WO2014106815A2

WO2014106815A2 - A perforated fluid dispensing hose or tube for the purpose of applying liquids and/or gases to railroad tracks including railroad switches, railroad crossings, bridge overheads and tunnel walls

Info

Publication number: WO2014106815A2
Application number: PCT/IB2014/000628
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clive MICHELSEN
Original assignee: Michelsen Clive
Priority date: 2013-01-03
Filing date: 2014-01-02
Publication date: 2014-07-10
Also published as: WO2014106815A3

Abstract

In accordance with the present inventive concept, there is provided a device for dispensing at least one maintenance agent, such as an anti-ice agent, a de-icing agent or a lubricant, in a railroad application area, wherein the device comprises a dispensing arrangement. The dispensing arrangement comprises a first dispensing member (6, 7) comprising an inlet which is adapted to receive a first maintenance agent, at ieast a part of the first dispensing member (6, 7) being adapted to be arranged in the railroad application area, Moreover, the first dispensing member (6, 7) comprises at Ieast one perforated hole (10) along a predetermined length of the first dispensing member (8, 7).

Description

A PERFORATED FLUID DISPENSING HOSE OR TUBE FOR THE PURPOSE

OF APPLYING LIQUIDS AND/OR GASES TO RAILROAD TRACKS !NCLUDING RAILROAD SWITCHES. RAILROAD CROSSINGS, BRIDGE OVERHEADS AND

TUNNEL WALLS Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to dispensing devices. More specifically the present invention relates to devices for dispensing liquids and gases to railroad tracks with surroundings, including railroad switches, railroad crossings, bridge overheads and tunnel walls.

Background art

It is well known that the application of a lubricant to the switch plates or glide plates (Figs. 4, 8 and 9} improves the function of the switch rail or tongue rai! to open and close. Lubricating the moving parts of the railroad switch significantly reduces the rate at which the switch rail becomes worn as it moves back and forth. Lubricating the switch plates therefore reduces this wear.

Railroad switches are located throughout a railroad network and are used to switch trains from one rail to another rail as trains change tracks. In the case of a rail marshaling yard, there can be many switches in close vicinity of one another and schedules maintenance is therefore easier; however, outside of these marshaling yards the location and proximity of railroad switches to one another can vary considerably. These distances make manual lubrication or treatment of anti-ice agents both costly and time consuming for railroad companies maintenance crews. A standard lubrication schedule recommended and used by the majority of railroad companies is to manually lubricate said railroad switches on a monthly basis; however, it is recommended that heavily used switches should be lubricated every two to three weeks.

Using an example to illustrate this point, the Swedish railroad network consists of approximately 12,500 kilometers of track and has around 12,000 railroad switches covering the entire country. Sweden is the longest country in Europe with an approximate length of 1,900 kilometers from Malmo in the south to Kiruna in the north (within the artic circle). Manually lubricating these switches and preparing them with anti-ice agents is both costly and time-consuming. In just considering lubrication for these switches, on the recommended

maintenance standards, Sweden's estimated labor costs for lubricating said railroad switches is about 180,720,000.00 Kroner or $27,803,076.00 for labor alone (at today's rate of 6.50 Kroner to US$1.00), not counting the liquid and/or gas. Today, most companies are trying to extend "LEAN" practices in order to save time and money and many of these practices are directed towards maintenance and extending the schedule between lubrication times has become standard practice and railroad switches are now lubricated only every 8 weeks instead of the recommend three to four weeks. The results are well-known:

switch failures are more common; switches are in poorer condition, switch replacement is lagging behind schedule, and their lack of lubrication and accumulation of dirt provides additional binding areas for ice to form over during the winter months resulting in railroad switch failure and service delays. The accumulation of snow and the formation of ice on railroad switches, crossings, tunnel wails, railroad bridges, overpasses can cause significant deiays and operating problems, Historicai!y, the approach to addressing these problems has been to use heated switches such as a temperature heating cable disposed lengthwise against the side of the rail. The cable consists of an electrical resistant heating wire encased In a high temperature resistant electrically insuiating materia! confined inside a thermaiiy conductive deformable metal sheath. There are a number of variations of these types of products on the market. In Sweden for instance, the copper-based wire is heated to plus thirty- two degrees Ceisius and triggered by a vertical tube sensor that detects snow falling (precipitation). Other ice and snow prevention systems include hot and cold air blowers, gas-fired flames, spraying of glycol de-icing and anti-icing based chemicals, and as a last resort manual removal with brooms and pickaxes (still very common today). All of the above-mentioned systems have inefficiencies since they either require manuai operation, overiy expensive energy costs in heating the switches twenty-four hours per day since many of the electrical heaters are on full-time throughout the winter. Other methods of manually spraying anti-freeze or de-icing agents to prevent the build-up of ice and snow over and around the railroad has been somewhat successful; however, manually appiying the iiquid and/or gas is, although less expensive than heaters, not efficient since maintenance crews might need to treat the same switch twice or three times during a heavy snow storm since these chemicals melt about fifteen centimeters per application.

Another method using de-icing or anti-icing chemicals uses a system of spray heads placed at specific points around the switch or a marshaling yard to direct said agent in the direction of the problem area. This method has met with some success however; complete coverage of the switch area cannot be achieved due to factors such as; wind direction, wind speed, and Inner mechanics of the switch and crossing itself cannot be reached with basic spraying. Depending upon the approved safety speed for a determined area of the railroad track actual switch lengths can vary from a few meters to over fifty meters in length.

Summary of .the .invention

It is therefore an object of the present inventive concept to provide a more effective maintenance method to railroad systems.

According to a first aspect of the present inventive concept, there is provided a device for dispensing at least one maintenance agent, such as an anti-ice agent, a de-icing agent or a lubricant, in a railroad application area. The device comprises a dispensing arrangement comprising a first dispensing member in the form of a hose or a tube. The first dispensing member comprises an inlet which is adapted to receive a first maintenance agent and at least a part of the first dispensing member is adapted to be arranged in the railroad application area. Moreover, the first dispensing member comprises at least one perforated hole along a predetermined length of the first dispensing member.

By a railroad application area is meant an area which comprises a part or the whoie of at least one raiiroad object chosen from a railroad track, a railroad switch, a railroad crossing, a railroad bridge overhead, a railroad funnel, a railroad tunnel wall and a roof top. The raiiroad track may comprise a stock rai! and/or a tongue rail. The railroad application area may also comprise areas in the vicinity of these objects, e.g. ihe surroundings of a railroad switch which needs to be maintained in order for the rai!road switch to function properly. By

"maintaining" is here meant that disturbing elements such as ice, hail and snow may be removed from the object and its surroundings and/or that the object may be lubricated which may improve its function.

