Abstract: An improved design that would allow one workman to easily elevate a heavy concrete tie to the base of the rail and hold it in position while tie is connected to the rail with retainer clips. Improvements are made in the handle design that allow the workman to remain in a more upright position at the time the tie comes in contact with the rail. Also added is a safety grip ring near the upper end of the handle. Design improvements are also made at the foot end of the handle unit. At this point the improved tool design will allow more leverage to be applyed to the tie and a varity of hook devises to be used on lower end of tool, depending on what type of concrete tie is to be used.

Abstract: A pry bar capable of removing boards while minimizing damage during removal so that the boards may be reused. The pry bar having a handle, a cross bar, and two pairs of pry arms with each pair having a different length. The handle forms an acute angle with one pair of pry arms and an obtuse angle with the other pair of pry arms. Either pair of pry arms is placed behind the board to be removed then force is exerted against the handle to remove the board.

Abstract: The gauge and cess panels (3, 4) of a level crossing creep apart lengthwise of the track (1, 2) and need closing up again from time to time. A device (5, 24) for this consists of a member (8, 26) that engages under or over a rail (1) and has a portion (10, 27) extending transversely to the rail carrying a cam (6) or screw (28) for engaging the end of a panel (3, 4). When the cam or screw is turned, the reaction from the panel (3, 4) jams the member (8, 26) on the rail (1), and further turning forces the panel lengthwise of the track. Another device for gauge panels is a two armed toggle (29) with a cam (31) at its pivot (30), the arms (29) being in a shallow V with their free ends (32) braced against the insides of the rails (1).