SLEEPER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.

Abstract

A system for distributing sleepers along the side of a railway track from a railcar is disclosed. Each railcar includes a floor conveyor that transports sleepers to an individualizer conveyor assembly. This conveyor advances the sleepers individually to a distributor with an indexing mechanism that selectively releases individual sleepers onto a discharge slide. The discharge slide is oriented so that sleepers dropped onto it are discharged onto a selected side of the railcar. A controller in each sleeper distribution railcar communicates with a computing resource that implements a plan to selectively discharge sleepers from railcars selected by the computing resource to designated discharge locations.

Description

SLEEPER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 155,042 filed on March 1, 2021, entitled “Rail Tie Distribution System” and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 263,075 filed on October 29, 2021, entitled “Rail Tie Distribution Control System”. FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to equipment for transporting and distributing sleepers along a railway track. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Equipment commonly used for distributing sleepers along a railroad track requiring maintenance includes a train of gondola cars or other hopper cars in which sleepers or bundles of sleepers are stored for transport, and a dumper-type vehicle with skid wheels adapted to allow the dumper to travel along the upper portions of the gondola cars using the upper ends of the gondola car side walls as rails. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0205162 by Stanley Herzog et al.It discloses a railway maintenance machine that includes a tracked service vehicle or unloader adapted to travel on and through a gondola train to perform various operations associated with railway maintenance, including unloading sleepers using a grapple unit attached to the end of the unloader's arm. The grapple is adapted to lift a plurality of sleepers or a bundle of sleepers and selectively place the sleepers along a section of railway track where existing sleepers are to be replaced. In use, a preliminary inspection of the railway section is carried out to identify sleepers that require replacement, and using the inspection data, the unloader operator places a bundle of a known quantity of sleepers at a location along the railway track where a similar number of sleepers are to be replaced.A separate piece of equipment and a separate procedure are then required to position the sleepers next to the sleepers that are to be replaced.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 3,107,803 discloses a sleeper unloading machine that travels on rails alongside an open-top railcar containing sleepers and uses a fork-type mechanism to lift sleepers from the railcar. A chain-driven ejector van on an ejector device is mounted on the fork frame at a height above the sides of the railcar. The ejector device can be operated to eject sleepers laterally relative to the side of the railcar as the fork lifts the sleepers into the path of the ejector van. Efficient use of the unloading machine requires that the sleepers be stacked neatly in the railcar. The unloading machine incorporating the fork-type lifting mechanism is a custom-made device that is not suitable for other uses.The height at which the sleepers are ejected increases the likelihood that the sleeper will fall too far from the railway track to be within reach of the equipment used to replace an existing sleeper with the replacement sleeper.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 3,162,145 discloses a sleeper car with elongated openings formed along the entire lower edge of each side wall member to permit the discharge of the sleepers contained in the car through the openings on each side. A sleeper unloading machine moves on rails mounted on the underside of the car to engage the sleepers in a stack and uses a launcher head plate on a launcher chain to engage the bottom sleeper in the stack and move the bottom sleeper transversely and outward through one of the openings.It is believed that attempting to eject a sleeper from the bottom of a sleeper stack would be difficult to accomplish, and because the sleeper unloading machine moves relative to the sleeper wagon, determining the specific location of the unloading machine and the sleeper to be ejected may be difficult to coordinate for an accurate unloading. [000 6] U.S. Patent No. 4,911,599 to Theurer et al. discloses sleeper handling equipment that includes an unloader adapted to travel over the side walls of an open-top railcar train in which sleepers can be stored, in combination with a crane and conveyor system that can move across the top of the railcars to transport the sleepers to the rail ends of the train, which are fed to the conveyor system by means of the unloader. The system disclosed by Theurer et al. is also adapted for use with rails loaded into the railcars in neat stacks. [000 7] U.S. Patent No. 6,170,401 discloses a system for ejecting sleepers laterally from a ramp extending from the end of a sleeper distribution car. An operator seated near the end of the ramp controls the timing of the ejection using a chain conveyor with two contact plates. An arm-mounted guard is used to control the deflection of the ejected sleeper to direct the sleeper to a desired location along the side of the rails. [000 8] U.S. Patent No. 7,162,327 discloses the use of an excavator-type or unloader-type machine that travels across the tops of gondola cars to distribute sleepers from the gondola cars to the sides of the railroad track. The coordinates for dispensing the sleepers are determined in advance using surveys, stored in a central database, and fed to the excavator-type or unloader-type machine. An operator manually controls the distribution of the sleepers. [000 9] U.S. Patent No. 7,437,997 discloses a method for delivering replacement sleepers using GPS techniques. The patent discloses performing an inspection and associating GPS coordinates with a location corresponding to a defective sleeper that needs to be replaced. A sleeper replacement train with a sleeper unloading machine then travels along the section of track, and the sleepers are unloaded using the sleeper unloading machine at the locations determined by GPS coordinates that correspond to a defective sleeper. [001 0] There remains a need for a sleeper distribution system that can be used to efficiently, accurately, and safely unload individual sleepers at selected locations along a railway. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A sleeper distribution system of the present invention includes at least one railcar in which a plurality of sleepers can be stored, a sleeper feeder, a sleeper individualizing means, and a sleeper unloading means. The sleeper feeder supplies sleepers from the railcar to the sleeper individualizing means. The sleeper individualizing means separates the sleepers received from the sleeper feeder and advances the sleepers individually to an unloading means that is operable to selectively unload the individual sleepers on at least one side of the railcar and preferably on each side of the railcar alongside a railway track.

[0012] In one embodiment, each sleeper distribution car comprises a car frame supported on dedicated bogies. The sleeper feeder comprises a moving-bottom conveyor supported on the car frame and enclosed by side walls extending on each side of the moving-bottom conveyor. The moving-bottom conveyor is sized to receive a plurality of sleepers and forms a floor of the car. The individualizing means may be mounted on the car frame and positioned to receive sleepers conveyed from one end of the moving-bottom conveyor. The individualizing means may comprise an individualizing conveyor assembly that includes a lifting conveyor or repositioning conveyor.The repositioning conveyor comprises a plurality of sleeper coupling members on a plurality of conveyor chains. The sleeper coupling members engage the sleepers conveyed from the moving-bottom conveyor to the individualizing conveyor assembly. The repositioning conveyor extends upward from the railcar frame at an angle of at least forty-five degrees, and the sleeper coupling members engage and lift the sleepers individually and advance them to a distributor. The distributor comprises a feed conveyor and an indexing mechanism at its distal end, operable to allow the sleepers to be dropped individually onto a discharge slide.The distributor and unloading slide form a discharge assembly and comprise means for unloading sleepers from the sleeper distribution car. The unloading slide can pivot to tilt downwards towards either side of the sleeper distribution car and in alignment with an opening in the side wall of the car to allow sleepers to be selectively unloaded through openings on each side of the car and alongside a railway track.

[0013] Preferably, a power supply, computer processor, and GPS antenna are supported on the chassis of the sleeper unloading assembly of each mode to control the operation and positioning of the assembly to deliver a single sleeper or a plurality of sleepers to selected locations along the railway track on which the train is moving, based on instructions processed by the computer processor. It is anticipated that the main processor and GPS antenna could be located elsewhere on the train, controlling the movement and operation of the sleeper unloading assembly by means of separate controllers or processors linked to the main processor and GPS antenna.

[0014] In one embodiment, a plurality of sleeper distribution cars may be connected together in a train. Each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars has a distribution car controller operatively associated with each of the sleeper distribution cars to control the operation of the sleeper unloading means of each of the sleeper distribution cars. A computing resource is communicatively coupled to each of the sleeper distribution car controllers. A sleeper distribution plan, comprising a plurality of drop locations, is stored in the computing resource.The computing resource is configured to implement the sleeper distribution plan by selecting, for each of the sleeper drop-off locations, one of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars on the train from which to unload a sleeper, and selectively operating the unloading means of the selected one of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars to unload the sleeper at the respective sleeper drop-off location.

[0015] The sleeper distribution system may include a monitoring device communicatively coupled to the computing resource and operable to detect and communicate to the computing resource an unexpected condition such as an obstruction at the drop location. The computing resource is programmed to alter the sleeper distribution plan or refuse to operate the unloading means of the selected sleeper distribution car based on an unexpected condition communicated to the computing resource. The monitoring device may be at least an imager communicatively coupled to the computing resource and operable to capture an image of each of the selected sleeper drop locations.The computer system is programmed to refuse to operate the unloading mechanism of a selected sleeper distribution car in response to an unexpected condition detected at one of the selected drop locations, based on an image of that location captured by the imager. Alternatively, the sleeper distribution car controller can be used to adjust the unloading slide angle of the respective sleeper distribution car in response to an unexpected condition detected at one of the selected drop locations, adjusting the unloading speed or angle to avoid the unexpected condition. For example, the slide angle can be changed to unload the sleeper on the opposite side of the sleeper distribution car.

[0016] The sleeper distribution system includes a computing resource that can be used to generate a sleeper distribution plan. The sleeper distribution plan is communicated to an operations car, a plurality of distribution cars, or both. The operations car can be provided as a separate car or integrated into one of the sleeper cars. The operations car travels the track with the plurality of sleeper distribution cars and controls the sleeper distribution operation of the sleeper distribution cars. The sleeper distribution cars selectively unload sleepers along the side of the track according to the instructions of the operations car.

[0017] In one embodiment, a method for distributing sleepers to one side of a railway track comprises providing a plurality of sleeper distribution cars on a train. Each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars has a slider configured to selectively distribute one sleeper to each side of the railway track. The method includes using a computing resource to generate a sleeper distribution plan that: (a) establishes a plurality of sleeper drop locations; (b) identifies one of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars as a primary car for each of the plurality of sleeper drop locations; and (c) associates a slider angle with each of the plurality of sleeper drop locations. The method comprises communicatively coupling an operations car to the computing resource and the plurality of sleeper distribution cars.The method involves using a computing resource communicatively coupled with the operations car and the plurality of sleeper distribution cars to collectively implement at least part of the sleeper distribution plan. The computing resource is configured to override the sleeper distribution plan based on input from an imager.

[0018] In one embodiment, a method for distributing sleepers to one side of a railway track comprises providing a plurality of sleeper distribution cars on a train. Each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars has a slide. The discharge angle of each slide is adjustable, and each slide is configured and operable to selectively distribute one sleeper to each side of the railway track. The method includes generating a sleeper distribution plan that governs the operation of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars. The operation of at least one of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars is modified in real time in response to the determination of an unexpected condition.

[0019] In one embodiment, a method for distributing sleepers to one side of a railway track comprises providing a plurality of sleeper distribution cars on a train. Each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars has a distribution car controller and a discharge means configured to selectively distribute a sleeper to at least one side of the railway track. The method comprises generating a sleeper distribution plan that identifies a plurality of sleeper drop locations. The method includes communicatively coupling each of the distribution car controllers to a computing resource and saving the sleeper distribution plan to the computing resource. The method comprises selecting, from the plurality of sleeper distribution cars on the train, a sleeper distribution car to distribute a sleeper to one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations.The method includes employing the distribution wagon controller and the discharge means of the selected plurality of sleeper distribution wagons to distribute the sleeper to said one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations. nonozn / zznz / q / uιλι

[0020] In another embodiment, a method for distributing sleepers to one side of a railway track comprises providing a plurality of sleeper distribution cars on a train. Each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars has a distribution car controller and a dispenser configured to selectively distribute one sleeper to each side of the railway track. The method comprises generating a sleeper distribution plan that identifies a plurality of sleeper drop locations and communicatively couples each of the distribution car controllers to a computing resource. The method includes saving the sleeper distribution plan to the computing resource and selecting, from the plurality of sleeper distribution cars on the train, a sleeper distribution car to distribute one sleeper to one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations.The method comprises employing the distribution car controller and the dispenser of the selected sleeper from the plurality of sleeper distribution cars to distribute the sleeper to one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations. The selected sleeper from the plurality of sleeper distribution cars is automatically selected as the train approaches one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, a system for distributing sleepers comprises a plurality of sleeper distribution cars on a train. Each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars has a distribution car controller and a discharge means configured to selectively distribute a sleeper to one side of a railway track. The system includes a computing resource communicatively coupled to each of the distribution car controllers and a sleeper distribution plan comprising a plurality of sleeper drop locations. The system has a navigator that determines a direction of travel of the train and a manager that assigns one of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars on the train to one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations when the train approaches one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations.The distribution wagon controller of the assigned wagon of the plurality of sleeper distribution wagons is configured to distribute a sleeper at said one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations using the unloading means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a sleeper distribution car including a moving bottom conveyor, a re-arranger, a distributor, and a discharge slide for unloading sleepers through an opening in the side wall of the car.

