RAIL CLIP APPLICATOR TOOL AND METHOD OF OPERATING THEREFOR

Abstract

 A railroad tie maintenance machine is provided that installs or removes rail clips relative to a plurality of anchor sockets and rails. The machine includes a chassis and a workhead mounted thereto, with a tool configured to either install or remove the rail clips mounted to the workhead. The installation tool includes a curved upper wall configured to engage with the upper side of a rail clip, as well as a side wall configured to engage with a side of the rail clip, such that longitudinal movement of the rail clip is achieved even if the rail clip does not conform to standard sizes or shapes. Various tools can be selected and installed relative to the workhead depending on a number of characteristics associated with the project, including the type of clip, the type of anchor, the type of tie, and any other relevant factors.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/440,831, filed January 24, 2023 and entitled Rail Clip Applicator Tool, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates in general to the field of railroad maintenance. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tool or tools used to quickly and easily install rail clips relative to railroad ties. For instance, the present invention may relate to multiple tools that can be used with a railroad maintenance workhead, where each tool is specifically configured to optimize installation of a rail clip based on the type of rail clip being installed, the material of the tie, the configuration of the associated socket, and any other relevant factors. The present invention is also directed to a tool that surrounds and restrains movement of the front of the rail clip during clip installation.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0003] In the railroad industry, rail clips are traditionally used in combination with an anchor socket to fasten rails to ties. The relationship between the socket and the tie depends on factors including the gauge or size of the rail and material of the tie (concrete versus wood, for example). More specifically, the anchor socket is mounted to the tie, after which the rail clip is engaged with the anchor socket and rail in order to secure the rail to the tie. Many of these clips are configured to be installed longitudinally along a rail. These rail clips are typically formed from a steel bar that is bent in a specific shape to ensure secure connection of the rail to the tie about the anchor socket. Common rail clips include an e-clip, which takes the form of a generally cylindrical rod that is bent into a shape having a first, free end portion forming a toe, an outwardly curved front arch, a heel, a rearwardly curving rear arch, and a second free end portion forming a center leg disposed generally between the toe and the heel. This orientation allows the center leg of the clip to be set within the anchor socket, such that the toe of the clip loops back onto a base of the rail. The clip then is driven into the socket such that the clip applies substantial spring forces to the base of the rail. Other common types of clips include c-clips, PR-clips, and other clips featuring a rod that is bent in a particular configuration specific to a given anchor socket and tie. When a clip needs to be removed, it can be hammered in an opposite direction to disengage the clip from the anchor socket and rail.

[0004] While a number of machines have been adopted to expedite the installation anchor clips, further improvements are needed. For instance, clips exhibit variations in the dimensions and orientations of the various portions of the bent cylindrical rod. In fact, in most instances, even when purchased together, packs of clips oftentimes have a variety of characteristics and dimensions. These inconsistencies can inhibit the installation of the clips into the sockets, particularly where automated machines are used to install the clips. For instance, machines of the prior art would simply push the clip from a rear end of the clip towards the anchor socket without taking measures to cradle or guide the clip. Variations in clip geometry cause the clip to rotate, slide, or otherwise get displaced when pushed solely from the rear towards the anchor socket. The reliability of clip applicators therefore is degraded. This unreliability is concerning for a number of reasons, particularly given that proper installation of the clips into place can be critical to operation of the rail. Clips that are not properly installed are labeled as a defect that can result in expedited wear and tear on the clip, the rail, and/or tie, as well as other safety and other concerns.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a machine and tooling that allow clips to be properly installed relative to a tie, rail, and anchor socket regardless of discrepancies in terms of the size, shape, and orientation of a given clip.

[0006] It is further desired to provide a tool that surrounds and restrains the clip while it is being installed.

[0007] It is further desirable to adopt tooling that is capable of installing a variety of different clips to a variety of different ties and anchor sockets.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a railroad tie maintenance vehicle for installation or removal of rail clips includes a machine having a chassis configured for movement along a railway, a workhead attached to the chassis, and a clip applying tool mounted to the workhead. The clip applying tool is configured to move the clip substantially longitudinally along a portion of the rail into an anchor socket. More specifically, the clip applying tool includes a curved upper wall that is compatible with a top section of the rail clip, as well as at least one sidewall compatible with a rear or front section of the rail clip to ensure longitudinal movement of the rail clip, even when the clip is not a standard configuration.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect, multiple clip applying tools can be provided to accommodate different designs. For instance, a right-hand tool configured for applying right-hand clips may be provided, and a left-hand tool configured for applying left-hand clips may be provided. Other tools may be provided specific to a given type of clips, type of anchor socket, and/or type of tie.

