US20170012387A1 - Magnetic Rail Bond - Google Patents
Magnetic Rail Bond Download PDFInfo
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- US20170012387A1 US20170012387A1 US15/270,316 US201615270316A US2017012387A1 US 20170012387 A1 US20170012387 A1 US 20170012387A1 US 201615270316 A US201615270316 A US 201615270316A US 2017012387 A1 US2017012387 A1 US 2017012387A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rail
- permanent magnet
- magnet
- magnetic
- electrical conductor
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/6205—Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60M—POWER SUPPLY LINES, AND DEVICES ALONG RAILS, FOR ELECTRICALLY- PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60M5/00—Arrangements along running rails or at joints thereof for current conduction or insulation, e.g. safety devices for reducing earth currents
Definitions
- the rails of a railroad track are sometimes used as electrical conductors that carry electrical signals.
- track circuits are used to detect the presence or absence of a train on rail tracks. This information can then be used to inform signalers and control relevant signals.
- power is applied to each rail at one end of a section of track, such as a block.
- An electrical relay is electrically coupled across the rails at an opposite end of the section of track. When no train is present, the relay is energized by the current flowing through the rails. When a train is present, its wheels and axle electrically short the circuit formed by the rails. This causes the current to the relay to drop, and the relay is de-energized. The state of the relay can therefore be used to indicate whether a train is present on the section of track.
- Rail feeds are used to effect an electrical connection between a rail and, for example, a control unit.
- the rail feed can be used to transmit an electrical signal on, or receive an electrical signal from, the rail.
- Rail bonds are used to electrically couple longitudinally adjacent lengths of rail, as there is typically a gap between the rail ends.
- One method is to mechanically connect an electrical conductor via a hole that is formed in the rail.
- a mechanical connection can take the form of a bolt or a screw, for example.
- This hole can be formed, for example, by drilling or pounding. This drilling or pounding can cause a flaw in the rail, making the rail more likely to fail or break.
- Another method is to weld an electrical conductor to the rail. The heating of the rail that is inherent in the welding process can also cause flaws in the rail, again making the rail more likely to fail or break.
- Other methods include pin brazing and gluing. These methods suffer from their own disadvantages including low reliability. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art through comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.
- An illustrative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of forming an electrical connection between an electrical conductor and a railway rail.
- an electrically-conductive magnet assembly coupled to an end of an electrical conductor is provided.
- the electrically-conductive magnet assembly is coupled to a railway rail via magnetic force.
- the magnetic coupling of the magnet assembly to the rail causes the rail to be electrically coupled to the electrically-conductive magnet assembly, and, in turn, to the electrical conductor.
- a second end of the electrical conductor is coupled to control circuitry operable to transmit an electrical signal to the rail via the electrical conductor and the electrically-conductive magnet assembly.
- Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a rail feed apparatus that includes an electrically-conductive magnet assembly and an electrical conductor coupled to the electrically-conductive magnet assembly.
- the electrically-conductive magnet assembly comprises a ferromagnetic material plated with an electrically-conductive material.
- a rail bond which includes an electrical conductor, a first electrically-conductive magnet assembly coupled to a first end of the electrical conductor, and a second electrically-conductive magnet assembly coupled to a second end of the electrical conductor.
- the first electrically-conductive magnet assembly is coupled to a first railway rail via magnetic force.
- the magnetic coupling of the first magnet assembly to the first rail causes the first rail to be electrically coupled to the first electrically-conductive magnet assembly, and, in turn, to the electrical conductor.
- the second electrically-conductive magnet assembly is coupled to a second railway rail via magnetic force.
- the magnetic coupling of the second magnet assembly to the second rail causes the second rail to be electrically coupled to the second electrically-conductive magnet assembly, and, in turn, to the electrical conductor.
- the first railway rail is longitudinally adjacent to the second rail.
- Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a rail bond that includes an electrical conductor and two electrically-conductive magnet assemblies.
- the first electrically-conductive magnet assembly coupled to a first end of the electrical conductor, and the second electrically-conductive magnet assembly coupled to a second end of the electrical conductor.
- the electrically-conductive magnet assemblies each comprise a ferromagnetic material plated with an electrically-conductive material.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing showing a magnetic rail bond according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing showing a magnetic rail feed according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing showing a magnetic rail bond connected across a joint between two rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing showing a temporary magnetic rail bond assembly according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing showing a magnetic electrical connection maintainer according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing showing a magnetic rail shunt according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing showing a dual-mode magnetic rail shunt according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- the present invention comprises rail a bond apparatus utilizing a magnetic coupling of an electrical conductor to a railroad rail and methods of magnetically coupling an electrical conductor to a railroad rail.
- FIG. 1 shows a magnetic rail bond 130 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- the rail bond 130 of FIG. 1 includes an electrically conductive cable 100 and two magnets 110 , 120 mechanically and electrically coupled to the cable at both ends of the cable 100 .
- the magnets 110 , 120 are comprised of a magnetic material that is plated with an electrically conductive material.
- the magnetic material is neodymium and the electrically conductive plating is nickel.
- the plating can also comprise copper, silver, platinum, gold, or any combination thereof.
- the magnets 110 , 120 are comprised of a magnetic material (such as alnico—an alloy comprised mainly of aluminum, nickel and cobalt) disposed between two pieces of steel (or other metal), the magnetic force firmly holding the pieces of steel to the magnetic material.
- the magnets 110 and 120 are made out of a material that is both highly magnetic and electrically conductive. While the magnets 110 and 120 of FIG. 1 are depicted as rectangular blocks, the magnets can be of any number of different shapes and sizes in accordance with the present invention.
- the cable 100 is attached to each of the magnets 110 , 120 with epoxy. This epoxy can be electrically conductive in one embodiment.
