Systems and methods for restraining ballast samples - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a system and method for confining a ballast sample.SOLUTION: A sample confinement tool comprises: a first member including a first end part coupled to a driving tool, coupled to a heavy-duty vehicle; a second member that is mechanically coupled to the first member by a fastening tool, is configured to move relative to the first member by rotating around the axis of the fastening tool, and includes a second end part; and a hydraulic actuator configured to be operable so as to control the movement of the second member relative to the first member, the sample confinement tool inserts a predetermined depth below the surface of ballast, collects a ballast sample in the second end part of the sample confinement tool, and is operable so as to confine the ballast sample in the second end part of the sample confinement tool by mechanically compressing the ballast sample.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to restraining samples, and more specifically to systems and methods for restraining ballast samples. [Background technology]

[0002] In rail transportation systems, rail tracks are supported by crushed rock, commonly referred to as ballast. Over time, the ballast deteriorates and must be replaced. To assess the deterioration state of the ballast, ballast samples are collected and analyzed. Traditional methods for ballast collection, such as hand-drilling holes to excavate samples, can disturb the ballast around the samples, exposing the samples to contamination. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] According to one embodiment, a sample confinement tool includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the sample confinement tool is coupled to a driving tool. The driving tool is coupled to a heavy-duty vehicle. The sample confinement tool is operable to insert a predetermined depth below a ballast surface and collect a ballast sample within the second end of the sample confinement tool. The sample confinement tool is also operable to confine the ballast sample within the second end of the sample confinement tool by mechanically compressing the ballast sample. The sample confinement tool is further operable to release the ballast sample into a sample container by mechanically depressurizing the ballast sample.

[0004] The sample restraint tool may include a first steel member and a second steel member coupled to the first steel member, a portion of the second steel member overlapping the first steel member, and the sample restraint tool may include a hydraulic actuator operable to rotate the second steel member in a first direction relative to the first steel member to mechanically compress the ballast sample and / or to rotate the second steel member in a second direction relative to the first steel member to mechanically depressurize the ballast sample.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the sample restraint tool is a hollow rectangular tube about 4 feet long, about 8 inches deep, and about 8 inches wide. The sample restraint tool may be coupled to one or more hydraulic lines. The one or more hydraulic lines may be coupled to a hydraulic circuit of the heavy duty vehicle. Inserting the sample restraint tool to the predetermined depth below the ballast surface may include vibrating the sample restraint tool using the driving tool until the second end of the sample restraint tool reaches the predetermined depth below the ballast surface. In certain embodiments, the heavy duty vehicle is a backhoe, the driving tool is a vibrating tool, and / or the ballast surface is a railroad track bed.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method includes inserting a sample confinement tool to a predetermined depth below a ballast surface. The sample confinement tool includes a first end and a second end. The method also includes collecting a ballast sample within the second end of the sample confinement tool and constraining the ballast sample within the second end of the sample confinement tool by mechanically compressing the ballast sample. The method further includes compressing the ballast sample within a sample container by mechanically depressurizing the ballast sample. The method further includes the step of releasing the sample.

[0007] The method may include rotating a second steel member of the sample restraint tool in a first direction relative to a first steel member of the sample restraint tool to mechanically compress the ballast sample using a hydraulic actuator. The method may include rotating the second steel member in a second direction relative to the first steel member to mechanically depressurize the ballast sample using the hydraulic actuator. The method may include coupling one or more hydraulic lines to the sample restraint tool and to a hydraulic circuit of a heavy load vehicle. Inserting the sample restraint tool to the predetermined depth below the ballast surface may include vibrating the sample restraint tool using a driving tool until the second end of the sample restraint tool reaches the predetermined depth below the ballast surface. The sample restraint tool may be a hollow rectangular tube approximately 4 feet long, approximately 8 inches deep, and approximately 8 inches wide.

[0008] Technical advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following: The sample constraining tool described herein may improve sample uniformity, reduce contamination, reduce disturbance of the sample surroundings, improve operator safety, and reduce the time required to extract a sample. In certain embodiments, the walls of the sample constraining tool contain the sample, which may improve sample uniformity and reduce sample contamination by preventing ballast outside the sample constraining tool from falling into the sample area. The method of certain embodiments described herein may improve sample uniformity by controlling the depth and area of ​​the sample. The sample constraining tool may be mounted on a high visibility vehicle to improve operator safety. The time required to extract a sample using the sample constraining tool may be reduced by increasing productivity. The method of certain embodiments described herein may reduce the number of operators on the railroad track because the sample constraining tool is mechanically actuated.

