Abstract: A switch device for moving switch rails. The switch device includes a motor operatively coupled to move the switch rails into and between first and second positions. The motor is configured for electricity to flow therethrough along a first path and a second path. A first path relay has two normally open contacts each within the first path, where activating the first path relay closes the two normally open contacts thereof. A second path relay has two normally open contacts each within the second path, where activating the second path relay closes the two normally open contacts thereof. The motor moves the switch rails towards the first position when the first path relay is activated and the second path relay is deactivated, and the motor moves the switch rails towards the second position when the second path relay is activated and the first path relay is deactivated.

Abstract: A system for retarding a railcar. The system includes a brake and an actuator that moves the brake between a closed position in which the brake slows the railcar and an open position in which the brake does not slow the railcar. The system further includes a hydraulic circuit through which a hydraulic fluid flows between the actuator, a pump, and a reservoir. A variable speed motor drives the pump to supply the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the actuator. The variable speed motor is operable at a plurality of speeds between fully-on and fully-off states. A control system determines a speed setting within the plurality of speeds for operating the variable speed motor based on a pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic circuit, the speed setting being determined such that the pressure is sufficient for operating the actuator.

Abstract: A system for retarding a railcar having wheels. The system includes a brake and an actuator that moves the brake between a closed position in which the brake contacts the wheels of the railcar and an open position in which the brake does not contact the wheels of the railcar. The system further includes a hydraulic circuit through which a hydraulic fluid flows between the actuator and a reservoir. A first pump is operably connected within the hydraulic circuit and configured to provide the hydraulic fluid to the actuator for operating the brake. A heat exchanger is operably connected within the hydraulic circuit and configured to cool the hydraulic fluid flowing therethrough. A second pump is operably connected within the hydraulic circuit and configured to provide the hydraulic fluid to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger prevents the hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid from exceeding a target operating temperature.

Abstract: A switch device for moving switch rails. The switch device includes a motor operatively coupled to move the switch rails into and between first and second positions. The motor is configured for electricity to flow therethrough along a first path and a second path. A first path relay has two normally open contacts each within the first path, where activating the first path relay closes the two normally open contacts thereof. A second path relay has two normally open contacts each within the second path, where activating the second path relay closes the two normally open contacts thereof. The motor moves the switch rails towards the first position when the first path relay is activated and the second path relay is deactivated, and the motor moves the switch rails towards the second position when the second path relay is activated and the first path relay is deactivated.