Abstract
A rail drive system for reversibly converting a crawler mobilized machine from ground transport mobility to rail transport mobility where the machine has a rigid X-Frame underneath, rigid enveloping structure provides for releasably engaging the X-Frame in a noninvasive manner retaining the X-Frame securely in a horizontal and vertical direction, and a method is provided for achieving the same. The invention can utilize the hydraulic system of the machine itself to selectively operate all hydraulics of the invention to raise and lower rail systems to allow both ground and rail mobility as desired.
Claims
1. A rail drive system for reversibly converting a crawler mobilized machine from ground transport mobility to rail transport mobility in forward and rear directions on rails, where the machine is hydraulically operated using a hydraulic power source, and has a rigid X-Frame underneath as part of the machine, and where the X-Frame has four sides comprised of a top side and a bottom side relative to ground, and a front end side, and rear end side corresponding respectively to the forward and reverse direction of transport, the system comprised of: a. Front end high-rail means having rail wheels and having powered means for raising and lowering rail wheels to and from the rails; b. Rear end high-rail means having rail wheels and having powered means for raising and lowering rail wheels to and from the rails; c. Clamp means for securing the front end high-rail means and rear end high-rail means to the rails; d. Powered drive means on at least one of the two high-rail means for driving the rail wheels; e. Releasable X-Frame pressure enveloping means attached to the front end and rear end high-rail means where such pressure enveloping means provides pressure to all four sides of the X-Frame for tightly grasping the X-Frame without substantially modifying the X-Frame.
2. The rail drive system in claim 1 where the releasable X-Frame pressure enveloping means is comprised of at least four members comprised of a front end rigid member attached to the front end high-rail means having engaging means for engaging the X-Frame top and bottom sides near the X-Frame front end, and rear end rigid member attached to the rear end high-rail means having engaging means to engage the X-Frame top and bottom sides near the X-Frame rear end, a bottom rigid member below the X-Frame bottom side and connected to the front end rigid member and the rear end rigid member, and at least one top rigid member above the X-Frame top side and connected to the front end rigid member and the rear end rigid member, and tightening means for tightening the four members together against the X-Frame.
3. The rail drive system in claim 2 where the front end rigid member, the rear end rigid member, and the bottom rigid member are permanently connected together as one piece.
4. The rail drive system in claim 2 where the tightening means is comprised of rigid wedge means releasably attached between the X-Frame and at least one of the rigid members so as to provide pressure vertically and horizontally against the X-Frame.
5. The rail drive system in claim 3 where the tightening means is comprised of rigid wedge means releasably retained between the X-Frame and at least one of the rigid members so as to provide pressure vertically and horizontally against the X-Frame.
6. The rail drive system in claim 1 where the releasable X-Frame pressure enveloping means is comprised of a front end rigid member, a rear end rigid member and front and rear wedge means, where the front end rigid member is attached to the front end high-rail means having top and bottom engaging means for engaging the X-Frame top and bottom sides near the X-Frame front end where the top engaging means has a rigid front extension that extends over the top side of the X-Frame so as to leave front wedge receiving space between the front extension and the X-Frame top side and where the front extension has front wedge retaining means therein for retaining the wedge means in the front wedge retaining space, and where the rear end rigid member is attached to the rear end high-rail means having top and bottom engaging means for engaging the X-Frame top and bottom sides near the X-Frame rear end where the top engaging means has a rigid rear extension that extends over the top side of the X-Frame so as to leave rear wedge receiving space between the rear extension and the X-Frame top side and where the rear extension has wedge retaining means therein for retaining wedge means in the rear wedge space.
7. The rail drive system in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 where the powered means is a hydraulic power system independently operated.
8. The rail drive system in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 where the powered means is the hydraulic power source of the machine, and having hydraulic diverting valves to allow the hydraulic power means to power selected functions of the machine or selected functions of the rail drive system.
