Abstract: Methods, system and apparatus are disclosed, including a tie fastener apparatus for attaching railroad ties to a superstructure. The apparatus comprises a threaded hook bolt, including a hook to engage the underside of a flange of a beam. The apparatus further comprises a cross strap configured to engage with a flange of the beam. The apparatus further comprises a metal member for engaging plural ties. The metal member includes a tie fastener hole at plural locations. A nut fastens a threaded end of the threaded hook bolt for installation when the threaded hook bolt is passed through the bolt hole. When the threaded hook bolt is installed, the hook engages the superstructure, and a neck of the threaded hook bolt engages the cross strap. The apparatus is installed from above the superstructure without drilling holes in ties or the superstructure, or requiring manned installation from below the superstructure.

Abstract: Methods, system and apparatus are disclosed, including a tie fastener apparatus for attaching railroad ties to a superstructure. The apparatus comprises a threaded hook bolt, including a hook to engage the underside of a flange of a beam. The apparatus further comprises a cross strap configured to engage with a flange of the beam. The apparatus further comprises a metal member for engaging plural ties. The metal member includes a tie fastener hole at plural locations. A nut fastens a threaded end of the threaded hook bolt for installation when the threaded hook bolt is passed through the bolt hole. When the threaded hook bolt is installed, the hook engages the superstructure, and a neck of the threaded hook bolt engages the cross strap. The apparatus is installed from above the superstructure without drilling holes in ties or the superstructure, or requiring manned installation from below the superstructure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including an apparatus that is a rail anchor comprising a head, a tail, and a belly section. The belly section comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces. Each side surface comprises a contact-bearing surface area. The head comprises a bend along a length of the head. The tail comprises a notch. Each contact-bearing surface area has a surface area of at least 3 square inches and is adapted to extend at least 1.5 inches downward from the top of a railroad track crosstie along a side of the railroad track crosstie.

Abstract: A tie fastener apparatus for attaching railroad ties to a superstructure. The apparatus comprises a threaded hook bolt, including a hook with a hook end to engage the underside of a flange of a superstructure beam. The apparatus further includes a metal member for engaging plural ties, the metal member including a tie fastener hole at plural locations, and a nut for fastening a threaded end of the threaded hook bolt for installation when the threaded hook bolt is passed through the bolt hole and optionally a washer. When the threaded hook bolt is installed, including passing a threaded end of the threaded hook bolt through the bolt hole and fastening with the nut, the hook engages the superstructure. The apparatus is installed from above the superstructure without drilling holes in ties or the superstructure, or requiring manned installation from below the superstructure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including an apparatus that is a rail anchor comprising a head, a tail, and a belly section. The belly section comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces. Each side surface comprises a contact-bearing surface area. The head comprises a bend along a length of the head. The tail comprises a notch. Each contact-bearing surface area has a surface area of at least 3 square inches and is adapted to extend at least 1.5 inches downward from the top of a railroad track crosstie along a side of the railroad track crosstie.

Abstract: Articles and methods for installing hook bolts on bridge decks constructed of timbers and structural steel members. A tether is lowered through a hole in a timber, captured below the bridge deck, and drawn upward around the timber or between timbers. A hook bolt is engaged with the end of the tether that was lowered through the hole and drawn upward, then lowered under the bridge deck and drawn upward through the hole in the timber. The hook bolt engages with a flange on a structural member of the bridge deck.

Abstract: An improved fastener for attaching metal to wood is particularly suited for use as a railroad spike for attaching a metal rail to a wooden tie. The improved spike is adapted for installation by either driving or screwing the spike into the tie. A plurality of flutes are adapted to engage with the tie, thereby preventing loosening of the spike. The spike may be used with or without a metal boss or fishplate to secure a metal rail to a wooden tie.

Abstract: An improved fastener for attaching metal to wood is provided. The fastener is particularly suited for use as a railroad spike for attaching a metal rail to a wooden tie. The improved spike is adapted for installation by either driving or screwing the spike into the tie. A plurality of flutes are adapted to engage with the tie, thereby preventing loosening of the spike. The spike may be used with or without a metal boss or fishplate to secure a metal rail to a wooden tie.