A sample confinement tool includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the sample confinement tool is coupled to a driving tool. The driving tool is coupled to a heavy-duty vehicle. The sample confinement tool is operable to insert a predetermined depth below a ballast surface and collect a ballast sample within the second end of the sample confinement tool. The sample confinement tool is also operable to confine the ballast sample within the second end of the sample confinement tool by mechanically compressing the ballast sample. The sample confinement tool is further operable to release the ballast sample into a sample receptacle by mechanically decompressing the ballast sample.

An apparatus for discharging multi-component adhesives of at least two fluidic components onto a granular ballast bed of a railway rail train includes of at least two separate carriages, which can be transferred into a vehicle or a trailer by having the vehicle or the trailer equipped on the inside with rails onto which the carriages can be rolled. The wagons can thus be transported by road to the usage site and can be put into operation by placing them from the trailer onto the tracks of the railway track using extendable rails. The apparatus allows the fully automatic spreading of adhesives over long distances to a ballast bed, so that the ballast bed is bonded in so that trains can continue to run normally. The entire apparatus can be loaded, transported and unloaded on site and put into operation by just two persons.

An apparatus for discharging multi-component adhesives of at least two fluidic components onto a granular ballast bed of a railway rail train includes of at least two separate carriages, which can be transferred into a vehicle or a trailer by having the vehicle or the trailer equipped on the inside with rails onto which the carriages can be rolled. The wagons can thus be transported by road to the usage site and can be put into operation by placing them from the trailer onto the tracks of the railway track using extendable rails. The apparatus allows the fully automatic spreading of adhesives over long distances to a ballast bed, so that the ballast bed is bonded in so that trains can continue to run normally. The entire apparatus can be loaded, transported and unloaded on site and put into operation by just two persons.

A method for waterproofing of bridges (1) and similar structures aimed at railway traffic is described, the structures comprising an arch or deck structure, on which there is placed a ballast (M) of gravel or crushed stone (2) upon which the tracks (6) extend between the two ends of the bridge (1). The waterproofing is obtained first by the removal of the tracks (6) and a reduced layer (S) of gravel or crushed stone (2), leaving in place the remaining part of gravel or crushed stone (2), and then by laying one or more sheets (10) of cured rubber on the remaining part of gravel or crushed stone (2). The thickness of the rubber is such as to be sufficiently resistant to perforation by the gravel or crushed stone (2), which is subsequently placed thereon to complete the ballast, Finally, the previously removed tracks (6) are set in place again. According to the method, a joint is made between the sheets (10) by means of a connection of mechanical type, with a positive locking shape fit, or a chemical bond using a suitable adhesive.

A method for waterproofing of bridges (1) and similar structures aimed at railway traffic is described, the structures comprising an arch or deck structure, on which there is placed a ballast (M) of gravel or crushed stone (2) upon which the tracks (6) extend between the two ends of the bridge (1). The waterproofing is obtained first by the removal of the tracks (6) and a reduced layer (S) of gravel or crushed stone (2), leaving in place the remaining part of gravel or crushed stone (2), and then by laying one or more sheets (10) of cured rubber on the remaining part of gravel or crushed stone (2). The thickness of the rubber is such as to be sufficiently resistant to perforation by the gravel or crushed stone (2), which is subsequently placed thereon to complete the ballast, Finally, the previously removed tracks (6) are set in place again. According to the method, a joint is made between the sheets (10) by means of a connection of mechanical type, with a positive locking shape fit, or a chemical bond using a suitable adhesive.

A tie plate separator is provided and methods thereof which allow for supplying of a batch of scrap material which needs at least some separation. The separation may occur by a rotating receiver structure having a plurality of holes to allow materials of preselected size to be retained within the receiver but allow other materials to fall through the holes so as to effectively separate at least one of the constituents of the batch of materials.

A track maintenance machine for carrying out track maintenance operations includes a plurality of mounts disposed at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the machine in an upper end region of the machine relative to a vertical. A lower end of each mount relative to the vertical is mounted on the track maintenance machine, while an upper end of each mount located at a distance from the lower end is connected to a safety line extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine. A method for carrying out service work on track maintenance machines is also provided.

A track maintenance machine for carrying out track maintenance operations includes a plurality of mounts disposed at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the machine in an upper end region of the machine relative to a vertical. A lower end of each mount relative to the vertical is mounted on the track maintenance machine, while an upper end of each mount located at a distance from the lower end is connected to a safety line extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine. A method for carrying out service work on track maintenance machines is also provided.

The invention relate to a formwork segment for the construction of a continuous carriageway for railway tracks, where the formwork segment is rigidly connected to a carriageway segment, such that the formwork segment remains permanently on the lower outer face of the carriageway segment and is non-demouldable, a hollow space that can be filled with a poured material being provided, and the formwork segment being made from a composite material such as a reinforced polymer fibre material, thermoplastic materials, or the like.

The method of electrically powering a high frequency tool with a battery pack having a DC electrical output can include stepping up the battery pack DC electrical output to a high voltage DC output of above 200V; converting the high voltage DC output to 3 phase alternating current; and powering the high frequency tool using the 3 phase alternating current.