Patents by Inventor Gary Click
Gary Click has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11168446Abstract: An elongated rail fastener apparatus for use near an obstacle such as a guard rail, or other location where space is restricted. The fastener preferably extends past the obstacle and is provided with a shoulder having at least one elevated notch, positioned to allow installation of the clip with a vertical and lateral movement, and without the application of a large force perpendicular to the rail. A U-shaped embodiment of the fastener is also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignees: voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak LLC, voestalpine VAE GmbHInventors: Brent Duffner, Gary Click, Bradley Smith, Derek Cameron
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Publication number: 20200063376Abstract: An elongated rail fastener apparatus for use near an obstacle such as a guard rail, or other location where space is restricted. The fastener preferably extends past the obstacle and is provided with a shoulder having at least one elevated notch, positioned to allow installation of the clip with a vertical and lateral movement, and without the application of a large force perpendicular to the rail. A U-shaped embodiment of the fastener is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2017Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Brent Duffner, Gary Click, Bradley Smith, Derek Cameron
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Patent number: 10400397Abstract: A boltless brace assembly for a rail includes a base block interlocked with a brace, and further includes a wedge to be inserted between an upper surface of the base block and a lower surface of the brace, thereby applying an upward force to the brace and a resultant downward force to secure the rail base. The brace assembly may be modified to provide a universal brace assembly, a resilient brace assembly, or a frog base clamp.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: voestalpine Nortrak Inc.Inventors: Gary Click, Brent Duffner, Bradley Smith, Derek Cameron
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Publication number: 20180282949Abstract: A boltless brace assembly for a rail includes a base block interlocked with a brace, and further includes a wedge to be inserted between an upper surface of the base block and a lower surface of the brace, thereby applying an upward force to the brace and a resultant downward force to secure the rail base. The brace assembly may be modified to provide a universal brace assembly, a resilient brace assembly, or a frog base clamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Gary Click, Brent Duffner, Bradley Smith, Derek Cameron
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Publication number: 20180065540Abstract: A deployable vehicle backup light for providing substantial illumination behind a vehicle. The deployable vehicle backup light includes a light assembly having a housing portion and a lighting portion and a switching assembly that controls the operation of the lighting portion. The housing portion is mountable to the interior of bumper of a host vehicle so as to be obscured from view. The lighting portion is movably attached to the housing portion so as to slide from a base position to a deployed position, in which it is visible, upon receipt of a first signal from the switching assembly and then either automatically or slide back to the base position upon receipt of a second signal from the switching assembly. When in the deployed position, a plurality of lighting elements on the lighting portion energized so as to illuminate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2016Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventor: Gary Click
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Patent number: 9352762Abstract: A hydraulically powered switch machine having power and manual operating modes, and a dual disconnect mechanism. In power operation mode, the machine may be operated remotely, or using controls located on or near the machine. In the event of power failure, the machine may be operated manually. The dual disconnect mechanism physically disconnects the powered throw mechanism when the machine is operating in manual mode and physically disconnects the manual throw mechanism when the machine is operating in power mode, in both cases preventing unexpected movement of the manual throw mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: VOESTALPINE NORTRAK INC.Inventors: Gary Click, Brent Duffner
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Patent number: 9290192Abstract: A controller for a spring wing on a frog that utilizes a floating piston rod carrying a fixed piston valve and a free-moving piston head is provided. When the piston rod is actuated by the opening movement of the spring wing, the piston valve separates from the piston head briefly, allowing oil to flow through the piston head in a relatively unrestricted manner. The piston head is spring biased towards the piston valve; upon contact between the piston head and the piston valve, the oil flow through the piston head stops, helping to hold the spring wing in the open position. When the spring wing begins to close, the adjustable oil flow through the controller allows the piston rod to move at a controlled rate, thereby controlling the closure rate of the spring wing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Voestalpine Nortrak Inc.Inventors: Gary Click, Brent Duffner, Bradley Smith, Martin Webb
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Publication number: 20150159332Abstract: A controller for a spring wing on a frog that utilizes a floating piston rod carrying a fixed piston valve and a free-moving piston head is provided. When the piston rod is actuated by the opening movement of the spring wing, the piston valve separates from the piston head briefly, allowing oil to flow through the piston head in a relatively unrestricted manner. The piston head is spring biased towards the piston valve; upon contact between the piston head and the piston valve, the oil flow through the piston head stops, helping to hold the spring wing in the open position. When the spring wing begins to close, the adjustable oil flow through the controller allows the piston rod to move at a controlled rate, thereby controlling the closure rate of the spring wing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: voestalpine Nortrak Inc.Inventors: Gary CLICK, Brent DUFFNER, Bradley SMITH, Martin WEBB
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Publication number: 20140339373Abstract: A hydraulically powered switch machine having power and manual operating modes, and a dual disconnect mechanism. In power operation mode, the machine may be operated remotely, or using controls located on or near the machine. In the event of power failure, the machine may be operated manually. The dual disconnect mechanism physically disconnects the powered throw mechanism when the machine is operating in manual mode and physically disconnects the manual throw mechanism when the machine is operating in power mode, in both cases preventing unexpected movement of the manual throw mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: VOESTALPINE NORTRAK, INC.Inventors: Gary CLICK, Brent Duffner
