Abstract: A crib ballast clearing machine comprises a machine frame supported on undercarriages adapted to support the machine frame on a track comprised of rails fastened to ties defining cribs therebetween, and a ballast scarifying device comprising a revolvable endless excavating chain vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame for removing ballast from a respective one of the cribs between the rails, a drive for revolving the endless excavating chain, and a displacement drive for vertically adjusting the endless excavating chain. The endless excavating chain has a lowermost ballast receiving part being immersible in ballast in the crib between the rails upon vertical adjustment of the endless excavating chain.

Abstract: Before replacing an old tie with a new tie in a railroad track, the associated tie plates are temporarily welded to the respective rail bases of the two rails with the aid of an old rail spike.

Abstract: A railway panel transport apparatus for moving prefabricated railway panels to installation sites includes a plurality of ties, a first rail, and a second rail. The ties are positioned in spaced parallel relation to support the first and second rails, which extend substantially the length of the railway panel. At least two truck assemblies are connected to the railway panel. The truck assemblies include a pair of travel wheels mounted thereon for engaging and traveling upon existing railway sections. Following transport to the installation site, the truck assemblies are removed and the railway panel is installed in a proper location.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the separation distance between adjacent rails over which vehicles travel, the apparatus including a vehicle moveable along the rails and including a boom or pivoted art member mounted on the frame, the boom or arm extending in cantilevered fashion from a pivot mount to and terminating adjacent one end of the vehicle. A rail gripper is mounted on, and oriented normal to, the boom or arm and includes telescoping members extending laterally of and between the rails. Each end of the rail gripper is provided with one or more lug members adapted to engage a respective rail for the applying of a moving force to the rail in a direction substantially normal to the length of the rail and selectively toward or away from its companion rail.

Abstract: A railway maintenance vehicle exchanges worn crossties for new ones. Worn ties are collected and stored in open-top gondola cars, preferably progressing longitudinally. New ties are simultaneously unloaded from the gondola cars for distribution along the-track. Flange-wheeled tie transport vehicles such as a mobile crane and a bundle clasping transport travel on rails atop the gondola cars to move worn and new ties between collection and distribution devices and the respective storage and unloading locations. Gaps between the cars are bridged by hinged telescoping rail sections. The travel distance between the storage or unloading location and the collection or distribution points change over time. To improve efficiency, at least one intermediate temporary storage basket is moved along the cars and can be passed over by the transport vehicles.

Abstract: A machine for distributing ballast in a track bed comprises a machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages for mobility in an operating direction, a ballast plow adjustably mounted on the machine frame for distributing the ballast in the track bed, drives for adjusting the ballast plow relative to the machine frame, a contactless sensor arranged ahead of the ballast plow in the operating direction for detecting an existing track bed profile extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, a position indicator for indicating a change in the position of the ballast plow relative to the machine frame, and a control for the drives comprising a memory storing a desired track bed profile.

Abstract: A machine for compacting and shaping a ballast bed comprises a machine frame supported on undercarriages on a track for mobility in an operating direction, a vertically adjustable track stabilization assembly including a vibrator for generating horizontal oscillations extending transversely to the longitudinal direction and flanged rollers engaging, and running on, the track rails, drives linking the track stabilization assembly to the machine frame for vertically adjusting the track stabilization assembly, and a vertically adjustable plow for profiling the ballast, the plow being affixed directly to the track stabilization assembly to form a structural unit therewith.

Abstract: A bulk loader car (1) comprises a storage box (2) exhibiting a ground conveyor belt (4) and a support frame (3). The storage box (2) is supported on a vehicle undercarriage frame (9), wherein in each case rail undercarriages (12) are disposed on end sides of the vehicle undercarriage frame (9). A transfer conveyor belt (8) is coordinated to a discharge end (6) of the ground conveyor belt (4) disposed at an angle to the horizontal. The vehicle undercarriage frame (9) is composed out of a first and a second car frame (10, 11) connected to each other by a coupler (15). The storage box (2) is supported in each case by a swivel ring (19, 20) on the two car frames (10, 11). One of the swivel rings (19) is supported longitudinally shiftable relative to the car frame (10).

