Abstract: A ballast metering method and apparatus is disclosed which utilizes a rail mounted metering hopper having a set of forward discharge outlets for directing ballast laterally and downwardly beneath the rails under the pressure of a volume of ballast retained in the hopper. This volume is maintained at a continuously maintained level by selective addition of ballast to the hopper. The discharged ballast forms a pair of spaced apart windrows beneath the rails which is graded to a predetermined height by a sub-track grader blade associated with the hopper. A center discharge opening at the rear of the hopper allows ballast to be directed between the graded windrows. A pair of lateral chutes permit discharge of ballast outwardly of the rails.

Abstract: A points and crossing changer including an elongated frame having a plurality of extendible support members pivotally mounted thereon for horizontal movement about a vertical axis. Each support member includes a downwardly extendible telescoping shaft supported on a lower end by a tracked conveyor pivotally mounted thereon. Mounted to the frame is means for engaging selected sections of track subjacent frame wherein the frame and the selected section of track can be lifted by the telescopic shafts and propelled in an unlimited variety of horizontal directions by the tracked conveyors.

Abstract: A rotary dump wagon for handling ballast having a carriage with a first conveyor mounted thereon for conveying ballast the length of the carriage and a plurality of hollow drums supported by the carriage and engaging the first conveyor for rotational movement thereabout. Each drum has a plurality of elongated flights mounted to the inner surface thereof for lifting ballast to the first conveyor and at least one downwardly extendible plow blade suspended therein which selectively contacts the upper surface of the first conveyor thereby diverting ballast traveling thereon to the lower portion of the drum. A second conveyor is pivotally mounted to the carriage subjacent the discharge end of the first conveyor for horizontal movement about a vertical axis and extends upwardly and forwardly beyond the forward end of the carriage and above the first conveyor.

Abstract: An articulated ballast cleaning system utilizes a pair of ballast cleaners each dedicated to cleaning only a portion of the ballast bed of a railroad track, such that one cleans the peripheral ballast while the other cleans the center ballast. Spoil or waste ballast is conveyed forwardly along the apparatus for disposal, while cleaned ballast is conveyed rearwardly for replacement aft of an undercutter device. Fresh ballast may be conveyed forwardly along the apparatus to supplement the cleaned ballast.

Abstract: An attachment for railroad track maintenance equipment utilizes a parallelogram linkage to position a vibrating skid on the surface of the interstitial ballast intermediate railroad crossties to loosen such ballast for subsequent removal by an undercutter device which is a part of the track maintenance equipment.

Abstract: A railroad undercutter economizes both weight and space requirements through the use of a single continuous chain which carries ballast from beneath a railroad track to a track supported conveyor with the chain entering beneath and exiting from beneath the track on the same side and turning through a vertical arc of approximately 130.degree. to move above the track.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing ballast utilizes eccentrically mounted disk-like undercutters to remove ballast from a position adjacent the track shoulder inwardly to a position underneath the ends of the crossties. The undercutters project inwardly from their mounting position on the lower ends of vertically disposed columns which overhang each side of a supporting carriage. The vertically disposed columns attach to horizontal sliders mounted transversely relative to the carriage. Linear actuators act to position the undercutters for ballast removal.

Abstract: Track maintenance apparatus for use in railroad track maintenance utilizes a forward cribber unit to remove ballast from between the crossties and a rear adzer unit to smoothen any irregularities in the crosstie surface during a track re-laying operation. A single worker can perform both the cribbing and adzing tasks without dismounting from the apparatus.

Abstract: A combined tamper and compaction apparatus for use on a railroad track leveling machine utilizes hollow tamping tools which are inserted in loose ballast on either side of a cross tie. The tamping tools are vibrated to "fluidize" the ballast and plungers mounted within the tamping tools force the ballast therein downwardly and outwardly beneath the ties. Thereafter the tamping tools with plungers extended are raised and lowered to compact the ballast.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconditioning ballast along a railroad track utilizes lateral excavators to excavate the ballast adjacent the track ahead of an undercutter which excavates beneath the track. The ballast from adjacent the track is discharged below the track without processing, while the ballast taken from beneath the track is processed by a cleaning screen to recover reuseable ballast which is discharged outwardly of the center of the track.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing ballast utilizes a ditcher wheel to remove ballast from along the side of a railroad track. An undercutter is pivotally mounted to the frame of the ditcher wheel rearwardly thereof and is also pivotal about a vertical axis such that the undercutter may be placed beneath the track while supported by the ditcher wheel. A portion of the undercutter is aligned parallel to the track proximal and rearwardly of the ditcher wheel and serves to urge the ballast removed by the undercutter into the path of the ditcher wheel for removal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing ballast from beneath railroad tracks utilizes a horizontal undercutter disposed beneath the track to remove the ballast therefrom into a trench excavated by a cooperatively mounted trencher wheel. A horizontally disposed conveyor is located in the trench rearwardly of and adjacent the trench wheel to receive the ballast from the undercutter and to transport the ballast to the trencher wheel for removal thereby.