Abstract: Disclosed is a railroad switch device for moving railroad switch points. The device includes two spring assembly sets placed over two switch operation rods. The spring assembly sets move railroad switch points and keep railroad switch points against a stock rail. At least one sensor is mounted adjacent to two switch operation rods. The switch operation rods have a switch point position target connected to the switch operation rods. The switch point position target follows a movement of two throw rods. The two spring assembly sets provide a spring holding force to the two switch operation rods. The spring holding force provides a safe operation of a switch point position assembly by at least one of determining that the spring holding force is present in the moving railroad switch point, and pushing the spring holding force towards the switch point position assembly away from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A railroad switch device for moving railroad switch points. The device includes a hydraulic unit having a hydraulic manifold coupled to a hydraulic pump integrated with an electric motor via a pressure pipe, where the hydraulic manifold is also coupled to the hydraulic pump via a hydraulic oil reservoir and a return pipe, and the hydraulic manifold is coupled to a hydraulic double-rod cylinder to provide forward movement and reverse movement of a point rod. Also included is a mechanical target to automatically indicate the position of a point rod, and a plurality of spring units to produce a continuous thrust force for holding the railroad switch points closed in forward position and reverse position, wherein the plurality of spring units control the target rotation to 90 degrees.

Abstract: The switch machine disclosed uses electro-hydraulic power to move the throw rod against the resistance of redundant mechanical springs and the switch point, for half of its stroke. Once the switch points have moved past mid-stroke the spring force in the machine is released and assists in the closure of the switch points against the stock rail. All hydraulic force is removed when the power unit is turned off. The redundant spring assembly holds the switch points firmly against the stock rail with 2000 lbs of holding force. This machine can be described as a power operated spring switch.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air concentration tower for a vertical axis wind turbine. The air concentration tower has a polygonal outer perimeter, a pivot located at each vertex of the polygonal outer perimeter, and an inwardly-positioned rudder blade operatively connected at each pivot. Each inwardly-positioned rudder blade has a first wind-neutral position, and is pivotable through a plurality of angles that adjust based on an incoming wind direction, such that the incoming wind is channeled to the vertical axis wind turbine, which is located approximately at a center area of the polygonal outer perimeter. The air concentration tower is designed to provide higher wind speed to the vertical axis wind turbine than the surrounding ambient air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vertical axis wind turbine apparatus. The apparatus includes carousal shafts operatively connected to a fixed turbine axis. The turbine blades are pivotally attached to carousal plates. The wind-facing turbine blades get exposed to a maximum area by stretching away from the fixed turbine axis, and the turbine blades that are not exposed to wind get folded inside toward the fixed turbine axis. The stretching and folding of the blades is affected by timing and restricting shafts, which emerge from the offset timing shaft. The present construction reduces the drag caused by turbine blade exposure in negative wind direction and increases energy production by simultaneously allowing maximum blade exposure in the positive wind direction. Furthermore, the apparatus in one embodiment includes counterweights to provide more stability to the offset shaft operation.

Abstract: A method for indicating a status of a railroad switch is configured for use in un-signaled (dark) territory utilizing vital audio messages. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a DTMF signal from a railway vehicle, initializing control of the switch, and triggering the reporting of a correspondence condition through vital relays or other electronic components.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for indicating a status of a railroad switch used in un-signaled (dark) territory utilizing vital audio messages. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a DTMF signal from a railway vehicle, initializing control of the switch, and triggering the reporting of a correspondence condition through vital relays or other electronic components.

Abstract: The system provides a railroad switch for use in un-signaled (dark) territory. In particular, the system includes a plurality of audio messages maintained on a discrete audio board, where a DTMF signal is validated, initializes the control of a switch, and triggers an audio board to report a correspondence condition, where the output of the audio board is checked by a relay status.

Abstract: The invention provides a railroad switch for use in un-signaled (dark) territory. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The invention provides a hydraulic railroad switch machine. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention provides an external spring-loaded locking device for use with railroad switches. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention provides an external spring-loaded locking device for use with railroad switches. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydraulic railroad switch machine. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and apparatti generally define inventions that detect and alert train crews of a potentially unsafe condition caused by equipment hanging below any portion of the train. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention provides a railroad switch for use in un-signaled (dark) territory. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and apparatti generally define inventions that detect and alert train crews of a potentially unsafe condition caused by equipment hanging below any portion of the train. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A wirelessly controlled railroad switch designed for uses in a dark territory. The switch is configured to operate without the use of vital communications links to a central location, or requiring a central dispatching system or requiring a vital processor such that the wirelessly controlled railroad switch maintains its status as a railroad switch in a dark territory.