Abstract: An automated sheet dispenser for dispensing a single sheet removed from the bottom of a stack formed of a plurality of sheets. The dispenser includes a hopper for supporting the stack of sheets, the hopper having an opening provided in the bottom surface thereof to allow passage of a sheet through the opening; a separator for separating a leading edge of the bottom sheet from the stack through the opening and moving the leading edge to a position below the hopper; and a guide for engaging the leading edge of the sheet separated from the stack by the separator and guiding the sheet to a sheet exit chute. The separator is lowered from the stack to separate the leading edge of the bottom sheet and the guide pivots to engage the leading edge and guide the leading edge between a pair of feed rollers that transport the sheet to the exit chute. The lowering of the separator, the pivoting of the guide and the advancing of the gripping feed roller are actuated by rotation of a main cam.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle tracking and monitoring system for monitoring railway cars within a defined radius of a receiver for wireless communication. The system comprises a transmitter on-board each railway car, a receiver at a wayside station, and a central database at a remote location. The transmitter includes an RF circuit, an I/O circuit and a microcontroller for autonomously and spontaneously transmitting vehicle signals on a cyclic basis to the receiver. The transmitter periodically transmits railway car information and/or cargo status information to the receiver within a predetermined time interval, for example, every 15 minutes. In addition, the transmitted information is communicated from the wayside station to the central database over a longer time interval, fore example, every 24 hours. Accordingly, the central database develops a record of transit vehicle information based on the transmitted information for each transit vehicle in the defined radius of the receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively dealing with failures in a railway signaling and control context such that only an output device or group of devices is turned off, rather than a whole system being shut down.

Abstract: There is provided an electric motor driven switch machine for positioning a railroad track at a switching point having rail point detection and indication mechanism. In particular, the detection and indication mechanism has a latch out mechanism that identifies a latch out condition when the railroad tracks are not at, or near, their proper positions before or after switching the railroad tracks. The detection and indication mechanism includes a four bar linkage which comprises a point detector bar, two cam followers, and a link arm assembly. The cam followers, supported in part by the link arm assembly, are connected to two point detector switches, so that the switch machine is operating when either one of these switches is closed or the railroad tracks are being switched.

Abstract: A thermal warning device attaches to a wheel assembly of a railway car to detect whether the wheel assembly has reached high temperatures and may lead to a potential bearing failure. A temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the wheel assembly is coupled to an electronic circuit for determining whether a bearing failure may occur based on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensor. In particular, the temperature sensor adjustably extends into the wheel assembly in order to obtain accurate readings of high temperatures in wheel assembly. Also, the electronic circuit is situated away from the outer surface of the wheel assembly so that the electronic circuit will not be subjected to heat from the wheel assembly and may freely dissipate heat produced by its own components. Upon determination of a warning condition, the electronic circuit transmits a warning signal to a wayside station or train crew.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating railroad switches, including operation in the trailing mode, and a switch machine having a throw bar and throw rod for enabling the throwing of switch points into selected positions so as to control the switching of rolling stock. A trailing device, including a trailing rod portion of the throw rod, is coupled to the throw bar, said device including an arrangement responsive to a wrong direction load impressed on said switch points so as to move said throw rod, for enabling non-damaging movement of said throw rod.

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: 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 switch machine controller for providing fail safe control of a switch machine, having a motor for actuating the movements of a railroad switch, said motor being a brushless D.C. motor having a permanent magnet structure and a plurality of independent field coils. The controller has control circuitry for energizing and de-energizing field coils of said motor sequentially as the armature rotates. Further the controller, including a motor driver arrangement for switching a first service of power sequentially to said field coil of said motor, switches machine control lines connected to second source of power. Also, an amplifier for controlling timing signals which, in turn, controls the motor driver, thus receiving its power only from said switch machine control lines, and can only generate the proper sequence of signals when the control lines are energized, such that the motor can only run when the control lines are energized.

Abstract: A switch machine for railroad tracks is provided having a low vertical profile without increasing the axial length of existing switch machines. Also, the capability of being operated by an electric motor, hand crank or hand throw operation has been retained within these new dimensional constraints. A particular electric motor and gearbox combination permits a low overall profile due to its compact size. A worm gear shaft serves the dual purpose of driving a worm wheel and coupling to a hand crank, thus maintaining the low profile while increasing the functionality of the shaft. In addition, a hand throw drive shaft is provided adjacent to a crank drive shaft in order to provide a hand throw operation while further maintaining the low profile of the switch machine.

Abstract: A frequency generating circuit and a cap-freeing mechanism in a bolt are responsive to a longitudinal movement of a piston in response to overheating of an associated bearing. The cap-freeing mechanism transfers a force from the piston to a cap, thereby freeing the cap from a head portion of the bolt and allowing an antenna to extend to the outside of the bolt. The frequency generating circuit is activated by a connection made between a switch and a battery of the circuit by the piston. Upon becoming activated, the frequency generating circuit sends a predetermined frequency or frequency pattern through the antenna.

Abstract: A light signal provides fixed focus and the ability to service the device solely from the rear. This light signal comprises a housing having a rear entry for desired maintenance and an immovable front wall, the lens mount containing a lens unit that is removable secured to an inside surface of the immovable front wall of the housing. Each lens mount includes a fixed focusing means having a receptacle for operative receipt of a light means, wherein the fixed focusing means is positioned at the end of the lens mount nearest an inner lens; whereby the focus of the light means is fixed relative to the lens unit.

Abstract: A signaling and traffic control system which is capable of a vehicle determining its own absolute position along a guideway based on information received from the wayside using an inductive loop or beacon system in conjunction with the distance traveled according to the onboard tach generator(s), and report its position to a wayside control device, whereby the wayside control device reports to the vehicle, as part of its communications message, the location of the closest forward obstacle. Based upon this information, the vehicle controls itself safely based upon its characteristics as contained in a topographicla database and a vehicle database.

Abstract: A communication system for submitting RF signals responsive to the currents of defects or hazards in a railway system wherein a reserve cell ampule containing an electrolyte is disposed in one compartment of a housing and the electronic apparatus transmitting desired signals is disposed in a second compartment such that when the reserve cell is heated the pressure rises within the ampule to rupture it, whereby the electrolyte contained is dispersed in the first compartment and causes energization of electronic apparatus including an antenna connected to such apparatus, whereby the antenna is ejected from the housing and is able to broadcast suitable RF signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a train speed control system which meets speed control signals, known as code rate signals, into a track section and restricts the injection of other signals which would allow faster train speeds. The apparatus enables speeds to be restricted in sections of the track where maintenance crews are working or otherwise where necessary or desirable. The apparatus is adaptable for use with many different configurations of speed control signals as may be used by different rapid transit authorities. The apparatus has a speed restriction carrier printed circuit board which presents a first set of contacts along an edge thereof which may be at the end of a slot into which a speed restriction selection printed circuit board is insertable in a plurality of different positions (eight positions for a square board). The speed restriction selection board has a plurality of second sets of contacts, two sets sharing the same edge of the board.

Abstract: Highway crossing protection equipment which operates warning lights or crossing gates is controlled from the train locomotive which enters into an interchange of messages via a radio link with the controller at the crossing. If communication is not established before the train reaches a safe braking distance, the brakes are applied and the train is not permitted to travel into the crossing. Communications between the train and the crossing controller is initiated by the locomotive when it passes a trackside beacon transponder located beyond a safe braking distance from the crossing. The crossing controller transmits a message addressed to the train acknowledging the receipt of the train signal. The message from the crossing controller causes the train to send a subsequent message within a minimum time which is used to update a timer (a minimum time) for the crossing to be actuated to its safe condition.