Abstract: An anchor bracket is secured to monopole reinforcing bars. The anchor bracket optionally includes a stiffener plate attached to the reinforcement plate. The stiffener plate is also attached to a hollow tube. An anchor passes through the tube of the anchor bracket and into the foundation of the monopole being reinforced.

Abstract: Elastic pad with a concrete element on which rails of a railway rest, whereby the elastic pad includes a fixing mat and an elastic mat, the fixing mat being provided with standing filaments that are at least partially embedded in the concrete element.

Abstract: A train rail track structure system includes a c-face down steel channel cross tie defining a plurality of holes in a top wider web surface thereof and a protrusion with perpendicular faces extending from an underside of the top surface, the holes configured to pass a fixative and solidifying mixture into a ballast bed there beneath. The protrusion anchors the steel channel cross tie in the fixative and solidifying mixture and the ballast bed. The disclosed system also includes a c-face down steel channel connecting link defining a receptacle for at least one intermediate rail support member in a top wider web surface thereof. The link also defines tabs and notches proximal to both longitudinal ends of the steel channel connecting link configured to interleave with at least one steel channel cross tie and interlock the steel channel connecting link to the steel channel cross tie.

Abstract: A thermoset composite material that my used in the fabrication of structural components including railroad ties comprise a substantially homogeneous blend of an amount of vulcanized rubber particles including a predetermined ratio of different particles sizes, and a thermoset elastomeric binding agent added to the vulcanized rubber particles. The blend may comprise about 30% to about 97% by weight of the vulcanized rubber particles, and the blend is subjected to compression molding at a predetermined temperature and pressure for a resident time period forming the composite material. The ratio of different rubber particle sizes is selected so that the composite material has a desired density or is within a range of desired densities.

Abstract: An improved slide rail for a fifth wheel hitch assembly is disclosed that has T-shaped cross-section with a horizontal top section and a vertical base section. The horizontal top section includes scalloped edges, and the vertical base section includes weld pockets.

Abstract: Disclosed is process of preserving hardwoods with ammoniacal copper, ammoniacal zinc or ammoniacal copper and zinc compounds. The preserved hardwoods are usable as various articles of manufacture and, in particular, railroad crossties and switch ties.

Abstract: A sleeper for supporting rails within a section of track for rail vehicles is provided, wherein the sleeper has elongated reinforcing elements extending along a longitudinal axis of the sleeper and is produced as a solid material sleeper having a cavity which extends between the reinforcing elements and from at least one outer face of the sleeper into the interior of the sleeper, and wherein the sleeper is designed for use with at least two different measurement value pick-up systems, wherein one of the measurement value pick-up systems is a temperature measurement value pick-up system having an infrared sensor which is accommodated by insertion into the cavity.

Abstract: Non-wood-timber (NWT) railroad ties such as concrete remove cushion and pressure wave attenuation provided by wood timber railroad ties. I provide methods to reintroduce cushion and wave attenuation by means of adding an elastomeric sole. To further increase wave attenuation a layer of ground automobile tire is placed between the hardpan and ballast. Also, reclaimed asphalt is an inexpensive means to create hardpan that reduces railroad tie pumping.

Abstract: In the case of a hollow sleeper (1) for adjusting devices of switch blades of railway points, movable common crossings or cable crossings in any desired sections of track and points, formed as an upwardly open hollow sleeper profile with a planar sleeper underside (2), for fitting in a track skeleton, wherein the cross-sectional width and height are made to match a normal concrete, wooden or steel sleeper, the positional stability on ballast can be improved if the sleeper underside (2) of the hollow sleeper (1) is formed with at least one sunken, downwardly open chamber (5).

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a railroad tie disposed below the rails to support the rails and comprising a protrusion on a sloped surface of the railroad tie; and a reinforcing plate comprising a groove on a sloped surface of the reinforcing plate, which corresponds to the sloped surface of the railroad tie, wherein the reinforcing plate is coupled with the railroad ties by inserting the protrusion into the groove and opposing the sloped surface of the reinforcing plate to the sloped surface of the railroad tie.

Abstract: A tie foundation (1) for a railway tie (2) having at least a first elastic, preferably elastomer layer (3) and at least a second elastic, preferably elastomer layer (4), with a reinforcement layer (5) being embedded between the first elastic layer (3) and the second elastic layer (4), with the second elastic layer (4) forming an outer surface (6) of the tie foundation (1) and the reinforcement layer (5) comprising a fibrous material.

