Abstract: A test release mechanism for a railway switch machine includes a block structured to attach to a lock box in order to move in conjunction with the lock box and a lift pin structured to be operable to selectively engage and disengage the block with a slide bar.

Abstract: A railway switching machine includes a housing, a first point detector bar slidably coupled to the housing and structured to be directly coupled to a first switch point, and a second point detector bar slidably coupled to the housing and structured to be directly coupled to a second switch point.

Abstract: A detection and indication system for use in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position. The system includes a mounting structure structured to be coupled to a housing of the switch machine and a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure. The first sensing device is positioned and structured to detect movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance.

Abstract: A railway switching machine includes a housing, a first point detector bar slidably coupled to the housing and structured to be directly coupled to a first switch point, and a second point detector bar slidably coupled to the housing and structured to be directly coupled to a second switch point.

Abstract: A detection and indication system for use in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position. The system includes a mounting structure structured to be coupled to a housing of the switch machine and a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure. The first sensing device is positioned and structured to detect movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance.

Abstract: A detection and indication system for use in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position. The system includes a mounting structure structured to be coupled to a housing of the switch machine and a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure. The first sensing device is positioned and structured to detect movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance.

Abstract: A detection and indication system for use in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position. The system includes a mounting structure structured to be coupled to a housing of the switch machine and a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure. The first sensing device is positioned and structured to detect movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a lighting module having a number of LEDs and a reflector assembly disposed on the lighting module. The reflector assembly includes a number of individual reflector portions, each reflector portion being of generally concave shape and structured to selectively direct light emitted from a respective one of the number of LEDs. A lens member is disposed over the reflector assembly and a membrane is disposed between the reflector member and the lens.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a lighting module having a number of LEDs and a reflector assembly disposed on the lighting module. The reflector assembly includes a number of individual reflector portions, each reflector portion being of generally concave shape and structured to selectively direct light emitted from a respective one of the number of LEDs. A lens member is disposed over the reflector assembly and a membrane is disposed between the reflector member and the lens.

Abstract: A spike assembly is for securing a section of a railroad to a crosstie. The spike assembly includes a spike member of generally linear shape having a tip portion structured to be installed in the crosstie, a head portion disposed opposite the tip portion and structured to engage and retain a portion of the section, and a body portion disposed therebetween. The body portion including a pair of generally opposed sides, each side having a notched portion. The spike assembly further includes a clip member having a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. Each of the first and second portions are disposed in a respective one of the notched portions and the clip member is structured to engage a portion of the cross tie.

Abstract: A spread rod tie assembly having a body with a top surface that has at least two levels is provided. That is, the tie body upper surface preferably includes two generally flat, generally parallel rail platforms disposed at each end of the tie body. The platforms are at a first height and are structured to support a pair of fixed rails. The tie body upper surface also has a recessed, generally flat spread rod bed disposed at a medial portion of the tie body between the rail platforms. The spread rod bed is at a second height that is below the first height. In this configuration, the tie body maintains the rails at the required height above the ballast while allowing for a device, such as, but not limited to, a spread rod to be disposed above the tie body between the rails.

Abstract: A tie system having at least one tie with a generally hollow, unitary body. The tie body is preferably made from a metal such as, but not limited to, steel. The tie is created as a unitary body and may be cast in its final form, however, in a preferred embodiment, the body is created as a tube which is then deformed into the final shape. Once the tube has the desired shape, a plurality of openings are cut therein. Components of the switch machine are then disposed within the tie body.

Abstract: A switching assembly includes a pair of hollow ties, a pair of supports, and a linkage. The linkage extends generally through the hollow ties, whereby the cribs are generally free of linkage components, and the ballast in the cribs can be compacted with known automated machinery. The linkage includes a number of lugs and a number of rods, with the rods each being formed from standard bar stock and threaded, and with the linkage configuration avoiding the need to custom bend any of the rods. The hollow ties are formed from generally available standard box section steel, as are the supports. The spacing between the hollow ties can be varied in accordance with the pitch of the other rail ties of the railroad switch. Each hollow tie can include a heater. The switching assembly is highly adjustable, which makes it suitable for use in numerous different track configurations.