[0010] To simplify the swapping out of clip applying tools, each tool may include a mounting section that is releasably connected to the workhead. This mounting section may include a base with a plurality of openings. The workhead may similarly include a mounting section compatible with the clip applying tool mounting section. For instance, the workhead mounting section may include a base, a plurality of pegs extending therefrom, and a plurality of openings formed in the base. The plurality of pegs may be offset from one another by the plurality of openings, such that there is one peg, then one opening, and so on along the length of the base. The plurality of openings of the tool mounting section may align with at least some of the plurality of pegs and the plurality of openings of the workhead mounting section. This enables the clip applying tool to easily be mounted flush with a front edge or a back edge of the mounting section of the workhead where that is desired, or offset from the front edge or back edge of the mounting section of the workhead where that is desired. Further still, a spacer may be provided between the clip applying tool and the workhead mounting section to provide sufficient clearance during installation or removal of the clip.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect, a clip applying tool having at least some of the characteristics discussed above is provided.

[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a railroad tie maintenance machine is provided. The method includes selecting a clip applying tool based on one or more of a type of rail clip, a type of anchor socket, and a type of tie. Once the tool is selected, it is installed on a workhead supported on a rolling chassis. The chassis is then advanced along the railway to a desired location in general alignment with a clip that is preset adjacent to an anchor socket, at which point a rail clip is engaged by the tool. Thereafter, the tool is moved substantially longitudinally to install the rail clip into the anchor socket. Additionally, the method may include the steps of engaging an upper curved wall of the clip applying tool with a top section of the rail clip, engaging a sidewall of the tool with a rear or front section of the rail clip, and moving the rail clip substantially longitudinally along a portion of the rail into the anchor socket. Further, the method may include the steps of aligning a plurality of openings in the tool with a plurality of openings formed in the workhead and a plurality of pegs extending from the workhead, after which a plurality of screws or other retainers can be inserted through the openings in the tool and into the openings formed in the workhead to secure the tool to the workhead.

[0013] These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation view of a railway maintenance with a clip applicator or remover constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of a workhead associated with the machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the workhead of Fig. 2;

Figs. 4 and 5 are isometric views of the workhead of Figs. 2 and 3, showing the installation of a rail clip relative in an anchor socket;

Figs. 6-10 are various perspective and elevation views of a clip applying tool that is used with the machine and workhead of Figs. 1-5;

Figs. 11 and 12 are elevation views of another embodiment of the clip applying tool;

Fig 13 is an exploded perspective view of the workhead and tool of Figs. 6-10;

Figs. 14 and 15 are side elevation views of left-hand and right-hand tools mounted to the workhead and applying left-hand and right-hand clips, respectively;

Fig. 16 is an isometric perspective view of a rail clip and anchor socket before installation;

Fig. 17 is an isometric perspective view of a rail clip and a different socket after installation; and

Figs. 18 and 19 are perspective and elevation views of a remover tool that can be mounted to the workhead to remove installed rail clips.

[0015] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words "connected", "attached", "supported", or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, a clip installing machine or "rail clip applicator" 20 incorporating some of the beneficial aspects of the present invention includes a self-propelled chassis 22 which is movably supported on rails 24 by front and rear wheels 26, 28 and which is driven by hydraulic motors (not shown) which are, in turn driven, by an engine 30. The chassis 22 could similarly be propelled by other means, including by crawlers. While a single rail 24 is shown, it should be understood that the present invention is understood to travel along two rails and to install clips on both rails. The chassis 22 presents a frame 32 having first and second workheads 34 suspended therefrom by respective hydraulic lift cylinders 36. While only one workhead 34 is shown, the second workhead would be on the opposite side of the machine 20, and would be identical in construction and having the same components mirrored to what is described herein to enable installation or removal of clips along both sides of a railway simultaneously. An operator workstation cabin 38 is centrally located about the machine 20 in which an operator is located. Operation of the machine 20, as well as any of the components described herein, are controlled by an operator located in the operator workstation 38. The operator workstation 38 may include multiple controllers, displays, touch screens and the like that enable the operator to effectively operate the machine 20. Another rail clip applicator machine was disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,584,247, which was assigned to the current applicant, and is enclosed in the appendix. Any of the components of U.S. Patent No. 5,584,247 may be incorporated into the present machine 20.

