A dual ballast cribber for on-rail operation for preventing and removing cemented ballast with minimal site preparation can include a central frame, a plurality of wheels, a first pivot arm, a second pivot arm, a first cribber bucket, a second cribber bucket, a first clamp, a second clamp, and a hydraulic system. The dual ballast cribber may perform a digging cycle in 2 minutes or less. Preferably the digging cycle is performed in 45 seconds or less.

BACKGROUND

Many conventional railroads include crushed stone ballast underneath the rails and ties of the railway. The ballast functions to support the railway, provide vibration dampening, and facilitate drainage of water away from the railway. These functions extend the longevity of the railway. A common problem associated with ballast is that it often becomes clogged due to improper draining. The motion of a train over the railway having clogged or fouled ballast can cause water and mud to be brought from underneath the railway to the surface. This water and mud can then harden around the ballast in the consistency of concrete. This effect is sometimes referred to as cemented ballast. Cemented ballast can lead to problems with the railway, such as railway buckling or flooding.

Conventional methods to prevent ballast from cementing or to break apart cemented ballast include sledding, cribbing buckets, and undercutting. These conventional methods present practical limitations and inefficiencies in preventing ballast from cementing or breaking apart and removing cemented ballast. For example, the conventional method of sledding to prevent ballast from cementing includes inserting a specialized sled under the track and running it parallel to the rail to push fouled ballast to the outside of the rail. However, sledding requires site preparation, which includes lifting the rail and excavating underneath the rail to insert and pull the sled. Moreover, sledding is inefficient (e.g. it requires additional time), as it requires off-rail equipment to pull the sled. Finally, sledding is not seen as a solution for breaking apart cemented ballast.

Further, conventional methods that do allow for breaking apart of cemented ballast have practical limitations and inefficiencies. The conventional method of undercutting includes using a specialized undercutter to cut cemented ballast from underneath the railway, in a manner similar to a chainsaw and in parallel to the railway. Undercutting also requires site preparation of lifting the rail and excavating underneath the rail to insert the undercutting machine to allow it to cut horizontally and in parallel with the railway. It is also an off-rail method leading to increased inefficiency for placement and movement of the undercutter.

Finally, a conventional cribbing bucket may be used to prevent or break apart cemented ballast. The conventional cribbing bucket is attached to off-rail equipment, such as a backhoe or excavator, where the cribbing bucket digs underneath the ties to remove fouled ballast. Using a conventional cribbing bucket is inefficient as is requires off-rail equipment and a significant amount of time to move and position the equipment between each rail tie. Additionally, the cribbing bucket only removes fouled ballast from a single side at a time. Further, it has the practical limitation of requiring an experienced operator to run the cribbing bucket without damaging the ties or rail of the railway.

It is desirable to have an apparatus for preventing and removing cemented ballast that is an on-rail (e.g. travels on the railway) solution that requires minimal to no site preparation. It is further desirable for the apparatus to remove fouled ballast from both sides of the railway simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. Finally, it is desirable for the apparatus to operate with minimal operator experience and in less time intensive manner (e.g. increased efficiency).

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, a dual ballast cribber for removing fouled and cemented ballast from beneath a railway can comprise a central frame and a plurality of wheels rotatably attached to the central frame. The railway can have a longitudinal axis. A first pivot arm can be pivotably attached to the central frame. A first cribber bucket can be pivotably attached to the first pivot arm. The first pivot arm can be configured to position the first cribber bucket about and between a digging position and a cleanout position. A second pivot arm can be pivotably attached to the central frame. A second cribber bucket can be pivotably attached to the second pivot arm. The second pivot arm can be configured to position the second cribber bucket about and between a digging position and a cleanout position. A first clamp can be in mechanical communication with the central frame and configured to secure the dual ballast cribber to the railway. At least one actuator can be configured to move each of the first and second cribber buckets between the respective digging position and the respective cleanout position. When in the digging position, each respective cribber bucket can be disposed below a respective clamp of the first and second clamps, and when in the respective cleanout position, the respective cribber bucket can be positioned outwardly from the respective clamp of the first and second clamps relative to a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the railway axis.

The at least one actuator can comprise two hydraulic actuators, wherein each actuator of the two hydraulic actuators can be configured to move a respective pivot arm of the first and second pivot arms.

The central frame of the dual ballast cribber can have a first side and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are spaced from each other on the transverse axis. The first pivot arm can extend from the first side of the central frame, and the second pivot arm can extend from the second side of the central frame.

The dual ballast cribber can further comprise a second clamp that is in mechanical communication with the central frame and configured to secure the dual ballast cribber to the railway, wherein the first clamp is on the first side of the central frame, and the second clamp is on the second side of the central frame.