[0023] Figure 2 is a front perspective of the sleeper distribution wagon according to Figure 1 with sleepers supported on the floor conveyor.

[0024] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the sleeper distribution wagon according to Figure 1 with a rear or brake end of the wagon facing to the right of the page.

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3.

[0026] Figure 5 is an elevation view of a front or discharge end of the nonozn / zznz / q / υιλι sleeper distribution wagon.

[0027] Figure 6 is a partially schematic left side view of a second modality of the sleeper distribution wagon.

[0028] Figure 7 is an elevation view of a front or discharge end of the sleeper distribution wagon as shown in Figure 6.

[0029] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7 showing sleepers supported on a sleeper distribution wagon floor conveyor.

[0030] Figure 9 is a top plan view of a modified embodiment of the sleeper distribution wagon as shown in Figures 1 to 5 and showing sleepers supported on the floor conveyor, re-arranger, and distributor.

[0031] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9.

[0032] Figure 11 is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective view of one discharge end of the sleeper distribution wagon as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0033] Figure 12 is a greatly enlarged and fragmentary view of the discharge end of the sleeper distribution wagon as shown in Figure 10, with portions removed to show additional detail of a sleeper lifting assembly of the distributor in a retracted position and supporting a sleeper thereon.

[0034] Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12 showing the sleeper lifting assembly in an extended position with a sleeper supported on it.

[0035] Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13 showing the sleeper having rolled out of the sleeper lifting assembly.

[0036] Figure 15 is a schematic showing a sleeper distribution system that has a structure, an operations car, and a sleeper distribution car train.

[0037] Figure 16 is a top plan view showing the operations car and sleeper distribution car train, with each sleeper distribution car distributing sleepers on the same side of the railway track.

[0038] Figure 16A is a top plan view showing a portion of a sleeper distribution wagon from Figure 16 and its image generators in additional detail.

[0039] Figure 17 is a top plan view showing certain cars in the sleeper distribution car train of Figure 16 distributing sleepers to one side of the railway and others not distributing sleepers during that time period or distributing sleepers to the other side of the railway.

[0040] Figure 18 is a top plan view showing a sleeper distribution car on the train of Figure 16 distributing sleepers on the opposite side of the railway track relative to the other sleeper distribution cars on the train due to the presence of a permanent obstruction.

[0041] Figure 19 is an elevation view showing certain sleeper distribution wagons in the train of Figure 16 distributing sleepers to take into account a hill beside a railway track.

[0042] Figure 20 is a top plan view showing a sleeper distribution car on the train in Figure 16 distributing sleepers to avoid an obstacle that has unexpectedly appeared alongside the railway track.

[0043] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method for using the sleeper distribution system of Figure 15 to distribute sleepers along one side of a railway track.

[0044] Figure 22 is a schematic showing a sleeper distribution system that has a structure, an operations car, and a sleeper distribution car train according to another modality.

[0045] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method for using the sleeper distribution system of Figure 22 to distribute sleepers along one side of a railway track. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] As required, a detailed description of preferred embodiments is provided herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be incorporated in various ways. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching someone skilled in the art to employ the present invention in various ways in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. The drawings form a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate different objects and features thereof.

[0047] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience only and is not exhaustive. For example, the phrases “up,” “down,” “right,” and “left” will refer to directions in the drawings referenced. The phrases “in” and “out” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the modality being described and designated parts thereof. Such terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

[0048] Referring to the drawings, reference number 2 designates a sleeper distribution car, which may be coupled together with a plurality of similar sleeper distribution cars 1 to form a train or series of sleeper distribution cars 1 as part of a sleeper distribution system adapted to transport, single out, and unload sleepers 4 at selected locations along the side of a section of railway track. The sleeper distribution system further includes a sleeper feeder 5, a sleeper single-out assembly 7, and a sleeper unloading assembly 9 on each car 1.In the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 6, the sleeper distribution car 1 is integrated into an existing open-top gondola-type car that includes a frame 11 supported on first and second or front and rear bogies or cars 13 and 14, first and second side walls 15 and 16 secured to the car frame 11, and first and second end walls 17 and 18 secured along the ends of the first and second side walls 15 and 16. The first and second end walls 17 and 18, which are shown in part in Figures 1 and 2 to show interior detail, can also be described as front and rear end walls 17 and 18, with the rear end wall 18 corresponding to the end of car 1 where a manual brake control (not shown) is located.Correspondingly, the first and second side walls 15 and 16 can be referred to as the left and right side walls 15 and 16.

[0049] The first and second side walls 15 and 16 and first and second end walls 17 and 18 are shown surrounding the feeder 5, single-unit assembly 7, and discharge assembly 9 within an interior or enclosed space or gap 20 of the car 1. The first and second or left and right discharge openings or slots 21 and 22 are formed in the first and second side walls 15 and 16 laterally adjacent to the sleeper discharge assembly 9. Each slot 21 and 22 extends from near a lower end of the respective side wall 15 and 16 to near an upper end thereof and is dimensioned at least slightly wider than a sleeper to allow sleepers 4 to be discharged through it.

[0050] The frame 11 of the shown embodiment comprises a center crossmember 24 and floor supports or side frame members 25 and bogie braces 26. The side frame members 25 and the bogie braces 26 are supported by and extend transversely to the center crossmember 24. The bogie braces 26 are positioned at opposite ends of the center crossmember 24 and are larger than the side frame members 25 to provide additional support for the bogies 13 and 14.

[0051] A drawbar 27 is shown secured to a first front coupler receiver 28 connected to the front bogie 13. The free end of the drawbar 27 can be secured to a second rear coupler receiver 29 on the adjacent car 1. Conventional couplers (not shown) can be used to couple adjacent cars 1 together. It is also provided that adjacent cars 1 could be supported on a shared bogie. A plurality of sleeper distribution cars connected together by means of drawbars 27 or shared bogies, which cannot be easily separated, can be referred to as a sleeper distribution car series 1. A typical series can comprise from three to seven sleeper distribution cars 1.

[0052] The sleeper feeder 5 shown comprises a conveyor assembly 31 extending horizontally through the bottom of the enclosed space 20 of the sleeper distribution car 1, with left and right walls 15 and 16 extending on opposite sides of the conveyor assembly 31. The conveyor assembly 31 may also be referred to as a moving-bottom conveyor or a floor conveyor and may be described as forming the floor of a sleeper distribution car 1. The conveyor assembly 31 is formed from a plurality of continuous chains 33, three in the embodiment shown, having an upper runner 34 supported on chain guides 36 that are supported on a conveyor frame 37 mounted on the frame 11 of the sleeper distribution car 1.The drive sprockets 39 are mounted on a drive shaft 40 supported in the conveyor frame 37 near a discharge end 41 of the conveyor assembly 31. Each chain 33 extends around and is coupled by a respective drive sprocket 39. A chain drive motor 42, which may be a hydraulic motor, is connected to and drives the drive shaft 40 to drive the drive sprockets 39 and conveyor chains 33. The idler sprockets 43 are rotatably mounted in the conveyor frame 37 at an idle end 44 of the conveyor assembly 31 opposite the discharge end 41. Each chain 33 extends around a respective idler sprocket 43.The longitudinal position of the idler sprockets 43 can be adjusted, using for example a hydraulic actuator (not shown) to adjust the tension or slack in the conveyor chains 33. The sleepers 4 can be loaded into the conveyor assembly 31 from the open top of the sleeper distribution wagon 1. It is provided that the rear end wall 18 near the idler end 44 of the conveyor assembly 31 can be opened or removed to facilitate loading the sleepers 4 into the conveyor assembly 31.

[0053] The angled guide plate 46 connected between the conveyor frame 37 and the wagon frame 11 is inclined downwards from the discharge end 41 of the conveyor assembly 31 towards an inlet or entry end 47 of a sleeper lift conveyor or re-arranger 48 forming a portion of the single-point assembly 7. As the conveyor chains 33 rotate so that the upper runners 34 rotate towards the single-point assembly 7, the sleepers stacked on the upper runners 34 of the conveyor chains 33 fall off the chains 33 at the discharge end 41 thereof and against a lower inlet end 47 of the re-arranger 48 guided thereto by the downward-angled guide plate 46.

[0054] Thrust catches 53 or other sleeper coupling structure on a plurality of continuous, energized conveyor chains 54 of the re-arranger 48 couple to sleepers 4 that have dropped to the infeed end 47 of the re-arranger 48 and convey or lift the sleepers 4 individually to an outfeed conveyor 55. An indexing mechanism or gate 57 at the distal end of the outfeed conveyor 55 is operable to selectively allow sleepers 4 to advance individually from the outfeed conveyor 55 to the discharge slide 59 of the discharge assembly 9. The indexing mechanism 57 in combination with the outfeed conveyor 55 may be referred to as a distributor. The re-arranger 48, outfeed conveyor 55, and indexing mechanism 57 may be collectively referred to as the individualizer assembly 7.

[0055] The re-arranger 48 and the outfeed conveyor 55 are constructed in a manner similar to the floor conveyor assembly 31. The re-arranger 48, as shown, comprises four conveyor chains 54 supported on chain guides 62, which are supported on a re-arranger frame 63 mounted on the wagon frame 11. Four drive sprockets 64 are mounted on the re-arranger drive shaft 65, which is rotatably mounted on the re-arranger frame 63 through a discharge end 66 of the re-arranger 48. Four idler sprockets 67 are rotatably connected to the re-arranger frame 63 at the infeed end 47 of the re-arranger 48. Each re-arranger conveyor chain 54 extends around a respective drive sprocket 64 and idler 67. nonozn / zznz / q / uιλι A re-arranger motor (not shown), such as a hydraulic motor, is connected to and rotaryly drives the drive shaft 65, drive sprockets 64 and conveyor chains 54 to transport sleepers upwards from the inlet end 47 to the discharge end 66 of the re-arranger 48.

[0056] The push retainers 53 shown are formed as square tubes connected between sleeper lifting conveyor chains 54. The support plates 69 may also be mounted on the repositioner frame 63 between and outside the chain guides 62 to provide additional support for the sleepers 4 transported upward by means of the chains 54 and push retainers 53.

[0057] The outfeed conveyor 55, in the embodiment shown, comprises two conveyor chains 71 supported on chain guides 72, which are supported on an outfeed conveyor frame 73 mounted on the wagon frame 11. Two drive sprockets 74 are mounted on an outfeed conveyor drive shaft 75 that is rotatably mounted on the outfeed conveyor frame 73 through a discharge end 76 of the outfeed conveyor 55. Two idler sprockets 77 are rotatably connected to the outfeed conveyor frame 73 at an infeed end of the re-arranger 48. Each outfeed conveyor chain 71 extends around a respective drive sprocket 74 and idler sprocket 77.An outfeed conveyor motor (not shown), such as a hydraulic motor, is connected to and rotaryly drives the drive shaft 75, drive sprockets 74, and outfeed conveyor chains 71 to advance sleepers 4 from the discharge end 66 of the re-arranger 48 to the indexing mechanism 57 of the distributor and off the outfeed conveyor 55 and to the discharge slide 59 in conjunction with the selective indexing of the indexing mechanism 57. The sleeper feeder 5 and individualizer assembly 7 are provided to be operated to maintain a plurality of sleepers 4 in the distributor to supply sleepers 4 to the discharge slide 59 on demand and as required.