9. The rail drive system in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 where the powered means is electric.
10. A method for reversibly converting a land based machine having an X-Frame to a rail mobile machine for mobilization on rails, having front and rear powered rail means for moving on rails and having powered means to raise and lower the rail means to and from the rails and having powered clamp means to releasably clamp the powered rail means securely to the rails, and having a power source to provide power to the front and rear powered rail means, and where the X-Frame has a front end and a rear end and a top side and a bottom side, the method comprised of the steps of: a. Attaching a rigid front member to the front end of the X-Frame so as to engage the front end of the X-Frame; b. Attaching a rigid lower member having first and second opposing ends to the front end lower portion of the first rigid member and attaching the second end to the rear end lower portion of the rigid rear member; c. Attaching a rigid rear member to the rear end of the X-Frame so as to engage the rear end of the X-Frame; d. Attaching top tightening means to the front and rear rigid members to allow for securely engaging the X-Frame vertically and horizontally; e. Tightening the tightening means so as to securely engage non-invasively the X-Frame vertically and horizontally between the front, rear, bottom and top means; f. Pivotally attaching one powered rail means to the rigid front or rigid rear member as desired so as to allow the selected powered rail means to raise and lower with respect to the rails; g. Pivotally attaching the other powered rail means to the other front or rear rigid member so as to allow the selected powered rail means to raise and lower with respect to the rails; h. Connecting the power source to the front and rear powered rail means so as to allow an operator of the excavator to lower the two powered rail means to operate on the rails, and so as to allow movement of the mobile powering unit to a desired position and to allow the clamps to engage the rail.
11. A method for reversibly converting a land based machine having an X-Frame to a rail mobile machine for mobilization on rails, having front and rear powered rail means with powered rail wheels for moving on rails and having powered means to raise and lower the rail means to and from the rails and having powered clamp means to releasably clamp the powered rail means securely to the rails, a power source to provide power to the front and rear powered rail means, and where the X-Frame has a front end and a rear end and a top side and a bottom side, the method comprised of the steps of: a. Lifting the excavator to raise it off ground; b. Releasably attaching a single rigid non-invasive retaining means having an interior front end, an interior rear end and an interior bottom that together form an interior space, so as to engage the X-Frame within the interior space; c. Rotatably connecting the front and rear powered rail means to the rigid non-invasive retaining means; d. Attaching releasable rigid top securing means to the single rigid non-invasive retaining means on the top side of the X-Frame so as to releasably secure the X-Frame in a non-invasive manner both vertically and horizontally within the rigid non-invasive retaining means; e. Connecting the powering means of the front and rear rail means to the power source so as to allow an operator of the excavator to lower the two powered rail means to operate on the rails, and so as to allow movement of the mobile powering unit to a desired position on the rails and to operate the clamps to engage the rail; f. Lowering the excavator back to the ground.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of one mode of the Invention.
[0013] FIG. 1b is a perspective that that shows the invention shaded, for illustrative purposes, with the excavator shown in relation thereto in dashed lines.
[0014] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the excavator X-Frame.
[0015] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the invention that shows the X-Frame, shown shaded for illustrative purposes, in relation to the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2c is a top view of the X-Frame showing the X-Frame extensions as cross-hatched.
[0017] FIG. 2d is a side view of the X-Frame shown in FIG. 2c, without the X-Frame extensions.
[0018] FIG. 3a is a side view of one mode of the invention without the X-Frame.
[0019] FIG. 3b. is a side view of the invention on the original excavator showing the excavator cab in dashed lines and the excavator X-Frame from FIG. 2d as shaded.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of the mode of the invention shown in FIG. 3a.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front support structure of the invention in FIG. 3a.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rear support structure of the invention shown in FIG. 3a.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lower support structure of the invention shown in FIG. 3a.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper connector struts of the invention shown in FIG. 3a.
[0025] FIG. 9a is a diagram of the invention hydraulic circuit with diverting valves shown, as connected to the excavator (OEM) rotary hydraulic manifold (OEM manifold shaded).
[0026] FIG. 9b, is a diagram of an alternative independent hydraulic circuit and hydraulic power source utilized by the invention independent of the Excavator hydraulics.
[0027] FIG. 9c is a diagram of an alternative independent electrical power source circuit used with the invention eliminating use of the excavator hydraulic system.
[0028] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of the invention parts showing the relative position.
[0029] FIG. 10b is a side view of the invention that envelops the Excavator (OEM) X-Frame (X-Frame shown as in FIG. 2d without X-Frame extensions and shaded).
[0030] FIG. 11a is an exploded perspective view of an alternative mode of the invention using shims with angled features in the front and rear support structures.
[0031] FIG. 11b is a side view of the enveloping structure of alternative mode of the invention shown in FIG. 11a, shown enveloping the Excavator (OEM) X-Frame using shims and beveled structures (X-Frame shown as in FIG. 2d without X-Frame extensions and shaded).
[0032] FIG. 11c is a perspective view of the front support structure of the alternative mode shown in FIG. 11a showing angled portions.
[0033] FIG. 11d is a perspective view of the rear support structure of the alternative mode shown in FIG. 11a showing angled portions.
[0034] FIG. 11e is a perspective view of the tie rods used in the alternative mode shown in FIG. 11a.
[0035] FIG. 11f and FIG. 11g is a perspective view of the front and rear shim pairs used in the alternative mode shown in FIG. 11a.
[0036] FIG. 12a is an exploded perspective view of an alternative mode that uses independent tie rods and beveled wedges.
