Abstract: Devices and systems for collapsible engagement mechanisms are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a front panel, a first side panel connected to the front panel, a second side panel connected to the front panel, and a collapsible portion connected to at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel, where the collapsible portion is collapsible about a hinge.

Abstract: A rail support block assembly includes a resilient member and a molded block having a top, a bottom and peripheral wall. The block is adapted for fastening one or more rails on the top. The prefabricated resilient member has an outer tray and inner tray arranged within the outer tray, and includes a resilient intermediate structure between the trays. The block is molded. The block is fixed in the inner tray to extend under the bottom of the block and along a lower region of the peripheral wall. The resilient member may form a part of the block mold, so that a mold member combined with the resilient member delimit the mold for the block. The moldable material is introduced and adheres directly to the inner tray of the prefabricated resilient member.

Abstract: An expansion device for a rail suitable for guiding a wheel of a vehicle along a track, and a method for installing the expansion device. Specifically, the rail has a portion of track formed of a series of elements in the form of transverse track plates whose cross section is the same as that of the rail. The track plates are arranged in longitudinal succession along the portion with compressible modules inserted between them.

Abstract: A railroad rail having superior thermal expansion characteristics. Such railroad rail comprising a rail having a predetermined weight and a predetermined length and a ceramic based insulating type paint having a predetermined capability of resisting heat buildup in such rail adhered to predetermined areas of such rail.

Abstract: A rail joint arrangement comprises two rails. The rails have adjacent rail ends separated and thereby forming a gap. The rails have a top end containing a rail head and a bottom end. The gap is defined between the top end and the bottom end of the rails, and the width of the gap is non-uniform throughout its entire length. In addition, the rail joint arrangement comprises at least one electric insulator positioned within the gap. The rail joint arrangement is fastened together by a rail joint bar attaching the two rails together.

Abstract: An end post for a rail joint assembly comprising: a top portion having a profile substantially identical to cross-sectional shapes of rail head sections of first and second rails of the rail joint assembly; a base; and a stem disposed between the top portion and the base; wherein one or more of the top portion, base and stem comprise a plurality of pieces of a first electrically insulating material disposed on or in a second electrically insulating material. The plurality of pieces are preferably spaced apart and may have a substantially disc-shape or a substantially cylindrical-shape, and are preferably made from a ceramic material such as zirconium dioxide, aluminum oxide or silicon nitride, where the second electrically insulating material comprises a polymeric material, such as polyurethane.

Abstract: A railroad tie that is positioned on a rail bed as part of a rail system comprises a first end section, a second end section, and a middle section The middle section extends between and couples the first end section and the second end section The first end section has a first width The second end section has a second width The middle section has a middle width that is at least five percent different than the first width and the second width The middle width can be at least five percent less than the first width and the second width Additionally, the first width can be substantially equal to the second width Further, the middle section can extend away from the first end section at a first angle of between approximately 75 and 95 degrees

Abstract: A rail joint arrangement comprises two rails. The rails have adjacent rail ends separated and thereby forming a gap. The rails have a top end containing a rail head and a bottom end. The gap is defined between the top end and the bottom end of the rails, and the width of the gap is non-uniform throughout its entire length. In addition, the rail joint arrangement comprises at least one electric insulator positioned within the gap. The rail joint arrangement is fastened together by a rail joint bar attaching the two rails together.

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: The invention relates to a railroad tie manufactured from plastic (2), wherein at least two steel bars (3) are embedded in the plastic and wherein the steel bars extend in longitudinal direction of the plastic railroad tie (1) and wherein specimens of the bars (3) situated in operative condition at different heights in the railroad tie are free from mutual connections other than by the plastic. The plastic (2) is Low Density Polyethylene.

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 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 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 T-shaped electrically insulated member for securing to rails having electric current passing therethrough. The electrically insulated rail member includes a metallic core and an electrically insulating material encasing the metallic core. The electrically insulated rail member can be used as a gauge plate or a switch plate. Bushings are received by the electrically insulated rail member for receipt of fasteners secured to adjacent rail members. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the electrically insulated rail member.

