BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Guide rails are used to guide the movement of elevators, elevating platforms and the like. Conventionally, guide rails have been lubricated by grease and oils, which are in liquid or semi-solid form. Grease and oil lubricants must be applied by hand or delivered to the guide rail using a dropper, nozzle, fibrous material, sponge or similar device and the lubricant is allowed to freely flow along the guide rail (see for example JP 10-194632 July 28,1998). The application of conventional guide rail lubricants is messy and results in inconsistent application of the lubricant to the rail.

Furthermore, in the case of the application of a lubricant to a vertically positioned rail, devices for the collection of the lubricant may be required to gather lubricant at the bottom of the rail. Guide rails have to be cleaned periodically to remove build up of excess grease or oil lubricant and the dirt which accumulates with the lubricant, using for example a lubricant absorbing material. Grease and oil based lubricants also have the disadvantage of being flammable.

JP 10-194632 discloses a device for the application of an oil lubricant to an elevator guide rail. The device houses lingulate lubricant applicators comprising a fibre body covered with unwoven cloth. The applicators slidably contact three planar surfaces of the guide rail, thereby applying the oil lubricant. However. this device cannot be used to apply a dry stick friction modifying composition.

U. S. Patent No. 5,308,516 (May 3, 1994), U. S. Patent No. 5,173.204 (Dec.

2 ?, 1992) : European Patent No. 0 474 750 (Mar. 3. 1992). and European Patent

Application No. 89122596. 3 (June 13,1990) disclose solid or semi-solid friction modifying compositions that are resilient to wear and designed for application to steel surfaces. These compositions have been optimized for use between steel bodies in sliding or rolling contact. Several of the compositions exhibit the property of increasing the coefficient of friction between the steel bodies with increased steel-to- steel creepage or sliding. However, there has been no previous disclosure of the use of these compositions with elevator guide rails.

An applicator for administering a solid lubricant to an elevator guide rail is disclosed in JP 02-070685 (March 9,1990). Successive adjustments of a screw- threaded bar and nut assembly maintain force on a spring which presses a solid lubricant against the guide rail. Only one surface of a rail is lubricated using the device of this invention.

JP 57-139194 (August 27,1982) discloses a device for lubricating three planar surfaces of an elevator guide rail using three solid lubricants housed within three supporting frames. Successive adjustments of a screw-threaded bar and nut assembly in each of the three supporting frames is required to maintain force on a spring which presses solid lubricant blocks against the surfaces of the guide rail.

The applicators disclosed in JP 02-070685 and JP 57-139194 have the disadvantage that periodic adjustment of the threaded bar and nut assembly is required to ensure that the solid lubricant is biased into contact with the guide rail. Such periodic adjustment increases maintenance costs. As there is no mechanism to restrict the displacement of the spring within the supporting frames when the lubricant stick is worn out, the spring within the supporting frame will contact the guide rail, causing noise and potentially damaging the rail surface. The central surface of a guide rail may vary in width with different guide rails, therefore a block of lubricant which is narrower than the supporting frame of the lubricating device may be used to abut a narrow guide rail surface. However, a narrow block would be prone to movement within the frame when the applicator moves along the guide rail. To overcome this

problem, JP 57-139194 discloses the use of a biock of lubricant of the same width as the supporting frame to lubricate a more narrow surface of the guide rail. When the block is wider than the planar surface to which it is applied, the block will wear unevenly, resulting in waste lubricant falling from either side of the planar surface. which may interfere with other equipment and could present a hazard. Furthermore, this would result in the block wearing out prematurely. If the unused portions of the lubricant block do not fall away from the lubricating device. then they will contact the adjacent lubricant blocks engaging the sides of the guide rail, and by doing so, will limit the advancement of the middle block. This will result in uneven lubrication of the guide rail and increase the noise, while decreasing the life of the guide rail or other contacting surfaces.

There is therefore a need for improved applicators which permit the administration of a solid or semi-solid friction modifying compositions to elevator guide rails, which improvements mitigate some or all of the above-noted disadvantages of the prior art.

It is an object of the invention to overcome disadvantages of the prior art.

The above object is met by the combinations of features of the main claims, the sub-claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying a friction modifying composition on a guide rail. More specifically, this invention is directed to an apparatus for applying a friction modifying composition to an elevator guide rail.

