Abstract: A method for optimizing track performance comprising: is provided. The method involves measuring one or more track status data at one or more measurement sites of the track during a train pass though the one or more measurement sites. Followed by analyzing the one or more track status data against one or more baseline reference values to obtain a track status profile, and adjusting an operating parameter, a track parameter, or both the operating and track parameters, based on the track status profile, to optimize the track's performance.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a friction modifying material to the top of rails (12). The wayside applicator includes an applicator bar (26) that has a dam for holding friction modifying material.

Abstract: A rail joint includes a top section and a bottom section. The top section has an upper end and a lower end. The bottom section has an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The intermediate portion is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The lower end of the top section is secured to the bottom section via at least one of a fastener, a welded joint, and a tongue and groove joint.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method for dispensing fluids from a flexible container is disclosed. The dispensing device includes a support and a linkage pivotally attached to the support. The dispensing device may also include a roller mechanism coupled to the linkage, wherein the roller mechanism has at least two squeeze members configured to engage a flexible container that coact with a drive roller to force the roller mechanism in a first direction to dispense fluids from a flexible container.

Abstract: In a container lock for insertion into a locking aperture, a post is provided insertable into and extractable from the locking aperture. At least one latch arm is provided within the post and which projects laterally from a side of the post. The latch arm is pivotable about a first pivot axis during insertion and about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis during at least a beginning of extraction. A compression spring is positioned to bias the at least one latch arm.

Abstract: A vehicle tire tie-down winch and chock assembly ties down at least one tire of a vehicle on a load carrying platform with a tire harness. The load carrying platform has at least one raised rib with elongated apertures at a top surface of the rib. The assembly has a chock surface and a rotating lock mechanism with an elongated lock element which in an insertion position fits within one of the apertures in the rib and in a locking position has its longitudinal extent substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the elongated aperture to engage the aperture. At least one hook is engageable in another of the elongated apertures of the rib or in an elongated aperture of another rib at the platform. A winch is provided on the assembly which secures to an end of the tire harness. The winch may have a foot pedal release.

Abstract: A rail joint assembly is provided for joining abutting railroad rails with an electrically-insulated joint. The rail joint assembly comprises abutting railroad rails compressing an insulating gasket therebetween and rail joint bars secured through a plurality of holes by fasteners to the adjacent railroad rails. The rail joint bars comprise a body and an insulating spacer comprising a porous mesh screen and washer. A layer of epoxy is sandwiched between a rail joint bar and railroad rail and comprises a rigid epoxy on lateral portions of a first side of a rail joint bar and a flexible epoxy placed on a central portion of the first side of a rail joint bar. Rail joint bars are rectangular shaped and may have a cutout.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a friction modifying material to the top of rails (12). The wayside applicator includes an applicator bar (26) that has a dam for holding friction modifying material.

Abstract: A lap joint assembly that includes two spaced apart mating railroad end sections that are double bent and machine tapered and trimmed to conform in spatial alignment with one another, an electrical insulating material positioned between the two machined mating rail sections and at least one fastener attaching the machined railroad rail sections to one another.

Abstract: A skirt for use on an applicator bar, wherein the applicator bar includes a body and a flow passageway having an exit end defined in the body, and wherein a second section of the skirt defining a lip is adapted to coact with the body so that the second section is positioned adjacent the exit end of the body.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for applying a friction modifying material to the top of rails (12). The wayside applicator includes an applicator bar (26) that has a dam for holding friction modifying material.

Abstract: An electrically-insulated tie plate for electrically isolating parts of a railroad rail system from each other. The electrically-insulated tie plate includes a base plate having a recessed area for receiving a railroad rail and a layer of electrically-insulating material covering portions of the base plate.

Abstract: A skirt for use on an applicator bar, wherein the applicator bar includes a body and a flow passageway having an exit end defined in the body, and wherein a second section of the skirt defining a lip is adapted to coact with the body so that the second section is positioned adjacent the exit end of the body.

Abstract: A holder for holding a rail applicator bar. The holder includes a frame defined by a pair of spaced apart side members attached to each other via an upper member and a lower member. At least one transversely extending support member is attached to each of the side members, wherein a rail applicator bar is adapted to be supported on each of the respective support members. The holder further includes a hook attached to the upper member of the frame, wherein the hook is adapted to hang over a top of an upright surface.

Abstract: A swing up post is provided for attachment to a banding anchor used for securing a load-retaining band on a deck. At least one ear is provided having a respective aperture for receiving a bolt used to rotatably secure the at least one ear to a support surface associated with the deck. A retaining portion is connected to the at least one ear to retain the banding anchor. An end plate is provided at the end of the retaining portion which retains the banding anchor on the retaining portion. In a load retaining position, the swing up post is in a swung up position and in a storage position the swing up post is in a hung down position.

Abstract: A rail joint assembly is provided for joining abutting railroad rails with an electrically-insulated joint. The rail joint assembly comprises abutting railroad rails compressing an insulating gasket therebetween and rail joint bars secured through a plurality of holes by fasteners to the adjacent railroad rails. The rail joint bars comprise a body and an insulating spacer comprising a porous mesh screen and washer. A layer of epoxy is sandwiched between a rail joint bar and railroad rail and comprises a rigid epoxy on lateral portions of a first side of a rail joint bar and a flexible epoxy placed on a central portion of the first side of a rail joint bar. Rail joint bars are rectangular shaped and may have a cutout.

Abstract: A flow divider arrangement for a rail lubrication distribution system for applying friction modifying material to a pair of adjacent railroad rails. The arrangement includes a first wiping bar assembly adapted to affix to a railroad rail, a second wiping bar assembly adapted to affix to an adjacent railroad rail and a flow divider in fluid communication with the first wiping bar assembly and the second wiping bar assembly. The flow divider is adapted to control the flow rate of friction modifying material to the wiping bar assemblies so that the flow rate of friction modifying material is at a constant rate independent of temperature and operating pressure to each wiping bar assembly.