Abstract: A rail anchor remover for removing rail anchors from a rail, the rail anchor remover constructed and arranged to be mounted on a railway maintenance vehicle having a frame, and including a reciprocating pusher insert configured to impact and detach a rail anchor, a reciprocating scraper configured to remove the detached rail anchor, at least one pusher proximity switch for monitoring and controlling the disposition of the pusher insert, at least one scraper proximity switch for monitoring and controlling the disposition of the scraper shaft, and a guide rod for stabilizing the reciprocation of the pusher insert.

Abstract: Track laying apparatus and associated methods are provided for installing rails on blocks. In a preferred embodiment, a track laying apparatus has an installation portion for installing the blocks to the rails at predetermined lateral and longitudinal spacings, relative to the lengths of the rails, and a positioning portion for propelling and steering the apparatus and lifting and laterally spacing the rails.

Abstract: A rail loading train for transporting as well as loading and unloading long rails includes a loading car with a frame which is supported on undercarriages for movement in an operating direction. Mounted on the frame of each loading car are a plurality of spaced rail supports for carrying the long rails. Each rail support includes a shaft which is swingably mounted at one end to a column and is shiftable between an idle position in which the shaft extends longitudinally in direction of the track and a receiving position in which the shaft extends across the frame. The shaft is provided with a number of neighboring pairs of flange rollers, with each flange roller having at least one end provided with a flange.

Abstract: The installation for the rehabilitation of a ballast bed supporting a track including two rails comprises a first machine, and a second machine, the machines being supported on the track by undercarriages for movement in an operating direction, and the second machine preceding the first machine in the operating direction.

Abstract: A track working machine comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and having opposite ends, the machine frame having an upwardly recessed portion between the ends, and undercarriages supporting the machine frame ends on the track for mobility thereon in an operating direction. An operator's cab has an access below the upwardly recessed machine frame portion for permitting an operator to enter and leave the cab, and two structural parts are attached to the machine frame and extend in the longitudinal direction below the upwardly recessed machine frame portion, the structural parts being spaced from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction and defining therebetween a delimited working area. A hoisting apparatus is mounted on the machine frame, the hoisting apparatus comprising a load carrying device and drives for adjusting the load carrying device in vertical, longitudinal and transverse directions.

Abstract: An arrangement for installing a protective layer between a subgrade and a layer of ballast of a track bed includes an excavating unit to remove ballast from underneath the track and a subgrade stabilizing unit by which additives are disposed directly over the exposed subgrade and blended underneath the track with the subgrade for formation of a protective layer following a leveling and compacting process. Removed and cleaned ballast is then laid by a conveyor over the new protective layer.

Abstract: A mobile machine for withdrawing ballast from a ballast bed includes two receptacles, each of which including a separate intake port and discharge outlet, with a suction tube being selectively connectable to the intake ports of the receptacles. In order to selectively seal the intake ports in an air-tight manner, each intake port accommodates a closing element so as to allow an alternate emptying and filling of the receptacles without interruption of the withdrawal of ballast.

Abstract: A mobile track tamping and ballasting machine movable along a railroad track in a first operating direction and a reverse direction, which comprises a first machine frame, a second machine frame, an articulated coupling connecting the machine frames, undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the railroad track for movement therealong, the first machine frame supporting a vertically adjustable ballast tamping unit and a track lifting and lining unit preceding the ballast tamping unit in the first operating direction, and the second machine frame supporting a plow for ballasting the track and a ballast broom preceding the ballasting plow in the first operating direction.

Abstract: A mobile machine for preparing rails for welding comprises an elongated bridge-like machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction, the machine frame having an upwardly recessed frame portion extending between opposite ends of the machine frame and defining a work space, and undercarriages support the opposite machine frame ends. Rail lifting devices are mounted on the machine frame for displacement in the longitudinal direction, and drives vertically adjust the rail lifting devices. The machine further has support shelves for storing rails on the machine frame.

Abstract: A tool for installing a spring rail fastener includes a main arm whose bottom end is provided with a toe adapted to fit over one of the angled axial ends of the fastener. The main arm is connected near its bottom end, above its toe and by way of a hinge having a transverse pin, to a secondary arm. The secondary arm includes a short first length adapted to be inserted into the housing of an anchoring insert, a second length forming a U-shape bent through 180.degree., a third length that is substantially parallel to the first length and on which the hinge is mounted, and a fourth length extending outwardly and downwardly in inclined manner relative to the third length and terminating in a curved zone.