According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for applying a friction modifying composition to a surface of a guide rail comprising a body having at least one channel attached to the body in which a block of the friction modifying

composition may be housed ; the channel comprising a proximal end and a terminal end : the terminal end comprising an aperture through which the block may extend : a biasing means extending from the proximal end to an adjacent end of the block for biasing the block toward, and to extend out from, the terminal end so as to abut the surface of the guide rail ; and an alignment means to register the block within the channel. Preferably, the apparatus also comprises a mounting means disposed on the body for attaching the apparatus to a sliding structure that moves along the guide rail.

This invention also pertains to the apparatus as defined above, wherein the block, hosed within a channel, is pivotally attached to a channel holder.

The invention additionally provides a system for modifying friction along a surface of a guide rail, the system comprising: a block of friction modifying composition, and an apparatus according to the invention as described above; the block being disposed within the channel of the apparatus. Optionally, the system may comprise a sliding structure attached to the apparatus for moving the apparatus along the guide rail, thereby applying the friction modifying composition to the surface of the guide rail. As a further option, the friction modifying composition may be LCF (g or HPF (g) (both made by Kelsan Technologies Corp Vancouver B. C. Canada).

Further, the invention provides a method of modifying friction along a surface of a guide rail comprising the steps of: loading a block of friction modifying composition into a channel of the apparatus according to the invention as described above; contacting the apparatus with the guide rail so that the block abuts the surface of the guide rail; and sliding the apparatus along the guide rail to thereby apply the friction modifying composition to the planar surface of the guide rail.

Advantageously, the use of a solid friction modifying composition eliminates the use of toxic, hazardous or flammable prior art lubricants such as grease or oil.

The invention reduces maintenance costs as compared to prior art devices since no periodic adjustment of screw threaded bar and nut assemblies is required in order to

bias the block of friction modifying composition into contact with the guide rail, and no maintenance is required until the block wears out. The friction modifying composition needs only infrequent replacement.

A further advantage resides in that different sized blocks can conveniently be used interchangeably in the channel because of the alignment means which serves to register a block in position within the channel. Thus, no waste composition is formed due to uneven wear when a block is wider than the surface to which it is applied. This prevents interference of the waste composition with other components.

According to one embodiment, a further advantage resides in that the alignment means serves to prevent the biasing means from protruding through the aperture of the channel when the friction modifying composition is used up. This prevents noise and damage which would otherwise be caused from the biasing means sliding along the surface of the guide rail. Advantageously, this allows the waste friction modifying composition to be maintained within the channel until such time as it can be replaced.

This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all necessary features of the invention but that the invention may also reside in a sub-combination of the described features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: FIGURE 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention containing a friction modifying composition placed in contact with a guide rail.

FIGURE 2 is a top view of an embodiment of Figure 1 with the cover removed.

FIGURE 3 is a top view of a cover for use with the embodiment of Figure 2.

FIGURE 4 is a side view of an embodiment of Figure 1 in section along line A-A.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 6 shows views of several friction modifying composition blocks for use with the present invention. Figure 6A shows a circular shaped block with a groove for mating with an appropriate alignment means. Figures 6B-D show a rectangular blocks of varying dimensions with either grooves or protrusions for interaction with the appropriate alignment means.

FIGURE 7 is a top view of an alternate cover for use with the embodiment of Figure FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a block and associated biassing means.. Figure 8A shows a block with a central axially disposed groove. Figure 8B depicts an alignment means having a pin for use with the block of Figure 8A.

FIGURE 9 shows side and top views of the interior of a channel housing the block and alignment means depicted in Figure 8. Figure 9A, shows a side view, and Figure 9B shows a top view.

FIGURE 10 is a side view of an example of an apparatus of the present invention in use on a guide rail.

FIGURE 11 shows an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention comprising a channel pivotally attached to a channel holder. Figure l lA shows a top view of an embodiment of Figure 1 with the cover removed.

Figure 11 B shows a front view of the block and channel mounted within a

channel holder. Figure 11 C shows a side view of the block and channel mounted within a channel holder. Figure 11 D shows a side sectional view as indicated in Figure 1 in. Figures 11 E and F show the movement of the block within the channel holder. Arrows indicate the direction of movement of the apparatus with respect to a rail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying a friction modifying composition on a guide rail. More specifically, this invention is directed to an apparatus for applying a friction modifying composition to an elevator guide rail.

The following description is of a preferred embodiment by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

With reference to Figures 1 to 11, the invention will now be described as it relates to an apparatus for applying a friction modifying composition to an elevator guide rail.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of the invention positioned to apply the friction modifying composition (10,12) to a guide rail (14). The apparatus has a body (16) comprised of a base and a cover (20). In this embodiment, the base comprises three channels (22) and a plate (18) to which the channels (22) are attached.

