Abstract: A system and method provides a supply of consumables to a processing instrument that uses one or more of the consumables for each of a plurality of processes performed by the instrument. The system includes a loading drawer holding a carrier for receiving a plurality of consumables and an input module for holding a carrier supporting a plurality of consumables thereon and presenting the consumables for access by the instrument. A transporter includes a vertical elevator and a lateral actuator for moving a lift platform vertically and laterally and for transporting carriers on the lift platform with or without consumables supported thereon between the loading drawer and the input module, between the loading drawer and one or more holding shelves, or between the input module and one or more holding shelves. A carrier includes parallel support rails for holding multiple receptacle units and retainer tabs for retaining the units on the support rails.

Abstract: A rail joint for interconnecting two successive rail bars of a railroad track includes longitudinally aligned first and second guide rails. Each of the guide rails has a mounting end adapted to be secured to a respective one of adjacent end portions of the rail bars, a distal end opposite to the mounting end and spaced from the distal end of the other one of the guide rails at an expansible space, and a downwardly and longitudinally extending dovetail projection. A connector is adapted to be fixed on the railroad track and is formed with an upwardly opening and longitudinally extending dovetail groove for receiving fittingly the dovetail projections of the guide rails therein so as to maintain alignment of the guide rails.

Abstract: A rail spike for holding a tie plate on a tie, embodied in accordance with the invention so that tie cutting is prevented, spike removal for track maintenance is facilitated, and a free rail load wave is allowed. This preferably is attained by providing the spike with left and right side tapered shoulders and a tapered rear surface, such that a unique wedging and swaging action occurs in the tie plate hole during a final driving of the spike, limiting the depth of penetration of the spike into the tie and securely maintaining the gauge of the tie plate on the tie.

Abstract: A universal non-spreading railroad track haulage tie and support therefor characterized by opposed rail supporting channels, coaxially aligned with the rails of a railroad, the channels being secured together and against the rails respectively by a tie gauge rod; including a modification for securing the tie rod and assembly to angle joint bars or splice bar assemblies which are conventionally used in the fitting of standard A.S.C.E. type rails and the like. The invention has particular utility in electric underground railway tracking. It may be affectively adapted to enchanced highway crossings of a railway, to repairs to existing conventional wood tie constructions to curves and switches of the steel railway, etc.

Abstract: A unitized insulating element for use with a steel cross tie is provided. The insulating element is operative to electrically insulate the rail from the steel tie, from retaining elements associated with the tie which prevent lateral movement of the rail relative to the tie and from rail anchors which prevent longitudinal movement of the rail relative to the tie. The insulating element permits use of the rail as an on-line signal control conveying device when steel ties are used and is configured as a tie plate substitute from providing an inwardly-directed cant for the rail to be retained thereon.