By a maintenance agent is meant a maintenance liquid or a maintenance gas. The maintenance liquid or maintenance gas is a liquid or a gas,

respectively, which is adapted for maintenance of the railroad application area, see below. In one example, the maintenance liquid is an anti-freeze liquid, an anti-snow liquid or a de-icing liquid which may prevent ice and snow from forming in the railroad application area and/or remove ice and snow from the railroad application area. In another example, the maintenance liquid is a lubrication liquid which may lubricate one or several objects in the railroad application area, such as a railroad switch, !n yet another example, the maintenance agent comprises an anti-icing or de-icing chemical. The first maintenance agent may fill the first dispensing member under pressure so that it may be expelled from the first dispensing member via the holes.

By dispensing an agent is here meant distributing the agent over a certain area. In one example, the dispensing operation is performed continuously during a predetermined time period, in another example, the dispensing operation is performed at certain isolated points in time during a predetermined time period. In particular, dispensing an agent may mean spraying the agent from a perforated hole or from a nozzle comprised in the dispensing member.

At least a part of the first dispensing member may be arranged in the railroad application area. Indeed, the remaining parts of the first dispensing member, which may comprise the inlet and the outlet of the first dispensing member, may be connected to a reservoir or a storage container for the at least one maintenance agent which may be located at a distance from the railroad application area.

The dispensing member may be a hose, a tube or a pipe. The dispensing member may be flexible. Alternatively, the dispensing member may be rigid.

A perforated hole may extend from the inner side of the first dispensing member to the outer side of the first dispensing member, thereby allowing for a release of the maintenance agent from the perforated hole. The inner and outer side of the dispensing member defines a wall thickness of the dispensing member. The shape of a cross-section of the inner side of the first dispensing member may correspond to the shape of a cross-section of the outer side of the first dispensing member. By way of example, the shape of the cross-section of the inner side may be a circle and the shape of the cross-section of the outer side may be a larger circle, where the dispensing member assumes a cylindrical form. The extension of a perforated hole may be varying In a thickness direction of the wall. In a first example, the extension decreases in a direction from the inner side toward the outer side of the dispensing member, thereby producing one type of spray nozzle. In a second example, the extension increases in a direction from the inner side toward the outer side of the dispensing member, thereby producing a different type of spray nozzle.

When mounted, the first dispensing member may abut against a part or the whole of a railroad object. The predetermined length of the first dispensing member may correspond to a length in the railroad application area, e.g. a iengih of a railroad track or some other railroad object.

Sy means of the inventive device, the at least one maintenance agent may be directed in an improved manner. The perforated hoies may be provided at suitably spaced intervals for obtaining an optima! dispersal of the agent in the raiiroad application area under consideration, in particular, the perforated hoies may be distributed at regularly spaced intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first dispensing member. Moreover, each of the perforated hoies may be shaped according to a specific dispensing criterium. For example, in one part of the railroad application area a large dispersal of the maintenance agent may be desired as compared to another part of the raiiroad application area, wherefore a larger number of perforated holes and/or larger perforated holes are required in this part,

Additionally, the dispensing of the maintenance agent may be directed more accurately, in particular, the perforated holes may be distributed at suitable places along the circumference of the first dispensing member, in a specific example, ail the perforated holes comprised in the first dispensing member are positioned at the same angular position, thereby dispensing in substantiaily the same direction.

The inventive device may easily be provided at the desired positions in the railroad application area which need to be maintained. Also, the device may easily be repositioned, for example in order to obtain a different or improved dispensing pattern within the railroad application area,

The amount of the first maintenance agent to be dispensed may easiiy be modified according to desire by adjusting shape of the perforated hoies and/or controlling the amount of the first maintenance agent which enters the inlet of the first dispensing member. The first maintenance agent may be applied within the railroad application area during predetermined time periods. Alternatively, the first maintenance agent may be applied according to prevailing, expected, or forecasted, weather conditions.

in view of the above, there is consequently provided a more effective maintenance method to railroad systems.

According to one embodiment, the dispensing arrangement further comprises a second dispensing member in the form of a hose or a tube comprising an inlet which is adapted to receive a second maintenance agent, at ieast a part of the second dispensing member being adapted to be arranged in the railroad application area. The second dispensing member comprises at Ieast one perforated hole along a predetermined length of the second dispensing member.

Preferably, there Is no connection between the second dispensing member and the first dispensing member. Moreover, the second maintenance agent is preferably different from the first maintenance agent.

Each of the perforated holes may extend from an inner side of the second dispensing member to an outer side of the second dispensing member.

By means of the second dispensing member, the device aS!ows for a duai capability, wherein a first and a second maintenance agent may be applied simultaneously within the railroad application area. For instance, a lubricant and an anti-ice liquid may be applied simultaneously within the railroad application area by means of the first and second dispensing member, respectively. Alternatively, the first and the second maintenance agents may be applied separately during different time periods. The time periods may be scheduled or may be determined by prevailing, expected, or forecasted, weather conditions.

Similar features as for the first dispensing member as described above as vveii as below apply also for the second dispensing member. In particular, the discussions related to the perforated holes apply.

According to an alternative embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of dispensing members in the form of hoses, tubes or pipes for dispensing additional maintenance agents. In a non-limiting exampie, a third dispensing member, a fourth dispensing member, and a fifth dispensing member may be comprised in the device for dispensing a third, a fourth, and a fifth maintenace agent, respectively. Similar features as for the first and second dispensing member as described above and below apply also for the plurality of dispensing member. In particular, the discussions related to the perforated holes apply. By means of the plurality of dispensing members, the device allows for a multiple capability, wherein a plurality of maintenance agents may be applied

simultaneously within the railroad application area. For instance, a lubricant, an anti-ice liquid and an de-icing gas may be applied simultaneously within the railroad application area.

According to one embodiment, a shape of at least two of the perforated holes are different. Here and in the following it is understood that the perforated holes may be provided on the first dispensing member, the second dispensing member, or both the first and the second dispensing member. By shape is in this context meant a shape of the hole at the outer side of the dispensing member, The cross-section of the hoie may be constant throughout the wall of the dispensing member. Optionally, however, the wording shape may in this context mean a shape throughout the wall of the dispensing member, extending from the inner to the outer side of the dispensing member, allowing for a variation of the shape of the cross-section of the perforated hole. Hence, the shape of a cross- section of the perforated hole may assume the form an ellipse, a star ellipse, a rectangle, a square, or a circle, wherein the cross-section may decrease when going from the outer side to the inner side of the dispensing member. In the case of a circular cross-section, the shape of the hoie consequently may assume a frustoconical form. In one example, the perforated holes of the first dispensing member may be different. In another example, the perforated holes of the second dispensing member may be different. In yet another exampie, the perforated holes of the first dispensing member as well as the second dispensing member may be different.