[0037] FIG. 12b is a side view of the alternative mode of the invention shown in FIG. 12a using independent tie rods and beveled wedges with the X-Frame shown shaded without X-Frame extensions.
[0038] FIG. 13 is an alternative mode of the enveloping portion of the invention showing a one-piece version for the front, rear and lower support structures, and utilizing shims.
[0039] FIG. 14a through 14f show the steps of conversion in the preferred inventive method.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The invention and its preferred embodiments are shown in FIG. 1a.
[0041] FIG. 1b shows, for illustrative purposes, the invention with a crawler mobilized machine, in this case an excavator. The excavator 2, also referred to as OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer, is shown in dashed lines, with its cab assembly 2a, undercarriage 59 with crawler tracks 8a and 8b. The invention 1 is shown as shaded. The undercarriage 59 includes the tracks and related structure and parts that retain the tracks to the excavator in a moveable fashion when operated on the ground in normal mode (off-rail).
[0042] The invention, with reference here to FIG. 1a and FIG. 3a, has a front support structure 30 attached to front high-rail apparatus 10, and rear support structure 40 attached to rear high-rail apparatus 20, a lower support structure 50 in between said front and rear support structures, connecting the front and rear support structures in the lower area 3b shown in FIG. 3a. Upper connector struts 60a and 60b connect the front and rear support structures in the upper area 3c shown in FIG. 3a. The front, rear, lower structures and upper struts together form an open space 3a in FIG. 3a. It is this open space 3a in which the OEM's (original equipment manufacturer) X-Frame 3 shown in FIG. 2a will be. Once all parts are tightened as discussed herein, they will pressure envelop the X-Frame horizontally or vertically (with vertical being the up direction up and down with respect to the ground and cab), in essence clamping down on the X-Frame in a substantially noninvasive manner. Substantially noninvasive here is used to mean excluding drilling into or penetrating the X-Frame metal to insert any screw, bolt or other protrusion. Using this invention to primarily secure the X-Frame secures the excavator to the invention without the need for drilling holes, penetrating or otherwise damaging the OEM X-Frame or other parts of the excavator.
[0043] Except where clear otherwise, in general throughout herein, paired part references using a and b references refer to the side of the unit each part of the pair is on. Typically, paired part references with a refer to one side of the unit, and the paired part reference b refers to the corresponding connection/part on the opposite side of the unit as context suggests.
[0044] The OEM X-Frame 3 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2a. A lower part is shown as a set of two rigid planar opposite members 4b and 4c that create an essentially planar structure otherwise held together with vertical members. These are considered essentially one planar structure for purposes of this description and shown together without extensions as X-Frame lower part 4i in FIG. 2d, discussed further herein. Typical X-Frames have an X-Frame slewing ring mount 4 and rotary hydraulic manifold 4a. The X-Frame slewing mount 4 is bolted or otherwise attached to rotational means on the lower part of the cab assembly 2a to allow cab rotation, such that when the cab assembly 2a (in FIG. 3b) is attached to the said mount 4, the cab rotates about the X-Frame, and thus allowing the cab to rotate about the invention that is connected to the X-Frame 3.
[0045] The rotary hydraulic manifold 4a allows for connection of hydraulic lines from the excavator to the mobilization means, through the X-Frame, to work in cooperation with the rotating cab assembly to allow the rotation while maintaining the hydraulic flow during rotation of the cab assembly 2a, discussed further herein.
[0046] The typical X-Frame as shown in FIG. 2a is generally in the form of an X as shown, however the X-Frame extensions 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, shown shaded, are for the crawler undercarriage to connect to. This can be more easily seen in FIG. 2b where the full X-Frame is shown in place as shaded, and again in the top view of the X-Frame shown in FIG. 2c. However, for ease of illustration in other drawings, these X-Frame extensions are not shown, as in FIG. 2d and other Figures, as will be discussed, so as to better illustrate the key parts of the X-Frame in the preferred mode that allow for retention of the X-Frame within the invention X-Frame space 3a. Thus, the dashed box 4h in FIG. 2c is there to show the respective X-Frame without the X-Frame extensions, and thus the side view of the X-Frame without X-Frame extensions is shown in FIG. 2d. This view in FIG. 2d is typically that shown in other figures hereafter as will be discussed in each such figure.
[0047] Thus, the X-Frame, from the side view, is composed of an X-Frame lower portion 4i and an X-Frame upper portion 4j.