[0018] Turning next to FIGS. 2-5, and 13-15 the workhead 34 will further be described. The workhead 34 is guided for vertical movement on the frame 34 by front and rear guide rollers 40, 42 and driven by the hydraulic lift cylinder 36. Additionally, the workhead 34 is guided for horizontal movement along the frame 34 by a hydraulic cylinder 44 that enables movement along one or more longitudinal guide rails 45. The workhead 34 also includes a clamp assembly 46 having first and second finger assemblies 47A, 47B configured to be releasably adjusted between an opened position in which the finger assemblies 47A, 47B of the clamp assembly 46 is spaced from the rail 24, and a closed position in which the finger assemblies 47A, 47B of the clamp assembly 46 helps secure the machine 20 to the rail 24. FIG. 2 shows the clamp assembly 46 in the closed position.

[0019] The clip applicator machine 20 may be adapted to install or remove virtually any spring-type rail clip that is inserted longitudinally relative to the rail in a socket. One typical clip 48, known as a e-clip of the type discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, takes the form of a generally cylindrical rod bent into a shape having a first free end portion 50 forming a toe, an outwardly curved front arch 52, a heel 54, a rearwardly curving rear arch 56, and a second free end portion forming a center leg 58 and disposed generally between the toe 50 and the heel 54. The clips 48 are designed to hold the rails 48 in place on the ties 62 using spring forces. While an exemplary type of tie plate 60 having sockets are shown in FIG. 16, many other types of sockets, such as victory plates and roll plates, may similarly be used based on any number of reasons depending, for example, on the type of tie material, the preference of the user, etc. The tie plate 60 are embedded in wooden or concrete ties 62 in a conventional manner. Each tie plate 60 includes a ledge 64, a socket 68 with an opening 69 located adjacent to the ledge 64, and an upper section 66 located above the opening 69 in the socket 68. In its applied position, the heel 54 of each clip 48 rests upon the ledge 64, the front arch 52 rests on the upper section 66, and the center leg 58 extends through the opening 69, while the toe 50 rests on a base of the rail 24. Substantial spring forces are applied to the base of the rail 24 by the toe 50 when the center leg 58 is driven into the tie plate 60 during the application process.

[0020] To facilitate the installation of the clip 48, the machine 20 is equipped with a clip applying tool or tools mounted on the workhead 34. While exemplary tools are shown in the figures, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto. Rather, similar tools having slightly different configurations, components, and dimensions could similarly be used depending on a number of different factors, including, for instance, the type of clip that is being applied to a particular railway, the type of anchor socket that is being used for a particular railway, the type and material of the ties being used for a particular railway, or any other relevant factor.

[0021] Turning initially to FIGS. 6-10, a first tool 70 is illustrated. The tool 70 is secured to the workhead 34 as will further be described below, and is specifically dimensioned and configured to surround the particular type of clip 48 that is being installed. As described herein, the tool 70 is configured for use with an e-clip 48 described above. The tool 70 includes a mounting section 72 and a clip installation section 74. As shown in the figures, the mounting section 72 is located at the top of the tool 70, with the clip installation section 74 extending downwardly from the mounting section 72.

[0022] The mounting section 72 includes a substantially vertical base 76 with a plurality of openings 78 formed therein. As shown, the vertical base 76 includes four openings 78 formed therein, although of course additional or fewer openings may be provided. The plurality of openings 76 are configured to engage with corresponding openings 86 of a mounting section 80 of the workhead 34 as described below.

