
- Each flow divider 34 , 34 ′ is in fluid communication with separate pumps P, P′ having separate controls to vary the speed of the pumps P, P′ via inlet lines 26 , 26 ′ located within the lubricant tank T, wherein two different pressures and flow rates of lubricant can be supplied to each flow divider 34 , 34 ′.
- the flow dividers 34 , 34 ′ may be driven separately via respective motors M′ shown in phantom in FIG. 10 . This arrangement permits the same volume of flow to each wiping bar of a matching pair of wiping bar assemblies (for example 16 A and 16 B) and flow to different pairs (for example 16 A and 16 B as one pair and 16 C and 16 D as the other pair).
- FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a seventh embodiment of a rail lubrication distribution system 110 that is similar to the rail lubrication distribution system 100 , except that both flow dividers 34 , 34 ′ and the respective pumps P, P′ are provided within the lubricant tank T.
- the flow dividers 34 , 34 ′ may also be provided without pumps P, P′ and that the flow dividers 34 , 34 ′ may be driven separately via respective motors M′ shown in phantom in FIG. 11 , thereby drawing the lubricant into the flow dividers 34 , 34 ′.
- Separate controls can be provided to drive these motors so that the flow rate through each flow divider can be set and be independent of the other flow divider.
- the present invention may be utilized with friction modifying materials other than grease and apparatuses for applying this friction modifying material, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,479, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- Other apparatuses for applying friction modifying material can include a manifold having one or more ports or a hose, wherein friction modifying material can pass through onto the railroad rails. It is also envisioned that there may be more than two apparatuses for applying friction modifying material on each of the railroad rails 12 , 14 .
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Abstract
A flow divider arrangement for a rail lubrication distribution system for applying friction modifying material to a pair of adjacent railroad rails. The arrangement includes a first wiping bar assembly adapted to affix to a railroad rail, a second wiping bar assembly adapted to affix to an adjacent railroad rail and a flow divider in fluid communication with the first wiping bar assembly and the second wiping bar assembly. The flow divider is adapted to control the flow rate of friction modifying material to the wiping bar assemblies so that the flow rate of friction modifying material is at a constant rate independent of temperature and operating pressure to each wiping bar assembly.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/656,046 entitled “Flow Divider Arrangement for Grease Distribution System,” filed on Feb. 24, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to lubrication of railroad tracks and, more particularly, to an arrangement for applying a constant flow of friction modifying material, such as grease, to railroad rails.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- In the operation of railroads, it has long been the practice to apply lubricant or friction modifying materials onto railroad rails, such as to the top of the rails or sides of the rails at curves, turnouts, switches, and in some cases, the sections of the track immediately before a switch, and periodically spaced along the length of the track. Such lubricants and friction modifying materials, such as grease, can either reduce or increase the friction where necessary, to improve train performance and reduce wear on both the railroad rails and the train wheels. An important aspect relating to the lubrication of railroad rails is that the appropriate amount of friction modifying material is applied to the railroad rails. The friction modifying material can be applied to the railroad rails through a wiping bar assembly, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,958, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and sold under the registered trademark MC-4 AND MC-4 XL by Portec Rail Products, Inc.
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FIG. 1 shows a prior artrail lubrication system 10 that includesrailroad rails wiping bar assemblies 16A-D secured thereto. Grease is typically pumped from a nearby grease tank and pump (not shown) to thewiping bar assemblies 16A-D, such as those described above in U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,958, to therailroad rails wiping bar assemblies 16A-D are secured to therailroad rails respective clamps 18A-D. A plurality ofconduits 20A-D such as tubing or hoses are fluidly coupled to the respectivewiping bar assemblies 16A-D at one end such as with the use of adapters (not shown). Avalve assembly 22 which includes a plurality ofshutoff valves 24A-D is fluidly coupled to an opposite end of therespective conduits 20A-D. Aninlet line 26 is fluidly coupled to thevalve assembly 22 which is in fluid communication with a grease tank and pump (not shown). Thevalve assembly 22 acts as a manifold to supply grease frominlet line 26 to conduits 2OA-D. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , theconduits 20A-D, which are arranged in parallel with each other, generally have the same length and diameter for the purpose of providing a constant flow rate of grease passing through thevalve assembly 22 andrespective conduits 20A-D. However, if the flow resistance of the grease varies in theconduits 20A-D, the flow rate of grease passing through theconduits 20A-D will also vary, resulting in uneven flow to the respectivewiping bar assemblies 16A-D. - It has been found that
railroad rails railroad rails railroad rail 12 and the corresponding wiping bar assemblies 16A-B, while theadjacent railroad rail 14 and corresponding wiping bar assemblies 16C-D remain in the shade. This can be a particular problem during sunrise and sunset. The different temperatures and various back pressures of thewiping bar assemblies 16A-D can change the viscosity of the grease passing through the respectivewiping bar assemblies 16A-D andconduits 20A-D, thereby varying the flow rate of the grease. This, in turn, can cause improper lubrication to therailroad rails railroad rails - Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome this deficiency by providing a constant flow rate of grease through the
wiping bar assemblies 16A-D independent of the railroad rail temperatures and back pressures or operating pressures of the fluid passing through therespective conduits 20A-D of thewiping bar assemblies 16A-D. - The present invention provides for a flow divider arrangement for a rail lubrication distribution system for applying friction modifying material to a pair of adjacent railroad rails. The arrangement includes a first wiping bar assembly adapted to affix to a railroad rail, a second wiping bar assembly adapted to affix to an adjacent railroad rail and a flow divider in fluid communication with the first wiping bar assembly and the second wiping bar assembly. The flow divider is adapted to control the flow rate of friction modifying material to the wiping bar assemblies so that the flow rate of friction modifying material is at a constant rate independent of temperature and operating pressure to each wiping bar assembly.
