Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively attaching components to railroad track rails. More specifically, a connector is provided that can quickly and effectively electrically connect one or more signal lines with a surface of the track rail. In one embodiment, the non-invasive connector utilizes a spring clamp to form an electrical connection with a flange portion of the track rail. First and second opposing members of the spring clamp include teeth that mar the surface of the flange to form an electrical connection between the track rail and the spring clamp when the flange is forced between these opposing members. A signal line is electrically connected to the spring clamp.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively attaching components to railroad track rails. More specifically, a connector is provided that can quickly and effectively electrically connect one or more signal lines with a surface of the track rail. In one embodiment, the non-invasive connector utilizes a spring clamp to form an electrical connection with a flange portion of the track rail. First and second opposing members of the spring clamp include teeth that mar the surface of the flange to form an electrical connection between the track rail and the spring clamp when the flange is forced between these opposing members. A signal line is electrically connected to the spring clamp.

Abstract: At a crossing, rubber interface strips are positioned between the rails and the asphalt or concrete. A U-shaped spring-clip fits underneath the rail, and has upstanding arms that carry tappets, which engage the strips. One of the arms is threaded, and carries a screwed tappet-rod. Turning the tappet-rod closes the distance between the tappets, clamping the strips onto the sides of the rail, and forcing the springy arms apart. The spring-clips are manipulated into position while in an unstressed condition. The spring-clip is only brought up to force when finally assembled. Assembly can be done without tools, and with little danger of mix-assembly, or of injury to workers.

Abstract: At a crossing, rubber interface strips are positioned between the rails and the asphalt or concrete. A U-shaped spring-clip fits underneath the rail, and has upstanding arms that carry tappets, which engage the strips. One of the arms is threaded, and carries a screwed tappet-rod. Turning the tappet-rod closes the distance between the tappets, clamping the strips onto the sides of the rail, and forcing the springy arms apart. The spring-clips are manipulated into position while in an unstressed condition. The spring-clip is only brought up to force when finally assembled. Assembly can be done without tools, and with little danger of mix-assembly, or of injury to workers.

Abstract: At a crossing, rubber interface strips are positioned between the rails and the asphalt or concrete. A U-shaped spring-clip fits underneath the rail, and has upstanding arms that carry tappets, which engage the strips. One of the arms is threaded, and carries a screwed tappet-rod. Turning the tappet-rod closes the distance between the tappets, clamping the strips onto the sides of the rail, and forcing the springy arms apart. The spring-clips are manipulated into position while in an unstressed condition. The spring-clip is only brought up to force when finally assembled. Assembly can be done without tools, and with little danger of mis-assembly, or of injury to workers.

Abstract: A clip for securing a rail seal element to a rail includes a generally L-shaped first clip member having a clamping arm and an elongate connector arm extending from one end of the clamping arm and capable of passing under the rail; a second clip member removably slidable on the connector arm; and a locking mechanism capable of releasably locking the second clip member against sliding movement along the connector arm. In use, the second clip member is removed from the connector arm so that the connector arm can be passed under the rail with minimum disruption of the ballast. The second clip member is then slid back onto the connector arm, and the assembled clip then oriented so that the rail and the rail seal are positioned between the damping arm and the second clip member. The second clip member is then slid on the connector arm toward the clamping arm so as to tightly press the rail and rail seal therebetween.

Abstract: A track circuit retainer clip for a running rail adapted to secure a conductor extending perpendicular to the rail around the edge of the base of the rail in close proximity therewith. The clip includes a U-shape spring metal body having upper and lower legs adapted to embrace the edge of the base of the rail. Each leg includes a center section bowed outwardly adapted to embrace the conductor and hold it tightly against the top and bottom of the rail base edge. The legs of the clip include inwardly directed tangs or barbs struck from the edge of the legs, the inwardly projecting tip of each tang being truncated to provide a linear biting edge to engage the top and bottom of the rail base with a line contact extending longitudinally of the rail or normal to the direction of insertion of the clip.

Abstract: Heat treated spring steel, electroplated with zinc, is formed into clips having a base portion that passes under the base of a railway rail and upstanding end sections that respectively engage and forcefully snap over the opposite lateral edges of the rail base flange. One clip has confronting semi-cylindrical extensions for overlying a section of bond wire to secure the latter in a bight configuration wrapped over the edge of the rail flange. Another clip has a semi-cylindrical extension for securing a section of bond wire to the base flange at the junction with the web of the rail. Angled notches in the edges of the clips provide small barbs that are bent out of the plane of the clip body to bite into the rail when assembled thereto for avoiding creep.

Abstract: A rail mounting assembly is disclosed including clip members which is some cases have formable portions for effecting engagement with a base plate to retain the clip member in position on a crosstie with the base plates on opposite sides of the rail being connected by an anchor means extending internally of the crosstie. Another aspect of the invention involves clip members and base plates having engageable serrated surfaces clamped together by a bolt received in a threaded anchor in a concrete crosstie so that loosening and subsequent tightening of the bolt permits the adjustment of the clip members with respect to the radial base flange and another embodiment in which a clip is held in position by a bolt in the anchor member in the crosstie with the clip having a coined surface canted at an angle to accommodate rail tilt and sawtooth serrations engaging the bolt head for preventing loosening of the bolt member.

Abstract: A tie plate fastener system for connecting a pair of spaced rails to a tie. The system includes a metallic channel tie of U-shaped cross section with the legs thereof opening downwardly and the base thereof having at each end at least one pair of openings spaced from the edges of a rail base when in position on the tie. A pair of tie plates for each rail is located on either side thereof, each plate having openings therethrough in positions corresponding to the openings in the base of the tie, and a single fastening means extends through each of the pairs of openings for securing each pair of tie plates, and thus its respective rail, to the tie.