Abstract: A switch device for moving switch rails. The switch device includes a motor operatively coupled to move the switch rails into and between first and second positions. The motor is configured for electricity to flow therethrough along a first path and a second path. A first path relay has two normally open contacts each within the first path, where activating the first path relay closes the two normally open contacts thereof. A second path relay has two normally open contacts each within the second path, where activating the second path relay closes the two normally open contacts thereof. The motor moves the switch rails towards the first position when the first path relay is activated and the second path relay is deactivated, and the motor moves the switch rails towards the second position when the second path relay is activated and the first path relay is deactivated.

Abstract: A system for retarding a railcar. The system includes a brake and an actuator that moves the brake between a closed position in which the brake slows the railcar and an open position in which the brake does not slow the railcar. The system further includes a hydraulic circuit through which a hydraulic fluid flows between the actuator, a pump, and a reservoir. A variable speed motor drives the pump to supply the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the actuator. The variable speed motor is operable at a plurality of speeds between fully-on and fully-off states. A control system determines a speed setting within the plurality of speeds for operating the variable speed motor based on a pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic circuit, the speed setting being determined such that the pressure is sufficient for operating the actuator.

Abstract: A system for retarding a railcar having wheels. The system includes a brake and an actuator that moves the brake between a closed position in which the brake contacts the wheels of the railcar and an open position in which the brake does not contact the wheels of the railcar. The system further includes a hydraulic circuit through which a hydraulic fluid flows between the actuator and a reservoir. A first pump is operably connected within the hydraulic circuit and configured to provide the hydraulic fluid to the actuator for operating the brake. A heat exchanger is operably connected within the hydraulic circuit and configured to cool the hydraulic fluid flowing therethrough. A second pump is operably connected within the hydraulic circuit and configured to provide the hydraulic fluid to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger prevents the hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid from exceeding a target operating temperature.

Abstract: A switch device for moving switch rails. The switch device includes a motor operatively coupled to move the switch rails into and between first and second positions. The motor is configured for electricity to flow therethrough along a first path and a second path. A first path relay has two normally open contacts each within the first path, where activating the first path relay closes the two normally open contacts thereof. A second path relay has two normally open contacts each within the second path, where activating the second path relay closes the two normally open contacts thereof. The motor moves the switch rails towards the first position when the first path relay is activated and the second path relay is deactivated, and the motor moves the switch rails towards the second position when the second path relay is activated and the first path relay is deactivated.

Abstract: A universal retarder system for slowing a railcar on rails. The system includes a lever arm configured to be pivotable within a vertical plane, where the lever arm is configured to support a brake shoe. An engagement device is coupled to the lever arm and configured to pivot the brake shoe towards one of the rails. A disengagement device is coupled to the lever arm and configured to pivot the brake shoe away from the one of the rails. The lever arm, engagement device, and disengagement device are each positioned between the rails. Pivoting the brake shoe towards the one of the rails is configured to force the brake shoe into engagement with the railcar to slow the railcar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rail supporting assembly for supporting a contact rail of a railway system that includes a base, a rail support head positioned relative to the base, and a support member comprising a dielectric phenolic material coupled to and positioned between the rail support head and the base to thereby support and insulate the contact rail. The support member includes a fracture area to facilitate fracturing of a sidewall of the support member when a fracturing force, such as a electrical arc event, is applied to the support member. The support member preferably is coated with a varnish to prevent absorption of water by the support member.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a railroad retarder control system. The cartridge assembly includes a body having a top and a valve base and defining a bore. The bore has first and second bore diameters, and the body defines pilot air passages, an upper air passage, and a lower air passage. A traveling member is positioned within the bore and has first and second traveling diameters corresponding to the first and second bore diameters of the body, respectively. The traveling member is axially moveable within the bore between open and closed positions via pressure differentials within the pilot air passages. The traveling member is closer to the top of the body in the open position than in the closed position. The traveling member has a base seal configured to engage with the valve base in the closed position to prevent air from flowing between the upper and lower air passages.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a railroad retarder control system. The cartridge assembly includes a body having a top and a valve base and defining a bore. The bore has first and second bore diameters, and the body defines pilot air passages, an upper air passage, and a lower air passage. A traveling member is positioned within the bore and has first and second traveling diameters corresponding to the first and second bore diameters of the body, respectively. The traveling member is axially moveable within the bore between open and closed positions via pressure differentials within the pilot air passages. The traveling member is closer to the top of the body in the open position than in the closed position. The traveling member has a base seal configured to engage with the valve base in the closed position to prevent air from flowing between the upper and lower air passages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rail supporting assembly for supporting a contact rail of a railway system that includes a base, a rail support head positioned relative to the base, and a support member comprising a dielectric phenolic material coupled to and positioned between the rail support head and the base to thereby support and insulate the contact rail. The support member includes a fracture area to facilitate fracturing of a sidewall of the support member when a fracturing force, such as a electrical arc event, is applied to the support member. The support member preferably is coated with a varnish to prevent absorption of water by the support member.

