Wayside rail lubrication apparatus and method

摘要

A wayside lubrication apparatus ( 10 ) for applying a lubricant ( 26 ) in response to the presence of a train ( 14 ) on the rail ( 14 ). To avoid excessive lubricant on the rail, lubricant may be applied in response to a second train only if a predetermined time period has elapsed between first and second trains. The amount of lubricant applied in response to the second train may be controlled by refilling a lubricant container ( 68 ) at a controlled rate. The application of lubricant may be terminated before a number of rearmost load cars ( 46 ) of the train pass the lubricant applicator ( 28 ) so that the quantity of lubricant remaining on the rail is reduced by the wheels ( 40 ) of the cars at the end of the train. This prevents the lubricant from reducing the traction capability of the drive wheels ( 38 ) of the next oncoming locomotive ( 16 ). Operation of the lubricant dispensing apparatus ( 22 ) may be bypassed by an operator-controlled bypass device ( 60 ) located on-board the train.