Abstract: An ultrasonic beam is made to penetrate into the rail from the median surface (A) of the rolling table of the rail along a direction forming in horizontal projection an angle (.alpha..sub.1) comprised between 10.degree. and 25.degree. with the longitudinal axis of the rail and in vertical projection an angle (.alpha..sub.2) with the symmetric plane of the rail comprised between 60.degree. and 80.degree.. The echoes reflected by a displaced oval flaw are detected either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: Apparatus for the inspection of track rails. The device comprises a truck (4) capable of displacement on the track, and comprises at least two ultrasound emitter and/or receiver probes (V, O.sub.1, O.sub.2) emitting in different directions, applied against the rolling plane of the rail (1) and at least an ultrasound prove (SA) provided at the vicinity of the rail, laterally offset, emitting an ultrasound beam to the side of the rail web. Application particularly to the detection and recognition of rail fish-plates.

Abstract: A machine for flash welding rails having two gripping clamps with conductive jaws pivoted on a common shaft, at least one clamp being able to slide along said shaft relative to the second clamp under the action of a jack and being guided along rods disposed laterally to the rail, which rods also serving as jack rods in which the machine has flash removing cutters mounted on a flash removing clamp independently of the gripping clamp, which flash removing clamp has two clamp halves pivotally and slidably mounted on the same shaft and on the same rods as the gripping clamps.