[0023] As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mounting section 80 is formed from a bar 81 affixed to the hydraulic cylinder 44. The mounting section 80 includes a vertical base 82 with a plurality of pegs 84 extending therefrom, with a plurality of threaded openings 86 located between respective pegs 84, as best seen in FIGS. 4, 5, and 13. Of course, while the openings 86 are threaded in order to receive screws, they need not be threaded and could be configured to receive any number of other retainers. As shown, the vertical base 82 of the mounting section 80 includes five pegs 84 which are offset with five threaded openings 86. Stated differently, the pegs 84 and openings 86 alternate, with a first peg followed by a first threaded opening followed by a second peg and so on. Of course, more or fewer pegs and threaded openings could be provided, or the orientation of pegs relative to threaded openings could be varied. The plurality of pegs 84 are dimensioned to be securely insertable through the plurality of openings 78. This allows the tool 70 to initially engage with the workhead 34 by aligning and then inserting at least some of the pegs 84 into the openings 78 formed in the tool 70. Once appropriately aligned, one or more screws 88 and associated washers may be inserted through the openings 78 extending through the tool 70 that have not received one of the pegs 84. The screws 88 can then be secured within the threaded openings 86. As a result, different tools can quickly and easily be substituted as needed depending on the type of clip being applied, as well as the type of anchor socket or tie that the clip is being applied to.

[0024] In addition to facilitating the ease with which the tool 70 can be applied and substituted, the described mounting sections 72, 80 also allow for improved customization. For instance, as described above, the tool 70 includes four openings 78, whereas the workhead mounting section 80 has ten total features, five of which are pegs 84 that are offset by five threaded openings 86. As shown in FIG. 13, the tool 70 is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder 44 in the far left configuration, such that the four openings 78 coincide with the two pegs 84 and two threaded openings 86 at the far left side of the workhead 34. This is desired in the illustrated embodiment, in which the roll tie plate 60 from this configuration is shown to abut the edges of the respective tie 62. The same tie plate 60 is shown once two clips have been installed in FIG. 17. Because this tie plate 60 extends all the way to the edge of the tie 62, movement of the tool 70 to the right is limited so as to avoid overapplying or over-installing of the clip 48, which could damage the clip 48, the tie plate 60, the tie 62, and/or the rail 24. Where other sockets configurations are used, for instance a socket that is centered onto the tie 62 and offset from either edge of the tie 62, the tool 70 may be mounted about the central pegs 84 and threaded openings 86.

[0025] Further still, as known to those having ordinary skill in the art, there are right-hand configured clips, and left-hand configured clips which are installed in opposite directions relative to the socket. See FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively. As such, there are also right-hand tools configured to install right-hand clips, and left-hand tools configured to install right-hand clips. For instance, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a left-hand clip 48 is shown with a left-hand tool 70, meaning that the clip 48 is installed by pushing the clip 48 from the left to the right. However, the same workhead 34 can be used to install a right-hand clip using a right-hand tool by installing the right-hand tool to the two pegs 84 and two openings 86 at the far right side of the workhead 34. This would enable a right hand-clip to be installed by pushing the clip from the right to the left.

[0026] Looking to FIG. 13, further customization may be achieved by use of a spacer 92. The illustrated spacer 92 includes a body 93 having plurality of openings 94 offset by a plurality of pegs 96. As shown, the spacer 92 includes three openings 94 offset by two pegs 96. Again, the spacer 92 may include a greater or fewer number of openings and/or pegs, as well as a different orientation of openings relative to pegs. As shown, the pegs 84 associated with the hydraulic cylinder 44 may align with the pegs 96 of the spacer 92, while the openings 78 of the tool 70 align with two of the openings 94 of the spacer 92, such that screws 94 can be inserted through the openings 78 of the tool 70, through the openings 94 of the spacer 92, and then secured within the threaded openings 86 of the hydraulic cylinder 44. An additional screw 98 is shown to be inserted simply though one opening 94 of the spacer 92 and into one threaded opening 86 of the hydraulic cylinder 44 to ensure that the tool 70 and the spacer 92 are secured to the hydraulic cylinder 44. In this embodiment, the spacer 92 provides sufficient clearance of the tool 70 relative to the top of the socket 68 so that the clip 48 can be properly installed. Similarly, a spacer 92 may be needed depending on the size of the base of the rail 24. Other socket configurations that are offset from the edge of the tie 62 may not require the inclusion of the spacer 92.

