Abstract: Present embodiments relate to a tie plate dispenser which aligns tie plates for dispensing based on rail base rather than outer edges of the tie plate. Thus tie plates are aligned and located in a differing manner than prior art systems. Further, the tie plate dispenser includes an opening over which a magnet is disposed to retain a tie plate over the opening. The tie plate over the opening may be selectively released by disengaging the tie plate from the magnet.

Abstract: A railcar consist of flatcars for transporting continuous rail sections configured for top loading and end unloading of the rail sections. The consist includes a tie-down flatcar and plural support flatcars. The tie-down flatcar includes a rail securement rack with plural removable rail clamping shelves that facilitate top loading and clamping of the rail sections in place. Each of the plural support flatcars have a roller rack fixed to it. The roller racks include plural roller shelves with rollers to support the rail sections. The roller shelves are pivotally mounted to the roller racks between a loading position that provides clearance for placement of the rail sections from above the consist, and a transport position that supports the rail sections.

Abstract: A rail lifting head (10) comprises a head gate member (20) defining a gate aperture (22), a rail support member (24) removably secured to the gate member (20) and adapted to support a rail vertically within the gate aperture (22), and a head cartridge (100) which is removably secured to the head gate member (20). The head cartridge (100) includes two opposed vertical rollers (128) which support a rail laterally within the gate aperture and a fixing (112) which secures the head cartridge (100) to the head gate member (20). The rail support member (24) is removable from the head gate member (20).

Abstract: A welding apparatus for welding rails of a track comprises two welding units which are movable relative to one another and which are each equipped with clamping jaws at a lower end. The clamping jaws are configured for resting on a web of the rail. Each welding unit is connected to a supporting device which can move relative to the welding unit and which is provided for resting on the track during operation.

Abstract: A material handling system has a shuttle car attached by an extension element either directly to a supply car or to a staging car attached to a supply car. An object manipulator moves an object into place for acquisition by the shuttle car which is brought into position by retraction of the extension element. The extension element extends and moves the shuttle car away to draw the object most of the way from the staging car. A second object manipulator opposite to the shuttle engages the object before the object is pulled completely from the supply car. The shuttle car and the second manipulator lower the object. Objects may also be retrieved and placed on the supply car. In some embodiments, a track on the staging and supply cars may allow a manipulator to travel along the cars to acquire objects.

Abstract: A railway car (100) for placing long rails onto a railway platform, includes a rear end (200) hitched to a rail transport car and a front end (400) and further including, on the rear end (200) thereof, at least one element (202a, 202b) for longitudinally removing a rail from a rail storage arranged on the rail transport car and at least one first element for driving the rail such as to move the rail to the front of the car. The first drive element takes up the rail between two motor-driven tracked trains, each including a tracked belt sent between two wheels, the tracked trains being provided such as to take a relative position in which the tracked belts face each other and the axles of the wheels are vertical.

Abstract: A rail guide for loading railroad rails onto a rail train. The rail guide includes a guide beam disposed to depend vertically downward over each shelf in a rack on a rack car. The guide beam extends substantially the length of the rack car and is coupled to a corresponding guide beam of an adjacent car via a bridge that is configured to accommodate relative movement between the cars. A shoe is provided that is coupled to a leading end of a rail to be loaded. The shoe includes a follower that engages the guide beam to guide a rail being loaded along a path defined by the guide beam. The guide beam can provide vertical and lateral support to the leading end of the rail during loading.

Abstract: A method for delivering ballast to a section of railroad track includes measuring an existing ballast profile of a section of railroad track using a remote sensing system, and providing a signal indicative thereof to a first computer. Using the first computer, the existing ballast profile is compared with an ideal ballast profile to compute a track file representing a volume of additional ballast needed as a function of linear position along the section of railroad track, and data representing the track file is transmitted to a second computer of an automatic ballast dump train. Ballast is dumped along the section of railroad track according to the track file under control of the second computer.