Abstract: A T-shaped electrically insulated member for securing to rails having electric current passing therethrough. The electrically insulated rail member includes a metallic core and an electrically insulating material encasing the metallic core. The electrically insulated rail member can be used as a gauge plate or a switch plate. Bushings are received by the electrically insulated rail member for receipt of fasteners secured to adjacent rail members. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the electrically insulated rail member.

Abstract: The present invention involves a power saw for cutting railroad rails at an angle. The power saw includes a base, a cutting location disposed proximate the base, a cutting disc and associated driving mechanism, and a device for moving the cutting disc and changing the angle of the cutting disc relative to the cutting location. A table supports the cutting disc and driving mechanism, and the base has two pivots selectively engageable with the table. The driving mechanism of the cutting disc includes a cam based oscillating device for oscillating the cutting disc during cutting of a railroad rail. The power saw also includes a guide and a conveyor system for positioning a railroad rail on the cutting location. The conveyor system moves railroad rails to the guide. A device for applying force against the direction of the cutting force of the cutting disc is located at the cutting location. A device for delivering a fluid, a coolant, lubricant, or rust-inhibiting solution, is located adjacent to the cutting disc.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a railway or railroad track joint, and more particularly, to an improved electrically insulated bonded rail joint incorporating a non-conductive spacer in or associated with a rail bonding adhesive. The present invention also relates to a method for bonding such electrically insulated rail joints. The present invention provides more control over the spacing of the adhesive layer to achieve a stronger joint and more predictable and stable electrical insulation of a track circuit with improved bonding.

Abstract: A modular railway crossing structure supports a pair of rails. The modular railway crossing includes multiple base members, which are aligned axially along the length of the rails. The rails are encased by rubber boot elements. Each base member has a central recess formed in the upper surface. A pair of planar central rail locking members fit in the recess. The base members and the central rail locking members interrelate to support the rails.

Abstract: A rail-support insulating device for electrically insulating rapid transit system rail apparatus from the rail support structure is described. The device includes a layer of electrically non-conductive material forming a boot that encloses the base of the rail where the rail passes over its support. This insulating boot extends upwardly on opposite sides of the rail web and outwardly therefrom to form long surface electrical creepage paths between the rail and the rail support that provide electrical isolation even when the entire assembly of rail, boot and rail support is wet with electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrically insulated rail joint having two integral plastic fishplates with embedded steel reinforcement bolted on opposite sides of the rail joint. Each fishplate is provided with vertical spaced projecting ribs having wedge-shaped faces engaging the rail sides.

Abstract: Fabric-reinforced adhesive bonding sheet, the adhesive of which is a blend of epoxy resin and a dianiline which soften and melt at 50.degree.-110.degree. C. The bonding sheet is especially useful for making insulated rail joints.

Abstract: A rail joint includes an insulative base piece formed of a synthetic plastic composition and insertable between a rail base flange and a joint bar. The opposite surfaces of the base piece are provided with elevated ribs or serrations extending longitudinally of the length of the base piece which base piece is at least as long as the joint bar. Longitudinal migration of the base piece during travel over the rail joint is resisted and thus retention of the base piece is enhanced, due to the deformation of the ribs as the base piece is sandwiched between the rail and joint bar and irregularities in the opposed joint bar and rail base surfaces are filled by the compressed and deformed ribs.

Abstract: A rail joint includes an insulative base piece insertable between a rail base flange and a joint bar. The ends of the base piece project longitudinally beyond the respective ends of the joint bar to provide exposed terminal sections with an intermediate central section. Longitudinal migration of the base piece during travel over the rail joint is precluded by one or more end abutment members fixedly disposed relative the base piece and including an elevated inner abutment surface intermediate the central section and each terminal section and engaging the joint bar ends. The abutment members may comprise integral elevated tabs cut from the base piece or alternatively, separate members insertable through cut-out portions in the base piece terminal sections.

Abstract: An electrically insulated rail joint is protected from electrical shorting by laying an adhesive tape against the undersides and around the toes of the rails across their juncture. The adhesive tape has a thin plastic film backing which is exceedingly stretchy and a thick adhesive which is tacky, stretchy, self-sealing and more adhesive than cohesive.