The first cribber bucket can be from 0.10 to 0.35 meters in width.

The first cribber bucket can be from 0.7 to 1.7 meters in length.

The first cribber bucket can be adjustably coupled to the first pivot arm so a distal end of the first cribber bucket can be positioned at a select distance from a pivotal axis of the first cribber bucket.

The first clamp can be adjustably coupled to the central frame so that a distal end of the first clamp can be positioned at a select distance from a pivotal end of the first clamp.

The dual ballast cribber can further comprise a sweep plate that is pivotably attached to the central frame about a pivotal axis and a sweep plate actuator that is configured to pivot the sweep plate about the pivotal axis of the sweep plate.

The dual ballast cribber can further comprise at least one vibrator motor that is configured to cause at least one of the first cribber bucket and the second cribber bucket to vibrate.

The dual ballast cribber can further comprise a vibrator sequence valve that is configured to deliver hydraulic fluid to the at least one vibrator motor when a hydraulic pressure surpasses a predetermined threshold.

The at least one vibrator motor can be attached to at least one of the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm.

The dual ballast cribber can further comprise a first clamp cylinder configured to engage and disengage the first clamp, a second clamp cylinder configured to engage and disengage the second clamp, and a dig circuit configured rotationally move the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm.

The dual ballast cribber can comprise a first dig cylinder that is in mechanical communication with the central frame and the first pivot arm and is in fluid communication with the dig circuit, and a second dig cylinder that is in mechanical communication with the central frame and the second pivot arm and is in fluid communication with the dig circuit.

The dual ballast cribber can further comprise a cleanout circuit that is configured to rotationally move the first cribber bucket and the second cribber bucket. The cleanout circuit can comprise a first cleanout cylinder that is in mechanical communication with the first pivot arm and the first cribber bucket and is in fluid communication with the cleanout circuit, and a second cleanout cylinder that is in mechanical communication with the second pivot arm and the second cribber bucket and is in fluid communication with the cleanout circuit.

The first clamp cylinder and the second clamp cylinder can be in fluid communication with the dig circuit.

The first clamp cylinder and the second clamp cylinder can be in fluid communication with the cleanout circuit.

A method of performing a digging cycle to remove fouled and cemented ballast from a railway with a dual ballast cribber can comprise: with a dual ballast cribber aligned on a railway, the dual ballast cribber having a central frame, first and second clamps in mechanical communication with the central frame, first and second pivot arms that are pivotably attached to the central frame, and first and second cribber buckets that are pivotably attached, respectively, to the first and second pivot arms, using the first clamp and the second clamp to clamp the dual ballast cribber to the railway for digging; using a dig circuit to move the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm rotationally downward, wherein the first cribber bucket and the second cribber bucket approximately simultaneously contact ballast underneath the railway; using the dig circuit to move the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm rotationally upward; using a cleanout circuit to move the first cribber bucket and the second cribber bucket to an open position to expel the ballast from the first cribber bucket and the second cribber bucket; and disengaging the first clamp and the second clamp from the railway to complete the digging cycle.

The digging cycle can be completed in two minutes or less.

The digging cycle can be completed in forty-five seconds or less.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, use of the term “a cylinder” can refer to one or more of such cylinders, and so forth.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “approximately” one particular value, and/or to “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “approximately,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedent “approximately,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects.

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

Disclosed herein, according to various aspects and with reference to the Figures is a dual ballast cribber for on-rail operation for preventing and removing cemented ballast with minimal site preparation. The dual ballast cribber can include a central frame, a plurality of wheels, a first pivot arm, a second pivot arm, a first cribber bucket, a second cribber bucket, a first clamp, a second clamp, and a hydraulic system. While it is to be understood that this apparatus could be shown for use on a number of different on-rail machines, it is disclosed and described as being associated with a hydraulic excavator equipped with rail travel gear.

FIG. 1aillustrates a front view of a dual ballast cribber100in a cleanout position having cribber buckets in a closed position. The dual ballast cribber100can include a central frame102, a first wheel104, a second wheel106, a third wheel105(FIG. 1b), a fourth wheel107(FIG. 1b), a first pivot arm112, a second pivot arm114, a first cribber bucket120, a second cribber bucket122, a first clamp124, a second clamp126, and a hydraulic system200. Each of the first and second cribber buckets120,122can define a receiving space123and a front opening125in communication with the receiving space for receiving the fouled and cemented ballast. The central frame102may include an attachment108configured to attach the dual ballast cribber100to an on-rail machine. The central frame102may further include a laser110configured to align the dual ballast cribber to perform a method of digging. The central frame102may further be configured to protect at least part of the hydraulic system200from debris and ballast during a dig cycle. The central frame102can comprise a non-reactive material, such as steel, metal composite, and the like.

