Abstract: A track rail heating assembly that is adapted to position a heater element in spaced relation proximate to a surface of a track rail of a railroad. The assembly includes at least one heating element, and a housing that is operable to at least partially surround the heating element while positioning the heating element near to track rail. The hood positions the heating element relative to the rail section such that a gap exists between the heating element and the rail section. As the heating element does not contact the rail, the heating element cannot form an electrical by-pass for signals passing through the rail section. The assembly further incorporates a flexible barrier that at least partially isolates a side surface of the track rail from ambient conditions to reduce heat loss.

Abstract: A track rail heating assembly that is adapted to position a heater element in spaced relation proximate to a surface of a track rail of a railroad. The assembly includes at least one heating element, and a housing that is operable to at least partially surround the heating element while positioning the heating element near to track rail. The hood positions the heating element relative to the rail section such that a gap exists between the heating element and the rail section. As the heating element does not contact the rail, the heating element cannot form an electrical by-pass for signals passing through the rail section. The assembly further incorporates a flexible barrier that at least partially isolates a side surface of the track rail from ambient conditions to reduce heat loss.

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: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for non-invasively attaching components to railroad track rails. More specifically, an anchor is provided that securely fastens to the track rail in a non-invasive manner for holding one or more signal lines to a surface of the track rail. In one embodiment, the non-invasive anchor utilizes a compressive force to clamp to a flange portion of the track rail. In this regard, first and second body members of the anchor may be advanced toward the toward opposing surfaces of track rail to compress the component between a portion of the anchor and a surface of the track rail. In one embodiment, a pawl prevents the withdrawal of these body members from one another such that the compressive force may be maintained once the anchor is applied to the track rail.

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: An assembly that is adapted to position a track heater in spaced relation proximate to a surface of a track rail of a railroad. The assembly includes at least one heating element, and a hood or housing that is operable to at least partially surround the heating element while positioning the heating element near to track rail. The hood positions the heating element relative to the rail section such that a gap exists between the heating element and the rail section. As the heating element does not contact the rail, the heating element cannot form an electrical by-pass for signals passing through the rail section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming electrical interconnections between railroad track components and signal conductors/lines. In one arrangement, an electrically conductive adhesive is utilized to electrically interconnect a signal conductor to a railroad track component. In another arrangement, a clamp is utilized in conjunction with the electrically conductive adhesive that forms the electrical interconnection. The clamp maintains the signal conductor in direct contact with the surface of the railroad track component while the electrically conductive adhesive cures. In these arrangements, the use of the electrically conductive adhesive allows for making an electrical connection with a railroad component without penetrating the structure of that component. In a further arrangement, a hollow tubular connector is utilized to electrically connect two signal conductors associated with railroad track components.

Abstract: A heating system for railroad switches or other movable railroad structures that substantially eliminates protruding heater elements that may be damaged. The heater elements may cast into, enclosed within or received within recesses of a tie (including a metal or concrete tie), rail or other component. In one implementation, inductive heating is used to directly heat the rail, tie or other structure.

Abstract: A high efficiency, direct conduction track switch heater (24) and associated spring clamp (70) are disclosed. The heater (24) includes a generally blade-shaped jacket (30) dimensioned for mounting on the gauge side 26 of a fixed rail (16) at the track switch interface. The jacket dimensions reduce the likelihood of impact damage due to track switching while providing an enlarged heat transfer surface (66). The spring clamp (70) presses the heater (24) tightly against the rail (16) while accommodating normal thermal expansions and providing a narrow profile for the overall heater and clamp assembly.

Abstract: A high efficiency, direct conduction track switch heater (24) and associated spring clamp (70) are disclosed. The heater (24) includes a generally blade-shaped jacket (30) dimensioned for mounting on the gauge side 26 of a fixed rail (16) at the track switch interface. The jacket dimensions reduce the likelihood of impact damage due to track switching while providing an enlarged heat transfer surface (66). The spring clamp (70) presses the heater (24) tightly against the rail (16) while accommodating normal thermal expansions and providing a narrow profile for the overall heater and clamp assembly.