Patent ID: 6336265
Filing Date: 2002-01-08
Classification: E01B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a composite railroad cross tie using an extrusion die having an axially extending feed bore, a generally rectangular die opening aligned with said feed bore, and an extrudate distribution passage communicating with said die opening, the railroad cross tie characterized by:a generally rectangular inner wooden core member having a longitudinally elongated side surface extending from a first core member end to a second core member end, an end cap member in sealing engagement with said first core member end, and a coating layer substantially bonded to said side surfaces, wherein said cross tie is formed by: securing said end cap member to said first end, and moving said core member together with said end cap member axially through said feed bore and past said die opening while extruding molten extrudate from the distribution passage into the die opening and about the side surfaces of the core member, and wherein said extrudate is selected from a thermoplastic, thermosetting resin and mixtures thereof, and wherein the end cap member includes a peripherally located recess, whereby during the step of moving the core member through the die cavity, extruding the molten extrudate at least partially into said recess to assist in maintaining said end cap member in engagement with said first one of said ends.