Abstract: Railroad tie plates secured collectively by spikeless fasteners to a tie with railroad spikes securing the rails to the ties and related methodology are disclosed wherein two-part fasteners are used in respect to sets of aligned tie and tie plate apertures such that the two fastener parts are joined together against inadvertent separation within each tie aperture at a connection or union site, which includes but is not limited to force fit unions and threaded unions, and spikes are driven into the ties through other tie plate apertures. Discarded ties rehabilitated as composite railroad ties are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sleeper (1) for a gravel-mounted structure in railways, which has a cross member (4) extending along a sleeper longitudinal axis (6) and two longitudinal members (5) spaced apart from one another by the cross member (4), and each longitudinal member (5) has a bearing (9) extending on a top face for mounting a rail element (10) above the longitudinal member (5). Each longitudinal member (5) has one or more mounting devices (26) for a rail fixing element (28) each for retaining a rail element (10) on the longitudinal member (5) and at least one of the mounting devices (6) is disposed transversely offset from the sleeper longitudinal axis (6) on at least one of the two longitudinal members (5). The invention further relates to a sleeper (1) of this type which is of a stepped or recessed design at the ends of the longitudinal members (5), to enable connecting elements (56) to be fitted in these regions in order to secure two rail elements (10) lying end to end.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, polystyrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A railroad cross tie having an inner core with at least one longitudinally extending metallic reinforcing member and an outer casing. The cross tie includes first and second end caps. The first end cap is disposed proximate a first end of the inner core and the second end cap is disposed proximate a second opposite end. One embodiment of the cross tie includes an expansion gap longitudinally disposed between the first and second end caps. Longitudinal dimensions of the expansion gap varies in response to differential thermal expansion between the inner core and the outer casing. In other embodiments, the end caps are mechanically interlocked with the inner core and the outer casing overlays a portion of the end caps. The disclosed structures securely and reliably attach the end caps to the cross tie. A method of manufacturing cross ties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A railway tie is disclosed having stackable decks for reducing ballast migration in areas where the crib is reduced or removed in order to accommodate additional railway equipment. The stackable railway tie can include a base deck, a top deck, and a fastening system for securing the top deck to the base deck. A second fastening system may be integrated in the railway tie for securing one or more rails to the top deck. The top deck can be configured to transmit a load, such as that from the weight of a train, to the base deck. A ballast displacement system can be provided to distribute a load on the base deck to ballast under the railway tie. One or more top decks may be used in connection with electrically insulating the rails. Nonconductive deck spacers and side posts may insulate the top deck from the bottom deck. Side posts may electrically insulate the base deck from the fastener system.

Abstract: Fitted carriageway for rail vehicles having rails fixed on sleepers, which are supported by a structure engineered in concrete or a concrete composite, in which case the sleepers are embedded in the structural concrete of the engineered structure or in a protective concrete layer or are mounted direct on the structural concrete or the protective concrete layer.

Abstract: Coating adhesion on wooden articles, such as railroad crossties, is improved through use of three surface-treating techniques prior to application of the coating. The first technique involves forming grooves on the surface of the wooden article, the second technique involves exposing the wooden article to heat to reduce the moisture content of the surface of the wooden article, and the third technique involves creating incisions on the surface of the wooden article to further promote adhesion. The techniques may be advantageously used together to further enhance coating adhesion.

Abstract: Railroad tie plates secured collectively by spikeless fasteners to a tie with railroad spikes securing the rails to the ties and related methodology are disclosed wherein two-part fasteners are used in respect to sets of aligned tie and tie plate apertures such that the two fastener parts are joined together against inadvertent separation within each tie aperture at a connection or union site, which includes but is not limited to force fit unions and threaded unions, and spikes are driven into the ties through other tie plate apertures. Discarded ties rehabilitated as composite railroad ties are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bearing structure for railroad track rails on a track bed, comprising several load distribution plates in a rigid material disposed side to side on the track bed, with each load distribution plate having a surface area and thickness predetermined in such a way that its first resonance frequency is greater than the first resonance frequency of the vibrations locally generated in the rails by the passage of the wheels of a vehicle on the rails. The different load distribution plates may advantageously be interconnected by joints allowing the pivoting of each load distribution plate with relation to adjacent load distribution plates. The load distribution plates may be placed on the ground of the track bed or on the foundation of a tunnel and they may also be integrated in the coating of a railroad way.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology by which used and discarded end cracked wooden railroad ties are reclaimed so as to close the end cracks allowing long term use of the reclaimed tie to support rails of a railroad.