Abstract: A rail-movable car (1) for removing and pulling out long rails (3), stored on a transport car (2), includes a car frame (6), supported on an undercarriage (5) guided on rails, and a rail-removing device (4) for gripping and shifting a long rail (3) in the longitudinal direction of the car. The rail-removing device (4) includes a crawler (7), wherein the crawler is furnished with a first drive (11) and is deflectable around two deflection rollers (9), disposed at a distance from each other and exhibiting a rotation axis (10), contact plates (15) disposed in series in the removal direction for engaging and resting at the long rail, and a counter support (8) adjustable by means of a second drive (23) relative to the crawler, and wherein the counter support (8) is adapted to roll off on the long rail (3).

Abstract: A mobile crane including a wheeled carriage, support members having distal ends, mounted to the carriage and extendable laterally therefrom in two positions including a retracted position with the distal ends adjacent the carriage and an extended position with the distal ends separated from the carriage, first and second glide beams coupled to the distal ends for movement along a movement axis perpendicular thereto, at least one support beam connected to the tops of the glide beams and a hoist trolley coupled to the support beam. The components operate together to provide a fully supported gantry crane having a variable width useful in lifting and transporting various items including items which are wider than the carriage.

Abstract: A machine for withdrawing bulk material from a track, in particular ballast aterial, includes a bulk material clearing device vertically adjustably secured to a machine frame and including a rotatable, endless scraper chain positioned between the rails of the track immediately above the track. A first conveyor extends in longitudinal direction of the machine frame and has a receiving end which receives bulk material from the clearing device. Immediately trailing the clearing device in the operating direction is a vertically adjustable sweeping device which includes a sweeping broom rotatable about a pivot axis extending horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the machine frame. A second conveyor immediately trails the sweeping device in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame and includes a receiving end for receiving bulk material from the sweeping broom.

Abstract: A machine for distributing ballast on a ballast bed supporting a track comprises a machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages, the undercarriages having wheels making point contacts with the track and the contact points defining a reference plane, chutes arranged on the machine frame and spaced from each other in a direction extending transversely to the machine frame, each chute having a discharge end for downwardly discharging ballast, and a vertically adjustable wiper unit downwardly projecting from the discharge end of each chute towards the track and extending the chute. The wiper unit comprises a drive for adjusting the wiper unit relative to the discharge end, and defines an inlet opening associated with the discharge end of the chute and an outlet opening defining a wiper edge, the wiper edge extending parallel to the reference plane.

Abstract: A track work machine for excavating material from a bed supporting a track comprises a machine frame, undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track for movement in an operating direction, a vertically adjustable endless excavating chain operable to be trained, and revolve, around the rails in a plane inclined relative to the longitudinal direction, and a ballast clearing device mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages, the ballast clearing device comprising a carrier frame affixed to the machine frame, a vertically and transversely adjustable plate-shaped clearing tool, and drives for vertically adjusting the clearing tool over a distance of at least 65 cm between a raised rest position and an operating position wherein the clearing tool is immersed in a respective one of the cribs, and for adjusting the clearing tool transversely to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A track renewal machine and method provides for the fastening of rails to cross ties without any requirement for secondary destressing. Heat is applied to the rails and the clips are then fastened to secure the rails to the cross ties. The rails are heated with one end unconstrained, the heat being applied to the rails essentially simultaneously with the application of clips and insulators to the rail.

Abstract: A track maintenance machine for excavating material from a track bed comprises a machine frame comprising an upwardly recessed machine frame section, undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track for movement in an operating direction, and sequentially arranged on the machine frame in the operating direction, a ballast receptacle comprising chutes for discharging the ballast from the receptacle, an inclined, vertically adjustable and revolvable endless excavating chain comprising a drive at an upper end for revolving the chain, the excavating chain being mounted underneath the upwardly recessed machine frame section for excavating the material from the bed, a track lifting device, a conveying arrangement arranged to remove the received excavated material and having an inlet end arranged below the upper excavating chain end to receive the excavated material therefrom, the ballast discharging chutes being arranged immediately behind the conveying arrangement inlet end in the operating direction, and

Abstract: A crane carrying vehicle for transporting track ties comprises an elongated machine frame supported on undercarriages for movement on rails in an operating direction, the machine frame comprising a storage section for temporarily storing track ties and having two side walls extending in this direction, the side walls being spaced from each other in a transverse direction extending perpendicularly to the operating direction by a distance corresponding at least to the length of the track ties. A track tie supporting platform in the storage section may be tilted between a horizontally extending loading position and an unloading position extending at an angle to the loading position, and the vehicle carries a power-adjustable pivotal crane outrigger with a gripping device for gripping track ties.