According to one embodiment, at least two of the perforated holes are provided with different opening angles. A perforaied hole in a dispensing member is defined by an inner wall comprised in the wall of the dispensing member. The inner wali may extend from the inner side of the dispensing member to the outer side of the dispensing member. An opening angle of a hole may be defined as an angle as measured in a thickness direction of the dispensing member in which the hole is provided. The opening angle of a hole in a transverse direction of the dispensing member may be different than the opening angle of the same hole in a iongitudinai direction, in the specific case of a tubular dispensing member, having an annular cross-section, the opening angie of a hole in an anguiar circumferential direction of the dispensing member may be different than the opening angle of the same hoie in a iongitudinai direction. By having different opening angles for different perforated holes, the maintenance agent may be dispersed differently for the different perforated holes.

According to one embodiment, a cross-section of at least one dispensing member comprised in the dispensing arrangement is annular. It is understood that the dispensing member may be at least one of the first and the second dispensing member. Thereby, the dispensing member may be tubular. The cross-section of the dispensing member may be constant throughout the longitudinal direction of the dispensing member. An advantage of having an annular cross-section is that the dispensing member is easy to manufacture.

Here and in the following it is meant by the wording "at least one comprised in the dispensing arrangement" that at least the first dispensing member is comprised in the dispensing arrangement, but that also the second dispensing member may be comprised in the dispensing arrangement.

Optionally, additional dispensing members may also be comprised in the dispensing arrangement, e.g. a third dispensing member, a fourth dispensing member, etc.

According to one embodiment, at least one dispensing member comprised in the dispensing arrangement has a varying wall thickness.

According to one embodiment, the shape of at least one of the perforated holes is in the form of an ellipse, a star ellipse, a rectangle, a square, or a circle.

According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a fastening device, such as a clamp or a clip, for fastening at least a section of the

dispensing arrangement in the railroad application area. In one example, the fastening device is arranged on a lower part of a stock rail. In another exampie, the fastening device is arranged on a lower part of a tongue rail. The fastening device may fasten one or several dispensing members comprised in the dispensing arrangement. It is clear that other fastening devices may be utilized such as a wire, a wire clamp or an adhesive.

The wire clamp may be a hardened alloy spring clamp or spring clip. The wire clamp may position one or several dispensing devices either at the base of the stock/tongue rails or, alternatively, at the center part of the stock rail. Once the fastening device has been clamped into place, the dispensing devices may be removed and set into place by clipping them into piace. Another advantage of using spring clamps/clips is that they allow for combining the device for dispensing maintenance agents with any heated switches that use a heating element placed at the base of the stock/tongue rail. Thus, the device may be adapted to switches without heated solutions.

The clamp may comprise a bottom portion, a securing portion and a holding portion. A part of the clamp may have a shape which corresponds to a part of a lower part of a stock rail or, alternatively, a part of a lower part of a tongue rail. The bottom portion may be a flat portion connecting the securing portion and the holding portion. The securing portion may be arranged to counteract a lateral displacement of the clamp in a mounted state of the clamp, in one example, the cross-section of a part of the securing portion may be parallel with respect to a cross-section of the bottom portion. In another example, the cross-section of a part of the securing portion may form an acute angle with respect to a cross-section of the bottom portion. The securing portion may comprise a projection which may be at least partly arranged around an upper section of the lower part of the stock rail or an upper section of the lower part of the tongue rail. The securing portion may be resilient. The holding portion may comprise a first section whose shape corresponds to a part of a lower part of a stock rail or, alternatively, a part of a lower part of a tongue rail, and a second section whose shape corresponds to one or several dispensing members, in one exampie, a cross-section of the first section forms an obtuse angle with respect to the cross-section of the bottom portion. In another exampie, the cross-section of the first section forms an acute angle with respect to the cross-section of the bottom portion. The second section may comprise one or several parts whose cross-sections are substantially semi-circular, wherein each part is adapted to engage with a portion of a dispensing member having, say, a circular cross- section. It is clear that the second section may comprise parts of other shapes. The shapes of these parts preferably correspond to the shape of the dispensing members the second section is adapted to hold, in a non-iimiting example, the second section is adapted to fasten two dispensing members and therefore comprises two parts of semi-circular cross-section. The first section may be resilient in order to engage with the stock rail or the tongue rail.

According to one embodiment, the device further comprises means for establishing an optimal time for dispensing the at least one maintenance agent based on climate information, wherein the climate information comprises at least one of dew point information, temperature information, humidity information and precipitation information. By the wording "time" is here meant a particular time event and optionally also a time interval, i.e. a duration of the dispersal. An advantage of this embodiment is that the at least one maintenance agent may be dispersed more efficiently. Based on the climate information the dispersal may be adapted to occur at suitable times and also the amount of maintenance agent to be dispersed may be adjusted.

According to one embodiment, the device further comprises an

operational box which comprises at least one of a circuit board, a pressure pump, a compressor, a digital converter, a communication device and a weather station.

According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a reservoir for the at least one maintenance agent for providing the at least maintenance agent to at least one dispensing member comprised in the dispensing arrangement.

According to one embodiment, at ieast one of the dispensing members comprised in the dispensing arrangement has a lower fiat outer side portion extending along at least a part of an outer side of the at least one dispensing member. By means of the lower flat outer side portion, a more rigid and stable arrangement of the dispensing member against a flat surface may be achieved. For example, when mounted, the lower flat outer side portion may abut against a flat section of a stock rail and/or a tongue raii and may be clamped thereto by means of a fastening device. The perforated holes may be positioned oppositely to the lower flat outer side portion on an upper outer side portion of the

dispensing member. Alternatively, the perforated holes may be positioned on a lateral outer side portion of the dispensing member.

According to one embodiment, the at Ieast one of the dispensing members comprised in the dispensing arrangement has two opposing parallel flat outer side portions extending along at Ieast a part of its outer side, each opposing parailei flat outer side portion being provided perpendicularly with respect to the lower flat outer side portion. The lower flat outer side portion and the two opposing parailei flat outer side portions may form a U-shaped cross- section. The two opposing parallel flat outer side portions are preferably provided along the same longitudinal section of the dispensing member as the lower flat outer side portion. The opposing parallel flat outer side portion and the lower flat outer side portion may be provided along certain segments of the dispensing member. Alternatively, the opposing parallel flat outer side portion and the lower flat outer side portion may be provided along the entire dispensing member, A parallel flat outer side portion may admit a more rigid arrangement of the dispensing member against a flat surface. Moreover, the dispensing member may be positioned in a channel or a groove having a lower wall and two opposing side walls and a shape corresponding to the lower flat outer side portion and the two opposing parallel flat outer side portions of the dispensing member. Thereby, when inserted into the channel or the groove, the dispensing member may be secured in an improved manner. The two opposing parallel flat outer side portions may counteract twisting of the dispensing member when the dispensing member is clamped onto a stock rail and/or a tongue rail.