[0058] The indexing mechanism 57 may comprise a gate (not shown) pivotally connected near the discharge end 76 of the outfeed conveyor 55 and pivoting inward and outward from the sleeper path 4 in the distributor 55 using an actuator connected between the gate and the outfeed conveyor frame 73 to prevent the sleeper from advancing beyond the end of the distributor 55. The gate pivots to the sleeper path to restrict the sleeper and then to the opposite side of the sleeper's travel path in the outfeed conveyor 55 to allow the sleeper to advance out of the end of the distributor 55 and drop into the discharge slide 59. It is anticipated that a wide variety of means could be used to selectively control the advancement of individual sleepers from the distributor 55 to the slide 59.

[0059] The discharge slide 59 is pivotally mounted on the upper end of a fulcrum 91 mounted on the wagon frame 11. One or more tilt actuators 92 are connected between the base frame 11 or fulcrum 91 and the slide 59 on one side of the fulcrum 91. The discharge slide 59, the fulcrum 91, and the tilt actuator 92 comprise the sleeper discharge assembly 9. Retraction of the tilt actuator 92 pivots the slide 59 so that it tilts downward toward a first side or left side of the wagon 1 to allow a sleeper 4 deposited thereon from the distributor to slide off the slide 59, out of the left opening 21 aligned laterally in the left side wall 15, and out of the sleeper distribution wagon. 1 towards the side of a railway track which wagon 1 is traveling on.The tilting actuator extension 92 pivots the slide 59 so that it tilts downwards towards a second or right side of car 1 to allow a sleeper 4 deposited onto it from the distributor to slide off the slide 59, out of the right opening 22 aligned laterally in the right side wall 16, out of the sleeper distribution car 1, and onto the side of a railway track that car 1 is traveling on. In the embodiment shown, the sleeper discharge or ejector assembly relies on gravity as the driving force to eject or discharge the sleepers 4 from the car. The angle at which the discharge slide 59 is inclined is preferably adjustable to adjust the distance the sleeper travels from car 1 after discharge.It is also provided that gates or other means may be incorporated into the slide 59 to selectively retain and then release sleepers 4 from the slide 59. The slide 59 is formed by a plurality of rollers 94 mounted on a frame assembly 95 to form a V-shaped slide. It is provided that other means may be incorporated into the underside or sides of the slide 59 to reduce friction between the sleepers 4 and the slide 59. Similarly, it is provided that means may be incorporated into the slide 59 to increase friction between the sleepers 4 and the slide 59 to reduce the distance traveled by, or path of, sleepers 4 released from the slide 59. Such friction-increasing means may include forming the slide 59 or the sliding 59's lining surfaces with higher-friction materials or coatings.The fulcrum 91 shown is formed from a plurality of rigid tubes 97 in the shape of a triangle.

[0060] Each open-top sleeper distribution car 1 can be modified to include rails mounted on and extending along the top end of each side wall 15 and 16 with bridges pivotally connected to selected ends of the rails to pivot between adjacent rails of adjacent sleeper distribution cars 1 to span the gap between them and allow a modified excavator-type sleeper unloader equipped with a grapple (not shown) to move across and between each of the open-top cars 1 in a sleeper distribution car train 101 (see Figure 16). The sleeper unloader can be used to selectively move sleepers 4 if they become stuck within the gap 20 of a car 1 or for other purposes.In the various configurations, a sleeper presence sensor can be provided on the sleeper ejector, for example, on slide 59 or elsewhere, to determine whether a sleeper 4 is in position to be unloaded. The sleeper presence sensor can be an infrared sensor, a load cell, and / or another suitable sensor.

[0061] An alternative embodiment of a sleeper distribution car 152 is shown, partially schematically, in Figures 6 to 8. Components of sleeper distribution car 152 that are similar to components of sleeper distribution car 1 of the first embodiment can be identified by the same part number for clarity. The alternative sleeper distribution car 152 can be custom-built on a car frame 11 supported on bogies 13 and 14. The first and second side walls 155 and 156 extend only along the side of or laterally adjacent to the floor conveyor 31 and do not extend along the sides of the singulation and discharge assemblies 7 and 9.The open sides of wagon 1 extending from the front end of each side wall 155 and 156 to a front end of sleeper distribution wagon 1, including adjacent to the unloading assembly 9, can be described as an opening in each side wall 155 and 156 through which a sleeper 4 can be unloaded by means of the unloading assembly 9 from the respective side of sleeper distribution wagon 1 and alongside a railway track.

[0062] A front wall or first end wall 159 can be retractable, as shown schematically in Figure 6 to allow sleepers to advance from the floor conveyor end 31 over the guide plate 46 and into the entry end 47 of the re-arranger conveyor 48.

[0063] A rotary indexing mechanism 163 is shown mounted on the discharge end 76 of the outfeed conveyor 55 to control the advance of the sleepers 4 to the slide 59.

[0064] Figures 9 to 14 show a sleeper distribution car 165, which is a modified version of sleeper distribution car 1. The structure on car 165 that closely corresponds to the structure of car 1 is labeled with the same part numbers. Figures 9 and 10 show sleepers 4 loaded onto the floor conveyor assembly 31, which are advanced to the re-arranger conveyor 48, via the outfeed conveyor 55 and an alternative indexing mechanism 167 shown in greater detail in Figures 11 to 14. The indexing mechanism 167 includes a plurality of sleeper stops 171 fixedly mounted on the outfeed conveyor frame 73 and a plurality of sleeper lifting assemblies 173 (see Figures 12 to 14) connected to the outfeed conveyor frame 73.The sleeper lifting assemblies 173 can be advanced vertically to lift a sleeper 4 held against the sleeper stops 171 upwards past the stops 171 so that the sleeper 4 can roll forward and downward on the rollers 175 in the sleeper lifting assemblies 173 and on the rollers 177 mounted forward of the sleeper stops 171 so that the sleeper 4 rolls downward and forward to the discharge slide 59.

[0065] The indexing mechanism 167 is of a known type used in sleeper manufacturing facilities. Each sleeper stop 171 is formed as a shoulder projecting upwards over a stop bracket 179 fixedly mounted on the outfeed conveyor frame 73 near its discharge end 76. Four sleeper stop brackets 179 with sleeper stops or shoulders 171 formed thereon are mounted on the outfeed conveyor frame 73 in two sets of two, with the brackets 179 of each set mounted on opposite sides of a respective outfeed conveyor chain 71 near its discharge end. The shoulder 171 of each stop support 179 extends upward just beyond a horizontal leg 181 of the stop support 179. The horizontal leg 181 extends approximately flush with or just below the top surface or rotation path of the output conveyor chains 71.

[0066] Sleepers 4 carried forward on the outfeed conveyor chains 71 toward the slide 59 advance over the horizontal leg 181 of each stop support 179 and against the shoulder or stop 171 formed on the stop support 179 that blocks the advance of sleeper 4 toward the slide 59. In the embodiment shown, three rollers 177 are mounted on the stop support 179 forward of the shoulder or stop 171 and opposite the horizontal leg 181. The rollers 177 are mounted on each stop support 179 so that the top of each roller extends successively further down in the forward direction on the support 179 such that a sleeper 4 supported on the rollers 177 would roll forward and downward due to gravity.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, two sleeper lifting assemblies 173 are used, one between each set of two sleeper stops 171. As best seen in Figures 13 and 14, each sleeper lifting assembly 173 includes three lifting rollers 175 mounted on a lifting roller support bracket 183 that is connected to an output conveyor frame 73 by means of a linear actuator 185 oriented to raise or lower the lifting roller support bracket 183 and rollers 175 attached relative to the stop or shoulder 171 of each stop bracket 179.The rollers 175 are mounted on each lifting roller support bracket 183 so that the top of each roller extends successively further down in the forward direction on the support bracket 183 so that once a lower surface or edge of a sleeper 4 supported on the lifting rollers 175 is raised beyond the upper edge of the stops 171, the sleeper 4 rolls forward and down on the lifting rollers 175 (see Figure 13), then on the rollers 177 on the stop bracket 179 and then on the slider 59 (see Figure 14). Once sleeper 4 rolls out of the sleeper lifting assembly 173 and over the rollers 177 of the stop support 179, the roller lifting assemblies 173 retract to allow the next sleeper 4 to advance by means of the exit conveyor 55 against the stops 171.In Figure 12, portions of the sleeper lifting assembly 173, which includes a roller 175, are separated to show further details of the stop support 183. Similarly, in Figures 13 and 14, portions of the stop support 183 are separated to show further details of the sleeper lifting assembly 173.

[0068] Referring again to Figure 11, it can be seen that three roller assemblies 187 are mounted on the outfeed conveyor frame 73 to facilitate the roller-fed advancement of a sleeper 4 from the discharge end 66 of the re-arranger conveyor 48 to the infeed end of the outfeed conveyor chains 71. Referring to Figure 10, it can be seen that the idler sprockets 43 of the conveyor chains 33 forming the floor conveyor 31 are set forward and inward from the end wall 18. As can be discerned from Figure 9, the floor conveyor 31 comprises four conveyor chains 33. A baffle 189 is mounted between the first and second side walls 15 and 16 of the car 165 through the second end wall 18. The baffle 189 directs any sleeper that falls onto it back onto the conveyor. 31st floor.

[0069] A plurality of sensors in communication with a controller 250 (see Figure 15) in the sleeper distribution car 165 are used to control the feeding, rearranging, and unloading of sleepers 4 from the car 165. Referring to Figure 10, the upper and lower optical sensors 191 and 192 mounted on one or both side walls 15 and 16 of the car are used to control the operation of the floor conveyor 31 to advance the sleepers to the rearranger conveyor 48. As a stack of sleepers 4 is advanced off the discharge end 41 of the floor conveyor 31, they fall into the channel formed by the angled guide plate 46 and the rearranger conveyor 48 and form a sleeper stack (not shown). The reassembler conveyor 48 then picks up the sleepers 4 strands from the stack and transports them to the output conveyor 55.If the sleeper stack extends above the upper optical sensor 191, the floor conveyor operation is stopped until the stack height falls below the lower optical sensor 192. Once the stack height falls below the height of the lower optical sensor 192, the floor conveyor 31 is operated to advance more sleepers 4 into the channel until the sleeper stack height 4 extends above the upper optical sensor 191.

[0070] Referring to Figure 11, the first and second repositioner control sensors 193 and 194 are mounted on the outfeed conveyor frame 73. In one embodiment, the outfeed conveyor chains 71 run continuously to automatically advance any sleeper moving forward on the outfeed conveyor chains 71 against the stops 171 or other sleepers 4 held in position by the stops 171. The first repositioner control sensor 193 is positioned closest to the stops 171 at a distance at which a second sleeper 4 supported against the stops 171 will engage with the first repositioner control sensor 193. When the sleeper 4 held against the stops 171 is unloaded, the second sleeper 4 will move forward against the stop and will no longer make contact with the first repositioner control sensor. 193.When the first re-arranger control sensor 193 is not engaged by a sleeper 4, the re-arranger conveyor 48 is operated to advance sleepers toward and over the outfeed conveyor 55 until enough sleepers are supported against the stop 171 to engage the second re-arranger control sensor 194, which shuts down the re-arranger conveyor 48. The re-arranger conveyor 48 is not operated again until the last sleeper 4 is advanced out of engagement with the first re-arranger control sensor 193 and against the stops 171, which can be described as a ready position. A sleeper 4 in the ready position against the stops 171, as shown in Figure 12, is generally available for unloading by means of the indexing mechanism 167 and slider 59.