[0048] As indicated, the primary means for securely connecting the invention to the OEM X-Frame is by securely enveloping the X-Frame in space 3a in FIG. 3a. This space has a lower X-Frame space 3b essentially adjacent to the lower portion 4b of the X-Frame, and an upper X-Frame space 3c essentially adjacent to the upper portion 4c of the X-Frame, and a front X-Frame space 3d and rear X-Frame space 3e. These directions of upper, lower, front, and rear, are the relative directions used throughout this description.
[0049] Referring again to FIGS. 1a and 3a, and FIG. 4, and FIG. 9a, 9b, that describe certain parts of the invention in the preferred mode, front high-rail apparatus 10 has rail wheels 11a, 11b, axle 12a, 12b (which may be two axles or connected as one axle unit), brakes 13a, 13b (FIG. 4), hydraulic drive motor 73 (FIG. 9a, 9b) connected to the axle to drive the wheels, discussed further herein, and other components that will provide drive and braking power to the wheels. These are operated through hydraulic lines connected to the rotary hydraulic manifold 4a via connections at 75b, further discussed with reference to FIG. 9a. It also includes hydraulic cylinder 15 rotatably connected to the front support structure at point 15a in FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 4 preferably via removable connections such as bolts or pins. Front rail lower rigid members 17a and 17b are rotatably connected to the front support structure at 16a, 16b respectively. The hydraulic cylinder 15 will raise and lower the front high-rail apparatus to bring the wheels 11a and 11b off the rails when desired, inasmuch as the front high-rail apparatus rotates about points 16a, 16b, and 15a during such hydraulic extension and withdrawal. Front clamps 18a and 18b have hydraulic cylinders connected to them. Clamp hydraulic cylinder 19a is shown connected to operate clamp 18a. Clamp 18b also has its clamp hydraulic cylinder on the other side, connected in the same fashion as 19a. These clamp cylinders activate the clamps to grab the rails to provide stability for the machine when stationary.
[0050] Rear high-rail apparatus 20 is similar to the front high-rail apparatus 10. It has rail wheels 21a and 21b, axles 22a and 22b (which may be two axles or connected as one axle unit), brakes 23a and 23b, and other components that will add drive and braking power to the wheels. These are operated through hydraulic lines connected to the rotary hydraulic manifold 4a via connections at 75b as shown in FIG. 9a. In an alternative mode, the rear wheels are connected to an alternator to charge the battery that might operate lights or other incidental electrical features of the invention.
[0051] Rear high-rail apparatus also includes hydraulic cylinder 25 rotatably connected to the rear support structure 40 at point 25a, preferably via removable connections such as bolts or pins. Rear rail lower rigid members 27a and 27b are rotatably connected to the rear support structure at 26a, 26b respectively. The hydraulic cylinder 25 will raise and lower the rear high-rail apparatus to bring the wheels 21a and 21b off the rails when desired, inasmuch as the rear high-rail apparatus rotates about points 25a, 26a, and 26b during such hydraulic extension and withdrawal. Rear clamps 28a and 28b have hydraulic cylinders connected to them. Clamp hydraulic cylinder 29a is shown connected to operate clamp 28a. Clamp 28b also has its hydraulic clamp cylinder on the other side connected in the same fashion as 29a. These clamp cylinders activate the clamps to grab the rails to provide stability for the machine when stationary.
[0052] It should be understood that while a single dual hydraulic cylinder 15 and 25 for each of the front and rear high-rail apparatus is shown, more than one may be used at each or either end as needed with corresponding increase in the relative connection points.
[0053] Front support structure 30 shown in FIG. 5 is rigid, preferably of fabricated steel construction. It has brackets 31a, 31b, and 32a to which the front high-rail apparatus is rotatably connected in at least three places: first at 16a (FIG. 4) via at least one hole 36a on bracket 31a; second at 16b (FIG. 4) via at least one corresponding hole on the opposing side on bracket 31b; and third, at 15a via holes 36b connecting bracket 32a to Hydraulic Cylinder 15. The front support structure also includes front side lower receptacle 33a, front middle lower receptacle 33b and front side lower receptacle 33c that face away from the front high-rail apparatus generally frontally toward the X-Frame space 3a side of the structure so as to receive the corresponding extensions (lower front side extension, lower front middle extension and lower front side extensions, 51a, 51b and 51c respectively) of the lower support structure 50 (FIG. 7). Said extensions are connected via bolts in corresponding holes in the receptacles and extensions. Other removable connection methods are envisioned, and as seen in the alternative modes, it is envisioned these connections to the extensions could be welded or otherwise permanently connected depending on the embodiment used. Front upper connector strut brackets 34a and 34b removably connect to front upper connector strut brackets 62a and 62b via at least one or more holes 37a, 37b, to holes 65a, 65b, respectively, preferably with removeable bolts (FIG. 8).
