SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RAILROAD TRACK TIE PLATE ORIENTATION

摘要

A machine (100) for automatically orientating railroad tie plates (103) includes a sensing region (311) having at least one optical sensor (301 ) adapted to sense a physical feature of a tie plate (103). An electronic controller (309) is connected to the optical sensor (301) and is disposed to receive a sensor (301) signal indicative of the physical feature of the tie plate (101) when the tie plate (103) is in the sensing region (311). The electronic controller (309) further determines an orientation of the tie plate (103) based on the sensor (301) signal. compares it to one or more predetermined or possible orientations, and provides a cnmmand to at least one actuator (520) adapted to perform at least one tie plate (103) orientation operation to change the orientation of the tie plate (103) based on the comparison of the orientation of the plate (103) with the predetermined orientation.