Abstract: A track lining machine comprises a machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages, a track stabilization assembly vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame and engaging the track, the track stabilization assembly comprising a vibrator for generating oscillations of the track engaged by the assembly, a reference system comprising a lining reference base, a lining drive linking the track stabilization assembly to the machine frame for displacing the track engaged by the track stabilization assembly in a direction extending transversely to the track into a position controlled by the lining reference base, and a spacing member interposed between the lining drive and the track stabilization assembly.

Abstract: A stone metering system for a railroad track maintenance vehicle providing improved accuracy in stone delivery. The system includes a surge hopper, a number of metering augers, and a corresponding number of splitters. The metering augers convey ballast stones from the surge hopper to the corresponding splitters, which divide the stones evenly between a number of blow tubes. The pitch of the auger screw flights is increased from the inlet end of the screw to "expand" the stone and reduce the production of fines. In addition, the diameter of the final screw flight is reduced at the outlet end of the auger to provide a consistent and even flow of stone into the splitters. The splitters are dynamically adjustable to provide even distribution between the blow tubes regardless of the cant to the rails. The desired amount of stone is delivered to the tubes by rotating the auger screw the number of full or partial revolutions associated with the amount.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating railway rails during the laying down thereof, which comprises: a group (1-5) generating a direct current, mounted on a railway car (A); a pair of first contact vices (7) carried by this railway car (A), connected to the output of the generator group (1-5) and suitable for being tightened each one on a first end of the two rails (R) forming the railway track section to be heated; a trolley (B) provided with a similar pair of second contact vices (13), connected to one another and suitable for being tightened on a second end, opposite the first end, of the two rails (R) forming the railway track section to be heated; and means (8-12) for controlling the electric power delivered by the generator group (1-5) in order to produce in the considered railway track section a heating up to a prefixed temperature.

Abstract: A machine for continuously laying a track comprised of two rails fastened to ties includes a machine frame having a first carrier frame and a second carrier frame which are supported successively in longitudinal direction of the machine frame on undercarriages for mobility on the track in an operating direction. A joint so detachably connects the first and second carrier frames to one another that the second carrier frame is positioned above the first carrier frame in an area of the joint and movable relative thereto in longitudinal direction of the machine frame. The first carrier frame is provided with a railway track for mobility of a tie transport device that continuously transports ties in longitudinal direction of the machine frame and includes a mobile crane. The second carrier frame is provided in the area of the joint with an auxiliary vertically adjustable undercarriage for mobility on the railway track of the first carrier frame.

Abstract: A car for loading and unloading elongated rails comprises a frame supported on a track by undercarriages, the frame defining at least one clearance between the undercarriages for permitting the elongated rails to be guided therethrough, a guiding roller arrangement arranged to guide a respective one of the elongated rails through the clearance between the track plane and a loading plane above the frame, the guiding roller arrangement being positioned in the clearance, and two rails for supporting a crane, the rails being affixed to the frame and extending in the longitudinal direction, the rails being spaced from each other in a direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A freight car includes a carrier frame supportable on track-bound undercarriages for mobility on a track, a box formed by side walls and a bottom for storing bulk material, and a conveyor belt constituting the bottom of the box and extending in longitudinal direction for conveying bulk material in a conveying direction. Further mounted to the freight car are two off-track undercarriages which are spaced from each other in longitudinal direction and vertically adjustable independently from each other by own drives.

Abstract: A machine for aspirating ballast from a bed supporting a track comprises a machine frame and undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track for mobility therealong. A vacuum generator and a ballast storage receptacle are mounted on the machine frame. A suction tube is connected to the vacuum generator, the suction tube terminating in a tubular end section having a longitudinal axis and defining a suction opening at one end thereof for aspirating the ballast, the tubular end section being rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A displacement mechanism attaches the suction tube to the machine frame for vertically and transversely displacing the tubular suction tube end section, the displacement mechanism comprising drives for vertically and transversely displacing the tubular suction tube end section, and a drive is provided for rotating the tubular suction tube end section in a direction of rotation.