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Publication number: 20100072326Abstract: The invention relates to a device to be integrated with to a manual switch stand, particularly for use in dark territory. The device secures the spindle of the switch stand against rotation, thereby preventing authorized throwing of the switches. The device also contains sensors that will clearly indicate to an external observer both the position of the switch points and the locked or unlocked status of the switch stand. A particular sequence of steps must be taken before an operator will be able to unlock the switch stand and throw the switch, and further steps are required before he can secure the switch stand and remove his key. The switch stand must therefore be left in a locked state, and it continuously indicates the status of the switch stand to a remote monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Gary Click, Brent Duffner, Bradley Smith, Kenneth Ouelette
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Patent number: 7677466Abstract: An insulated rail joint assembly comprises a rail with a thick web section, held in place by joint bars and secured with electrically isolated fasteners. The joint bars have non-uniform cross-sections, being shaped with a thicker midsection area and thinner ends. Electrically non-conductive shear pins through the rail and the joint bars provide shear resistance and prevent glue bond failure. High strength cloth between the rail ends and between the rail and the joint bars strengthens the joint, as does an insulating rail clip resiliently fastened to an insulating tie plate, which itself may be supported on a cross tie of increased width.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: VAE Nortrak North America Inc.Inventors: Gary Click, Brent Duffner
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Publication number: 20070272762Abstract: An insulated rail joint assembly comprises a rail with a thick web section, held in place by joint bars and secured with electrically isolated fasteners. The joint bars have non-uniform cross-sections, being shaped with a thicker midsection area and thinner ends. Electrically non-conductive shear pins through the rail and the joint bars provide shear resistance and prevent glue bond failure. High strength cloth between the rail ends and between the rail and the joint bars strengthens the joint, as does an insulating rail clip resiliently fastened to an insulating tie plate, which itself may be supported on a cross tie of increased width.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Gary Click, Brent Duffner
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Publication number: 20070084973Abstract: A railroad switch assembly comprises a basket that directly actuates a torsional assist rod. The basket is located at a lower elevation than the assist rod, preferably in a hollow tie and preferably between the switch machine and the running rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Inventors: Gary Click, Cory O'Brien
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Patent number: 7185860Abstract: A modular tongue switch assembly comprises a tongue pivotally connected to a slide surface, held down by a pivot retainer. The slide surface consists of slide plate sections removably attached to corresponding bed plate sections, which are in turn welded onto a base plate. Floating brace blocks hold a non-integral stock rail in place on the base plate. When the tongue moves, a horizontal lever arm actuates an inner box assembly housed within an outer box and containing the conductor rail, allowing the passing train to maintain contact with the conductor rail, if necessary. A novel rodding and lever arrangement is used.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: VAE Nortrak North America, Inc.Inventors: Cory O'Brien, Gary Click
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Patent number: 7168664Abstract: A railroad switch assembly comprises a basket that directly actuates a torsional assist rod. The basket is located at a lower elevation than the assist rod, preferably in a hollow tie and preferably between the switch machine and the running rail.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Vae Nortrak North America Inc.Inventors: Gary Click, Cory O'Brien
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Patent number: 6955326Abstract: A modular tongue switch assembly comprises a tongue pivotally connected to a slide surface, held down by a pivot retainer. The slide surface consists of slide plate sections removably attached to corresponding bed plate sections, which are in turn welded onto a base plate. Floating brace blocks hold a non-integral stock rail in place on the base plate. When the tongue moves, a horizontal lever arm actuates an inner box assembly housed within an outer box and containing the conductor rail, allowing the passing train to maintain contact with the conductor rail, if necessary. A novel rodding and lever arrangement is used.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Vae Nortrak North America Inc.Inventors: Cory O'Brien, Gary Click
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Publication number: 20050116118Abstract: A modular tongue switch assembly comprises a tongue pivotally connected to a slide surface, held down by a pivot retainer. The slide surface consists of slide plate sections removably attached to corresponding bed plate sections, which are in turn welded onto a base plate. Floating brace blocks hold a non-integral stock rail in place on the base plate. When the tongue moves, a horizontal lever arm actuates an inner box assembly housed within an outer box and containing the conductor rail, allowing the passing train to maintain contact with the conductor rail, if necessary. A novel rodding and lever arrangement is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2004Publication date: June 2, 2005Inventors: Cory O'Brien, Gary Click
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Patent number: 6758445Abstract: A railway frog insert assembly comprises a casting defining the heel and toe sections of a frog. The portion of the casting intermediate the heel and toe sections consists of an integral spine extending between the heel and toe sections. The height of the spine is below the level of the flangeways in the vicinity of the point. An intermediate point section, the base of which is hollowed out, is removably seated over the spine. The top surface of the intermediate section defines the point, a small portion to the toe side of the point, a small portion to the heel side of the point, and the flangeways in the vicinity of the point.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: VAE Nortrak North America Inc.Inventors: Gary Click, Allen James Tuningley
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Publication number: 20040108418Abstract: A railroad switch assembly comprises a basket that directly actuates a torsional assist rod. The basket is located at a lower elevation than the assist rod, preferably in a hollow tie and preferably between the switch machine and the running rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Gary Click, Cory O'Brien
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Patent number: D910487Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak Inc.Inventors: Gary Click, Matt Moore, Brent Duffner, Bradley Smith, Derek Cameron