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FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a prior art grease distribution system; -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a flow divider arrangement grease distribution system made in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a flow divider for the flow divider arrangement shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the flow divider shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a third embodiment the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a flow divider provided within a lubricant tank of the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of a flow divider of the flow divider arrangement grease distribution system of the present invention; and -
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a seventh embodiment of the flow divider arrangement shown inFIG. 10 . - Referring to
FIG. 2 , a first embodiment of the present invention provides for a raillubrication distribution system 30 that is similar to the prior artrail lubrication system 10, except for the differences noted below. Like reference numerals are used for like elements. Thesystem 30 includesrailroad rails flow divider arrangement 32 having a plurality ofwiping bar assemblies 16A-D secured to therailroad rails railroad rails wiping bar assemblies 16A-D are secured to therailroad rails respective clamps 18A-D as described in the prior artrail lubrication system 10. Theflow divider arrangement 32 is in fluid communication with a lubricant tank containing a lubricant, such as grease, and a pump, via aninlet line 26. Such arrangements are well known in the art and are designated as TP shown in phantom inFIG. 2 . Theflow divider arrangement 32, which provides for a constant flow rate of grease to therailroad rails flow divider 34 fluidly coupled to thewiping bar assemblies 16A-D via a plurality ofconduits 20A-D such as tubing or flexible hoses, and theinlet line 26 fluidly coupled to theflow divider 34. Theconduits 20A-D can have adapters (not shown), such as hose or tube adapters, which are well known in the art for attachment of theconduits 20A-D to the respectivewiping bar assemblies 16A-D and theinlet line 26 to theflow divider 34. An in-line filter FL (shown in phantom inFIG. 2 ), such as a mesh screen, may also be placed in theinlet line 26 in order to filter out debris before the flow of lubricant reaches theflow divider 34. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theflow divider 34 includes ahousing 35 and a plurality ofmetering gears housing 35. Thehousing 35 includes a plurality of ports 37 (shown inFIG. 4 ) for attaching theconduits 20A-D andinlet line 26 to thehousing 35, such that themetering gears respective conduits 20A-D. Themetering gears inlet line 26. Downstream of themetering gears bypass fluid circuits respective metering gears bypass valves respective bypass circuits metering gears metering gears FIGS. 3 and 4 may be provided where the drive shaft D is coupled to the drive gear via the motor M′. Theflow divider 34 does not require a separate power source when the motor is not used. The rotarygear flow divider 34 as described is well known in the art and can be made available from the John S. Barnes Corporation of Rockford, Ill., now owned by Haldex Inc. Theflow divider 34 can be any type of flow divider which permits constant flow through a plurality of tubing. Other flow divider arrangements can be positive displacement pumps or motors. - In operation as shown in
FIGS. 2-4 , pressurized grease or friction modifying material is supplied to theinlet line 26 from a supply tank and pump designated as TP shown in phantom inFIG. 2 . The pressurized grease then flows to theflow divider 34 as represented by arrow F shown inFIG. 2 . The grease passes through the respective metering gears 36, 38, 40 and 42 and then flows torespective conduits 20A-D. Because the metering gears 36, 38, 40 and 42 have the same diameter and rotate at the same rotational speed, the exact same amount of grease passes to therespective conduits 20A-D. This amount of grease then flows through theconduits 20A-D as represented by arrows F1 to the respectivewiping bar assemblies 16A-D. Further, should there be a pressure backup caused by one of the wipingbar assemblies 16A-D or therespective conduits 20A-D, then the grease designated to pass through that specific conduit will be diverted by the respectivebypass fluid circuit bypass valve respective bypass valve bypass fluid circuit respective metering gear - An advantage of the present invention is that temperature and various back pressures or operating pressures will not affect the flow rate of grease to the respective
wiping bar assemblies 16A-D. Further, the lengths and diameters of each of theconduits 20A-D can vary since the flow rate is not controlled by the flow resistance through theconduits 20A-D, but is at a constant flow rate due to the metering gears 36, 38, 40 and 42. As shown inFIG. 2 , theflow divider 34 is arranged between railroad rails 12, 14 in such a way thatconduits 20A-B have different lengths thanconduits 20C-D of theflow divider arrangement 32. Hence, the present invention overcomes the problem of the prior art of the possibility of different grease flow rates passing through respective wiping bar assemblies because of different temperatures or operating pressures of the wiping bar assemblies or conduit diameters or lengths. -
FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of a raillubrication distribution system 60 that is similar to the raillubrication distribution system 30, except that theflow divider 34 is located on the outside of railroad rails 12, 14adjacent railroad rail 14. Like referenced numerals are used for like elements.Conduits 20A-B have different lengths thanconduits 20C-D of theflow divider arrangement 32 -
FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of a rail lubrication distribution system 70 that is similar to the raillubrication distribution system 30, except that theflow divider 34, which is located between railroad rails 12, 14, is positioned at one end adjacent to wipingbar assemblies Conduits conduits flow divider arrangement 32. -
FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a raillubrication distribution system 80 that is similar to the raillubrication distribution system 30, except that theflow divider 34 has only two metering gears 38, 40 in fluid communication with wipingbar assemblies Conduit 20A can have a different diameter (shown in phantom) thanconduit 20B of theflow divider arrangement 32. -
FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of a raillubrication distribution system 90 that is similar to the raillubrication distribution system 80, except thatconduit 20A has a different length thanconduit 20B. Like referenced numerals are used for like elements. -
FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of theflow divider 34 provided within a lubricant tank T (shown in phantom), which also includes a pump P and respective motor M for supplying pressurized grease or friction modifying materials to theflow divider 34. It is envisioned that the present invention can operate without a pump P, wherein the lubricant is gravity fed into theflow divider 34 which is preferably located at a bottom of the tank T and which may be driven by a separate motor M′ shown in phantom inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of a raillubrication distribution system 100 that is similar to the raillubrication distribution system 80, except that there are twoflow dividers bar assemblies 16A-D. Like referenced numerals are used for like elements. Theflow divider 34 has two metering gears 38, 40 in fluid communication with respectivewiping bar assemblies divider 34′ has two metering gears .36, 42 in fluid communication with respectivewiping bar assemblies flow divider inlet lines flow divider FIG. 10 . This arrangement permits the same volume of flow to each wiping bar of a matching pair of wiping bar assemblies (for example 16A and 16B) and flow to different pairs (for example 16A and 16B as one pair and 16C and 16D as the other pair). -
FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a seventh embodiment of a raillubrication distribution system 110 that is similar to the raillubrication distribution system 100, except that both flowdividers flow dividers flow dividers FIG. 11 , thereby drawing the lubricant into theflow dividers - It is envisioned that the present invention may be utilized with friction modifying materials other than grease and apparatuses for applying this friction modifying material, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,479, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Other apparatuses for applying friction modifying material can include a manifold having one or more ports or a hose, wherein friction modifying material can pass through onto the railroad rails. It is also envisioned that there may be more than two apparatuses for applying friction modifying material on each of the railroad rails 12, 14.
- It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative only and are not limiting to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
Claims (25)
1. A flow divider arrangement for a rail lubrication system for applying friction modifying material to a pair of adjacent railroad rails, the arrangement comprising:
a first apparatus for applying friction modifying material to railroad rails adapted to affix to a railroad rail;
a second apparatus for applying friction modifying material to railroad rails adapted to affix to an adjacent railroad rail; and
a flow divider in fluid communication with said first apparatus and said second apparatus, said flow divider adapted to control the flow rate of friction modifying material to said apparatuses so that the flow rate of friction modifying material is at a constant rate independent of temperature and operating pressure to each apparatus.
2. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising at least two first apparatuses adapted to affix to a railroad rail and at least two second apparatuses adapted to affix to an adjacent railroad rail.
3. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first apparatus and said second apparatus are wiping bar assemblies.
4. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said apparatuses are fluidly connected to said flow divider via a pair of conduits.
5. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said conduits are in parallel communication to said apparatuses.
6. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said conduits have varying lengths, wherein the length of each conduit differs from the other.
7. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said conduits have varying diameters, wherein the diameter of each conduit differs from the other.
8. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said conduit is a flexible hose or tubing.
9. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising a pressurized source of friction modifying material in fluid communication with said flow divider via an inlet line.
10. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the friction modifying material is grease.
11. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said flow divider includes at least two metering gears in parallel fluid communication with said first apparatus and said second apparatus, wherein said metering gears adapted to provide a constant flow rate of friction modifying material to said first apparatus and said second apparatus.
12. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 9 , wherein said flow divider further includes at least one bypass line having a bypass valve, wherein the bypass line is in fluid communication with said conduit and said inlet line for re-circulating friction modifying material back through said flow divider when a pressure build-up occurs
13. The flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a pump in fluid communication said flow divider, wherein said pump is adapted to supply pressurized grease to said flow divider.
14. A rail lubrication distribution system comprising:
a first railroad rail;
a second railroad rail spaced apart from said first railroad rail;
a first wiping bar assembly affixed to said first railroad rail;
a second wiping bar assembly affixed to said second railroad rail; and
a flow divider in fluid communication with said first wiping bar assembly via a first conduit and said second wiping bar assembly via a second conduit, wherein said flow divider is adapted to control the flow rate of friction modifying material to said wiping bar assemblies so that the flow rate of friction modifying material is at a constant rate independent of temperature and operating pressure to each wiping bar assembly.
15. The rail lubrication distribution system as claimed in claim 14 , wherein said flow divider is positioned between said first railroad rail and said second railroad rail, wherein said first conduit has a different length from said second conduit.
16. The rail lubrication distribution system as claimed in claim 14 , wherein said flow divider is positioned between said first railroad rail and said second railroad rail, wherein said first conduit has a different diameter from said second conduit.
17. The rail lubrication distribution system as claimed in claim 14 , wherein said flow divider is positioned adjacent to said second railroad rail, wherein said first conduit has a different length from said second conduit.
18. The rail lubrication distribution system as claimed in claim 14 , wherein said flow divider is positioned adjacent to said second railroad rail, wherein said first conduit has a different diameter from said second conduit.
19. The rail lubrication distribution system as claimed in claim 14 , further comprising a pump in fluid communication said flow divider adapted to supply pressurized friction modifying material to said flow divider.
20. The rail lubrication distribution system as claimed in claim 19 , further comprising a lubricant tank for supplying friction modifying material to said flow divider, wherein said pump and said flow divider are located within said tank.
21. A flow divider arrangement for a rail lubrication system for applying friction modifying material to a pair of adjacent railroad rails, the arrangement comprising:
a first apparatus for applying friction modifying material to railroad rails adapted to affix to a railroad rail;
a second apparatus for applying friction modifying material to railroad rails adapted to affix to an adjacent railroad rail;
a first flow divider in fluid communication with said first apparatus, said first flow divider adapted to control the flow rate of friction modifying material to said first apparatus so that the flow rate of friction modifying material is at a constant rate independent of temperature and operating pressure to said first apparatus; and
a second flow divider in fluid communication with said second apparatus, said second flow divider adapted to control the flow rate of friction modifying material to said second apparatus so that the flow rate of friction modifying material is at a constant rate independent of temperature and operating pressure to said second apparatus.
22. A method of applying a constant flow rate of friction modifying material to a first railroad rail and an adjacent second railroad rail, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a first means for applying friction modifying material to the first railroad rail;
providing a second means for applying friction modifying material to the second railroad rail;
providing a flow divider in fluid communication with said first means and said second means via a plurality of conduits, wherein said conduits have different lengths; and
supplying friction modifying material to said flow divider thereby providing the same amount of friction modifying material to the first railroad rail and the second railroad rail.
23. The method as claimed in claim 22 , wherein pressurized friction modifying material is supplied to said flow divider.
