Abstract: This invention includes a method for estimating the shape of a section of railroad track from so-called chord offsets measured along it without prior assumptions about the locations and orientations of arcs and tangents that together could define a shape to which the track might be made to conform. This invention also includes a method for finding a configuration of tangents, arcs, and spirals that are as close as practical to a set of existing points along a section of track and that can define a desired shape for calculating instructions to a track lining machine.

Abstract: A prior method for designing transition curves for railroad tracks and other vehicle guideways begin with a choice of a roll function representing a functional form for variation of the track or guideway roll or cant angle as a function of distance and requires the curvature of the transition shape to keep the components of centripetal and gravitational acceleration in the plane of the track or guideway equal at each point along the shape and integrates the equation expressing that equality as part of a procedure for determining the resulting transition curve shape. That method is supplemented by a method of defining basic roll functions in terms of Gegenbauer orthogonal polynomials, including roll functions which generate simple spirals as well as more complex shapes (referred to as bends, jogs, and wiggles).

Abstract: Railroad track transition curves having shapes referred to as K_spirals, Bends, Jogs, and Wiggles are suitable for use in various situations where railroad track transition curves are needed and have good dynamic characteristics. Such shapes can be used for design of railroad track turnouts and crossovers. In order for such shapes to be incorporated into turnouts and crossovers, rail switch arrangements are provided that can accommodate the superelevation profiles on which the favorable dynamic characteristics of those shapes depend.

Abstract: A prior method for designing transition curves for railroad tracks and other vehicle guideways begin with a choice of a roll function representing a functional form for variation of the track or guideway roll or cant angle as a function of distance and requires the curvature of the transition shape to keep the components of centripetal and gravitational acceleration in the plane of the track or guideway equal at each point along the shape and integrates the equation expressing that equality as part of a procedure for determining the resulting transition curve shape. That method is supplemented by a method of defining basic roll functions in terms of Gegenbauer orthogonal polynomials, including roll functions which generate simple spirals as well as more complex shapes (referred to as bends, jogs, and wiggles).