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: The invention relates to the location of singular points in the automatic control of railway tracks. According to a possible embodiment, the railway carriage (11) carrying the control equipments is provided with radar antennas (25a, 25b) orientated to detect catenary posts (13) and more particularly their registration arms.

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: The device comprises a support member (8) linearly displaceable with respect to a fixed or movable rail (1). The support member (8) comprises a milling tool (5), cutting depth reference guides (6) for the tool bearing on the top face of the rolling surface (2) of the rail along a plane tangent to the rail and lateral cutting depth reference guides of the tool bearing on the lateral face (2). The top and lateral guides are mounted for rotation about a common shaft and are disposed in front of the milling tool in the direction of displacement. The invention is used to reprofile the rails of a railroad track.

Abstract: A transducer located in a reservoir that contains ultrasound-transmitting liquid directs and receives beams of ultrasound onto and from a rotating reflector which is also located in the reservoir. A diaphragm transmits the ultrasound from the liquid to a body which is to be analyzed. The results of the ultrasonic analysis are displayed on a cathode ray tube which is synchronized with the transducer and the rotating reflector.

Abstract: Beams of ultrasound are transmitted into a rail. The transmission alternates between vertical and oblique beams. Transmission of the beams and reception of ultrasonic echoes is accomplished by a probe which includes a two channel ultrasonic transducer. The echoes are displayed simultaneously on two linear arrays of LED's which are arranged to resemble the relationship between a vertical beam and an oblique beam.

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.