The first wheel104, the second wheel106, the third wheel105, and the fourth wheel107can be configured to allow the dual ballast cribber100to move along the railway as an on-rail apparatus. The first wheel104, the second wheel106, the third wheel105, and the fourth wheel107are in mechanical communication with the central frame102, and may be formed as a part of the central frame102. The first wheel104, the second wheel106, the third wheel105, and the fourth wheel107may be of any non-reactive material, such as steel, metal composites, or the like. The first wheel104, the second wheel106, the third wheel105, and the fourth wheel107may be caster wheels.

The first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114are configured to position the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122in a digging position, in which each cribber bucket is disposed below a respective rail, and a cleanout position, in which each bucket is spaced outwardly from the rails, with respect to a transverse axis92that is perpendicular to the railway's longitudinal axis90. The first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114are in mechanical communication with the central frame102. The first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114may be configured to protect at least part of the hydraulic system200from debris and ballast during a dig cycle, for example, by housing various hydraulic lines. The first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114can be from 1 to 2 meters in length. Preferably, the first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114are from 1.2 to 1.8 meters in length. Most preferably, the first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114are from 1.5 to 1.7 meters in length. The first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114may be made of any non-reactive material such as steel, metal composites, or the like. In the cleanout position, the first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114can be angled upward, such as from 30 to 60 degrees with respect to a vertical axis. Although the first and second pivot arms112,114are illustrated herein as single, rigid members, it should be understood that in further embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the first and second pivot arms112,114can comprise a plurality of connected members. Said connected members can be pivotably connected to each other and independently actuated to enable further articulation of the pivot arms and, therefore, the cribber buckets.

The first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122are configured to remove fouled ballast from the railway to prevent it from becoming cemented ballast, and may further be configured to remove cemented ballast from the railway. The first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122may be of a width (i.e., along the railway's longitudinal axis90) configured to fit between the ties of the railway for on-rail operation, such as from 0.10 to 0.35 meters in width. Preferably, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122are from 0.10 to 0.30 meters in width. Most preferably, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122are from 0.15 to 0.25 meters in width.

The first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122can be from 0.7 to 1.7 meters in length (i.e., in the longitudinal dimension of the cribber bucket, from the cribber bucket's distal end to its opposing end). According to some aspects, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122are from 0.9 to 1.5 meters in length. In some embodiments, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122are from 1.1 to 1.3 meters in length. The first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122may remove 0.05 cubic meters or less of fouled or cemented ballast in a single digging cycle. The cribber buckets120,122can each have base portions127that extend the width of the cribber buckets along the longitudinal axis90. The base portions127can be curved about a radius that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis90. The base portions127can have a radius of approximately the length of the cribber bucket's respective pivot arm. The cribber buckets120,122can further have side walls129that extend perpendicularly to the respective base portion127on each side so that the cribber buckets120,122can define an internal volume (the receiving space123). The base portion127of each cribber bucket can have a front edge131, and the side walls129can have respective front edges133. The front edge131of the base portion127and front edges133of the side walls129can define the front opening125of the respective cribber bucket. Although one embodiment is illustrated herein, cribber buckets120,122can employ various other profiles and configurations for extending between rail ties and scooping ballast below the railway.

The first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122may include at least one penetrating tooth140, where the penetrating tooth140is configured to break apart fouled or cemented ballast for removal. The penetrating tooth140may be formed as a part of the cribber bucket. The penetrating tooth may include a single point. The penetrating tooth140may include several points formed as part of the cribber bucket, such as serrated edge. In the cleanout position the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122can be raised above the railway and spaced outwardly from the rails relative to the transverse axis92. In the closed position, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122are pivoted so that the cribber buckets' respective distal ends are more proximal to the central frame102than when the cribber buckets are in their respective open positions.

The first cribber bucket120is in mechanical communication with the first pivot arm112, and the second cribber bucket122is in mechanical communication with the second pivot arm114. The first cribber bucket120may be in mechanical communication with the first pivot arm112via a first adjustable attachment116, and the second cribber bucket122may be in mechanical communication with the second pivot arm114via a second adjustable attachment118. The first adjustable attachment116and the second adjustable attachment118can be configured to position the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122at different ballast depths of the railway in the digging position to target specific areas of fouled or cemented ballast. For example, the first adjustable attachment116and the second adjustable attachment118may be mounting plates that are pivotable with respect to their respective pivot arms. Each mounting plate can comprise a plurality of bolt holes (e.g., four sets of two bolt holes). The bolt holes can receive mounting hardware to attach a respective cribber bucket in a plurality of positions relative to the respective cribber bucket's longitudinal dimension. The first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122may be manually attached to the first pivot arm112via the first adjustable attachment116and the second pivot arm114via the second adjustable attachment118, respectively. Accordingly, the distal ends of the cribber buckets can be positioned at a select distance from their respective pivotal axes.

