Detecting damage in rails
First Claim
1. A method of detecting damage in a rail, the method including the steps of running a vehicle on the rail, detecting sound produced by the rail as a result of the vehicle running on the rail, using sound sensing apparatus positioned on the rail vehicle, near the rail, and analysing the detected sound to provide an indication of damage to the rail.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of detecting damage in a rail includes the step of running a vehicle on the rail, detecting the sound produced by the rail as a result of the vehicle running on the rail and analyzing the detected sound to provide an indication of any damage to the rail. Alternatively or additionally, the light reflected by the rail (including laser light directed at the rail) and/or the temperature of the rail may be detected. The method is particularly aimed at detecting complete breaks in rails. the method may be carried out while the train is operating a normal commercial service, thus minimizing disruption and providing continuous analysis of the condition of the rail network.
36 Citations
57 Claims
- 1. A method of detecting damage in a rail, the method including the steps of running a vehicle on the rail, detecting sound produced by the rail as a result of the vehicle running on the rail, using sound sensing apparatus positioned on the rail vehicle, near the rail, and analysing the detected sound to provide an indication of damage to the rail.
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42. A method of detecting damage in a rail, the method including the steps of running a vehicle on the rail, detecting light reflected by an area on a surface of the rail, taking a temperature reading indicative of the temperature of the rail and analysing the detected light and the temperature readings to provide an indication of damage to the rail.
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43. A method of detecting damage in a rail, the method including the step of running a vehicle on the rail and providing detection means for providing an alert only when a complete break of the rail is detected.
- 44. Apparatus for detecting damage in a rail, the apparatus including sensing apparatus, means for mounting the sound sensing apparatus on a rail vehicle, means for detecting sound produced by the rail as a result of the vehicle running on the rail and means for analysing the detected sound to provide an indication of damage to the rail.
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56. A method substantially as herein described with reference to any of the drawings.
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57. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to any of the drawings.
Specification