In addition, by inserting a dispensing member, having the three flat outer side portions, into a channel or a groove of this type, perforated holes may be more easily provided in the wail of the dispensing member, indeed, lateral movements as well as vertical movements of the dispensing member may be efficiently counteracted while holes are provided in the dispensing member by, for example, boring the dispensing member from above. Additionally, by means of the three flat outer side portions, the dispensing member may be guided into the channel or groove in an improved manner. Moreover, a twisting of the dispensing member white making the perforated holes may be efficiently counteracted. Thereby, a more accurate placement of the perforated holes may be provided.

Additionally, a similar channel or groove may be convenient when providing the dispensing member with a longitudinal hole extending through the dispensing member from the inlet to the outlet. In this case, a longitudinal movement of the dispensing member may be counteracted by providing a stopping wail at the outlet of the dispensing member.

According to one embodiment, the at least one of the dispensing members comprised in the dispensing arrangement has two opposing parallel flat outer side portions extending along at least a part of its outer side, each opposing parallel flat outer side portion being provided at an angle with respect to the lower flat outer side portion. Thus, the lower flat outer side portion is slanted with respect to the opposing parallel flat outer side portions. An advantage of having a slanted lower flat outer side portion is that the positioning of the dispensing member may be improved. Thereby, the accuracy of a spray pattern from the dispensing member may be improved. The angle may be adjusted to the base surface on which the dispensing member is to be mounted. For example, the lower flat outer side portion of the dispensing member may be placed against an inclined flat part of the stock rail and/or a tongue. As a consequence, the dispensing of the maintenance agent may be more accurate, e,g, by allowing for a more directed spray pattern from the perforated holes comprised in the dispensing member. The perforated holes may be positioned oppositely to the lower flat outer side portion on the upper outer side portion of the dispensing member. Alternatively, the perforated holes may be positioned on a lateral outer side portion of the dispensing member, above the opposing parallel flat outer side portions.

The angle between the lower flat outer side portion and the two opposing parallel flat outer side portions is preferably between 20° and 160°. According to one embodiment, the ang!e is comprised in the interval between 45° and 135°. More preferably, the angle is comprised in the interval between 75º and 105°. In a non-limiting example, the angle is given by 82º meaning that with respect to a given base surface onto which the tower flat outer side portion abuts, the dispensing member is tilted by 8º as compared to a corresponding dispensing member abutting against the same base surface but having perpendicular lower flat outer side portion and opposing parallel fiat outer side portions.

The device may apply multiple liquids and/or gases to railroad switches, railroad crossings, raiiroad bridge-overheads, raiiroad tunnel-walls, roof tops and other areas.

The device may be designed as a hose or tube with perforated holes in the hose or tube and running a predetermined length of the hose or tube.

The perforated holes may be designed to produce various spray patterns when under pressure.

The shapes of the perforated holes may produce varying spray coverage results.

The hose wail thickness or tube wail thickness varies and its wall diameter may be increased or decreased to allow for varied bar pressures and spray coverage.

The hose wall thickness or tube wali thickness varies and its wall diameter may be increased or decreased to allow for varied spray patterns.

The angle of the perforated hole in the wall of the hose or tube, leading from the perforated hole shape, on the inside part or iining of the hose or tube wali through the outside of the hose or tube surface, may vary In angle to produce varying types of spray coverage and spray results.

The device may be fastened or clamped to the stock or switch rail by means of a quick release clip or clamp.

The quick release clip or clamp may enable efficient replacement of the device.

The device may appiy various chemicals, agents and gases such as an anti-ice liquid, a lubricant, or any other liquids to raiiroad switches, railroad crossings, railroad bridge-overheads, railroad tunnel-wails, roof tops and other areas.

A delivery system for the device may be provided, wherein the device is connected to an operational box via an easy connector box for operational purposes. The connector box may serve as an easy connect station for the hoses or tubes, and the connector box may be used as a serial connection point with other connector boxes within a predetermined area and, moreover, the connector box may include various rudimentary mechanics devices as welf as solenoid valves.

An operational box may be provided, wherein a circuit board (with numerous inputs and outputs), at least one variable pressure pump, a

compressor, and digital converter, communication device such as GPRS, 4G network or other, a weather station to measure various climatic conditions (dew point, humidity, temperature, precipitation, and other variables), and other modifications as needed are included.

One or more reservoirs for the chemicals, agents, lubricants or other liquids or gases may be provided, wherein the reservoirs are connected to the pump via solenoid valves and hose or tube into the operational box. The communication device may be connected to a server via a

communication tower, 6RPS station or BTS station for digital transference of measurement data, data, and other operational instructions.

The server may be equipped with a data base to send and receive data from the operational box via the communication device.

The server may be connected to a user friendly software package wherein the user can fully operate the operational box from a remote location. Spraying parameters may be entered, a schedule for spraying times may be arranged, maintenance and information may be provided and scheduled and other normal operational functions.

The delivery system may be serially connected, where one operational box may monitor and spray multiple locations within a predetermined area.

The manufacture of the device for applying multiple liquids and/or gases may use various metal objects of various shapes and sizes that are formed to the desired and specific angles and shapes of the perforated holes and that are heated to various temperatures in order to perforate the hose, whereas the surface of the perforated hoses fuses to form a stronger perforated hole than otherwise would occur if the perforated holes were manufactured by other means such hole-punching, laser, water-Jet or other methods.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otheavise.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non- limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a top view, side view, cross-section, angles and hole shapes for the hose and tube invention;

Figure 2 shows a typical railroad switch indicating the application area;

Figure 3 shows two marked areas in reference to Fig, 2 where the accumulation and compaction of snow and ice occur on a railroad switch;

Figure 4 shows a typical railroad switch showing the switch plates and the necessary lubrication area referenced in Fig. 2;

Figure 5 illustrates a typical railroad switch showing the spray pattern achieved for both the anti-ice and lubrication hoses or tubes as referenced in

Figs. 2, 3 and 4;

Figure 8 is a close-up diagonal view of a stock rail showing the hose/tube placement and, how it is clamped onto the stock rail, and an illustrated spray pattern and reference in Figs. 1 , 2, 3, 4 and 5;

Figure 7 is a close-up diagonal view of a switch rail showing hose/tube placement and clamping the various spray hoies can be seen at various distances depending upon the desired spray coverage as per Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; Figure 8 is a close-up of a cross-section of an open and closed stock and switch rail showing hose/tube placement, spray patterns and liquid and/or gas coverage, and clamps as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2₅ 3, 4, 5, 8 and 7;

Figure 9 is a close-up of a top view of a switch plate, stock and switch rail showing hose/tube position, spray directions, and damps for a lubricant and an anti-ice iiquid and/or gas as indicated in Figs, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 7 and 8.

