Abstract: A device for lifting and handling steel ties (sleepers) or similar shape ties by the use of one of their top surface holes. The device comprises a straight or angled shape working end to which, on one side, is affixed more or less angularly, an engagement member bearing a recessed area like a notch both inserting and tilting thus locking themselves into aforementioned tie hole so the whole working end can now perform a plurality of operations (lifting, pulling, pushing, rotating and flipping) on the tie being installed or replaced on a railway bed. The other side of the working end is coupled to a straight or angled elongated member, with or without a handle, for manual operations. Alternatively the said other side of working end can be affixed to a variety of coupling member for further integration into a machine for assisted operations.

Abstract: A railway-rail-lifting device for lifting a railway rail comprises an arm (105) and a roller (110) rotatably mounted to the arm (105). The arm (105) is operable to be rotated to bring the roller (110) to bear on the rail such that the roller (105) exerts a lifting force thereon. Securing means are operable to releasably secure the device to a rail fastening assembly.

Abstract: An improved design that would allow one workman to easily elevate a heavy concrete tie to the base of the rail and hold it in position while tie is connected to the rail with retainer clips. Improvements are made in the handle design that allow the workman to remain in a more upright position at the time the tie comes in contact with the rail. Also added is a safety grip ring near the upper end of the handle. Design improvements are also made at the foot end of the handle unit. At this point the improved tool design will allow more leverage to be applyed to the tie and a varity of hook devises to be used on lower end of tool, depending on what type of concrete tie is to be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand held tool, for lifting a railway tie plate to the base of a railroad rail and holding the tie plate in position so tie plate will not move downward or laterally when railway workers install retainer clips that hold tie plate to the base of the rail. This tool will offer a safer and more efficient way to perform this task whether it is new or old construction.

Abstract: A load binder tool is provided for use with a lever-type load binder. The tool includes a base member and a handle member. The handle member is pivotally mounted to the base member at a pivot point between the first and second end of the handle member. A portion of the handle member defines a generally U-shaped cradle open at the first end and terminating at an end wall prior to the pivot point. The U-shaped cradle is sized to receive the lever of the lever-type load binder. The base member acts as a fulcrum as the handle member is pivoted about the pivot point such that the U-shaped cradle raises the load binder's lever from its locked position. The U-shaped cradle allows the lever to freely snap into its unlocked position without requiring any portion of the tool to travel therewith.

Abstract: A disconnect tool for use with a plurality of vehicles powered by a source of high voltage electricity and method of disconnecting high voltage equipment, which disconnect tool comprises a disconnect means for moving a coupling between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, an elongated disconnect member of lightweight rigid construction having a non-conductive shaft and a non-conductive coating, including a non-conductive handle, a non-conductive shaft and a non-conductive hook means for engaging the coupling, and including a non-conductive surface layer for preventing high voltage from passing from the transit vehicle to the handles of the user. The method of disconnecting comprises coupling a first vehicle to a second vehicle, mechanically engaging the first coupling means manually grasping an elongated disconnect tool, moving the disconnect lever between a connected position and a disconnected position by pulling the disconnect tool outwardly.

Abstract: A portable sawmill is provided in which a rigid straight channel support is placed on a floor or on the ground with one end slightly elevated. A pair of longitudinally spaced log supports are mounted in the channel piece at a distance corresponding to the length of a log to be placed thereon. A carriage with rollers is mounted to ride along the upturned edges of the channel piece and is adapted to roll by gravity from the elevated end of the channel piece to the lower end. The carriage includes a bandsaw driven by a low horse power motor and is equipped with a release mechanism for automatically disengaging the drive between the motor and the saw at the end of a cutting stroke. A jacking mechanism and adjustable shelves on the log supports are included for raising the log to a new height after each cut.

Abstract: A frame comprises cross-members. Two longitudinal beams are associated with the frame. At least one of the beams is detachably associated with the cross-members. An arm extends transversely to the beams between the same and is pivotally connected to the frame by an articulated joint. A drive mechanism is provided to impart a pivotal movement to the arm about the articulated joint. Upwardly facing, low-friction bearings are carried by the arm between the beams and spaced from the articulated joint. The frame is adapted to be pushed under a rail and to assume a condition in which the beams extend along the rail on opposite sides thereof and rest on two spaced apart ties supporting the rail and the bearings engage the rail from underneath between the ties.