Street Crossing Patents (Class 238/8)
  • Patent number: 11313084
    Abstract: A device for setting up a level crossing for crossing a track section having two rails, comprising one or more mouldings forming at least one part of a traffic surface of the railway crossing across the rails, and at least one moulding holder fixable to one of the two rails, wherein the moulding(s) is/(are) detachably attachable to at least one of the two rails by means of the moulding holder, wherein the moulding holder comprises two holding clamps fixable to the rail in juxtaposition to each other on both sides of the rail, and wherein the two holding clamps can be braced to each other such as to clamp the rail foot between the two holding clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Frottier
  • Patent number: 10842051
    Abstract: A server rack door has a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension and includes a first group of first obstructions arranged along the first dimension. The first obstructions define a first plurality of flow channels. The server rack door further includes a second group including second obstructions arranged along the first dimension and offset from the first obstructions along the second dimension. The second dimension corresponds to a thickness of the server rack door. The second obstructions define a second plurality of flow channels, where the first obstructions and the second obstructions alternate along the first dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott R. Lapree, Howard V. Mahaney, Jr., Stephen P. Mroz, Michael D. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10711408
    Abstract: A safety system for use along a longitudinal edge of an existing lane of a roadway includes a plurality of pre-formed ramp sections. Each of the ramp sections includes an upright wall configured to be positioned against the longitudinal edge of the existing lane. Each of the ramp sections further includes a top horizontal surface extending laterally outward from the upright wall to an outer edge. The top horizontal surface is positionable adjacent and substantially parallel to a surface of the existing lane when the upright wall is positioned against the longitudinal edge of the existing lane. Each of the ramp sections further includes a ramp surface sloped downward and laterally outward from the outer edge of the top horizontal surface to a terminal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventors: Phillip Wayne Divine, Brandon Lee Griffith
  • Patent number: 10392234
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a nut to be used as part of a fastener to be used in multiple ways in various industries or methods. The nut has a drive mechanism and stud extending from the drive mechanism with a threaded bore. In addition the nut can be specifically used as a method and as part of special fastener that can be used to join cut, hard-wood members, other naturally occurring manufactured mat members or synthetically man made members, referred to as “timber(s)” or “laminated”, in forming a mat used for heavy construction equipment to run on over ground which is not stable. These mats are commonly referred to as “Crane Mats” or “Laminated Mats” in the construction, mining, pipeline, and oil and gas industries among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Axion Structural Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Bryan, Frank M. Locotos
  • Patent number: 9511982
    Abstract: A rail system includes carrier profiles open in the upward direction, a rail inserted in the carrier profiles with a gap therebetween, and clamping profiles which lie in the gap are in contact with an inner contact surface of the rail and partially overlap the rail, one upper part of the carrier profile expanding laterally downward to an undercut cross-sectional region, bounded by opposite upper side wall sections, inclined inwardly or curved concavely, and at least one part of the clamping profile tapers downward in wedge fashion and is bounded in the direction of the rail by the inner contact surface and in the direction of the side wall by an outer contact surface, which lies in contact with the corresponding upper side wall section, the at least one part being fitted into an appropriately shaped part of the gap within the undercut cross-sectional region of the carrier profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Strothmann Machines & Handling GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Münter
  • Patent number: 9296913
    Abstract: The recycled crumb rubber coating is a corrosion-proof coating for piping and the like. The coating is formed from recycled crumb rubber mixed with an epoxy resin and a hardener. Crumb rubber is first mixed with a liquid epoxy resin. An agent for reducing the viscosity of the liquid epoxy resin may also be added. A hardener is then added to this mixture. Finally, powdered crumb rubber is added and mixed to form the recycled crumb rubber coating. The total crumb rubber forms about 23-24 wt % of the coating, the balance being epoxy. The epoxy has liquid epoxy resin and a hardener in a ratio of about 2:1 by weight. The epoxy may also include a viscosity reducing agent of about 1% of the total weight of the liquid resin and the hardener. The crumb rubber may be a blend of powdered crumb rubber and mesh crumb rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Nasser Al-Aqeeli, Hamoud M. Assehdi Al-Hajri
  • Patent number: 8985476
    Abstract: An assembly to hold a rail boot to a rail during embedded track construction comprising: a cover having a bottom surface, a first portion of the bottom surface generally conforming to a length of a top surface of a rail head; the bottom surface having a second portion defining a convex shape adjacent to and generally parallel to the length of the top surface of the rail head; the bottom surface further defining a hook to engage a gauge side of the rail boot; and a clip having first and second ends, wherein the first end engages a gauge side of the cover; and the second end engages a field side of the cover and/or the rail boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: L. B. Foster Company
