Abstract: An improved rail anchoring spike that includes barbs is used for fastening metal to ties. The spike includes a head having one or more flanges and a stand-off extending axially from the flange(s). The spike includes a shank extending axially from the stand-off to form a tapered tip. The shank is adapted to engage dense material of the tie by a combination of threads and barbs on the shank. The threads are generally parallel and extend over a threaded portion of the shank. The shank includes a plurality of barbs positioned in a lower half of the threaded portion. Each barb is positioned between a pair of threads. Each barb is configured to minimize damage to fibers of the tie during installation of the spike as the fibers relax behind, and engage with, a barbed end. This prevents movement of the spike over time despite deterioration of the tie.

Abstract: An improved rail anchoring spike that includes barbs is used for fastening metal to ties. The spike includes a head having one or more flanges and a stand-off extending axially from the flange(s). The spike includes a shank extending axially from the stand-off to form a tapered tip. The shank is adapted to engage dense material of the tie by a combination of threads and barbs on the shank. The threads are generally parallel and extend over a threaded portion of the shank. The shank includes a plurality of barbs positioned in a lower half of the threaded portion. Each barb is positioned between a pair of threads. Each barb is configured to minimize damage to fibers of the tie during installation of the spike as the fibers relax behind, and engage with, a barbed end. This prevents movement of the spike over time despite deterioration of the tie.

Abstract: An improved rail anchoring spike that includes barbs is used for fastening metal to ties. The spike includes a head having one or more flanges and a stand-off extending axially from the flange(s). The spike includes a shank extending axially from the stand-off to form a tapered tip. The shank is adapted to engage dense material of the tie by a combination of threads and barbs on the shank. The threads are generally parallel and extend over a threaded portion of the shank. The shank includes a plurality of barbs positioned in a lower half of the threaded portion. Each barb is positioned between a pair of threads. Each barb is configured to minimize damage to fibers of the tie during installation of the spike as the fibers relax behind, and engage with, a barbed end. This prevents movement of the spike over time despite deterioration of the tie.

Abstract: An improved rail anchoring spike that includes barbs is used for fastening metal to ties. The spike includes a head having one or more flanges and a stand-off extending axially from the flange(s). The spike includes a shank extending axially from the stand-off to form a tapered tip. The shank is adapted to engage dense material of the tie by a combination of threads and barbs on the shank. The threads are generally parallel and extend over a threaded portion of the shank. The shank includes a plurality of barbs positioned in a lower half of the threaded portion. Each barb is positioned between a pair of threads. Each barb is configured to minimize damage to fibers of the tie during installation of the spike as the fibers relax behind, and engage with, a barbed end. This prevents movement of the spike over time despite deterioration of the tie.

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: 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: 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 with a hook end to engage the underside of a flange of a superstructure beam. The apparatus further comprises: 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: 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: 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: A system for controlling multiple vehicle includes a twelve volt (12V)/forty-two volt (42V) battery power distribution system that provides direct current. The system converts single phase alternating current to multiple phase alternating current to simultaneously power multiple vehicle systems. A single pulse width modulation generator converts the direct current from the 12V/42V battery power distribution system to alternating current. This provides one power supply path of alternating current, which has a first phase. A splitter device splits the one power supply path of alternating current into three power paths. A lead/lag circuit is used to shift the alternating current of the second path to a second phase different than the first phase of the first power supply path. A second lead/lag circuit for shifts the alternating current of the third path to a third phase different than the first phase or the second phase. This creates a three-phase alternating current power from a single direct current source.

Abstract: An AC motor is utilized to drive a closure on a vehicle. The use of the AC motor provides valuable benefits with regard to cost and size. Further, a three-phase AC motor may be utilized, and the pulses in its power supply monitored to determine an obstruction in the path of the closure. Frequency control may also be utilized to provide optimum control of the drive of the component at both start-up and stop.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling multiple vehicle systems includes a single power supply that provides a direct current source. The power supply is comprised of a thirty-six volt (36 V) battery power distribution system. A converter is electrically connected to the power supply to convert direct current to alternating current. A plurality of induction motors are used to operate various vehicle systems. The motors receive alternating current via electrical connections between the converter and the motors. A central processor is connected to relays sending power to each of the motors and provides control signals to the motors based on input from control members used to activate each of the various vehicle systems. At least one sensor is associated with each of the motors to monitor voltage or current of the respective motor and to generate a diagnostic signal that is sent to the processor.

Abstract: A plurality of motors for use in driving accessories on a vehicle, are each powered by three-phase current. A single controller controls the supply three-phase current to the plurality of motors. In another aspect of the invention, pseudothree-phase current is created from a direct current voltage source. A chopping circuit chops the voltage into a plurality of pulses, and a phase shift circuit then creates phase-shifted power signals from those pulses. The present invention thus enables the use of three-phase alternating current motors on a vehicle to drive accessories. This reduces the cost and size of the required motors.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling multiple vehicle systems includes a single power supply that provides a direct current source. The power supply is comprised of a thirty-six volt (36 V) battery power distribution system. A converter is electrically connected to the power supply to convert direct current to alternating current. A plurality of induction motors are used to operate various vehicle systems. The motors receive alternating current via electrical connections between the converter and the motors. A central processor is connected to relays sending power to each of the motors and provides control signals to the motors based on input from control members used to activate each of the various vehicle systems. At least one sensor is associated with each of the motors to monitor voltage or current of the respective motor and to generate a diagnostic signal that is sent to the processor.

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.

Abstract: In the disclosed embodiment of this invention, sets of straight wire bundles are molded or otherwise encased about a cylindrical rotor casing. The straight wire bundles lie parallel to the axis of the cylindrical rotor casing. This process is an alternative to a traditional type of electric motor armature which uses a wire that is coiled around the cylindrical rotor casing. Since the wire bundles are straight and not pulled from a single wire roll, breaking and stretching of the wire is greatly reduced. The straight wire bundles are connected at their ends using a circuit cap to form a complete electrical circuit.