Abstract: A track work machine comprises a machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track for moving in an operating direction, a broom housing, and a ballast broom having a horizontal shaft extending in a transverse direction and rotatably mounted in the broom housing. A holding device is provided for temporarily storing the ballast broom, the holding device being mounted on the machine frame and comprising two bearing arms for supporting the horizontal shaft of the ballast broom, the bearing arms being spaced from each other in the transverse direction. A horizontal guide extends in the transverse direction and displaceably guides the holding device in the transverse direction, and a drive is connected to the holding device for displacing the holding device in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A system for detecting targets and for positioning at least one work module over a particular target to perform a task thereon. The system includes a movable machine having a main frame, a drive mechanism for propelling the machine across a base surface, a sensor associated with the machine for detecting locations of at least one target positioned on said base surface, and an encoder assembly associated with the machine for obtaining motion data. The motion data includes at least one of the displacement and velocity of the machine across the base surface. Also included is a control unit for receiving the target locations from the sensor, for receiving the motion data from the encoder assembly, for determining a target distance for the drive mechanism to propel the machine such that the work module is generally aligned with a particular target in a target area, and for creating a destination signal indicating when the work module is operationally aligned with the target area.

Abstract: A track renewal machine comprises an elongated machine frame supported on undercarriages for mobility in an operating direction, a device for receiving ties of an old track mounted on the machine frame, a device for planing the ballast bed mounted on the machine frame, the planing device comprising a planing shield extending transversely to the machine frame and two transversely spaced boundary shields extending in the longitudinal direction at respective sides of the planing shield, and a device for laying ties of a new track mounted on the machine frame and positioned between the boundary shields.

Abstract: A work car for carrying out track maintenance operations, comprising a chassis with a coupling for detachably coupling the chassis to another car running on a track, undercarriages supporting the chassis on the running surfaces of the rails, at least one track maintenance operating device on the chassis, the device comprising hydraulically operable drives, a hydraulic fluid supply line, a hydraulic coupling at one end of the chassis for connecting the hydraulic fluid supply line thereto, and the chassis defining an upper boundary spaced from the running surfaces of the rails a distance not exceeding four meters in the region of the one chassis end and a distance not exceeding three meters at an end of the chassis opposite the one end.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper discharge control member which is operable to selectively drop material from the respective hopper either inside of or outside of the rails of a railroad track. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, either between the hopper discharge control members or one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade and each hopper discharge control member can be selectively operated via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper discharge control members and blades on a car.

Abstract: A track is tamped and stabilized at a desired level by lifting the track to a temporary level, intermittently tamping the track and then advancing along the track in an operating direction in continuously repeated tamping cycles, and in continuously repeated stabilizing cycles parallel to and following the tamping cycles in the operating direction, intermittently stabilizing the tamped track at the desired level by imparting to the track horizontal vibrations extending in a direction perpendicular to the track, and applying to the vibrating track a vertical load at a value automatically controlled to rise to a maximum value required to lower the track to the desired level and then reduced to a value to relieve the load.

Abstract: A mobile track tamping machine for simultaneously tamping ballast under a plurality of track ties comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and supported by undercarriages on the track for movement in an operating direction. Two tamping tool assemblies are sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction, each tamping tool assembly being capable of simultaneously tamping ballast under at least two track ties and comprising two tamping tools adjacent each other in the longitudinal direction and reciprocable from an initial position to a tamping position, the two tamping tools defining the distance between the track ties in the initial position. A reciprocating drive is connected to the two tamping tools, and the tamping tools of the two tamping tool assemblies adjacent each other in the longitudinal direction are spaced a distance corresponding to the distance between the track ties.

Abstract: A method of tamping a plurality of ties fastened to rails of a track comprises repeated cycles of a first tamping operation comprising the steps of lifting the track to a desired level and simultaneously tamping ballast under two groups of adjacent ties, each group consisting of at least two ties and the two groups being separated by at most two ties between the groups, and a second tamping operation independent of, and following, the first tamping operation, the second tamping operation comprising the step of tamping ballast under the ties between the two groups.

Abstract: A process and vehicle for automatically screwing and unscrewing tie screws performed by the vehicle moving continuously along a track. This invention makes it possible to detect and determine the relative position of a tie screw with respect to a tie screw fastening head by optoelectronic devices and to set, if appropriate, the inclination of the tie screw fastening head. The tie screw fastening head is positioned above the tie screw and a tie screw fastening cycle is engaged for each tie screw. The tie screw fastening heads then hop from one work position to another, performing this process.

Abstract: A track working machine includes a machine frame and a body structure mounted on the machine frame and incorporating a motor. A lower horizontal underside of the machine frame is equipped with fasteners for detachably securing undercarriages as well as a coupling for permitting a detachable connection of a power supply line with further power supply lines of a drive and a brake unit of a undercarriage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and method for measuring and correcting the line of a track. The method comprises forming an optical reference beam between an emitter on an emitter bogie and a position-sensitive receiver on a measuring and correcting car, moving the measuring and correcting car for a measurement interval in sequences of a desired length towards the emitter bogie, monitoring the movement of the hitting point of the optical beam by the position-sensitive receiver, measuring lateral inclination of the track, positioning the position-sensitive receiver in relation to the track between the sequences of moving, and measuring the instantaneous values of the position of the hitting point of the optical beam and the inclination of the track, and using the measurement data for the shifting operations directed to the track.

