Patent ID: 6619405
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: E01B

Abstract:
A machine for cleaning ballast excavated from a ballast bed supporting a track, the machine being movable on the track in an operating direction, which comprises(a) a first machine frame, (b) a second machine frame trailing the first machine frame in the operating direction and linked thereto, (1) the ends of the machine frames being supported on the track by undercarriages, (c) a first vertically and laterally adjustable endless excavating chain mounted on the first machine frame and passing underneath and around the track for excavating the ballast, (d) a first track lifting device mounted on the first machine frame, (e) a second vertically and laterally adjustable endless excavating chain mounted on the second machine frame and passing underneath and around the track for excavating the ballast, (f) a second track lifting device mounted on the second machine frame, (g) a screening installation for cleaning the excavated ballast, (h) a first conveyor arrangement for conveying the excavated ballast from the first excavating chain to the screening installation, (i) a second conveyor arrangement for conveying the excavated ballast from the second excavating chain to the screening installation, (j) a ballast distributing device arranged at a trailing end of the second machine frame for distributing ballast cleaned on the screening installation to the ballast bed, and (k) a third conveyor arrangement for conveying the cleaned ballast from the screening installation to the ballast distributing device, the third conveyor arrangement having (1) a discharge end behind the second excavating chain in the operating direction and (2) an inlet end arranged to receive the cleaned ballast from the screening installation.