The friction modifying composition (10,12) is retained in the channels (22). An aperture (24) is located at a terminal end of each channel (22). The friction modifying composition (10,12) extends through each aperture (24) and abuts three respective planar surfaces (26,28,30) of the guide rail (14). However, it is to be understood that a variable number of channels (both more and fewer) may be used according to the invention, depending on the type of guide rail being treated.

The term"friction modifying composition"refers to a solid or semi-solid composition, the application of which to a guide rail either increases or decreases friction between the guide rail and a contacting surface. The composition must be of a consistency which permits application to a guide rail and be of adequate rigidity so as to retain its shape throughout constant application of a force biasing the composition against the guide rail. Examples, which are not to be construed as limiting in any manner, of friction modifying compositions are provided below. Other friction modifying compositions include those compositions disclosed in U. S. Patent No.

5, 308,516, U. S. Patent No. 5,173,204 ; European Patent No. 0 474 750; and European Patent Application No. 89122596. 3.

The friction modifying composition is preferably formed as a block (e. g. 10, 12), and is shaped as a cube, rectangle, cylinder or other appropriate shape for adapting to the apparatus as described herein. For use with one embodiment of the invention, the block may have grooves or protrusions (e. g. 48 or 49, respectively; Figure 6) formed therein to mate alignment protrusions or grooves within the channel.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the block may comprise at least one central bore along its length that matingly receives at least one or more alignment rods (e. g. 122), as depicted in Figures 8 and 9, discussed in more detail below. The block is sized to fit within a channel of the apparatus. In an alternate embodiment, the channel (22), comprising a block therein, may be pivotally attached to a channel holder (130; see Figure 11) so that during application, when the block is biased against, and moving relative to, the rail, the block may orient itself so as to trail, relative to the central axis of the channel. This configuration has been found to be effective in reducing noise in some applications. It is to be understood that the arrangement shown in Figure 11 is one of many arrangements permitting pivotal attachment of a block to the apparatus. For example, which is not to be considered limiting in any manner, the channel holder (130) may be slidably attached to the plate (18) and the block may be pivotally attached to the channel holder, thereby obviating the need of a channel. In this configuration, the biasing means acts directly against

the channel holder to ensure that the block extends out from the body of the apparatus and contacts the rail.

A friction modifying composition may be applied to surfaces in rolling-sliding contact for the purpose of increasing friction between the surfaces, thereby reducing noise levels associated with, for example, wheels undergoing a combined rolling and sliding movement over the guide. Alternatively, a friction modifying composition may be applied to a guide rail to reducing friction between surfaces. resulting in reduced force being required to move one surface relative to the other.

Within the channel (22), a biasing means, for example but not limited to a spring (32) is located at the end of the channel opposite the aperture (24). The biasing means serves to maintain the friction modifying composition (10,12,10) in contact with the respective planar surfaces of the guide rail (14). As the composition is applied to the guide rail (14), the size of the composition block within the channel is reduced. Thus, the biasing means, for example a spring (32) serves to push the remaining composition toward the aperture (24) and onto the guide rail.

Other biasing means may include a piston or ratchet mechanism, or any other means which urges the friction modifying composition remaining within the channel toward the aperture. Preferably, the biasing means is sized to just fit within the channel with minimal clearance, thus preventing noise which may be generated by its movement within the channel. A suitable biasing means pressure, if a spring is used, is from about 0.5 to about 10 psi. However, this pressure range may vary with the use of other biasing means.

The base of the apparatus may comprise a plate (18) to which distinct channels (22) are fastened by means of appropriate fasteners, such as in the embodiment of in Figures 1,2 and 4. Channel holders (130; Figure 11) may also be fastened to the based by any appropriate means. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the base of the apparatus may be a unified base (40) having channels moulded therein. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1,2 and 4, the channels (22) and channel holders (130;

Figure 11) are connected to the plate (18) by any suitable fastening means, for example but not limited to screws (34,36). The cover (20) is fastened to the channel (22) or plate (18) by means of screws or any other removable fastener (38), and is thus removable when access to the channels (22) is required for maintenance or replacement of the composition (10,12) therein. Holes (39) in the cover receive screws or any other removable fastener (38).