[0027] The clip installation section 74 will now be further described, looking specifically again to FIGS. 6-10. The clip installation section 74 includes a cavity 100 that is specifically configured to surround and cup the clip 48 while the tool 70 is moved longitudinally of the rail to install the clip 48 in the socket of the tie plate 60. As shown, the clip installation section 74 includes an upper curved wall 102 or spat that resembles the curved appearance of a curved duckbill of a baseball hat. The spat 102 overlies the entire longitudinal length of the cavity 100. The upper curved wall 102 is specifically curved and sloped to have a similar curvature as the top of the clip 48 in order to cup the top of the clip 48. Wall 102 extends longitudinally of the railway and includes a first lateral side edge 101 with the upper curved wall 102 extending to a peak or apex 103 and then extending to a second lateral side edge 105. The upper curved wall 102 extends from the first side edge 101 upwardly towards the peak 103 at a substantially continuous curve, and then downwardly from the peak 103 towards the second side edge 105 at a substantially continuous curve, resulting in the duckbill appearance. As shown in the figures, the first and second side edges 101, 105 are substantially in the same horizontal plane, with the peak 103 being vertically offset therefrom. The specific dimensions of the components of the spat 102 will vary depending on the specific clip 48 being installed. For instance, the distance between the side edges 101, 105 and the peak 103 may be between 1.5-2.5 inches, more typically between 1.75-2.25 inches, and even more typically approximately 1.94 inches to create sufficient space to receive and accommodate the clip 48 while still providing sufficient control of the clip 48 to prevent vertical movement of the clip 48 including the outwardly curved front arch 52 while it is applied. Additionally, the distance between the first side edge 101 and the second side edge 105 may be between 3.5-5.5 inches, more typically between 4-5 inches, and more typically 4.5 inches to again create sufficient space to receive and accommodate the clip 48 while still providing sufficient guidance for the clip 48 to prevent side-to-side movement of the clip 48, including the heel 54 and the center leg 58 while it is applied.

[0028] Due to this configuration, the upper curved wall 102 helps to maintain the proper aligned orientation of the clip 48 with the socket 68 of the tie plate 60 throughout the application process. More specifically, the clip 48 should remain parallel with the rail 24 while it is installed by movement of the tool 70 along the rail's longitudinal axis.

[0029] In addition to the upper curved wall 102, the clip installation section 74 also includes a side wall 104. For the purposes of the tool 70 shown in FIGS. 6-10, which is a left-hand tool, this is called a rear wall 104. To ensure sufficient clearance for the clip 48, the distance between the rear wall 104 and a front edge 107 of the curved upper wall 102 may be between 4.2-6.2 inches, more typically between 4.7-5.7 inches, and even more typically approximately 5.25 inches. Additionally, a curved cut out 106 may be formed in the rear wall 104 that is specifically configured to engage with and surround the arch 56 of the clip 48. As shown the curved cut out 106 is generally oblong or thumb-shaped. Hence, it resembles a half of a cylinder extending into the rear wall 104. For instance, the cut out 106 may extend approximately halfway through the rear wall 104 to accommodate and engage with the rear arch 56 of the clip 48. The combination of the upper curved wall 102, the rear wall 104, and the curved cut out 106 allows the tool 70 to drive the clip 48 longitudinally into the socket 68 while minimizing potential for rotation or skewing of the clip 48, which can result in incorrect installation.

[0030] Further still, of the clip installation section 74 may include a longitudinal hard stop 109 extending downwardly from the rear wall 104. The longitudinal hard stop 109 is configured to limit the amount of longitudinal movement of the tool 70 along the rail 24 relative to the tie 62. For instance, longitudinal movement of the tool 70 towards the socket 68 may be terminated once the rear surface of the longitudinal hard stop 109 directly engages with the front surface of the socket 68. Additionally, the tool 70 may be equipped with a vertical hard stop 75. The vertical hard stop 75 is configured to limit movement in the vertical direction. More specifically, the vertical hard stop 75 is configured to terminate vertical movement once the tool 70 is horizontally aligned with the clip socket 68. Thereafter, the tool 70 can be moved in the longitudinal direction to insert the clip relative to the socket 68. The hard stops 109, 75 in combination with the use of the various mounting sections described above to ensure appropriate location of the tool 70 relative to the workhead 34, allow the tool 70 to be mounted to the workhead 34 to optimize application of the clips 48 to ensure the clip 48 is advanced far enough relative to the socket 68 without overapplying or over-installing the clip 48, which could lead to "springing" the clip with resultant loss of retention ability.