[0054] Rear support structure 40 shown in FIG. 6, is rigid, preferably of fabricated steel construction, that features brackets 41a, 41b, and 42a to which the rear high-rail apparatus is rotatably connected in at least three places: first at 26a (FIG. 4) via at least one hole 46a on bracket 41a; second at 26b (FIG. 4) via at least one corresponding hole on the opposing side on bracket 41b; and third, at 25a via holes 46b connecting bracket 42a to Hydraulic Cylinder 25. The rear support structure also includes rear side lower receptacle 43a, rear middle lower receptacle 43b and rear side lower receptacle 43c that face away from the rear high-rail apparatus and generally toward the X-Frame Space (3a) side of the structure so as to receive the corresponding extensions (lower rear side extension, lower rear middle extension and lower rear side extension, 52a, 52b and 53c respectively) of the lower support structure 50 (FIG. 7). Said extensions are connected via bolts in corresponding holes in the receptacles and extensions. Other removable connection methods are envisioned, and as seen in the alternative modes, it is envisioned these connections to the extensions could be welded or otherwise permanently connected depending on the embodiment used. Rear upper connector strut brackets 44a and 44b removably connect to rear upper connector struts 63a and 63b via at least one or more holes 47a, 47b, and 66a, 66b, respectively, preferably with removable bolts (FIG. 8).
[0055] Lower support structure 50 in FIG. 7 is a rigid member, preferably planar in shape, having a lower support top surface 55a that is essentially planar and facing the bottom 4c of the X-Frame (FIG. 2a) and has an opposing lower support bottom surface 55b with a lower support front end 55c (front end here being on the side of the front support structure) and a lower support rear end 55d (rear end here being on the side of the rear support structure). The lower support top surface and lower support bottom surface are made to act as one solid piece (and may as an alternative be in fact one solid structure provided it has extensions as set forth hereafter) via rigid connecting pieces 56 added throughout that are welded or otherwise solidly secured to the two said surfaces 55a and 55b to hold them together as one piece. The two said surfaces may have openings (such as at 57) to reduce the weight so long as the structural strength and integrity is maintained. The entire lower support structure is rigid and is intended to support the weight of the entire hydraulic excavator 2 with the front and rear support structures 30 and 40 when it is positioned and touching the X-Frame, which rests upon the entire composition of structures 30, 40, 50, 60a, 60b. Extensions 51a, 51b, and 51c on the front end, and extensions 52a, 52b, and 52c on the rear end are machined to insert into the receptacles 33a, 33b, and 33c referred to above on the front support structure and 43a, 43b and 43c on the rear support structure, respectively. Jacking bolt holes 89 for one end are the two holes in the middle of four holes, as shown and are threaded to receive jacking bolts 87 for tightening, and two shim plate guide holes 88 on the end of each of the four holes receive the shim plate guides 86, discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10a and 10b.
[0056] The upper connector struts 60a and 60b in FIG. 8 are rigid members, and in the preferred mode are elongated. Each upper connector strut 60a and 60b is designed to fit above the X-Frame and on either side of the rotational means 4 (FIG. 2a). Each upper connector strut is comprised of the upper connector strut beam, 61a and 61b, the front upper connector strut bracket, 62a and 62b, and the rear upper connector strut bracket, 63a and 63b. The front upper connector strut brackets have the desired number of machine bolt holes 65a, 65b that connect with bolts to holes 37a, 37b of the front upper connector brackets 34a, 34b. The rear upper connector strut brackets have the desired number of machine bolt holes 66a and 66b that connect with bolts to holes 47a, 47b of the rear upper connector brackets 44a, 44b. Struts 61a and 61b could be one piece so long as there exists space allowance for the rotational means 4 in the X-Frame 3 and that the said one piece has means for installing the said one piece about the rotary hydraulic manifold means 4 without altering the excavator 2.
[0057] These subparts (30, 40, 50, 60a and 60b) that surround the X-Frame and pressure envelop it, as well as the desired shims, are secured together against the X-Frame with one or more tightening bolts as shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b. Additional shims or spacers may be needed and used to take up any space horizontally and vertically between the X-Frame 3 (more particularly in this case the lower part 4i) and the front and rear support structures in the likely event that the X-Frame does not precisely fill the X-Frame space 3a, i.e. there exists a loose fit. Horizontal shims are shown as 81a and 82a on the a side in FIG. 10a and can be seen as 81b and 82b on the b side. Tightening bolts 81c and 82c, and others similarly situated as shown, extend through the shims and through the receiving holes in rear and front support structures 40 and 30, respectively. Here, for illustration of at least one method, tightening bolts 81c and 82c are shown extending through holes in brackets 44b and 34b (in FIGS. 5 and 6) to be secured by nuts, or said holes can be threaded themselves to screw into. Any number of bolts can be used, and additional similar tightening bolts are shown to connect the two ends together. Vertical and horizontal shims can be plates or other space fillers in any rigid form. Horizontal shim 83 in FIG. 10a has at least one shim plate guide, one of which is shown for example as shim plate guide 86 lined up to extend through hole 88. At least one jacking bolt for tightening is shown as jacking bolt 87 extending through threaded hole 89, thus tightening the vertical shim 83 against the X-Frame. Other methods for tightening shim plates are envisioned. Here, horizontal and vertical refer not to the standing up or to the lying flat position of the shim, but instead to the direction they are intended to influence, i.e. vertical shims laid flat and placed between two parts are intended to influence the vertical direction.