    Inventors: Michael O'Connell, Robert Alsop
  • Patent number: 8864084
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a track switch cover system and method. The system and method allows for easy installation and removal of track switch covers as well as quick and easy access to the switch mechanism shrouded by the covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Railway Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Honeck, Michael Payne
  • Patent number: 8752773
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interface pad comprising a stiffener supporting a resilient pad to cushion the panels in a grade crossing between and around the rails from impact with the underlying ties and to prevent the panels from moving. The pad may be flat or a cupped shape and may be of varying size to accommodate varying tie widths. The invention further comprises means to securely fasten such an interface pad to a railroad tie and minimize the possibility that the interface pad will be forcibly removed from the tie during installation of the rails or panels in the grade crossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Voestalpine Nortrak Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Mattson
  • Patent number: 8662407
    Abstract: A grade crossing system for facilitating vehicle crossing of a railway track that includes a first rail line and a second rail line is disclosed. The grade crossing system includes one or more field panels and one or more gauge panels. The one or more gauge panels may include one or more end gauge panels and one or more central gauge panels. A method for assembling a grade crossing system for facilitating vehicle crossing of a railway track that includes a first rail line and a second rail line is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Linda Thomas
  • Patent number: 8603376
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the protection of a railroad rail, a direct fixation plate or another support unit, a rail to rail connection and a rail to plate connection contacting with concrete upon placing of concrete during construction. The method comprises a step of disposing a mask over a railroad track having a railroad rail, a rail connector and a rail tie to protect the railroad track while placing concrete, the mask configured to cover the rail connector and tie. The mask has a connecting portion, a central portion, an extending portion configured to mask an upper longitudinally extending portion of a railroad rail, and at least one perpendicular section disposed to cover a railroad tie, direct fixation plate or other support unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Sands, Jonathan Barnhart
  • Publication number: 20130026246
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interface pad comprising a stiffener supporting a resilient pad to cushion the panels in a grade crossing between and around the rails from impact with the underlying ties and to prevent the panels from moving. The pad may be flat or a cupped shape and may be of varying size to accommodate varying tie widths. The invention further comprises means to securely fasten such an interface pad to a railroad tie and minimize the possibility that the interface pad will be forcibly removed from the tie during installation of the rails or panels in the grade crossing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: VAE NORTRAK NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Steven R. MATTSON
  • Patent number: 8245950
    Abstract: A rail seal for sealing the gap between a rail and the surrounding surface material in a rail crossing or track construction, wherein the rail seal is removable from the gap and can be re-installed in the gap without damaging the surrounding surface material. More particularly, the rail seal is formed with an integral hinge element that has a closed position and an open position wherein an upper portion of the rail seal is released from and extends upwardly away from a lower portion of the seal body thereby imparting additional flexibility to the seal body. To remove the rail seal from the gap adjacent the rail, the rail seal can be manipulated so as to be pulled free from the gap. In order to re-install the rail seal, the additional flexibility provided by the hinge element allows the rail seal to be manipulated and deformed as required so as to be re-installed within the open gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Polycorp Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Burkhardt, Richard T. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20120193438
    Abstract: A grade crossing system for facilitating vehicle crossing of a railway track that includes a first rail line and a second rail line is disclosed. The grade crossing system includes one or more field panels and one or more gauge panels. The one or more gauge panels may include one or more end gauge panels and one or more central gauge panels. A method for assembling a grade crossing system for facilitating vehicle crossing of a railway track that includes a first rail line and a second rail line is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Linda Thomas
  • Patent number: 8172158
    Abstract: A flangeway former and rail boot system where the flangeway former has an anchor for anchoring the former in surrounding material, and a groove for receiving a protrusion on the rail boot for positioning the former on the boot. The system can also include a spacer and retaining clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Polycorp, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce Burkhardt, Bradley W Bedford, Rick Ellis
  • Patent number: 8100342