Abstract: A sleeper for supporting two parallel rails. The sleeper comprises a hollow elongate body having a slot in an upper surface of the body for receiving cables. The slot extends at an angle to the length of the sleeper such that a first end of the sleeper has a relatively wide portion on a first side of the slot and a relatively narrow portion on an opposite second side of the slot, and a second end of the sleeper has a relatively wide portion on the second side of the slot and a relatively narrow portion on the first side of the slot. Each relatively wide portion is provided with a rail fastening member adapted to fasten a respective different rail to the sleeper. The sleeper is formed from metallic sheet material, and the upper surface is reinforced beneath each rail fastening member by an angled bracket running the length of the rail fastening member.

Abstract: A railroad track tie comprises a body formed at least partially of polymeric material, and a reinforcement totally encapsulated within the body, wherein there is at least one opening through the reinforcement with polymeric material therein.

Abstract: A slide rail assembly for providing adjustable positions for fifth wheel hitches including a slide rail having feet extending downward from the underside of the slide rail, adjacent feet being separated by a detent for receiving a slide locking mechanism, each of the feet having a recesses located at the bottom inside corner of each foot, respecting the assembly. The slide rail also comprises teeth with gaps therebetween, where the gaps are vertically aligned with the recesses.

Abstract: In a method of constructing a rail track on a concrete slab, the concrete slab is poured around anchor members for fixing tie plates supporting the rails of the rail track. The method includes the following steps: suspending the rails premounted on their tie plates above the location at which the concrete slab is to be poured, each tie plate including a base under which is disposed a temporary tie plate for accurately guiding the anchor members, adjusting the position of the rails, pouring the concrete slab up to the height of the temporary tie plates, raising the rails and removing the temporary tie plates, and accurately positioning the rails premounted on their tie plates on the concrete slab in their final position and fixing the tie plates to the anchor members.

Abstract: A railroad crosstie made from recycled rubber and its method for making is disclosed. The rubber crosstie has an expected life of between 30 to 60 years and can be made primarily of rubber crumbs obtained from stockpiles of discarded rubber tires.

Abstract: A method of constructing a rail track on a concrete slab, in which method the concrete slab is poured around anchor members for fixing tie plates supporting rails of the rail track, includes the following steps: suspending temporary tie plates at the location where the tie plates supporting the rail track are to be placed, the temporary tie plates supporting anchor members to be partly embedded in the concrete and including vents for evacuating air trapped under the bottom face of the temporary tie plate when pouring the concrete slab, pouring a concrete slab up to the height of the temporary tie plates, removing the temporary tie plates after the concrete slab has dried, and placing the tie plates supporting the rails accurately in their final position and fixing the tie plates to the anchor members.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated, substantially planar, elastomeric members are assembled together in a stack such that the members are generally aligned with each other. The members are made of a stack of tire treads. A means of binding is provided for holding the stack of members together and maintaining their alignment. The addition of one or more rigid longitudinal element(s) provides stiffness.

Abstract: An improved fastener for attaching metal to wood is described. The fastener is particularly suited for use as a railroad spike for attaching a metal rail to a wooden tie. The improved spike is adapted for installation by either driving or screwing the spike into the tie. A plurality of flutes are adapted to engage with the tie, thereby preventing loosening of the spike. The spike may be used with or without a metal boss or fishplate to secure a metal rail to a wooden tie.