[0058] Hydraulics of the invention are, in the preferred mode, run through the excavator OEM rotary hydraulic manifold 4 as shown in FIG. 9a; however also envisioned is a separate dedicated system, either a hydraulic system or electrical, as part of the invention to be operated by the operator in the cab, independent of the OEM hydraulics.
[0059] In FIG. 9a, OEM rotary hydraulic manifold 4a allows the excavator hydraulic pump to move the oil from the pump on the top side of the machine through the top of the rotary hydraulic manifold, utilizing the rotary hydraulic manifold inlet ports 75a in the stator, i.e. the stationary part, through to the line ports 75b in the rotor, i.e. the rotating part, to then power the hydraulic functions of the machine, yet still allow the cabin assembly 2a to rotate about the rotary hydraulic manifold and excavator undercarriage 59. The rotary hydraulic manifold 4a is shown along with the hydraulics utilizing the excavator hydraulics. Diverting valves 71a, 71b, 72a and 72b are added to the existing OEM hydraulic lines so as to allow manual dual (or more) repurposing of their intended use when needed, i.e. to use them to operate the invention hydraulics instead of the excavator OEM hydraulics. For example, in operation, when stationary, the operator will want to utilize the appropriate control lever in the cab to operate the track travel motor or to lift the excavator blade or bucket. That same control lever in the cab might be repurposed temporarily by manually (or by remote means as desired) switching one or more of the diverting valves so that the same hydraulic line now might operate the drive motor 73 to move the excavator along the rails, or to raise the front and rear high-rail apparatus off of the rails so as to allow original movement utilizing the original crawler tracks 8a and 8b (FIG. 1b via crawler track motors 76a and 76b (FIG. 9a). Rear control cylinders 29a and 29b engage and disengage the rear rail clamps 28a and 28b. The front control cylinders 19a and 19b engage and disengage the front rail clamps 18a and 18b. The operator will know in advance which of the levers in the cab have dual purposes, depending on which way the respective diverting valves 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b, are positioned for any particular function. Other methods are envisioned to utilize diverting valves from non-rotary manifolds, it being the object here to repurpose the OEM hydraulic control levers in the cab as desired.
[0060] An independent hydraulic system is shown in FIG. 9b that does not tap into the OEM hydraulic system, and thus uses no diverting valves. An internal combustion power source 124 runs either a hydraulic system or (through an alternator) an electrical based system, housed with the invention in the preferred mode here as 120. In a hydraulic system, the power source 124 runs the hydrostatic pump 128, providing hydraulic power with hydraulic oil reservoir 126 through the hydraulic lines as shown. Auxiliary pump 130 provides hydraulic power to the lift cylinders 15 and 25 and the rail clamps as in FIG. 9a as well as the drive motor 73. Auxiliary valves 134 control the direction of operation of the lift cylinders to lift, and to engage and disengage the rail as desired. Remote Transmitter 132 is used by the operator to control the entire invention through the radio (or hard wired) control and electrical box and receiver 122.
[0061] In FIG. 9c, an electrical based system is shown that powers the invention independent of the OEM hydraulics as an alternative mode that also eliminates any need for connecting to any part of the OEM hydraulics. Hydraulic pumps 15 and 25 are replaced with electric linear actuators 145 and 155 to raise and lower the rail apparatus. Electric linear actuators 149a, 149b, and 159a, 159b, act to engage and disengage the rail clamps. All actuators are powered electrically by a battery bank 141 and controlled via remote control (radio or hardwired) by controller/remote transmitter 146 through control/receiver box 143. The batteries may be recharged by an on-board internal combustion source as shown in FIG. 9b or may be recharged by a portable generator carried along, or by connecting to any available electrical power source as available, or standby battery packs can be used.
[0062] Thus, what is shown is a solid structure that securely retains the X-Frame without the need to puncture or breach the X-Frame. This nonbreaching, non-invasive means is preferred for securing to the X-Frame so as to provide a secure fit vertically and horizontally.