The fastening means in the base or in the plate (18) allows fastening of the apparatus to a sliding structure that moves along the guide rail (14). The apparatus may be affixed to any appropriate structure such as a slipper guide shoe (100) and a bracket (104) as shown in Figure 10 and discussed later in more detail. In Figure 2, slots (52) are located on the plate (18). Screws, bolts, pins or other suitable fastening device (e. g. 102; Figure 10) may be used to affix the slots to any sliding structure, and the alignment of the apparatus with respect to the guide rail (14) may be adjusted as needed.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, the cover (20) is attached to the unified base (40) having channels formed therein. Screws or any other removable fastener (38) are used to attach the cover (20) to the unified base (40).

The apparatus of the present invention may be adapted to apply friction modifying compositions to guide rails of various sizes. The dimensions of the composition blocks may be adjusted to suit the dimensions of the planar surfaces of the guide rail. Preferably, the block is designed not to exceed the width of the rail, thereby preventing any of the block from coming into contact with the other solid lubricant blocks, as the blocks wear out. For example, if block 12 (see Figures 1 and 2) were to be of a greater width than planar surface 28, as the block 12 wore down, unused portions would contact the other blocks 10.

Figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D and Figure 8A illustrate blocks of the friction modifying composition for use with the invention having either a cylindrical shape

(44) or a rectangular shape (46,47 and 51). A narrow block (47) would preferably be used for a narrow guide rail surface, whereas a wider block (46) would preferably be used for a wider guide rail surface.

The block (10), comprising the friction-modifying composition, may fit snugly within the channel (22), or the block (12) may be of a dimension smaller than the inner bore of the channel (22 e. g. Figures 2 and 4) or channel holder (130; see Figure 11). For example, if the width of the guide rail planar surface (28) is smaller than the width of the channel, then the block (12) may be of a smaller dimension than the inner bore of the channel (22). In the application of the block to a narrow guide rail, the block may be registered within the channel by an alignment means (e. g. 42, Figures 4 and 1 in ; 48,49, Figure 6; 122, Figure 8; 129, Figure 9 ; 138 and 140, Figure 11).

Furthermore, the block may be registered within a channel which is itself is pivotally attached to a channel holder (130 ; see for example, Figure 11). By being pivotally attached to the channel holder, the block is permitted to pivot about a cental axis, relative to the channel holder, and orient itself so as to trail during contact with a rail surface (see Figures 11 E and F).

The term"alignment means"refers to any means by which a block may be aligned within a channel. Such means may comprise one or more alignment protrusions which project into the channel (e. g. 42, Figures 4 and 1 nid; 131, Figure 11) ; and mate with an equal number of grooves (48, Figures 4 and 11 D) formed in the block, or slots (132, Figure 11 C) within the sides of the channel. Alternatively, one or more grooves may be formed in the channel to mate with an equal number of protrusions (49) located on the block (51), as shown in Figure 6D. Other alignment means include one or more alignment rods (122, Figures 8 and 9) located along the length of the channel which is matingly received, respectively, by a bore (124) located along the length of the block, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, or pins (131, Figure 11) for pivotal attachment of the channel and block therein, to a channel holder (130, Figure 11).

Regardless of the type of alignment means used, a block plate (128) may be inserted between the block and the biasing means within the channel. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the block plate (128) may be adapted to allow passage of the alignment rod (122) therethrough. The block plate (128) evenly distributes the pressure applied by the biasing means, in this case a spring (32). to the block (10).

The block plate may have one or more pins (126) that register within a slot (53). Slot 53 may function to register the block within the channel, and also. as a stop to prevent the block plate from exiting the aperture when the block has been used up. The pin (126) may follow a longitudinal slot formed in the cover (20) such as the window (53, Figure 7 and 9B), the top surface of the channel (22), or slots in both the cover and top surface of the channel. The pin slides along the slot, and when the block wears out, the pin (126) of the block plate (128) is stopped by the end of the slot (or window) in the cover of channel as described above. Thus, the biasing means is also stopped. This embodiment beneficially provides a visual indicator (ie-the position of the notch) for evaluating how much of the block is left in the channel, thereby avoiding removal of the cover is required to make this determination.

The rear portion of the biasing means may register against any suitable stop, for example, but not limited to, fastening means 38 (Figure 4) or 136 (Figure l lD), or the rear surface of the channel (e. g. Figure 9A), or the unified base (40).

