Abstract: Application of the machine for flash-butt welding of rails with one rod, which connects two tong-type clamping devices is widening greatly the functional capabilities at its service, both in welding of separate rails and also in repair of rail tracks under the field conditions and in hard-to-reach places such as railway switches and frogs, the underground tracks, rails, which are laid side by side at a close distance, etc., not changing the optimum process and quality of the welded joints.

Abstract: This invention concerns a welding head for welding the extremities of two sections of rail and comprises two half-heads (10) aligned and sliding with regard to one another in a longitudinal direction. Each half-head comprises grip means (12, 13) to grasp a respective section of rail and two electrodes (16) suitable for contact with respective sections of rail in order to carry out a flash butt weld. The head also comprises traction actuator means (20) which extend in a longitudinal direction and are connected to the two half-heads (10) to shift the two half-headsin a longitudinal direction one towards the other, said traction actuator means (20) having a stroke suitable for allowing, during a cycle of welding two sections of rail, simultaneous regulation of rail tensions.

Abstract: One embodiment of a Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) laser ablation simulator includes a frame, a mock hypotube, a mock laser fiber, a mock camera assembly, a laser fiber position tracker and a camera position tracker. The mock hypotube is supported by the frame, has a longitudinal axis, is received within the hypotube and is configured to move along the longitudinal axis and rotate about a laser fiber central axis relative to the hypotube. The mock camera assembly is attached to the hypotube and is configured to rotate about a camera central axis relative to the hypotube. The laser fiber position tracker is configured to output laser fiber position information that is indicative of a position of the mock laser fiber relative to the hypotube. The camera position tracker is configured camera position information that is indicative of a position of the mock camera assembly relative to the hypotube.

Abstract: A welding fixture for use during welding of a web member to a flange member to produce a sill, includes an elongate bed having a pair of opposed longitudinal edge rails, and a plurality of clamp assemblies mounted at spaced intervals along each of the longitudinal edge rails. Each clamp assembly is selectively movable between an open configuration in which a welding head can move past the clamp assembly while welding the web member to the flange member, and a closed configuration in which the clamp assembly is operative to hold the web member and the flange member in a predetermined orientation relative to each other.

Abstract: A welding unit for welding rails of a track includes two unit bodies that can be moved in relation to each other by displacement cylinders along unit guides running parallel to the rails. The displacement cylinders are connected both to pull rods and to a crossbeam. Thus a simple design having high tensile forces is possible.

Abstract: An improved welding head for creating an in-track weld between a first rail segment and a second rail segment includes a controller having computer-readable instructions read by the controller. The computer-readable instructions include instructions for compensating for rail jerk during in-track welding. The welding head includes a closing force actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, for moving the rail segments toward one another. A pressure transducer is monitored during welding to determine a closing force. An impending jerk of the rail movement is detected if an abnormal closing force change is observed, and in response the flow of hydraulic fluid into or out of the hydraulic cylinder is restricted to prevent or minimize the jerk. In addition, when an impending jerk is detected the weld current may be temporarily increased to burn or prevent the formation of short circuit paths between the rails.

Abstract: The system allows training and qualification of a user performing a skill-related training exercise involving body motion in a workspace. A training environment is selected through a computer apparatus, and variables, parameters and controls of the training environment and the training exercise are adjusted. Use of an input device by the user is monitored. The 3D angles and spatial coordinates of reference points related to the input device are monitored through a detection device. A simulated 3D dynamic environment reflecting effects caused by actions performed by the user on objects is computed in real time as a function of the training environment selected. Images of the simulated 3D dynamic environment in real time are generated on a display device viewable by the user as a function of a computed organ of vision-object relation. Data indicative of the actions performed by the user and the effects of the actions are recorded and user qualification is set as a function of the recorded data.

Abstract: A method of welding two members together wherein welding material is melted in an electrically heated molten slag, and forms a pool of molten welding material beneath the molten slag. The end surfaces of the two members are in contact with the molten weld material and are melted to bond with the weld material.

Abstract: A welding unit for welding rails of a track includes two unit bodies that can be moved in relation to each other by displacement cylinders along unit guides running parallel to the rails. The displacement cylinders are connected both to pull rods and to a crossbeam. Thus a simple design having high tensile forces is possible.

Abstract: An improved in-track welder eliminates conduction path force members and employs separate bridging current path conductors for DC welding of rail ends. In an embodiment, this enhancement allows for an increased closure distance, thus improving cold-weather operations. In a further embodiment, an increased allowable distance between conduction contacts also allows for the incorporation of an internal shear member for more efficient finishing of welds. The force members may be optimized for strength rather than electrical properties, and in an embodiment are comprised of relatively small diameter alloy steel rods.

