Abstract: An sir blowing system for use in deeping railroad track switches clear of snow utilizes flexible tubes, preferebly of rubber or plastic, located transversely beneath the main tracks, and connecting with resilient nozzles to direct a high flow of air in the direction of the track switch points. The system may include resilient ducts conveying air in protective relation with the switch control rods, extending laterally beneath the track. The rod protective air discharge may be by way of a louvered cross-tube, extending parallel with the rods, to discharge air laterally of the rods, or one or more nozzles discharging air longitudinally of hte rods.

Abstract: A railway structure for a sliding chair (2), a sliding plate and a ribbed plate (1), respectively, for railway switches or railway crossings. The structure includes friction-reducing sliding members (4, 5) of synthetic plastic material being releasably mounted within recesses (3) in the sliding chair (2) and the plates, respectively. There are accommodated within each recess (3) at least two sliding members (4, 5) having their side surfaces engaged over the major part of the periphery by inwardly protruding walls or profiles of the edge of the recess, so that there results a safe mounting in position of the sliding members (4, 5). The structure makes the interchange of the sliding members a simple procedure.

Abstract: A double tongue switch comprises a pair of identical and interchangeable switch assemblies, each of which has a rectangular body with vertical outer walls. Each switch tongue includes a pair of full-width railheads of increased thickness. Each body includes a continuous central support wall beneath the traffic-carrying tongue railhead. The inner end and side walls are ramped to facilitate removal of debris. The tongues are positively locked in extreme positions and are mounted on the bodies by an improved attachment device.