[0031] Turning briefly to FIGS. 11 and 12, a similar right-hand tool 170 as the left-hand tool 70 described above is provided. Similar components are labeled with the annotations increased by 100. In this configuration, the side wall feature described above would be considered a front wall 204.

[0032] Turning next to FIGS. 18 and 19, a removal tool 108 is illustrated. The removal tool 108 has a number of similar components to the tool 70 described above, including a mounting section 110 having a vertical base 112 and a plurality of openings 114. Much like the tool 70, the removal tool 108 is mounted to the mounting section 80 on the hydraulic cylinder 44 using the pegs 84, threaded openings 86, and screws 88 that are inserted though the openings 114 into the threaded openings 86. Additionally, the removal tool 108 includes a hammer section 116 in the form of a block extending downwardly from the mounting section 110. The hammer section 116 is used to apply blunt force to the curved front arch 52 of the clip 48 away from the socket 68, which in turn will move the center leg 58 out of the opening 69 of the socket 68 so that the clip 48 is disengaged from the socket 68.

[0033] A method of using the present machine 20 will now be described. First off, a tool 70 will be selected based on a number of factors, including the type of clip 48 that is being used, the type of socket 68 being used, the type of tie 62, the type of rail 24, and any number of other relevant factors. Alternatively, the removal tool 108 may be selected if the clips 48 are being removed rather than installed. Once the tool 70 has been selected, appropriate orientation of the tool 70 relative to the mounting section 80 on the hydraulic cylinder 44 of the workhead 34 is determined. As described above, for instance, the tool 70 may need to be installed central to the mounting section 80, or it may need to be installed at the front or rear end of the mounting section 80 based on the type of tie 62 and socket 68 being used. Thereafter, the openings 78, pegs 84, and threaded openings 86 can appropriately be aligned. Where desired, a spacer 92 can also be inserted between the tool 70 and the mounting section 80 of the hydraulic cylinder 44, and the openings can be aligned properly. Thereafter, screws 88 may be inserted to secure the components together. After that, the machine 20 is ready for use.

[0034] Each clip is set or located so that the clip 48 rests on the tie 62 and the front end 58 is aligned with, and typically placed loosely in, the opening 69 in the tie plate (60 in this example). This setting process typically is performed manually. The machine 20 is then moved to a desired location along the length of a railway in which the workhead 34 is positioned over the tie 62 with the tool 70 positioned in front of the socket 68. The cylinder 36 then is actuated to lower the workhead 34 to a position in which the tool 70 is horizontally aligned with the socket 68. As discussed above, the vertical hard stop 75 prevents further movement in the vertical direction downwardly once the tool 70 is horizontally aligned with the socket 68 by engaging the top of the rail base flange. Once properly located in the vertical direction, the first and second finger assemblies 47A, 47B engage opposing sides of the rail 24 to ensure the tool 70 is correctly positioned relative to the rail 24. The hydraulic cylinder 44 then is actuated to move the tool 70 rearwardly towards the front of the socket 68 to drive the clip 48 into the opening 69 in the tie plate 60. More specifically, the upper curved wall 102 guides the clip 48 during application. Even more specifically, the first side edge 101 and the second side edge 105 limit movement of either side of the clip 48 to prevent side-to-side movement of the clip 48 for instance about the heel 54 and center leg 58. At the same time, the peak or apex 103 engages with a top of the clip 48 to prevent both side-to-side, as well as vertical movement of the clip 48, for instance about the curved front arch 52. Similarly, the curved cut out 106 may simultaneously engage with a curved portion of the clip 48, such as the reach arch 56. Overapplying or over-installing of the clip 48 is prevented based on the location of the tool 70 relative to the mounting section 80 of the hydraulic cylinder 44, in combination with engagement of the hard stop 109 with the front face of the socket 68. During this process, the heel 64 of the clip 48 engages the upper surface of the ledge 64 of the socket 68, and the free end portion 50 engages the top of the rail flange. The resultant spring forces firmly hold the rail in place against the tie. Once installation is complete, the tool 70 is moved away from the clip 48 by retracing the hydraulic cylinder 44 and 36, and the machine is advanced to the next tie 62.

[0035] In the alternative, the removal tool 108 can be moved in the opposite direction to contact the clip 48 and disengage the clip 48 from the socket 68. The tool can be removed and replaced with another tool where different clips are being applied to different anchor sockets or ties or otherwise removed.

