Drive unit for rail lubricating devices and a method for using the same

A drive unit for controlling a lubrication system configured for a rail system supporting vehicle wheels, said drive unit comprising:

• a) an impact element arranged in a first position proximate at least one said rail and rotatable about a first axis;
• b) a support lever holding said impact element and configured for movement between said first position and a second position about a second axis separate and independent of the first axis, wherein said first position maintains said impact element in a location where it can be impacted by a vehicle wheel passing over said rail;
• c) a pivot mechanism configured for moving said support lever between said first and second positions by way of axial motion;
• d) a return mechanism directly engaged with said support lever and arranged to force said support lever from said second position to said first position;
• and,
• e) a flexible shaft arranged a transfer torque from said pivot mechanism to said lubricating system, said flexible shaft arranged to dampen force from said impact element and rotatable about the second axis;
• wherein the return mechanism lies along a third axis that is non-parallel to second axis;
• and
• wherein the impact element is independently rotatable on the pivoting lever about the first axis.