[0009] Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Additionally, although certain advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

[0010] For an aid in understanding the present disclosure, reference is made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary system for restraining a ballast sample. [Diagram 2] 2 shows an exemplary perspective view of a sample constraining tool used in the system of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates another exemplary perspective view of the sample constraining tool of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for restraining a ballast sample. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an exemplary computer system that may be used with the systems and methods described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Certain known methods for collecting samples are specifically designed for soils that have small particles and have small sample sections. These known sampling methods are designed to take advantage of the natural cohesiveness of the soil and keep the sample intact during extraction. Other methods of collecting samples use core drills to sample rock layers. The hardness of the rock allows the core to be extracted uniformly and keeps the core intact. Ballast, such as railroad ballast, has a different consistency than soil and rock. Ballast may contain large (i.e., 1-2.5 inch) rock particles. Existing soil sampling equipment does not have sufficient capacity to extract an adequate amount of ballast sample (e.g., 1 cubic foot of ballast). Unlike soil and rock, ballast does not have the natural cohesion to keep the sample intact during extraction.

[0013] The present disclosure describes systems, methods, and tools for restraining ballast samples. The mechanical sampling system described herein extracts a ballast sample from a railroad track. The system includes a sample restraining tool that is driven into the ballast. The sample restraining tool includes a jaw that retracts at a predetermined depth below the ballast surface to secure the ballast sample. The sample restraining tool is withdrawn from the ballast and moved into position over a sample container. The jaw of the sample restraining tool is raised to release the ballast sample into the sample container. Thus, the systems and methods for restraining ballast samples described herein improve ballast sample uniformity, reduce ballast sample contamination, improve operator safety, reduce disturbances surrounding the ballast sample, and reduce the time required to extract the ballast sample compared to conventional sampling systems and methods.

[0014] Figures 1-5 show exemplary systems and methods for restraining ballast samples. Figure 1 shows an exemplary system for restraining ballast samples. Figures 2 and 3 show exemplary perspective views of a sample restraining tool used in the system of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows an exemplary method for restraining ballast samples. Figure 5 shows an exemplary computer system that may be used by the systems and methods described herein.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 100 for restraining ballast samples. The system 100 of FIG. 1 includes a railroad environment 110, a heavy load vehicle 120, a driving tool 130, and a sample restraining tool 140. The system 100, or portions thereof, may be associated with an entity, which may include any entity such as a business, a company (e.g., a railroad company, a transportation company, etc.), or a government agency (e.g., a transportation department, a public safety department, etc.). Elements of the system 100 may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, firmware, and software. For example, elements of the system 100 may be implemented using one or more components of the computer system of FIG. 5.

[0016] The railroad environment 110 represents a physical area that includes one or more railroad components. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the railroad environment 110 includes railroad track 112, sleepers 114, and ballast 116. The railroad track 112 includes a pair of steel rails, sleepers 114, and ballast 116. The pair of steel rails are separated and supported by sleepers 114. Sleepers 114 may be made of wood, concrete, or any other suitable material. Ballast 116 is a crushed stone track bed on which the sleepers 114 are laid. Ballast 116 may be used to support loads applied to the sleepers 114, facilitate drainage, suppress vegetation that may interfere with the structure of the railroad track 112, and prevent the railroad track 112 from shifting due to loads applied by moving trains, etc. The ballast 116 may include crushed stone (e.g., crushed granite, gneiss, and / or basalt), baked clay, or any other suitable material. The ballast 116 may be packed between the rails and sleepers 114, under the rails and sleepers 114, and / or around the rails and sleepers 114. The ballast 116 may form a top layer of the track bed of the railway. The ballast 116 may be formed on a layer of soil. The ballast 116 may be of any suitable thickness. For example, the ballast 116 may have a thickness ranging from 6 inches to 20 inches.

[0017] The heavy load vehicle 120 is any vehicle that provides an attachment for the driving tool 130. The heavy load vehicle 120 may be a construction vehicle such as a mechanical excavator (e.g., a backhoe), a bulldozer, a front loader, a dump truck, etc. The heavy load vehicle 120 may be specially designed for railroad work. For example, the heavy load vehicle 120 may be equipped to be driven along the rails of the railroad track 112. In certain embodiments, the heavy load vehicle 120 may be a vehicle that provides an attachment for the driving tool 130. The heavy vehicle 120 includes an arm 121 (e.g., a boom) that extends and / or rotates in one or more directions. The arm 121 of the heavy load vehicle 120 may pivot and / or rotate about one or more axes. The arm 121 may be mechanically controlled by an operator 122 of the heavy load vehicle 120.

[0018] The operator 122 of the heavy load vehicle 120 is any person (e.g., technician, engineer, driver, vehicle operator, etc.) or machine that controls one or more operations of the heavy load vehicle 120. In certain embodiments, the operator 122 controls one or more movements of one or more components (e.g., the driving tool 130 and / or the sample restraining tool 140) attached to the heavy load vehicle 120. The operator 122 can drive the heavy load vehicle 120 along the rails of the railroad track 112. The operator 122 can control the position of one or more parts of the arm 121, the driving tool 130, and / or the sample restraining tool 140 of the heavy load vehicle 120.

[0019] The heavy load vehicle 120 may include a hydraulic circuit 124. The hydraulic circuit 124 is any component capable of controlling the transmission of hydraulic fluid to one or more other components of the system 100. The hydraulic circuit 124 may include one or more hydraulic pumps, one or more valves (e.g., control valves, overload relief valves, etc.), one or more motors, etc. The hydraulic circuit 124 may be coupled to a hydraulic actuator of the sample restraint tool 140 (e.g., hydraulic actuator 240 in FIGS. 2 and 3 below) using one or more lines (e.g., tubes, cables, etc.).

[0020] The heavy load vehicle 120 may include one or more controllers 126. The controller 126 of the system 100 refers to any suitable computing component that may be used to process information related to the system 100. The controller 126 may coordinate one or more components of the system 100 and / or facilitate communication between one or more components of the system 100. The controller 126 may receive data (e.g., sensor data) from one or more components of the system 100 and / or transmit data to one or more components of the system 100. The controller 126 may initiate operation of the arm 121 of the heavy load vehicle 120, the driving tool 130, and / or the sample restraining tool 140.

[0021] The controller 140 may include communication capabilities that allow a user (e.g., a technician, a manager, an operator 122, etc.) to directly communicate with one or more components of the system 100. For example, the controller 126 may be part of a computer (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, etc.), and a user (e.g., the operator 122) may access the controller 126 through an interface (e.g., a screen, a graphic user interface (GUI), or a panel) of the computer. The controller 126 may communicate with one or more components of the system 100 over a network. Although the controller 126 is located inside the heavy load vehicle 120 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the controller 126 may be located in any suitable location to process information related to the system 100. For example, the controller 126 may be located in the sample restraining tool 140, such as in a cloud computing environment.

[0022] The controller 126 may receive data from one or more components of the system 100 and perform actions based on the received data. In certain embodiments, the controller 126 receives pressure data from a pressure sensor of the sample restraint tool 140 and initiates an increase or decrease in pressure based on the received pressure data. For example, the controller 126 may receive pressure data indicating that the pressure of the ballast sample restrained within the sample restraint tool 140 is less than 2000 pounds per square inch (psi) and may initiate an increase or decrease in pressure based on the received pressure data. The pressure may be increased until the pressure data indicates that the pressure is 2000 psi. In certain embodiments, the controller 126 receives position data from a sensor (e.g., a GPS sensor) of the sample constraining tool 140 and initiates a change in the position of the sample constraining tool 140 in response to receiving the position data. For example, the controller 126 receives position data indicating that the end of the sample constraining tool 140 is less than 18 inches below the surface of the ballast 116 and initiates driving the sample constraining tool 140 into the ballast until the position data indicates that the end of the sample constraining tool 140 is 18 inches below the surface of the ballast 116.

[0023] The driving tool 130 is any component that can be used to drive the sample restraint tool 140 into the ballast 116. For example, the driving tool 130 can apply pressure to the sample restraint tool 140 to drive the sample restraint tool 140 into the ballast 116. The applied pressure can include a downward force (i.e., a force applied toward the ballast 116), a vibration force, a combination thereof, and the like. The driving tool 130 can be a post driving tool, a hydraulic tool, a vibration tool, a combination thereof, or any other suitable component for driving the sample restraint tool 140 into the ballast 116. In a particular embodiment, the driving tool 130 is a vibratory post driver. The driving tool 130 is attached to the heavy load vehicle 120 and the sample restraint tool 140. The driving tool 130 can include one or more mounting brackets that secure to the arm 121 of the heavy load vehicle 120. The impaction tool 130 may include an adapter (eg, a cup) that attaches to (eg, grips) the sample confinement tool 140 .

[0024] The sample restraint tool 140 is any component capable of mechanically restraining a ballast sample. The sample restraint tool 140 has a first end 142 and a second end 144. The first end 142 of the sample restraint tool 140 is attached to the driving tool 130. In certain embodiments, the sample restraint tool 140 is inserted to a predetermined depth below the surface of the ballast 116. For example, the operator 122 of the heavy load vehicle 120 can actuate the driving tool 130, which can drive the second end 144 of the sample restraint tool 140 to a predetermined depth below the surface of the ballast 116. The predetermined depth can range from 6 inches to 20 inches. For example, the predetermined depth can be 18 inches.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the sample constraining tool 140 has an outer wall that forms a hollow core for collecting a sample of the ballast 116. For example, the sample constraining tool 140 may include four outer walls that form a hollow tube for collecting a sample of the ballast 116. When the sample constraining tool 140 is driven into the ballast 116, the sample of the ballast 116 enters within the outer walls of the sample constraining tool 140. The outer walls of the sample constraining tool 140 may separate the ballast sample from the ballast 116 that surrounds it, preventing contamination of the ballast sample.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the sample restraining tool 140 restrains the ballast sample within the second end 144 of the sample restraining tool 140. For example, the outer wall of the sample restraining tool 140 can be mechanically pulled, thereby compressing the ballast sample and restraining the ballast sample within the second end 144 of the sample restraining tool 140. In certain embodiments, the volume of the restrained ballast sample is one cubic foot. Once the ballast sample is restrained within the second end 144 of the sample restraining tool 140, the sample restraining tool 140 may be withdrawn from the ballast 116. The operator 122 of the heavy load vehicle 120 may begin withdrawing the sample restraining tool 140 from the ballast 116.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the sample restraining tool 140 releases the ballast sample restrained within the second end 144 of the sample restraining tool 140. For example, the outer wall of the sample restraining tool 140 mechanically contracts, thereby depressurizing the ballast sample and releasing the ballast sample from the second end 144 of the sample restraining tool 140. The sample restraining tool 140 may be positioned over the sample vessel 150 such that the sample of the ballast 116 is released into the sample vessel 150. The sample vessel 150 is any container (e.g., a can, a bucket, a jar, etc.) capable of receiving the ballast sample. Although the sample vessel 150 is shown in FIG. 1 as being positioned adjacent to the outside of the rails of the railroad track 112, the sample vessel 150 may be positioned anywhere within the railroad environment 110 that is accessible to the sample restraining tool 140. The sample restraining tool 140 may be made of steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material. The sample restraining tool 140 may be of any suitable size and shape. The sample constraining tool 140 is described in further detail in Figures 1-3 below.