    Abstract: A rail seal for sealing the gap between a rail and a concrete panel in a railroad crossing so as to provide a generally even or level surface for vehicular or pedestrian traffic while still providing an appropriate rail structure for receiving and guiding the train wheels along the tracks is provided. More particularly, the upper surface of the rail seal is formed with a recessed portion or flangeway for receiving the flanged-end of a train. The flangeway or recessed portion, however, is formed so that the surface of the flangeway lies in a plane above the bottom of the rail head but below the upper surface of the rail head, thereby providing a “shallow” flangeway. The provision of a “shallow” flangeway helps to reduce the risks associated with vehicular and/or other pedestrian traffic that must access or cross the railroad tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Polycorp Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Burkhardt, Richard T. Ellis
  • Patent number: 8091797
    Abstract: A trackway for guiding rail-bound vehicles is disclosed that includes a plurality of pre-fabricated concrete slabs firmly attached to one another, wherein each of the concrete slabs includes positioning and connecting elements. At least one groove is formed in each of the concrete slabs and at least one elastic sleeve is configured to fit within the groove(s) of several of the concrete slabs. A plurality of rails are configured to fit within the elastic sleeve(s), wherein the length of one of the rails is longer than the length of one of the concrete slabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Max Bogl Bauunternehmung GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Reichel, Stefan Bogl
  • Publication number: 20120000987
    Abstract: A rail seal for sealing the gap between a rail and a concrete panel in a railroad crossing so as to provide a generally even or level surface for vehicular or pedestrian traffic while still providing an appropriate rail structure for receiving and guiding the train wheels along the tracks is provided. More particularly, the upper surface of the rail seal is formed with a recessed portion or flangeway for receiving the flanged-end of a train. The flangeway or recessed portion, however, is formed so that the surface of the flangeway lies in a plane above the bottom of the rail head but below the upper surface of the rail head, thereby providing a “shallow” flangeway. The provision of a “shallow” flangeway helps to reduce the risks associated with vehicular and/or other pedestrian traffic that must access or cross the railroad tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Polycorp Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Burkhardt, Richard T. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20110215164
    Abstract: A track cover comprising slab-shaped cover elements (7) arranged between the rails (3) of the track (2) on rail level and, preferably, also slab-shaped cover elements (8) outwardly adjoining the rails (3). The cover elements (7, 8) comprise supporting bodies (9) at their rims (10) which face the rails (3), the cover elements resting on the rails (3) by means of these supporting bodies. The supporting bodies (9) which are arranged on the cover elements (7, 8) at their rims (10) that face the rails (3) are mounted on these cover elements so as to be shiftable in the rail-longitudinal direction (11). It is suitable if on each rim (10) of the cover elements (7, 8) that faces a rail (3) which is provided with the cover, at least two supporting bodies (9) are shiftably arranged. Preferably, the supporting bodies (9) are mounted to be shiftable in the rail-longitudinal direction (11) and to be pivotable about a geometric axis extending in parallel with the displacement direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: GMUNDNER FERTIGTEILE GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H. & CO. KG.
    Inventor: Bernhard Neumann
  • Patent number: 7988066
    Abstract: A rail track crossing comprising a support element (29) associated with each rail (11) of a rail track and configured to be supported from a sleeper (13) whereby the support element extends to each side of each rail, the support element having an engagement portion (31) which is to be at each side of the respective rail, a set of panels comprising a pair of lateral panels (37) and a central panel (39) wherein the central panel is to be received between the rails and supported upon the support elements and to be engaged by the engagement portions, the lateral panels being intended to be located to the sides of the rail track to be engaged with the engagement portion located at the respective side, wherein when the lateral panels and the central panel are in position their upper surfaces jointly provide a substantially continuous surface across the rail track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Newstyle Nominees Pty Ltd
    Inventors: James Lawson Hughes, Ridolfo Carace Bumett, Henry Dixie Stephen
  • Patent number: 7891576
    Abstract: The invention relates to track system having two substantially parallel tracks (6) which are disposed on respective concrete slabs (1) of a fixed track. The slabs (1) comprises a plurality of track supports (2, 2?) for receiving and fastening thereon two parallel rails (5). The top surfaces (3) of the slabs (1) of the two tracks (6) are inclined independent of the a guiding system of the tracks (6) and of the corresponding position of the rail supports (2, 2?) relative to the two outer sides (8) of the track system and form a slope. The invention also relates to a concrete slab of a fixed track, which comprises supports (2, 2?) for the first rail (5) which are higher in relation to the top surface (3) of the slab (1) than the supports (2, 2?) for the second rail (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Max Bogl Bauunternehmung GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Bögl
  • Publication number: 20100147966
