Abstract: Methods and systems for transportation using a rail structure are disclosed. In one aspect, a track for use with at least one of a magnetic levitation vehicle and a rolling vehicle having one or more wheels is disclosed. The track includes a first head having a maximum lateral dimension, a second head having a maximum lateral dimension, and a connection portion extending between the first head and the second head. The first connection portion may have a maximum lateral dimension that is less than the maximum lateral dimension of the first head. The track may also include a base and a support extending between the second head and the base.

Abstract: In a switch including a switch frog (1) with a movable frog point (2) and wing rails (5, 6), wherein the wing rails (5, 6) in the region of the frog point (2) each have a rail profile which is lower than that of a standard rail, the wing rails (5, 6) are designed as Vignol rails whose region configured with a lower rail profile is produced by metal-forming departing from the Vignol rail profile.

Abstract: An easer rail is mated with the uncut web of a fixed running rail to form a more rigid thermal expansion joint between the fixed rail and a moveable rail. The easer rail has an extension that protrudes into the uncut web the fixed rail. The easer rail extension is machined to be complementary in shape to the uncut web and fits tightly against the flange, the underside of the head, and the base of the uncut web of the fixed rail. Bolt holes are provided through the extension and the easer rail, its extension, and the fixed rail to form multiple bolt joints. The bolted extension not only lengthens the easer rail but locks it in place between the head and base of the fixed rail to provide additional rigidity.

Abstract: A sound-damping rail assembly for a track for rail vehicles comprises a rail having a pair of downwardly converging flanks below its head and above its base. The rail is received in a frame with downwardly inclined sides, the flanks being braced against these sides by elastomeric layers which are interposed between the flanks and the sides. A further elastic layer can be provided between the base or foot of the rail and the inner supporting surface of the frame and such layers may completely envelop the rail except for the head.

Abstract: An oscillation dampening system composed of masses, in which a spring and dampeners are clamped together and coupled to a railroad track to prevent the formation of ripples on the track. The system is tuned to the characteristic frequency of the railroad track and is coupled thereto to reduce the maximum amplitude of oscillation at the characteristic frequency and to shift the occurrence of other amplitudes of oscillation to frequencies away from the characteristic frequency and to reduce the amplitudes of oscillation at the shifted frequency. The maximum of the shifted amplitudes of oscillation is reduced by ten percent from the maximum at the characteristic frequency.