The first clamp124and the second clamp126are configured to secure the dual ballast cribber100to respective rails of the railway during digging and cleanout. The first clamp124and the second clamp126are in mechanical communication with the central frame102. The first clamp124and the second clamp126may be in mechanical communication with the central frame102via a third adjustable attachment142, and a fourth adjustable attachment144, respectively. The third adjustable attachment142and the fourth adjustable attachment144can be configured for mechanical communication of the first clamp124and the second clamp126to the central frame102to accommodate different rail heights for clamping of the first clamp124and the second clamp126to the rail. For example, the third adjustable attachment142and the fourth adjustable attachment144may be a plurality of bolt holes (e.g., four sets of from two to four bolt holes), where each set of bolt holes is configured for attachment of the first clamp124or the second clamp126. The plurality of bolt holes can provide for multiple attachment locations for the first and second clamps124,126along the first and second clamps' respective longitudinal dimension. Accordingly, the respective distal ends of the first and second clamps124,126can be positioned at a select distance from their respective pivotal axes. Although the dual ballast cribber100is illustrated herein as having first and second clamps124,126, it should be understood that in further embodiments, a single clamp may be used to hold the dual ballast cribber100in place on the railway, while in still further embodiments, three or more clamps may be used.

FIG. 1bis a perspective view of the dual ballast cribber100in a cleanout position having cribber buckets in a closed position.FIG. 1billustrates the first pivot arm112, the second pivot arm114, and the central frame102as configured to protect a portion of the hydraulic system200(FIGS. 2aand 2b). The first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114may be configured to protect a first cleanout cylinder136and a second cleanout cylinder138of the hydraulic system200, respectively. The central frame102may be configured to protect a first dig cylinder132and the second dig cylinder134during the dig cycle. In the cleanout position the first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114are angled upward with respect to the horizontal from their respective proximal end to their respective distal end, such as from 30 to 60 degrees. In the cleanout position the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122are raised above the railway. In the closed position, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122are pivoted so that the cribber buckets' respective distal ends are more proximal to the central frame102than when the cribber buckets are in their respective open positions.

FIGS. 2aand 2billustrates the hydraulic system200of the dual ballast cribber100. The hydraulic system200includes a first clamp cylinder128, a second clamp cylinder130, dig circuit202, and a cleanout circuit208. The first clamp cylinder128and the second clamp cylinder130are configured to clamp the dual ballast cribber100to the rail of the railway during digging and cleanout and to unclamp the dual ballast cribber100from the rail of the railway during transport of the dual ballast cribber. In the cleanout and digging positions the first clamp cylinder128and the second clamp cylinder130can be extended. During transport of the dual ballast cribber100, the first clamp cylinder128and the second clamp cylinder130can be retracted.

Optionally, the first clamp cylinder128and the second clamp cylinder130can have a bore of 2.0 inches (5.08 centimeters (cm), a rod of 1.125 inches (2.8575 cm), a stroke of 2.0 inches (5.08 cm), and a rod pin diameter of 1.0 inches (2.54 cm). The first clamp cylinder128may include a first clamp counterbalance (CB) valve228and the second clamp cylinder130may include a second clamp CB valve230. The first clamp CB valve228and the second clamp CB valve230are configured to prevent unclamping of the first clamp124and the second clamp126from unclamping if the first clamp cylinder128or second clamp cylinder130fail. The first clamp CB valve228and the second clamp CB valve230can have a CB valve ratio from 3:1 or greater.

The dig circuit202can include the first dig cylinder132and a second dig cylinder134and can be configured to rotationally move the first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114, respectively, rotationally downward during digging and rotationally upward during cleanout. The dig circuit202may further be configured to clamp the first clamp cylinder128and the second clamp cylinder130when engaged and unclamp the first clamp cylinder128and the second clamp cylinder130when disengaged. The dig circuit202can have a minimum flow rate of approximately 20 gallons per minutes (gpm) (0.07571 cubic meters per minute (m3/min)), a maximum flow rate of 30 gpm (0.1136 m3/min), a maximum operating pressure of 5000 pounds per square inch (psi) (351.5 kilogram per square centimeter (kgf/cm2)), and a relief setting at approximately 300 psi (21.09 kgf/cm2). The first dig cylinder132and the second dig cylinder134can be in fluid communication via hydraulic circuitry lines.