Abstract: A mobile machine for aspirating ballast from a ballast bed comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and supported by undercarriages running on a track. Mounted on the machine frame are a ballast aspirating device comprising a short suction inlet pipe defining a suction inlet port, and a ballast excavating device vertically adjustable by drive means linking the ballast excavating device to the machine frame. The ballast excavating device comprises a substantially horizontally extending beam having opposite ends, a guide roller mounted on each beam end and an endless ballast excavating chain trained over the guide rollers, the beam being pivotal about a vertical axis at one of the beam ends and arranged in an operating position laterally adjacent one of the tie ends at one of the ballast bed shoulders and the suction inlet port being vertically adjustable in said operating position.

Abstract: A mobile machine for rehabilitating a ballast bed comprises an elongated machine frame supported by spaced apart undercarriages on the track for mobility in an operating direction. Mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages are a vertically adjustable device for excavating ballast, a ballast discharge device arranged rearwardly of the ballast excavating device in the operating direction, the ballast discharge device having a discharge end, and a track lifting device and a vertically adjustable ballast tamping head arranged rearwardly of the discharge end of the ballast discharge device. The track lifting device comprises flanged rollers supporting the track lifting device on the track, and the ballast tamping head comprises reciprocable tamping tools for tamping the discharged ballast.

Abstract: A ballast planing machine includes a machine frame supported by undercarriages for movement in an operating direction along a track and comprised of a leading carrier frame which supports a vertically adjustable ballast plow arrangement and a further carrier frame which is linked to the leading carrier frame and supports an operator's cabin and a vertically adjustable, rotary sweeping broom. Mounted to the further carrier frame is also a negative pressure generator of a suction unit for removing excess ballast during movement of the machine frame in operating direction. The suction unit includes a suction tube which communicates with the negative pressure generator and extends in longitudinal direction beyond the machine frame to terminate in a suction nozzle which projects beyond the rearward end of the machine frame.

Abstract: A ballast plow assembly adapted for connection to a frame of a hopper-type railroad car having a series of openings from which ballast is gravitationally discharged and which is supported for rolling movement over tracks or rails by a pair of wheeled undercarriages. The ballast plow assembly includes a ballast plow that is pivotally connected to the frame of the railroad car in proximate relation to the wheels of a respective undercarriage and has a free end which is automatically movable into engagement with an upper surface of the tracks under the influence of gravity for clearing the upper track surfaces from ballast discharged from the railroad car and for generally distributing ballast across the track bed. The forward end of the ballast plow extends across the upper track surfaces and generally normal to the tracks. A lift mechanism is provided in combination with the ballast plow for removing the track engaging end of the ballast plow from engagement with the track.

Abstract: A clip setting machine is capable of automatically separating individual spring-type rail clips from a stack of clips and of setting the individual clips in anchor sockets for subsequent application, e.g., by an automatic rail applicator. The clip setting machine may include two separate workheads each of which is positioned over a respective rail and which may support gauge and field side clip setter assemblies operable to set clips on the respective sides of a rail. Each clip setter 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 shoulder of the anchor, and into a clip setting position. Each workhead can be lowered onto the rail into longitudinal alignment with the sockets and moved from tie to tie along the rail without being lifted, thereby facilitating the clip setting process.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper door. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade can be selectively raised and lowered via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper doors and blades on a car. When there are a plurality of ballast cars on a train, each car has a receiver which responds to a different address sequence. The remote transmitter is operable to selectively send any of the different address sequences so that a single selected car can be remotely controlled. In a modified arrangement, each ballast distributing blade has a pair of extendable wings on either side to allow the wider distribution of ballast where needed.

Abstract: A mobile machine for compacting ballast comprises a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and supported by undercarriages on the track rails, and a ballast bed stabilizing apparatus vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame. The apparatus comprises a vibrator imparting to the apparatus vibrations extending in a horizontal plane and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, flanged rollers spaced apart in a direction extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and supporting the apparatus on the track rails for movement therealong, each flanged roller being mounted on a stub shaft, and a spreading mechanism mounted between the spaced-apart flanged rollers for changing the distance therebetween.

