An applicator for applying a friction modifying material to the surface of a rail is provided. The applicator comprises a resilient body for applying a composition to a surface of a rail. The resilient body comprises an outer impervious surface and defines a sealed passageway that extends through the resilient body for the composition to flow through; and an applicator support, wherein the resilient body is secured to the applicator support. A rail applicator assembly and methods for using the applicator are also provided.

An applicator for applying a friction modifying material to the surface of a rail is provided. The applicator comprises a resilient body for applying a composition to a surface of a rail. The resilient body comprises an outer impervious surface and defines a sealed passageway that extends through the resilient body for the composition to flow through; and an applicator support, wherein the resilient body is secured to the applicator support. A rail applicator assembly and methods for using the applicator are also provided.

A rail port insert is provided. The insert comprises an outer casing comprising a tubular sidewall and a base, the sidewall and base defining a spatial volume therein, the base defining an inlet passage that extends through the base and that is fluid communication with the spatial volume, and an elastomeric body having a first end and a second end, the elastomeric body disposed within the spatial volume and affixed to an inner surface of the tubular sidewall, the base, or both an inner surface of the tubular sidewall and the base. The elastomeric body comprising a flow passageway having a length extending from the first end to the second end, the first end in fluid communication with the inlet passage of the base, the second end further comprising a depth-length and defining an orifice along the depth-length, the orifice moving from a closed position in the absence of any applied pressure within the flow passageway, to an open position when pressure is applied within the flow passageway. When the rail port insert is installed in a railhead port, the inlet of the outer casing is in fluid communication with a railhead conduit. Also provided is a method of inserting the rail port insert into a railroad outlet port, and use of the rail port insert.

A rail port insert is provided. The insert comprises an outer casing comprising a tubular sidewall and a base, the sidewall and base defining a spatial volume therein, the base defining an inlet passage that extends through the base and that is fluid communication with the spatial volume, and an elastomeric body having a first end and a second end, the elastomeric body disposed within the spatial volume and affixed to an inner surface of the tubular sidewall, the base, or both an inner surface of the tubular sidewall and the base. The elastomeric body comprising a flow passageway having a length extending from the first end to the second end, the first end in fluid communication with the inlet passage of the base, the second end further comprising a depth-length and defining an orifice along the depth-length, the orifice moving from a closed position in the absence of any applied pressure within the flow passageway, to an open position when pressure is applied within the flow passageway. When the rail port insert is installed in a railhead port, the inlet of the outer casing is in fluid communication with a railhead conduit. Also provided is a method of inserting the rail port insert into a railroad outlet port, and use of the rail port insert.

An improved method and apparatus for determining the amount of lubricant dispensed to a rail, adjusting the amount of available lubricant for dispensing based on the amount of lubricant remaining, and advising the operator of same. The apparatus includes a reservoir of lubricant suspended from a load beam having load cells communicating with a microprocessor and a controller to determine the amount of lubricant remaining within the reservoir on a real-time basis as lubricant is dispersed. The method includes the determination of the amount of lubricant remaining and, following dispensing additional lubricant, re-determining the amount of lubricant remaining. In this manner, an operator may prepare a schedule for replenishment of the reservoirs of various lubricating stations based on feedback of the remaining amount of lubricant remaining. Thus, an operator may predict track downtime for refilling of a plurality of lubricating stations and schedule such to minimized track downtime.

An improved method and apparatus for determining the amount of lubricant dispensed to a rail, adjusting the amount of available lubricant for dispensing based on the amount of lubricant remaining, and advising the operator of same. The apparatus includes a reservoir of lubricant suspended from a load beam having load cells communicating with a microprocessor and a controller to determine the amount of lubricant remaining within the reservoir on a real-time basis as lubricant is dispersed. The method includes the determination of the amount of lubricant remaining and, following dispensing additional lubricant, re-determining the amount of lubricant remaining. In this manner, an operator may prepare a schedule for replenishment of the reservoirs of various lubricating stations based on feedback of the remaining amount of lubricant remaining. Thus, an operator may predict track downtime for refilling of a plurality of lubricating stations and schedule such to minimized track downtime.

A gauge-face lubrication assembly and related methods of use in which a removable and replaceable applicator member is positioned proximate a gauge-face for lubrication of a rail member. Generally, the replaceable applicator member can be molded of a resilient polymeric material having shaped-memory properties. The replaceable applicator member includes one or more molded lubricant channels for delivering lubricant supplied by a lubrication system to the gauge-face. Each molded lubricant channel can include a molded seal for sealably engaging a lubrication bracket that retains the applicator member in position against the gauge-face. The removable applicator member can further include a liner for physically engaging the gauge-face and protecting removable applicator member. The applicator member can include a coupling portion that insertably interfaces with a bracket channel defined in the lubrication bracket, whereby the applicator member can be removed and replaced in the event of damage or wear.

A gauge-face lubrication assembly and related methods of use in which a removable and replaceable applicator member is positioned proximate a gauge-face for lubrication of a rail member. Generally, the replaceable applicator member can be molded of a resilient polymeric material having shaped-memory properties. The replaceable applicator member includes one or more molded lubricant channels for delivering lubricant supplied by a lubrication system to the gauge-face. Each molded lubricant channel can include a molded seal for sealably engaging a lubrication bracket that retains the applicator member in position against the gauge-face. The removable applicator member can further include a liner for physically engaging the gauge-face and protecting removable applicator member. The applicator member can include a coupling portion that insertably interfaces with a bracket channel defined in the lubrication bracket, whereby the applicator member can be removed and replaced in the event of damage or wear.

A top of rail (TOR) applicator has a bar positioned in a housing and an exit orifice on the upper portion of the bar for delivering a friction control composition to the crown of a railhead. The upper portion of the bar slopes away from the friction control composition exit orifices. The bar may be composed of an elastomer such as polyurethane. Passageway extend from an inlet or entry orifice to the exit orifices. The friction reduction composition is pumped into the entry orifice, through the passageways to the exit orifices and then onto the crown of the railhead. The friction reduction composition may be thixotropic.

A top of rail (TOR) applicator has a bar positioned in a housing and an exit orifice on the upper portion of the bar for delivering a friction control composition to the crown of a railhead. The upper portion of the bar slopes away from the friction control composition exit orifices. The bar may be composed of an elastomer such as polyurethane. Passageway extend from an inlet or entry orifice to the exit orifices. The friction reduction composition is pumped into the entry orifice, through the passageways to the exit orifices and then onto the crown of the railhead. The friction reduction composition may be thixotropic.