Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a frame, a clamping assembly and a towing arm coupled to the frame and selectively coupled to the clamping assembly. The towing arm is movable from a first, unengaged position to a second, engaged position. The clamping assembly includes a plurality of roller clamps that are adapted to rotate about respective central axes of the roller clamps.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for generating vertical force. The device includes a housing, at least one bearing sleeve mounted in the housing, and at least one mass sleeve mounted within the bearing sleeve. The mass sleeve includes first and second masses with the first mass being larger than the second mass and the first and second masses being positioned substantially 180 degrees relative to one another. Related methods are described.

Abstract: Agricultural blends are described. The agricultural blend includes synthetic gypsum having ammonium sulfate and a by-product of slag, the slag being selected from the group consisting of steel slag, stainless steel slag, alloy steel slag, carbon steel slag, and phosphate slag. Additionally or alternatively, the agricultural blend is delivered to soil, is a mineral soil amendment, is a soil conditioner, is a liming agent, is an additive to increase soil pH, is an additive to decrease metal toxicity, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present intention relates to an agricultural blend and a method of forming an agricultural blend. The agricultural blend includes a sulfate source and calcium silicate or a by-product of slag, the slag being selected from the group consisting of steel slag, stainless steel slag, alloy steel slag, carbon steel slag, and phosphate slag. The method includes blending a sulfate source and calcium silicate.

Abstract: A drone vehicle for performing maintenance on a railway system is provided. A drone vehicle control system is structured to utilize tie position data to position a drone vehicle workhead over at least a portion of a respective tie. The drone vehicle control system is further structured to actuate the drone vehicle workhead. The drone vehicle may be controlled by a drone vehicle control system linked, preferably by wireless communications, to a lead vehicle and a lead vehicle control system. The lead vehicle control system and the drone vehicle control system are structured to communicate with each other, with the lead vehicle control system providing the tie position data to the drone vehicle control system.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus and method for applying a force to rails of a track is disclosed. The apparatus has a device with at least one first weight and at least one second weight rotatably mounted about a horizontal shaft which has an axis which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails. A power source is provided to drive the rotation of the at least one first weight and the at least one second weight at different revolutions per second. The rotation of the at least one first weight and the at least one second weight creates a vertical force which has a larger downward component as compared to an upward component of the vertical force.

Abstract: An anchor spreader apparatus and method for moving rail anchors, the anchor spreader apparatus has a mounting member, a rail clamp assembly and an anchor-engaging assembly. With the rail clamp assembly properly clamped to the rail, the anchor spreader apparatus is maintained in a proper and controlled position relative to the anchor as the anchor-engaging assembly is rotatably moved relative to the rail clamp assembly. The anchor spreader apparatus may be paired with a spike-pulling apparatus, whereby the anchor spreader apparatus and the spike-pulling apparatus simultaneously move the rail anchor and pull respective spikes.

Abstract: A cooling system, a motor handling system, and a method of positioning a motor in a cooling system are disclosed. The motor handling system includes a suspension feature configured to engage a support member, the support member positioned partially below a cooler. The motor handling system permits positioning of a motor in a first position and re-positioning of the motor to a second position. The cooling system includes a cooler, a support member positioned partially below the cooler, and a motor handling system. The method of positioning includes engaging a support member of a cooling system with a suspension feature, positioning the motor at a first position, and re-positioning the motor at a second position.

Abstract: A drone vehicle for performing maintenance on a railway system is provided. A drone vehicle control system is structured to utilize tie position data to position a drone vehicle workhead over at least a portion of a respective tie. The drone vehicle control system is further structured to actuate the drone vehicle workhead. The drone vehicle may be controlled by a drone vehicle control system linked, preferably by wireless communications, to a lead vehicle and a lead vehicle control system. The lead vehicle control system and the drone vehicle control system are structured to communicate with each other, with the lead vehicle control system providing the tie position data to the drone vehicle control system.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a turnout of a track includes the steps of: capturing images of the components of the turnout; converting each image into a set of coordinates that traces the transverse cross-section of a rail profile; analyzing the rail profile to determine if the rail profile is a profile of arunning rail portion or a component. Upon determination that the image represents a component, taking measurements of the rail profile and applying virtual gauges to the rail profile to check for potentially dangerous conditions of the component; and generating a summary of each cross-section of the rail profile of the component indicating problem areas. The method is used for identifying certain classes of switch or turnout rail conditions which can lead to derailments, and for enhancing the turnout inspection approach currently used.