- the cable 100 can also be welded to the magnets 110 , 120 .
- the cable 100 is attached to the magnets 110 , 120 as part of the manufacturing process of the magnets 110 , 120 .
- the cable 100 is mechanically attached to the magnets via mechanical means such as bolt means, screw means, or other mechanical means.
- the cable 100 is of a length that is appropriate for connecting the rail bond 130 across a rail joint, or the gap between the ends of longitudinally adjacent rail sections.
- the cable can illustratively be in the range of 3-12 inches long. But again, this length range is merely illustrative and the cable can be of substantially any length in accordance with the invention.
- the magnets 110 and 120 are connected not by a cable, but by a length of metal or other material that conducts electricity in a manner similar to an electrical cable 100 .
- the rail bond 130 is connected across a rail joint, or the gap between the ends of longitudinally adjacent rail sections. This is depicted in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 3 shows the rail bond 130 of FIG. 1 connected across a gap 320 at the joint between rail section 300 and rail section 310 .
- the magnet 110 is attached to rail section 300 by the attractive magnetic force between the magnet 110 and the rail section 300 .
- Modern railroad rails are typically made of steel, which exhibits strong ferromagnetic properties.
- the magnet 120 is attached to rail section 310 in a similar manner.
- the magnets 110 , 120 comprise a magnetic material plated with an electrically conductive material, such as nickel, the attractive force between the magnetic material and the rail holds the electrically conductive plating in firm contact with the rail.
- the magnets 110 , 120 are comprised of a magnetic material, such as alnico, disposed between two pieces of steel
- the attractive force between the magnetic material and the rail holds the electrically conductive steel pieces in firm contact with the rail.
- the rail bond 130 thus forms an electrical connection across the gap 320 of the joint between rail sections 300 and 310 .
- This electrical connection allows electrical control signals carried by the rails to traverse the rails unabated by joints exemplified by gap 320 .
- FIG. 3 shows the rail bond 130 being attached to the rail sections 300 and 310 at the web of said rail sections.
- the rail bond 130 can also be attached to the rails at the base of the rail or on the outside or underside of the rail head in accordance with the present invention.
- caulk or epoxy or some like substance is applied around the interface of the magnet to the rail. This can help to keep the connection between the magnet and the rail dry, and can further serve to strengthen the bond between the magnet and the rail. In another embodiment, this same role can be served by an electrically conductive adhesive.
- FIG. 2 shows a magnetic rail feed 200 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- Rail feed 200 includes an electrically conductive cable 210 and a magnet 220 mechanically and electrically coupled to the cable 210 .
- the cable 210 goes to a control case or other manner of electronic circuitry that transmits electrical signals to and/or receives electrical signals from a section of rail to which the magnet 220 attaches.
- the magnet 220 is comprised of a magnetic material that is plated with an electrically conductive material.
- the magnetic material is neodymium and the electrically conductive plating is nickel.
- the plating can also comprise copper, silver, platinum, gold, or any combination thereof.
- the magnet 220 is comprised of a magnetic material (such as alnico) disposed between two pieces of steel (or other metal), the magnetic force firmly holding the pieces of steel to the magnetic material.
- the magnet 220 is made out of a material that is both highly magnetic and electrically conductive. While the magnet 220 of FIG. 2 is depicted as a rectangular block, the magnet can be of any number of different shapes and sizes in accordance with the present invention.
- the cable 210 is attached to the magnet 220 with epoxy. This epoxy can be electrically conductive in one embodiment. The cable 210 can also be welded to the magnet 220 .
- the cable 210 is attached to the magnet as part of the manufacturing process of the magnet 220 .
- the cable 210 is mechanically attached to the magnet 220 via mechanical means such as bolt means, screw means, or other mechanical means.
- the magnet 220 magnetically attaches to a rail in much the same manner as the magnet 110 attaches to rail section 300 in FIG. 2 .
- the magnet 220 can also be attached to the rail at the base of the rail or on the underside of the rail head in accordance with the present invention.
- caulk or epoxy or some like substance is applied around the interface of the magnet to the rail.
- this same role can be served by an electrically conductive adhesive.
- FIG. 4 shows a temporary magnetic rail bond assembly 400 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- the temporary magnetic rail bond assembly 400 comprises magnet 410 and a mechanical cable attachment apparatus 420 .
- the magnet 410 is comprised of a magnetic material that is plated with an electrically conductive material.
- the magnetic material is neodymium and the electrically conductive plating is nickel.
- the plating can also comprise copper, silver, platinum, gold, or any combination thereof.
- the magnet 410 is comprised of a magnetic material (such as alnico) disposed between two pieces of steel (or other metal), the magnetic force firmly holding the pieces of steel to the magnetic material.
- the magnet 410 is made out of a material that is both highly magnetic and electrically conductive. While the magnet 410 of FIG. 4 is depicted as a rectangular block, the magnet can be of any number of different shapes and sizes in accordance with the present invention.
- the mechanical cable attachment apparatus 420 is attached to the magnet 410 via welding. In an alternative embodiment, the mechanical cable attachment apparatus 420 is attached to the magnet 410 with epoxy. This epoxy is electrically conductive in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the mechanical cable attachment apparatus 420 is attached to the magnet 410 as part of the manufacturing process of the magnet 410 .
- the temporary magnetic rail bond assembly 400 is intended to serve as a temporary replacement for a permanent rail bond whose cable 430 has been disengaged (broken off) from the permanent rail bond.
- the permanent rail bond from which the cable 430 has been disengaged may have been a magnetic rail bond or a standard prior art rail bond such as a welded rail bond or a bolted rail bond.
- the disengaged cable 430 is attached to the temporary magnetic rail bond assembly 400 via the mechanical cable attachment apparatus 420 .
- the mechanical cable attachment apparatus 420 can comprise a screw assembly, a nut and bolt assembly, or some other mechanical attachment assembly.
- the bolt is tightened on the end of the disengaged cable 430 to securely attach and electrically couple the cable to the temporary magnetic rail bond assembly 400 .
- the mechanical cable attachment apparatus 420 is made of an electrically conductive material so as to electrically couple the cable 430 to the magnet 410 .
- the magnet 410 magnetically attaches to a rail in much the same manner as the magnet 110 attaches to rail section 300 in FIG. 2 .
- the magnet 410 can also be attached to the rail at the base of the rail or on the underside of the rail head in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 shows a magnetic electrical connection maintainer 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the magnetic electrical connection maintainer 500 comprises a magnet 510 that is mechanically and electrically coupled to an electrical cable 520 .
- the magnet 510 is comprised of a magnetic material that is plated with an electrically conductive material.
- the magnetic material is neodymium and the electrically conductive plating is nickel.
- the plating can also comprise copper, silver, platinum, gold, or any combination thereof.
- the magnet 510 is comprised of a magnetic material (such as alnico) disposed between two pieces of steel (or other metal), the magnetic force firmly holding the pieces of steel to the magnetic material.
- the magnet 510 is made out of a material that is both highly magnetic and electrically conductive. While the magnet 510 of FIG. 5 is depicted as a rectangular block, the magnet can be of any number of different shapes and sizes in accordance with the present invention.
- Mechanically and electrically coupled to the other end of the cable 520 is an electrically conductive clamp 530 .
- the cable 520 is epoxied to the magnet 510 , although other means of mechanically and electrically coupling the cable 520 to the magnet 510 are also contemplated, such as the various means described with respect to FIG. 1 .
- the magnetic electrical connection maintainer 500 can be used to maintain an electrical connection between a rail and a rail feed when the rail feed is to be repaired or replaced. Say, for example, that a rail feed is to be replaced.
- the magnet 510 is magnetically attached to the rail in much the same manner as the magnet 110 attaches to rail section 300 in FIG. 2 .
- the magnet 510 can also be attached to the rail at the base of the rail or to the rail head in accordance with the present invention.
- the clamp 530 is clamped onto an exposed portion of the cable that goes to the control box. With the electrical connection maintainer 500 so disposed, the old rail feed can be removed without breaking the electrical connection from the control box to the rail. After the rail feed is replaced, the electrical connection maintainer 500 can be removed.
- FIG. 6 shows a magnetic rail shunt 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- Magnetic rail shunt 600 includes an electrical cable 620 with two magnets 610 and 630 mechanically and electrically coupled to either end of the cable 620 , as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the magnets 610 and 630 are approximately the same size as the magnets shown in FIGS. 1-5 , according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- the magnets 610 , 630 are comprised of a magnetic material that is plated with an electrically conductive material.
- the magnetic material is neodymium and the electrically conductive plating is nickel.
- the plating can also comprise copper, silver, platinum, gold, or any combination thereof.
- the magnets 610 , 630 are comprised of a magnetic material (such as alnico) disposed between two pieces of steel (or other metal), the magnetic force firmly holding the pieces of steel to the magnetic material.
- the magnets 610 and 630 are made out of a material that is both highly magnetic and electrically conductive. While the magnet 610 of FIG. 6 is depicted as a rectangular block, the magnet can be of any number of different shapes and sizes in accordance with the present invention.
- the ends of cable 620 are epoxied to magnets 610 and 630 , although other means of mechanically and electrically coupling the cable 620 to the magnets 610 , 630 are also contemplated, such as the various means described with respect to FIG. 1 .
- the magnetic rail shunt 600 is used to electrically couple the two parallel rails that comprise a railroad track.
- magnet 610 is magnetically attached to one of the rails and the magnet 630 is magnetically attached to the other rail.
- the magnets 610 and 630 can be attached to their respective rails at the top of the rail, at the base of the rail, or at the rail web in accordance with the present invention.
- the cable 620 is of a length that is appropriate for spanning the two parallel rails of a railroad track.
- the magnetic rail shunt 600 is used to simulate the presence of train wheels on the rails of the railroad track. As described previously, in a track circuit, when a train is present, its wheels and axle electrically short the circuit formed by the rails. This shorting of the circuit indicates the presence of a train on the section of track. For maintenance and testing purposes, it is sometimes beneficial to simulate this shorting of the circuit by the train wheels without the actual presence of a train.
- a magnetic rail shunt such as rail shunt 600 is used to electrically couple two rails on the same side of a track in an end-to-end fashion.
- This implementation can be employed to maintain the track circuit in the event of a missing rail or an open rail splice.
- the cable 620 can be of any length necessary to span the missing rail or open rail splice.
- the magnetic rail shunt 600 offers quick and immediate shunt simulations without the need for wrenches, T-handles or set screw operations as required with prior art shunt apparatus.
- the magnetic rail shunt 600 also offers an ease of the “bobble” effect to simulate train detection of grade crossing predictors.
- FIG. 7 shows a magnetic rail shunt 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- Magnetic rail shunt 700 includes an electrical cable 720 with two magnets 710 and 730 mechanically and electrically coupled to either end of the cable 720 , in a manner similar to the magnetic rail shunt 600 of FIG. 6 .
- Also mechanically and electrically coupled to the magnet 710 and the electrical cable 720 is a mechanical rail attachment device 735 .
- a second mechanical rail attachment device 740 is mechanically and electrically coupled to the magnet 730 and the electrical cable 720 .
- the mechanical rail attachment devices 735 and 740 are sometimes referred to as “rustbusters.”
- the mechanical rail attachment devices 735 and 740 offer an alternative means of attaching to the rail in addition to the magnet means as described with respect to FIG. 6 .
- the dual-mode rail attachment assemblies 760 and 770 can be attached to their respective rails using the magnets 710 and 730 as described with regard to FIG. 6 .
- the dual-mode rail attachment assemblies 760 and 770 are turned upside-down relative to their orientation shown in FIG. 7 and placed over their respective rails.
- the sides 745 and 750 of the mechanical rail attachment devices 735 and 740 thus extend down vertically around the sides of their respective rails.
- Bolt or screw mechanisms 755 and 765 are then tightened to secure the mechanical rail attachment devices 735 and 740 to their respective rails.
- the bolt and screw mechanisms 755 , 765 , and pegs 775 , 780 serve to securely attach, and electrically couple, the mechanical rail attachment devices 735 and 740 to their respective rails.
- the bolt and screw mechanisms 755 , 765 , and pegs 775 , 780 also help to penetrate rust to allow a solid electrical connection between the mechanical rail attachment devices 735 and 740 and their respective rails.
- the mechanical rail attachment devices 735 and 740 including the bolt and screw mechanisms 755 , 765 , and pegs 775 , 780 , are made of an electrically conductive material
- this alternative embodiment provides essentially two shunts in one shunt apparatus.
- the shunts in this alternative embodiment have different resistances.
- one of the shunts has a resistance of approximately 0.06 ⁇ and the other has a resistance of approximately 0.0 ⁇ .
- the user applying the magnetic rail shunt can choose which of the shunts to deploy to effect different electrical characteristics of the shunt connection.
- the present invention's magnetic means of bonding an electrical connection to a rail provides many advantages over prior art means such as welding and mechanical bonding means.
- One such advantage is safety. There is no danger from molten metal splatter or of starting fires as there is with welding bonding means. And magnetic rail bond installation requires no hammer and chisel as many mechanical bonding means do.
- the magnetic bonding means of the present invention does not apply stress to the rail as both welding and mechanical bonding means do.
- the magnetic bonding means avoids the damage caused by the extremities of high temperatures inherent with welding and also avoids the damage caused by drilling holes in the rail.
- the magnetic bonding means also makes it easier to remove a rail bond without damaging the rail.
- the present invention also provides a quick and easy installation.
- magnétique rail bonding means of the present invention is that it is suitable for permanent installation as well as temporary deployment. Additionally, the magnetic rail bond can be applied in substantially any climatic conditions. This is not the case with welded rail bonds which cannot be applied in wet conditions. The present invention also increases the ease of maintenance; the magnetic rail bond can be easily removed, cleaned, and reapplied.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Machines For Laying And Maintaining Railways (AREA)
- Electric Connection Of Electric Components To Printed Circuits (AREA)
- Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)
Abstract
Magnetic means and apparatus for implementing rail bonds and rail feeds. A rail bond embodiment comprises an electrical conductor. Mechanically and electrically coupled to each end of the electrical conductor is a magnet that comprises a magnetic material that is plated with an electrically conductive material. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet comprises a magnetic material that is disposed between two pieces of steel or other metal. In operation, the two magnets are attached to two rail sections, across a joint separating the rails, via the attractive magnetic force between each magnet and its associated rail. In this way, the electrical circuit comprising the rails is maintained.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/156,189, filed on Feb. 27, 2009, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- The rails of a railroad track are sometimes used as electrical conductors that carry electrical signals. For example, track circuits are used to detect the presence or absence of a train on rail tracks. This information can then be used to inform signalers and control relevant signals. In a typical track circuit, power is applied to each rail at one end of a section of track, such as a block. An electrical relay is electrically coupled across the rails at an opposite end of the section of track. When no train is present, the relay is energized by the current flowing through the rails. When a train is present, its wheels and axle electrically short the circuit formed by the rails. This causes the current to the relay to drop, and the relay is de-energized. The state of the relay can therefore be used to indicate whether a train is present on the section of track.
- Rail feeds are used to effect an electrical connection between a rail and, for example, a control unit. The rail feed can be used to transmit an electrical signal on, or receive an electrical signal from, the rail. Rail bonds are used to electrically couple longitudinally adjacent lengths of rail, as there is typically a gap between the rail ends.
- Various methods are and have been used to implement rail feeds and rail bonds. One method is to mechanically connect an electrical conductor via a hole that is formed in the rail. Such a mechanical connection can take the form of a bolt or a screw, for example. This hole can be formed, for example, by drilling or pounding. This drilling or pounding can cause a flaw in the rail, making the rail more likely to fail or break. Another method is to weld an electrical conductor to the rail. The heating of the rail that is inherent in the welding process can also cause flaws in the rail, again making the rail more likely to fail or break. Other methods include pin brazing and gluing. These methods suffer from their own disadvantages including low reliability. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art through comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.
- An illustrative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of forming an electrical connection between an electrical conductor and a railway rail. Pursuant to said method, an electrically-conductive magnet assembly coupled to an end of an electrical conductor is provided. The electrically-conductive magnet assembly is coupled to a railway rail via magnetic force. The magnetic coupling of the magnet assembly to the rail causes the rail to be electrically coupled to the electrically-conductive magnet assembly, and, in turn, to the electrical conductor. In one embodiment of the invention, a second end of the electrical conductor is coupled to control circuitry operable to transmit an electrical signal to the rail via the electrical conductor and the electrically-conductive magnet assembly.
- Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a rail feed apparatus that includes an electrically-conductive magnet assembly and an electrical conductor coupled to the electrically-conductive magnet assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the electrically-conductive magnet assembly comprises a ferromagnetic material plated with an electrically-conductive material.
- Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of forming an electrical connection between railway rails. Pursuant to this method, a rail bond is provided which includes an electrical conductor, a first electrically-conductive magnet assembly coupled to a first end of the electrical conductor, and a second electrically-conductive magnet assembly coupled to a second end of the electrical conductor. The first electrically-conductive magnet assembly is coupled to a first railway rail via magnetic force. The magnetic coupling of the first magnet assembly to the first rail causes the first rail to be electrically coupled to the first electrically-conductive magnet assembly, and, in turn, to the electrical conductor. The second electrically-conductive magnet assembly is coupled to a second railway rail via magnetic force. The magnetic coupling of the second magnet assembly to the second rail causes the second rail to be electrically coupled to the second electrically-conductive magnet assembly, and, in turn, to the electrical conductor. In one embodiment of the invention, the first railway rail is longitudinally adjacent to the second rail.
- Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a rail bond that includes an electrical conductor and two electrically-conductive magnet assemblies. The first electrically-conductive magnet assembly coupled to a first end of the electrical conductor, and the second electrically-conductive magnet assembly coupled to a second end of the electrical conductor. In one embodiment of the invention, the electrically-conductive magnet assemblies each comprise a ferromagnetic material plated with an electrically-conductive material.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing showing a magnetic rail bond according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing showing a magnetic rail feed according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing showing a magnetic rail bond connected across a joint between two rail sections according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing showing a temporary magnetic rail bond assembly according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing showing a magnetic electrical connection maintainer according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing showing a magnetic rail shunt according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing showing a dual-mode magnetic rail shunt according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. - Illustrative embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptive text show and describe, by way of illustration, specific implementations of the present invention. Other examples of implementations may be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
- In general, the present invention comprises rail a bond apparatus utilizing a magnetic coupling of an electrical conductor to a railroad rail and methods of magnetically coupling an electrical conductor to a railroad rail.
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FIG. 1 shows amagnetic rail bond 130 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Therail bond 130 ofFIG. 1 includes an electricallyconductive cable 100 and twomagnets cable 100. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, themagnets magnets magnets magnets FIG. 1 are depicted as rectangular blocks, the magnets can be of any number of different shapes and sizes in accordance with the present invention. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, thecable 100 is attached to each of themagnets cable 100 can also be welded to themagnets cable 100 is attached to themagnets magnets cable 100 is mechanically attached to the magnets via mechanical means such as bolt means, screw means, or other mechanical means. According to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, thecable 100 is of a length that is appropriate for connecting therail bond 130 across a rail joint, or the gap between the ends of longitudinally adjacent rail sections. As such, the cable can illustratively be in the range of 3-12 inches long. But again, this length range is merely illustrative and the cable can be of substantially any length in accordance with the invention. In another embodiment, themagnets electrical cable 100. - In operation, the
rail bond 130 is connected across a rail joint, or the gap between the ends of longitudinally adjacent rail sections. This is depicted inFIG. 3 .FIG. 3 shows therail bond 130 ofFIG. 1 connected across agap 320 at the joint betweenrail section 300 andrail section 310. Themagnet 110 is attached torail section 300 by the attractive magnetic force between themagnet 110 and therail section 300. Modern railroad rails are typically made of steel, which exhibits strong ferromagnetic properties. Themagnet 120 is attached torail section 310 in a similar manner. In the embodiment wherein themagnets magnets rail bond 130 thus forms an electrical connection across thegap 320 of the joint betweenrail sections gap 320.FIG. 3 shows therail bond 130 being attached to therail sections rail bond 130 can also be attached to the rails at the base of the rail or on the outside or underside of the rail head in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, after magnetically attaching themagnets rail sections -
FIG. 2 shows amagnetic rail feed 200 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.Rail feed 200 includes an electricallyconductive cable 210 and amagnet 220 mechanically and electrically coupled to thecable 210. Thecable 210 goes to a control case or other manner of electronic circuitry that transmits electrical signals to and/or receives electrical signals from a section of rail to which themagnet 220 attaches. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, themagnet 220 is comprised of a magnetic material that is plated with an electrically conductive material. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the magnetic material is neodymium and the electrically conductive plating is nickel. In alternative embodiments, the plating can also comprise copper, silver, platinum, gold, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment of the invention, themagnet 220 is comprised of a magnetic material (such as alnico) disposed between two pieces of steel (or other metal), the magnetic force firmly holding the pieces of steel to the magnetic material. In still another embodiment, themagnet 220 is made out of a material that is both highly magnetic and electrically conductive. While themagnet 220 ofFIG. 2 is depicted as a rectangular block, the magnet can be of any number of different shapes and sizes in accordance with the present invention. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, thecable 210 is attached to themagnet 220 with epoxy. This epoxy can be electrically conductive in one embodiment. Thecable 210 can also be welded to themagnet 220. In an alternative embodiment, thecable 210 is attached to the magnet as part of the manufacturing process of themagnet 220. In other embodiments, thecable 210 is mechanically attached to themagnet 220 via mechanical means such as bolt means, screw means, or other mechanical means. In operation, themagnet 220 magnetically attaches to a rail in much the same manner as themagnet 110 attaches to railsection 300 inFIG. 2 . Themagnet 220 can also be attached to the rail at the base of the rail or on the underside of the rail head in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, after magnetically attaching themagnet 220 to the rail, caulk or epoxy or some like substance is applied around the interface of the magnet to the rail. In another embodiment, this same role can be served by an electrically conductive adhesive. -