By the phrase"registered within the channel"it is meant that the block is maintained in a desired position within the channel, generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the channel. In one embodiment, the block is maintained centrally coaxial within the channel so as to prevent uneven wear of the block or movement of the block within the channel. Thus, the alignment means allows different sized blocks to fit within the channel. It is to be understood that the present invention also pertains to blocks, or channels comprising blocks, that are pivotally attached within a channel holder (130, Figure 11). This pivotal attachment of a block or channel permits the friction modifying composition of block 10 to trail, relative the a central axis of the channel holder, as it is being applied against a rail.

According to one embodiment of the invention the alignment means comprises one or more alignment protrusions or pins which project from the surface of the channel into the channel and mate with an equal number of grooves in the block. By the term"alignment protrusion"or"alignment pin"it is meant a projection which extends into the interior of the channel. The protrusion may be of any type suitable to mate the groove, such as a screw, a ridge, a pin, etc. Typically, a channel may have one or two alignment protrusions in order to register the block within the channel. If the alignment means is of the type wherein the alignment protrusions are present on the block, any acceptable alignment protrusion may be placed on the block.

As depicted in Figure 4, alignment pins (42 and optionally, including fastening means 36), such as but not limited to screws, pins or bushings in the cover (20) and in the plate (18), extend into the channel and mate with grooves (48) formed in the block of friction modifying composition (10,12). Alignment pins (42, Figure 4; also see 138 and 140, Figure l lD) extend through holes (43, Figure 3) in the cover. In this embodiment, alignment pins (36) in the plate serve both to fasten the channel (22) to the plate (18), and as guides to mate with grooves in the friction modifying composition. However, it is to be understood that other alignment means may also be used with the device of the present invention including at least one alignment rod (122) located centrally within a channel to be matingly received in a bore located along the length of the block, as depicted in Figures 8 and 9.

By the term"grooves", it is meant any indentation capable of mating an alignment protrusion. If present, one or two grooves may be used on each block, corresponding to the number of alignment protrusions per channel. If the block has two grooves, the grooves (48) are preferably located on opposite longitudinal sides of the block. such as shown in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C. A single groove would be adequate to guide the block within the channel. However, if two alignment protrusions are found within the channel, the block should have two grooves (48) formed therein to mate with the alignment protrusions (36 and 42).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the alignment pins (e. g. 42.

138,140) are located near the aperture end of the channel and act not only to register the block within the channel, but also act as a stop to prevent the biasing spring (32) from extending through the aperture when a block is worn down (see Figures 4 and 11 D). Also, if the spring is stopped by the alignment protrusion, the small amount of block remaining in the channel is no longer pushed against the guide rail planar surface by the force of the spring, and is maintained within the channel until such time as the block is replace, thus, acting as a barrier between the spring and the guide rail surface.

Optionally, the cover may have windows (50) formed therein. In the cover shown in Figure 3, two windows (50) are present for each channel. In the cover shown in Figure 7, one windows (50) are present for each channel. Windows are not required, but if present, one or more windows may be present either in the base or in the cover to allow viewing of the content of a channel. The window allows an observer to view into the channel (22), to evaluate the remaining quantity of friction modifying composition, to thereby determine the need for replacement or maintenance. Thus, removal of the cover is not required to determine whether the composition has been used up or requires replacement.

An alternate embodiment is also provided in the present invention to permit pivotal attachment of the block (10,12) to the apparatus as described herein, so that the block is able to pivot about a central axis relative to the channel holder (see Figures 11 A-F). In this embodiment, a channel (22) is pivotally attached to a channel holder (130) by means of a pin (131) attached to the side of the channel. This pin mates with a slot (132) located on the side of the channel holder. The channel holder is attached to the plate (18) by any suitable means. The channel is mounted in the channel holder in such a way as to leave a space (135) above and below the channel.

This arrangement allows the channel to pivot relative to the central axis of the channel holder (Figures 11 E, F). When the block comprising the friction modifying composition of the present invention is applied to the guide rail, and the block moves

relative to the rail surface, the friction between the guide rail and the block communicates a force to the block which then pivots about pin 131. The pivoting motion is stopped when the back or the front part of the channel comes in contact with a bumper pad (133) at the bottom of the holder (130 ; see Figures 11 lE F). This tilting may be necessary in some instances to effect constant and even application of the friction modifying composition. Furthermore, it has been observed that in some high speed applications, this pivoting action, permits the friction modifying composition to trail during application, and reduces noise associated with the rail. It is to be understood that pivoting channels may also be used in low speed applications as well.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the base of the apparatus may comprise a plate (18) to which one or more channel holders (130) are fastened using appropriate fasteners. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the base of the apparatus may be a unified base having channel holders moulded therein. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4B the channel holders (130) are connected to the plate (18) by any suitable means, for example but not limited to screws (134). The cover (20) may be fastened to the channel holders (130) or the plate (18) by means of screws or any other removable fastener. The cover is thus removable when access to the channel holders (130) and channels (22) is required for maintenance or replacement of the friction modifying composition (10,12) therein.