The first dig cylinder132and the second dig cylinder134may have a bore of approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm), a rod of approximately 2.5 inches (6.35 cm), a stroke of approximately 14.0 inches (35.56 cm), and a pin diameter of 2.0 inches (5.08 cm). The first dig cylinder132can be in mechanical communication with the central frame102and the first pivot arm112, and the second dig cylinder can be in mechanical communication with the central frame102and the second pivot arm114. In the dig position, the first dig cylinder132and the second dig cylinder134can be extended. In the cleanout position, the first dig cylinder132and the second dig cylinder134can be retracted.

The first dig cylinder132may have a first dig CB valve232and the second dig cylinder134may have a second dig CB valve234. The first dig CB valve232and the second dig CB valve234can be configured to prevent load falling during cleanout in the event of failure of the first dig cylinder132or the second dig cylinder134, and may further be configured to improve motion control during the cleanout and dig functions. The first dig CB valve232and the second dig CB valve234can have a low CB valve ratio from 5:1 or less. According to some aspects, the first dig CB valve232and the second dig CB valve234have a CB valve ration of 3:1.

A hydraulic divider/combiner cleanout cylinder valve176can distribute hydraulic pressure between the first and second cleanout cylinders136,138. Similarly, a hydraulic divider/combiner dig cylinder valve166can distribute hydraulic pressure between the left and right dig cylinders134,136. The hydraulic divider/combiner dig cylinder valve166and the hydraulic divider/combiner cleanout cylinder valve176can be 50:50 flow dividers.

A cleanout circuit208can include a first cleanout cylinder136and a second cleanout cylinder138and can be configured to rotate each of the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122rotationally downward to the closed position for digging and rotationally upward to an open position for cleanout (e.g., tilted as inFIG. 3so that ballast can fall directly downward from the cribber buckets). The cleanout circuit208may further be configured to clamp the first clamp cylinder128and the second clamp cylinder130when engaged and unclamp the first clamp cylinder128and the second clamp cylinder130when disengaged. The cleanout circuit208can have a minimum flow rate of approximately 11 gpm (0.04164 m3/min), a maximum flow rate of 20 gpm (0.075771 m3/min), a maximum operating pressure of approximately 3500 psi (246.1 kgf/cm2), and a relief setting of approximately 3000 psi (210.9 kgf/cm2). The first cleanout cylinder136and the second cleanout cylinder138can be in fluid communication via hydraulic circuitry lines.

Optionally, the first cleanout cylinder136and the second cleanout cylinder138may have a bore of approximately 4 inches (10.16 cm), a rod of approximately 2.25 inches (5.715 cm), and a stroke of approximately 8 inches (20.32 cm), and a pin diameter of 2.0 inches (5.08 cm). The first cleanout cylinder136is in mechanical communication with the first pivot arm112and the first cribber bucket120, and the second cleanout cylinder138is in mechanical communication with the second pivot arm114and the second cribber bucket122. To position the first and second cribber buckets120,122in the closed position, the first cleanout cylinder136and the second cleanout cylinder138can be retracted. To position the first and second cribber buckets120,122in the open position, the first cleanout cylinder136and the second cleanout cylinder138can be extended.

The first cleanout cylinder136may include a first cleanout CB valve236, and the second cleanout cylinder138may include a second cleanout CB valve238. The first cleanout CB valve236and the second cleanout CB valve238can be configured to prevent load falling during cleanout in the event of failure of the first cleanout cylinder136or the second cleanout cylinder138, and may further be configured to improve motion control moving between the open and close positions. The first cleanout CB valve236and the second cleanout CB valve238can have a low CB valve ratio from 5:1 or less. According to some aspects, the first cleanout CB valve236and the second cleanout CB valve238have a CB valve ratio of 3:1.

Referring toFIGS. 1aand 2b, the dual ballast cribber100can comprise vibratory motors162,164that can be positioned at distal ends of the first and second pivot arms112,114, respectively, and can be configured to vibrate to enhance penetration into the ballast. For example, in certain conditions in which ballast is significantly compacted, the first and second dig cylinders132,134can stall. As the dig cylinders132,134stall, the hydraulic pressure can build. A vibrator sequence valve170can be included within the dig circuit202and in fluid communication with fluid in the first and second dig cylinders132,134. The vibrator sequencing valve170can be configured to trip at a predetermined hydraulic pressure threshold (e.g., 2000 psi). When the sequence valve170trips, the dig circuit202can provide hydraulic fluid to the pair of vibratory motors162,164. The vibratory motors162,164can cause vibrations that propagate to the first and second cribber buckets120,122. The vibrations can release the interlocking characteristics of the ballast and allow the buckets continue penetration. The hydraulic pressure in the vibrator circuit can be maintained via a vibrator relief valve168.