Abstract: A universal retarder system for slowing a railcar on rails. The system includes a lever arm configured to be pivotable within a vertical plane, where the lever arm is configured to support a brake shoe. An engagement device is coupled to the lever arm and configured to pivot the brake shoe towards one of the rails. A disengagement device is coupled to the lever arm and configured to pivot the brake shoe away from the one of the rails. The lever arm, engagement device, and disengagement device are each positioned between the rails. Pivoting the brake shoe towards the one of the rails is configured to force the brake shoe into engagement with the railcar to slow the railcar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rail supporting assembly for supporting a contact rail of a railway system that includes a base, a rail support head positioned relative to the base, and a support member comprising a dielectric phenolic material coupled to and positioned between the rail support head and the base to thereby support and insulate the contact rail. The support member preferably is coated with a varnish to prevent absorption of water by the support member.

Abstract: A system for retarding the speed of a railcar comprises a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on the wheel of a railcar, and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar; a hydraulic circuit provided with a pump arrangement for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; and a control circuit coupled to the hydraulic circuit for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to move the brake between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A system for retarding the speed of a railcar comprises a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on the wheel of a railcar, and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar; a hydraulic circuit provided with a pump arrangement for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; and a control circuit coupled to the hydraulic circuit for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to move the brake between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A system for retarding the speed of a railcar comprises a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on the wheel of a railcar, and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar; a hydraulic circuit provided with a pump arrangement for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; and a control circuit coupled to the hydraulic circuit for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to move the brake between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rail supporting assembly for supporting a contact rail of a railway system that includes a base, a rail support head positioned relative to the base, and a support member comprising a dielectric phenolic material coupled to and positioned between the rail support head and the base to thereby support and insulate the contact rail. The support member preferably is coated with a varnish to prevent absorption of water by the support member.

Abstract: Devices, a system and a method for controlling travel of a railcar along a set of rails are provided, the railcar having wheel treads that ride on the rails. A railcar stop is selectively movable between a first position wherein the railcar is free to travel along the rails, and a second position wherein the railcar stop is configured to engage the tread of the at least one of the wheels to thereby stop and prevent travel of the railcar in at least a first direction along the rails. The railcar stop is further configured to be selectively movable in the first direction along the rails from the second position to a third position to thereby disengage the railcar stop from the tread of the least one of the wheels.

Abstract: A system for retarding the speed of a railcar comprises a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on the wheel of a railcar, and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar; a hydraulic circuit provided with a pump arrangement for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; and a control circuit coupled to the hydraulic circuit for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to move the brake between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: Systems for retarding the speed of a railcar comprise: a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on a wheel of the railcar and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the rail car; a hydraulic circuit comprising a first manifold and a second manifold; a pump configured to pump hydraulic fluid into at least one of the first manifold and the second manifold; and a logic element controlling pressure of the fluid in the first manifold such that when the wheel enters the brake and forces the brake towards the open position. The logic element reacts to maintain a selected pressure in the first manifold, thus causing a selected braking pressure to be applied by the brake on the wheel of the railcar.