Patent ID: 7254896

Claim:
A split axle assembly for obtaining gage measurements of a track comprising: a first wheel and a second wheel sized to roll along said track, said first wheel being laterally spaced from said second wheel; a first split axle secured to said first wheel so that said first split axle rotates with said first wheel; a second split axle secured to said second wheel so that said second split axle rotates with said second wheel; a first bearing positioned inboard between said first wheel and said second wheel said first split axle being rotatably received in said first bearing; a second bearing positioned inboard between said first wheel and said second wheel said second split axle being rotatably received in said second bearing; and a sliding barrel device with an outer barrel, a first inner barrel connected to said first split axle, and a second inner barrel connected to said second split axle, said first and second inner barrels being axially movable in said outer barrel to allow said first wheel and said second wheel to axially move relative to one another, and a friction reduction means for reducing friction between said outer barrel and said inner barrels.