Abstract: A tool and method for inspecting a track having a first rail and a second rail. The tool has a first mounting device which is attached to a first rail of the track. A cord attached to the mounting device is tensioned and positioning the cord in a proper position, allowing an inspector to measure a first distance between a defined point on the cord and the first rail or the second rail to determine if anomalies are present in the track.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides an improved method that utilizes a liquid ladle slag in combination with a crushed material, such as a refractory brick, and alumina ladle brick or an aluminum dross, to manufacture a calcium aluminate product that can be used in the steel refining process.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides an improved method that utilizes a liquid ladle slag in combination with a crushed material, such as a refractory brick, an alumina ladle brick or an aluminum dross, to manufacture a calcium aluminate product that can be used in the steel refining process.

Abstract: A pulsed combustion high capacity boiler has air inlet flapper valves at an inlet air decoupler toward a combustion chamber, with a fuel supply and an ignitor upstream of the combustion chamber along a flow path. The combustion chamber is immersed in a water jacket, and downstream of the combustion chamber a plurality of exhaust pipes are immersed in the water jacket and lead to an exhaust decoupler. The exhaust decoupler is disposed outside of the water at the periphery of the unit. An orifice assembly along the flow path defines a flow restriction producing turbulence and preferably serially combines a reduction in cross sectional area followed by a diverter having vanes to induce further turbulence. The ignitor and fuel supply are enabled by a controller that senses spark and combustion flame, and also enables a blower at least during a startup interval. The air inlet flapper admits air, opening and closing at a resonant frequency during combustion.

Abstract: A steel plank for scaffolding which comprises a thin sheet metal bendment with a top surface and a bottom surface. The steel plank also comprises an elongated bottom plate attached to the thin sheet metal bendment. The steel plank further comprises a non-slip material attached to the bottom side of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A boss for a pressure vessel with an outer reinforcing shell and an inner liner has a radially extending flange and a tubular neck projecting outwardly to provide a fluid communication port. The flange is embedded in and structurally integrated with the material of the inner liner during molding. The flange is divided by a conical annular groove into an outer skirt and an inner skirt. The inner skirt protrudes from the outer skirt and has a flattened end facing toward the vessel wall. The flattened end and/or the surfaces of the annular groove are textured, knurled or otherwise unevenly surfaced for gripping the liner material. A number of apertures extend from inside the groove to the opposite side of the flange. The liner material is molded on and in the groove of the flange and fills the apertures to form anchoring segments integral with the liner, extending through the flange to liner material on both sides.

Abstract: A cross member which joins two support columns to form an improved scaffold support assembly. The cross member includes an elongated tubular arm having a plate member fixedly attached thereto. The plate member has opposed ends which are slotted such that a joint plate, which is attached at one end to a support column, passes through each slot and is attached at the other end to the cross member.

Abstract: A track renewal machine and method provides for the fastening of rails to cross ties without any requirement for secondary destressing. Heat is applied to the rails and the clips are then fastened to secure the rails to the cross ties. The rails are heated with one end unconstrained, the heat being applied to the rails essentially simultaneously with the application of clips and insulators to the rail.

Abstract: A track renewal machine and method provides removal of anchors after rails have been separated from the ties. The rails with anchors still on them are lifted from the ties and spread using a rail threader with the anchor remover attached to it.

Abstract: A closed-riser, adjustable rise, staircase system is provided which allows a plurality of stair treads to be assembled into staircases having different rise heights, for example, from six inches to seven inches, while maintaining the closed-riser nature of the staircase. The nose piece portion extending downwardly from the walking surface of each stair tread is dimensioned such that the distance to which it extends is greater than the desired range of adjustability of rise heights, and the riser portion of each stair tread is dimensioned such that, when positioned for the maximum desired rise height, an upper portion of the riser will continue to extend behind the nose piece of the stair tread positioned immediately above.