[0071] The presence of a sleeper 4 in the ready position is determined by means of the ready position sensors 195, two of which are shown in Figure 11, with each sensor 195 mounted on the output conveyor frame 73 or a respective stop bracket 179. When the ready position sensors 195 are engaged by a sleeper 4, a signal is sent to the controller 250 indicating the presence of a sleeper in the ready position against the stops 171. A computing resource, such as a computer 244 in one of the cars 165 in train 101, communicates with the controller 250 to cause or induce the controller 250 to activate or extend the linear actuators 185 and lift the sleeper 4 supported on the lifting assemblies 173 over the stops 171, causing the sleeper 4 to roll off the rollers 175 in the lifting assemblies 173 and stop rollers 177 in the stop supports 179 and down to the slider 59.Sleeper 4 then slides out of slide 59 and out of the discharge opening 21 or 22 in the side walls 15 and 16 toward which slide 59 tilts. Hydraulic fluid pressure sensors (not shown) are used on one or more of the linear actuators or hydraulic actuators 185 to indicate to the computer 244 whether the actuators 185 are extended or retracted. Once the actuators 185 are fully extended and sufficient time has elapsed to ensure that the sleeper in the lifting assemblies 173 has rolled out of the lifting assemblies 173, the computer can then cause the hydraulic actuators 185 for each lifting assembly 173 to retract. Once the trailing edge of the lifting roller support bracket 183 descends below the sleeper 4 that extends behind it, the sleeper 4 can advance towards the stops 171.

[0072] An angle sensor (not shown) is mounted on the base frame 11 or fulcrum 91 or slider 59 to measure the angle of slider 59 relative to the base frame 11. Computer 244 is operated to control the angle of slider 59 relative to the base frame 11 or fulcrum 91 to adjust the path of sleeper 4 on slider 59. An accelerometer (not shown) could be incorporated into slider 59 to confirm when sleeper 4 is unloaded.

[0073] Each sleeper distribution car 1 (Figures 1 to 5), sleeper distribution car 152 (Figures 6 to 8), or sleeper distribution car 165 (Figures 9 to 14) can be coupled to a plurality of other sleeper distribution cars to form a train or series of sleeper distribution cars as part of a sleeper distribution system adapted to transport, individualize, and unload sleepers 4 along the side of a section of railway track. Attention is now directed to Figure 15, which shows an exemplary sleeper distribution system 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 21, the sleeper distribution system 200 comprises a structure 202, an operations car 242, and a plurality of sleeper distribution cars 282A, 282B, 282C, 282D, and 282N. Each sleeper distribution car 282A to 282N can be a sleeper distribution car 1, a sleeper distribution car 152, or another suitable sleeper distribution car. Although Figure 15 shows the sleeper distribution system 200 with five sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N, the craftsman will understand from the disclosure in this document that the sleeper distribution system 200 may include any suitable number (e.g., 2, 3, 7, 10, etc.) of sleeper distribution cars.

[0075] Structure 202 can be used to create a sleeper distribution plan for the distribution of 4 sleepers along the side of the railway by means of sleeper distribution wagons 282A to 282N. In the mode shown, a computing resource, such as a computer 244 in the operations car 242, can be in data communication with structure 202, and structure 202 can communicate the sleeper distribution plan to computer 244. The computer 244 in the operations car 242 can also be in data communication with each of the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N in the train and can control the operation of these sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N to implement the sleeper distribution plan communicated to the operations car 242 by structure 202.In the nonozn / zznz / q / uli modalities, and as discussed in more detail in this document, when an unexpected condition occurs, for example, computer 244 in the operations car 242, which processes image data collected by image generators such as cameras 253A and 253B, detects an obstacle at a location where a sleeper 4 was to be unloaded under the sleeper distribution plan, computer 244 determines that the sleeper distribution machinery of a sleeper distribution car 282A to 282N is malfunctioning, other monitoring devices such as LIDAR or laser scanners detect an obstacle at the location where a sleeper 4 was to be unloaded under the sleeper distribution plan, etc., computer 244 can override the sleeper distribution plan and take appropriate measures to facilitate the safe and effective distribution of sleepers 4 despite the unexpected condition.Structure 202, the computing resource including computer 234, and the sleeper distribution wagon control systems 282A to 282N are also described. The unexpected condition may also be referred to in this document as an override condition.

[0076] Structure 202 can be implemented by means of one or more networked computing servers, one or more networked computers, and / or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the operating car 242 and sleeper distribution cars 282A through 282N can be collectively pushed or pulled along a section of railway track by means of locomotive(s) or other prime mover, while Structure 202 can reside elsewhere (e.g., in an office building or warehouse). In other embodiments, Structure 202 can be located inside the operating car 242.

[0077] Structure 202 is shown in Figure 15 with a processor 204 communicatively coupled to a network interface 206 and a memory 208. The processor 204 represents one or more digital processors. The network interface 206 can be implemented as one or both of a wired network interface and a wireless network interface, as known in the field. The memory 208 represents one or more volatile memory (e.g., RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, FLASH, magnetic media, optical media, etc.). Although shown within structure 202, the memory 208 can be implemented, at least in part, as network storage that is external to structure 202 and accessed through the network interface 206.

[0078] A transient and / or non-transient portion of memory 208 may host a work planning database 210 and software 224. The work planning database 210 may comprise work planning data 211, collected from one or more sources, which may be used by means of the software 224 to create a sleeper distribution plan to be implemented collectively by means of the operations car 242 and sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N.

[0079] Work planning data 211 may comprise one or more of geo-location data 212, LIDAR scan data 214, image data 216, sleeper crew data 218, right-of-way inspection data 220, customer input data 222, and positive train control (PTC) data (subdivision file) 223.

[0080] In these modalities, an inspector(s) may inspect a section of railway track to identify sleepers that need replacement. For example, an inspection car equipped with a monitor A GPS unit can travel along a section of track, and an inspection car operator can use the GPS monitor to determine and store the GPS coordinates of each sleeper. The inspection car operator can further inspect the sleepers as the inspection car moves along the track and identify, using the GPS coordinates, those sleepers that need to be replaced. The GPS coordinates of all the sleepers in the section of track being repaired can be stored in database 210 as geolocation data 212, along with data identifying those sleepers that need replacement. Alternatively, an inspector can walk along the track, collect the GPS coordinates of all the sleepers, and identify those sleepers that need replacement; this data can be stored as geolocation data 212.

[0081] LiDAR scan data and image data associated with the section of railway track being worked on can be stored as LiDAR scan data 214 and image data 216, respectively. LiDAR scan data 214 and image data 216 can be generated by personnel associated with the sleeper replacement process. For example, the inspection car may include one or more LiDAR scanners and / or cameras that collect light detection and range data and image data associated with the section of railway track, respectively. In other modalities, one or more of the LiDAR scan data 214 and image data 216 can be obtained in whole or in part from the railway owner, other privately maintained sources, or publicly available sources (via the global network using network interface 206, for example).

[0082] Sleeper crew data 218, when present, may include operational preferences of the sleeper replacement personnel assigned to replace damaged sleepers 4 in the section of track. For example, the sleeper replacement personnel may prefer that the replacement sleepers 4 be placed on the north side (as opposed to the south side) of a track running east to west. Or, for example, the sleeper replacement personnel may prefer that the replacement sleepers 4 be placed at a particular distance from the track. A person experienced in the matter understands that different sleeper crews may have different operational preferences. These preferences can be stored in the job planning database 210 as sleeper crew data 218 so that they can be considered by the software 224 during the generation of the sleeper distribution plan.

[0083] Right-of-way (ROW) inspection data 220 may include data generated by personnel associated with the sleeper replacement process and / or may comprise publicly available right-of-way inspection data or right-of-way inspection data obtained or provided by the railway owner or other privately maintained sources. Software 224 may use this right-of-way inspection data 220 to prevent trespass or encroachment on property during the sleeper distribution and replacement process.

[0084] Customer input data 222 can accommodate customer input (for example, from a railway company). For instance, the customer might require that a particular number of 4 sleepers be replaced, that the 4 sleepers be distributed at a particular distance from the track, etc. This input can be received before the sleeper distribution plan is generated and / or the customer can provide this input after reviewing a preliminary draft of the sleeper distribution plan. Software 224 can take into account customer input data 222 when creating and / or reviewing a sleeper distribution plan (for example, if the customer requires that the 4 sleepers be placed at a particular location, software 224 can ensure that the sleeper distribution plan takes this requirement into account).

[0085] Turning now to the software, the planning engine may be housed within it or otherwise associated with it. In the various modalities, the planning engine may comprise a graphical user interface to enable sleeper distribution personnel to interact with the planning engine using conventional means (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, voice commands, etc.). The planning engine may be stored in a portion of transient or non-transient memory and includes machine-readable instructions that are executed by the processor to create or assist in the creation of a sleeper distribution plan based on the data in the job planning database. The planning engine may store the generated sleeper distribution plan in a computer-readable file referred to herein as a “dump file.”As discussed, the dump file, for example, dump file 238, can be communicated by means of the planning engine 226 to the operations car 242 in such a way that the sleeper distribution plan can be collectively implemented by means of the operations car 242 and sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N as desired.

[0086] In one mode, the planning engine 226 may comprise an architect 228, a slider angle adjuster 230, a backup allocator 232, a previewer 234, and a reviewer 236.

[0087] Architect 228 can determine: (a) the total number of 4 sleepers that will need to be distributed to complete the job; (b) the sleeper drop locations and the number of 4 sleepers to be dropped at each location; and (c) which sleeper distribution wagon 282A to 282N is to distribute the 4 sleepers to which location.

[0088] Architect 228 can determine the total number of sleepers 4 to be distributed along the side of the rail section in one or more of several ways. For example, when geolocation data 212 identifies the GPS coordinates of each defective sleeper 4, architect 228 can consult geolocation data 212 to determine the total number of sleepers 4 that need replacement. In some ways, architect 228 can determine that the total number of sleepers to be distributed along the rail exceeds the number of defective sleepers 4 by a certain percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, etc.); this can ensure that any additional sleepers determined by the sleeper crew to be defective can also be efficiently replaced.In other modes, architect 228 may be configured to establish that the total number of sleepers to be distributed along the railway section is equal to the number of sleepers that have been determined to be defective.

[0089] In some modes, architect 228 can determine the total number of sleepers 4 that need replacement by evaluating data 211 in addition to geolocation data 212. For example, architect 228 can determine the total number of sleepers 4 to be distributed along the railway section by processing image data 216, using, for example, feature matching techniques to identify those sleepers 4 that need replacement. Or, for example, architect 228 can establish the total number of sleepers 4 to be distributed along the railway based on customer input data 222.

[0090] Once the total number of 4 sleepers to be distributed along the section of track has been fixed, the architect 228 can evaluate the work planning data 211 to determine the drop locations for the 4 sleepers and the number of 4 sleepers to be distributed at each drop location. A person experienced in the matter will understand that there may be several drop locations along the section of track in question and that the number of 4 sleepers dropped at each location need not be the same. In some configurations, a sleeper distribution car may be configured to deliver only a single sleeper at each location; in such configurations, multiple sleepers can be delivered to the same location using multiple sleeper distribution cars, each of which distributes one sleeper to the location.

[0091] It may be preferable to leave each new sleeper 4 near the defective sleeper that the new sleeper 4 is replacing. Therefore, where feasible, architect 228 may establish sleeper drop locations near the defective sleepers being replaced.

