US3662951A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable rail fastener with meltable filler
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp
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Filing: 1970-07-28
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Granted: 1972-05-16
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Expires: 1990-07-28
Abstract
Abstract An easily adjustable and readjustable rail support includes two annularly spaced pot-like members that are separated by a readily meltable solid filler material. The outer member is embedded in a concrete or other rigid roadbed. The rim of the inner member supports a channel element which clamps the rail.
Inventors
- 👤 Webster D Smith
- 👤 William I Berks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 00:34
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01B; E01B9/00; E01B9/66; E01B9/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
An adjustable rail fastener, comprising: a. a pair of upwardly concave rigid members of bulbous shape nested together one within the other with their walls separated to define an annular space therebetween; b. each of said members including an upper rim portion defining a circular opening therein and a lower bulbous portion of maximum diameter greater than the corresponding rim diameter; c. a readily meltable solid material filling said annular space; d. the maximum diameter of the inner member being less than the inside rim diameter of the outer member; e. the outer one of said members being adapted to be embedded in a rigid roadbed; and f. means attached to the inner one of said members for fastening a rail along a portion of its length.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
An adjustable rail fastener, comprising: a. a pair of upwardly concave rigid members of bulbous shape nested together one within the other with their walls separated to define an annular space therebetween; b. each of said members including an upper rim portion defining a circular opening therein and a lower bulbous portion of maximum diameter greater than the corresponding rim diameter; c. a readily meltable solid material filling said annular space; d. the maximum diameter of the inner member being less than the inside rim diameter of the outer member; e. the outer one of said members being adapted to be embedded in a rigid roadbed; and f. means attached to the inner one of said members for fastening a rail along a portion of its length.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention according to claim 1, and further including an electrical heater element embedded in said readily meltable solid material and arranged for connection to an electrical current source for heating and melting said solid material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention according to claim 1, wherein said readily meltable solid material is chemically softenable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said members is electrically conductive and arranged for connection to an electrical current source for heating and melting said solid material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention according to claim 1, wherein said fastening means attached to said inner member is so dimensional as to provide openings communicating with the interior of said inner member through which fluid can be introduced for thermal exchange with said solid material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
129 words
An adjustable rail fastener, comprising: a. an outer pot adapted to be embedded in a roadbed; b. an inner pot within said outer pot and having its outer wall surface spaced from the inner wall surface of said outer pot; c. a readily meltable solid material filling the space between said pots; d. a channel element fastened to the rim of said inner pot; e. said channel element having a length greater than the diameter of said rim and a width less than the diameter of said rim, whereby openings are provided between the rim of said inner pot and said channel element; and f. said channel element also having oppositely disposed, upwardly curved fingers for gripping the opposing, lower flanges of a rail supported within said channel element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
129 words
An adjustable rail fastener, comprising: a. an outer pot adapted to be embedded in a roadbed; b. an inner pot within said outer pot and having its outer wall surface spaced from the inner wall surface of said outer pot; c. a readily meltable solid material filling the space between said pots; d. a channel element fastened to the rim of said inner pot; e. said channel element having a length greater than the diameter of said rim and a width less than the diameter of said rim, whereby openings are provided between the rim of said inner pot and said channel element; and f. said channel element also having oppositely disposed, upwardly curved fingers for gripping the opposing, lower flanges of a rail supported within said channel element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention according to claim 6, wherein said readily meltable solid material is thermally softenable at a relatively low temperature above normal atmospheric temperatures.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention according to claim 6, wherein said readily meltable solid material is chemically softenable.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention according to claim 6, and further including a resilient pad within said channel element for supporting said rail.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention according to claim 6, wherein said pots are bulbous in shape.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-11-15 | 1976-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-16 | 1979-11-15 | 1980-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-16 | 1983-11-15 | 1984-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |