Lock shaft spring compression system and method

Abstract

The invention provides a lock shaft spring compression system and method configured to lift a rail vehicle wheel from a rail and transport the lifted wheel along the rail. In one embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a system that can lift lock axle track wheels off the track and allow a lock axle train to be transported out of a main line. One or more coil springs may be provided between the frame and the axle box to distribute the weight of the train and forces acting thereon. The present disclosure provides a technical solution lacked in conventional systems by providing at least one platform for an actuator configured to apply a force to one or more train elements to compress a coil spring and to allow a lock axle wheel to rise from a surface (e.g., a railway track), and the wheel is lifted from the track by overcoming the pressure of the spiral spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to axle-locked railway wheels and, more particularly, to a journal box coil spring compression system configured to lift and transport an axle-locked wheel. Background Art

[0002] When a rail vehicle is traveling on the track, it may be damaged by the many hazards along the way. This damage may cause the rail vehicle to fail. One particularly troublesome failure is when the axle of a rail vehicle (e.g., a locomotive, rail car, or other suitable vehicle) locks and prevents the wheels of the rail vehicle from crossing the rails. This situation may cause irreparable damage to the rail vehicle or even cause a derailment. When the axle of a rail vehicle locks during operation, it causes the main line to stop operating. In addition, staffing is also affected because the existing personnel are usually assigned to work or rest in other train groups. After the train group is transferred, an emergency crew must be dispatched to deal with the axle lock problem. Once the axle lock is determined, another response team must be deployed to deal with the axle lock problem. The rail vehicle with a locked axle is then transported to the maintenance site by various means. The train with a locked axle must wait for another train group to arrive and transport the train to its intended destination. Such delays can cause significant losses to the railway operator. Moreover, the losses are further exacerbated because it is not just the train with the locked axle that is affected, but every train behind it must stop. Hundreds of axle locking incidents occur every year, and the impact on railway operations cannot be underestimated.

[0003] Traditional solutions to this problem include hiring a “greaser” to oil the rails, “roll” the wheels to the nearest service location, cut the pinions, or use a crane to lift the locked axle car from the rails. The difficulty with a greaser is that it is labor intensive and must travel several miles with the train, periodically oiling the wheels or rails until the service location is reached. There are multiple hazards associated with cutting the pinions that can be hazardous to emergency personnel and the rail cars, including environmental hazards under the locomotive and weather factors. Using a crane can add time and cost to the process and can even block the main line. While other train wheel dollies exist, a crane is usually required to lift the train to place the locked axle wheel on the dollie. Understandably, these dollies are rarely used because it may be easy to replace a failed axle when the rail car is already lifted by a crane. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure achieves technical advantages as an axle-locking spring compression system and method, which is configured to lift a rail vehicle wheel from a track and transport the lifted wheel along the track. In one embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a system that can lift the axle-locking wheel from the track without a crane, so that the axle-locked train can be transported off the main line in a shorter time. The train may include a bogie frame having an axle journal box (also known as a captain's cap) that is operably connected to the rail vehicle axle and the bogie frame. One or more coil springs may be arranged between the frame and the axle box to distribute the weight of the train and the forces acting thereon. The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is how to deal with the axle-locking phenomenon that occurs when a train is traveling.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technical solution missing from conventional systems by providing at least one platform for an actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a jack, an air bag, or other suitable lifting mechanism) configured to apply a force to one or more train elements to compress a coil spring and allow the axle-locked wheel to be lifted from a surface (e.g., a railroad track) by overcoming the coil spring pressure to lift the wheel from the track. In one embodiment, the actuator can be coupled to a vehicle frame (e.g., a train frame) and apply a force away from the platform to cause compression of one or more coil springs. When the coil springs proximate the axle-locked rail wheel are compressed, the weight of the train applied to the rail wheel is released, causing the rail wheel to leave the ground.

[0006] The technical advantage of the system is that it no longer requires the use of cranes or the need to taxi the locked railcar to the next siding or maintenance location. The system can be deployed within minutes and get the locomotive moving again, alleviating mainline congestion.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a spring compression system for a locked axle rail wheel. It is another object of the present invention to provide a spring compression system for a locked axle rail wheel. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for lifting a locked axle wheel by compressing a coil spring. These and other objects are provided by at least the following embodiments.

[0008] In one embodiment, a locking axle spring compression system may include: a base plate having a top side and a bottom side, wherein one or more bolt holes are disposed; an extender having a bolt passage connected to the top side of the base plate; a bolt extending from the bottom side of the base plate through the bolt hole and through the bolt passage; and an actuator connected to the top side of the base plate. Also included is at least one actuator hole extending through the base plate, which is configured to receive an actuator screw or bolt. Wherein, the actuator is disposed between the base plate and the vehicle structure. Wherein the bolts connect the base plate and the extender to the vehicle structure. Wherein, the actuator extends a plunger to apply a force to the journal box. Wherein, the force compresses a coil spring located near the journal box. Also included is an instrument box coupled to the actuator. Also included is a pump operably coupled to the instrument box.

[0009] In another embodiment, a locked axle rail wheel spring compression system may include: a frame; a base plate having a top side and a bottom side with one or more bolt holes disposed therein; an extender having a bolt passage connected to the top side of the base plate; bolts extending from the bottom side of the base plate through the bolt holes, through the bolt passages, and operably connected to the frame; an actuator connected to the top side of the base plate; and a gasket disposed between the frame and the journal box. Also included is at least one actuator hole through the base plate configured to receive an actuator screw or bolt. Wherein the actuator is disposed between the base plate and the frame. Wherein the bolts connect the base plate and the extender to the frame. Wherein the actuator extends a plunger to apply a force to the journal box. Wherein the force compresses a coil spring located near the journal box. Also included is an instrument box coupled to the actuator. Also included is a pump operably coupled to the instrument box.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method for lifting an axle-locked wheel by compressing a coil spring may include: coupling an axle-locked spring compression system having a base plate, an extender, and an actuator to a frame proximate to the axle-locked track wheel; applying force to a journal box operably coupled to the frame through the actuator; and compressing the coil spring disposed near the journal box to lift the axle-locked wheel off a surface. It also includes installing a gasket between the frame and a second journal box. The actuator is a hydraulic cylinder, a jack (e.g., a bottle jack), an airbag, a mechanical arm, or other suitable lifting device. The axle-locked spring compression system also includes an instrument box coupled to the actuator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure will be easily understood by the following detailed description in combination with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of the present disclosure by way of example. The accompanying drawings show the design and practicality of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals or symbols. The objects and elements in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn in proportion, ratio or precise positional relationship. Instead, the focus is on illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 shows a side view of an axle-locking wheel carrier according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2A A side view of a platform of a locking shaft spring compression system is shown according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2B A top view of a platform of a locking shaft spring compression system is shown according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3Ashows a perspective view of an actuator according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3B shows a top view of a base plate according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3C shows a perspective view of a base plate with an actuator according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 A perspective view showing a platform of a locking axle spring compression system coupled to a vehicle frame according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5 A perspective view showing another platform of a locking axle spring compression system coupled to a vehicle frame according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 A perspective view showing a lock axle spring compression system coupled to a vehicle frame and a hose according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 A perspective view showing a platform of an axle-locking spring compression system coupled to a vehicle frame without a journal box and an axle according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8 A perspective view showing an axle-locking spring compression system coupled to a vehicle frame via a journal box according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a lock axle spring compression system coupled to a vehicle frame with a raised track wheel according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig.10 shows a perspective view of a lock axle spring compression system with a compression coil spring, a pump, and a raised track wheel according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig.11 shows a perspective view of a ready-to-ride lock axle spring compression system with compressed coil springs, pump, spacers, and raised track wheels according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Fig.12 A side view of a portion of a railway wheel assembly with a shim is shown according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The disclosure and its various features and advantageous details set forth in the following written description will be more fully explained with reference to the non-limiting examples included in the accompanying drawings and the contents detailed in the specification. Descriptions of well-known components are omitted herein so as not to unnecessarily obscure the main features described herein. The following examples are intended to facilitate understanding of the implementation and practice of the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the disclosure as meaning that any suitable combination of the following functions or exemplary embodiments can be combined to achieve the claimed subject matter. The disclosure includes the number of representative species within the genus, or structural features common to members of the genus, so that one of ordinary skill in the art can identify members of the genus. Therefore, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0028] A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any system claim set forth herein encompasses all elements and limitations disclosed therein, and therefore requires that each system claim be considered as a whole. Any reasonably foreseeable item that has a functional relationship with a claim also falls within the relevant scope. The patent examiner, after thoroughly understanding the disclosure and claims in the filed application, searches for prior art disclosed in patents and other published documents (e.g., non-patent literature). Therefore, as evidenced by the issuance of this patent, the prior art fails to disclose or teach the elements and limitations set forth in the claims supported by the specification and drawings, and therefore the claims set forth are patentable under the applicable laws and rules of this jurisdiction.