The dual ballast cribber100can comprise a sweep plate160that is configured to move any ballast from the center of the crib that the first and second cribber buckets120,122cannot efficiently reach and remove from the crib. For example, as the first and second cribber buckets120,122dig into the ballast, they can tend to generate a pile of ballast at the center of the rail. The sweep plate160can be centered at the bottom of the central frame102, between and below the first and second clamps124,126, and pivotally sweep below the central frame102to shift any ballast that within its range of sweep. Accordingly, the sweep plate160can sweep about and between the first side of the central frame and the second side of the central frame along the transverse axis92. The sweep plate160can be a planar or generally planar plate that is elongated along the longitudinal dimension90of the railway. The sweep plate can be pivotably attached to the central frame102by a pair of arms, one disposed at each longitudinal end of the plate. A sweep plate cylinder152can extend to drive a pivot linkage154about its axis at a pivot pin158. The pivot linkage154can, in turn, move a push linkage156that connects to the sweep plate160, thereby actuating the sweep plate160. In this way, the sweep plate can move ballast from the middle of the rails and position the ballast in more accessible areas for the first and second cribber buckets120,122to reach it. Optionally, the sweep plate160can be actuated to sweep as the cribber buckets120,122are moved outwardly to their respective cleanout positions.

The cleanout circuit208can be configured so that each of the sweep cylinder152, the first and second clamp cylinders128,130, and the first and second cleanout cylinders136,138can each be controlled independently. For example, solenoids172,174can be independently actuated. When the solenoid172is actuated, the sweep plate cylinder152can be actuated. When the solenoid174is actuated, the first and second clamp cylinders128,130can be actuated.

FIG. 3represents a front view of the dual ballast cribber100in a cleanout position having the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122in an open position. In the cleanout position, the first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114can be angled upward at substantially 45 degrees. In the cleanout position, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122can be raised above the railway, and the first dig cylinder132and the second dig cylinder134are retracted. In the open position, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122are pivoted so that the cribber buckets' respective distal ends are further from the central frame102than when the cribber buckets are in their respective closed positions. In the open position, the first cleanout cylinder136and the second cleanout cylinder138can be extended.

FIG. 4represents dual ballast cribber100in a digging position having the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122in a closed position. In the digging position, the first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114can be angled downward at substantially 45 degrees. In the digging position, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122can be engaged in ballast beneath the railway and can be substantially parallel to the transverse axis92. Optionally, respective distal ends of the cribber buckets120,122can extend past each other in the transverse dimension92so that the buckets can have overlapping portions. In the digging position, the first dig cylinder132and the second dig cylinder134can be extended. In the closed position, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122are pivoted so that the cribber buckets' respective distal ends are more proximal to the central frame102than when the cribber buckets are in their respective open positions. In the closed position, the first cleanout cylinder136and the second cleanout cylinder138can be retracted.

FIG. 5illustrates a method of digging with the dual ballast cribber100to remove fouled ballast from both sides of a railway, optionally, simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. The dual ballast cribber100can be aligned on the railway for removal of fouled ballast. The laser110to properly position the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122for fouled ballast removal. The first clamp124and the second clamp126can be engaged via the first clamp cylinder128and the second clamp cylinder130to clamp the first wheel104and the second wheel106, respectively, to the railway. The dig circuit200can be used to extend the first dig cylinder132and the second dig cylinder134, optionally, simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, to move the first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114rotationally downward. As the first pivot arm112and the second pivot arm114move rotationally downward, the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122can contact and break apart the fouled or cemented ballast, optionally, simultaneously or nearly simultaneously.

FIG. 6illustrates a method of cleanout with the dual ballast cribber100. The dig circuit can be used to retract the first dig cylinder132and the second dig cylinder134, optionally, simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, to move the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm114rotationally upward. The first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122can be in the closed position and filled with fouled ballast. Upon full retraction of the first dig cylinder132and the second dig cylinder134, the cleanout circuit208can be used to extend the first cleanout cylinder136and the second cleanout cylinder138, optionally, simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, to rotationally move the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122to the open position. As the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122move to the open position, fouled ballast can be dumped from the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber bucket122.

