Abstract: An elastic rail clamp (10), for fastening a rail to an underlying rail plate or rail tie (1). The clamp is of the type comprising a pair of substantially parallel members (19) folded into a D configuration so as to have a front toe portion (16) adapted to seat on a flange of the rail, which toe portion is formed by respective free end regions (18) of the substantially parallel members, and to also have a base portion (11) adapted to seat in a slot (4) in the rail plate or a shoulder secured to the rail tie.

Abstract: A rail fastening of the kind in which a rail, having a field edge and a gauge edge is fastened to a rail tie by a rail seat including a rail, a rail tie and a rail pad between the tie and the rail, a pair of rail clamp supports secured to the tie on either side of the rail and abutting the rail pad, and a rail clamp associated with each rail clamp support and each clamp having a portion secured in the clamp support and a portion bearing down on the rail flange. The rail pad electrically and dynamically insulates the rail tie from the rail and there is a rib provided on the field edge portion of the rail pad to reduce the intensity of the pressure on the pad under the field edge of the rail.

Abstract: Insulators which lie between the rail and elastic rail fasteners are correctly positioned on either side of the rail by manipulating the rail by the application of a pulsed force to either side of the rail. A pair of hydraulic rams 19, 20 driven by the same pressure pump are used to drive two pulse heads 9, 10 via pivoted linkages to abut either side of the web 3 of a rail 1. The pulsating operation is carried out prior to the operation of the clip fitting machine to ensure that the rail insulators are in the correct initial position prior to being driven on to the rail flange.

Abstract: A method for repairing eroded concrete rail ties. An abrasion resistant composition incorporating a curable binder is applied to the eroded rail seat and cured by the application of pressure and heat. A gas fired heating plate with a release surface is pressed onto the composition to force it into the eroded recess and cure it. The device incorporating the heating plate is clamped onto the rail clamp shoulders embedded in the concrete rail tie to enable pressure to be applied.

Abstract: A rail seat resistant to abrasion of the concrete rail tie incorporates a thin metal plate between the rail tie and the elastomeric rail pad which insulates the rail from the rail tie. The plate may be bonded to the rail tie or a resilient gasket can be interposed between the rail tie and the plate.

Abstract: Spikes for holding elastic rail clamps for use with wooden rail ties. The spike portion incorporating recesses in its surface to accommodate an adhesive which improves adhesions between the spike and the wooden tie. The lower end of the spike which faces the rail incorporates a series of ribs.

Abstract: A deep tillage earth engaging implement having a frictional attachment to a tine of an agricultural machine in which the attachment portion incorporates a socket with a cross-section tapering toward the earth engaging portion. The foot of the tine is of complementary shape.

Abstract: A cast rail clip support of the kind used in concrete railway sleepers wherein one portion (17) of the rail clip is held in the rail clip support (19) and a second portion of the clip (16) bears down on the rail flange. The recess (26) of the rail clip support has slots (32) shaped to accommodate in a neat fit the base portion 17 of the rail clip. The clip when held in the recess 16 abuts the lower contact surface 33 and the end of the base portion 17 abuts the upper contact surface 34 which is inclined 3.degree. above the horizontal. This arrangement presents the clip from being accidentally knocked from its position in the rail clip support.

Abstract: An elastic rail fastening system for use with wooden rail ties in which the rail is seated on a rail plate which in turn is secured to the wooden rail tie by two pairs of spikes which also serve to support two rail clamps. The recessed portions of the spikes are adapted to receive the base portion of the rail clamp. The rail plate has an upstanding rib lying parallel to the rail flange and between each pair of spikes. The arrangement is such that the base of the rail clamp abuts the rail plate rib before it contacts the end of the recess which is adjacent the rail.

Abstract: A rail pad for electrically and dynamically insulating the rail from the rail tie. Grooves or recesses are provided for force attenuation such that the overall volume is reduced by at least 15%. To improve durability particularly in curved track sections at least the field edge of the pad has in a section extending 20 mm on from the field edge less than 10% volume reduction by grooves or recesses.

Abstract: A support for an elastic rail clamp comprising two legs which are adapted to the above the rail tie surface adjacent the rail flange. The rail clamp is oriented at right angles to the longitudinal dimension of the rail and has two free arms which lie on the rail flange. To prevent accidental removal of the rail clamp from the support the support includes in the face adjacent the rail flange a channel for each arm to pass through when moving onto or off the rail flange. This provides a raised portion of the support between the two arms of the clamp. The support is also designed to ensure that contact points between the rail clamp and the support are minimal to reduce the incidence of corrosion bonding.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying elastic rail fasteners to a rail seat in which the fasteners are applied in a direction at right angles to the rail. A carriage supports a pivoted frame which can be rotated to align with a rail tie. Each end of the frame carries a pair of dependent arms and each pair is moved hydraulically. Abutment faces on the ends of the dependent arms contact the rail fasteners and the simultaneous contraction of each pair results in the fitting of four rail fasteners in one application. Rail tie position sensors are provided adjacent the abutment faces for correctly aligning the frame with the rail tie.

Abstract: A rail to tie fastening including an elastic clip (12) a clip holder (15) and a locking element (6). The locking element (6) being interposed between the foot of the rail (11) and the clip holder (15) and, between the foot of the rail (11) and the clip (12) and is forced by the clip (12) against the foot (11). The locking element (6) is so shaped that any movement of the locking element (6) parallel to the rail (11), induced by longitudinal movement of the rail (11), results in the locking element (6) wedging between the clip holder (15) and the foot of the rail (11) so increasing lateral pressure on the rail to prevent further longitudinal rail movement.

Abstract: A rail fastening system for securing rails to rail ties in which an elastic fastener is used. The fastener has one portion which lies on the rail flange and a second portion which seats within a support secured to the rail tie. The fastener comprises a base portion which seats within the support and two tapered arms which are curved over the base so that the free ends of the tapered arms lie on the rail flange. The support is located adjacent the rail flange and a locking element fits between the rail flange and the support and is shaped to interfit with the support in a wedge-like relationship such that longitudinal rail movement acting on the locking element is translated into a lateral force to prevent longitudinal rail movement.

Abstract: Improvement in rail clips formed from metal plate in which the edges of the clip arms adjacent the locations of the clip subject to highest stress, are coined to prevent stress fractures occurring. The preferred form of rail clip is a D configuration in side view in which one portion seats on the foot of the rail and the other portion seats in a clip holder secured to a rail sleeper.

Abstract: Rail fastening clips formed from metal plate which are formed into U shaped plate sections having tapered arms, the plate sections being subsequently bent and formed into a three dimensional rail fastener.

Abstract: A control wheel for an agricultural machine of the folding type in which the wings fold to trail behind a central section. The control wheel comprises a castor wheel coupled with tensioning devices which enable the wheel to track normally while folding or unfolding but to align itself in the direction of travel when folding is completed.