    Abstract: A rail track crossing comprising a support element (29) associated with each rail (11) of a rail track and configured to be supported from a sleeper (13) whereby the support element extends to each side of each rail, the support element having an engagement portion (31) which is to be at each side of the respective rail, a set of panels comprising a pair of lateral panels (37) and a central panel (39) wherein the central panel is to he received between the rails and supported upon the support elements and to be engaged by the engagement portions, the lateral panels being intended to be located to the sides of the rail track to be engaged with the engagement portion located at the respective side, wherein when the lateral panels and the central panel are in position upper surfaces jointly provide a substantially continuous surface across the rail track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: James Lawson Hughes, Ridolfo Carace Bumett, Henry Dixie Stephen
  • Patent number: 7699239
    Abstract: A retro-reflective system for increasing the safety of a railroad crossing includes at least one railroad crossing panel. A sealer is applied to a prepared surface of the railroad crossing panel. An adhesive applied over the sealer after the sealer is partially cured adheres a retro-reflective material thereto. The retro-reflective material increases visibility of the railroad crossing. Anti-skid elements may also be applied over the adhesive, to provide enhanced traction for vehicles or pedestrians traversing the railroad crossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Crossing Guard LLC
    Inventors: Curt M. Brown, Doug Delmonico
  • Patent number: 7677465
    Abstract: A railway crossing installation for a pair of spaced-apart elongated rails each having a transverse section, a bottom horizontal flange, a vertically extending bight and a top ball. A plurality of relatively elongated concrete gauge panels are provided, with each gauge panel having a top surface generally aligned with the ball upper surface, each gauge panel having elongated sides disposed adjacent the rails and ends disposed in confronting relation to any adjacent gauge panels. The gauge panel side adjacent a rail has an integral elongated projection spaced below the panel top surface, with the projection extending towards the bight. A resilient, elongated extrusion extends along each gauge panel side between the projection side and the rail bight, the extrusion being selectively removably secured to the projection so that the outer ends of the extrusion is closely adjacent the associated rail. The installation also includes concrete field panels positioned outwardly of each of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: William E. Bruning
  • Patent number: 7556208
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pre-assembled plate consisting of armored concrete, especially for the use as a component of a solid roadway for high-speed means of transport. At least two steel rods extending in the longitudinal direction of the pre-assembled plate of armored concrete (10) and protruding over the concrete surface thereof on the front face (17) are provided. The pre-assembled plate (10) is provided with at least one, preferably several, predetermined breaking points (15) which extends crosswise in relation to the steel rods (19). The steel rod (19) is anchored in the area between the front face (17) of the pre-assembled plate (10) and the first predetermined breaking point (1) respectively and is mounted in the direction towards the respective front face (17) in the longitudinal direction thereof in an essentially freely moveable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Max Bogl Bauunternehmung GmbH & Company KG
    Inventor: Dieter Reichel
  • Patent number: 7500617
    Abstract: Spindle device for the height adjustment and alignment of tracks on a substructure, having a transverse cantilever which is fixed to an elongate nut adjustable in height on a height adjustment spindle and which engages under the rail and which is formed as a horizontal spindle plate which is mounted on the elongate nut pivotably about a horizontal axis and on which a slide provided with a clamping mount device for the rail foot is displaceable by means of a second spindle device transverse to the height adjustment spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: RAIL.ONE GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz-Peter Wirtz, Arnold Pieringer
  • Patent number: 7073726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bridging platform arrangement (20) for bridging a gap (16) between a railway rail (10) and an adjacent ground surface (14). The bridging platform arrangement (20) includes a bridging plate (58) and a mounting arrangement for mounting the bridging plate (58) between the railway rail (10) and the ground surface (14). In use, the mounting arrangement permits displacement of the bridging plate (58) between two positions—a first rest position in which the bridging plate (58) extends between respective upper surfaces of the railway rail (10) and the ground surface (14); and a second displaced position in which the bridging plate (58) is displaced below the first position so as to not interfere with the passage along the railway rail (10) of a wheel (1) of a railway vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: Allan Sharp, Betty Lynette Sharp
  • Patent number: 6997391
    Abstract: An ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene material is utilized in a railroad flangeway to reduce the wear of a railroad crossing base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: John H. Bosshart
  • Patent number: 6877671
    Abstract: The roadway at a road-rail crossing comprises rows of extruded rubber strips. The strips have a tongue-and-groove type of edge connection, which constrain the strips such that if one strip bounces the adjacent strips bounce too. Locking-strips fit between primary-strips, and have latches, which snap into place upon the locking-strips being driven downwards, from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Performance Polymers Inc.
