Gregory Garcia

US Patent:

6768298, Jul 27, 2004

Filed:

Jul 17, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/907249

Inventors:

Gopichand Katragadda - San Antonio TX
Douglas Earnest - San Antonio TX
Gregory Anthony Garcia - Pueblo CO
Richard Paul Reiff - Pueblo CO

Assignee:

Transportation Technology Center, Inc. - Pueblo CO

International Classification:

B61K 910

US Classification:

324217

Abstract:

A method and system for detecting transverse cracks beneath horizontal cracks in the rail way track. As a transporter moves over rail, a saturation magnetic field is generated into and across the rail head using a toroidal-shaped DC saturation magnet located a predetermined distance above the rail head. Any transverse cracks in the rail head are detected with a low frequency eddy current probe mounted centrally between the opposing pole ends of the DC magnet and over the rail head. A force is applied to the low frequency eddy current probe to hold the probe towards the rail head as the transporter moves on the rail so as to follow the wear pattern of the rail head and to minimize lift-off. A second sensor is used to sense the presence of non-relevant indications that falsely indicate possible transverse cracks by the low frequency eddy current probe.

Address:

7334 Hidden Hls N, San Antonio, TX 78244

VIN:

JA32U1FU1AU001129

Make:

MITSUBISHI

Model:

LANCER

Year:

2010

Address:

901 Shadwell Dr, San Antonio, TX 78228

VIN:

2GCEC13J981340318

Make:

CHEVROLET

Model:

SILVERADO 1500

Year:

2008