Abstract: A suspension strut includes a housing assembly including first and second opposed housing members. The first and second housing members are relatively movable along an axis. At least the first housing member includes an engagement surface. At least one compressible spring member is interposed between the first and second housing members. The spring member includes a peripheral portion. The strut is configured such that, when the first and second housing members are relatively displaced along the axis in a prescribed direction, the spring member is axially compressed to provide a spring force opposing further relative displacement between the first and second housing members in the prescribed direction, and the peripheral portion frictionally engages the engagement surface over an area of engagement to provide dynamic damping between the first and second housing members.

Abstract: A mount for use in the suspension system of a railway that truck limits the relative lateral movement between a side frame member and a bearing adapter. In one embodiment, the mount includes a rigid material layer having at least four sections laterally angled between a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. A first and second elastic material layer are respectively positioned between the side frame member and rigid material layer, and between the rigid material layers and bearing adapter. The first elastic material layer has least four sections abutting and conforming to at least four sections of the rigid material layer. In addition, the second elastic material layer has at least four sections abutting and conforming to at least four sections of the rigid material layer. The angled sections cooperate to increase the lateral spring rate of the mount, and improve the ride characteristics and high speed stability of the railway truck.

Abstract: A mount for use in the suspension system of a railway truck that limits the relative lateral movement between a side frame member and a bearing adapter. In one embodiment, the mount includes a rigid material layer having at least four sections laterally angled between a horizontal axis and vertical axis. A first and second elastic material layer are respectively positioned between the side frame member and rigid material layer, and between the rigid material layers and bearing adapter. The first elastic material layer has at least four sections abutting and conforming to the at least four sections of the rigid material layer. In addition, the second elastic material layer has at least four sections abutting and conforming to the at least four sections of the rigid material layer. The angled sections cooperate to increase the lateral spring rate of the mount, thereby improving the ride characteristics and high speed stability of the railway truck.

Abstract: A special trackwork fastener (10) for supporting a railroad rail and attaching it to a support structure. The trackwork fastener (10) is modularly constructed and includes a top plate (20), resilient end portions (12) and (16), optional resilient center portion (14), and securing elements (18). The special trackwork fastener (10) has the versatility to be used in a large number of special trackwork situations such as turnouts, crossovers, crossings and switches or the like, which require a variety of lengths of trackwork fastener (10). The vertical compression stiffness and adjustability in length is provided by two opposed end portions (12),(16) and an optional center portion (14) which is molded or cut to length such that the portions collectively match the length of the top plate (20) and therefore the top plate (20) is fully supported along its length. The elastomer portions can be cored out to provide the desired compression stiffness.

Abstract: A laterally adjustable rail clip fastening means is provided by the present invention for securing a resilient rail clip such as a Pandrol clip to a direct fixation rail mounting assembly, and, in turn, into engagement with a rail. The rail clip fastening means includes a pair of U-shaped sections which are laterally moveable along the top plate of the rail mounting assembly on opposite sides of the rail, and are formed to receive and securely hold a resilient rail clip in position against the rail.

Abstract: A modular cushioning pad comprises a rigid plate and at least one elastomeric cushion centered on the plate. One end surface of the cushion is bonded to the plate, while the second, opposite end surface is spaced from the plate. The outer side surface of the cushion has a first portion that slopes outwardly and away from the end of the cushion bonded to the plate. A second portion of the outer side surface slopes inwardly and away from the first portion of the surface to merge with the second end surface of the cushion. The plate and cushion are preferably annular.