    Inventors: Dominicus Bruyn, Frank Drayton Williams, Bill Wei Shiu Chien
  • Patent number: 6871791
    Abstract: A concrete railroad grade crossing comprised of a precast concrete gauge panel extending between the rails and precast concrete field panels which extend between each rail and the roadway. Elastomeric gauge seals are provided on the opposite sides of the gauge panels for sealing the space between the sides of the gauge panels and the rails. Elastomeric field seals are provided on the inner ends of the field panels for engagement with the outer sides of the rails. The seals are secured to the panels by bolt and channel member assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas L. Egan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6843181
    Abstract: Ducting associated with rail track comprising a bed (13) located along at least a portion of the length of the rail track, the bed lying proximate the rails (11), a resiliently deformable cover (27) receivable over the bed and comprising a plurality of elongated channel members located in an end to end relationship having their flanges (29) extending downwardly and outwardly, the cover being intended to cooperate with the bed to define a duct able to accommodate conductors, optical fibres, cable and services. The bed has retention means (21) in the form a groove to receive and retain the lips (31) of the channel members. An apparatus having a carriage (73) is movable along the rail track to cause inward resilient deformation of the cover by pairs of rollers (71) to enable installation and withdrawal of the lips (31) from the grooves (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Jonathan Mark Morris
  • Patent number: 6764021
    Abstract: A concrete railroad grade crossing comprised of a precast concrete gauge panel extending between the rails and precast concrete approach panels which extend between each rail and the roadway. Elastomeric gauge seals are provided on the opposite sides of the gauge panels for sealing the space between the sides of the gauge panels and the rails. Elastomeric approach seals are provided on the inner ends of the approach panels for engagement with the outer sides of the rails. The inner ends of the seals have lobes formed therein which are embedded in the respective panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: American Concrete Products Co.
    Inventors: Randall G. Birt, Thomas L. Egan
  • Patent number: 6752322
    Abstract: A method of constructing a rail track on a track-receiving concrete slab provided with channels serving to receive the rails of the rail track, wherein, after the concrete forming the track-receiving slab has set, it comprises at least the following steps: a) the stretches of rail are put in place above the channels in the track-receiving slab, each rail having a foot coated with a casing of resilient material; and b) the foot as coated with its casing is inserted into the channel by force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventors: Jean Ehrsam, Yvan Skific
  • Patent number: 6726116
    Abstract: An insulation system for an embedded track construction for a transit railway having spaced parallel railway rails includes a rail boot for substantially enclosing each of the rails along its length, rail clips extending on each side of each of the rails for securing the rails to supporting ties, and fillers extending on each side of each of the rails, frictionally engaging and removably mounting the rails to an associated one of said rail clips. The fillers cooperate to provide a coplanar roadway with said rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Iron Horse Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Don R. Hofstetter, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6705536
    Abstract: A concrete railroad grade crossing comprised of a precast concrete gauge panel extending between the rails and precast concrete approach panels which extend between each rail and the roadway. Elastomeric gauge seals are provided on the opposite sides of the gauge panels for sealing the space between the sides of the gauge panels and the rails. Elastomeric approach seals are provided on the inner ends of the approach panels for engagement with the outer sides of the rails. The inner end of each of the seals has a lobe formed therein which is embedded in the respective panels. Each of the lobes has an elongated bore or opening formed therein which has a rebar positioned therein. Portions of the lobe are cut away to expose the rebar. The exposed portions of the rebar are connected to DBAs in the panel by tie wires to firmly attach the seal to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: American Concrete Products Co.
    Inventors: Randall G. Birt, Thomas L. Egan
  • Patent number: 6701594
    Abstract: At a crossing, rubber interface strips are positioned between the rails and the asphalt or concrete. A U-shaped spring-clip fits underneath the rail, and has upstanding arms that carry tappets, which engage the strips. One of the arms is threaded, and carries a screwed tappet-rod. Turning the tappet-rod closes the distance between the tappets, clamping the strips onto the sides of the rail, and forcing the springy arms apart. The spring-clips are manipulated into position while in an unstressed condition. The spring-clip is only brought up to force when finally assembled. Assembly can be done without tools, and with little danger of mix-assembly, or of injury to workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Performance Polymers Inc.