[0028] During operation, a location for taking a sample of the ballast 116 is determined within the railway environment 110. The location of the ballast sample may be between two sleepers 114 of the railway track 112. A heavy load vehicle 120 (e.g., a backhoe) is positioned near the location of the ballast sample. A driving tool 130 (e.g., a vibratory post driving machine) is attached to the heavy load vehicle 120, and a first end 142 of a sample restraining tool 140 is attached to the driving tool 130. An operator 122 of the heavy load vehicle 120 steers an arm 121 of the heavy load vehicle 120 to position the sample restraining tool 140 over the location of the ballast sample. The operator 122 of the heavy load vehicle 120 activates the driving tool 130 to drive a second end 144 of the sample restraining tool 140 to a predetermined depth below the surface of the ballast 116 at the location of the ballast sample. The sample restraining tool 140 collects the ballast sample in the second end 144 of the sample restraining tool 140. The operator 122 of the heavy load vehicle 120 retracts the outer wall of the sample restraining tool 140 to restrain the ballast sample in the second end 144 of the sample restraining tool 140. The operator 122 then pulls the sample restraining tool 130 out of the ballast 116 and steers the arm 121 of the heavy load vehicle 120 to place the restrained ballast sample over the sample container 150. The operator 122 contracts the outer wall of the sample restraining tool 140 to release the ballast sample into the sample container 150. Thus, the system 100 can be used to restrain the ballast sample in the sample restraining tool 140, which can improve the uniformity of the ballast sample and reduce contamination of the ballast sample.

[0029] 1 illustrates a particular arrangement of the heavy load vehicle 120, the arm 121, the hydraulic circuit 124, the controller 126, the driving tool 130, the sample restraining tool 140, and the sample container 150 within the rail environment 110, the present disclosure contemplates any suitable arrangement of the heavy load vehicle 120, the arm 121, the hydraulic circuit 124, the controller 126, the driving tool 130, the sample restraining tool 140, and the sample container 150 within the rail environment 110. For example, the sample container may be disposed between the rails of the rail track 112. As another example, the controller 126 may be disposed within the sample restraining tool 140.

[0030] 1 illustrates a particular number of heavy load vehicles 120, arms 121, hydraulic circuits 124, controllers 126, driving tools 130, sample restraining tools 140, and sample containers 150, the present disclosure contemplates any suitable number of heavy load vehicles 120, arms 121, hydraulic circuits 124, controllers 126, driving tools 130, sample restraining tools 140, and sample containers 150. For example, one or more driving tools 130 and / or sample restraining tools 140 may be attached to the heavy load vehicle 120. As another example, the heavy load vehicles 120, the driving tools 130, and the sample restraining tools 140 may each include one or more controllers 126. Modifications may be made to the system 100 illustrated in FIG. System 100 may include more, fewer, or other components. One or more of the components of system 100 may include one or more elements from the computer system of FIG.

[0031] 2 and 3 show exemplary perspective views 200 and 300, respectively, of the sample restraint tool 140 of FIG. 1. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows the perspective view 200 of the sample restraint tool 140, and FIG. 3 shows the perspective view 300 of the sample restraint tool 140 rotated 180° along the longitudinal axis of the sample restraint tool 140 from the perspective view 200 of FIG. 2. One or more portions of the sample restraint tool 140 can be made of metal (e.g., (e.g., stainless steel), aluminum, nickel, titanium, copper, iron, steel, etc.), plastic, fabric, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material. The sample restraint tool 140 can be made of a material that can withstand sun, rain, hail, wind, snow, ice, sleet, and / or other weather conditions. As described above in FIG. 1, the sample restraint tool 140 is used to restrain a ballast sample. The sample restraint tool 140 of Figures 2 and 3 includes a first end 142, a second end 144, a first member 210, a second member 220, a fastener 230, a hydraulic actuator 240, and vented counterbalance valves 270.