24. The method as claimed in claim 22 , wherein the friction modifying material is grease.
25. The method as claimed in claim 22 using the flow divider arrangement as claimed in claim 1.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/361,013 US20060260872A1 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2006-02-23 | Flow divider arrangement grease distribution system |
PCT/US2006/006630 WO2006091832A2 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2006-02-24 | Flow divider arrangement grease distribution system |
CA002598723A CA2598723A1 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2006-02-24 | Flow divider arrangement grease distribution system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US65604605P | 2005-02-24 | 2005-02-24 | |
US11/361,013 US20060260872A1 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2006-02-23 | Flow divider arrangement grease distribution system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060260872A1 true US20060260872A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
Family
ID=36928053
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/361,013 Abandoned US20060260872A1 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2006-02-23 | Flow divider arrangement grease distribution system |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060260872A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2598723A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006091832A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110036200A1 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2011-02-17 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Side cover having fluid level control for a transmission |
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US2344465A (en) * | 1943-02-26 | 1944-03-14 | Pesco Products Co | Flow equalizer |
US2350877A (en) * | 1942-08-14 | 1944-06-06 | Cornelius James Richard | Multipoint lubrication |
US2401303A (en) * | 1941-08-27 | 1946-06-04 | American Brake Shoe Co | Railway lubricator |
US2443809A (en) * | 1943-03-18 | 1948-06-22 | Borg Warner | Two-direction flow equalizer |
US2929466A (en) * | 1958-03-17 | 1960-03-22 | Railway Maintenance Corp | Rail flange lubricator |
US3655025A (en) * | 1970-06-29 | 1972-04-11 | Armstrong Blum Mfg Co | Side ejector for band saw conveyor or the like |
US4186821A (en) * | 1978-05-15 | 1980-02-05 | McNeill Corporation | Lubricating apparatus |
US4214647A (en) * | 1978-02-24 | 1980-07-29 | Lutts William M | Automatic rail greasing apparatus |
US4334596A (en) * | 1980-11-26 | 1982-06-15 | Moore And Steele Corporation | Hydraulic fluid-operated railway track lubricating apparatus |
US4346785A (en) * | 1980-03-24 | 1982-08-31 | Abex Corporation | Rail lubricator |
US5394958A (en) * | 1992-12-22 | 1995-03-07 | Portec Inc. | Rail lubrication apparatus |
US20020056592A1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2002-05-16 | Lincoln Industrial Corporation | Railroad track lubrication and monitoring thereof |
US20020166586A1 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2002-11-14 | Flavelle William D. | Fluid metering device |
US6971479B1 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2005-12-06 | Portec Rail Products, Inc. | Top of rail applicator |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USRE24892E (en) * | 1956-11-23 | 1960-10-25 | Flow divider valve with relief valve and variable orifice |
-
2006
- 2006-02-23 US US11/361,013 patent/US20060260872A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-02-24 CA CA002598723A patent/CA2598723A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-02-24 WO PCT/US2006/006630 patent/WO2006091832A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2401303A (en) * | 1941-08-27 | 1946-06-04 | American Brake Shoe Co | Railway lubricator |
US2350877A (en) * | 1942-08-14 | 1944-06-06 | Cornelius James Richard | Multipoint lubrication |
US2344465A (en) * | 1943-02-26 | 1944-03-14 | Pesco Products Co | Flow equalizer |
US2443809A (en) * | 1943-03-18 | 1948-06-22 | Borg Warner | Two-direction flow equalizer |
US2929466A (en) * | 1958-03-17 | 1960-03-22 | Railway Maintenance Corp | Rail flange lubricator |
US3655025A (en) * | 1970-06-29 | 1972-04-11 | Armstrong Blum Mfg Co | Side ejector for band saw conveyor or the like |
US4214647A (en) * | 1978-02-24 | 1980-07-29 | Lutts William M | Automatic rail greasing apparatus |
US4186821A (en) * | 1978-05-15 | 1980-02-05 | McNeill Corporation | Lubricating apparatus |
US4346785A (en) * | 1980-03-24 | 1982-08-31 | Abex Corporation | Rail lubricator |
US4334596A (en) * | 1980-11-26 | 1982-06-15 | Moore And Steele Corporation | Hydraulic fluid-operated railway track lubricating apparatus |
US5394958A (en) * | 1992-12-22 | 1995-03-07 | Portec Inc. | Rail lubrication apparatus |
US6971479B1 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2005-12-06 | Portec Rail Products, Inc. | Top of rail applicator |
US20020056592A1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2002-05-16 | Lincoln Industrial Corporation | Railroad track lubrication and monitoring thereof |
US20020166586A1 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2002-11-14 | Flavelle William D. | Fluid metering device |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110036200A1 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2011-02-17 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Side cover having fluid level control for a transmission |
US8333264B2 (en) * | 2009-08-13 | 2012-12-18 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Side cover having fluid level control for a transmission |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2006091832A3 (en) | 2007-09-27 |
WO2006091832A2 (en) | 2006-08-31 |
CA2598723A1 (en) | 2006-08-31 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PORTEC RAIL PRODUCTS, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SCHNORR, III, CHARLES HENRY;URMSON, JR., W. THOMAS;MOSPAN, JOHN W.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017950/0861;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060505 TO 20060523 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |