Abstract: A regulating flap reduction gear for an electrically driven regulating flap for regulating a gas or liquid volume flow includes two parallel bearing plates between which gear parts are rotatably arranged. A plurality of spacers keep the two bearing plates at a distance from one another. The plurality of spacers are designed as tabs of one, first bearing plate, which are bent by 90° from the plane of the first bearing plate and have at least one lateral projection. The tabs are inserted with their free tab ends into plug-in openings of the other second bearing plate until their at least one lateral projection rests against the second bearing plate.

Abstract: A computer-implemented image processing technique for selectively recovering the features of an original CAD model after the original CAD model has been converted to a digitized image and a new CAD model generated from the digitized image. The original boundary representation provides a template to transform the representation through processing under governance of a programmed processor so as to recover accuracy and reintroduce feature edges and feature corners as well as other detailed features to the CAD model obtained from the digitized image, e.g., to enable detailed features to be retained that would otherwise have been lost due to the lossy conversion into image space. The method operates to better ensure that reconstructed boundary vertices lie on original CAD model surfaces and feature edges and corners are recovered.

Abstract: A system and method for interactively producing a 3D representation of a vector graphic is disclosed. A vector graphic representing a 2D graphic having a number of endpoints joined by vector segments is automatically or interactively converted into a triangulated mesh in a form readable by a 3D printer. The conversion from vector graphic to a triangulated mesh is accomplished by generating an n-sided polygon in the vicinity of each endpoint of the vector graphic. Each of the vertices of the polygon are then be joined by a line to a corresponding vertex on the next adjacent polygon. Each vertex is also joined to an adjacent vertex on the next adjacent polygon. The process is continued until all polygons are joined, resulting in a triangulated mesh, which is then converted into a format readable by a 3D printer and sent to a 3D printer to produce the 3D representation.

Abstract: A vital proximity detection mechanism and method for reliably determining and communicating the position of a railroad switch point relative to a normal fixed track and a reverse fixed track, wherein the mechanism includes substantial component redundancy and fault-checking features and otherwise meets promulgated safety standards for vital componentry. The mechanism includes an RF transmitter and remote status indicator unit to allow for remote adjustments of proximity sensors while monitoring the effects of such adjustments.

Abstract: A switching assembly includes a pair of hollow ties, a pair of supports, and a linkage. The linkage extends generally through the hollow ties, whereby the cribs are generally free of linkage components, and the ballast in the cribs can be compacted with known automated machinery. The linkage includes a number of lugs and a number of rods, with the rods each being formed from standard bar stock and threaded, and with the linkage configuration avoiding the need to custom bend any of the rods. The hollow ties are formed from generally available standard box section steel, as are the supports. The spacing between the hollow ties can be varied in accordance with the pitch of the other rail ties of the railroad switch. Each hollow tie can include a heater. The switching assembly is highly adjustable, which makes it suitable for use in numerous different track configurations.

Abstract: A modular sensor apparatus for detecting the location of a movable track point includes a primary sensor and a secondary sensor disposed on a sensor mount that is movable with respect to a frame that is mounted on a switch machine. The secondary sensor is offset from the primary sensor in order to permit the secondary sensor to detect the need for imminent readjustment of the track point prior to the time at which the track point becomes maladjusted and in need of immediate readjustment. The sensor mount is threadably adjustable with respect to the frame, whereby once the primary sensor has detected the position of the movable track point when it is disposed against a fixed stock rail, the sensor mount can be moved a fixed threshold distance by rotating a thumbwheel a fixed number of turns.

Abstract: A point detection system is provided for use in a typical switch machine with a typical indication system, wherein a point detector bar is slidably captivated within a point detector sleeve, and wherein a target that is integrally engaged with the point detector bar is sensed by at least one sensing device, thereby to detect movement of the point detector bar. The point detector sleeve is supported by a track side bearing affixed to a track side wall of the switch machine, and by a field side bearing affixed to an opposing wall of the switch machine. The point detector bar extends outside the switch machine from only the track side bearing, thereby eliminating the bearings and the pinch point between the hand throw lever and the two piece point detector bar that otherwise extended from the related art switch machine. The sensing device may be mounted upon a slide mechanism to adjust the sensing device relative to the target.

Abstract: There is provided a cam bar of a railroad track switch machine for locking a lock bar at a particular position. Specifically, a cam bar latch interconnects a locking section, for interlocking with the lock bar, to a positioning section, for controlling the position of the locking section. For normal operations, the cam bar latch holds the two sections together. For abnormal conditions, when the cam bar is not able to lock the lock bar into position, the cam bar latch allows the two sections of the cam bar to separate and reconnect interchangeably. Thus, the positioning section may continue to move freely regardless of whether the lock bar is locked or not, and yet, control the position of the locking section when a normal condition returns. Also, the cam bar prevents an indicating means of the switch machine from indicating a "safe condition" when the two sections are separated, i.e., when an abnormal condition exists.

Abstract: A railroad switch stand for switching railroad track switch points is provided with a manually-operated crank assembly that is coupled to the switch stand switching input shaft without included lost motion and that has an included yoke with latch bars that function to stop and secure the crank assembly in operating positions that reduce operator risk to excessive back stress and lower spine injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic apparatus for moving railroad switch points from side-to-side. The apparatus has a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to the switch points to move the switch points from side-to-side in fluid communication with a power source. The direction of the movement of the switch points is controlled by a valve positioned in fluid communication between the power source and the hydraulic cylinder. The direction of movement of the hydraulic cylinder and, consequently the switch points, is determined by the direction the valve is moved. In another aspect, the present invention has a hydraulic rail pump in fluid communication with the accumulator for storing hydraulic power generated by the rail pump activated by the wheels of passing trains, and a safety reservoir in fluid communication with the accumulator for storing hydraulic power beyond the capacity of the accumulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an outer point lock device for switchpoints, particularly on high-speed railways. This device comprises two point locks (1, 2) associated each with one of the blades (A1, A2) of the switchpoint. Each point lock comprises a box (3) secured to the corresponding stock-rail (C1, C2) and containing two slides (7, 8) parallel to each other. The slides are superposed on each other and slidably guided across the rails. The so-called lock-slide (8) is connected to the respective blade (A1, A2) and carries a lock member (17, 49) to become locked to the box (3) in the closed position of the blade (A1, A2). The lock slide is coupled to the other so-called drive-slide (7) through a coupling device (28, 29; 249, 307) automatically engageable or disengageable as a result of the overlap stroke of the drive-slide (7) with respect to the lock-slide (8). The drive-slides of the two point locks (1, 2) are connected to each other and to a drive or control rod (44).

Abstract: The system includes a motor and stepdown gear unit (17) which drives a central body (22) of a moving equipment longitudinally by means of a ball screw (20) and a nut. The moving equipment includes two slides (24, 25) sandwiching the central body (22). The two slides mesh with a common gear wheel mounted to rotate freely in the central body (22). Each of the slides drives a corresponding control bar (9, 10) connected to an operating rod (7, 8) in turn connected to one of the blades of a railroad switch, with said drive taking place via a vertical cylindrical floating peg (34, 35, 38, 39). The control bars (9, 10) are locked at the ends of the stroke of the central body (22) by respective ones of the floating pegs being positioned in a corresponding locking groove (40 to 43) of a fixed locking plate (30, 31).

Abstract: Tongue switch positioning is monitored by circuitry to indicate the switch is obstructed.