[0092] Architect 228 may consider one or more data points in determining sleeper drop locations. For example, architect 228 may consider right-of-way survey data 220 and determine that all 4-sleeves are to be distributed on a certain side of the rail in view of right-of-way concerns. For example, architect 228 may take into account sleeper crew data 218 and, based on the sleeper crew's preferences, determine that all sleepers are to be distributed on a particular side of the rail when feasible. As another example, architect 228 may evaluate LiDAR scan data 214 and distribute 4-sleeves to one side of the rail when the other side of the rail has a trench. In making these determinations, architect 228 may assign different weights to different types of data.For example, if sleeper crew data 218 indicates that the sleeper crew prefers that sleepers 4 be distributed on the north side of the railway, but image data 216 shows that the north side of the railway has a large obstacle, the dump file 238 generated by the planning engine 226 can be configured to cause sleepers 4 to be left on the south side of the railway despite sleeper crew data 218. The architect 228 can similarly determine the number of sleepers 4 to be distributed at each drop location by considering the number of defective sleepers near that drop location.

[0093] Using a sleeper distribution car train 282A to 282N, as opposed to a single sleeper distribution car, can provide several advantages. Consider, for example, that a single sleeper distribution car (e.g., car 282A) is used to distribute sleepers 4 and that it travels the track at a speed of 2.23 m / s (7.33 ft / s). Consider further that a sleeper 4 is to be distributed every 3.05 m (10 ft) and that the sleeper discharge assembly 9 of this single car takes 1.5 seconds between two successive sleeper discharges (i.e., it takes 1.5 seconds for the sleeper discharge assembly 9 to pick up and dispense the next sleeper 4). In this example, due to the speed of the lone sleeper distribution car on the railway and the time it takes for the sleeper unloading assembly to restart, it may not be possible to distribute one sleeper every 3.0.5 m (10 ft) as required. Using a sleeper distribution wagon train, each of which can be configured to selectively distribute sleepers on demand, may allow this problem to be addressed.

[0094] The ability to use sleeper distribution cars to selectively distribute sleepers (as opposed to all at once or always one after the other, for example) can provide greater flexibility. For example, when it is known that a particular sleeper distribution car will not be able to deliver sleepers to a particular location (for example, because its sleeper unloading assembly 9 has not yet restarted after making the previous delivery), a different sleeper distribution car can be assigned to that location. In view of these benefits, architect 228 can determine when to distribute sleepers 4 by assigning at least one sleeper distribution car 282A to 282N to each drop-off location.Care can be taken to ensure that the sleeper distribution car assigned to a particular location will be (or have a high probability of being) available to unload sleepers at that location. Sleeper distribution cars 282A through 282N on the train are capable of distributing sleepers simultaneously (i.e., each sleeper distribution car 282A through 282N can distribute a sleeper at or approximately the same time as the other cars), sequentially (e.g., sleeper distribution cars 282A, 282B, 282C, 282D, and 282N can distribute sleepers one after the other), or in any order, in line with the requirements of a particular application.

[0095] Figures 16 through 20 illustrate the exemplary operation of the sleeper distribution system 200. Specifically, each of Figures 16 through 20 shows the operations car 242 together with the sleeper distribution car train 282A through 282N traveling along a section of a railway track 290. As discussed in this document, the operations car 242 can control and monitor the operation of the sleeper distribution cars 282A through 282N. In the example in Figure 16, it is shown that the architect 228 has established the sleeper distribution plan such that each sleeper distribution car 282A through 282N simultaneously distributes 4 sleepers on the same side of the railway track 290.Conversely, in the example in Figure 17, it is shown that architect 228 has set up the sleeper distribution plan so that sleeper distribution cars 282A and 282D distribute 4 sleepers on one side of railway track 290, sleeper distribution car 282C distributes 4 sleepers on the other side of railway track 290, and sleeper distribution cars 282B and 282E do not distribute any sleepers during that time period. In the example in Figure 18, it is shown that architect 228 has established the sleeper distribution plan in such a way that sleepers 4 are preferably distributed on the left side of the railway track (e.g., here, sleeper crew data 218 may indicate that it is preferable to distribute sleepers 4 on the left side of the railway track).Therefore, as shown, each of the sleeper distribution cars 282B, 282C, 282D, and 282N in Figure 18 distributes the 4 sleepers on the left side of the railway track 290. However, in this example, the architect 228 has also determined based on the image data 216 that a maintenance building 229 (or other permanent structure) is present on the left side of the railway track; As such, sleeper distribution wagon 282A is shown distributing sleepers 4 on the right side of railway track 290 so that the sleepers 4 do not collide with maintenance building 229. Therefore, as will be understood, the sleeper distribution plan / dump file 238 generated by architect 228 may cause the sleepers 4 to be distributed in any number of ways depending on the particulars of the job in question.

[0096] The slider angle adjuster 230 can selectively adjust the angle of the slider 59 of each sleeper distribution car 282A to 282N for the distribution of sleepers 4. As noted, adjusting the angle of the discharge slider 59 can alter the discharge path of the sleepers 4 and can determine the distance from the sleeper distribution car that the sleepers 4 will travel after discharge. The slider angle adjuster 230 can set the angle of the discharge slider 59 at discharge based on: (a) the lateral distance between the designated sleeper drop location and the rail 290; and (b) the type of terrain the sleepers will encounter as they travel on and come to rest at the designated drop location.For example, the downward slope of slider 59 can be increased when the designated drop location is close to rail 290, while the downward slope of slider 59 can be decreased when the designated drop location is farther from the rail. Similarly, the slider angle can be changed to account for an upward or downward slope of the ground surface that sleepers 4 will encounter on or en route to the drop location. In this way, slider angle adjuster 230 can selectively control the unloading rate of sleepers 4 to ensure that sleepers 4 are distributed at the designated drop locations.

[0097] Figure 19 shows that the ground adjacent to cars 282C to 282N is flat, but that a hill 231 is present adjacent to cars 282A and 282B. Each of the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N can distribute sleepers 4 in such a way that the lateral distance between the sleepers 4 and the rail 290 is generally the same, regardless of the hill 231. This can be accomplished by means of the slider angle adjuster 230.Specifically, the slider angle adjuster 230, in view of the hill 231, can set a different slider angle for the sliders 59 of sleeper distribution cars 282A and 282B relative to the slider angle of the sliders 59 of sleeper distribution cars 282C to 282N, thereby causing all the sleepers 4 being distributed by means of sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N to be dropped at approximately the same distance from the railway track 290.

[0098] Backup Allocator 232 can allocate one backup car to each drop location. As noted, Architect 228 can allocate one sleeper distribution car, i.e., one of the cars 282A to 282N, to each drop location. The sleeper distribution car allocated to a drop location by Architect 228 may also be referred to in this document as the “primary assignee.” Occasionally, the primary assignee may be unable to distribute a sleeper 4 to an allocated location. This can occur, for example, when the primary assignee’s sleeper distribution machinery becomes inoperable (due to a jam on the conveyor, a broken drive shaft, etc.) or begins to operate outside its normal operating parameters.Or, for example, the primary assignee may be unable to distribute a sleeper 4 to the assigned location when its supply of sleepers 4 is exhausted.

[0099] To account for a situation where the primary assignee is unable to distribute a sleeper 4 to an assigned drop location, the backup assignor 232 can assign a backup car to each drop location. For example, sleeper distribution car 282A might be primarily responsible for distributing a sleeper to a given location, and sleeper distribution car 282N could be assigned as the backup. In the modes, the sleeper presence sensor associated with the sleeper ejector can be queried as discussed above (e.g., periodically, before each drop, etc.) to determine if the primary assignee will fail (or has failed) to distribute a sleeper 4 to an assigned location, and if so, the backup car can be assigned as the new primary assignee.The backup allocator 232 can ensure that the backup car assigned to a given location will be (or have a high probability of being) available to intervene based on a failure determination by the primary assignee. In certain applications, one or more of the cars in the train (for example, car 282N) can be selected as dedicated backup car(s).

[00100] Previewer 234 allows for the preview of the sleeper distribution plan. When called, Previewer 234 can display satellite or similar images of the section of railway track being repaired and indicate, with icons and / or images, the locations where the sleepers will be distributed and their number. Similar to the print preview module in word processing software, Previewer 234 can give the user a high-level visual overview of the project.

[00101] Reviewer 236 allows a user to manually review the sleeper distribution plan (for example, in response to the job preview by previewer 234, due to a change in job specifications, in response to customer input, etc.). For example, the user may be able to use reviewer 236 to change a drop location, alter a designated backup car, cause more or fewer sleepers to be distributed, etc.

[00102] The planning engine 226 can therefore use the data 211 and create or facilitate the creation and simplification of a sleeper distribution plan. Once the sleeper distribution plan is finalized, it can be saved as the dump file 238 and communicated to the operations car 242 via an N1 network. The N1 network can be a wired network, a wireless network, a public network, a private network, and / or any other suitable network.While Figure 15 shows that structure 202 is in data communication with an operations car 242, the craftsman will understand from the disclosure in this document that structure 202 can also be in communication with a plurality of operations cars 242 in different parts of the world via the same N1 network or different networks, and that each operations car 242 can, in turn, be in data communication with any number of sleeper distribution cars. Therefore, structure 202 can be used to generate sleeper distribution plans or dump files for a plurality of sleeper replacement projects.

[00103] Operations car 242 may be co-located with sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N during the sleeper distribution process and travels the track with the sleeper distribution cars (see Figure 16). Operations car 242 can communicate with each of the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N via network N2, which, like network N1, may be a wired network, a wireless network, or any other suitable network or combination of networks. In some configurations, the control functionality of operations car 242 may be incorporated into a sleeper distribution car (e.g., sleeper distribution car 282A).

[00104] Power to operate the motors for the moving bottom conveyor 31, the re-arranger conveyor 48, the exit conveyor 55, and for the actuator for the indexing mechanism 167 that controls the advance of individual sleepers 4 to the slide 59 and the tilt actuator 92 for the slide 59 for each of the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N may be provided by a power unit (not shown), which may be mounted on the operating car 242 or another car. The power unit may include, for example, a diesel engine and electric generator that powers electric motors and hydraulic pumps to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid from a tank or reservoir to the hydraulic conveyor motors and the actuators for the distributor gate or indexing mechanism and the slide tilt actuator 92.It is also envisaged that the power unit could be a diesel engine and electric generator to power electric motors associated with each conveyor and power an electrically driven actuator to tilt slide 59.

[00105] Turning again to Figure 15, the operations car 242 may have a computer 244 having memory 246 hosting software 248. Although not explicitly shown, computer 244 has a processor and a network interface as discussed with respect to structure 202. Software 248 includes machine-readable instructions that are executed by the processor of computer 244 to implement the dump file 238 and / or override the sleeper distribution plan if necessary.

[00106] In one mode, the software 248 includes a controller 250, an image processor 252, and a governor 254. The controller 250 may also be referred to in this document as the train controller 250.

[00107] Controller 250 may comprise a global operator 256. Global operator 256 may be configured to globally control the high-level operation of the sleeper distribution mechanism of sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N in view of dump file 238. In one mode, global operator 256 may be able to control the power that is supplied to each of the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N. In addition, the global operator 256 can communicate with the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N, specifically with their controllers as discussed later, to activate each sleeper drop by means of each of the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N according to dump file 238 and to adjust the slider angle of the sliders 59 as required.The global operator 256 may include a graphical user interface that may allow an operator to manually take over one or more of the sleeper distribution wagons 282A to 282N.

[00108] The image processor 252 may comprise an obstacle detector 258 and an adaptive location modifier 260. At least one of the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N and / or the operations car 242 may include one or more cameras, such as a CCD camera, a CMOS camera, or another still-image or video camera. The cameras may be fixed or movable and may be configured to image the side of the railway track 290 being traversed by the train. In the modalities, a camera can be provided on each side of the operations car 242 and / or a sleeper distribution car 282A to 282N, so that all drop locations on each side of the railway track 290 can be monitored. For example, Figure 16 shows that each of the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N has two cameras or imagers 253A and 253B, one placed on each side of the sleeper distribution car.

