Abstract: A hand throw mechanism for an in-tie switch machine having a drive element which serves to move switch points from a first end point to a second end point. The mechanism includes an elongated hand throw arm having a first coupling element that includes a first lower mating surface and a first upper mating surface. The mechanism also includes a gear set having an output shaft for moving the drive element. The gear set additionally includes a second coupling element having a second lower mating surface for engaging the first upper mating surface and a second upper mating surface for engaging the first lower mating surface to thus couple the first and second coupling elements. Rotation of the hand throw arm through an angle of approximately 180 degrees then causes rotation of the output shaft to thus move the driving element and ultimately the switch points.

Abstract: A switch stand for a railroad switch permits the switch to be locked against unauthorized movement of the switch. The switch stand permits trailing operation, even if locked. Passage of the rolling stock through the locked switch is permitted by allowing temporary movement of switch points of the switch when contacted by wheels of the rolling stock. The switch stand can also be unlocked and the position of the switch points changed manually to an alternate position from the normal or set position and then locked against unauthorized movement of the switch.

Abstract: A switch stand for a railroad switch permits the switch to be locked against unauthorized movement of the switch. The switch stand permits trailing operation, even if locked. Passage of the rolling stock through the locked switch is permitted by allowing temporary movement of switch points of the switch when contacted by wheels of the rolling stock. The switch stand can also be unlocked and the position of the switch points changed manually to an alternate position from the normal or set position and then locked against unauthorized movement of the switch.

Abstract: A railroad switch machine which is normally operated by an electric motor but which may be manually operated without causing rotation of the power shaft of the electric motor to enable the switch machine to move the switch points without having to overcome the brake resistance applied to the power shaft by the brake and gearbox thereof.

Abstract: An improved ergonomic hand throw arm for use in conjunction with a railroad switch machine includes an elongated shank and a head disposed thereon. The shank includes a longitudinal axis, and the head includes a first opening and a second opening that are each offset in opposite directions from the longitudinal axis. The head includes an elongated rib that is disposed between the first and second openings and that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel with and may be in register with the longitudinal axis of the shank. The first and second openings are each elongated and are sized to permit the entry of a gloved hand therein yet resist the entry of a toe of a conventional steel toed boot or shoe that is manufactured according to Standard Z41 of the American National Standards Institute.

Abstract: Improved railroad switch stands having an improved angled and elongate lever arm to protect the user from back injuries. The lever arm is angled so that an arc of less than 180 degrees is provided for movement of the lever arm from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: There is provided an improved hand throw device of an electric motor driven switch machine having a ratchet mechanism that permits torque to be applied to the hand throw device in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction as desired by an operator. The ratchet mechanism is a self contained module that can be easily installed to either side of the switch machine. The ratchet mechanism also permits the operator to assume a favorable position for application of force to the hand throw device with minimum stress and strain to his or her body. In addition, the ratchet mechanism has a gear system that provides a 2 to 1 mechanical advantage so that less torque is required for movement of the hand throw device.

Abstract: A railroad switch stand is provided for operating a railroad switch between two positions. The switch stand comprises a connecting rod connected to an operating mechanism for causing reciprocation of the connecting rod, and a handle connected to the operating mechanism for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between two operative positions. The handle has an open framework having an external configuration which is generally triangular in shape, with the apex of the triangle disposed at the inner end of the handle part where it is connected to a stub portion of the handle. With this configuration, the outer end of the handle presents a portion extending upwardly which can be easily grasped by a railroad personnel when it is desired to throw a switch.

Abstract: A manually-operable railroad switch stand for causing movement of railroad switch points between two extreme operating positions is provided with a crank assembly that is connected to the switch stand input shaft for joint rotation and that has a pair of parallel and substantially laterally spaced-apart handle pull-push segments which are each of sufficient length to alternatively accommodate an operator's hand or an operator's foot and which each may be selectively hand-grasped or foot-engaged by the switch stand operator without having to significantly bend his/her spinal column at the waist when manually causing movement of the switch points between the switch extreme operating positions thus avoiding possible costly operator spinal injury.

Abstract: A railroad switch stand is provided for operating a railroad switch between two positions. The switch stand comprises a connecting rod connected to an operating mechanism for causing reciprocation of the connecting rod, and a handle connected to the operating mechanism for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between two operative positions. The handle has an open framework having an external configuration which is generally triangular in shape, with the apex of the triangle disposed at the inner end of the handle part where it is connected to a stub portion of the handle. With this configuration, the outer end of the handle presents a portion extending upwardly which can be easily grasped by a railroad personnel when it is desired to throw a switch.