    Inventor: Dominicus Bruyn
  • Publication number: 20030168519
    Abstract: An insulation system for an embedded track construction for a transit railway having spaced parallel railway rails includes a rail boot for substantially enclosing each of the rails along its length, rail clips extending on each side of each of the rails for securing the rails to supporting ties, and fillers extending on each side of each of the rails, frictionally engaging and removably mounting the rails to an associated one of said rail clips. The fillers cooperate to provide a coplanar roadway with said rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Don R. Hofstetter
  • Patent number: 6588676
    Abstract: A concrete railroad grade crossing comprised of a precast concrete gauge panel extending between the rails and precast concrete approach panels which extend between each rail and the roadway. Elastomeric gauge seals are provided on the opposite sides of the gauge panels for sealing the space between the sides of the gauge panels and the rails. Elastomeric approach seals are provided on the inner ends of the approach panels for engagement with the outer sides of the rails. The inner ends of the seals are at least partially embedded in the associated panels and are additionally held in place by angle members embedded in the panels which are received in slots formed in the seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: American Concrete Products Co.
    Inventors: Randall G. Birt, Thomas L. Egan
  • Publication number: 20030085292
    Abstract: The roadway at a road-rail crossing comprises rows of extruded rubber strips. The strips have a tongue-and-groove type of edge connection, which constrain the strips such that if one strip bounces the adjacent strips bounce too. Locking-strips fit between primary-strips, and have latches, which snap into place upon the locking-strips being driven downwards, from above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Dominicus Bruyn, Frank Drayton Williams, Bill Wei Shiu Chien
  • Patent number: 6439470
    Abstract: An embedded railway system comprising at least one insert removably affixed to a surrounding surface such as a concrete panel by one or more securement devices so that the insert can be installed, removed, replaced or reinstalled without the need to remove the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: William K. Hull
  • Patent number: 6431462
    Abstract: A concrete gauge panel spans the gap between two parallel railroad tracks. Two concrete field panels lead from the roadway surface to the railroad tracks, one panel on each side of the railroad tracks. A spacer sits between the concrete of the concrete field and gauge panels and the railroad tracks. The spacer is affixed to the panels in a way that allows the spacer to be removed and replaced without replacing the entire panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Omega Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: George Apostolou, Isidoros Garifalakis, Adolfo Bella
  • Patent number: 6427925
    Abstract: A system for embedding a pair of rails of a railway track comprises a pair of field panels adapted for positioning opposite each other at outer sides of the rails and a gauge panel adapted for positioning between the rails. Each field panel has a side surface adapted to face its corresponding rail outer side and the gauge panel has opposite side surfaces adapted to face the inner sides of the rails. A first filler strip is associated with each of the field panels and a pair of second filler strips are associated with the gauge panel. Each of the first and second filler strips include a sealing portion that is adapted to contact one of the inner and outer rail sides and a mounting portion for connecting the filler strip to its respective panel. A U-shaped reinforcing member extends along a length of each filler strip mounting portion such that each filler strip is sandwiched between its respective reinforcing member and panel side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Century Precast, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard Christopher Gaudet
  • Patent number: 6422478
    Abstract: Elastomeric pads positioned on top of railroad ties have flanges that extend along chamfered corners of railroad ties and shoulders that extend upward and are located along the tops of the flanges. Pre-cast concrete panels that are commonly provided at railway grade crossings between and alongside the rails rest on the pads. The shoulders are compressible by the weight of the concrete panels and help to keep the flanges in place on the chamfered edges of the ties and resist movement of the pads from their intended positions between the concrete panels and the ties. The pads may be extruded of thermoplastic synthetic rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Northwest Rubber Extruders, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Lucas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6415988
    Abstract: A rail track insert assembly for use in road-level railway crossings having a pair of rails secured to a rail bed, each of the rails having a gauge side and a field side, a rail base and an intermediate web and being adapted for limited vertical movement upon intermittent loading of the rail upon passage of a load on the rail, the assembly comprising a longitudinally extending flexible gauge side rail insert member having a top surface in the plane of the rail head and a bottom surface registering with the base of the rail, a rail-engaging side surface sealingly and fixedly registering with the web on the gauge side in order to move with the limited movement of the rail, and an opposite side surface including a planar surface inclined downwardly and outwardly away from the adjacent rail at a minor angle, a longitudinally extending center gauge panel comprising a rigid slab having a top planar road surface lying in the general plane of the top surfaces of the rails, a bottom surface engaging with the tie bed,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: John K. Martin
  • Patent number: 6401318
    Abstract: At a crossing, rubber interface strips are positioned between the rails and the asphalt or concrete. A U-shaped spring-clip fits underneath the rail, and has upstanding arms that carry tappets, which engage the strips. One of the arms is threaded, and carries a screwed tappet-rod. Turning the tappet-rod closes the distance between the tappets, clamping the strips onto the sides of the rail, and forcing the springy arms apart. The spring-clips are manipulated into position while in an unstressed condition. The spring-clip is only brought up to force when finally assembled. Assembly can be done without tools, and with little danger of mis-assembly, or of injury to workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Performance Polymers Inc.
