Abstract: An elongated rail fastener apparatus for use near an obstacle such as a guard rail, or other location where space is restricted. The fastener preferably extends past the obstacle and is provided with a shoulder having at least one elevated notch, positioned to allow installation of the clip with a vertical and lateral movement, and without the application of a large force perpendicular to the rail. A U-shaped embodiment of the fastener is also described.

Abstract: An elongated rail fastener apparatus for use near an obstacle such as a guard rail, or other location where space is restricted. The fastener preferably extends past the obstacle and is provided with a shoulder having at least one elevated notch, positioned to allow installation of the clip with a vertical and lateral movement, and without the application of a large force perpendicular to the rail. A U-shaped embodiment of the fastener is also described.

Abstract: A boltless brace assembly for a rail includes a base block interlocked with a brace, and further includes a wedge to be inserted between an upper surface of the base block and a lower surface of the brace, thereby applying an upward force to the brace and a resultant downward force to secure the rail base. The brace assembly may be modified to provide a universal brace assembly, a resilient brace assembly, or a frog base clamp.

Abstract: A boltless brace assembly for a rail includes a base block interlocked with a brace, and further includes a wedge to be inserted between an upper surface of the base block and a lower surface of the brace, thereby applying an upward force to the brace and a resultant downward force to secure the rail base. The brace assembly may be modified to provide a universal brace assembly, a resilient brace assembly, or a frog base clamp.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered switch machine having power and manual operating modes, and a dual disconnect mechanism. In power operation mode, the machine may be operated remotely, or using controls located on or near the machine. In the event of power failure, the machine may be operated manually. The dual disconnect mechanism physically disconnects the powered throw mechanism when the machine is operating in manual mode and physically disconnects the manual throw mechanism when the machine is operating in power mode, in both cases preventing unexpected movement of the manual throw mechanism.

Abstract: A controller for a spring wing on a frog that utilizes a floating piston rod carrying a fixed piston valve and a free-moving piston head is provided. When the piston rod is actuated by the opening movement of the spring wing, the piston valve separates from the piston head briefly, allowing oil to flow through the piston head in a relatively unrestricted manner. The piston head is spring biased towards the piston valve; upon contact between the piston head and the piston valve, the oil flow through the piston head stops, helping to hold the spring wing in the open position. When the spring wing begins to close, the adjustable oil flow through the controller allows the piston rod to move at a controlled rate, thereby controlling the closure rate of the spring wing.

Abstract: A controller for a spring wing on a frog that utilizes a floating piston rod carrying a fixed piston valve and a free-moving piston head is provided. When the piston rod is actuated by the opening movement of the spring wing, the piston valve separates from the piston head briefly, allowing oil to flow through the piston head in a relatively unrestricted manner. The piston head is spring biased towards the piston valve; upon contact between the piston head and the piston valve, the oil flow through the piston head stops, helping to hold the spring wing in the open position. When the spring wing begins to close, the adjustable oil flow through the controller allows the piston rod to move at a controlled rate, thereby controlling the closure rate of the spring wing.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered switch machine having power and manual operating modes, and a dual disconnect mechanism. In power operation mode, the machine may be operated remotely, or using controls located on or near the machine. In the event of power failure, the machine may be operated manually. The dual disconnect mechanism physically disconnects the powered throw mechanism when the machine is operating in manual mode and physically disconnects the manual throw mechanism when the machine is operating in power mode, in both cases preventing unexpected movement of the manual throw mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to be integrated with to a manual switch stand, particularly for use in dark territory. The device secures the spindle of the switch stand against rotation, thereby preventing authorized throwing of the switches. The device also contains sensors that will clearly indicate to an external observer both the position of the switch points and the locked or unlocked status of the switch stand. A particular sequence of steps must be taken before an operator will be able to unlock the switch stand and throw the switch, and further steps are required before he can secure the switch stand and remove his key. The switch stand must therefore be left in a locked state, and it continuously indicates the status of the switch stand to a remote monitor.

Abstract: An insulated rail joint assembly comprises a rail with a thick web section, held in place by joint bars and secured with electrically isolated fasteners. The joint bars have non-uniform cross-sections, being shaped with a thicker midsection area and thinner ends. Electrically non-conductive shear pins through the rail and the joint bars provide shear resistance and prevent glue bond failure. High strength cloth between the rail ends and between the rail and the joint bars strengthens the joint, as does an insulating rail clip resiliently fastened to an insulating tie plate, which itself may be supported on a cross tie of increased width.

Abstract: An insulated rail joint assembly comprises a rail with a thick web section, held in place by joint bars and secured with electrically isolated fasteners. The joint bars have non-uniform cross-sections, being shaped with a thicker midsection area and thinner ends. Electrically non-conductive shear pins through the rail and the joint bars provide shear resistance and prevent glue bond failure. High strength cloth between the rail ends and between the rail and the joint bars strengthens the joint, as does an insulating rail clip resiliently fastened to an insulating tie plate, which itself may be supported on a cross tie of increased width.