Abstract: A rail guide for loading railroad rails onto a rail train. The rail guide includes a guide beam disposed to depend vertically downward over each shelf in a rack on a rack car. The guide beam extends substantially the length of the rack car and is coupled to a corresponding guide beam of an adjacent car via a bridge that is configured to accommodate relative movement between the cars. A shoe is provided that is coupled to a leading end of a rail to be loaded. The shoe includes a follower that engages the guide beam to guide a rail being loaded along a path defined by the guide beam. The guide beam can provide vertical and lateral support to the leading end of the rail during loading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a railway work vehicle comprising a chassis supported by a drive mechanism and work devices supported by the chassis. According to the invention, the transportation of material within the work vehicle below and/or above and/or next to the working devices can be improved by using at least one conveyor track on which conveyor bodies for objects or objects forming conveyor bodies, in the form of a parcelled goods, can be driven along the working vehicle.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for supporting multiple elongate rails in a rail tie-down car utilizes spring-loaded, hydraulically actuated clamp assemblies to clamp individual rails to the tie-down car. Each clamp assembly incorporates at least two clamp members which act opposite one another to prevent the rail secured in place by the clamps from sliding in either longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method for constructing at least one railway track (V1, V2) on a platform (5), wherein the permanent crosspieces are placed at the substantially permanent site thereof essentially through the use of railway vehicles (20, 30, 40). Crosspiece deposits are pre-formed on the platform (5) and along at least one track to be constructed (V1, V2) via railway vehicles. The method also includes the placement of rails on the crosspieces. The rails are pushed in front of a placement car for the first track (V1) and are deposited by sliding same out of a rail storage and placement train in a direction to the rear of the train and skewed in relation to the axis of the train for the second track (V2).

Abstract: A method for positioning a replacement railroad tie plate along a railroad, comprising the steps of positioning a carrier vehicle on a railroad track, positioning a feed conveyor on the railroad track for movement with the carrier vehicle, moving a sensor assembly in a longitudinal direction of the feed conveyor and relative to a release point a first distance based upon a second distance between two adjacent ties, moving the carrier vehicle and the feed conveyor along the railroad track, detecting an in-service tie plate with the sensor assembly and, actuating a gate assembly upon the detection of the in-service tie plate.

Abstract: A method, system and devices for reconditioning, repair and replacement of railroad track components including direct fixation fasteners includes the use of temporary direct fixation fasteners which serve as temporary rail support and fastening and as guides for installation of permanent anchor inserts for installation and anchoring of new permanent direct fixation fasteners. The method of use of the temporary direct fixation fasteners enables operational use of the railroad line at various stages throughout reconditioning, repair and replacement processes.

Abstract: A rail train for supporting multiple sticks of ribbon rail comprises a plurality of rail support cars having a single, centrally positioned rail support stand wherein adjacent rail support cars are supported on shared trucks. End cars include a tunnel for supporting the rails near their ends and one or more rail support arms pivotal at a first end about two axis and supporting a rail guide assembly at a second end for supporting a rail as it is pulled of the rail train. A rail tie-down car utilizes spring-loaded, hydraulically actuated clamp assemblies to clamp individual rails to the tie-down car. Each clamp assembly incorporates at least two clamp members which act opposite one another to prevent the rail secured in place by the clamps from sliding in either longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning railroad tie plates along a railroad track comprises a carrier vehicle having a carrier conveyor, a roller conveyor formed of frame members and a plurality of idler rollers, the roller conveyor having an upper input end and a lower output end for gravity feeding the plurality of tie plates, the roller conveyor adapted to receive a plurality of tie plates at the input end and feed the tie plates toward the output end, the roller conveyor connected to the carrier vehicle and in feeding communication with the carrier conveyor adjacent an input end of the roller conveyor, the roller conveyor further comprising a rolling support adjacent the output end for movable support of the roller conveyor along the railroad track, an actuator positioned at the output end of roller conveyor, the actuator successively engaging each of the plurality of tie plates during feeding, a sensor adapted to detect an in-service railroad tie plate wherein the sensor signals a controller and the controller act

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spreading ballast along railways makes use of an inertial measurement system to determine where to apply ballast from a hopper car. A variety of techniques can be used to determine the location and speed of the ballast spreading train, including manual or automated visual techniques, laser technology, radar technology, radio frequency transponders, magnetic sensor, thermal imaging and aerial photogrammetry. The invention also contemplates “on the fly” surveys and terrain profiling using lasers or radar.

Abstract: A railway vehicle movable on a railroad track having a frame configured for movement relative to the track is provided. The vehicle includes a bulk storage container disposed on the frame and located generally at the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a method for efficiently removing a great number of damaged rail sections, after a first separating cut, the severed free rail ends are gripped by a rail pulling device connecting the rail ends to one another, and are pulled towards one another. The pulling force required for the pulling-together as well a current rail temperature are registered for calculation of that length of a replacement rail which is required for producing a desired rail tension. A second separating cut is carried out—with corresponding path measurement—spaced at a distance from the first separating cut as calculated on the basis of the selected length of the replacement rail.

Abstract: A method of efficiently delivering replacement railway ties for use in replacing ties that have deteriorated. GPS technology is used to obtain the GPS location of each tie that needs to be replaced. A tie train carrying replacement ties has a GPS monitor so that one or more ties can be unloaded at or near the location of each tie that requires replacement. A tie replacement crew can use a GPS monitor to locate each tie that requires replacement, and the crew can remove those ties and install a nearby replacement tie.