[0063] The issue of a loose fit about the X-Frame is also resolved in an alternative mode of the invention shown in FIGS. 11a-11g. The front and rear support structures 30a and 40a are shown with slanted, i.e. beveled portions 90a, 90b and 91a, 91b, with respect to the X-Frame, and have corresponding opposite slanting shims 92a, 92b and 93a, 93b fitting in between the beveled portions and the X-Frame as shown, each shim having a raised portion with a bolt hole 94a, 94b, and 95a, 95b so as to match and correspond to allow the ends 97a, 97b and 98a, 98b of tie rods 96a and 96b respectively to extend to or through the respective shim's bolt holes 94a, 94b through respective bolt hole 99a, 99b and 100a, 100b as shown and be tightened with bolts effectively pulling the front and rear support structures tight into and against the X-Frame in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Thus, the tie rods are connected in this manner to the front and rear support structures, with shims between them and the X-Frame, eliminating a loose fit as the wedging forces work to tighten as the tie rods are tightened. It also allows periodic tightening if normal use should loosen the fit. FIG. 11b shows the side view of the foregoing, showing the X-Frame lower portion 4i tightly wedged. While the wedges 93 and 94 could be eliminated and still provide horizontal and vertical retention of the X-Frame lower portion 4i via the wedge shape of the structure at 90 and 91, the use of the wedges 93 and 94 provides a broader and more stable coverage restriction against the X-Frame. FIG. 11c, FIG. 11d, FIG. 11e and FIG. 11f show the parts in more detail.
[0064] A further alternative is shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b, that does not require tie rods or other structure to extend across the top of the X-Frame. Shims and beveled structures are shown similar to that in the mode shown in FIG. 11a, however tie rods 114 and 115 are terminated with blocking means 114a and 115a to provide the stop means when the tie rods are extended through holes in beveled shims 116 and 117 and 120 and 121 respectively. Screw, nut, or other tightening means 118 and 122 are tightened to pull the shims 116 and 120 tight into and against the beveled portions of the front and rear structures 30a and 40a. This can be seen more easily from the side view in FIG. 13b, with shims 125 and 126 operating against the beveled portions 110 and 111. As tightening of the bolts 130 and 129 occurs, driving the opposing beveled portions against each other, tightening occurs, i.e. the respective beveled portions of the shims are driven against those bevel portions at 110 and 111, and as a result, both horizontal and vertical pressure is exerted against the X-Frame, tightening it in all directions. Prior modes discussed use the tie rods to pull the two ends (front support structure and rear support structure) together, towards each other. Thus, this mode allows a tight fit and allows relatively easy periodic tightening as needed.
[0065] In another alternative mode, also addressing a loose fit, a one-piece structure 110 in FIG. 13 shows the front support structure, the rear support structure, and the lower support structure all combined into one solid structure. Shims 101 and 102 have holes 103 and 104 and tie rod 105 extends through them to holes 107 and 108 (along with corresponding structures on the opposite side) to pull the shims tight and wedge against the X-Frame. These shims operate in this mode, as can be seen, slightly differently than those in FIG. 11a, however they achieve the same purpose to pull tight against the X-Frame to create one solid structure, and also allow periodic tightening if necessary to maintain the rigid connection of the invention to the X-Frame. Tie rod 109 on the opposing side is shown with all related parts in place for illustration.
[0066] The method in which the invention is installed with the OEM excavator is shown in FIGS. 14a through 14f.
[0067] First, the excavator is moved to flat and level ground using its existing track mobility and driven up on cribbing 162 so as to elevate the excavator at least approximately nine inches from the bottom of the track to the floor, FIG. 14a. The boom 160 of the excavator should be off to the side so as to remove it from interfering with the front and/or rear high-rail apparatus, preferably 90 degrees to the side (although FIG. 14a is showing the boom less than 90 degrees so as to more clearly show the invention).
[0068] Next, one end of the hydraulic lines for the invention are connected to the OEM's rotary hydraulic manifold, keeping the other end of the lines located inside the X-Frame capped.
[0069] Next, a front or rear support structure is placed on the X-Frame. This is typically done using a forklift or similar suited lifting machine. In FIG. 14b, the front support structure 30 is lifted in place over the X-Frame 3 (shaded). The support structure should rest in place in a loose clamping fashion due to the clamp feature of the support structure as shown in FIG. 14b.
[0070] One end of the upper connector struts 60a and 60b can be connected as shown in FIG. 14b at this stage, or following either of the next two steps (after installing either the lower support structure or the rear support structure), with the estimated number of horizontal shims (or wedge shims depending on the invention mode being installed) inserted at that end.