Abstract: A machine for welding the rails of a track includes a rail pulling device that grips the rail ends and pulls them together so that they can be welded to one another. Two rail clamps provided for gripping the rails are fastened to the rail pulling device. The rail clamps are each vertically adjustable in their position relative to the rail pulling device by way of a respective adjustment drive in a direction extending perpendicularly to a pulling device plane formed by hydraulic drives of the rail pulling device. With this, the rails can be lifted from ties in a simple manner in order to enable the clamping members of the rail pulling device to grip the rails.

Abstract: A machine for welding rails of a track extending in a longitudinal direction includes a rail pulling device for gripping the rails to be welded to one another. The rail pulling device is connected to a machine frame of the welding machine by way of guides and coupling devices. The rail pulling device is designed for displacement in the longitudinal direction or transversely to the longitudinal direction by means of longitudinal displacement drives and transverse displacement drives, and is also vertically adjustable by means of drives. By means of tilting drives, the rail pulling device can additionally be pivoted about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for welding two rails (8, 10, 14) of a track using a welding unit (1) of a welding machine (20). According to the method, two rails (8,10,14) each caught by a pair of clamping jaws (6) of the welding unit (1) are moved and welded together while subjecting them to crusher cylinders (3) in the longitudinal direction of the rails. A rail anchor (16) is produced in a so-called terminal-welding step in a working direction (11) upstream of the machine (20) by linking a section of the rail (14) with ties (15) in a non-positive manner. If the actual rail temperature differs from the local neutral temperature, tensions are passed into the rails to be welded together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a conductor rail comprising a main body (11) and a wear-resisting facing layer comprises feeding the main body (11) to a welding station (10) while simultaneously feeding the facing layer to the welding station as two or more portions (12), and welding the two or more portions (12) of the facing layer together at the welding station (10) in such manner as to obtain a mechanical interlocking engagement of the facing layer with the main body (11).

Abstract: A rail welding device arranged for mobility along a track direction for effectuating the electric resistance welding of two track rails, comprising a control unit, and two halves of the device movable in the track direction, each half of the device being aligned with a respective one of the track rails and comprising a pair of clamping jaws pivotal towards and away from each other in a plane extending transversely to the track direction. Hydraulic cylinders move the two halves of the device in the track direction, and further hydraulic cylinders pivot the clamping jaws of each half away from each other between a set-up position in which the rail heads of the track rails may freely pass between the clamping jaws and a welding position in which the clamping jaws engage the rail webs. A sensing device detects the welding position at the end of the pivoting motion of the clamping jaws and sends control signals required to effectuate the electric resistance welding to the control unit.

Abstract: A welding material is constructed and arranged to be positioned in electrically conductive relation between exterior surface portions of first and second weldable members at a location where the first and second weldable members are to be joined. The welding material includes at least one welding material member constructed of an electrically conductive metallic welding material capable of melting when heated by application of an electrical current. Each welding material member is mounted on the exterior surface of the first weldable member and then positioned between the exterior surfaces of the first and second weldable members to be electrically conductively disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A device for welding together elongated work pieces such as railroad track, is provided with controls to eliminate pre-existing angles that exist between each work piece prior to joining.

Abstract: A machine for flash-butt welding of rails, incorporates two tong-type clamping devices made in the form of two two-arm levers carried by a common central axle with insulation from each other and capable of being displaced along the axle relative to each other by two flashing-upsetting hydraulic cylinders connecting them and having bimetal current-carrying rods. Each of the two-arm levers is hinged at one end to the rod or the clamping hydraulic cylinder case, respectively, and the other end is fitted with the clamping and current-carrying jaws. Two welding transformers built into the hollow two-arm levers of one of the two tong-type clamps are joined by current-carrying jumpers through the current-carrying part of the rods of the flashing-upsetting hydraulic cylinders to the current-carrying clamping jaws. A clamping hydraulic cylinder is made with a hydraulic intensifier built into its rod.

Abstract: Two rail sections are joined by a weld joint (5) between two rails (1,2) arranged one behind another in a lengthwise direction of a rail track (4) and a method for the production of this weld joint (5). The frontal ends (6,7) of the rails (1,2) which are facing each other are connected with one another by a filler material (8), which extends from the rail foot (32) to the rail head (30). The weld joint (5) is composed of a welding zone (22, 23, 24, 25) which connects the rail foot (32), the stem of the rail (31) and the rail head (30). The welding zones (22 to 25) are connected in a form-locking manner in the contact areas (33 to 36) immediately facing each other. Furthermore, the welding zone (22) of the rail head (30) consists of less than 15 neighbouring, molten beads (26) preferably situated one above another and approximately running parallel to each other.