[0032] The first end 142 of the sample constraining tool 140 refers to any portion of the sample constraining tool from the midpoint of the length 260 of the sample constraining tool 140 to the top end 202 of the sample constraining tool 140. The first end 142 of the sample constraining tool 140 couples to the driving tool 130 of Figure 1. For example, the first end 142 of the sample constraining tool 140 may be physically connected to the sample constraining tool 140 using friction, pressure, one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, nails, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0033] The second end 144 of the sample constraining tool 140 refers to any portion of the sample constraining tool from the midpoint of the length 260 of the sample constraining tool 140 to the bottom end 204 of the sample constraining tool 140. The second end 144 of the sample constraining tool is capable of receiving a ballast sample. For example, the second end 144 of the sample constraining tool 140 may be driven below a ballast surface such that a hollow core of the second end 144 is filled with ballast.

[0034] The first member 210 of the sample confinement tool 140 is a physical component that extends the entire length 260 of the sample confinement tool 140. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first member 210 forms a square shape at the top 202 of the first end 142 and a "C" shape at the bottom 204 of the second end 144. The square shape at the top 202 of the first end 142 is formed of four thin walls joined at the edges. Each wall of the first member 210 may be about 0.5 inches thick (i.e., within 10 percent). The edges of the square shape at the top 202 may be rounded. In a particular embodiment, the length 260 of the first member 210 is about 4 feet, the width 262 of the first member 210 at the top 202 of the first end 142 is about 8 inches, and the depth 264 of the first member 210 at the top 202 of the first end 142 is about 8 inches. The hollow tube formed by the first member 210 may extend approximately 1 foot from the upper end 202 of the first end 142. The "C" shape formed by the first member 210 may extend approximately 3 feet from the lower end 204 of the second end 144. In a particular embodiment, the width 262 of the first member 210 at the lower end 204 of the second end 144 is approximately 8 inches. The depth of each flange of the first member 210 at the lower end 204 of the first end 142 is approximately 6 inches.

[0035] The second member 220 of the sample confinement tool 140 is a physical component having a length of approximately three feet. The second member 220 extends approximately three feet from the bottom end 204 of the second end 144 of the sample confinement tool 140. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2-3, the second member 210 forms a "C" shape on each end of the second member 210. The "C" shape is made up of three edges joined at the edges. The second member 220 is formed with thin walls of about 0.5 inches. Each wall of the second member 220 may be about 0.5 inches thick. The edges of the "C" shape of the second member 220 may be rounded. The width 262 of the second member 220 is about 8 inches. The depth of each flange at each end of the second member 220 is about 4 inches. The depth of each flange of the second member 220 varies along the length of the second member 220. The depth of each flange of the second member 220 at the midpoint of the length of the second member 220 is about 6.25 inches. This depth at the midpoint of the length of the second member 220 extends 2.5 inches along the length of the second member 220. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the depth of the second member 220 tapers from each end of its length to each end of the second member 220. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the taper is constant. In certain embodiments, the taper may vary along the length.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the flanges of the second member 220 overlap the flanges of the first member 210. Each flange of the second member 220 is secured to a corresponding flange of the first member 210 by a fastener 230. The fastener 230 is any suitable component for coupling the second member 220 to the first member 210. The fastener 230 may be a bolt, screw, nail, pin, or the like. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fastener 230 is located at the midpoint of the length of the second member 220, approximately 1.5 feet from the bottom end 204 of the second end 144. The fastener 230 allows rotation of the second member 220 relative to the first member 210.

[0037] As shown in the perspective views 200, 300 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the hydraulic actuator 240 of the sample constraining tool 140 is any physical component that controls the movement of the second member 220 relative to the first member 210. The hydraulic actuator 240 may include a cylinder that uses hydraulic power to initiate mechanical motion. In certain embodiments, the hydraulic actuator 240 is a hollow cylindrical tube. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the hydraulic actuator 240 is disposed within the hollow core of the sample constraining tool 140. After the sample constraining tool 140 collects the ballast sample within the hollow core of the second end 144, the hydraulic actuator 240 may be actuated to apply pressure to the collected ballast sample. For example, the hydraulic actuator 240 may apply pressure to rotate the second member 220 in a first direction 250 relative to the first member 210 that mechanically compresses the ballast sample. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first direction 250 is a clockwise direction. The second member 220 rotates clockwise relative to the first member 210 by pivoting about the axis of the fastener 230. Rotation of the second member 220 in the first direction 250 relative to the first member 210 reduces the depth 264 of the bottom end 204 of the second end 144. Compression of the ballast sample constrains the ballast sample within the second end 144 of the sample constraining tool 140.

