Abstract: A method for creating a welded joint between ends of two steel rails, wherein the two steel rails have a substantially pearlitic microstructure. The method includes a first heating step, an upsetting step, a first cooling step, and a second heating step and provides a means to influence a microstructure and hardness of an austenitic region of a heat affected zone (HAZ) and/or an extent of softening in a softened region of a HAZ.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rail weld treatment device for improving a resulting microstructure in and around an effected zone of a rail weld and of rails surrounding the rail weld. The device includes, but is not limited to a fixture clamping and centering assembly for engaging a rail head of a rail and a heating and cooling device connected with the fixture clamping and centering assembly to be positioned over the rail head. The fixture clamping and centering assembly comprises an engagement member which removably engages the rail head. The heating and cooling device includes a heating member for heating an effected zone of the rail weld and a cooling member for cooling the effected zone.

Abstract: An improved steel railroad rail, and methods for producing same, having a high-carbon content in a range from more than 0.9 to 1.1 wt % is provided that has increased wear resistance and increased fracture toughness over conventional steel rail. The high-carbon rail is characterized as having a pearlitic phase of an eutectoid nature. The average ultimate tensile strength is in a range from 204,860 to 222,120 psi, with a minimum of 174,000 psi. The average yield strength is in a range from 132,320 to 148,450 psi, with the minimum of 120,000 psi. The average percent elongation is in a range from 10.50 to 11.14, with a minimum of 10.00. The Brinell hardness on the surface at any position of the head top and upper gage corners of the rail is in a range from 390 to 440 BHN. The hardness 19 mm below the top surface is in a range from 360 to 435 BHN and 19 mm below the surface at the upper gage corners is in a range from 360 to 410 BHN.

Abstract: An improved steel railroad rail, and methods for producing same, having a carbon content in a range from 0.7 to 0.95 wt % and titanium in the range of 0.005 to 0.105 wt % is provided that has increased wear resistance and increased fracture toughness over conventional steel rail. The rail is characterized as having a pearlitic phase of an eutectoid nature. The average ultimate tensile strength is in a range from 178,000 to 207,000 psi, with a minimum of 174,000 psi. The average yield strength is in a range from 122,000 to 141,000 psi, with the minimum of 120,000 psi. The average percent elongation is in a range from 10.3 to 12.5, with a minimum of 10.00. The Brinell hardness on the surface at any position of the head top and upper gage corners of the rail is in a range from 370 to 420 BHN. The hardness 19 mm below the top surface is in a range from 360 to 405 BHN and 19 mm below the surface at the upper gage corners is in a range from 360 to 410 BHN.

Abstract: A wheel-type inspection device includes within the wheel structure a sensor head. The sensor head carries both ultrasonic transducers and a surface tracking structure maintained at fixed distance relative to the transducers. In operation, the surface tracking structure remains against the inner surface of the tire and thereby maintains a fixed distance between the transducers and the surface of the work piece under inspection. As a result, reflected sound energy analysis need not compensate for variations in distance between the transducers and the work piece because no such variations in distance occur under the disclosed device.

Abstract: A railroad rail produced by rolling a substantially round bloom, together with a process and system for manufacturing the same. The round bloom may be produced by continuous casting methods. The bloom is initially rolled into a substantially rectangular shape and then into a rail. The rolling process may be continuous and in-line to allow for the production of very long seamless rails.

Abstract: A railroad rail produced by rolling a substantially round bloom, together with a process and system for manufacturing the same. The round bloom may be produced by continuous casting methods. The bloom is initially rolled into a substantially rectangular shape and then into a rail. The rolling process may be continuous and in-line to allow for the production of very long seamless rails.

Abstract: A railroad rail produced by rolling a substantially round bloom, together with a process and system for manufacturing the same. The round bloom may be produced by continuous casting methods. The bloom is initially rolled into a substantially rectangular shape and then into a rail. The rolling process may be continuous and in-line to allow for the production of very long seamless rails.

Abstract: A superior unitary one quarter mile long railroad rail and system and method for manufacturing the same. The method of manufacture is characterized by the use of a continuous rolling process and the in-line controlled cooling of the rail. The system produces very long rails without any weld seams.

Abstract: A superior unitary one quarter mile long railroad rail and system and method for manufacturing the same. The method of manufacture is characterized by the use of a continuous rolling process and the in-line controlled cooling of the rail. The long railroad rail is rolled in a single direction with a plurality of in-line rolling stations.

Abstract: A unitary one-quarter mile long railroad rail which is free of weld seams. The rail is produced via a process including continuous rolling and asymmetric cooling.