Abstract: Apparatuses and methods determine the three-dimensional position and orientation of a fiducial marker and tracking the three-dimensional position and orientation across different fields-of-view. Methods include: capturing an image of a first space in which the fiducial marker is disposed with a first sensor having a first field-of-view; determining the three-dimensional location and orientation of the fiducial marker within the first space based on the image of the first space in which the fiducial marker is disposed; capturing an image of a second space in which the fiducial marker is disposed with a second sensor having a second field-of-view; calculating pan and tilt information for the second sensor to move the second field-of-view of the second sensor to acquire an image of the fiducial marker; and determining the three-dimensional location and orientation of the fiducial marker within the second space based on the image of the second space.

Abstract: A spike retainer which may be forcibly driven through an aperture in a tie plate into a wood cross tie includes an upper lip for engaging a flanged base of a rail supported by the tie plate. A movable wedge attached to the spike retainer is forced between the cross tie and the tie plate when a spike is forcibly inserted into the spike retainer, thereby clamping the tie plate and the flanged base of the rail between the upper lip and the movable wedge. The spike retainer is initially inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the cross tie by means of an insertion tool having a channel which permits the spike retainer to be forcibly inserted into the hole without engaging the movable wedge.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting solar radiation into electricity and for storing energy generated in excess of demand. The system includes a large circular collector fabricated from modular elements. The collector is combined with a concentrator and boiler for producing steam. The steam produced is used to drive an electrical generator and a hydraulic pump. When system demand is less than the capacity of the generator, the excess energy is used to drive the pump. The pump transports water from a low level reservoir to an elevated reservoir, thereby storing potential energy. Later, when demand increases, water from the elevated reservoir is used to drive a second electrical generator. The circular collector is mounted on tracking apparatus which automatically aims the collector to focus on the sun and receive maximum solar radiation on its surface.

Abstract: A railroad spike retainer is disclosed which may be driven into a railroad tie together with the spike it retains. The retainer exerts a retention force both against the spike to prevent its regression from the retainer and also against the tie to prevent the regression of the retainer itself from the tie.