[0038] The hydraulic actuator 240 may be deactivated to release the pressure on the ballast sample. For example, the hydraulic actuator 240 may apply pressure to rotate the second member 220 in a second direction 252 relative to the first member 210 which mechanically depressurizes the ballast sample. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the second direction 252 is a counterclockwise rotation. The second member 220 rotates counterclockwise relative to the first member 210 by pivoting about the axis of the fastener 230. The rotation of the second member 220 in the second direction 252 relative to the first member 210 increases the depth 264 of the lower end 204 of the second end 144. The depressurization of the ballast sample may release the ballast sample from the second end 144 of the sample restraining tool 140.

[0039] The vented counterbalance valve 270 of Figures 2 and 3 controls flow from the hydraulic actuator 240. For example, the vented counterbalance valve 270 may control an overload. The vented counterbalance valve 270 may include an inlet port, an outlet port, and a pilot port. A check valve in the vented counterbalance valve 270 may allow free flow from the outlet port (e.g., a directional valve) to the inlet port (e.g., a load). The pilot assist relief valve may control the flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The pilot assist at the pilot port may lower the effective setting of the relief valve by a ratio determined by the pilot ratio.

[0040] 2 and 3 show a particular arrangement of first member 210, second member 220, fastener 230, and hydraulic actuator 240, this disclosure contemplates any suitable arrangement of first member 210, second member 220, fastener 230, and hydraulic actuator 240. For example, in certain embodiments, a flange of first member 220 may overlap a flange of second member 210 such that the flange of second member 210 is inboard of the flange of first member 210.

[0041] 2 and 3 depict a particular number of first members 210, second members 220, fasteners 230, and hydraulic actuators 240, this disclosure contemplates any suitable number of first members 210, second members 220, fasteners 230, and hydraulic actuators 240. For example, the first members 210 and second members 220 may be coupled by two or more fasteners 230. As another example, the sample restraint tool 140 may include a third member, such as an interchangeable tip for the first member 210.

[0042] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the perspective views 200 and / or 300 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the sample restraint tool 140 may have a length greater than or less than 4 feet, a width greater than or less than 8 inches, and a depth greater than or less than 8 inches. As another example, the second member 220 may have a length greater than or less than 3 feet. As yet another example, the fastener 230 may be located at a location other than the midpoint of the length of the second member 220. As yet another example, each wall of the first member 210 and / or the second member 220 may be greater than or less than ½ inch thick (e.g., ¼ inch thick or ¾ inch thick). As yet another example, one or more walls of the first member 210 and / or the second member 220 may have different thicknesses.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method 400 for confining a ballast sample. Method 400 begins at step 405. At step 410, a location of a railroad environment for collecting a ballast sample is determined. For example, a user associated with system 100 of FIG. 1 may determine a location within the railroad environment (e.g., railroad environment 110 of FIG. 1) for collecting a ballast sample. The user may be a railroad locomotive operator, someone who designs, builds, and / or maintains a railroad, a railroad official, etc. The location may be determined based on data collected in the railroad environment (e.g., images, environmental conditions, traffic exposure, etc.). Method 400 then moves from step 410 to step 415.

[0044] In step 415, the heavy load vehicle, the post driving tool, and the sample restraint tool (e.g., heavy load vehicle 120, post driving tool 130, and sample restraint tool 140 of FIG. 1 ) are positioned at a location in the rail environment. For example, an operator (e.g., operator 122 of FIG. 1 ) may drive the heavy load vehicle 120 to the location in the rail environment. The operator may attach the driving tool to the heavy load vehicle and / or the sample restraint tool to the driving tool before or after arriving at the location in the rail environment. Method 400 then moves from step 415 to step 420.

[0045] In step 420, a ballast sample location is determined for collecting the ballast sample. For example, an engineer may determine the ballast sample location based on data related to the railroad environment (e.g., images, environmental conditions, traffic exposure, etc.). In a particular embodiment, the ballast sample location is between two sleepers (e.g., sleeper 114 in FIG. 1). Next, method 400 moves from step 420 to step 425, where the sample is collected. The pull restraining tool is positioned above the location of the ballast sample. For example, an operator of the heavy load vehicle may steer an arm (e.g., arm 121 in FIG. 1 ) of the heavy load vehicle until the sample restraining tool is positioned longitudinally (e.g., perpendicular to the ballast surface) above the location of the ballast sample. Then, method 400 moves from step 425 to step 430.

[0046] In step 430, an end of the sample restraining tool (e.g., second end 144 in FIG. 1 ) is inserted below the ballast surface at the location of the ballast sample. For example, an operator of the heavy duty vehicle can actuate a driving tool to apply a downward force to the sample restraining tool to drive the end of the sample restraining tool below the ballast surface. In certain embodiments, the force applied to the ballast surface includes a vibration component. The method 400 then moves from step 430 to step 435.