Figure 10 is a schematic drawing showing a duai purpose application method using hoses or tubes for the application of Iiquid and/or gas to a typical railroad switch along with a remote operator's terminal, GPRS communication, reservoir tanks, operational box and track side easy connect box.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a dispensing member in the form of a hose or a tube having an annular cross-section.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectionai side view of a dispensing member in the form of a hose or a tube having two opposing parallel flat outer side portions and a Sower flat outer side portion .

Figure 13 is a cross-sectionai side view of the dispensing member in Fig, 12 which is inserted into a channel.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a dispensing member in the form of a hose or a tube having two opposing parallel flat outer side portions and a sianted lower flat outer side portion.

Figure 15 illustrates a clamp for fastening the dispensing members according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The invention uses a perforated hose or tube, of various shapes, sizes and wall thicknesses, to evenly and accurately dispense fluids onto railroad switches, railroad crossings, railroad bridge overheads, railroad tunnels and even roof tops. The perforated holes are situated continuously along the length of the hose or tube over the predetermined area. These holes are spaced apart according to the desired spray coverage for the Iiquid and/or gas used. For example, when lubricating railroad switch piates, number 4, one or more perforated hole/s is/are located a center of each switch plate consecutively approximately fifty to seventy centimeters apart, see Fig. 9, number 4.2. Since the invention has a duai purpose of applying an anti-ice liquid and/or gas and a lubricant iiquid and/or gas to the railroad switches, two hoses or tubes are used. Additional hoses can be added as needed. However, for the sole purpose of preventing snow drifts from approaching the switch rails, only one perforated hose or tube is used on the outer stock rail as indicated in Fig. 8 by number 20. Moreover, if the outer rail facing the on-coming snow-drift is a switch rail then two hoses or tubes are normally used, see Fig. 8, numbers 6 and 7. Also, this invention allows for the extension of the anti-ice Iiquid and/or gas hose or tube beyond the switch area to allow for "snow drag". Snow drag is a snow-drift or snow being pulled into a switch area by a moving train (caused by the train's drag). By increasing the hose or tube lengths beyond the actual switch area (ten to twenty meters depending upon the speed of the track) the spray coverage can be even more effective against snow drag or snow-drift.

In order to have a great degree of flexibility in meeting micro-ciimate conditions, from plus seventy degrees Celsius (+70^SC) to minus seventy degrees Celsius (-70°C), the hoses or tubes according to Fig. 1 through Fig. 10 may be manufactured with various wail thicknesses, see Fig, 1 , number 8, to allow for increased pressure as we!! as flexibility in the design, depth, angle, and shape of the perforated holes to maximize spray patterns, see Fig. 1 , numbers 9 and 10, during various situational temperature changes to which the hoses are exposed throughout the year and in various regions of the world. Hoses and tubes can be selected from a number of materials such as nylon, fluoropolyomer, polyethylene, poSyurethane, reinforced polyurethane, pneumatic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), cross-linked high-density polyethylene (PEX), poSybutylene (P8), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABC), PVC polyester elastomer liner, thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, Teflon and combinations thereof. Optional alloys such as steel, stainless steel, copper, iron, galvanized steel, brass, ductile, aluminum, Ineonel, and combinations thereof. Additionally, the hoses, tubes or pipes may be coated with Teflon.

This invention provides a method to effectively apply liquids and/or gases to the various parts of a railroad system as mentioned herein. Furthermore, the flexibility of attaching the hoses and the ability to spray difficult to reach areas with the device (hoses and tubes) provides beneficial maintenance advantages not present on other systems. Some benefits are derived from the clamps, see Figs. 6, 7, 8 and 9, numbers 15 and 16, in that the hoses are easily removed or replaced if damaged. This method reduces the time spent on the tracks by maintenance since hoses or tubes can be removed or replaced in within a few minutes keeping rail service running, in addition, these hoses or tubes connect by means of an easy connect fitting into an easy connect box adjacent to the railroad switch, as shown in Fig. 10, number 13.

Since machine to machine communication is so common today, this invention does not see the remote access of this invention as an exclusive invention or an exclusive idea, but rather as a generic method commoniy used in many industries today. However, the interactive software, variables (rail temperature, Fig, 10, number 12, and the weather station, Fig, 10, number 14, and other data) and database driven actions are unique to this dual lubrication anti-ice application method, Fig. 10, numbers 22 and 23, and the manufacturing process of the hoses or tubes is unique.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention and presenting its currently understood "best practice" of operation, the following references will be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It will nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope or the design of the invention is thereby intended, with such alterations and further applications of the principles of the invention illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

The present invention is designed to provide an effective way to apply a lubricant, anti-ice agent, de-icing agent or gas to railroad switches, crossings (frogs) and other areas. Present methods generally require manual applications at a certain frequency (once a week or month or Ionger, prior, during after a snow storm). This is labor intensive and leads to irregular maintenance of switches and crossings especially In remote areas.

Without effective lubrication and ice or snow free conditions, switches may not engage fully and rail service grinds to a stop. Without effective ice free conditions tongue rails 2 cannot close, throw rods 3 freeze and crossings become difficult to pass. Currently, these have to be cleaned manually and in poor conditions these can take days to free up and before regular service can resume. An instrumental aspect to this invention is that is provides a simple and effective way to apply lubricants, anti-ice agents, de-ice agents, gases and other agents to specific hard to reach and general areas of the areas via a perforated hose or tube.