Abstract: A loading wagon (1) for the transport, storage and discharge of bulk material has a wagon frame (2) supported on on-track undercarriages (3) and a wagon body (5) connected to the wagon frame, there being arranged in the base region of the wagon body a base conveyor belt (7) having a drive (11). Provided adjacent thereto is a transfer conveyor belt (8) which projects over the end of the wagon frame, has an elevated discharge end (9) with respect to the wagon frame (2), and which is provided with a drive (12), with a storing or transporting direction (31) running from the base conveyor belt (7) to the transfer conveyor belt (8). An outlet opening (14) for discharging the bulk material onto the track is provided beneath the base conveyor belt (7). The drive (11) for the base conveyor belt (7) or the transfer conveyor belt (8) is designed for selective operation in the first transporting direction or in a second transporting direction running in the opposite direction thereto.

Abstract: An installation for the continuous rehabilitation of a ballast bed comprises an elongated machine frame supported on the track by undercarriages for movement in an operating direction, and mounted on the machine frame are a vertically adjustable ballast excavating device for excavating dirty ballast, a screening device for cleaning the excavated dirty ballast, a storage bin for holding bulk material and arranged rearwardly of the screening device in the operating direction and close to the rear end of the machine frame means, a conveyor device for conveying ballast to the storage bin, the storage bin comprising an input opening for delivering bulk material to the bin independently of the conveyor device, and a discharge device arranged to receive the bulk material from the storage bin and to discharge the received bulk material to the subgrade.

Abstract: Vehicle able to lay a specially designed track formed from elements (5, 6, 7) joined end to end. The vehicle (8) advances along the track and carries a track element on the carriage. When it reaches the end of the track, the carriage is lowered so that the element can be fitted into the preceding element. The elements are of different types so as to permit track height and direction changes.

Abstract: An installation for distributing ballast in a track bed supporting a track and for tamping the ballast comprises a machine frame comprised of a first machine frame part and a second machine frame part, the first machine frame part preceding the second machine frame part in the operating direction. The machine frame is supported by undercarriages on the track for movement in an operating direction. Mounted on the first machine frame part are a ballast tamping unit and a track lifting and lining unit, and mounted on the second machine frame part are a ballast storage bin having outlets for delivering ballast from the bin to the track, a ballast conveyor having an output end above the ballast storage bin and an input end, and a vertically adjustable broom arrangement for sweeping excess ballast from the track to the ballast conveyor input end.

Abstract: A track-bound freight car comprises a longitudinally extending machine frame, an undercarriage at each machine frame end, a conveyor band extending obliquely with respect to the track plane and above the machine frame in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame, the conveyor band having a lower input end above one of the undercarriages and a higher output end above the other undercarriage. At least one of the conveyor band ends is displaceable transversely to the longitudinal direction with respect to the undercarriage at said one conveyor band end and a transverse displacement drive is connected to the one conveyor band end for effectuating the displacement. Parallel side walls extend in the longitudinal direction along the conveyor band, the conveyor band constituting the bottom of a storage space defined between the side walls.

Abstract: A machine for renewing and laying a railway track comprises an elongated machine frame and undercarriages supporting the machine frame at the ends thereof. The undercarriages include at one of the machine ends an undercarriage which is vertically adjustable relative to the machine frame and detachable therefrom, the vertically adjustable undercarriage not being track-bound, and a track-bound undercarriage which is arranged adjacent the vertically adjustable undercarriage and is detachable from the machine frame. A first coupling detachably mounts the vertically adjustable undercarriage on the machine frame and a second coupling is provided at the track-bound undercarriage for mounting the vertically adjustable undercarriage on the machine frame.

Abstract: The disclosed shoulder ballast cleaning machine with integrated hopper car is particularly designed to provide for the temporary conveyance and storage of clean ballast. The shoulder ballast cleaning machine digs up the stone ballast of the railroad bed, separates dirt and debris from the ballast, and replaces the cleaned ballast on the railroad bed. The hopper car provides the storage capacity to have ballast on board for deployment on the track bed when the quantity of ballast then being cleaned is inadequate to satisfy the need and to store excess cleaned ballast when the quantity of cleaned ballast exceeds the amount needed to be replaced on the track bed. The hopper car is interposed between the power car and the auxiliary car. A unique conveyor system conveys the fouled ballast from the power car where the ballast is dug up, past the hopper car, to the auxiliary car where the ballast and waste are separated.

