Abstract: A method for optimizing track performance comprising: is provided. The method involves measuring one or more track status data at one or more measurement sites of the track during a train pass though the one or more measurement sites. Followed by analyzing the one or more track status data against one or more baseline reference values to obtain a track status profile, and adjusting an operating parameter, a track parameter, or both the operating and track parameters, based on the track status profile, to optimize the track's performance.

Abstract: A clamp device for mounting a rail device onto a railroad rail includes a clamp body having an upper section and a lower section. The clamp body defines a recess portion between the upper and lower sections and a bore extending through the lower section of the clamp body. A bolt having a first end and a second end extends through the bore of the clamp body. The clamp device also includes a quick release mechanism having a lever arm and a cam member pivotally connected to the second end of the bolt. The lever arm is connected to the cam member and has a clamped position and a released position whereby pivoting the lever arm from the released position to the clamped position draws the first end of the bolt and the clamp body together.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a friction modifying material to the top of rails (12). The wayside applicator includes an applicator bar (26) that has a dam for holding friction modifying material.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing fluid from a flexible containing includes a dispensing device having a support, a linkage pivotally attached to the support, a dispensing mechanism attached to the linkage, and a pump. The dispensing mechanism has at least two squeeze members that coact to engage a flexible container and is configured to dispense fluid from a flexible container. The pump is configured to coact with the dispensing device and is configured to remove fluid from a flexible container.

Abstract: A rail joint includes a top section and a bottom section. The top section has an upper end and a lower end. The bottom section has an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The intermediate portion is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The lower end of the top section is secured to the bottom section via at least one of a fastener, a welded joint, and a tongue and groove joint.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method for dispensing fluids from a flexible container is disclosed. The dispensing device includes a support and a linkage pivotally attached to the support. The dispensing device may also include a roller mechanism coupled to the linkage, wherein the roller mechanism has at least two squeeze members configured to engage a flexible container that coact with a drive roller to force the roller mechanism in a first direction to dispense fluids from a flexible container.

Abstract: In a container lock for insertion into a locking aperture, a post is provided insertable into and extractable from the locking aperture. At least one latch arm is provided within the post and which projects laterally from a side of the post. The latch arm is pivotable about a first pivot axis during insertion and about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis during at least a beginning of extraction. A compression spring is positioned to bias the at least one latch arm.

Abstract: A vehicle tire tie-down winch and chock assembly ties down at least one tire of a vehicle on a load carrying platform with a tire harness. The load carrying platform has at least one raised rib with elongated apertures at a top surface of the rib. The assembly has a chock surface and a rotating lock mechanism with an elongated lock element which in an insertion position fits within one of the apertures in the rib and in a locking position has its longitudinal extent substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the elongated aperture to engage the aperture. At least one hook is engageable in another of the elongated apertures of the rib or in an elongated aperture of another rib at the platform. A winch is provided on the assembly which secures to an end of the tire harness. The winch may have a foot pedal release.

Abstract: A center support sleeve for a bonded rail joint bar that includes a body having a head portion, a web portion, and a base portion. The head portion depends from the web portion, which depends from the base portion. The head portion and the base portion are bent in the same direction thereby defining a recess area therebetween. The web portion of the body also defines a plurality of holes.

Abstract: A rail joint assembly is provided for joining abutting railroad rails with an electrically-insulated joint. The rail joint assembly comprises abutting railroad rails compressing an insulating gasket therebetween and rail joint bars secured through a plurality of holes by fasteners to the adjacent railroad rails. The rail joint bars comprise a body and an insulating spacer comprising a porous mesh screen and washer. A layer of epoxy is sandwiched between a rail joint bar and railroad rail and comprises a rigid epoxy on lateral portions of a first side of a rail joint bar and a flexible epoxy placed on a central portion of the first side of a rail joint bar. Rail joint bars are rectangular shaped and may have a cutout.

Abstract: A notched tie plate insulator adapted to be received within a recessed area of a tie plate of a railroad rail system. The insulator includes a bottom plate having a first side and a second side and a pair of side plates attached to the bottom plate. Each side of the bottom plate defines a notch therein. The side plate includes a longitudinal extending body having an upper surface and a lower surface and defining a recess on the upper surface and a protrusion on the lower surface, wherein the protrusion of each of the side plates is received within the notches of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A rail joint assembly is provided for joining abutting railroad rails with an electrically-insulated joint. The rail joint assembly comprises abutting railroad rails compressing an insulating gasket therebetween and rail joint bars secured through a plurality of holes by fasteners to the adjacent railroad rails. The rail joint bars comprise a body and an insulating spacer comprising a porous mesh screen and washer. A layer of epoxy is sandwiched between a rail joint bar and railroad rail and comprises a rigid epoxy on lateral portions of a first side of a rail joint bar and a flexible epoxy placed on a central portion of the first side of a rail joint bar. Rail joint bars are rectangular shaped and may have a cutout.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a friction modifying material to the top of rails (12). The wayside applicator includes an applicator bar (26) that has a dam for holding friction modifying material.

Abstract: A lap joint assembly that includes two spaced apart mating railroad end sections that are double bent and machine tapered and trimmed to conform in spatial alignment with one another, an electrical insulating material positioned between the two machined mating rail sections and at least one fastener attaching the machined railroad rail sections to one another.

Abstract: A skirt for use on an applicator bar, wherein the applicator bar includes a body and a flow passageway having an exit end defined in the body, and wherein a second section of the skirt defining a lip is adapted to coact with the body so that the second section is positioned adjacent the exit end of the body.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a friction modifying material to the top of rails (12). The wayside applicator includes an applicator bar (26) that has a dam for holding friction modifying material.

Abstract: An electrically-insulated tie plate for electrically isolating parts of a railroad rail system from each other. The electrically-insulated tie plate includes a base plate having a recessed area for receiving a railroad rail and a layer of electrically-insulating material covering portions of the base plate.

Abstract: A skirt for use on an applicator bar, wherein the applicator bar includes a body and a flow passageway having an exit end defined in the body, and wherein a second section of the skirt defining a lip is adapted to coact with the body so that the second section is positioned adjacent the exit end of the body.