[0029] Figure 1 A side view of a portion of a train wheel assembly 100 is shown according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a journal box (aka captain's cap) 102 may be a mechanical subassembly at each end of an axle below a rail vehicle (train) (e.g., a rail car or locomotive). The train may include a bogie frame 106 having a journal box 102 operably coupled to a rail vehicle axle assembly 108 and the bogie frame. The rail vehicle axle assembly 108 may include bearings to transfer the weight of the rail vehicle to the journal box 102, rail wheels 110, and rails. The bearings may be roller bearings. One or more coil springs 104 may be arranged between the frame 106 and the journal box 102 to distribute the weight of the train and the forces acting thereon. The journal box coil springs 104 may be arranged on either side of the rail vehicle axle assembly 108 of the train. The coil springs 104 may be coil compression springs. The coil springs 104 may ensure that the weight is properly distributed to each wheel 110 of the rail vehicle. In this manner, the coil springs 104 apply the weight of the locomotive to the journal box 102 and then to the rail vehicle wheels 110 .

[0030] Figure 2AA side view of a platform 200 of a locking shaft spring compression system according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In one embodiment, the platform 200 may include a base plate 202. The base plate 202 may include an actuator hole 204 and a bolt hole 210. In another embodiment, the platform 200 may include one or more extenders 206. The extender 206 may include a bolt channel 208 disposed therethrough. In another embodiment, the base plate 202 may include a top side and a bottom side, wherein one or more bolt holes 210 are disposed, and the extender 206 having the bolt channel 208 may be coupled to the top side of the base plate 202, and the bolts may pass through the bolt holes 210 and through the bolt channel 208 from the bottom side of the base plate 202. In another embodiment, all platform elements may be made of metal (e.g., ANSI 1018 steel). In another embodiment, the size and shape of the bolt channel 208 and the bolt hole 210 may be designed to receive a bolt therethrough. For example, the bolt channel 208 and the bolt hole 210 may be aligned to facilitate insertion of the bolt into the base plate 202 and the extender 206. In another embodiment, the length of the extender 206 is at least as long as the actuator selected for mounting on the base plate 202. For example, the extender 206 can be 8.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. The cross-section of the extender can be circular, square, triangular, polygonal, or other suitable shapes or contours.

[0031] Figure 2B A top view of a platform 200 of a locking shaft spring compression system according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In one embodiment, the base plate 202 may be configured to receive at least one actuator 212 disposed in an actuator area proximate to one or more actuator holes 204. For example, the actuator 212 may be any type of lifting mechanism, including a jack, a bottle jack, an air hydraulic jack, an air jack, a cylinder, a motorized arm, or other suitable device, and the actuator area may be designed to accommodate the actuator 212. In another embodiment, the actuator 212 may include one or more screws at one end to couple the actuator to the base plate 202. For example, the screws may pass through the actuator holes 204 in the base plate 202 and be secured on the other side by nuts, wing nuts, pins, or other suitable devices. In another embodiment, the actuator 212 may include one or more studs at one end to couple the actuator to the base plate 202. For example, the studs may be disposed through the actuator holes 204 in the base plate 202 without further securing the actuator 212 to the base plate 202. The extender 206 and the actuator may be arranged near an edge of the base plate 202 , in the center of the base plate 202 , at an edge and a center of the base plate 202 , or at any suitable location on the base plate 202 .

[0032] Figure 3AA perspective view of an actuator 302 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In one embodiment, the actuator 302 may be a hydraulic cylinder (bottle jack). In one example, the hydraulic cylinder may be a jack shaped like a bottle, having a cylindrical body and a neck. A vertical lifting plunger may be provided in the hydraulic cylinder. The actuator 302 may be pneumatic, hydraulic, or work by screw action. In another embodiment, the actuator 302 may have an adapter 306 configured to engage one or more hoses to receive a fluid, such as air, water, oil, or other suitable fluid. In a pneumatic version, in one embodiment, a pressurized fluid may be used to operate the actuator. In another embodiment, the actuator 302 may be a hydraulic jack driven by compressed air (e.g., air from a compressor) instead of manual actuation. In this way, the user does not need to drive the hydraulic device, which saves effort and may increase speed. Sometimes, such jacks can also be operated by manual hydraulic actuation, retaining the manual operation function even without a compressed air source. In the hydraulic version, in another embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder can extend vertically from the body by a hydraulic plunger provided by a pump on the base plate or at a remote location through a hose (e.g., a pressure hose). For example, to lift a heavy structure, hydraulically interconnecting multiple vertical jacks through valves can achieve an even distribution of force while enabling tight control of the lift. In another embodiment, the actuator of the spiral version works by turning a large nut that runs on a threaded vertical plunger in the neck of the body. The nut can include gear teeth and can typically be turned by a bevel gear connected to the body, which can be manually turned by a jack handle mounted into a socket. In another embodiment, there can be a second spiral plunger inside the plunger that can telescopically double the lifting range.