Upon dumping the fouled ballast, the cleanout circuit208can be used to retract the first cleanout cylinder136and the second cleanout cylinder138, optionally, simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, to move the first cribber bucket120and the second cribber122to the closed position. Upon achieving the closed position, the first clamp cylinder124and the second clamp cylinder126can be disengaged to retract the first clamp cylinder124and the second clamp cylinder126. The dual ballast cribber100can then be moved on rail to align it at a next position on the railway. A digging cycle (the method of digging and the method of cleanout) may be performed in 2 minutes or less. According to some aspects, the digging cycle is performed in 45 seconds or less. Although as described herein, the first and second cribber buckets120,122move to and from open and closed positions, it should be understood that the first and second cribber buckets can move about and between these positions and do not necessarily have to move to the full extent of their respective ranges of motion to perform digging and cleanout functions. Similarly, the first and second cribber buckets120,122can move about and between their respective digging positions and cleanout positions and do not necessarily have to be move to the full extent of their respective ranges of motion. In some embodiments, an operator can determine various operation parameters, such as positions of the first and second cribber buckets, while in further embodiments, the movement of the dual ballast cribber can be automated.

According to one exemplary method, the dual ballast cribber can be clamped to the railway. The dual ballast cribber100can be aligned over the crib on the rail. An operator can press a clamp select button to engage the clamp function enable valve (solenoid)174. The medium pressure circuit can then be activated to extend cylinders128,130, thereby moving the respective clamps124,126clamp and thereby engage respective rails. The operator can then deactivate the medium pressure circuit and release the clamp select button.

According to one exemplary method, the dual ballast cribber100can then be used to dig/clean the ballast via a digging method. To begin an exemplary digging method, the cat tool extend circuit (of the dig circuit) can be activated to extend the first and second dig cylinders132,134. The first and second dig cylinders132,134can be extended until the buckets engage crib shoulders. The medium pressure extend circuit (of the cleanout circuit) can then be activated to extend the first and second cleanout cylinders136,138. The first and second cleanout cylinders136,138can be extended until the ballast is pushed out from underneath the railway. The medium pressure retract circuit can be activated to retract the first and second cleanout cylinders136,138. The first and second dig cylinders132,134can then be extended until the buckets are fully engaged with the ballast (e.g., at their full range of motion). Vibrator motors162,164can be triggered via the vibrator circuit sequencing valve170(e.g., at 2000 psi). The cat tool retract circuit can be activated to retract the first and second dig cylinders132,134until the bucket tips are even with the crib shoulder bottom. The medium pressure extend circuit can extend the first and second cleanout cylinders136,138until the ballast is dumped from the cribber buckets. The operator can press a button to engage the sweep function enable (solenoid) valve172. The medium pressure circuit can be activated to extend and retract the sweep cylinder152, thereby moving the sweep plate160. The sweep plate160can be repeatedly swept until the material is satisfactorily swept. The operator can then release the button to disengage the sweep function enable (solenoid) valve172to thereby complete the digging method. The operator can repeat the digging method as necessary until the ballast is satisfactory.

According to one exemplary method, the dual ballast cribber can be unclamped from the railway. The operator can press the button to engage the clamp function enable (solenoid) valve174. The medium pressure (cleanout) circuit can then be activated to retract cylinders128,130, thereby moving the respective clamps124,126clamp and thereby disengage engage respective rails. The operator can then release the button to disengage the clamp function enable (solenoid) valve174.

Exemplary Aspects

In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

Aspect 1: A dual ballast cribber for removing fouled and cemented ballast from beneath a railway, wherein the railway has a longitudinal axis, the dual ballast cribber comprising: a central frame; a plurality of wheels rotatably attached to the central frame; a first pivot arm that is pivotably attached to the central frame; a first cribber bucket that is pivotably attached to the first pivot arm, wherein the first pivot arm is configured to position the first cribber bucket about and between a digging position and a cleanout position; a second pivot arm that is pivotably attached to the central frame; a second cribber bucket that is pivotably attached to the second pivot arm, wherein the second pivot arm is configured to position the second cribber bucket about and between a digging position and a cleanout position; a first clamp that is in mechanical communication with the central frame and configured to secure the dual ballast cribber to the railway; and at least one actuator configured to move each of the first and second cribber buckets between the respective digging position and the respective cleanout position, wherein, when in the digging position, each respective cribber bucket is disposed at least partially below the central frame, and when in the respective cleanout position, the respective cribber bucket is positioned outwardly from the central frame relative to a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the railway axis.

Aspect 2: The dual ballast cribber of aspect 1, wherein the at least one actuator comprises two hydraulic actuators, wherein each actuator of the two hydraulic actuators is configured to move a respective pivot arm of the first and second pivot arms.

