Troy L Elbert

Title: Innovations by Troy L Elbert

Introduction

Troy L Elbert is a notable inventor based in St. Joseph, MO (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of railway technology, particularly in the detection of rail defects. With a total of 5 patents to his name, Elbert's work showcases his commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency in railway systems.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is titled "Roller search unit having integrated digital circuitry for detecting rail defects." This innovative roller search unit is designed to detect rail defects using integrated digital circuitry. It features a liquid-filled tire mounted to an axle assembly with wheels. An ultrasonic transducer array is positioned within a housing inside the tire and is coupled to the axle. The housing contains transducer interface circuitry that receives analog signals from the ultrasonic transducer array. Additionally, it includes digital flaw detection circuitry that converts these analog signals to digital signals, allowing for detailed analysis to detect flaws in the rail. The compact design of the assembly minimizes its footprint, making it practical for use in the field. The conversion of transducer signals from analog to digital within the tire ensures that the digitized data can be transmitted without interference and noise.

Another significant patent is the "Apparatus for detecting defects." This apparatus is designed for detecting defects in a railway rail mounted on a test vehicle. It includes a transducer assembly with one or more arrays of ultrasonic transducers directed toward the running surface of the rail. The beams transmitted by these arrays can be dynamically adjusted to accommodate the varying profile of the rail head and running surface. A laser profiler, combined with a linear encoder, provides profile data that is communicated to a system controller. This allows for the dynamic adjustment of the focal laws for the transducer arrays, ensuring optimal inspection beam sets while the test vehicle is in motion.

Career Highlights

Troy L Elbert is currently employed at Herzog Services, Inc., where he continues to innovate and develop advanced technologies for railway inspection and maintenance. His work has significantly contributed to improving the safety and reliability of railway systems.

Collaborations

Elbert has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Timothy J Coolman and Jeffrey B Wigh, who have also contributed to advancements in railway technology.

Conclusion

Troy L Elbert's innovative patents and contributions to railway technology demonstrate his expertise and commitment