FIG. 4 shows a temporary magneticrail bond assembly 400 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The temporary magneticrail bond assembly 400 comprisesmagnet 410 and a mechanicalcable attachment apparatus 420. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, themagnet 410 is comprised of a magnetic material that is plated with an electrically conductive material. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the magnetic material is neodymium and the electrically conductive plating is nickel. In alternative embodiments, the plating can also comprise copper, silver, platinum, gold, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment of the invention, themagnet 410 is comprised of a magnetic material (such as alnico) disposed between two pieces of steel (or other metal), the magnetic force firmly holding the pieces of steel to the magnetic material. In still another embodiment, themagnet 410 is made out of a material that is both highly magnetic and electrically conductive. While themagnet 410 ofFIG. 4 is depicted as a rectangular block, the magnet can be of any number of different shapes and sizes in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the mechanicalcable attachment apparatus 420 is attached to themagnet 410 via welding. In an alternative embodiment, the mechanicalcable attachment apparatus 420 is attached to themagnet 410 with epoxy. This epoxy is electrically conductive in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the mechanicalcable attachment apparatus 420 is attached to themagnet 410 as part of the manufacturing process of themagnet 410. The temporary magneticrail bond assembly 400 is intended to serve as a temporary replacement for a permanent rail bond whosecable 430 has been disengaged (broken off) from the permanent rail bond. The permanent rail bond from which thecable 430 has been disengaged may have been a magnetic rail bond or a standard prior art rail bond such as a welded rail bond or a bolted rail bond. In either case, thedisengaged cable 430 is attached to the temporary magneticrail bond assembly 400 via the mechanicalcable attachment apparatus 420. The mechanicalcable attachment apparatus 420 can comprise a screw assembly, a nut and bolt assembly, or some other mechanical attachment assembly. In the case of a nut and bolt assembly, for example, the bolt is tightened on the end of thedisengaged cable 430 to securely attach and electrically couple the cable to the temporary magneticrail bond assembly 400. The mechanicalcable attachment apparatus 420 is made of an electrically conductive material so as to electrically couple thecable 430 to themagnet 410. In operation, themagnet 410 magnetically attaches to a rail in much the same manner as themagnet 110 attaches to railsection 300 inFIG. 2 . Themagnet 410 can also be attached to the rail at the base of the rail or on the underside of the rail head in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 5 shows a magneticelectrical connection maintainer 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The magneticelectrical connection maintainer 500 comprises amagnet 510 that is mechanically and electrically coupled to anelectrical cable 520. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, themagnet 510 is comprised of a magnetic material that is plated with an electrically conductive material. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the magnetic material is neodymium and the electrically conductive plating is nickel. In alternative embodiments, the plating can also comprise copper, silver, platinum, gold, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment of the invention, themagnet 510 is comprised of a magnetic material (such as alnico) disposed between two pieces of steel (or other metal), the magnetic force firmly holding the pieces of steel to the magnetic material. In still another embodiment, themagnet 510 is made out of a material that is both highly magnetic and electrically conductive. While themagnet 510 ofFIG. 5 is depicted as a rectangular block, the magnet can be of any number of different shapes and sizes in accordance with the present invention. Mechanically and electrically coupled to the other end of thecable 520 is an electricallyconductive clamp 530. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, thecable 520 is epoxied to themagnet 510, although other means of mechanically and electrically coupling thecable 520 to themagnet 510 are also contemplated, such as the various means described with respect toFIG. 1 . The magneticelectrical connection maintainer 500 can be used to maintain an electrical connection between a rail and a rail feed when the rail feed is to be repaired or replaced. Say, for example, that a rail feed is to be replaced. In order to prevent the electrical connection from the control box to the rail from being broken, prior to removing the old rail feed, themagnet 510 is magnetically attached to the rail in much the same manner as themagnet 110 attaches to railsection 300 inFIG. 2 . Themagnet 510 can also be attached to the rail at the base of the rail or to the rail head in accordance with the present invention. Theclamp 530 is clamped onto an exposed portion of the cable that goes to the control box. With theelectrical connection maintainer 500 so disposed, the old rail feed can be removed without breaking the electrical connection from the control box to the rail. After the rail feed is replaced, theelectrical connection maintainer 500 can be removed. -
FIG. 6 shows amagnetic rail shunt 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention.Magnetic rail shunt 600 includes anelectrical cable 620 with twomagnets cable 620, as shown inFIG. 6 . Note that the scale ofFIG. 6 is larger than the scale of prior Figures. Themagnets FIGS. 1-5 , according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, themagnets magnets magnets magnet 610 ofFIG. 6 is depicted as a rectangular block, the magnet can be of any number of different shapes and sizes in accordance with the present invention. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the ends ofcable 620 are epoxied tomagnets cable 620 to themagnets FIG. 1 . In operation, themagnetic rail shunt 600 is used to electrically couple the two parallel rails that comprise a railroad track. To do this,magnet 610 is magnetically attached to one of the rails and themagnet 630 is magnetically attached to the other rail. Themagnets cable 620 is of a length that is appropriate for spanning the two parallel rails of a railroad track. In one embodiment of the present invention, themagnetic rail shunt 600 is used to simulate the presence of train wheels on the rails of the railroad track. As described previously, in a track circuit, when a train is present, its wheels and axle electrically short the circuit formed by the rails. This shorting of the circuit indicates the presence of a train on the section of track. For maintenance and testing purposes, it is sometimes beneficial to simulate this shorting of the circuit by the train wheels without the actual presence of a train. In another embodiment of the invention, a magnetic rail shunt such asrail shunt 600 is used to electrically couple two rails on the same side of a track in an end-to-end fashion. This implementation can be employed to maintain the track circuit in the event of a missing rail or an open rail splice. In this embodiment of amagnetic rail shunt 600, thecable 620 can be of any length necessary to span the missing rail or open rail splice. Themagnetic rail shunt 600 offers quick and immediate shunt simulations without the need for wrenches, T-handles or set screw operations as required with prior art shunt apparatus. Themagnetic rail shunt 600 also offers an ease of the “bobble” effect to simulate train detection of grade crossing predictors. -
FIG. 7 shows amagnetic rail shunt 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention.Magnetic rail shunt 700 includes anelectrical cable 720 with twomagnets cable 720, in a manner similar to themagnetic rail shunt 600 ofFIG. 6 . Also mechanically and electrically coupled to themagnet 710 and theelectrical cable 720 is a mechanicalrail attachment device 735. A second mechanicalrail attachment device 740 is mechanically and electrically coupled to themagnet 730 and theelectrical cable 720. The mechanicalrail attachment devices rail attachment devices FIG. 6 . The dual-moderail attachment assemblies magnets FIG. 6 . To attach the dual-moderail attachment assemblies rail attachment devices rail attachment assemblies FIG. 7 and placed over their respective rails. Thesides rail attachment devices mechanisms rail attachment devices mechanisms rail attachment devices mechanisms rail attachment devices rail attachment devices mechanisms - In an alternative embodiment of the
magnetic rail shunt 700 shown inFIG. 7 , there are two electrical cables mechanically and electrically coupled to the dual-moderail attachment assembly 760. Each of those cables is in turn coupled to separate dual-mode rail attachment assemblies similar to dual-moderail attachment assembly 770. In this way, this alternative embodiment provides essentially two shunts in one shunt apparatus. The shunts in this alternative embodiment have different resistances. For example, in one embodiment, one of the shunts has a resistance of approximately 0.06Ω and the other has a resistance of approximately 0.0Ω. In this alternative embodiment, the user applying the magnetic rail shunt can choose which of the shunts to deploy to effect different electrical characteristics of the shunt connection. - The present invention's magnetic means of bonding an electrical connection to a rail provides many advantages over prior art means such as welding and mechanical bonding means. One such advantage is safety. There is no danger from molten metal splatter or of starting fires as there is with welding bonding means. And magnetic rail bond installation requires no hammer and chisel as many mechanical bonding means do. Also, the magnetic bonding means of the present invention does not apply stress to the rail as both welding and mechanical bonding means do. The magnetic bonding means avoids the damage caused by the extremities of high temperatures inherent with welding and also avoids the damage caused by drilling holes in the rail. The magnetic bonding means also makes it easier to remove a rail bond without damaging the rail. The present invention also provides a quick and easy installation. Another advantage of the magnetic rail bonding means of the present invention is that it is suitable for permanent installation as well as temporary deployment. Additionally, the magnetic rail bond can be applied in substantially any climatic conditions. This is not the case with welded rail bonds which cannot be applied in wet conditions. The present invention also increases the ease of maintenance; the magnetic rail bond can be easily removed, cleaned, and reapplied.
- While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that the foregoing description of an implementation has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the claimed inventions to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description or may be acquired from practicing the invention. The claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.
Claims (14)
1-23. (canceled)
24. A method of replacing an old rail feed connecting control circuitry to a railway rail, comprising:
magnetically coupling a permanent magnet to the rail wherein the permanent magnet is coupled to an end of an electrical conductor and the magnetic coupling of the permanent magnet to the rail causes the rail to be electrically coupled to the electrical conductor;
coupling a second end of the electrical conductor to control circuitry operable to transmit an electrical signal to the rail via the electrical conductor and the permanent magnet; and
replacing the old rail feed with a new rail feed.
25. The method of claim 24 , further comprising:
decoupling the permanent magnet from the rail; and
decoupling the second end of the electrical conductor from the control circuitry.
26. A method of forming an electrical connection between a first and second railway rail, comprising:
magnetically coupling a first permanent magnet to the first rail wherein the first permanent magnet is coupled to an end of an electrical conductor and the magnetic coupling of the first permanent magnet to the first rail causes the first rail to be electrically coupled to the electrical conductor; and
magnetically coupling a second permanent magnet to the second rail wherein the second permanent magnet is coupled to a second end of the electrical conductor and the magnetic coupling of the second permanent magnet to the second rail causes the second rail to be electrically coupled to the electrical conductor.
27. The method of claim 26 , further comprising mechanically coupling the first permanent magnet to the first rail.
28. The method of claim 27 , further comprising mechanically coupling the second permanent magnet to the second rail.
29. The method of claim 26 , further comprising applying caulk, epoxy or an electrically conductive adhesive along an interface of the first permanent magnet and the first rail.
30. The method of claim 29 , further comprising applying caulk, epoxy or an electrically conductive adhesive along an interface of the second permanent magnet and the second rail.
31. A method of forming an electrical connection with a railway rail, comprising:
magnetically coupling a permanent magnet to the rail wherein the permanent magnet is coupled to an end of an electrical conductor and the magnetic coupling of the permanent magnet to the rail causes the rail to be electrically coupled to the electrical conductor.
32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising coupling a second end of the electrical conductor to control circuitry operable to transmit an electrical signal to the rail via the electrical conductor and the permanent magnet.
33. The method of claim 31 , further comprising mechanically coupling the permanent magnet to the rail.
34. The method of claim 33 , wherein the step of mechanically coupling comprises bolting the permanent magnet to the rail.
35. The method of claim 33 , wherein the step of mechanically coupling comprises screwing the permanent magnet to the rail.