[0036] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.

[0037] Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

[0038] It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A railway maintenance machine with a rail clip applicator configured to install a plurality of rail clips relative to a plurality of anchor sockets and rails comprising:

a chassis configured for movement along a railway;

a workhead attached to the chassis;

a clip applying spat tool that is mounted to the workhead, the clip applying spat tool comprising:

an upper curved wall compatible with a top section of the rail clip, the upper curved wall having an apex extending laterally of the railway; and

a sidewall compatible with a rear or front section of the rail clip;

wherein the clip applying spat tool moves the clip substantially longitudinally along a portion of the rail into an anchor socket.

2. The railway maintenance machine of claim 1, wherein the clip applying spat tool is one of a left-hand clip applying spat tool configured to install a left-hand clip and a right-hand clip applying spat tool configured to install a right-hand clip.

3. The railway maintenance machine of either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the clip applying spat tool further comprises a curved cut out formed in the sidewall;

wherein the upper curved wall is configured to surround and guide the top section of the rail clip during installation;

wherein the sidewall is configured to surround and guide a front or rear section of the rail clip during installation; and

wherein the curved cut out is configured to surround and guide a curved portion of the rail clip during installation.

4. The railway maintenance machine of any of the preceding claims, wherein the curved upper wall further comprises:

a first side edge and a second side edge extending longitudinally of the rail;

wherein the first side edge and the second side edge are configured to limit side-to-side movement of the rail clip during application; and

wherein the apex is configured to limit side-to-side and vertical movement of the rail clip during application.

5. The railway maintenance machine of claim 4, wherein the horizontal distance between the first side edge and the second side edge is between approximately 1.75-2.25 inches and/or the vertical distance between the side edges and the peak is between approximately 4-5 inches.

6. The railway maintenance machine of any of the preceding claims, wherein the clip applying spat tool further comprises:

a mounting section releasably connected to the workhead comprising a base and a plurality of openings formed in the base; and

a clip installation section comprising the upper curved wall, the sidewall, and a hard stop configured to prevent over-installation of the rail clip.

7. The railway maintenance of claim 6, wherein the workhead further comprises a mounting section compatible with the clip applying spat tool mounting section, the workhead mounting section further comprising:

a base;

a plurality of pegs extending from the base; and

a plurality of openings formed into the base;

wherein the plurality of openings of the clip applying spat tool mounting section align with at least some of the plurality of pegs and plurality of openings.

8. The railway maintenance machine of either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the clip applying spat tool mounting section is flush with a front edge or a back edge of the workhead mounting section.

9. The railway maintenance machine of any of claims 6-8, wherein the clip applying spat tool mounting section is offset from a front edge and a back edge of the workhead mounting section.

10. The railway maintenance machine of any of the preceding claims, wherein the workhead further comprises a hydraulic cylinder that moves the clip applying spat tool longitudinally along a portion of the rail to install the rail clip into the anchor socket.

11. A method of operating a railway maintenance machine with a rail clip applicator, comprising the steps of:

installing the clip applying tool to a workhead associated with a chassis;

advancing the chassis along a railway;

engaging an upper curved wall of the clip applying tool with a top section of the rail clip;

engaging a sidewall of the clip applying tool with a rear or front section of the rail clip; and

moving the clip applying tool substantially longitudinally to install the rail clip relative to an anchor socket.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:

preventing side-to-side movement of the clip by a first side edge and a second side edge of the curved upper wall during application;

preventing side-to-side movement and vertical movement of the clip by an apex located between the first side edge and the second side edge of the curved wall during application; and

engaging a curved cut out formed in the sidewall of the clip applying tool with a curved portion of the rail clip during application.

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, further comprising the step of aligning the clip applying tool with one of a front end or a rear end of a mounting section of the workhead and/or offsetting the clip applying tool from a front end and a rear end of a mounting section of the workhead.

14. The method of any of claims 11-13, further comprising the step of actuating a hydraulic cylinder associated with the workhead to move the clip applying tool substantially longitudinally relative to rail.

15. The method of any of claims 11-14, further comprising the step of terminating longitudinal movement of the workhead towards the anchor socket by engaging a surface of the anchor socket with a hard stop.

Drawing