[0047] At step 435, the method 400 determines whether the end of the sample constraining tool is located at a predetermined depth below the ballast surface. For example, an operator of the heavy duty vehicle may visually inspect the sample constraining tool to determine whether the end of the sample constraining tool is located at a predetermined depth (e.g., 18 inches) below the ballast surface. As another example, a controller (e.g., controller 126 of FIG. 1) may automatically determine whether the end of the sample constraining tool is located at a predetermined depth below the ballast surface. If the end of the sample constraining tool is not at the predetermined depth below the ballast surface, the method 400 moves from step 435 back to step 430 where the depth of the end of the sample constraining tool relative to the ballast surface is adjusted. For example, if the end of the sample constraining tool is less than the predetermined depth below the ballast surface, the sample constraining tool is inserted further below the ballast surface. As another example, if the end of the sample constraining tool is greater than the predetermined depth below the ballast surface, the sample constraining tool is withdrawn from the ballast surface. If it is determined that the end of the sample constraining tool is at a predetermined depth below the ballast surface, the method 400 moves from step 435 to step 440 .

[0048] At step 440, the ballast sample is collected within a second end of the sample constraining tool. Due to the geometry of the sample constraining tool, the ballast sample is collected within a hollow core at the end of the sample constraining tool. The outer wall of the sample constraining tool separates the ballast sample from the surrounding ballast, thereby preventing contamination of the ballast sample. Next, method 400 moves from step 440 to step 445.

[0049] At step 445, the ballast sample is restrained within the second end of the sample restraining tool by mechanically compressing the ballast sample. For example, an operator of the heavy duty vehicle can actuate a hydraulic actuator of the sample restraining tool (e.g., hydraulic actuator 240 of FIG. 2), which closes the jaws of the sample restraining tool (e.g., first member 210 and second member 220) to restrain the ballast sample within the end of the sample restraining tool. Next, method 400 moves from step 445 to step 450.

[0050] At step 450, the sample restraining tool is withdrawn from the ballast surface. For example, an operator of the heavy load vehicle may steer an arm of the heavy load vehicle to lift the sample restraining tool from the ballast surface. The method 400 then moves from step 450 to step 455, where the sample restraining tool is positioned over a sample container (e.g., sample container 150 of FIG. 1). For example, an operator of the heavy load vehicle may steer the arm of the heavy load vehicle until the sample restraining tool is positioned over the sample container. The method 400 then moves from step 455 to step 460.

[0051] In step 460, the ballast sample is depressurized by mechanically depressurizing the ballast sample. The ballast sample is then released into the sample container. For example, the operator of the heavy duty vehicle may deactivate a hydraulic actuator of the sample restraint tool that opens the jaws of the sample restraint tool, thereby releasing the ballast sample from the end of the sample restraint tool. Method 400 then moves from step 460 to step 465, where method 400 ends.

[0052] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the method 400 depicted in FIG. Method 400 may include more, fewer, or other steps. For example, method 400 may include adjusting the hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic actuator based on the type of ballast. Steps may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order. Although described as particular components completing steps of method 400, any suitable component may perform any step of method 400.

[0053] 5 illustrates an example of a computer system that may be used by the systems and methods described herein. For example, one or more components of system 100 of FIG. 1 (e.g., controller 126) may include one or more interfaces 510, processing circuitry 520, memory 530, and / or other suitable elements. Interface 510 receives input, sends output, processes the input and / or output, and / or performs other suitable operations. Interface 510 may include hardware and / or software.

[0054] The processing circuitry 520 executes or manages the operations of the components. The processing circuitry 520 may include hardware and / or software. Examples of processing circuits include one or more computers, one or more microprocessors, one or more applications, etc. In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry 520 executes logic (e.g., instructions) to perform actions (e.g., operations) such as generating output from inputs. The logic executed by the processing circuitry 520 may be encoded in one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., memory 530). For example, the logic may constitute computer programs, software, computer-executable instructions, and / or instructions that may be executed by a computer. In certain embodiments, the operations of the embodiments may be performed by one or more computer-readable media having a computer program stored, embodied, and / or encoded thereon, and / or having a computer program stored and / or encoded thereon.

[0055] The memory 530 (or memory unit) stores information. The memory 530 may include one or more non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable, and / or computer-executable storage media. Examples of the memory 530 include computer memory (e.g., RAM or ROM), mass storage media (e.g., hard disks), removable storage media (e.g., compact discs (CDs) or digital video discs (DVDs)), databases, and / or network storage (e.g., servers), and / or other computer-readable media.

[0056] Although the systems and methods described herein are primarily intended for confining ballast samples in railroad environments, the systems and methods described herein may be used to confine other types of samples in other types of environments. For example, the systems and methods described herein may be applied to samples having a structure and / or consistency similar to ballast. As yet another example, the systems and methods described herein may be applied to other environments that utilize ballast, such as roads, underground retention systems, filter dams, containment berms, etc.

[0057] As used herein, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium The computer-readable non-transitory storage medium (or media) may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (e.g., field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application specific ICs (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical disks, optical disk drives (ODDs), magneto-optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy disks, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid state drives (SSDs), RAM drives, secure digital cards or drives, other suitable computer-readable non-transitory storage media, or any suitable combination of two or more of these, as appropriate. The computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, as appropriate.