Fig, 1 shows a hose or tube 6, 7 used for the purpose of applying a iubricant 6 and anti-ice agents and other chemicals or gases 7, For simplicity sake, the illustration shows a smali section of one hose or tube with various views (top view, side view and cross-sectional view) as well as the angle applicable to the depth of the perforated holes 9 and the shape or orientation of the perforated holes 10. The perforated holes for hose or tube 6 (used for lubrication) are spaced at intervals indicated by the numeral 6,1 related to the same distance between the centers of each switch plate 4 in Fig. 2 (the intervals for the perforated holes can vary and are determined by specific railroad standards for each country or switch manufacturer and can be placed anywhere from fifty centimeters (50 cm) to eighty centimeters (80 cm) apart over a predetermined section of the switch). The perforated holes for hose or tube 7 (used for anti-ice or de-icing agents or gases for the same purpose) are spaced at intervals indicated by the numeral 7.1 wherein their spray pattern and spray coverage intersect with the adjacent perforated holes' spray pattern. This insures complete coverage of or for a predetermined section of the switch rail, crossing or other desired areas. Furthermore, the interval distances vary depending upon the placement of the hose or the tube 6, 7 on a stock rail 1 or a tongue or a switch raii 2 and whether or not the function of the spray coverage is to combat snow drifts 20, Fig. 8, or to increase reflective spray coverage 26, 28. Wherein fluid or gas pressure can be increased as needed (burst pressure of 1-200 bars of pressure are determined by the hose type and wail thickness 8 and the type of materials used to manufacture the hoses, however, tubes have a significantly higher pressures than hoses) to allow for a reflective spray (wherein the liquid or gas is bounced off an object to achieve greater coverage) and dependent upon the desired objective. As pressure increases so does the greater distance between the perforated holes. For hoses or tubes 6 and 7 the perforated hole's angle 9 can vary and is based upon the desired spray pattern for the liquid, agent and/or gas. The hose's 6, 7 wall depth 8 and the spray hole angle 9 as weli as the spray hole shape and orientation thereof 10 (star ellipse, ellipse, rectangular, square and round used as a single shape or in combination) are all used to create various combinations of spray patterns and liquid or gas coverage and are a unique application method.

Fig, 2 shows a typical railroad switch comprising a stock rail 1 (aiso shown in a diagonal close-up in Fig. 8), a tongue or switch rail 2 (also shown in a diagonal close-up in Fig. 7), throw rods 3 used to physically move the switch rail 2 back and forth from a closed position (when fully touching the stock rail) to an open position (when fully apart from the stock raii). Fig. 2 shows an open railroad switch. Switch plates 4, also known as giide plates, allow the switch rail 2, also known as the tongue rail 2_S to glide back and forth when moving from a closed to an open position. The encircled area 5 shows the area of concern in relation to lubrication needs and ice and snow accumulation.

Fig. 3 illustrates the referenced area in Fig. 2 of a typical railroad switch where accumulation of snow 11 and 11.1, and the compaction of snow 11 , and the formation of ice 11 , and snow drift 11.1 , affect normal operation of the switch rail 2. As the switch opens and closes, the snow compacts between the stock rail 1 and the switch rail 2. When snow is compacted between the stock rail 1 and the tongue rail 2, further snowfall prevents the switch from closing. Also, when ice forms between the stock rail 1 and the tongue rail 2 it expands and also prevents the switch from closing fully and can even cause the throw rods 3 to freeze. When snow fails on the switch it covers at! areas of the switch. During normal situations a switch eiectricai heater coil (a device that heats the switch rail and stock raii to pius thirty-two degrees Celsius) can melt the falling snow as Sands on the raii. However, during heavy snowfalls (greater than twenty centimeters per hour) the snowfall rate exceeds the heated switches capability to melt the snow effectively. The un-melted snow becomes compacted as the switch closes. This compaction i 1 is worsened as the runoff water, from the previously melted snow, and due the freezing temperatures, transforms the water and compacted snow into large ice blocks. Currently, these have to be removed by manual methods. Wherein an anti-ice agent is applied to the falling snow, the runoff water will not immediately freeze for some distance from the railroad switch since it is diluted with the antifreeze agent.

Fig. 4 illustrates the referenced area in Fig, 2 where the switch piates 4 of a typical railroad switch have to be lubricated 12. The switch rails 2 are fitted 6.2 with a perforated 6 hose or tube for the purpose of lubricating the inside section (between the stock rail 1 and the switch rail 2). The stock rails 1 are fitted 8.3 with a perforated 8 hose or tube for the purpose of lubricating the outside or inside portion of the switch plate 4 wherein as the switch rail 2 closes so does the outer-surface of the switch plate area increase. By placing clamping lubrication hoses on both the stock rail 1 and the switch rail 2, total lubrication coverage for the switch plate 4 can be achieved,

Fig. 5 illustrates the referenced area in Fig. 2 where the outer section of both the stock rail 1 and the switch rail 2 are fitted, by attaching with the use of a clamp 15 or 16, a perforated 7 hose or tube for the purpose of applying an anti- ice, de-icing liquid or gas to the outsides of the railroad tracks to prevent snow drifts from approaching the railroad switch. The predetermined length of the hose or tube 7.2 can increase beyond the switch area so as to prevent snow from the passing trains from being pulled into the switch area. The liquid spray pattern covers a larger area around the outer edge or shoulder of the of the railroad tracks 20 and 21. A perforated hose or tube 7 for the purpose of applying anti- ice, de-icing liquid or gas is also fitted and attached, by means of a damp 15, to the inside of the stock rail 1 that faces a switch rail 2 and also the outside of a stock rail 1 that faces and switch rail 2, The spray patterns 19 indicate coverage of the inside rail section of the switch, between the stock raii 1 and the switch rail 2, for the perforated hose or tube 7.3. However, the spray pattern 19 for 7.2 changes as it passes the tongue at the end of the switch rail 2, since its application objective changes from snow compaction and anti-ice to one of preventing snow-drag and snow-drift as mentioned herein.

Fig. 8 is a close-up diagonal view of a stock rail 1 showing the hose or tube 6 and/or 7 placement and how it is clamped 15 onto the stock raii 1 , and an illustrated spray pattern 7,1 shows some coverage of the inside of the stock rail 1. Distance between the perforated holes 6,1 in hose 6 coincide to the center- point of each switch plate. Different shapes or spray patterns are used to maximize spray pattern coverage 10. These differences ailow for precise application of liquids and or gases. The damp 15 is produced from stainless steei or other none corrosive materials and is clamped around the base of the rail for the purpose of holding the hoses or tubes in position and for the purpose of easy replacement by means of a pull and snap-info-piace mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a close-up diagonal view of a switch rail 2 showing a perforated hose or tube 6, 7 placement running the length of the tongue or switch rail 2 and clamped into place using a clamp 16 of vanous sizes and made from formed stainless steel or other none corrosive materials. The various perforated holes for hose or tube 7 are continuous running a predetermined length of the switch rail 2, The shape 7,2, 7.3 are determined by the desired spray coverage. Number 4,2 shows fewer perforated holes since these only coincide over a switch plate or area in need of lubrication. The possibility of directing a spray to lubricate the upper edge of the switch rail is also possible.

Fig, 8 is a close-up of a cross-section of closed (Fig, 8A) and an open {Fig, 88) railroad stock 1 and switch rail 2 showing hose or tube 6, 7 placement affixed to the rails 15, 16 by means of non-corrosive clamps, see Fig. 8C.