Abstract: A long rail pick-up and delivery system providing increased efficiency and safety. The long rail pick-up and delivery system can include a power car, a rail train, a loading car, an unloading car, a transition car and two independent gantries. The dual gantry design allows for simultaneous and independent loading and unloading of long rail on both sides of the long rail pick-up and delivery system. The gantries are operably mounted on a elevated track whereby the gantries are capable to traversing the length of the rail train. The gantries can include booms having multiple degrees of freedom allowing a gripping head to grasp and pull long rail regardless of the resting attitude of the long rail. The long rail pick-up and delivery system can also include additional power cars, an integrated work station and additional gantries.

Abstract: In a method of loading several like coupled storage cars with bulk material, a first storage car is first filled with the bulk material by reducing the conveying speed mode of a bottom conveyor band in the first storage car to a bulk material storing speed mode while a transfer conveyor band of the adjacent storage car fills the first storage car, the storing speed mode of the bottom conveyor band in the first storage car is automatically adjusted in response to a measured amount of the bulk material accumulating in a pile so that the first storage car is filled to a maximal height, and after the accumulated pile has reached a forward end position, the conveying speed mode of the bottom conveyor band in the storage car adjacent to, and rearwardly of, the first storage car in the conveying direction is automatically reduced to the storing speed mode.

Abstract: In a freight train comprising at least two like storage cars for bulk material, the storage cars comprising loading containers extending in a longitudinal direction, and the storage cars being supported on undercarriages for movement on a track, each storage car comprises a bottom conveyor band extending in the longitudinal direction for conveying the bulk material in a conveying direction from a rear end to a front end of the loading container, and a transfer conveyor band at the front end of the loading container, the transfer conveyor band being arranged to receive the conveyed bulk material from the bottom conveyor band and projecting from the front end to a preceding one of the two storage cars to transfer the conveyed bulk material to the loading container of the preceding storage car where the transferred bulk material forms a bulk material pile.

Abstract: A seal arrangement is disclosed. The seal arrangement includes a seal groove having a central axis. The seal groove is defined by at least a first wall segment, a second wall segment, and a third wall segment interposed the first wall segment and the second wall segment. The first wall segment is angled relative to the central axis so that a linear extension of a surface of the first wall segment intersects the central axis so as to define an angle &agr; therebetween. An associated method of producing a seal arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: A loading car for bulk materials includes a vehicle undercarriage frame defining a longitudinal axis and including first and second car frames connected to one another by a coupler. Rail undercarriages are provided for supporting the vehicle undercarriage frame for mobility on a railroad track. A carrying frame is mounted on the first and second car frame by means of swivel rings, with a storage box built on the carrying frame. A bottom conveyor belt having a discharge end is deposited in the storage box, and a transfer conveyor belt extending at an angle to a horizontal plane is associated with the discharge end of the bottom conveyor belt. Disposed between the storage box and the first and second car frames are supported members, each of which including two hydraulic cylinders positioned opposite one another transversely to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Before replacing an old tie with a new tie in a railroad track, the associated tie plates are temporarily welded to the respective rail bases of the two rails with the aid of an old rail spike.

Abstract: A railway maintenance vehicle exchanges worn crossties for new ones. Worn ties are collected and stored in open-top gondola cars, preferably progressing longitudinally. New ties are simultaneously unloaded from the gondola cars for distribution along the-track. Flange-wheeled tie transport vehicles such as a mobile crane and a bundle clasping transport travel on rails atop the gondola cars to move worn and new ties between collection and distribution devices and the respective storage and unloading locations. Gaps between the cars are bridged by hinged telescoping rail sections. The travel distance between the storage or unloading location and the collection or distribution points change over time. To improve efficiency, at least one intermediate temporary storage basket is moved along the cars and can be passed over by the transport vehicles.

Abstract: A railway panel transport apparatus for moving prefabricated railway panels to installation sites includes a plurality of ties, a first rail, and a second rail. The ties are positioned in spaced parallel relation to support the first and second rails, which extend substantially the length of the railway panel. At least two truck assemblies are connected to the railway panel. The truck assemblies include a pair of travel wheels mounted thereon for engaging and traveling upon existing railway sections. Following transport to the installation site, the truck assemblies are removed and the railway panel is installed in a proper location.

Abstract: A crane carrying vehicle for transporting track ties comprises an elongated machine frame supported on undercarriages for movement on rails in an operating direction, the machine frame comprising a storage section for temporarily storing track ties and having two side walls extending in this direction, the side walls being spaced from each other in a transverse direction extending perpendicularly to the operating direction by a distance corresponding at least to the length of the track ties. A track tie supporting platform in the storage section may be tilted between a horizontally extending loading position and an unloading position extending at an angle to the loading position, and the vehicle carries a power-adjustable pivotal crane outrigger with a gripping device for gripping track ties.

Abstract: A rail loading train for transporting as well as loading and unloading long rails, includes a number of loading cars coupled together and having a frame which has a longitudinal axis and is supported on undercarriages for movement in an operating direction. Mounted on the loading cars are a plurality of rail supports which are spaced from each other longitudinally in direction of the frame and respectively rotatably mounted on support columns. Each rail support includes a separate pivot drive for swinging the rail support about a vertical axis between a receiving position in which the rail support extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and an idle position in which the rail support extends in direction of the longitudinal axis, whereby the position of the rail support in each end position is automatically secured by a locking mechanism once the swinging motion is concluded.

Abstract: A track building machine (34) for the renewal of tracks, essentially comprising a machine frame (1), supported on rail mountings (2, 3), having a work aggregate (38) exhibiting devices (5, 6, 7) for preparing a ballast bed, for lifting out old ties (8) and for laying new ties (9), and additionally comprising devices (35, 36, 10, 11, 12) for transporting the old and new ties (8, 9) and for raising, guiding and stretching apart old rails (13). For the support of the rail mounting (3) in working deployment, which rail mounting is disposed directly in front of the work aggregate (38) in the direction of working, a slide mechanism (18) is provided, which is rollable on the old ties (8). The work aggregate (38) for lifting out the old and laying the new ties (8, 9), outside a section limited by the rail mountings (2, 3) connected to the machine frame (1), is fastened on an extension arm (4) prolonging the machine frame (1).

Abstract: A track working machine comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and having opposite ends, the machine frame having an upwardly recessed portion between the ends, and undercarriages supporting the machine frame ends on the track for mobility thereon in an operating direction. An operator's cab has an access below the upwardly recessed machine frame portion for permitting an operator to enter and leave the cab, and two structural parts are attached to the machine frame and extend in the longitudinal direction below the upwardly recessed machine frame portion, the structural parts being spaced from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction and defining therebetween a delimited working area. A hoisting apparatus is mounted on the machine frame, the hoisting apparatus comprising a load carrying device and drives for adjusting the load carrying device in vertical, longitudinal and transverse directions.

Abstract: A mobile machine for preparing rails for welding comprises an elongated bridge-like machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction, the machine frame having an upwardly recessed frame portion extending between opposite ends of the machine frame and defining a work space, and undercarriages support the opposite machine frame ends. Rail lifting devices are mounted on the machine frame for displacement in the longitudinal direction, and drives vertically adjust the rail lifting devices. The machine further has support shelves for storing rails on the machine frame.

Abstract: Vehicle able to lay a specially designed track formed from elements (5, 6, 7) joined end to end. The vehicle (8) advances along the track and carries a track element on the carriage. When it reaches the end of the track, the carriage is lowered so that the element can be fitted into the preceding element. The elements are of different types so as to permit track height and direction changes.

Abstract: The invention comprises essentially a first car (1) resting on a bogey running on the track to be replaced, and a second bogey (3) moving during the work cycles with the aid of two auxiliary devices (5, 6) above the old cross-ties (4) without rails. It also comprises a work unit for removing the old rails, a unit (8) for the old cross-ties (4) and a unit (10) for laying new cross-ties (2). The auxiliary devices (5, 6) are two retractable translation devices arranged so as to be able to move on the cross-ties (4) without rails and are disposed on either side of the second bogey (3).

Abstract: Vehicle able to lay a specially designed track formed from elements (5, 6, 7) joined end to end. The vehicle (8) advances along the track and carries a track element on the carriage. When it reaches the end of the track, the carriage is lowered so that the element can be fitted into the preceding element. The elements are of different types so as to permit track height and direction changes.

Abstract: A multiple railroad tie handling method includes simultaneously clamping a layer of closed packed, parallel concrete railroad ties, lifting and moving the clamped group toward a track bed, spreading the clamped ties to the required tie interval spacing, laterally aligning the clamped group with previously laid ties and spacing the group to continue the existing tie spacing, lowering the clamped group to the track bed, and simultaneously releasing the ties on the track bed.