[0058] In this specification, "or" is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Thus, in this specification, "A or B" means "A, B or both" unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Furthermore, "and" means jointly and severally, unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. Thus, in this specification, "A and B" means "A and B, jointly or severally," unless expressly indicated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise.

[0059] The scope of the present disclosure includes all changes, substitutions, variations, modifications, and alterations to the exemplary embodiments described or illustrated herein that would be understood by a person skilled in the art. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, although the present disclosure describes and illustrates each embodiment herein as including certain components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated herein that would be understood by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, any reference in the appended claims to an apparatus, or system, or components thereof, that is suitably configured, arranged, and operative or operable to perform a particular function includes the system or components of the apparatus, regardless of whether the apparatus, system, or components are suitably configured, arranged, and operative or operable, or whether the particular function is activated or deactivated. Furthermore, although the present disclosure describes or illustrates certain embodiments as providing certain advantages, certain embodiments may provide none, some, or all of these advantages.

Claims

1. 1. A sample constraining tool, comprising: a first member including a first end coupled to a driving tool, the driving tool being coupled to a heavy load vehicle; a second member, the second member being mechanically coupled to the first member by a fastener, the second member being configured to move relative to the first member by pivoting about an axis of the fastener, the second member including a second end; a hydraulic actuator operatively configured to control movement of the second member relative to the first member; Including, The sample constraint tool includes: Insert a specified depth below the ballast surface, collecting a ballast sample within the second end of the sample confinement tool; a second end of the second member operable to mechanically compress the ballast sample, thereby constraining the ballast sample within the second end of the second member; Sample constraint tool.

2. The sample constraining tool of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the second member overlaps at least a portion of the first member.

3. the hydraulic actuator rotates the second member in a first direction relative to the first member to mechanically compress the ballast sample; and operable to rotate the second member in a second direction relative to the first member to mechanically depressurize the ballast sample. The sample constraining tool of claim 2 .

4. 10. The sample confinement tool of claim 1, wherein the sample confinement tool is a hollow rectangular tube approximately 4 feet long, approximately 8 inches deep, and approximately 8 inches wide.

5. the sample restraint tool is coupled to one or more hydraulic lines; the one or more hydraulic lines are coupled to a hydraulic circuit of the heavy duty vehicle; The sample constraining tool of claim 1 .

6. and further operable to vibrate using the driving tool until the second end reaches the predetermined depth below the ballast surface. The sample constraining tool of claim 1 .

7. The heavy-duty vehicle is a backhoe; the driving tool is a vibration tool; The ballast surface is a railroad track bed. The sample constraining tool of claim 1 .

8. An apparatus comprising: A first end portion; A second end; A first member; a second member coupled to the first member by a fastener, the second member configured to move relative to the first member by pivoting about an axis of the fastener, a portion of the second member overlapping the first member; a controller configured to receive a position of the second end of the sample confinement tool; Including, The apparatus comprises: Insert a specified depth below the ballast surface, collecting a ballast sample within the second end of the sample confinement tool; and operable to release the ballast sample into a sample container by mechanically depressurizing the ballast sample. Device.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a hydraulic actuator.

10. the hydraulic actuator rotates the second member in a first direction relative to the first member to mechanically compress the ballast sample; and operable to rotate the second member in a second direction relative to the first member to mechanically depressurize the ballast sample.

10. The apparatus of claim 9.

11. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus is a hollow rectangular tube approximately 4 feet long, approximately 8 inches deep, and approximately 8 inches wide.

12. The device is coupled to one or more hydraulic lines; the one or more hydraulic lines are coupled to a hydraulic circuit of a heavy duty vehicle; 9. The apparatus of claim 8.

13. the device is further operable to vibrate until the second end of the device reaches the predetermined depth below the ballast surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 8.

14. the first end is coupled to a driving tool; The ballast surface is a railroad track bed.

9. The apparatus of claim 8.

15. Inserting a sample confinement tool to a predetermined depth below a ballast surface; The sample constraint tool includes: a first member having a first end and a second end; a second member coupled to the first member by a fastener, the second member configured to move relative to the first member by pivoting about an axis of the fastener, a portion of the second member overlapping at least a portion of the first member; Including, constraining the ballast sample within the second end of the sample constraining tool by mechanically compressing the ballast sample; Releasing the ballast sample by mechanically depressurizing the ballast sample; Including, method.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the sample restraint tool further comprises a hydraulic actuator.

17. using the hydraulic actuator to rotate the second member in a first direction relative to the first member to mechanically compress the ballast sample; using the hydraulic actuator to rotate the second member in a second direction relative to the first member to mechanically depressurize the ballast sample; 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

18. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the sample confinement tool is a hollow rectangular tube approximately 4 feet long, approximately 8 inches deep, and approximately 8 inches wide.

19. The method of claim 15 , further comprising the step of coupling one or more hydraulic lines to the sample restraint tool and to a hydraulic circuit of a heavy load vehicle.

20. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising vibrating the sample confinement tool using a driving tool until the second end of the sample confinement tool reaches the predetermined depth below the ballast surface.

Images