[00109] Camera 253A can, for example, generate the image of the left side of railway track 290 and camera 253B can generate the image of the right side of railway track 290. Each camera 253A, 253B can be oriented in such a way that it generates the image of a location left for some time (for example, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, etc.) before leaving the sleeper(s) at that location.

[00110] The obstacle detector 258 can process the images and / or video from cameras 253A and 253B to determine, in real time, the presence of an unexpected obstacle. Permanent obstacles, such as the maintenance building 229 in Figure 18, can be taken into account and avoided by the architect 228 in the dump file 238. However, occasionally, an obstacle that was not present during the planning stages (i.e., during the creation of the dump file 238) may unexpectedly appear in or around the sleeper drop location during the execution stage when the sleeper distribution wagons 282A to 282N are distributing sleepers to these locations.In such a case, where obstacle detector 258 detects an obstacle in or around a sleeper drop location such that sleepers 4 are likely to collide with the obstacle under the sleeper distribution plan, obstacle detector 258 can call location modifier 260. Location modifier 260 can process, in real time, additional image data from imagers 253A and 253B if required and adaptively modify sleeper distribution plan / dump file 238 so that sleepers 4 can be distributed close to the original drop location without colliding with the obstacle.For example, location modifier 260 can cause a sleeper distribution car to distribute sleepers 4 after the sleeper distribution car has passed the obstacle, cause the car to distribute sleepers 4 on another side of track 290 to avoid the obstacle if feasible, and so on. In this way, the obstacle can be avoided and sleepers 4 can continue to be distributed efficiently and safely.

[00111] Figure 20 shows an example of the image processor 252 adaptively modifying the sleeper distribution plan / dump file 238 in view of an obstacle (a vehicle 259 in this example) detected by the imager 253A and obstacle detector 258. In this example, the vehicle 259 is adjacent to the sleeper distribution car 282A, and it is shown that the sleeper distribution car 282A has delayed its sleeper unloading relative to the other cars 282B, 282C, 282D, and 282N to avoid obstacle 259. In this way, the operations car 242 can modify the sleeper distribution plan in real time so that obstacle 259, which would have caused sleepers 4 of another way.Although a vehicle is shown in Figure 20 as the obstacle, the craftsman will understand that the obstacle can be any other obstacle, such as an animal or person walking along section 290 of railway track, a pile of ballast rock that has just been placed alongside railway track 290, etc.

[00112] Governor 254 may have an inspector 262 and a backup caller 264. Inspector 262 may monitor the distribution of sleepers 4 by means of sleeper distribution wagons 282A to 282N. For example, each sleeper distribution car 282A to 282N may have a GPS sensor, and Inspector 262 may monitor this GPS sensor and the sleeper presence sensor of each sleeper distribution car to ensure that sleepers 4 are being properly unloaded. If Inspector 262 issues a warning based on a determination that a primary assignee is unable to distribute sleepers at an assigned location, for example, because the primary assignee's sleeper presence sensor indicates that a sleeper 4 is not ready for sleeper ejection when required, Inspector 262 may invoke Backup Caller 264.Backup caller 264 can assign the backup wagon as the new primary assignee so that sleeper(s) 4 can be distributed in the dropped location as desired.

[00113] In this way, operations wagon 242 can implement or assist in the implementation of the sleeper distribution plan / dump file 238, and if an unexpected condition occurs, adaptively modify the sleeper distribution plan (e.g., alter a sleeper drop location in view of an obstacle, call in a backup wagon due to a machinery jam at the primary assignee, etc.) so that sleepers 4 continue to be distributed efficiently and safely.

[00114] Attention is now directed to the control systems of the same sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N. Sleeper distribution car 282A may include a local controller 284A, a memory 286A, software 288A, and a local operator 290A. Sleeper distribution cars 282B to 282N may likewise include a controller 284B to 284N, a memory 286B to 286N, software 288B to 288N, and a local operator 290B to 290N, respectively. Local operator 290A to 290N can respectively control, at a low level, the sleeper unloading mechanism of the associated sleeper distribution wagons 282A to 282N, and together with operations wagon 242, implement sleeper distribution plan / dump file 238.For example, local operator 290A to 290N can control the moving bottom conveyor 31, the rearranger conveyor 48, the exit conveyor 55, the tilt actuator 92 of cars 282A to 282N, etc., in line with the directives of the operating car 242. Or, for example, local operator 290A to 290N can obtain the results of the sleeper presence sensor detections and communicate them to the operating car 242. Local operators 290A to 290N can also monitor the hydraulic oil, check for machinery jamming, and carry out other such actions to ensure the efficient operation of sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N.The craftsman will understand that the operations of car 242 can interact with and control the sleeper distribution mechanism of sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N by means of their communications with local controllers 284A to 284N.

[00115] Figure 21 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 300 for using the sleeper distribution system 200 to distribute sleepers 4 on a section of railway track 290.

[00116] Method 300 can begin at step 302. In step 304, the work planning data 211 can be filled into the work planning database 210. For example, an inspection wagon with a GPS and camera can be used to collect geolocation data 212 and image data 216, respectively, and the LIDAR scan data 214 can be collected from a public source.

[00117] Next, in step 306, the software 224, and specifically its planning engine 226, can create a sleeper distribution plan using some or all of the work planning data 211. In step 308, the sleeper distribution plan can be saved as a dump file 238. In step 310, the dump file 238 can be communicated via structure 202 to the operations car 242 through network N1.

[00118] In step 312, operations car 242 can begin implementing dump file 238 by selectively causing sleeper distribution cars 282A through 282N to distribute sleepers 4 to their assigned locations. If an unexpected condition is determined to occur in step 314 by operations car 242, in step 316 the software 248 of operations car 242 can adaptively modify the sleeper distribution plan to account for the unexpected condition, and in step 318, the implementation of the modified sleeper distribution plan can be completed. Alternatively, if no unexpected condition is determined in step 314, operations car 242 and sleeper distribution cars 282A through 282N can complete the implementation of the original sleeper distribution plan in step 320.The method can terminate at step 322 after distributing the sleepers as desired according to the original or modified sleeper distribution plan. While Figure 21 shows that a single unexpected condition is determined, the craftsman will understand that method 300 involves encountering multiple unexpected conditions.

[00119] In the modes, the 200 system can be self-learning, meaning it can improve its sleeper layout over time as additional data is collected. For example, when runtime data indicates that it is preferable to have the primary assignee and backup car adjacent to each other, the 226 planning engine can take this finding into account when creating future sleeper layout plans.

[00120] Attention is now directed to Figure 22, which shows a sleeper distribution system of 400 sleepers that is an alternative modality of the sleeper distribution system of 200 sleepers (Figure 15) discussed above. The sleeper distribution system of 400 sleepers may be substantially similar to the nonozn / zznz / q / υιλι sleeper distribution system of 200 sleepers, except as specifically noted and / or shown or as would be inherent. Someone experienced in the subject will understand that the sleeper distribution system of 200 sleepers, and therefore the sleeper distribution system of 400 sleepers, may be modified in various ways, such as by incorporating all or part of any of the different modalities described, for example. For uniformity and brevity, corresponding part numbers may be used to indicate corresponding parts, although with any noted deviations.For example, the geolocation data 212 of system 400 may be identical to the geolocation data 212 of system 200, the slider angle adjuster 230 of system 400 may be identical to the slider angle adjuster 230 of system 200, the planning engine 426 of system 400 may correspond to the planning engine 226 of system 200 except as described in this document, the operations car 442 of system 400 may correspond to the operations car 242 of system 200 except as described in this document, etc.

[00121] The sleeper distribution system 400 comprises a structure 402, an operations car 442, and a plurality of sleeper distribution cars 482A, 482B, 482C, 482D, and 482N. As discussed above for sleeper distribution cars 282A through 282N, sleeper distribution cars 482A through 482N may be sleeper distribution cars 2, sleeper distribution cars 152, and / or any number of other suitable sleeper distribution cars.

[00122] Structure 402 can be used to create a sleeper distribution plan for distributing sleepers 4 along the side of rail 290 by means of sleeper distribution cars 482A through 482N. As shown, structure 402 has memory 408, which corresponds to memory 208 of structure 202. In the illustrated mode, memory 408 comprises the work planning database 210 and software 424. The work planning database 210 is the same work planning database discussed earlier for system 200 and may include one or more different types of data usable by means of software 424 to generate a sleeper distribution plan. The sleeper distribution plan for system 400 is illustrated in Figure 22 as dump file 438.

[00123] Software 424 includes a planning engine 426. The planning engine 426 includes the slider angle adjuster 230, the previewer 234, and the reviewer 236, discussed above for system 200, and a planner 427. The primary differences between planning engine 426 and planning engine 226 are that planning engine 426: (a) includes the planner 427 instead of the architect 228; and (b) lacks the backup allocator 232. In the sleeper distribution system 400, backups can be allocated by means of the operating car 242 software 248 and / or a sleeper distribution car 482A to 482N can proactively choose to serve as the backup based on availability.

[00124] As discussed earlier for system 200, architect 228 can evaluate data in the work planning database 210, such as geolocation data 212, sleeper crew data 218, customer input data 222, etc., to determine the total number of sleepers needing replacement and drop-off locations, and furthermore, assign one of the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N to each drop-off location. The sleeper distribution plan / dump file 438 generated by the planning engine 426 may differ from dump file 238 in that sleeper distribution plan 438 may not include assignments of sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N to drop-off locations.Rather, in this mode and as discussed in this document, the operations car 442 can assign the appropriate sleeper distribution car to each drop location while sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N are in motion.

[00125] In greater detail, sleeper distribution plan 438 may include a drop location for each sleeper to be distributed by sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N. The drop location may be identified in plan 438 using a geographic coordinate system (e.g., latitude and longitude). Plan 438 may further indicate whether sleeper 4 at a particular drop location is to be dropped by a sleeper distribution car on the left or right side of rail 290.In addition, plan 438 may indicate the directional viewpoint of plan 438 (e.g., for a 290 rail running east to west, indicate whether the plan is created for a train that is going east or west on the 290 rail); the craftsman will appreciate that a plan 438 created for a train that is intended to travel on the 290 rail in one direction may need to be flipped (i.e., reversed) when the train travels on the 290 rail in the opposite direction, to ensure that every sleeper 4 is distributed to the intended side of the 290 rail.

[00126] In some embodiments, the slider angle adjuster 230 can be omitted from the planning engine 426, and the sleeper distribution means (for example, slider 59) of all sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N can be kept at the same angle for the distribution of all sleepers 4. Alternatively, the slider angle of one car 482A to 482N can be set to a first angle for the duration of the job, the slider angle of another car 482A to 482N can be set to a different angle for the duration of the job, and so on. In embodiments where the slider angle adjuster 230 is employed, the sleeper distribution plan 438 can further include the slider angle associated with each sleeper drop location to ensure that each sleeper 4 is dropped in the appropriate location despite uneven ground.This plan 438, which includes the drop location of each sleeper (for example, each sleeper's absolute location identified by means of geographic coordinates and location relative to railway track 290 (such as to the left of the railway track or to the right of the railway track)), and optionally, a slide angle associated with each drop location, can be stored in dump file 438 and communicated to operations car 442 via network N1.

[00127] Operations car 442 may have a computer 444 and memory 446, which may generally correspond to computer 244 and memory 246. Memory 446 may have software 448, which in the illustrated mode has a train controller 450, an image processor 252, and a governor 454. Operations car 442 may run on rail 290 together with sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N. In the modes, the functionality of computer 444 is incorporated into a sleeper distribution car (for example, one of sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N).