36. The method of claim 31 , further comprising applying caulk, epoxy or an electrically conductive adhesive along an interface of the magnet and the rail.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/270,316 US20170012387A1 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2016-09-20 | Magnetic Rail Bond |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15618909P | 2009-02-27 | 2009-02-27 | |
US12/713,321 US9452688B2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2010-02-26 | Magnetic rail bond |
US15/270,316 US20170012387A1 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2016-09-20 | Magnetic Rail Bond |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/713,321 Continuation US9452688B2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2010-02-26 | Magnetic rail bond |
Publications (1)
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US20170012387A1 true US20170012387A1 (en) | 2017-01-12 |
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ID=44170363
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/713,321 Expired - Fee Related US9452688B2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2010-02-26 | Magnetic rail bond |
US15/270,316 Abandoned US20170012387A1 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2016-09-20 | Magnetic Rail Bond |
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US12/713,321 Expired - Fee Related US9452688B2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2010-02-26 | Magnetic rail bond |
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US (2) | US9452688B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011106028A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20200113763A1 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2020-04-16 | Liko Research & Development Ab | Gates with transition ramps for overhead lifting rails |
RU204630U1 (en) * | 2021-03-22 | 2021-06-02 | Общество С Ограниченной Ответственностью "Информационные Технологии " (Ооо "Инфотех") | TEMPORARY CURRENT JUMPER WITH MAGNETIC CLAMPS TO RAILS |
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US8157186B2 (en) * | 2009-01-23 | 2012-04-17 | Fastrax Industries, Inc. | Strike attachment railroad anchor |
US8157185B2 (en) * | 2009-01-23 | 2012-04-17 | Fastrax Industries, Inc. | Strike attachment railroad signal line connector |
WO2012147508A1 (en) * | 2011-04-27 | 2012-11-01 | 三洋化成工業株式会社 | Elastic strength improver used in polyurethane resin for synthetic leather, and polyol composition and polyurethane resin using same |
CN103115562B (en) * | 2013-01-21 | 2016-06-01 | 北京工业大学 | High ferro non-fragment orbit displacement monitor |
FR3018959B1 (en) * | 2014-03-24 | 2018-07-27 | Lucibel Sa | STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRIC INTERCONNECTOR FOR MULTI-MODULAR EQUIPMENT |
GB2526557B (en) * | 2014-05-27 | 2016-06-29 | L C Switchgear Ltd | Power cables |
CA2962436A1 (en) * | 2014-10-03 | 2016-04-07 | Harsco Technologies LLC | Failsafe rail mounted shunt device |
EP3312072B1 (en) * | 2016-10-24 | 2021-08-18 | ALSTOM Transport Technologies | Magnetic rail shunt with variable resistor |
RU180494U1 (en) * | 2017-08-21 | 2018-06-14 | Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Информационные технологии" (ООО "ИнфоТех") | INTER-RAIL JUMPER FOR CURRENT CURRENT WITH MAGNETIC TERMINALS |
US10533288B2 (en) * | 2018-01-30 | 2020-01-14 | Alstom Transport Technologies | Railroad track wire connection and corresponding railroad installation |
US11427235B2 (en) | 2020-09-09 | 2022-08-30 | Bnsf Railway Company | Train simulator test set and method therefor |
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US1843501A (en) * | 1929-11-02 | 1932-02-02 | Charles A Baldwin | Rail bond |
US2204396A (en) * | 1937-03-12 | 1940-06-11 | Walter C Barnes | Magnetic clamp |
US2582937A (en) * | 1948-11-04 | 1952-01-15 | Ohio Brass Co | Rail bond |
US2795442A (en) * | 1951-09-18 | 1957-06-11 | Hanlon & Wilson Co | Rail bonds |
US2830768A (en) * | 1956-07-06 | 1958-04-15 | Hubert W Boaz | Rail bond |
US3058764A (en) * | 1959-07-23 | 1962-10-16 | Railroad Accessories Corp | Rail bond connector devices |
BE789791A (en) * | 1971-10-08 | 1973-02-01 | Fischer Ag Georg | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONNECTING ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS TO TRANSPORT TRACK RAILS |
US4114262A (en) * | 1974-08-14 | 1978-09-19 | Dansk Signal Industri A/S | Cable connector |
US4102497A (en) * | 1976-08-04 | 1978-07-25 | Hanlon & Wilson Company | Rail bond |
FR2506235A1 (en) | 1981-05-19 | 1982-11-26 | Tcl Ste Lyonnaise Transports C | TRACK CIRCUIT, FOR OWN TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS USING ONE OR MORE GUIDE BARS AND / OR A "THIRD RAIL" FOR THE TRACTION POWER SUPPLY |
US5148981A (en) * | 1989-05-19 | 1992-09-22 | Erico International Corporation | Track circuit retainer clip |
GB2288561B (en) * | 1994-04-14 | 1997-08-27 | Erico Int Corp | Electrical bond |
IT1280917B1 (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1998-02-11 | Ansaldo Trasporti Spa | POWER LINE FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND TRANSPORT SYSTEM USING THE SAME LINE |
US7543372B2 (en) * | 2004-08-10 | 2009-06-09 | Fastrax Industries, Inc. | Method of electrically connecting conductive railroad attachment |
US7298136B1 (en) * | 2005-07-06 | 2007-11-20 | Kevin Mark Curtis | Magnetically coupled electrical test lead |
US20080217042A1 (en) * | 2007-03-05 | 2008-09-11 | Judson Ward M | Method for making rail bonds |
-
2010
- 2010-02-26 US US12/713,321 patent/US9452688B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-04-27 WO PCT/US2010/032553 patent/WO2011106028A2/en active Application Filing
-
2016
- 2016-09-20 US US15/270,316 patent/US20170012387A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200113763A1 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2020-04-16 | Liko Research & Development Ab | Gates with transition ramps for overhead lifting rails |
US11793702B2 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2023-10-24 | Liko Research & Development Ab | Gates with transition ramps for overhead lifting rails |
RU204630U1 (en) * | 2021-03-22 | 2021-06-02 | Общество С Ограниченной Ответственностью "Информационные Технологии " (Ооо "Инфотех") | TEMPORARY CURRENT JUMPER WITH MAGNETIC CLAMPS TO RAILS |
Also Published As
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WO2011106028A3 (en) | 2012-01-19 |
US9452688B2 (en) | 2016-09-27 |
US20100219256A1 (en) | 2010-09-02 |
WO2011106028A2 (en) | 2011-09-01 |
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