Abstract: The process for on-track neutralization of the rails of a railway consists in causing to move past continuously along the rails (R2) at least one heating element (12), measuring continuously the value of the temperature of the rails before heating, measuring the value of the speed of movement past of the heating elements in relation to the rails, measuring the value of the change in the temperature of the rails after heating until the moment of their on-track fixing and controlling the heating of the heating elements (12) as a function of the said values.

Abstract: An improved locomotive crane boom generally indicated at 10 has of a first member 11, second member 12, and third member 13 each pivotally connected at various pivot points to one another and to locomotive crane 14. A series of pistons and cylinders, 19, 20 and 21, powered by hydraulic pump 23 and fluid source 34, may be selectively extracted or retracted thereby permitting the improved boom to be positioned at any point along the length of a typical gondola car 17 to be unloaded. In operation, locomotive crane 14 with the included improved boom 10 does not need to be uncoupled from gondola car 17 for unloading since the improved boom may be articulated such that unloading magnet 24 or any other appended appliance may be positioned across the entire length of car 17 through the selected extraction and retraction of the pistons and cylinders and pivoting of the boom members 11, 12 and 13.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a railway-track renewal train into a train for laying new railway track. The railway-track renewal train includes a first truck bearing on a bogie rolling on a renewed track, a second truck bearing on spaced first and second bogies of which the first bogie rolls on an old track and the second bogie moves on old ties or sleepers, and various means for removing the old rails and sleepers and for laying new rails and sleepers. The bogie of the first truck is mounted onto a vehicle designed to remain on site and having a motor for moving the vehicle on the ballast or platform. The vehicle is moved in the direction of movement of the renewal train or in the opposite direction dependent on whether an old railway track is removed or new track is laid.

Abstract: The train comprises transport vehicles (16) for the new (T1) and old (T2) ties, followed by a storage vehicle (12) for the ties, a railroad car (1) as a dismantling car, articulated to the storage vehicle (12), and a laying unit (17) constructed in a manner such as to be mobile between a working state and a state of rest when running light. When working, this mobile unit (17) bears at one end on the car (1), for example via a wheel gear (22), and at the other end on a running support (24) which moves on the new track (R2). In the state of rest, the mobile unit (17) is moved and loaded onto the car (1), the running support (24) being retracted. The running support can also be formed by a railroad vehicle (26) or by a bissel truck (28), coupled to the car when running light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically setting tie plates on tops of the ties for a railroad track includes a frame adapted to be moved along the track, an inclined slide surface adapted to accommodate a plurality of tie plates thereon, a plate control mechanism adapted to release the plates one at a time to slide down the slide surface and into a plate pocket where the plate is received by a reciprocating pusher which deposits the plate upon the top of a respective tie with a minimum of movement thereon so that the plate will be accurately positioned on the tie.

Abstract: A mobile installation for loading, transporting and unloading track parts such as ties on, in and from open top railroad cars including a train mounted for mobility along a railroad track and having a plurality of open top railroad cars. Adjacent ones of the railroad cars are coupled together and each one of the railroad cars has two parallel side walls with top edges extending in the direction of the railroad track, and two end walls, the end wals of the adjacent railroad cars defining respective gaps therebetween. A power-driven crane is provided for loading and unloading the track parts and has an undercarriage supporting the crane for mobility in the direction of the railroad track. There is also a track supporting the undercarriage of the crane for mobility above the top edges of the railroad cars in said direction. The track includes two parallel guide rails mounted on the top edges of the railroad cars and is spaced apart a distance corresponding to the gage of the crane undercarriage.

Abstract: A mechanical tie gang comprises a train of open top railroad cars, a power-driven crane for loading and unloading ties and having an undercarriage arranged for mobility in the direction of the railroad track, and a track supporting the undercarriage of the crane for mobility above the top edges of the side walls of the railroad cars in this direction, the track comprising two parallel guide rails mounted on the top edges of the railroad cars and being spaced apart a distance corresponding to the gage of the crane undercarriage, the guide rails extending beyond the end walls of the railroad cars into the gaps between adjacent cars.

Abstract: A machine for removing old rails and replacing them with new rails is constituted by an adzing station where the surfaces of the old ties are adzed after removing the old rails and tie plates. The adzing station has two adzers spaced laterally on either side of the center of the machine for adzing laterally spaced locations at which new tie plates and rails have to be laid. The adzers are mounted, respectively, on two frames which can move together laterally with respect to a third frame in response to a center line follower so that the adzers are always located at the correct lateral position even on curved track. The third frame is attached to the main frame of the machine and it can be pivoted selectively about two spaced lateral locations adjacent to where the adzers are mounted in response to control signals from an inclinometer mounted on the pivotal frame and control signals from a superelevation device measuring the superelevation of the track.