[00128] Controller 450 has a navigator 455A and a manager 456. Once the train comprising operations car 442 and sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N begins traveling along the section of track 290 that is being repaired, navigator 455A determines the train's heading on track 290 (for example, if the track runs north-south, it determines whether the train is traveling north or south along the track). As noted, plan 438 may have been created from a particular directional viewpoint; that is, it may have been created for a train that is intended to travel in a specific direction along the track.The train's direction of travel on the day of repair can be determined by the railroad after plan 438 has been generated, and therefore the train may end up traveling in a direction opposite to that predicted in plan 438. In such a case, navigator 455 can "flip" sleeper distribution plan 438 to ensure that sleepers 4 are distributed to their intended locations regardless of the train's direction of travel. In some configurations, the dump file 438 sent to computer 444 may contain two plans—one created for a train traveling on track 290 in one direction, and a flipped plan created for a train traveling on track 290 in the opposite direction—and navigator 455A can select the appropriate plan 438 while the train is in motion based on the train's heading.

[00129] Manager 456 can manage or monitor the distribution of sleepers 4 along rail 290. In certain modes, Manager 456 determines the speed at which the train is traveling along rail 290, as this would affect the sleeper drop operation (for example, whether a particular car will restart before reaching the next sleeper drop location). Manager 456 can have a buffer into which Plan 438, and specifically the sleeper drop locations, is fed. In one mode, the buffer is a First In First Out (FIFO) buffer.

[00130] Since the train comprising operations car 442 and sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N travels through the section of rail 290 that is being repaired, administrator 456 can assign one of the sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N to each upcoming sleeper drop location. The assigned sleeper distribution car 482A to 482N may subsequently drop the sleeper at the location dictated by plan 438 (which may be a specific point along rail 290, a specific area (e.g., an area of ​​60.96 cm by 60.96 cm (2 ft by 2 ft)) along rail 290, etc.) as the assigned sleeper distribution car passes the drop location while the train is in motion.Once sleeper 4 is dropped in the appropriate location, the sleeper distribution car 482A to 482N that distributed sleeper 4 can signal manager 456 that sleeper 4 has been distributed to the desired location. The manager can then proceed to the next drop location and assign a sleeper distribution car 482A to 482N to this location. Alternatively, manager 456 can assign a sleeper distribution car to each of a plurality (e.g., two, three, ten, etc.) of successive sleeper drop locations and assign cars to the new sleeper drop locations after having addressed one or more previous sleeper drop locations.

[00131] Administrator 456 may take into account one or more of several guiding principles when assigning a particular sleeper car to a particular drop location. In one mode, Administrator 456 always assigns the next available sleeper car to each subsequent sleeper drop location. Suppose, for example, a train that has four sleeper distribution cars 482A, 482B, 482C, and 482D. Suppose further that the train travels along rail 290 such that sleeper distribution car 482A passes each subsequent sleeper drop location before distribution cars 482B through 482D. In this example, unless sleeper distribution wagon 482A is unavailable (e.g., a sleeper 4 has not yet been fed against stops 171 in indexing mechanism 157 or 167 after unloading another sleeper, it has a jam, it no longer has sleepers 4, etc.).Manager 456 will always assign sleeper distribution car 482A to the next sleeper drop location. When sleeper distribution car 482A is unavailable to distribute a size 4 sleeper to the next location, Manager 456 can query the next car in the train, i.e., car 482B, to determine if it is available to distribute the size 4 sleeper to the next location, and if so, direct car 482B to distribute the size 4 sleeper to the next location. Alternatively, if both cars 482A and 482B are unavailable, Manager 456 can then query the next car, 482C, and so on. Once the size 4 sleeper has been distributed to the desired location, Manager 456 can update their records to indicate that a size 4 sleeper has been distributed to that particular location.

[00132] In some modes, instead of manager 456 dictating the assignment of cars 482A through 482N to particular sleeper drop locations, the next available car can proactively distribute a sleeper to the appropriate location based on a determination by a local sub-controller (e.g., local controllers 484A through 484N of cars 482A through 482N, respectively) that: (a) the car is available to distribute sleeper 4 to the location; and (b) the car is the first available car in the train to distribute sleeper 4 to the particular location. When sleeper 4 has been distributed, the car distributing sleeper 4 can send a signal to manager 456 and / or the remaining cars indicating that the sleeper drop location has been addressed.The 456 manager and / or the 488A to 488N software for railcars 482A to 482N may include programming instructions to ensure that multiple railcars are not improperly assigned to the same sleeper drop location.

[00133] As can be seen, in some modes, the guidance distribution principle centers around the first available 482A to 482N car. In these modes, the 482A to 482N car that is the first to pass each sleeper drop location (e.g., one of the 482A and 482N cars) is more likely to have its sleeper stock 4 depleted before the sleeper stocks of the other distribution cars. Similarly, once this car's sleeper stock 4 is depleted, the sleeper stock 4 of the subsequent car is more likely to be depleted before the stocks of the other sleeper distribution cars, and so on.

[00134] Sleeper distribution in other modes of the 400 system can be guided by a different principle. For example, the guiding distribution principle may require that each sleeper distribution car 482A to 482N have the same or approximately the same number of spare sleepers (i.e., each of the 482A to 482N distribution cars weighs approximately the same as the other cars) as nonozn / zznz / q / uli can prevent problems from arising when the weights of the 482A to 482N distribution cars are substantially different from each other. These guiding principles, which are provided here as examples, can be selected in line with a particular application.

[00135] Image processor 252 may have an obstacle detector 258 and a location modifier 260, which were detailed above with respect to system 200. Image processor 252 may be omitted.

[00136] Governor 454 may have a backup caller 464 and an alarm generator 467. Backup caller 464 may assign and activate a backup based on a determination that railcar 482A to 482N originally assigned to a sleeper drop location has failed to deliver a sleeper 4 at that location (e.g., because it got stuck, because its stocks of sleepers 4 were exhausted, etc.). Backup caller 464 may be guided by the same guiding principle that guides manager 456 (e.g., where the guiding principle focuses on the first available railcar, backup caller 464 may likewise select the next available railcar after a determination that the original assignee has failed to deliver a sleeper 4 as desired).In some configurations, the 400 system may have a designated backup car (e.g., the last sleeper distribution car to pass each sleeper drop location).

[00137] Backup caller 464 can ensure that a sleeper 4 is dropped at the designated sleeper drop location, or if that is not possible, that a sleeper is dropped near the sleeper drop location as soon as possible. Occasionally, and depending on the speed at which the train travels along rail 290, each of the assigned cars 482A to 482N and backup car 482A to 482N may fail to distribute a sleeper at a particular location, and this failure may not be recorded until after the train has passed the sleeper drop location. In such a case, backup caller 464 can cause the nearest available car 482A to 482N to drop a sleeper 4 as soon as feasible, even if the sleeper 4 is no longer distributed at the intended location.This can ensure that the sleeper crew that subsequently repairs the railway has access to the appropriate number of 4 sleepers to complete the work manually, even if some of the 4 sleepers are not loaded into the originally designated sleeper drop-off location.

[00138] When a sleeper 4 is not distributed to its designated location, or alternatively, when a given number of sleepers 4 (e.g., two sleepers, five sleepers, etc.) are not distributed to their designated locations, Governor 454, and specifically its alarm generator 467, may generate an alarm. The alarm may be an audible alarm, a visual alarm, or a combination of both. For example, in some modes, alarm generator 467 may automatically dial a mobile device belonging to a foreman or other responsible individual. Alternatively or additionally, alarm generator 467 may use the network (e.g., N1 or N2 network) to communicate the alarm to a supervisor's computer. The train's speed may be reduced in response to the alarm, as the alarm may indicate that the train is moving too fast for the sleepers 4 to be distributed as desired. nonozn / zznz / q / uιλι

[00139] The sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N, as illustrated, have local controllers 484A to 484N, memory 486A to 486N, and software 488A to 488N that has local operators 490A to 490N. These components are substantially similar to the sleeper distribution cars 282A to 282N and components 284A to 284N, 286A to 286N, 288A to 288N, and 290A to 290N, except as described herein. For example, in the 400 system modes, unlike local operators 290A to 290N of cars 282A to 282N, local operators 490A to 490N of cars 482A to 482N can distribute an appropriate location without being instructed to do so by train controller 450 and then report the same to the train controller.

[00140] Figure 23 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for using the sleeper distribution system 400 to distribute sleepers 4 on a section of railway track 290.

[00141] Method 500 can begin at step 502. In step 504, the work planning data 211 can be filled into the work planning database 210, as discussed above.

[00142] Next, in step 506, the software 424, and specifically its planning engine 426, can create a sleeper distribution plan using some or all of the work planning data 211. In step 508, the sleeper distribution plan can be saved as a dump file 438. The sleeper distribution plan 438 can identify the geographic location of each sleeper 4 to be distributed. The sleeper distribution plan 438 can further include a slide angle for the sleeper 4 distribution at each drop location, an intended direction of train travel, and the side of the track 290 on which each sleeper is to be distributed. Unlike system 200 plan 238, sleeper distribution plan / dump file 438 may not include primary and backup car assignments since these will be generated in real time while the train is in motion.

[00143] In step 510, dump file 438 can be communicated through structure 402 to operations car 442 via network N1.

[00144] In step 512, once the train comprising operations car 442 and sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N is in motion, navigator 455A can determine the train's heading (i.e., identify, between two possible directions in which the train can travel on rail 290, the current direction of travel). This direction of travel can be selected on the day of repair based, for example, on rail availability and other factors.

[00145] As discussed earlier, sleeper distribution plan 438 can be created for a train intended to travel on rail 290 in a specific direction. If the actual direction of travel of the train is opposite to the direction of travel on which sleeper distribution plan 438 was based, the plan can be flipped so that sleepers 4 are distributed at the locations specified by plan 438 regardless of the train's opposite direction of travel.

[00146] In step 513, administrator 456 can determine the speed at which the train is traveling along the track, which substantially affects the sleeper distribution operation. Step 513 can be performed before step 512. nonozn / zznz / q / uιλι

[00147] In step 514, while the train is in motion, a sleeper distribution car 482A to 482N can be assigned to each sleeper drop location as the train approaches that drop location. As discussed, the assignment of sleeper distribution cars 482A to 482N to drop locations can be based on one or more guiding principles. For example, the guiding principle might dictate that the first available 482A to 482N car will drop sleeper 4 at each upcoming drop location. Or, for example, the guiding principle might prescribe that each 482A to 482N car will have an equal or generally equal number of sleepers 4 in reserve, which can alleviate concerns associated with trains traveling with cars of different weights.

[00148] After each sleeper 4 or series of sleepers 4 is distributed in step 516, the governor 454 can verify whether the sleepers 4 are being distributed as desired. If so, the method can return to step 514 to distribute additional sleepers 4. On the other hand, if it is determined that a sleeper 4 or a given number of sleepers 4 have not been distributed properly, the alarm generator 467 can sound an alarm. Corrective action can be taken in response to the alarm; for example, the train speed can be reduced to allow the sleepers 4 to be distributed properly, the train can be stopped for inspection, etc.

[00149] In step 520, the implementation of sleeper distribution plan 438 can be completed. Method 500 can end in step 522. Although not explicitly shown in Figure 23, when image generators are present, image processor 252 can be used to avoid any obstacles that have unexpectedly appeared in or near the drop location as discussed for method 200.

[00150] Therefore, as described, the sleeper distribution systems (e.g., systems 200 and 400) disclosed herein can generate a sleeper distribution plan, cause this plan to be implemented, and optionally, adaptively modify the plan to ensure that sleepers are distributed safely and efficiently. Notably, each system 200 and 400 can selectively assign any of a plurality of sleeper distribution cars on a train to distribute a sleeper to a particular location, increasing operational flexibility and relative efficiency compared to prior art sleeper distribution systems.

[00151] Many different arrangements of the various components shown, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the substance and scope of this disclosure. The modalities described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative modalities will be evident to those experienced in the subject matter without departing from its scope. A skilled craftsperson may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[00152] Certain features and subcombinations are deemed useful and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are included within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need to be carried out in the specific order described.

