Morrison-knudsen Company, Inc.

Joseph G Fearon

A method and system for maximizing the track-to-wheel adhesion and minimizing the rolling resistance of the wheels of a locomotive is disclosed. A low volume of high pressure water, alone or in admixture with wetting agents, cleaning agents, etc. is sprayed onto the wheel contact surface of the rail forward of the driven wheels of the locomotives at very high pressures, i.e. 4,000 to 6,000 psi. followed immediately by ejecting air or other gas under pressure onto the wheel contact surface of the rail to dry the contact surface. The combination of high pressure water and air provides effective cleaning of the contact surfaces of the rail, thereby (1) increasing the friction between the driven wheels and the track; (2) lessening the draft effort of the locomotive driving the wheels of the train; (3) minimizing the wearing of both rails and the wheel surfaces by eliminating the use of abrasive materials, such as sand; (4) improving track condition; (5) increasing train braking capability; (6) lessening contamination of rail bed ballast; and (7) lessening energy consumption for movement of the train.

Method and system for increasing the track-to-wheel friction of the

A closure actuating device is disclosed for freeing rotation of discharge control doors for railway hopper cars of the type where the door assembly is supported for rotation about a pivotal axis parallel to and beneath the discharge opening in the railway car. To alleviate sticking of the doors due to compaction of fines on the upper surface of the control doors which cover the discharge openings, the device lowers the control doors to increase the clearance between the terminating edges of the discharge openings and the upper surface of the discharge door.

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Boise, OH, United States of America

Joseph G Fearon