SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOBILE SUBVEHICULAR ACCESS AND TREATMENT OF GROUND SURFACES ABOUT OCCUPIED RAIL TRACKS

摘要

A system and method are provided for subvehicularly accessed treatment of ground surfaces about a rail track occupied by a rail vehicle. A mobile treatment unit having a propulsion mechanism for subvehicular passage between the rails occupied by the rail vehicle includes a dispensing portion for expelling a treatment material therefrom onto regions of the ground surface about the rails. The mobile treatment unit is maneuverable between the rails and maintains height clearance for unobstructed passage beneath the occupying rail vehicle. At least one sensor unit is coupled to the mobile treatment unit, which acquires environmental feedback data about the mobile treatment unit. A control unit is operably linked to the mobile treatment and sensor units, and receives the environmental feedback data. The control unit controls actuation of the mobile treatment unit responsive to the environmental feedback and/or a maneuver control command.

主权项

1. A method for subvehicularly accessed treatment of ground surfaces about a rail track occupied by a rail vehicle, comprising:
establishing a mobile treatment unit having a propulsion mechanism and including at least one sensor unit coupled thereto to capture environmental feedback data about said mobile treatment unit; positioning said mobile treatment unit between the rails occupied by the rail vehicle for subvehicular passage therealong; actuating said mobile treatment unit to dispense a treatment material therefrom onto regions of the ground surface about the rails while maneuvering said mobile treatment unit between the rails; maintaining a height clearance for unobstructed passage of said mobile treatment unit beneath the occupying rail vehicle; and, controlling said mobile treatment unit through a communications link maintained therewith, said mobile treatment unit being controlled thereby responsive to at least one of said environmental feedback and a maneuver control command input.