Train traction device and methods

Abstract

Particles, devices and methods of increasing rail road train traction and reducing wheel/track noise. The invention provides hard metal particles which can be embedded into a rail head to minimize slippage for improved locomotive traction and reduced oscillations of train wheels which cause noise and track wear.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for application of traction particles to rails, the device comprising: 
 a) a grinding wheel;    b) a metal source in contact with the grinding wheel, which metal source is ground and/or cut by the wheel to provide metal particles; and,    c) a roller;    whereby a first rail receives the metal particles; and,    where after the roller presses the metal particles into the first rail.    
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , which device is mounted to a rail road carriage.  
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the carriage is self propelled.  
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the grinding wheel is driven by a motor.  
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the grinding wheel comprises a grind stone, a carbide cutting wheel or a diamond cutting wheel.  
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal source is harder than the first rail.  
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the metal source is selected from the group consisting of tool grade steel, stainless steel, carbide steel and titanium alloys.  
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal source is directed and urged into the grinding wheel with a feed mechanism.  
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the feed mechanism further comprises spring pressure.  
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal particles range in size from about 0.1 to about 2 mm.  
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a guide mechanism which receives the metal particles and applies the metal particles to the rail.  
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein the guide mechanism comprises a control system that applies the metal particles to the first rail and/or a second rail.  
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the roller is harder than the metal particles.  
     
     
         14 . A method of increasing rail traction by applying metal particles to the rail using the device of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         15 . A method of increasing rail traction, the method comprising: 
 a) applying metal particles to a rail; and,    b) pressing the metal particles into the rail;    whereby the metal particles become embedded into a surface of the rail; and,    thereby providing increased traction for train wheels moving over the surface.    
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising grinding a metal bar to provide the metal particles.  
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the metal particles are harder than the rail.  
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the metal particles are selected from the group consisting of tool grade steel, stainless steel, carbide steel and titanium alloys.  
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the metal particles range in size from about 0.1 to about 2 mm.  
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein pressing the metal particles into the rail comprises rolling over the applied metal particles with a roller which is harder than the metal particles.