L.B. Foster. has been granted a patent for a spraying apparatus designed to apply a friction-modifying fluid to railroad rails. The apparatus features a nozzle body, fluid conduits, and a dual fluid supply system that atomizes the fluid for effective application, enhancing rail performance. GlobalData’s report on L.B. Foster gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on L.B. Foster, was a key innovation area identified from patents. L.B. Foster's grant share as of July 2024 was 67%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Spraying apparatus for applying friction modifying fluid to rails
The granted patent US12060089B2 describes a sophisticated spraying apparatus designed for the application of a function-modifying fluid, specifically a friction-modifying fluid, to railroad rails. The apparatus features a nozzle body housed within a protective casing, equipped with a fluid inlet conduit and a first fluid conduit that directs the fluid to a hollow nozzle tip. The system operates using two supply lines: a control fluid supply line that injects pressurized fluid against a piston assembly, and an atomizing fluid supply line that atomizes the first fluid. The design includes a spring-loaded stopper needle that prevents fluid from exiting the nozzle tip until the control fluid displaces it, allowing for precise application of the atomized fluid. Additionally, the apparatus incorporates a heating element to maintain the temperature of the fluid, enhancing its performance.
Further enhancements to the apparatus include a check valve to prevent air from drying the fluid in the nozzle tip, and a purge cap to minimize overspray and clogging caused by external air currents. A wind skirt is also integrated to provide additional protection against environmental factors. The patent specifies that the first fluid can be a water-based friction-modifying fluid, and both the control and atomizing fluids may consist of air. The nozzle body is constructed from aluminum, and the design includes a temperature sensor for monitoring the fluid's temperature, ensuring optimal operation. Overall, this innovative spraying apparatus aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fluid application on railroad rails, addressing challenges posed by environmental conditions and fluid management.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