Abstract: A flash butt welding facility exhibits a housing (1) and a slide (2) linearly displaceable in the former. Respectively one clamping system is installed in the housing (1) and in the slide (2), by means of which profiled workpieces, e.g. rails (5a, 5b), can be retained and positioned. A device for displacing the clamping systems, especially for compressing profiled workpieces (e.g. rails), comprises at least one press cylinder (11) arranged above the workpiece clamping axis (17) and acting in the longitudinal direction and at least one lever (8) rotatably connected to the slide (2) in the force application point (9). The press cylinder (11) is connected to one end of the lever (8). The center of the lever (8) is articulated (7a) to the housing by way of a pull rod (6a). The pressing force produced above the rail clamping axis (17) is made to be effective in the clamping axis in this way.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing a gap between an end of a rail section and an adjacent end of a longitudinally succeeding rail section of a rail fastened to ties by fastening elements by tensioning or longitudinally extending the rail section comprises two longitudinally spaced beams extending transversely to the track rails, a pair of clamping members mounted on each transverse beam for pivoting about parallel vertical axes at respective sides of the rail sections of the rail and having cooperating clamping jaws for engaging the rail sections between the clamping members upon pivoting thereof, the pairs of clamping members being longitudinally spaced from each other, hydraulic drives interconnecting the clamping members at each side of the rail sections of the rail, and a rail centering mechanism affixed to each transverse beam in the range of each pair of clamping members, each rail centering mechanism comprising at least two independently operable hydraulic cylinders carrying rams adapted to be pressed against a

Abstract: A mobile electric flash-butt welding unit for welding together adjacent ends of track rail sections comprises a pair of welding heads displaceable in a longitudinal direction towards each other, each welding head comprising two tong-like parts pivotal towards each other and carrying clamping electrodes for engaging the sides of a respective one of the rail section ends. Actuating cylinders extend in the longitudinal direction and are connected to each welding head for pressing the welding heads in the longitudinal direction towards each other, and clamps are connected to each welding head and are spaced in the longitudinal direction from the actuating cylinders connected thereto, each clamp comprising jaws for gripping the sides of the respective rail section end therebetween.

Abstract: A mobile electric flash-butt welding machine comprises machine frame, undercarriages supporting the machine frame on a railroad track, and a drive for propelling the machine frame along the track. The machine frame carries a hydraulic fluid supply pump, an electric current generator, a motor for operating the pump and the generator, a longitudinally, transversely and vertically adjustable electric flash-butt welding head for selectively welding together the adjacent rail section ends of a respective one of the track rails, the welding head comprising two welding halves movable towards and away from each other in a direction of the rail, hydraulic cylinders for moving the two welding head halves in said direction, a pair of clamping and welding jaws on each welding head half, and a hydraulic clamping cylinder connecting the jaws of each pair.

Abstract: A gas shield chamber for enclosing a welding joint of a pair of rails during the arc welding of the welding joint. A pair of side backing plates are each held in contact with the groove at one side of the rails within the chamber and the side backing plates are respectively movable independently of each other by a pair of drives having manual-powered operation change-over means. The ratio of respective flow rates of each shielding gas from respective injectors into the chamber is varied in accordance with the movement of the side backing plates. A pair of ground terminals of a welding power source are arranged on the sides of the rails.

Abstract: A rail alignment device and a shear head are suspended from a trolley running over a rail welding machine. The alignment device comprises structure forming a downwardly-opening bight and carrying locating stops, clamping cylinders and transducers with sensing plungers all of which project into the bight. The rail ends to be butt-welded are received within the bight for alignment. One of the rails is clamped against the stops by the cylinders. The location of the other rail relative to the structure is sensed by the transducers and the machine clamps are adjusted until those transducers indicate alignment of the rails. The device is then removed and stored remote from the gap, with the shear head, during welding. The shear head comprises a horseshoe-shaped back plate which carries three cutting tools. An arm, which is pivotally mounted on one of the ends of the back plate and adapted to be latched to the other end to close the bight of the back plate, carries a fourth cutting tool.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining two elongated members, such as rails, together by holding the rail ends in fixed relationship respective to one another while ramming powder metal between the confronting ends of the rails. Current flow occurs across the confronting faces of the rail and across the compacted powder, thereby elevating the temperature of the marginal rail ends and the compacted metal powder. The rams forge the hot metal powder and hot rail ends into a continuous mass. The method and apparatus can be used for building railroads, repairing defective rail lengths, and welding other elongated members together.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting two butt-ends of rails to be connected by welding comprises a rigid structure having two aligned support plates one for each rail. Each support plate comprises a non-adjustable retaining press and an adjustable retaining press. The fixed jaws of one of each of the presses are intended to be placed on the side of the head of one of the rails and the fixed jaws of the other presses are intended to be placed on the corresponding side of the head of the other rail thus forming four spaced supports. The movable jaws of the presses for the one rail are intended to be placed on the opposite side of the head of this rail and the movable jaws of the presses for the other rail are intended to be placed on the opposite side of the head of the other rail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a continuous railroad track including a mobile welding plant which is comprised of, for example, a string of flat cars for transporting a number of already formed continuous rails, another flat car or the like carrying means such as a winch and other related apparatus for delivering the individual continuous rails to the mobile welding plant, and another flat car or the like transporting a puller or pusher apparatus for controlling the movement of the continuous track which is formed, in and from the mobile welding plant.

