Abstract: A fastener is provided. The fastener includes an elongated shank having a longitudinal axis. The fastener also includes a head portion formed at a first end of the shank. The head portion includes an annular flange extending radially from the longitudinal axis. The fastener also includes a knurled section extending along at least a portion of the shank and disposed adjacent to the annular flange. The knurled section includes a plurality of grooves circumferentially surrounding the portion of the shank. The fastener also includes a smooth section extending along at least a portion of the shank and disposed adjacent to the knurled section. The fastener also includes a helical threaded portion extending axially along at least a portion of said shank toward a second end of the shank and disposed adjacent to the smooth section.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. The fastener includes an elongated shank having a longitudinal axis. The fastener also includes a head portion formed at a first end of the shank. The head portion includes an annular flange extending radially from the longitudinal axis. The fastener also includes a knurled section extending along at least a portion of the shank and disposed adjacent to the annular flange. The knurled section includes a plurality of grooves circumferentially surrounding the portion of the shank. The fastener also includes a smooth section extending along at least a portion of the shank and disposed adjacent to the knurled section. The fastener also includes a helical threaded portion extending axially along at least a portion of said shank toward a second end of the shank and disposed adjacent to the smooth section.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. The fastener includes an elongated shank extending along a longitudinal axis. The shank has a first end and a second end and a head portion is formed at the first end of the shank. The head portion includes an annular flange extending radially out from the longitudinal axis and has a first diameter. The fastener also includes a first section extending along at least a portion of the shank and disposed adjacent to the head portion. The fastener also includes a knurled section extending along at least a portion of the shank and disposed adjacent to the first cylindrical section where the knurled section includes a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves and peaks disposed around a circumference of the shank and a helical thread portion extending axially along at least a portion of said shank and disposed adjacent to the knurled section.

Abstract: A flood protection structure for supporting a switch stand comprises a flood protection base, and at least one flood protection prop upstanding from the flood protection base. The flood protection prop is sufficient to extend above a level of expected standing water. The flood protection structure further comprises an interface mounted over the at least one flood protection prop for attachment to a base of the switch stand.

Abstract: A fastener includes an elongated shank having a head formed at the first end of the shank, where the head has an outer surface and the head extends radially outwardly. The fastener also includes at least one helical thread portion extending along at least a portion of the shank and a substrate gripping portion extending along at least a portion of the shank between the head and the at least one helical thread portion. The substrate gripping portion includes at least one gripping member extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A solar-powered, electric railroad switch stand includes a housing having a mounting mechanism for mounting a solar cell assembly for converting solar energy into electrical current, a storage battery, and a motor connected to a gear reduction mechanism having an output shaft extending therefrom. The battery stores a charge from the electrical current of the solar cells and is electrically coupled to the motor to drive a gear reduction mechanism. An operating device is linked to the output shaft and is operable to move the switching rails.

Abstract: An electrical railroad switch stand is disclosed in which a handle connected to a switching device is moved between a first position and a second position by use of an actuator powered by a motor. The direction of rotation of the shaft of the motor is controlled to control the position of the handle. Lights are provided to indicate the status of the switching device.