Abstract: A transport wagon (1) is provided with a wagon frame (4) supported on on-track undercarriages (2) and a conveyor belt (8) extending in the longitudinal direction of the wagon and arranged so as to be inclined relative to the track plane, forming a lower-lying receiving end (11) and an elevated discharge end (12), with which side walls (13) are associated, extending in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt, to delimit laterally and form a storage space (14). The wagon frame (4) is formed from a number of frame parts (5) disposed one behind another in the longitudinal direction of the wagon, joined together in an articulated manner in each case in the region of an on-track undercarriage (2), forming an articulation point (6), and having respective individual conveyor belts (8).

Abstract: The invention comprises essentially a first car (1) resting on a bogey running on the track to be replaced, and a second bogey (3) moving during the work cycles with the aid of two auxiliary devices (5, 6) above the old cross-ties (4) without rails. It also comprises a work unit for removing the old rails, a unit (8) for the old cross-ties (4) and a unit (10) for laying new cross-ties (2). The auxiliary devices (5, 6) are two retractable translation devices arranged so as to be able to move on the cross-ties (4) without rails and are disposed on either side of the second bogey (3).

Abstract: Vehicle able to lay a specially designed track formed from elements (5, 6, 7) joined end to end. The vehicle (8) advances along the track and carries a track element on the carriage. When it reaches the end of the track, the carriage is lowered so that the element can be fitted into the preceding element. The elements are of different types so as to permit track height and direction changes.

Abstract: A mobile machine for leveling, lining and tamping a track, has an elongated machine frame supported on undercarriages for continuous movement along the track in an operating direction during a leveling, lining and tamping operation. The machine frame comprises three machine frame parts arranged successively adjacent each other in a direction of elongation of the machine frame and pivotally linked to each other, one of the machine frame parts being an auxiliary trussing linking the two adjacent machine frame parts to each other during the operation. A carrier frame is supported on at least one undercarriage for intermittent movement along the track relative to the continuously moving machine frame, the one machine frame part bridging over the carrier frame, and a track tamping unit and a track lifting and lining unit are mounted on the carrier frame.

Abstract: A demolder for and a method of separating and removing mold material formed around two rail ends of longitudinally adjacent railroad rails during the use of a thermite weld system to join the rails into a continuous rail. The demolder includes an open-ended steel box sized to be positioned about the mold material having substantially aligned slots provided on opposite sides of the box to freely receive the rail and a handle extending upwardly from the box for moving and handling the box.

Abstract: An installation for distributing ballast in a track bed supporting a track and for tamping the ballast comprises a machine frame comprised of a first machine frame part and a second machine frame part, the first machine frame part preceding the second machine frame part in the operating direction. The machine frame is supported by undercarriages on the track for movement in an operating direction. Mounted on the first machine frame part are a ballast tamping unit and a track lifting and lining unit, and mounted on the second machine frame part are a ballast storage bin having outlets for delivering ballast from the bin to the track, a ballast conveyor having an output end above the ballast storage bin and an input end, and a vertically adjustable broom arrangement for sweeping excess ballast from the track to the ballast conveyor input end.

Abstract: A rail heater car for heating rails in a continuous track installation procedure is provided. The rail heater car includes a power generation arrangement for generating the power required for operation of the car. A drive system uses the generated power to propel the car along a set of rails in a transportation mode and a creep mode. An induction heater is connected to and extends from the car for operational engagement with the rails to induce heat in the rails. Data gathering devices are included on the car to input and store data concerning environmental conditions, time, and temperature of the rails for use in adjusting the output of the induction heater and for use in statistical predictive maintenance.

Abstract: A rail threader comprising a top plate having side plates extending downwardly from the opposite sides thereof. A vertically disposed plate extends upwardly from the top plate and is adapted to serve as an abutment for the loose rail during the threading operation. The inside surface of one of the side plates has a pair of bars extending inwardly therefrom. When the rail threader has been positioned on a rail, a spacer bar is positioned between one side of the rail and the inside surface of the other side plate. A pair of bolts threadably extend through the other side plate and draw the bars on the first side plate into engagement with one side of the rail. The rail threader is securely held onto the rail by the engagement of the rods and the spacer bar which are urged into engagement with the opposite sides of the rail by the bolts. The loose rail may be threaded into the center of the tracks or threaded outwardly from the center of the tracks through the use of the rail threader.

