A traction enhancing aggregate is provided comprised of a body with a side having a top and bottom with each having three or more protruding conical masses with axes positioned about a circular centerline and made from moldable material capable of being delivered by hand or traction enhancing system to a lower surface such as ground to provide an increased coefficient of friction between an upper surface such as a shoe or tire and a lower surface.

Polymer compositions having improved electromagnetic (EMI) shielding properties under high temperature are disclosed. The polymer compositions comprise a thermoplastic polymer, stainless steel fiber, and optionally one or more of glass fiber, a conductive filler, a second polymer, and other additives. The disclosed compositions maintain heat resistance and other mechanical properties under high temperatures.

Polymer compositions having improved electromagnetic (EMI) shielding properties under high temperature are disclosed. The polymer compositions comprise a thermoplastic polymer, stainless steel fiber, and optionally one or more of glass fiber, a conductive filler, a second polymer, and other additives. The disclosed compositions maintain heat resistance and other mechanical properties under high temperatures.

A method for controlling a device for metering granular material and a metering device for metering granular material comprises a feed for the granular material from a container into a metering chamber. A metering piston can be actuated by a control device such that a gap between the feed and the metering chamber is opened by a predefined first distance and a second distance which is greater than the first distance. At least one sensor is arranged in a delivery line leading away from the metering chamber and is connected to the control device so that the metering piston can be actuated for a predefined duration such that the gap between the feed for the granular material and the metering chamber can be opened by the second distance if a blockage of the granular material is detected by the at least one sensor, so that the blockage is dispersed.

A vehicle is disclosed for providing increased friction between the wheels of a vehicle and the ground. An example vehicle includes an anti-lock brake system, inertial sensor, and wheels. The vehicle also includes a computing system configured to deploy aggregate to an area proximate the wheels, responsive to determining that a vehicle traction value is below a first threshold. The computing system is also configured to, after deploying the aggregate, deploy a friction mat to an area proximate the wheels, responsive to determining that the vehicle traction value remains below a second threshold.

A vehicle is disclosed for providing increased friction between the wheels of a vehicle and the ground. An example vehicle includes an anti-lock brake system, inertial sensor, and wheels. The vehicle also includes a computing system configured to deploy aggregate to an area proximate the wheels, responsive to determining that a vehicle traction value is below a first threshold. The computing system is also configured to, after deploying the aggregate, deploy a friction mat to an area proximate the wheels, responsive to determining that the vehicle traction value remains below a second threshold.

A combined track conditioning unit includes a dispensing apparatus with an outflow opening integrated in the front region of the dispensing apparatus which is suitable for applying a gaseous drying medium to a rail. A gritting material outlet unit which is integrated in the rear region of the dispensing apparatus and is suitable for applying a gritting agent to the rail also forms part of the dispensing apparatus. A rail vehicle is also provided. Additionally, a method for increasing a coefficient of friction between a rail and a wheel of a rail vehicle with the aid of a track conditioning unit is provided.

A combined track conditioning unit includes a dispensing apparatus with an outflow opening integrated in the front region of the dispensing apparatus which is suitable for applying a gaseous drying medium to a rail. A gritting material outlet unit which is integrated in the rear region of the dispensing apparatus and is suitable for applying a gritting agent to the rail also forms part of the dispensing apparatus. A rail vehicle is also provided. Additionally, a method for increasing a coefficient of friction between a rail and a wheel of a rail vehicle with the aid of a track conditioning unit is provided.

A sanding system for a rail vehicle includes a housing of a cellular wheel sluice having an inlet located at the top and an outlet located at the bottom, a pivotably mounted cellular wheel having a plurality of cells, and a motor that is coupled with the cellular wheel. The sanding system further includes a container connected to the inlet of the cellular wheel sluice for receiving brake sand, or a feed line connected to the inlet of the cellular wheel sluice for transporting brake sand, and a discharge line connected to the outlet of the cellular wheel sluice for transporting brake sand. The motor for driving the cellular wheel is thereby arranged above the inlet.

A sanding system for a rail vehicle includes a housing of a cellular wheel sluice having an inlet located at the top and an outlet located at the bottom, a pivotably mounted cellular wheel having a plurality of cells, and a motor that is coupled with the cellular wheel. The sanding system further includes a container connected to the inlet of the cellular wheel sluice for receiving brake sand, or a feed line connected to the inlet of the cellular wheel sluice for transporting brake sand, and a discharge line connected to the outlet of the cellular wheel sluice for transporting brake sand. The motor for driving the cellular wheel is thereby arranged above the inlet.