GB292981A - Apparatus for removing the ballast from railway-tracks - Google Patents

Abstract

292,981. Scheuchzer, A. June 28, 1927, [Convention date]. Plant for laying track.-Means for removing ballast from railroad tracks without removing the rails and ties comprises an endless chain carrying excavating tools and disposed below the ties across the track, the chain being adjustable in depth and in inclination; as the apparatus advances along the track, the tools attack a lower layer of ballast and the upper layers subside, the chain conveying the material to the side of the track. The material is then sifted bv hand or mechanically and returned to the track. As shown, a frame 5, Fig. 4, supports an endless chain 8 running round sprockets 6, 7, the rear of the frame comprising pivoted members 42, 43 pressed by a spring 46 to stretch the chain while permitting yielding when required ; the chain carries pivoted tools 9 provided with rearward extensions 52 which engage rollers 47 to hold the tools in operative position during their active travel, a cam 49 tilting the tools backwards at the beginning of their return run. The frame is detachably supported from a frame 16, the chain being driven through a coupling sleeve 17 and bevel gearing 14 from a motor 15; the frame 16 is supported on wheels driven by the motor 15 and is tilted or adjusted vertically thereon by lateral pairs of chains 25, the chains of each pair being fixed at 26 and passing over pulleys 27, 28, 29 to a common drum 30. A pivoted bucket elevator 32 is adjusted laterally by moving its supporting shaft 37 axially, and raises the material to a rotating sieve 34; from the sieve waste material is conveyed away by a conveyer 35, while the remainder passes to a distributor 36 for return to the track. Additional wheels 55 permit lateral movement of the machine to allow the passage of trains.