Abstract: A rail puller for attachment to the end of a rail comprising a top plate having side plates extending downwardly therefrom in a spaced-apart relationship. The bottom surface of the top plate is provided with a centrally disposed guide slot formed therein adapted to receive the tapered end of a wedge. An elongated rod is secured to the inside surface of each of the side plates near the lower end thereof. The puller is installed on a rail by slipping the same over the end of the rail. A wedge is then inserted into the guide slot of the top plate and is driven thereinto to force the elongated rods upwardly into frictional engagement with the underside of the head of the rail. A lifting bracket is provided on the top surface of the top plate and chain hooks are mounted on the exterior surfaces of the side plates to facilitate the connection of the puller to either a hoisting device, a Hy-Railer or the like.

Abstract: A mobile machine arrangement for receiving, storing and distributing track ballast comprises a first machine frame, a second machine frame succeeding the first machine frame in the operating direction, a ballast storage device mounted on the first machine frame, the ballast storage device comprising a ballast conveyor band arranged at a bottom of the ballast storage device and extending longitudinally in the direction of the track, the ballast conveyor band having a forward end and the ballast storage device having an outlet below the ballast conveyor band forward end, a ballast plow arrangement vertically adjustably mounted on the first machine frame behind the ballast storage device outlet, a ballast receiving device mounted on the second machine frame and arranged to receive the track ballast, and a ballast transport device projecting from the second machine frame end towards the first machine frame, the ballast transport device having an input end preceding the ballast receiving device in the operating di

Abstract: A conveyor chain arrangement for a track maintenance machine is mounted on the machine frame for receiving and conveying ballast and comprises two separate and independently operable ballast receiving and conveying units at opposite sides of the machine frame extending alongside the track. Each unit comprises a vertically and transversely adjustable chain track extending longitudinally in an oblique plane with respect to the track plane adjacent a respective machine frame side, each chain track consisting of two track sections. Drives are connected to the chain track for vertically and transversely adjusting the chain track, and an endless ballast excavating and conveying chain is guided in the chain track, and comprises a chain drive for the chain.

Abstract: An automatic rail securing device (10) mounted on a railroad car (12) upon which a device (20) for manipulating the track is mounted, as well as work positions to permit the placement of insulators (40) on the railroad ties (34) as well as clips (5). A clip securing apparatus (66) is slidably mounted to car 12 by means of wheels (15, 17) and struts (23, 25). The apparatus (66) includes two satellite stations (70, 72) which include a pair of compression members (74, 76) which automatically engage the clip (5) and secure it in a final position adjacent to the rail (32).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of acting remotely on a site, such as a damaged nuclear power station. It consists in placing lengths of waveguide end-to-end by means of at least one carriage which is remotely controlled by the line of waveguide lengths implemented in this way, the carriage being provided with handling equipment for laying purposes and with at least one robot arm for connecting the lengths of waveguide together under the control of a control station including a signal generator and a signal receiver, which line is laid to the site that is to be inspected and optionally treated.

Abstract: A continuously advancing track working machine for compacting ballast comprises a self-propelled machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track for mobility in an operating direction and a track stabilization assembly vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages. The track stabilization assembly comprises drives for vertically adjusting the assembly, oscillatory rolling tools arranged for engaging the rails, vibrators for oscillating the rolling tools, and spreading drives for pressing the rolling tools against the gage sides of the rails. The machine further comprises a leveling reference system including a leveling reference base having a leading and a trailing end point in the operating direction, and a measuring axle carrying a pickup indicating the track level measured by the axle, the measuring axle rolling on the track off-center between the reference base end points and rearwardly of the track stabilization assembly.

Abstract: A mobile track working machine arrangement comprises two consecutively arranged, independent track working vehicles, each track working vehicle comprising an elongated two-part machine frame, the two parts of the machine frame being linked by a pivot for pivoting of one part in relation to the other part about a horizontal axis extending perpendicularly to the track, and undercarriages supporting the machine frame on the track. A ballast excavating device is vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame of a first track working vehicle for excavating the ballast supporting the track whereby the subgrade is exposed, and a conveyor arrangement is mounted on the machine frame of the first track working vehicle for removing the excavated ballast. A device for planing and compacting a protective layer of sand on the subgrade is mounted on the machine frame of the second track working vehicles.