[0071] Next, in the preferred mode, the lower support structure is lifted in place with vertical shims. This is important in the preferred mode inasmuch as lower support structure 50 has extensions that insert into the front and rear support structure such that the extensions at one end slide into the receptacles in the front and rear structures. Here, with the front support structure in place first, and after inserting the desired vertical shims on the lower support structure, extensions 51a, 51b, and 51c are inserted into receptacles 33a, 33b, 33c. Bolts 84a (FIG. 10a) are loosely insertedas are their counterpart bolts on the opposite side (side b).
[0072] Next, using the forklift, install the opposite end support structure. In FIG. 14c, this is the rear support structure 40. Again, in the preferred mode, the extensions will be inserted into the receptacles as the support structure is lifted into place around the X-Frame. Here the extensions 52a, 52b, 52c are inserted into receptacles 43a, 43b, 43c, with tightening bolts 80a and their counterpart bolts on the b side loosely inserted.
[0073] If using the one piece mode in FIG. 13, these three steps of inserting the front support structure, the lower support structure and the rear support structure are eliminated and replaced with the steps of inserting the vertical shims, then lifting and sliding the one piece (110 in FIG. 13), with said vertical shims, into place around the X-Frame 3. Then proceed to the next step.
[0074] Next, insert the remaining shims. These are either horizontal shim plates or wedge shims depending on the mode used.
[0075] Next, insert upper connector struts, or tie rods, depending on the mode used (modes in FIG. 1a, FIG. 11a, FIG. 12a, or FIG. 13). In the preferred mode shown in FIG. 1a, if the upper connector struts 60a, 60b have not been previously placed by connecting to their front end as referenced above, they should be inserted now, and both ends connected to the front and rear support structures, respectively, after inserting the desired number of shims. A side view of the assembly at this stage is shown in FIG. 14c.
[0076] Next, evenly tighten all bolts at the foregoing locations surrounding the X-Frame to secure the invention to the X-Frame. Shims may be added or removed as needed.
[0077] Next install one end of the high-rail Apparatus. In FIG. 14d this is shown as the front high-rail apparatus after being lifted in place with a forklift. All connections are made to the respective brackets 31a, 31b and 32b.
[0078] Next install the other end high-rail apparatus. In FIG. 14e, the rear High-rail apparatus is shown in this step. This is done in the same manner as the front high-rail apparatus was installed, in this case connecting to the brackets 41a, 41b, and 42a.
[0079] Next attach the other end of the hydraulic lines that were capped to the invention hydraulics. These may be the individual locations at each cylinder, or to a bulkhead placed on the invention to which all individual locations are pre-connected.
[0080] Next check for leaks. Then track off the cribbing utilizing the crawler tracks, with rail apparatus at both ends up and disengaged from the rails below.
[0081] The invention is now installed, ready to lower said rail apparatus to engage the rails as shown in FIG. 14f, to provide a rail-based mobilization in lieu of the ground-based crawler tracks.
[0082] The entire unit is now ready to operate as an excavator on rails. The controls in the cab are now connected through the rotary hydraulic manifold via diverting valves to control all the needed functions, such as the invention brakes, clamps, and raising and lowering any invention cylinders. Drive motors can be controlled by the operator to move the unit forward and backward on the track.
[0083] When ready to do the task of excavating, the operator can energize the clamps 18a and 18b through their respective cylinders so that the clamps grab on to the rails firmly for support. The rail wheels, if not already on the railroad rails, will be lowered to the rails by energizing the hydraulic cylinders 15 and 25 of both the front and rear rail apparatus respectively by extending the said cylinders to lower said front and rear rail apparatus to the rails sufficiently to also lift the entire cab assembly above the railroad rails.
[0084] What is disclosed is a unique device and method for relatively easily converting a typical large excavator or similar crawler based machine having an X-Frame type or similar planar structure to removably attach to with no front and rear obstructive attachments, to a high-rail device capable of heavy duty excavating on and from railroad tracks, while maintaining the ability to use the same device off-rail utilizing the crawler tracks, or drive wheels, with relative ease in conversion, all in a manner so as not to drill, weld, machine, or otherwise cut into, penetrate, or damage the X-Frame or other original excavator parts, by pressure enveloping the X-Frame in a non-invasive manner to create the primary physical retention means, so as to pressure retain the X-Frame in all directions and otherwise prevent any movement of the invention attachment with respect to the excavator, in any of the four directions of the X-Frame (top, bottom, front and rear, i.e. up, down, and to either side).
[0085] Other features and manner of accomplishing the invention as apparent from the disclosure herein are intended and claimed.