Aspect 3: The dual ballast cribber of aspects 1 or aspect 2, wherein the central frame of the dual ballast cribber has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are spaced from each other on the transverse axis, wherein the first pivot arm extends from the first side of the central frame, and wherein the second pivot arm extends from the second side of the central frame.

Aspect 4: The dual ballast cribber of any of aspects 1-3, further comprising a second clamp that is in mechanical communication with the central frame and configured to secure the dual ballast cribber to the railway, wherein the first clamp is on the first side of the central frame, and the second clamp is on the second side of the central frame.

Aspect 5: The dual ballast cribber of any of aspects 1-4, wherein the first cribber bucket is from 0.10 to 0.35 meters in width.

Aspect 6: The dual ballast cribber of any of aspects 1-5, wherein the first cribber bucket is from 0.7 to 1.7 meters in length.

Aspect 7: The dual ballast cribber of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the first cribber bucket is adjustably coupled to the first pivot arm so a distal end of the first cribber bucket can be positioned at a select distance from a pivotal axis of the first cribber bucket.

Aspect 8: The dual ballast cribber of any of aspects 1-7, wherein the first clamp is adjustably coupled to the central frame so that a distal end of the first clamp can be positioned at a select distance from a pivotal end of the first clamp.

Aspect 9: The dual ballast cribber of any of aspects 1-8, further comprising: a sweep plate that is pivotably attached to the central frame about a pivotal axis; and a sweep plate actuator that is configured to pivot the sweep plate about the pivotal axis of the sweep plate.

Aspect 10: The dual ballast cribber of any of aspects 1-9, further comprising at least one vibrator motor that is configured to cause at least one of the first cribber bucket and the second cribber bucket to vibrate.

Aspect 11: The dual ballast cribber of aspect 10, further comprising a vibrator sequence valve that is configured to deliver hydraulic fluid to the at least one vibrator motor when a hydraulic pressure surpasses a predetermined threshold.

Aspect 12: The dual ballast cribber of aspect 10 or aspect 11, wherein the at least one vibrator motor is attached to at least one of the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm.

Aspect 13: The dual ballast cribber of any of aspects 1-12, further comprising: a first clamp cylinder configured to engage and disengage the first clamp; a second clamp cylinder configured to engage and disengage the second clamp; and a dig circuit configured rotationally move the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm.

Aspect 14: The dual ballast cribber of any of aspects 1-13, wherein the at least one actuator comprises: a first dig cylinder that is in mechanical communication with the central frame and the first pivot arm and is in fluid communication with the dig circuit, and a second dig cylinder that is in mechanical communication with the central frame and the second pivot arm and is in fluid communication with the dig circuit.

Aspect 15: The dual ballast cribber of aspect 14, further comprising: a cleanout circuit configured to rotationally move the first cribber bucket and the second cribber bucket, the cleanout circuit comprising: a first cleanout cylinder that is in mechanical communication with the first pivot arm and the first cribber bucket and is in fluid communication with the cleanout circuit, and a second cleanout cylinder that is in mechanical communication with the second pivot arm and the second cribber bucket and is in fluid communication with the cleanout circuit.

Aspect 16: The dual ballast cribber of aspect 13, wherein the first clamp cylinder and the second clamp cylinder are in fluid communication with the dig circuit.

Aspect 17: The dual ballast cribber of aspect 14, wherein the first clamp cylinder and the second clamp cylinder are in fluid communication with the cleanout circuit.

Aspect 18: A method of performing a digging cycle to remove fouled and cemented ballast from a railway with a dual ballast cribber, comprising: with a dual ballast cribber aligned on a railway, the dual ballast cribber having a central frame, first and second clamps in mechanical communication with the central frame, first and second pivot arms that are pivotably attached to the central frame, and first and second cribber buckets that are pivotably attached, respectively, to the first and second pivot arms, using the first clamp and the second clamp to clamp the dual ballast cribber to the railway for digging; using a dig circuit to move the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm rotationally downward, wherein the first cribber bucket and the second cribber bucket approximately simultaneously contact ballast underneath the railway; using the dig circuit to move the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm rotationally upward; using a cleanout circuit to move the first cribber bucket and the second cribber bucket to an open position to expel the ballast from the first cribber bucket and the second cribber bucket; and disengaging the first clamp and the second clamp from the railway to complete the digging cycle.

Aspect 19: The method of aspect 18, wherein the digging cycle is completed in two minutes or less.

Aspect 20: The method of aspect 19, wherein the digging cycle is completed in forty-five seconds or less.