Abstract: A multiple railroad tie handling method includes simultaneously clamping a layer of closed packed, parallel concrete railroad ties, lifting and moving the clamped group toward a track bed, spreading the clamped ties to the required tie interval spacing, laterally aligning the clamped group with previously laid ties and spacing the group to continue the existing tie spacing, lowering the clamped group to the track bed, and simultaneously releasing the ties on the track bed.

Abstract: The process for on-track neutralization of the rails of a railway consists in causing to move past continuously along the rails (R2) at least one heating element (12), measuring continuously the value of the temperature of the rails before heating, measuring the value of the speed of movement past of the heating elements in relation to the rails, measuring the value of the change in the temperature of the rails after heating until the moment of their on-track fixing and controlling the heating of the heating elements (12) as a function of the said values.

Abstract: A mobile ballast cleaning machine comprises a machine frame, undercarriages supporting the machine frame for mobility on the track, an excavating chain mounted on the machine frame and arranged to excavate the ballast to expose the subgrade, a ballast screening installation arranged to receive the excavated ballast from the excavating chain and to clean the received ballast, a conveyor arrangement for conveying the cleaned ballast for distribution on the exposed subgrade, a power-actuated, vertically and transversely adjustable track lifting device mounted on the machine frame, and a vibrator connected to the track lifting device, the vibrator being arranged to generate horizontal oscillations extending transversely to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A track is progressively renewed in an operating direction by continuously lifting the used track rails from the used ties, replacing the old ties by new ties and laying new rails on the new ties. Before the new rails are laid, adjoining ends thereof are continuously welded together behind the location where the ties are exchanged and the welded rails are exchanged for the used rails.

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 tie replacement vehicle uses a tie feed arm to turn ties upon the main frame of the vehicle upside down such that they may be gripped by a tie inserter having a boom mounted below the main frame of the vehicle. The tie inserter has a tie clamp which may be shifted in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle in order to shift old ties out of the way. A tie pickup is mounted at each end of the vehicle for moving ties from the main frame of the vehicle to the rails. A conveyor system on the vehicle allows ties to be moved under the operator cab and engine.

Abstract: A process for the continuous welding of railroad rail sections (3) during the laying down thereof, involves a particularly equipped train set (5-5'), formed by one or more trucks (5,5') having a lowered load platform inserted into the operating train, between the trucks (1) which carry the new rail sections (3) and ties (2), and the operating machine which lays them down. On board this equipped train set (5-5') there are performed the operations for arranging to line, to level and to abut the subsequent rail sections (3), as well as their welding, by welding machines (15-17) which are movable on a trolley (8) along the train set (5-5').

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 rail clip applicator for automatically positioning and installing spring clips into the shoudlers of rail ties for securing rails to the ties. A superstructure rolls along the track from tie to tie carrying a large supply of clips. The superstructure carries two carrier frames. Each carrier frame carries two applicator assemblies disposed on either side of a track rail. Each applicator assembly carries a clip magazine and a head assembly, the head assembly carrying a clip shuttle, a drive block, and a backup block. Clips are loaded into the magazine. From the magazine, clips are serially dispensed to a clip grasping means at the end of a clip shuttle arm. The arm extends to hole the clip in position for being driven into a tie shoulder. The backup block presses against the rear of the shoulder, and the drive block moves the clip from the clip graspign means into the shoulder.

Abstract: Apparatus for excavating ballast from adjacent to the ends of and beneath the cross ties of a railroad bed and for cleaning the excavated ballast for return thereof to the railroad bed. The apparatus includes a vehicle for supporting a pair of excavating assemblies on opposite sides of the vehicle. Each excavating assembly includes a pair of spaced excavating wheels for excavating ballast from adjacent to the opposite sides of the cross ties and an undercutter for excavating ballast from beneath the cross ties at opposite ends thereof. A discrete cleaning station is provided for each excavating wheel to receive and clean the ballast picked up by each excavating wheel. Means are provided for conveying and discharging the cleaned ballast back onto the railroad bed.

Abstract: A device for rerailing a tool frame having first and second flange wheels onto the rails of a track, the tool frame being movably connected to a machine frame of a track laying machine, the rerailing device comprising a pair of levers mounted directly on the tool frame for abutting against the rails, a swivel drive for swivelling the first and second levers in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the track, and a spreading drive connected to the tool frame capable of assuming a blocking position in which the position of the tool frame is fixed and a floating position in which the position of the tool frame is adjustable.