    Inventor: Dominicus Bruyn
  • Publication number: 20020023569
    Abstract: A moveable track cover is provided for use with a mechanism configured to move along a track. One example of such a mechanism is a pipe racking system used on off-shore oil and gas platforms. One end of the moveable track cover is connected to the pipe racking system mechanism which moves along the track. The other end of the track cover is spooled onto a drum. Rotation of the drum is controlled by a motor which exerts enough force to maintain the track cover in constant tension. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves towards the drum, the motor rotates the drum to roll the track cover onto the drum. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves away from the drum, it pulls the track cover off of the drum. By attaching a track cover to each side of the pipe racking system mechanism, the track along which the pipe racking system mechanism travels is kept covered at all times. The track cover may be constructed of a sheet of stainless steel strengthened by rib assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Therald Martin
  • Patent number: 6293473
    Abstract: In an infrastructure for a railway track with continuous elastic support, the two rail (1) forming the track rest with their lateral limiting surfaces beneath the rail head, via elastic intermediate layers (3), against inner lateral limiting surfaces of a frame consisting of two frame halves (4, 5). The frame is located in a trough (6) embedded in a concrete plate (2) running longitudinally underneath the rails (1). Between a frame half (5) and a lateral wall (6R) of the trough (6) a wedge (7) is provided, pointing downwards with its narrower end and which can be tightened by screws (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventors: Hermann Ortwein, Elisabeth Ortwein
  • Patent number: 6273341
    Abstract: A non-derailable train system including a movable crossing platform for preventing train derailments. The non-derailable train system including a movable crossing platform includes spaced tracks having a rounded upper surface, train wheels having a concave outer perimeter wall complimentary to the rounded upper surface of the tracks for preventing lateral removal of the wheels from the tracks. Also included is a movable platform system for facilitating crossing of the tracks by other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Ahmed Debabi
  • Patent number: 6270017
    Abstract: A method of making a polymer coated rail in which a rail to be coated (10) is positioned on a mould base (11) in an inverted manner, so that the head (12) of the rail is immediately adjacent the base plate (11). Then, mould side pieces (13, 14) are secured to the base plate (11) to run parallel to the side of the rail (10). Antislip material such as bauxite or granite chippings (21) are positioned in the mould so that they lie on the base plate (11), and then the liquid polymer is poured into the mould to fill the spaces (19, 20) and so encapsulate the rail (10). The polymer is poured into the mould, until its surface (22) covers the foot (23) of the rail. In this state, the polymer is allowed to cure, so that it solidifies, and once the side plates (13, 14) have been removed, the rail together with its polymer coating can be lifted from the base plate (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: ALH Rail Coatings Limited
    Inventor: Robert Paul Vennell
  • Patent number: 6250562
    Abstract: Pre-cast concrete panels are commonly provided at road-rail crossings, to serve as the roadway, but such panels have been liable to premature failure. Rubber caps are placed over the cross-ties, between the panel and the ties, to isolate the panel from the stresses that arise when the panel contacts the ties directly. The caps are ribbed. Two kinds of ribs are provided, some solid and rectangular, others triangular and hollow. The ribbed panels provide resilience and hysteresis over a range of conditions, to prevent fretting and cracking of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Performance Polymers Inc.
    Inventor: Dominicus Bruyn