Abstract: A railroad switch stand for actuating a rail switch between open and thrown positions includes, in one embodiment, an upstanding frame supporting a handwheel at approximately chest height for movement between a first position enabling manual rotation of an upstanding throw shaft to actuate a horizontal rail switch throw rod, and a second position enabling powered rotation of the throw shaft to open or throw the rail switch points. In alternative embodiments, low profile railroad switch stands are adapted for interconnection to a rail switch throw rod through fluid pressure or electric motor actuators and associated constant force spring actuators in a manner to apply a substantially constant force to the throw rod in maintaining the rail switch in open or thrown positions. The constant force spring actuators provide overload protection and automatic reset in the event a train runs through a rail switch lined against it.

Abstract: A welding method and apparatus for flash butt welding adjacent ends of axially aligned railway rails includes a base frame and fixed and movable platens supported on the base frame. The platens support rail sections and are under the control of controller means operative to automatically move the movable platen through a predetermined distance/velocity relation as electrical power is inputted into the rail ends during straight flashing, preheating, flashing and upsetting phases of a welding cycle. The controller includes PID feedback loops operative to maintain the predetermined platen distance/velocity relation with entry of a single parameter by the operator. Significantly improved quality and repeatability of rail welds are obtained.

Abstract: A method of air quenching a railway rail with an apparatus develops a pearlite microstructure in the head of the longitudinally travelling rail as it travels under the apparatus. A primary air chamber at a controlled pressure provides air to the top and side surfaces of the rail heads. A secondary air chamber at a separately controlled pressure provides air to the shoulders of the rail heads. More than one quench unit may be used in series, in which case the pressures in the primary air chambers may progressively increase to increase the cooling rate.

Abstract: Air quenching apparatus develops a pearlite microstructure in the head of a longitudinally travelling railroad rail as it travels under the apparatus. A primary air chamber at a controlled pressure provides air to the top and side surfaces of the rail heads. A secondary air chamber at a separately controlled pressure provides air to the shoulders of the rail heads. More than one quench unit may be used in series, in which case the pressures in the primary air chambers may progressively increase to increase the cooling rate.