Abstract: An electro-slag welding method and apparatus has been developed for butt-joint welding of steel rails or other metallic pieces having irregular cross section, in which the head and the web of the rail is surrounded with a conventional water cooled copper mold and the flange area is surrounded by a ceramic lined crucible. In addition to the conventional single central welding electrode, two or more electrodes are inserted through the lids of the ceramic crucible adjacent the outer ends of the rail flange so as to reduce the total welding current required to produce a complete flange weld and spread the welding energy, thereby reducing excess power and overheating at the central electrode, resulting in better metallurgical quality welds.

Abstract: A machine for flash welding rails having two gripping clamps with conductive jaws pivoted on a common shaft, at least one clamp being able to slide along said shaft relative to the second clamp under the action of a jack and being guided along rods disposed laterally to the rail, which rods also serving as jack rods in which the machine has flash removing cutters mounted on a flash removing clamp independently of the gripping clamp, which flash removing clamp has two clamp halves pivotally and slidably mounted on the same shaft and on the same rods as the gripping clamps.

Abstract: A device for adjusting two butt ends of rails to be connected by welding comprises a rigid structure which is formed by two support plates. The support plates are aligned and interconnected by a concave part and which is able to be disposed horizontally so that the two support plates are pressed one against one vertical side of the head of one of the rails and the other against the corresponding vertical side of the head of the other rail. The concave part provides a region for access around the butt ends. Each support plate is provided with a retaining clamp which is provided with a jaw able to bear against the opposite vertical side of the head of the rail. The device can be applied to the welding of rails on a track or on a fixed installation.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for aligning and setting the gap between two rail ends comprises a rigid housing overlapping the two rails and providing an access area around the two rail ends. A first pair of presses and a second pair of presses are mounted in line on the frame and arranged so that the first pair of presses is situated between the second pair of presses. Each combination of a first press and a second press serves to grip one of the two rails to be joined. A pair of vertically mounted jacks are operatively secured to the second pair of presses to provide vertical movement of the second pair of presses independent of the rigid housing. Vertically adjustable support stops engage the tops of the rails and together with the vertically adjustable second presses effect vertical adjustment of the rails. The improved apparatus can be mounted singly or in pairs on a gantry and can include gap setting apparatus and weld dressing apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile rail welding machine comprises a frame, two undercarriages supporting the frame, a hydraulically driven flash butt welding unit for welding abutting rail section ends of a track rail mounted on the frame intermediate the undercarriages, a hydraulically driven weld burr removal unit mounted on the frame intermediate the undercarriages, which units may be integrated with each other, and a hydraulic jack for the frame operable to relieve the track rails of the machine weight.

Abstract: A welding apparatus including, generally, a vertical clamping assembly having an upper and a lower clamping assembly for each of two rail sections to be welded together. These vertical clamping assemblies clamp and vertically align the running surfaces of the two rail sections, by establishing the running surfaces at a pre-determined stop level. The welding apparatus also includes a horizontal centering and aligning apparatus which has a first pair of clamping arms which engage the rail base and pre-center the rail sections with respect to one another and to the welding apparatus. The apparatus also includes a pair of spaced apart clamping arms associated with each of the rail sections which are operable to both laterally clamp the rail heads of the respective rail sections and to horizontally or laterally align the rail sections with respect to one another. Once aligned, the ends of the rail sections are welded together.

Abstract: A mobile rail welding machine comprises a frame, a hydraulically driven flash butt welding device, a "Thermit" welding unit and preferably an electric arc welding device mounted on the frame for selectively flash butt welding, "Thermit" welding or arc welding abutting rail section ends of a track rail, and a weld burr removal device adjustably mounted on the frame for selectively removing weld burrs at either rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding two profile or section rods by means of electrical resistance welding, especially an apparatus for welding two rails. There is provided for each of the profile or section rods a clamping device having contact electrodes for infeeding the welding current. Both of the clamping devices are displaceable relative to one another in the direction of the profile or section rods, in order to exert a pressure force at the weld joint. To prevent distortion or displacement of the end regions of the profile sections directly neighboring the weld joint, a centering device is arranged between both of the clamping devices. This centering device can be brought into engagement with the end section of both the one as well as the other profile rod and fixedly retains such end sections. The centering device can comprise two similarly constructed pivotal arms rotatable about a common centering shaft.