Claims

1. A sleeper distribution system, comprising: a sleeper distribution car in which a plurality of sleepers can be stored, the sleeper distribution car including: a sleeper feeder; a sleeper individualizing means; and a sleeper unloading means; wherein: the sleeper feeder feeds sleepers from the car to the sleeper individualizing means, the sleeper individualizing means individualizes the sleepers received from the sleeper feeder and advances the sleepers individually to an operable unloading means for selectively unloading individual sleepers to one side of the car.

2. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 1, wherein said unloading means is operable to selectively unload sleepers from each side of the wagon.

3. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 1, wherein said unloading means is operable to selectively unload sleepers from each side of the wagon and the side walls are secured to the wagon on opposite sides of the sleeper feeder and the individualizing means with a sleeper unloading opening extending adjacent to or through each of the side walls in lateral alignment with the unloading means.

4. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 1, wherein said unloading means comprises a slide that is pivotally mounted and can be selectively positioned to tilt downwards and towards each side of the wagon.

5. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the sleeper distribution car comprises one of a plurality of sleeper distribution cars connected together as a sleeper distribution car train, the sleeper distribution system further comprises a sleeper distribution car controller operatively associated with each of the sleeper distribution cars to control the operation of the sleeper unloading means of each of the sleeper distribution cars, the train further comprises a computing resource communicatively coupled to each of the sleeper distribution car controllers, the computing resource having a sleeper distribution plan comprising a plurality of drop locations stored therein, the computing resource configured to implement the sleeper distribution plan by selecting,For each sleeper drop-off location, one of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars on the train from which to unload a sleeper, and the unloading means of the selected one of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars being selectively operated to unload the sleeper at the respective sleeper drop-off location.

6. The train of wagons according to claim 5, further comprising a monitoring device communicatively coupled to the computing resource and operable to detect and communicate to the computing resource an unexpected condition, the computing resource altering the sleeper distribution plan based on the unexpected condition communicated to the computing resource.

7. The train of wagons according to claim 5, further comprising at least one image generator communicatively coupled to the computing resource and operable to capture an image of each of the selected sleeper drop locations, the computing resource programmed to refuse to operate the unloading means of the selected plurality of sleeper distribution wagons in response to a determination of an unexpected condition at one of the selected drop locations based on an image of the selected drop location captured by the image generator.

8. The train of wagons according to claim 5, wherein said unloading means for each wagon in the train comprises a discharge slide and each sleeper distribution wagon controller is operable to control an angle of the discharge slide of the respective sleeper distribution wagon in response to a determination of an unexpected condition at one of the selected drop locations.

9. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the sleeper distribution car comprises one of a plurality of sleeper distribution cars connected together as a sleeper distribution car train, the sleeper distribution system further comprises a sleeper distribution car controller operatively associated with each of the sleeper distribution cars to control the operation of the sleeper unloading means of each of the sleeper distribution cars, the train further comprises a computing resource communicatively coupled to each of the sleeper distribution car controllers, the computing resource having a sleeper distribution plan comprising a plurality of drop locations stored therein, the computing resource configured to implement the sleeper distribution plan by selecting,For each sleeper drop-off location, one of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars on the train from which to unload a sleeper, and the unloading means of the selected one of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars being selectively operated to unload the sleeper at the respective sleeper drop-off location.

10. A sleeper distribution system, comprising a sleeper distribution car including: a floor conveyor sized to receive a plurality of sleepers thereon and extending at least partially through a lower portion of the car, the floor conveyor having an upper conveyor slide advancing to a discharge end of the floor conveyor; an individualizer conveyor assembly in the car positioned to receive sleepers conveyed from one end of the floor conveyor, the individualizer conveyor assembly advancing the sleepers individually to a distributor mounted between the individualizer conveyor assembly and a discharge slide, the distributor selectively releasing individual sleepers onto the discharge slide, the discharge slide being oriented to discharge each sleeper released therefrom to one side of the car.

11. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 10, wherein said unloading slide is operable to selectively unload sleepers from each side of the wagon.

12. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 10, wherein said discharge slide is operable to selectively discharge sleepers from each side of the car and the side walls are secured to the car on opposite sides of the floor conveyor with a sleeper discharge opening extending adjacent to or through each of the side walls in lateral alignment with the discharge slide.

13. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 10 wherein said unloading slide is pivotally mounted and can be selectively positioned to tilt downwards towards each side of the wagon.

14. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 10, wherein said individual conveyor assembly includes a re-arranger conveyor comprising a plurality of sleeper coupling members on a plurality of conveyor chains, the sleeper coupling members coupling sleepers conveyed from the floor conveyor to the re-arranger conveyor, the re-arranger conveyor extending upwards at an angle relative to the railcar, and the sleeper coupling members are dimensioned to sequentially couple and lift individual sleepers and advance the individual sleepers sequentially to the distributor.

15. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 10, wherein the sleeper distribution car comprises one of a plurality of sleeper distribution cars connected together as a sleeper distribution car train, the sleeper distribution system further comprises: a sleeper distribution car controller operatively associated with each of the sleeper distribution cars to control the operation of the distributor of each of the sleeper distribution cars, the train further comprises a computing resource communicatively coupled to the sleeper distribution car controller of each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars, the computing resource having a sleeper distribution plan stored therein,The sleeper distribution plan establishes a plurality of sleeper drop-off locations, and the computing resource is configured to implement the sleeper distribution plan by selectively operating the distributor of each of the sleeper distribution cars to selectively unload a sleeper from a selected sleeper distribution car at each of the sleeper drop-off locations.

16. The train of wagons according to claim 15, further comprising a monitoring device communicatively coupled to the computing resource and operable to detect and communicate to the computing resource an unexpected condition, the computing resource altering the sleeper distribution plan based on the unexpected condition communicated to the computing resource.

17. The train of wagons according to claim 15, further comprising at least one image generator communicatively coupled to the computing resource and operable to capture an image of each of the selected sleeper drop locations, the computing resource programmed to override the sleeper distribution plan in real time in response to a determination of an unexpected condition at one of the selected drop locations based on an image of the selected drop location captured by the image generator.

18. The train of wagons according to claim 15, wherein said controller associated with each sleeper distribution wagon is operable to control an angle of the discharge slide of the respective sleeper distribution wagon in response to a determination of an unexpected condition at one of the selected drop locations.

19. The sleeper distribution system according to claim 11, wherein the sleeper distribution car comprises one of a plurality of sleeper distribution cars connected together as a sleeper distribution car train, the sleeper distribution system further comprises: a controller operatively associated with each of the sleeper distribution cars to control the operation of the distributor of each of the sleeper distribution cars, the train further comprises a computing resource communicatively coupled to the controller of each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars, the computing resource having a sleeper distribution plan stored therein,The sleeper distribution plan establishes a plurality of sleeper drop-off locations, and the computing resource is configured to implement the sleeper distribution plan by selectively operating the distributor of each of the sleeper distribution cars to selectively unload a sleeper from a selected side of a selected sleeper distribution car at each of the sleeper drop-off locations.

20. The train of wagons according to claim 19, further comprising a monitoring device communicatively coupled to the computing resource and operable to detect and communicate to the computing resource an unexpected condition, the computing resource altering the sleeper distribution plan based on the unexpected condition communicated to the computing resource.

21. The train of wagons according to claim 19, further comprising at least one image generator communicatively coupled to the computing resource and operable to capture an image of each of the selected sleeper drop locations, the computing resource programmed to override the sleeper distribution plan in real time in response to a determination of an unexpected condition at one of the selected drop locations based on an image of the selected drop location captured by the image generator.

22. The train of wagons according to claim 19, wherein said controller associated with each sleeper distribution wagon is operable to control an angle of the discharge slide of the respective sleeper distribution wagon in response to a determination of an unexpected condition at one of the selected drop locations.

23. A method for distributing sleepers to one side of a railway track, comprising: providing a plurality of sleeper distribution cars on a train, each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars having a distribution car controller and a discharge means configured to selectively distribute a sleeper to at least one side of the railway track; generating a sleeper distribution plan, the sleeper distribution plan identifying a plurality of sleeper drop locations; communicatively coupling each of the distribution car controllers to a computing resource; saving the sleeper distribution plan to the computing resource; selecting, from the plurality of sleeper distribution cars on the train, a sleeper distribution car to distribute a sleeper to one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations;and employing the distribution wagon controller and the discharge means of the selected plurality of sleeper distribution wagons to distribute the sleeper to said one of the plurality of sleeper drop-off locations.; 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the selection from the plurality of sleeper distribution wagons is made while the train is in motion.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the selection from the plurality of sleeper distribution wagons is selected based on their relative proximity to one of the plurality of sleeper dropping locations.

26. The method according to claim 23, further comprising canceling at least part of the sleeper distribution plan based on an input from an image generator.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the cancellation of at least part of the sleeper distribution plan comprises altering at least one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations.

28. The method according to claim 23, further comprising generating an alarm based on a determination that at least one of the plurality of sleeper drop-off locations was not serviced.

29. The method according to claim 23, wherein the discharge means comprises a slide.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the slider is pivotable to allow the sleeper to be distributed to each side of the railway track.

31. The method according to claim 23, wherein the sleeper distribution plan is generated for travel along the railway track in a first direction.

32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising reversing the sleeper layout plan based on a determination that the train is traveling along the railway in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

33. A method for distributing sleepers to one side of a railway track, comprising: providing a plurality of sleeper distribution cars on a train, each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars having a distribution car controller and a dispenser configured to selectively distribute a sleeper to each side of the railway track; generating a sleeper distribution plan, the sleeper distribution plan identifying a plurality of sleeper drop locations; communicatively coupling each of the distribution car controllers to a computing resource; saving the sleeper distribution plan on the computing resource; selecting, from the plurality of sleeper distribution cars on the train, a sleeper distribution car to distribute a sleeper to one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations;and employing the distribution car controller and the dispenser of the selected plurality of sleeper distribution cars to distribute the sleeper at said one of the plurality of sleeper drop-off locations; wherein the selected plurality of sleeper distribution cars is automatically selected as the train approaches said one of the plurality of sleeper drop-off locations.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the selected one from the plurality of sleeper distribution wagons is selected by the distribution wagon controller of the selected wagon.

35. The method according to claim 33, wherein the selection from the plurality of sleeper distribution wagons is made by computation.

36. The method according to claim 33, further comprising selecting a backup wagon for each of the plurality of sleeper drop-off locations; 37. The method according to claim 33, wherein the sleeper distribution plan includes a dispenser angle associated with each of the plurality of sleeper drop locations.

38. The method according to claim 37, further comprising associating the dispenser angle based on a terrain of each of the plurality of sleeper drop locations.

39. A system for distributing sleepers, comprising: a plurality of sleeper distribution cars on a train, each of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars having a distribution car controller and a discharge means configured to selectively distribute a sleeper on one side of the railway track; a computing resource communicatively coupled to each of the distribution car controllers; a sleeper distribution plan comprising a plurality of sleeper drop locations; a navigator that determines a direction of travel of the train; and a manager that assigns one of the plurality of sleeper distribution cars on the train to one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations when the train approaches one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations;wherein the distribution wagon controller of the assigned wagon of the plurality of wagons of nonozn / zznz / q / uili sleeper distribution is configured to distribute a sleeper to said one of the plurality of sleeper drop locations using the unloading means.; 40. The system according to claim 39, further comprising a monitoring device and a monitoring device processor, the monitoring device processor alters the distribution plan of 5 sleepers based on a determination of an unexpected condition.

41. The system according to claim 39, wherein each distribution wagon controller notifies the computing resource about the distribution of each sleeper.

42. The system according to claim 39, further comprising a planning engine and a planning database, the planning engine generates the sleeper distribution plan based on the data in the planning database.

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