Abstract: An apparatus for the field milling of a pocket into a railroad stock rail to accommodate the precise nesting abutment of a switch point rail thereto avoids the necessity of milling such pockets under shop conditions and permits the use of Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) through railroad switches. The portable, self-propelled apparatus is adapted to the field milling of pockets into stock rails to accept the selectable placement of a movable switch rail therein and is powered by a portable power supply that may be either auxiliary or integral. The apparatus comprises components which are preferably fluid-powered. The apparatus clamps onto the stock rail and comprises a positionable milling assembly inclined at the angle necessary for milling the desired pocket into the stock rail. The apparatus moves the apparatus along the stock rail at a controlled speed whereby the milling head is fed along the stock rail during the milling operation.

Abstract: A coal tar pitch/petroleum pitch blend is disclosed together with a method of making the same. In accordance with the invention, a crude coal tar material is selected according to specific properties including QI, specific gravity, water and ash content. A petroleum pitch material is also selected according to its softening point, QI, coking value and sulfur content. The coal tar pitch is distilled to a uncharacteristically high softening point which is then mixed with the petroleum pitch to a desired softening end point. The material retains significant QI and coking value characteristics of pure coal tar pitch particularly for use in Soderberg-type anodes for aluminum smelting as well as electric arc furnace electrodes. PAH emissions, and more specifically B(a)P equivalent emissions, are all reduced by approximately 40%.

Abstract: An improved highway grade crossing for railroad tracks. The crossing is comprised of a plurality of wood panels which are capped with an expanded polymer. The polymer provides a wear surface for the crossing which can be replaced without having to take up the entire crossing structure. In one embodiment the polymer cap is a rubber and steel composite. The steel keeps the rubber stretched to substantially avoid temperature induced expansion and buckling of the rubber. Deterioration resulting from vehicular traffic over a buckled surface is thus avoided.

Abstract: A railroad crossing is provided in which transverse and end panels are joined by means of splines fitted into indentations on side surfaces of said panels whereby pairs of panels are joined together with a spline fitting partly into each side or end of adjoining panels; and lateral anchor members for fixing the panels adjacent to said rails, the end panels and the outer field panels whereby the need is obviated for affixing the panels to the ties by means of surface spikes. In one embodiment an anchor is used which has vertical wall sections which project upwardly and have inwardly projecting horizontal lips and a spline retaining plate positioned beneath the lips. The spline rests on and is positioned transversely across said lips, and removable means are provided to fix the spline to the retaining plate.