Rail spike retention and tie preservation mixture and method
AssigneeRailroad Solutions, Inc.
InventorsWalter F. Vizcaino, Michael L. Raab
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A rail spike retention and tie preserving mixture and method are disclosed for use in a wood cross tie at the situs of a driven rail spike, the mixture providing a single stage dry mixture application and including ground petroleum pitch, sub-angular silica sand and a hydrocarbon resin adhesive/sealant material. The mixture and method assure better spike retention in the tie while protecting the wood tie from degradation at and around the site of spike placement thus increasing the useful life of the tie.
Claims18
A dry mixture for application in an aperture in a wood cross tie where a rail spike is to be driven to improve spike retention and tie preservation thereat, said dry mixture comprising:
- ground petroleum pitch;
- silica sand;
- and
- a powdered adhesive/sealant material;
- wherein heat generated by driving of the spike into the aperture in the tie effects amalgamation of said mixture and dispersion of said mixture in the aperture.
A dry mixture for application in an aperture in a wood cross tie where a rail spike is to be driven to improve spike retention and tie preservation thereat, said dry mixture consisting essentially of by weight:
- between about 50% to 70% sub-angular silica sand having a grade between about 35 mesh and 100 mesh;
- between about 25% to 45% ground petroleum pitch;
- and
- between about 1% to 10% coumarone-indene resin on silicon dioxide.
A method for improving rail spike retention in a wood cross tie while protecting the tie from degradation due to environmental exposure of the interior of the tie around the driven spike, said method comprising the steps of:
- depositing a dry mixture of ground petroleum pitch, silica sand, and a powdered adhesive/sealant material into a formed aperture in the tie for receiving the spike;
- thereafter driving the spike into the aperture;
- and
- heat generated by driving of the spike into the aperture in the tie effecting amalgamation of the mixture and dispersion of the mixture in the aperture thereby filling and sealing wood fibers adjacent to the aperture at the interior of the tie and adhesively and frictionally aiding spike retention in the aperture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.