[0033] Figure 3B A top view of a base plate 202 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; the base plate 202 may include a plurality of holes to receive one or more system components. For example, the base plate 202 may include actuator holes 204, bolt holes 210, or other suitable holes. The corresponding bolt holes 210 and actuator holes 204 may be positioned anywhere on the base plate 202 to correspond to the location of the corresponding extender 206 or actuator 302.

[0034] Figure 3CA perspective view of a base plate 202 with an actuator 302 is shown according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the actuator can be positioned on the base plate 202 to provide directional lift to a certain area. In another embodiment, the actuator 302 can be coupled to the base plate 202 to direct a ram away from the base plate to lift an object off the base plate 202. In another embodiment, the actuator 302 can be coupled to the base plate 202 to direct a ram away from the base plate to push the base plate 202 away from the object. In another embodiment, the actuator 302 can push away from the base plate 202 to compress an object (e.g., a coil spring of a journal box) when the platform is secured to a vehicle frame.

[0035] Figure 4 A perspective view of a platform of a locking axle spring compression system connected to a vehicle frame proximate to a rail wheel 110 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In one exemplary embodiment, the platform can include a base plate 202 on which at least two extenders 206 are disposed. Bolts 402 can pass through the base plate 202 and each extender 206 to be screwed into one or more frame holes. For example, the vehicle frame can be a train truck frame having one or more claws 404 extending therefrom. In another embodiment, the journal box 102 can be operably coupled to the frame, wherein one or more openings allow access to the frame or frame elements (e.g., the claws 404).

[0036] Figure 5 A perspective view of another platform of a locking axle spring compression system coupled to a vehicle frame according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the platform may include a base plate 202 on which at least four extenders 206 are disposed. Bolts 402 may pass through the base plate 202 and each extender 206 to be screwed into one or more frame holes to secure the platform to the vehicle frame. For example, the vehicle frame may be a train bogie frame having one or more claws extending therefrom. In another embodiment, the journal box 102 may be operably coupled to the frame, wherein one or more openings allow access to the frame or frame elements (e.g., claws 404).

[0037] Figure 6A perspective view of a locking axle spring compression system coupled to a frame and hoses 602 is shown according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; in one embodiment, the platform 200 may have at least one actuator 212 (or other lifting device) coupled thereto. In another embodiment, one or more hoses 602 may couple an instrument box 604 to the actuator 212. For example, the instrument box 604 may include one or more gauges corresponding to each actuator 212 to monitor and apply fluid to the actuator 212. In another embodiment, the instrument box may include one or more magnets to adhere the instrument box to the train (e.g., the journal box 102). The gauges of the instrument box 604 may indicate the pressure applied or maintained by each actuator (e.g., hydraulic cylinder) 212. In another embodiment, the hoses 602 may connect the instrument box 604 to an external device, such as a pump. For example, a pump may provide fluid to the instrument box 604, which may then distribute the fluid to the actuator to control the actuator.

[0038] Figure 7A perspective view of a platform 200 of a locking axle spring compression system connected to a vehicle frame (e.g., a truck frame) 702 without a journal box and an axle according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In one embodiment, the frame 702 may include a coil spring well 704 configured to receive one end of a coil spring. The other end of the coil spring may be operably coupled to the coil spring well of the journal box 102. The truck frame 702 may also include one or more elements, such as a claw 708. One or more base liners 706 may be coupled to the surface of the claw 708. In another embodiment, the claw 708 may include one or more threaded holes configured to receive bolts, screws, or other threaded devices. For example, the j-block bolts that couple the j-block to the claw 708 may be removed and the platform 200 may be coupled to the truck frame 702 using the j-block bolt holes. In another embodiment, the J-block separated from the claw 708 may be used as a spacer disposed between the journal box 102 and the truck frame 702. In another embodiment, the bolts of the platform 200 may pass through the bolt holes 210 of the base plate 202 and the bolt passages 208 of the extenders 206 and into the threaded holes of the claws 708 to provide a secure coupling of the platform 202 to the truck frame 702. In another embodiment, one or more actuators 212 may be coupled to the platform 200, with the punched end of the actuator 212 pointing toward the frame 702. In this manner, in one embodiment, the platform 200 may be securely coupled to the frame such that operation of the actuator 212 may cause compression to occur between the actuator 212 and the frame 702. For example, when fully assembled, the actuator 212 may lift the journal box 102 toward the frame 702, thereby causing compression of the coil spring located between the coil spring well 704 of the frame 702 and the coil spring well of the journal box 102, thereby overcoming the coil spring pressure applied to the wheel and lifting the wheel off the ground.

[0039] Figure 8 A perspective view of a platform 200 of a locking axle spring compression system coupled to a vehicle frame through a journal box 102 is shown according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, one or more actuators 212 may be coupled to the platform 200. A hose may be operably coupled to an adapter of each respective actuator 212. In another embodiment, when fluid is provided to the actuator 212 through the adapter, pressure within the actuator 212 rises, thereby causing a lifting plunger 802 disposed within each actuator 212 to extend out of each actuator 212. When the lifting plunger 802 is lifted from the respective actuator 212, the lifting plunger 802 contacts a portion of the journal box 102. Since the platform 200 may be securely coupled to the vehicle frame 702, when the lifting plunger 802 extends away from the platform 200, it pushes the journal box 102 away from the platform 200, thereby causing the coil spring proximate to the platform 200 to compress.

[0040] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a platform 200 of a locking axle spring compression system coupled to a vehicle frame with a raised rail wheel is shown in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, once an actuator (e.g., hydraulic cylinder 212) is activated by fluid provided by a hose 602 connected to an instrument box 604, the journal box 102 can be lifted off the platform 200, causing the coil spring pressure to be overcome and lift the rail wheel 110 off the surface, as shown. Fig. 9 As shown. In one embodiment, the track wheel 110 can be lifted off the track by at least half an inch (1 / 2") to facilitate travel. For example, when using a hydraulic cylinder, the wheel begins to leave the surface when the pressure is about 7500psi, and the -9 spring is raised onto the plate when the pressure is about 8500psi.

[0041] Fig.10 A perspective view of a platform 200 with a locking axle spring compression system having a compression coil spring 104, a pump 1004, and a raised rail wheel according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In one embodiment, the pump 1004 can be operably coupled to an instrument box 604 that indicates the pressure of each actuator deployed. For example, the pump can provide fluid to the instrument box, which in turn can distribute the fluid to each actuator to increase pressure and extend the actuator piston. The instrument box 604 can include a housing, an instrument assembly, and / or a hose adapter, or any suitable configuration thereof. The pump 1004 can be a manual pump, a mechanical pump, an electric pump, or other suitable pump capable of providing hydraulic flow to the actuator. When the actuator lifts the journal box 102 off the platform 200, additional strain can be applied to the second journal box (third journal box, etc.) near the raised journal box 102. The shim 1002 can ensure that the additional force does not damage the second journal box and / or its corresponding shaft. For example, the spacer 1002 can be located between the second journal box and the truck frame 702 to ensure that there is enough distance between the second journal box and the truck frame to maintain the train structure. In another embodiment, the spacer 1002 can be a J-shaped block previously separated from the claw 708. In another embodiment, the spacer 1002 can be a metal part or other suitable device. In another embodiment, the wheels on both sides of the locking axle can be raised by installing a platform on both sides of the rail vehicle, or both wheels of the locking axle can be raised.

[0042] Fig.11A perspective view of a platform 200 of a locking axle spring compression system is shown with a compressed coil spring 104, a pump 1004, a shim 1002, and a raised track wheel 110, ready for travel, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, once the shim is inserted into the vicinity of the journal box, the locking axle journal box 102 is lifted, the coil spring 104 is compressed, and the locking axle track wheel 110 is lifted off the track, and the pump and associated pump hoses can be disconnected from the meter box 604. The hoses between the actuator 212 and the meter box 604 can be retained to monitor the pressure of the actuator 212 while the train is traveling. The magnets of the meter box 604 are strong enough to secure the meter box 604 to the journal box 102 during travel.