In use, the body of the apparatus may be mounted to a sliding structure that can move along a guide rail. The term"mounting means"refers to any mode of connection which allows the body of the apparatus to be affixed to a sliding structure.

For example, but not to be construed as limiting, mounting means may be slots in the apparatus body (base, plate, or cover) which mate with fasteners to affix the body to the sliding structure, for example, but not limited to bracket 104 (Figure 10).

Alternatively, fasteners may be affixed to the body to mount to slots on the sliding structure. Mating grooves on the apparatus and the sliding structure may also be used.

Figure 2 depicts slots (52) in the plate (18), which allows for adjustable positions of the body on the sliding structure.

The term"sliding structure"refers to any convenient structure which slides along a guide rail to which the body of the apparatus may be attached. For example, but not to be construed as limiting, the sliding structure may be a guide shoe, such as slipper guide shoe (100) depicted in Figure 10. The apparatus may be connected directly to the guide shoe or may have a suitable bracket (104). In Figure 10. the body (16) of the apparatus is mounted to a bracket (104) by means of a fastening device (102) such as a bolt or screw/nut assembly. The bracket (104) is then attached to a slipper guide shoe (100), which slides along a guide rail (14). A slipper guide shoe may be attached to a guide shoe (106) on the cross head (108) of the frame of an elevator car (110), or an elevator counter weight. Alternatively, the apparatus may be attached directly to an elevator car or counterweight frame instead of to the guide shoe. When the sliding structure to which the apparatus is attached moves vertically along the guide rails in a hoistway. the friction modifying composition is applied to the guide rails.

It is to be understood that any friction modifying composition may be used with the invention. The composition may be a friction decreasing composition (lubricant composition) or a friction increasing composition. The friction modifying composition may be LCF (t (made by Kelsan) or HPF%) (made by Kelsan), may formulated according to Examples 1 and 2 below, or according to any acceptable formulation. Thus, the invention may be used to either apply a friction increasing composition or a friction decreasing composition to the guide rail, as required.

An exemplary a friction modifying composition for use with the apparatus of the invention, comprises: (a) at least about 24% by weight water : (b) about 8% by weight binding agent (defied below); and (c) at least about 2% by weight solid lubricant (defined below).

A further exemplary a friction modifying composition for use with the apparatus of the invention, comprises::

(a) at least 60% by weight water; (b) at least 5% by weight binding agent (defined below) ; and (c) at least 3% by weight friction modifying compound (defined below).

The friction modifying compositions outlined above can be formulated by selecting one or more solid lubricants or friction modifying compounds as required.

Examples of solid lubricants and friction modifying compounds can be found from, but are not limited to, the following: Solid Lubricants molybdenum disulphide graphite aluminum stearate zinc stearate carbon compounds (coal dust, carbon fibres, etc.) Friction Modifying Compounds calcium carbonate magnesium carbonate magnesium silicate barium sulphate calcium sulphate asbestos aluminum silicate silica amorphous silica naturally occurring silica slate powder diatomaceous earth ground quartz silica flour white lead basic lead carbonate zinc oxide antimony oxide dolomite calcium sulphite naphthalene synemite polyethylene

mica The term"binding agent"refers to a hydrophilic agent which absorbs water causing it to swell out physically into particles of a shape capable of adhering to a rail.

The binding agent creates a continuous phase matrix which is capable of binding solid lubricants. friction modifying compounds and other compounds to a metallic surface by dispersing or holding the compound in a discontinuous phase matrix. The binding agent has rigidity such that when the friction modifying composition is applied on the metal surface, it has some structure and will maintain its integrity after another surface passes thereover. Examples of binding agents include but are not limited to clays such as bentonite (sodium montmorillonite) and casein.

The above description is not intended to limit the claimed invention in any manner, furthermore, the discussed combination of features might not be absolutely necessary for the inventive solution.

All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference. Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. It is understood that the invention has been disclosed herein in connection with certain examples and embodiments. However, such changes, modifications or equivalents as can be used by those skilled in the art are intended to be included. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be construed as exemplary, rather than limiting, and such changes within the principles of the invention as are obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.