Fig. 8A shows a closed switch wherein the stock rail 1 and the switch rail

2 are pushed together. The spray able area is reduced nevertheless effective application of liquids and gases is possible. Number 27 illustrates how hose or tube 7 can use the surface of the switch rail 2 to bounce the spray pattern in increase spray coverage 26 as well as the underside 27 of the stock raii 1.

Whereas the anti-ice liquid or gas displacement 28 is bounced off the sides if the switch rail 1 and the underside of the head of the stock rail 27 to produce very good coverage of the metal surface. Whereas the spray pattern and

displacement coverage 28 of the anti-ice liquid or gas is evident, the lubricant from hose or tube 6 is sprayed 31 to the underside of the switch rail 2, the base of the stock rail 1 and a section of the switch plate 4. The lubricant is also sprayed on the outside of the switch rail 2 and provides a good lubricant coverage to the outer switch plate 32. There is also a possibility to lubricant the upper tip or leading edge 34 of the switch rail by creating an additionai perforated hole specifically for that purpose.

Fig, 8B shows an open switch wherein the stock rail 1 and the switch rail 2 are apart. Anti-ice liquid or gas from hose or tube 7 is bounced off the switch rail inside surface. St is also bounced off the underside of the stock rail 27 to create liquid coverage of the stock rail and the switch plate 4 with the objective to create good splatter and coverage 28 and 28.5 of the switch rail 2 and with switch plate 4. The outer side of the stock rail 1 {represented here as the outside of the railroad tracks facing the snow drift) receives the greatest amount of pressure to get an adequate amount of anti-ice liquid or gas for cornpiete coverage 20 of up to fifty centimeters from the rail. For close coverage of the base of the stock raii 1 , the anti-ice liquid or gas is bounced of the underside of the stock raii 27 to create a liquid disbursement in close proximity to the base as well as a wider spray pattern 20, Lubrication of the exposed switch plate 4 is achieved by directing the spray pattern onto their various areas as wee as to bounce the spray off the inside surface of the switch rail 30, Lubrication pressure and coverage from the switch rail 2 onto the switch plate 4 is reduced on the outside 33 while at the same time the anti-ice spray pattern increases 29, There is also a possibility to lubricant the upper tip or leading edge 34 of the switch raii by creating an additional perforated hole specifically for that purpose.

Fig, 8C is an illustration of the clips or clamps wherein the hoses or tubes can be easy affixed or removed from the stock rails 1 and switch rails 2, Clip or clamp 15 is used for the stock rail and 16 for the switch rail. The clamps vary in size and shape in order to adapt to other equipment or obstacles on the rails. The damps are manufactured in stainless steel or other alloys, plastics or other non-corrosive materials. Wherein the damps are bevels and bent to achieve the clipping form or shape required for ease of use in attaching the to the stock rail 1 and the switch rail 2 and primarily as a quick method to click-in and replace hoses or tubes 8, 7 into position for correct spray position.

Fig. 9 is a close-up of a top view of a switch plate 4, stock rail 1 and switch rail 2, showing placement and position of hose or tube 8 (lubrication) and 7 (anti- ice), spray directions and coverage (although minimized for illustration purposes). The damps 15 (stock rail clamps) and 16 (switch plate clamps) used to hold the hoses or tubes into place. Hose or tube 6 illustrates lubrication limited to the inside 30 and outside 33 of the switch plate 4 and space approximately fifty to sixty centimeters apart. The hose or tube 7 shows total spray coverage of a liquid for the application of anti-icing, de-icing or other purposes.

Fig. 10 is a schematic drawing showing a dual purpose application method using hoses or tubes 6, 7 connection via an easy connect box 13 into an operational box 14 for the application via a pump 14 of liquid and/or compressor 14 for gas from reservoirs 25.1 , 25.2 or other to a typical railroad switch such as stock rails 1 switch rails 2, switch plates 4, and other areas. Wherein a rail temperature sensor 12 is attached to the stock or switch rail to provide up-to-date information on rail temperature. A weather station situation in the section of the operational box 14 uses the information gathered from the weather station such as dew point, temperature, humidity, precipitation, and other information together with the rail temperature to calculate and establish optimal spray times closest to the scheduled time already entered into a database by an end-user. All information is transferred via a circuit board to a GPRS or other communication section within the operational box 14 via a BTS/GPRS communication tower 24 into a programmed database, server 23 and user-friendly software 22 wherein an operator can adjust spray variables, to initiate an immediate spray prior to a snow storm or multiple spray sessions during extreme weather conditions, for one or all stations connected to the database, or to download statistics and service information.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a dispensing member 40 in the form of a hose or a tube having an annuiar cross-section. The annulus is defined by an inner circle 41 and an outer circle 42. According to this embodiment the inner and outer diameter of the annulus is 6.35 mm and 13.35 mm, respectively. Clearly, these dimensions are non-limiting and other dimensions are equally conceivabie.

Fig, 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a dispensing member 50 in the form of a hose or a tube which is substantially annular, but having two opposing parallel flat outer side portions 51 , 52 and a lower flat outer side portion 53, The opposing parallel flat outer side portions 51 , 52 and the iower flat outer side portion 53 extend through a fixed distance along the longitudinal direction of the dispensing member 50 (not shown). The longitudinal direction is directed into the paper in Fig. 12. The iower flat outer side portion 53 is arranged perpendicularly to the opposing parallel flat outer side portions 51, 52, i.e. by 90°. Fig. 12 also indicates a perforated hole 54 at an upper part of the dispensing member 50, midway between the opposing parallel flat outer side portions 51, 52. According to the present non-limiting embodiment, a height of the dispensing member 50 is 12,35 mm, a width of the dispensing member 50 is 11.35 mm and an inner width of the dispensing member 50 is 6.35 mm.

it is noted that the dispensing member 50 may be utilized in a compSete analogous manner as the hoses or tubes 6, 7 described above in connection with Figs, 1- 10, In particular, the dispensing member 50 may be provided with perforated holes of various numbers, angles and shapes in order to obtain a desired spray pattern; the dispensing member 50 may be fastened to a railroad track or the like for the application of the maintenance agent between the tongue and the stock rail; the dispensing member 50 may be fastened to outer-facing stock or tongue rail for the application of the maintenance agent; the dispensing member 50 may be fastened by means of a fastening device such as a clamp; the dispensing member 50 may be connected to a delivery system wherein the dispensing member 50 is connected to an operational box; etc.

In a mounted state of the dispensing member 50, at least one of the lower flat outer side portion 53 and the opposing parallel flat outer side portions 51 , 52 is preferably arranged against a base surface (not shown) which is flat.

