A metering device is configured for fitting into a sand-spreading system of a rail vehicle. The metering device has a housing block, in which a sand path extends from a sand-feeding funnel into a vertical sand blow-out channel via a sand-mixing channel, which rises at an inclination from a sand-holding space to a sand deflection space. A pushing air tube is provided for producing an air flow that conveys spreading sand. The pushing air tube protrudes into the sand-mixing channel coaxially from the bottom. A nozzle insert is detachable inserted into an inflow channel, which leads into the sand deflection space from above. The nozzle insert is provided for producing an air jet directed downward into the sand blow-out channel. The amount of scattering sand that is discharged can be metered more precisely and the susceptibility of the metering device to wear is improved.

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 grit dispensing device for rail vehicles, having a grit tank; a compressed air source connected to a dispensing line for the grit via a pressure line and a nozzle; an intake channel via which grit can be conveyed from the grit tank into the dispensing line; a bypass which leads from the pressure line to a point in the dispensing line downstream of the mouth of the intake channel so as to bypass the nozzle and the passage cross-section of which can be controlled by a valve; and an electronic control device for the valve, the control device being designed to open and close the valve in intervals with a frequency adapted to the length of the dispensing line in such a way that grit charges which are ejected in the individual open periods of the valve consolidate in the dispensing line to form a steady grit flow.

A metering device is configured for fitting into a sand-spreading system of a rail vehicle. The metering device has a housing block, in which a sand path extends from a sand-feeding funnel into a vertical sand blow-out channel via a sand-mixing channel, which rises at an inclination from a sand-holding space to a sand deflection space. A pushing air tube is provided for producing an air flow that conveys spreading sand. The pushing air tube protrudes into the sand-mixing channel coaxially from the bottom. A nozzle insert is detachable inserted into an inflow channel, which leads into the sand deflection space from above. The nozzle insert is provided for producing an air jet directed downward into the sand blow-out channel. The amount of scattering sand that is discharged can be metered more precisely and the susceptibility of the metering device to wear is improved.

A locomotive sanding system is described for conveying sand from a sand tower to a sand box mounted on a locomotive. The invention is designed to prevent personnel from being subjected to sand and sand dust during the sand box being filled with sand from the sand tower. The system includes a universal sealing nozzle which may be used with the locomotive sanding system or other devices. The universal sealing nozzle includes an expansion seal extending therearound which may be moved from a retracted position to an expanded position. When the nozzle is inserted into the fill pipe of the sand box, the expansion seal is expanded to sealably engage the inside surface of the fill pipe.

A locomotive sanding system is described for conveying sand from a sand tower to a sand box mounted on a locomotive. The invention is designed to prevent personnel from being subjected to sand and sand dust during the sand box being filled with sand from the sand tower. The system includes a universal sealing nozzle which may be used with the locomotive sanding system or other devices. The universal sealing nozzle includes an expansion seal extending therearound which may be moved from a retracted position to an expanded position. When the nozzle is inserted into the fill pipe of the sand box, the expansion seal is expanded to sealably engage the inside surface of the fill pipe.

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.

The invention relates to a screening element for screening and transporting grit material, for applying to a sanding device of a sanding apparatus for a vehicle. The screening element includes a plate element provided with a shaft-coupling mechanism, at least one through-opening, and at least one lug. The shaft-coupling mechanism is designed to couple the screening element to a shaft device of a rotary feeder of the sanding device. The through-opening is arranged in the plate element and is designed to guide grit material through the plate element. The lug extends transversely in relation to a main surface of the plate element, away from the plate element.

A grit dispensing device for rail vehicles, having a grit tank; a compressed air source connected to a dispensing line for the grit via a pressure line and a nozzle; an intake channel via which grit can be conveyed from the grit tank into the dispensing line; a bypass which leads from the pressure line to a point in the dispensing line downstream of the mouth of the intake channel so as to bypass the nozzle and the passage cross-section of which can be controlled by a valve; and an electronic control device for the valve, the control device being designed to open and close the valve in intervals with a frequency adapted to the length of the dispensing line in such a way that grit charges which are ejected in the individual open periods of the valve consolidate in the dispensing line to form a steady grit flow.

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.