[0043] Fig.12 A side view of a portion of a train wheel assembly with a shim 1200 is shown according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the shim 1200 may include a block 1202, a retaining arm 1204, and a coupler 1206. In another embodiment, the block 1202 may be a block of any size, shape, and suitable material sufficient to maintain clearance between the bogie frame 702 and the axle box 102. For example, by maintaining clearance between the bogie 702 and the axle box 102, the shim 1200 may prevent damage to other rail vehicle components caused by a raised locked axle wheel. In another embodiment, the block 1202 does not allow the coupler height to vary by more than 1 / 2". In another embodiment, the retaining arm 1204 may be operably coupled to the block 1202 and the coupler 1206. The retaining arm 1204 may be made of metal, plastic, or other suitable material. The coupler 1206 may be a magnet, hook, chain, or other suitable device. For example, the block 1202 is held in place by the retaining arm 1204 and secured to the rail vehicle by the coupler 1206.

[0044] The present disclosure achieves at least the following advantages:

[0045] 1. Safer and faster (no crane, no need to cut pinion gear);

[0046] 2. Reduce costs and manpower; and

[0047] 3. Reduce delays and thus increase network operation speed.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that without the specific combination of structural components and mechanisms assembled in the system of the present invention and described herein, the above advantages and purposes will not be possible to achieve. In addition, the specific selection of components may depend on the specific goals and constraints of the implementation scheme selected to achieve the concepts set forth herein and in the appended claims.

[0049] The description in this patent document should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included within the scope of the claims. In addition, unless the exact words "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim and followed by a participatory phrase identifying the function, no claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) for any additional claim or claim element. Terms used in the claims (such as (but not limited to) "mechanism", "module", "device", "unit", "component", "element", "member", "device", "machine", "system", "processor", "processing device", or "controller") should be understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art and are further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and are not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f). Even under the broadest reasonable interpretation, in accordance with this paragraph of the specification, the claims are not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) in the absence of the above specific language.

[0050] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential features. For example, each new structure described herein may be modified to accommodate specific local changes or requirements while retaining their basic configuration or structural relationship to each other, or while performing the same or similar functions described herein. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Therefore, all changes within the meaning and equivalent scope of the claims should be included in the claims. In addition, the various elements in the claims are not well-known, conventional or traditional. Instead, the claims point to the non-traditional innovative concepts described in the specification.

Claims

1. A spring compression system for a locked axle rail wheel, include: a base plate having a top side and a bottom side, wherein one or more bolt holes are disposed; an extender having a bolt channel connected to the top side of the base plate; The bolts are inserted from the bottom side of the base plate through the bolt holes and through the bolt channels; as well as Actuator coupled to the top side of the base plate.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one actuator hole through the base plate configured to receive an actuator screw or bolt.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is disposed between the floor and the vehicle structure.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein bolts couple the floor and extender to the vehicle structure.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator extends the plunger to apply the force to the journal housing.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the force compresses a coil spring located adjacent the journal box.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising an instrument box coupled to the actuator.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a pump operably coupled to the meter box.

9. A locking spring compression system, include: Vehicle frame; a base plate having a top side and a bottom side, wherein one or more bolt holes are disposed; an extender having a bolt channel connected to the top side of the base plate; A bolt is passed from the bottom side of the bottom plate through the bolt hole, through the bolt channel, and operably coupled to the vehicle frame; an actuator coupled to a top side of the base plate; as well as A spacer disposed between the vehicle frame and the journal box.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising at least one actuator hole through the base plate configured to receive an actuator screw or bolt.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the actuator is disposed between the floor and the frame.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein bolts connect the base plate and the extender to the vehicle frame.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the actuator extends a plunger to apply force to the journal housing.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the force compresses a coil spring located adjacent the journal box.

15. The system of claim 9, further comprising an instrument box coupled to the actuator.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a pump operably coupled to the meter box.

17. A method for lifting a wheel with a locked axle by compressing a coil spring, include: coupling an axle-locking spring compression system having a base plate, an extender, and an actuator to a vehicle frame proximate an axle-locking rail wheel; applying a force to a journal box operably coupled to a vehicle frame via an actuator; and The coil spring located near the journal housing is compressed to release the axle-locking track wheel from the surface.

18. The method of claim 18, further comprising installing a shim between the vehicle frame and the second journal box.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the shaft-locking spring compression system further comprises an instrument box coupled to the actuator.

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