Abstract: A suction unit (76) provided with a suction pipe (80) having a suction opening (81) for sucking off crushed rock and being vertically and laterally adjustable is allocated to a machine (57) for treating the ballast bed of a track (60) with a machine frame (58) supported on rail travelling undercarriges (59). In addition, there is provided a clearing apparatus (62) disposed at a distance from the suction opening (81) in the longitudinal direction of the machine and provided with an endless clearing chain (64) rotatable by a drive (63) for removing the crushed rock disposed below the track (60). Like the suction pipe (80), it is provided with separate drives (82, 99) for vertical and lateral adjustment independently from one another.

Abstract: A crane, particularly a track-bound mobile crane, having a luffing jib located on a vehicle frame so as to be slewable upward and downward around a horizontal axis and rotatable around a vertical axis. In order to transport long and heavy loads in narrow areas, especially during the construction of bridges or tracks, the luffing jib is supported on at least one swivel bearing located on a vehicle frame end and is slewable upward and downward or liftable by a lifting drive arranged between the ends of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A maintenance vehicle and associated method for measuring and correcting the level of a railroad track in a single pass. An instrument carriage, or frog, is towed by and in fixed relationship to the maintenance vehicle. The frog carries at least one inclinometer to measure at least one of longitudinal level and crossfall. As the vehicle periodically stops to work the track e.g. tamping or stoneblowing), the inclinometers are provided with the settling time necessary for accurate readings. In an additionally disclosed method, the track is measured and modeled prior to working using a primary measurement system and is then measured and modeled a second time while the track is worked using the frog.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the geometry of a stretch of a railway track uses a track maintenance machine which runs on the track and which has at least one measuring reference system (13) guided by feelers (10,12) on the track and sensors (14,15) for determining the position of the track relative to the measuring reference system (13) and which also has track correcting tools (16). The method comprises performing a preliminary measuring run to acquire a series of track measurements at spaced points along the track by the sensor (14). A design profile is then determined from these measurements and correction values prescribed necessary to achieve the design profile. Then a maintenance run is performed during which the track correcting tools are controlled in accordance with the prescribed correction values whereby to adjust the track geometry.

Abstract: A method of continuously measuring the resistance of a track to transverse displacement comprises the steps of continuously advancing a dynamic stabilizer along the track, applying a power to the dynamic stabilizer to impart oscillations to the track extending transversely to the track in a horizontal plane, and recording a datum corresponding to the applied power as a correlated measurement value of the transverse track displacement resistance (QVW).

Abstract: A track working machine includes a machine frame extending in longitudinal direction along a track and supported by undercarriages for mobility in an operating direction along the track. The machine frame exhibits a first work section situated between two undercarriages and a second work section immediately trailing the first work section in the operating direction. A self-propelled transport unit travels along guide rails which are mounted in the longitudinal direction onto the machine frame. The machine frame is formed in the area of the first work section essentially by two parallel beams extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced transversely to the machine frame, with the parallel beams being connected together by a traverse heading disposed above the guide rails to thereby enable the transport unit to move from the second work section underneath the traverse heading into the first work section.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing and removing rail clips from a rail, the apparatus constructed and arranged to be mounted on a railway maintenance vehicle having a frame, and including an applicator/remover configured to perform one of installation and removal of the rail clips relative to a rail, an actuator configured for reciprocating the applicator/remover in a direction substantially transverse to the rail so that rail clips are moved one of towards the rail or away from the rail.

Abstract: A stone metering system for a railroad track maintenance vehicle providing improved accuracy in stone delivery. The system includes a surge hopper, a number of metering augers, and a corresponding number of splitters. The metering augers convey ballast stones from the surge hopper to the corresponding splitters, which divide the stones evenly between a number of blow tubes. The pitch of the auger screw flights is increased from the inlet end of the screw to "expand" the stone and reduce the production of fines. In addition, the diameter of the final screw flight is reduced at the outlet end of the auger to provide a consistent and even flow of stone into the splitters. The splitters are dynamically adjustable to provide even distribution between the blow tubes regardless of the cant to the rails. The desired amount of stone is delivered to the tubes by rotating the auger screw the number of full or partial revolutions associated with the amount.