Optionally, however, two or three of the outer side portions 51 , 52, 53 may be arranged against a flat base surface in a mounted state.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the dispensing member 50 in Fig. 12 which is inserted into a channel 60. The channel 80 comprises three wali sections: a left wall section 61 , a right wail section 62 which is parallel to the left wali section 61, and a lower wail section 63 which is arranged perpendicular to the left 61 and right 62 wail sections. The walls sections 61, 62, 63 extend along a predetermined distance in a longitudinal direction (not shown). Thereby, the channel 60 has a shape which corresponds to the two opposing parallel flat outer side portions 51 , 52 and the lower flat outer side portion 53 of the dispensing member 50. Hence, the dispensing member 50 may be secured in the channel 60.

By inserting the dispensing member 50 into the channel 60, perforated holes 54 may be more easily provided in the wall of the dispensing member 50. Indeed, lateral as well as vertical movements of the dispensing member 50 are efficiently counteracted while holes 54 are provided in the dispensing member 50 by, for example, boring the upper outer side portion 55 of the dispensing member 50 from above. In addition, a twisting of the dispensing member 50 whiie making the perforated holes 54 is efficiently counteracted. Thereby, a more accurate placement of the perforated holes 54 is provided.

It is noted that according to an alternative embodiment, the channel 60 in Fig. 13 may be utilized for securely mounting the dispensing member 50 in an object in the railroad application area, such as a railroad track.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectionai side view of a dispensing member 70 in the form of an hose or a tube having two opposing parallel flat outer side portions 71 , 72 and a sianted Sower flat outer side portion 73. The flat outer side portions 71 , 72 are provided at an angle 82^* with respect to the slanted lower flat outer side portion 73. in other words, if the slanted lower fiat outer side portion 73 is arranged to abut a given flat base surface (not shown), the dispensing member 70 will be tilted by 8° as compared to a corresponding mounting of the dispensing member 50 described above, abutting against the same flat base surface but having perpendicular Sower flat outer side portion 53 and opposing parallel flat outer side portions 51, 52. The dispensing member 70 is provided with a perforated hole 74 in an upper part 75 of the dispensing member 70, midway between the opposing parallel flat outer side portions 71, 72. in a non-limiting example, a height of the dispensing member 70 is 13,35 mm, a width of the dispensing member 70 is 12,35 mm, and an inner width of the dispensing member 70 is 9 mm. in addition, a maxima! width of the hoie 74 is 1.40 mm. Other non-limiting exemplary dimensions of the dispensing member 70 according to the present embodiment are indicated in Fig. 14.

As for the dispensing member 50, it is noted that the dispensing member 70 may be utilized In a complete analogous manner as the dispensing members, hoses or tubes 6, 7 described above in relation to Figs. 1- 10, whereby reference is made to the above discussion.

Figure 15 illustrates a clamp 15 for fastening the dispensing members according to one embodiment. The damp 15 comprises a bottom portion 80, a securing portion 81 and a holding portion 82. The bottom portion 80 connects the securing portion 81 and the holding portion 82 and comprises two flat parts which are connected at an angle. The securing portion 81 comprises a projection 83 which may be at least partly arranged around an upper section of the Sower part of the stock or tongue rail. The holding portion 82 comprises a first section 84 and a second section 85, The first section 84 comprises two flat parts which are connected at an angle. The second section 85 comprises two spring clamps for fastening two dispensing devices.

The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims. Other placements, shapes, angles and numbers of the perforated holes are equally conceivable which may be chosen in order to obtain a desired spray pattern. By way of example, there may be one or several perforated hole zones provided in the outer side of any of the dispensing members 6, 7, 50, 70, wherein each perforated hole zone comprises a plurality of closely arranged small circular perforated holes. Moreover, it is understood that additional dispensing members 6, 7, 50, 70 may be used in the device for dispensing maintenance agents, such as anti-ice agents, de-icing agents or lubricants.

Claims

1 , A device for dispensing at least one maintenance agent, such as an anti-ice agent, a de-icing agent or a lubricant, in a railroad application area, the device comprising

a dispensing arrangement comprising

a first dispensing member (6, 7, 50, 70} in the form of a hose or a tube comprising an inlet which is adapted to receive a first maintenance agent, at least a part of the first dispensing member (6, 7, 50, 70) being adapted to be arranged In the railroad application area,

wherein said first dispensing member (8, 7, 50, 70) comprises at least one perforated hole (9, 10) along a predetermined length of said first dispensing member (6, 7, 50, 70).

2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the dispensing arrangement further comprises a second dispensing member (6, 7, 50, 70) in the form of a hose or a tube comprising an inlet which is adapted to receive a second maintenance agent, at least a part of the second dispensing member (6, 7, 50, 70) being adapted to be arranged in the railroad application area,

wherein said second dispensing member (6, 7, 50, 70) comprises at least one perforated hole (9, 10) along a predetermined length of said second dispensing member (6, 7, 50, 70).

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a shape of at least two of said perforated holes (9, 10) are different.

4. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two of said perforated holes (9, 10) are provided with different opening angles,

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-section of at least one dispensing member (6, 7, 50, 70) comprised in the dispensing arrangement is annular.

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one dispensing member {6, 7, 50, 70) comprised in the dispensing arrangement has a varying wall thickness,

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of at least one of said perforated holes (9, 10) is in the form of an ellipse, a star ellipse, a rectangle, a square, or a circle,

8. A device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a fastening device, such as a clip or a clamp (15), for fastening at least a section of the dispensing arrangement in the railroad application area.

9. A device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising means for establishing an optimal time for dispensing the at least one maintenance agent based on climate information, wherein the climate information comprises at least one of dew point information, temperature information, humidity information and precipitation information.

10. A device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an operational box {14} which comprises at feast one of a circuit board, a pressure pump, a compressor, a digital converter, a communication device and a weather station.

11. A device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a reservoir (25.1 , 25.2) for said at feast one maintenance agent for providing the at least maintenance agent to at feast one dispensing member (6, 7, 50, 70) comprised in the dispensing arrangement.

12. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at feast one of the dispensing member (6, 7, 50, 70) comprised in the dispensing arrangement has a Sower flat outer side portion (53, 73) extending along at feast a part of an outer side of the at least one dispensing member (8_S 7, 50, 70).

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one of the dispensing members (6, 7_S 50, 70) comprised in the dispensing arrangement has two opposing paraiiei flat outer side portions (51 , 52} extending along at feast a part of its outer side, each opposing paraiiei flat outer side portion (51 , 52) being provided perpendicularly with respect to said lower flat outer side portion (53).

14. A device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one of the dispensing members (6, 7, 50, 70) comprised in the dispensing arrangement has two opposing para!ie! flat outer side portions (71 , 72) extending along at least a part of its outer side, each opposing paraiiei flat outer side portion being provided at an angle with respect to said lower fiat outer side portion (73).

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein said angle is comprised in the interval between 45° and 135°.