Abstract: To increase the resistance of plastic and/or plastic composite railroad ties tosliding within the ballast of the railroad bed, for example, sliding lengthwise (in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tie) and sideways (in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), ties with a textured surface which aids in anchoring the ties within the ballast of the railroad beds. In particular, the ties are provided with a pattern of indentations within a surface that contacts the ballast which increases the ties resistance to sliding. The pattern is molded into the ties so as to mechanically interact with the ballast (rocks) and provide as much resistance to sliding as possible, especially along the longitudinal axis of the tie but also in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A railroad tie of compact design for a fixed track with an overlay of asphalt of the Getrac A3 construction with a dowel stone, which is inserted in a recess and which, reaching over the railroad tie and protruding downward, engages a cavity pocket of the asphalt track. The railroad tie is constructed as a double railroad tie, which forms only a narrow gap with the adjacent railroad tie in order to make radial laying (curve) possible and which is provided in the region of the dowel stone on the underside with lateral constrictions, so that the cavity pockets can be filled subsequently.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foamable composition comprising at least two parts. The first part comprises a polyol, a thixotropic gelling agent, a blowing agent, a urethane reaction catalyst and a isocyanurate reaction catalyst. The second part comprises at least one isocyanate. A foam mass can be prepared by combining the first part polyol component with the second part isocyanate component. The composition is foamable under water and exhibits, upon foaming under water, substantially the same wet foam density and dry foam density. The invention also relates to a method of repairing or reinforcing structural members having defects such as spike holes left after spike removal from railroad ties during road bed maintenance or repair by means of the foamable composition.

Abstract: An improved fastener for attaching metal to wood is described. The fastener is particularly suited for use as a railroad spike for attaching a metal rail to a wooden tie. The improved spike is adapted for installation by either driving or screwing the spike into the tie. A plurality of flutes are adapted to engage with the tie, thereby preventing loosening of the spike. The spike may be used with or without a metal boss or fishplate to secure a metal rail to a wooden tie.

Abstract: A composite railroad cross tie supporting railroad track rails on a ballast or concrete roadbed is provided comprising an elongated wooden core, an end cap positioned over each end of the core and an outer shell or coating. The wooden core consists of virgin or recycled natural wood or of man made engineered wood such as oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, and the like. The outer coating can consist of virgin or recycled thermoplastic, thermoset resin, and/or rubber, with or without fillers or reinforcements. In manufacture, the core member is sized to a dimension which is less than the desired dimension of the finished composite cross tie. The end caps are then positioned over ends of the core member. Following the positioning of the end caps, the coating is applied to the core member in a continuous process by passing a series of core members with their end caps in a substantially end-to-end configuration through a cross head die.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foamable composition comprising at least two parts. More specifically, the first part comprises at least one polyol, at least one gelling agent, and at least one blowing agent wherein the first part comprises an effective amount of hydrophobic ingredients and a second part comprising at least one isocyanate. A foam mass can be prepared by a method of combining a polyol component with an isocyanate component substantially free of urethane prepolymer and applying the mixture to a void or substrate. The invention also relates to methods of using certain polyurethane compositions in the repair of surface defects or for the reinforcement of structural members such as spike holes left after spike removal from railroad ties during road bed maintenance or repair. This invention further relates to a method of foaming certain polyurethane compositions in the presence of water.

Abstract: On a railway track comprising a ballast bed (10), sleepers (12) provided on the ballast bed and tracks (14) mounted on the sleepers, the sleepers are disposed closely adjoining one another but out of mutual contact, leaving a gap, the sleepers defining drainage channels (134) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the track for lateral water drainage. The gaps between the sleepers may be covered by covering elements (142) or the sleepers may overlap without touching one another. In this manner the track bed is substantially kept free of water, the positional stability of the track is increased, therefore reducing or rendering superfluous the normally required maintenance work such as tamping as well as cleaning and weed control.

Abstract: A railroad crosstie includes an outer casing made of a 50—50 mixture by volume of recycled high density polyethylene and crumb rubber from recycled tires. The outer casing includes an upper section and a lower section, which cooperate to define a cavity in which a beam or beams are installed. Each of the beams include an aperture below the rail supporting areas of the crosstie and an insert of the same composite material of which the outer casing is made is installed within the beams below the rail support areas. A flowable concrete mixture fills the cavity defined within the outer casing including the cavities defined within the beams.

Abstract: A road transportable concrete railroad long-line tie molding system is described in which a rigid horizontal metal stressing frame is assembled from transportable sub-frame segments. The sub-frame segments are releasably connected in axially aligned end-to-end relation, and include parallel longitudinal reaction members. In a preferred form, the sub-frame segments are convertible from inoperative transport conditions to extended operative conditions. Footings are provided along the stressing frame length to engage the sub-frame segments to releasably mount the sub-frame segments in axial alignment and stabilize the reaction members against lateral deflection during compressive loading. A plurality of conventional gang tie molds having upwardly open elongated mold cavities are releasably received in end-to-end alignment along the framework. A reinforcing wire anchor is provided on the sub-frame at the dead end of the framework and a tensioner is located at the live end of the framework.

