The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 28, 1980
Filed:
Sep. 07, 1978
Joseph G Fearon, Boise, ID (US);
Morrison-Knudsen Company, Inc., Boise, ID (US);
Abstract
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.