Abstract: A method of making a special track assembly for supporting a train, including providing a special track segment, and attaching a number of ribs made of a resilient material to exterior surfaces of the special track segment. Adjacent ones of the ribs are spaced apart from each other by predetermined distances to define gaps therebetween respectively. The method also includes attaching one or more wall portions of the resilient material to the ribs, for bridging each gap to at least partially define a number of cavities between the adjacent ribs respectively. Each wall portion is deflectable for dissipating energy transmitted by movement of the special track segment relative to the supporting material which supports the special track assembly.

Abstract: A rail seal for sealing the gap between a rail and the surrounding surface material in a rail crossing or track construction, wherein the rail seal is removable from the gap and can be re-installed in the gap without damaging the surrounding surface material. More particularly, the rail seal is formed with an integral hinge element that has a closed position and an open position wherein an upper portion of the rail seal is released from and extends upwardly away from a lower portion of the seal body thereby imparting additional flexibility to the seal body. To remove the rail seal from the gap adjacent the rail, the rail seal can be manipulated so as to be pulled free from the gap. In order to re-install the rail seal, the additional flexibility provided by the hinge element allows the rail seal to be manipulated and deformed as required so as to be re-installed within the open gap.

Abstract: A rail seal for sealing the gap between a rail and a concrete panel in a railroad crossing so as to provide a generally even or level surface for vehicular or pedestrian traffic while still providing an appropriate rail structure for receiving and guiding the train wheels along the tracks is provided. More particularly, the upper surface of the rail seal is formed with a recessed portion or flangeway for receiving the flanged-end of a train. The flangeway or recessed portion, however, is formed so that the surface of the flangeway lies in a plane above the bottom of the rail head but below the upper surface of the rail head, thereby providing a “shallow” flangeway. The provision of a “shallow” flangeway helps to reduce the risks associated with vehicular and/or other pedestrian traffic that must access or cross the railroad tracks.

Abstract: A rail seal for sealing the gap between a rail and a concrete panel in a railroad crossing so as to provide a generally even or level surface for vehicular or pedestrian traffic while still providing an appropriate rail structure for receiving and guiding the train wheels along the tracks is provided. More particularly, the upper surface of the rail seal is formed with a recessed portion or flangeway for receiving the flanged-end of a train. The flangeway or recessed portion, however, is formed so that the surface of the flangeway lies in a plane above the bottom of the rail head but below the upper surface of the rail head, thereby providing a “shallow” flangeway. The provision of a “shallow” flangeway helps to reduce the risks associated with vehicular and/or other pedestrian traffic that must access or cross the railroad tracks.

Abstract: A rail seal for sealing the gap between a rail and the surrounding surface material in a rail crossing or track construction, wherein the rail seal is removable from the gap and can be re-installed in the gap without damaging the surrounding surface material. More particularly, the rail seal is formed with an integral hinge element that has a closed position and an open position wherein an upper portion of the rail seal is released from and extends upwardly away from a lower portion of the seal body thereby imparting additional flexibility to the seal body. To remove the rail seal from the gap adjacent the rail, the rail seal can be manipulated so as to be pulled free from the gap. In order to re-install the rail seal, the additional flexibility provided by the hinge element allows the rail seal to be manipulated and deformed as required so as to be re-installed within the open gap.