Abstract: A track rail fastening system includes a direct fixation fastener assembly having a direct fixation fastener, and a laterally elongated support block. Fastener holes for receiving fastener-clamping fasteners, and fastener holes for receiving bracket-clamping fasteners, are formed in the support block. The respective sets of fastener holes are arranged in different anchor patterns. Fastener-clamping fasteners are received in one of the sets of fastener holes and claim direct fixation fastener to the support block. Bracket-clamping fasteners clamp a third-rail support bracket to the support block, and are received in one of the sets of fastener holes. The third-rail support bracket is cantilevered to the support block.

Abstract: The present invention describes a railroad sleeper (1) for fixation of at least a pair of rails (2,2?) of a railroad network, comprising a contact surface (3), wherein each rail of the pair of rails (2,2?) is fixed spaced apart from each other, the railroad sleeper (1) being configured by comprising a hollow sector (4) delimited by association of the contact surface (3) with the anchorage walls (5,5?), thus establishing a free portion (17) adjacent to the anchorage walls (5,5?) and opposite the contact surface (3). The present invention further describes an embodiment in which the hollow sector (4) of the railroad sleeper is delimited by a support surface and the process of manufacturing a railroad sleeper.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a railway sleeper having a formed inverted channel-shaped section the ends of which have their upper surfaces downwardly inclined and shaped in a corrugated fashion to add strength and rigidity to said ends.The `dished spade` end contour of the sleeper may be pressed from a standard rolled steel channel section. By virtue of the stronger ends thus produced these portions can sustain a greater load than the conventional design hitherto--this means that the length of the sleeper according to this invention may be much shorter, e.g. 20% less than the conventional design for the same load bearing capacity, representing a considerable cost savings. The shape facilitates stacking, and lateral insertion beneath the track for track maintenance and replacement etc.