Abstract: A railroad rail support includes a first and second horizontally oriented rubber tire having a circumferential tread, a top sidewall including a top rim bead and a bottom sidewall having a bottom rim bead, said bottom sidewall and bottom rim bead being adjacent to a railroad roadbed. First and second rail support members within each tire have a top surface in the plane of the top rim bead and a bottom surface in the plane of the bottom rim bead, and include a top plate and a plurality of tubular channels extending downwards from said top plate to the bottom surface. A concrete matrix fills each rubber tire and retains the rail support within the rubber tire. Railroad spikes are installed into the tubular channels have heads overlapping the opposed edges of the bottom flange of a first and a second railroad rail. Each spike is locked into its respective tubular channel by extending downwards in a generally vertical direction, with a second contiguous portion at an angle of at least 30.degree.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful apparatus for use in a railway switch heating assembly. The apparatus includes a hollow structural member adapted to replace a conventional railway tie and adapted to be connected to a source of heated air, and a mechanism for discharging the heated air from the hollow member to desired locations along the assembly.

Abstract: A box sleeper (1), characterized by a steel box-like sleeper section member (5) which has a cross-sectional width (15) and a cross-sectional height (16) matching that of a normal concrete or wooden sleeper and has an open part (31) on top and is closable at its ends by transverse plates (17 and 18) and has laterally projecting bearing flanges (13 and 14) for stockrail fasteners (28, 29), points-tongue slide chairs (30) and/or operating components of tip fasteners. The box-like sleeper section member (5) is associated with tip fasteners in the form of "latch fasteners" (33) comprising stationary guides (32) and movable latches (34), cam rods (34) and cam-rod bearings (37), all of which project into the upper part (31) of the box-like sleeper section member (5), whereas the bottom part houses the points-tongue slide rods (54), the tongue-monitoring linkage (45), heating rods (43) if any, and shock-absorbing elements (38).

Abstract: A split-resistant wooden rail-road tie is provided with a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical holes throughout the length of the tie to inhibit expansion or propagation of splits that are developed during use and to enable the ties to be more efficiently impregnated with preservatives. Wooden ties are generally cut in rectangular blocks, with the grain generally extending in the longitudinal direction thereof. Each tie is treated by first drilling holes throughout the entire length of the ties and then treated with preservatives. The holes not only prevent further propagation of splits, they provide additional surfaces for breathing during drying and for absorbing preservatives during chemical treatment. The holes provide stress relief which equalize the internal pressures developed within the body of the tie, preventing any split from propagating.

Abstract: The method relates to the laying of rails in a trench into which concrete is subsequently poured in order to fasten the rails. The method consists in laying adjustable-length ties (4) on the bottom of the trench (3), in roughly positioning the rails (14, 15) by means of block-supports, in fastening the ties to the rails by using tie-screws (10) and anchor sleeves (11) as bolts and nuts, in adjusting the length of the ties and in leveling the ties by means of auxiliary screws (18), and then in pouring the concrete, the auxiliary screws being subsequently removed. The ties are preferably pre-equipped with tie-screws, with sleeves and with rail-fastening clamps and the tie-screws and the sleeves may also be used for fastening tie-plates to the ties.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of rubber fragments from discarded tires in railroad ties. Such ties are made using rubber fragments which contain steel, polyester, or other strands or fibers, and which therefor are less expensive to prepare than fragments from which the reinforcing strands have been removed. These fragments are mixed with an epoxy mixture comprising an oxirane-containing resin and an amine-containing hardening agent. Test samples made using the materials described herein have excellent hardness, strength, durability, and nail-gripping characteristics.

Abstract: A preservative-bearing pad and a method of using same to treat the interface between a railroad cross tie and tie plate. A sandwich of water-soluble active ingredient disposed between two layers of biodegradable hydrophilic backing is simply placed on the adzed portion of a cross tie prior to installation of the tie plate and rail during a rail laying or relaying operation.

Abstract: Anchor for a railway tie embedded in ballast. In order to further simplify the installation of such an anchor, the clamp is constructed in two or more parts. With an anchor construction having a clamp gripping the tie on both sides, the clamp parts are constructed of approximately the same size in order to form clamp halves, the connection is formed as a pivot arrangement and in the region of the connection position a tightening means is provided for producing a tightening force clamping the clamp halves on the tie.