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:
Dec. 17, 1996
Filed:
Jul. 11, 1995
Roberto Almaraz, Racine, WI (US);
David Gustin, Racine, WI (US);
Leroy D Wilson, Milwaukee, WI (US);
Racine Railroad Products, Inc., Racine, WI (US);
Abstract
A clip applicator machine is capable of automatically separating individual spring-type rail clips from a stack of clips and of applying the individual clips in anchor sockets such that they are fully tensioned against the base of the rail. The clip applicator machine may include two separate workheads 1) each of which is positioned over a respective rail and 2) each of which may support gauge and field side clip applicator assemblies operable to apply clips on the respective sides of the associated rail. Each applicator assembly is movable from a position in which it receives clips one at a time from a magazine, through a position in which it is aligned with the anchor socket of tie plate, and into a clip applying position. A backstop is associated with each clip applicator assembly for aligning the workhead longitudinally with respect to the rail and anchor socket and for holding the tie plate in position during the clip application process, and a clamp assembly is provided which clamps the workhead to the rail while aligning it transversely with respect to the rail and anchor socket. Preferably, the entire workhead is mounted on a float frame for vertical movement with respect to the rail and for movement both longitudinally and transversely with respect to the rail. Finally, a novel magazine assembly is provided for facilitating the feeding of clips to the clip applicator assembly.