Patent ID: 7478989
Filing Date: 2009-01-20
Classification: B61D

Abstract:
1. A vibrator device for vibrating a railcar, the vibrator comprising: a) a base member; b) a vertical support having a top end, and a bottom end coupled to the base member; c) a wheel having a cushioned outer portion, rotationally coupled at an upper end of the vertical support and capable of rotation around an axis; d) a vibrator component coupled to the vertical support; e) a lateral positioning structure operable with respect to the vertical support to adjust the lateral position of the vertical support to place the cushioned outer portion of the wheel in contact with the railcar; and f) the lateral position structure further includes a pair of pneumatic airbags, operably disposed on opposite sides of the vertical support, the pneumatic airbags being operable to control the lateral position of the cushioned outer portion of the wheel with respect to sidewall of an adjacent railcar.