Abstract: A clip applicator machine is capable of automatically separating individual spring-type rail clips from a stack of clips and of applying the individual clips in anchor sockets such that they are fully tensioned against the base of the rail. The clip applicator machine may include two separate workheads 1) each of which is positioned over a respective rail and 2) each of which may support gauge and field side clip applicator assemblies operable to apply clips on the respective sides of the associated rail. Each applicator assembly is movable from a position in which it receives clips one at a time from a magazine, through a position in which it is aligned with the anchor socket of tie plate, and into a clip applying position.

Abstract: A railroad ballast spreading system is provided for rail cars used to spread ballast about the rails. A plowshare is mounted beneath the rail car and is supported by a bracket arm connected to the rail car. A curved linkage is also connected to between the rail car and the plowshare. A hydraulic motor or other pressure fluid motor is connected to an intermediate point of the linkage to pivotably move the plowshare from a lowered position for spreading the ballast to a raised, stowed position. The linkage includes a curved crank arm and a curved link arm such that the linkage passes the toggle point between the lowered and stowed position to increase the stability of the plowshare in the stowed position.

Abstract: A stoneblower having a workhead and associated blowing tubes that adjust to skewed ties and to nonvertical tie faces. The workhead provided several degrees of movement to the blowing tubes, enabling them to be individually aligned with each tie along the length of track being worked. The blowing tubes can be pre-tilted to match the face angle of the ties. Proper location of the blow tubes is detected by monitoring the tilt change of the tube engendered when the tubes engage the ties. The blowing tubes include an elongated stone exit opening that extends both above and below the tie when the tube is inserted into the ballast. The opening therefore provides a stone discharge below the tie and an overflow above the tie. A finger extends from the lower end of the blowing tube to enable the stoneblower to sense the location of the railroad track ties without scooping ballast into the tube openings.

Abstract: An automatic rail fastener remover for use on threaded fasteners being used for securing railroad rails to rail ties, the fastener remover constructed and arranged to be mounted on a railway maintenance vehicle having a frame, and including a fastener removal tool configured to releasably engage one of the fasteners for removing the fastener from the tie, a drive assembly connected to the tool for rotating the tool, at least one latch hook selectively biased against the fastener head for assisting the tool in the removal of the fastener from the tie.

Abstract: The subgrade supporting a ballast bed for a track is rehabilitated by (a) lifting the track off the ballast bed, removing an upper,portion of the ballast from the ballast bed, comminuting the removed ballast to obtain gravel, storing the gravel, and laying the track on a remaining portion of the ballast bed, in a first stage, (b) lifting the track off the remaining ballast bed portion, removing the ballast of the remaining ballast bed portion until the subgrade is exposed, and laying the track on the exposed subgrade, in a second stage, and (c) lifting the track off the subgrade, discharging the stored gravel on the subgrade, planing and compacting the gravel on the subgrade until a protective layer for the subgrade is obtained, and laying the track on the protective subgrade layer, in a third stage.

Abstract: A machine for working on a ballast bed supporting a track comprises a machine frame, undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track, and a ballast storage receptacle and a suction arrangement on the machine frame. The suction arrangement comprises a suction unit and a suction conduit connected to the suction unit, the suction conduit terminating in a vertically and transversely adjustable suction snout defining a suction opening for aspirating ballast into the ballast storage receptacle. A compressed air conduit connects a compressed air generating unit on the machine frame to the ballast storage receptacle for supplying compressed air thereto, and a blow conduit is connected to the ballast storage receptacle for blowing stored ballast out of the receptacle.

Abstract: A ballast cleaning machine comprises a machine frame supported on undercarriages running on the track and carrying a ballast screening arrangement, a ballast excavating device including a revolvable excavating chain arranged to deliver excavated ballast to the screening arrangement for cleaning the excavated ballast, a conveyor arrangement disposed to receive the cleaned ballast from the screening arrangement and to discharge the cleaned ballast for support of the track, a laterally and vertically adjustable suction pipe having a suction opening at one end for receiving ballast, and a vacuum device connected to an opposite end of the suction pipe for applying sub-atmospheric pressure to the suction opening and thereby to suck up ballast through the suction pipe.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper discharge control member which is operable to selectively drop material from the respective hopper either inside of or outside of the rails of a railroad track. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, either between the hopper discharge control members or one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade and each hopper discharge control member can be selectively operated via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper discharge control members and blades on a car.