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On Oct. 11, The Timken Co. introduced its wireless Guardian™ bearing, which is designed to enhance the company's AP™, AP-2™ and SP™ family of rail bearings.


Guardian bearings, which are undergoing tests, use a self-powered sensing system that transmits speed, temperature and vibration data by radio frequency to an onboard receiver. Data can be stored locally, or networked with onboard or off-site computers.


The bearing's wireless technology enables train operators to earlier detect damage to bearings, wheels or tracks — which could cause a derailment — compared with current bearing systems, said Sam Williams, Timken Co. chief engineer-rail, in a prepared statement.