Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a finger for use in a rail plate inserter machine workhead and for positioning a rail plate predisposed on a rail tie under a rail, having a planar body having an upper arm with a hook-shaped end and including an opening for accommodating a spring, the end being configured for being contacted by a bar operatively associated with a finger lift assembly; a lower arm having a depending tip; and a middle portion joining the upper and lower arms to define an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a finger for use in a rail plate inserter machine workhead and for positioning a rail plate predisposed on a rail tie under a rail, having a planar body having an upper arm with a hook-shaped end and including an opening for accommodating a spring, the end being configured for being contacted by a bar operatively associated with a finger lift assembly; a lower arm having a depending tip; and a middle portion joining the upper and lower arms to define an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a rail lifter and configured for movement relative to a railroad track having a pair of rails, the workhead assembly constructed and arranged for positioning a tie plate predisposed on a rail tie, including a workhead body connected to the machine; a centering apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for centering the workhead over the rail tie; a squaring apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for squaring the tie plate on the rail tie; and a pusher assembly on the body for positioning the tie plate under a selected one of the rails being lifted by the rail lifter, and including at least one plate engaging finger constructed and arranged for engaging the tie plate.

Abstract: A workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a rail lifter and configured for movement relative to a railroad track having a pair of rails, the workhead assembly constructed and arranged for positioning a tie plate predisposed on a rail tie, including a workhead body connected to the machine; a centering apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for centering the workhead over the tie; a squaring apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for squaring the tie plate on the rail tie; and a pusher assembly on the body for positioning the tie plate under a selected one of the rails being lifted by the rail lifter, and including at least one plate engaging finger constructed and arranged for engaging the tie plate.

Abstract: A railway anchor applicator for applying an anchor to a rail includes a frame configured for movement along a track, an anchor input for sequentially delivering an anchor to a workhead assembly, where the workhead assembly is movably mounted on the frame for movement toward and away from the rail. An anchor receiving arm is configured for movement between a first position receiving an anchor from an anchor input and a second position placing the anchor away from the anchor input. A main pivot arm is configured for movement between a first position generally away from the rail and a second position generally adjacent the rail. A bar clamp arm is operatively linked to the main pivot arm and is configured for movement underneath the rail, then upwards and towards the rail. An operator station is located on the gage side of the rail which the anchor is being applied.

Abstract: A magazine for a railway anchor applicator having an anchor receiving mechanism for applying an anchor to a rail includes a chute structure. Configured for storing anchors in a sequential arrangement, the chute delivers the anchors to the anchor receiving mechanism.

Abstract: A railway anchor applicator for applying an anchor to a rail includes a frame configured for movement in a specified direction of travel along a track, and a workhead assembly movably mounted on the frame for movement toward and away from the rail. Also provided is an anchor receiving mechanism configured for movement between a first position receiving an anchor from an anchor input and a second position placing the anchor away from the anchor input. An anchor positioning mechanism moves between a retracted and extended position for positioning the anchor adjacent to the rail at either the field or gage side of the rail. An anchor clipping mechanism engages the anchor onto the rail by applying pressure on the anchor from the side of the rail and compresses the anchor between components of the anchor clipping mechanism so that compressive forces act on the anchor transversely across the rail.

Abstract: A railway vehicle for inserting plates on rail ties that engage with rails includes a frame configured for movement relative to the track and a plate inserter workhead mounted to the frame. The plate inserter workhead is configured for pivoting the tie plate about a leading edge of the plate so that the trailing edge of the tie plate is lifted off the tie. The plate inserter workhead is configured to subsequently release the plate.