Bulk loader for conveying articles

• US 20040163567A1
• Filed: 02/25/2003
• Published: 08/26/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nordco, Inc. (Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Nordco, Inc. (Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation)
• Inventors: Stoner, Michael K., Eldridge, Joseph L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,216,590 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 104/17.1
• CPC Class Codes: E01B 29/24 Fixing or removing detachable fastening means or accessories thereof; Pre-assembling track components by detachable fastening means E01B29/02, E01B31/26 take precedence

Abstract

A bulk loader conveys articles in bulk and has a hopper configured for receiving the articles, such as railroad articles. A reciprocating member is configured for reciprocating between a retracted position and an extended position in a track associated with the hopper. Articles that are loaded into the hopper fall into the track when the reciprocating member is in the retracted position and are conveyed from the hopper when the reciprocating member actuates to the extended position, resulting in the removed articles being positioned in a convenient location for further handling by an operator.

Claims

1. A bulk loader for conveying articles in bulk, comprising:

a hopper configured for receiving the articles therein; and

a reciprocating member associated with said hopper, and configured for reciprocating between a first position and a second position and conveying a number of the articles from said hopper.

2. The bulk loader as defined in claim 1, further comprising a track configured for receiving the number of articles and positioned to be disposed in an operational relationship with said reciprocating member.

3. The bulk loader as defined in claim 2, wherein said track further includes at least one guide constructed and arranged so that at least some of the number of articles are upwardly movable in said track upon extension of the reciprocating member from said first position to said second position.

4. The bulk loader as defined in claim 2, wherein the track has a length that is one of equal to and greater than a length of a stroke of the reciprocating member.

5. The bulk loader as defined in claim 2, wherein said reciprocating member has a top and sidewalls configured for preventing the articles deposited within said hopper from becoming jammed between said reciprocating member and said track.

6. The bulk loader as defined in claim 1, further comprising a fluid power apparatus configured for moving said reciprocating member between said first and second positions.

7. The bulk loader as defined in claim 2, wherein said hopper has a front side provided with an opening in registry with said track, said opening configured for accommodating the number of the articles pushed in said track by the reciprocating member extending from said first position to said second position.

8. The bulk loader as defined in claim 1, further comprising an access bin in alignment with said track and having a width greater than a width of said track.

9. The bulk loader as defined in claim 1, further including at least one control member configured for controlling reciprocation of said reciprocating member.

10. The bulk loader as defined in claim 2, further including a vibrator mechanism configured for vibrating said hopper and causing the articles to move freely toward said track.

11. A rail maintenance apparatus having a machine for removing or installing railroad articles, comprising:

a frame;

a bulk loader positioned on said frame, said bulk loader including;

a hopper having a portion configured for receiving the articles and at least one wall provided with an opening; and

a pusher configured for reciprocating between a first, retracted position and a second position adjacent said opening to convey a number of the articles deposited in said hopper.

12. The maintenance apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said bulk loader further includes a track for receiving the number of the articles, said track being positioned in said hopper and disposed in an operational relationship with said pusher.

13. The maintenance apparatus as defined in claim 12, further including an access bin in alignment with said track and configured for receiving the number of the articles removed from said hopper upon said pusher extending from said first position to said second position.

14. A pusher for a bulk spike loader configured for conveying railroad articles in bulk, the bulk spike loader having a hopper for depositing the articles and a track therein for receiving and guiding at least some of the articles as said pusher reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position, said pusher including a front portion configured for pushing the articles and a top portion for preventing the articles from contacting the track upon said pusher being in said extended position.