Abstract: An automatic monitoring system for monitoring the integrity of a wiring having a number of cables, the monitoring system having an integrity measuring unit designed to be coupled to the electrical wires in order to carry out measurements and check for the presence of faults along the electrical conductors, and a detection unit to detect a voltage present in the electrical wires and to enable the integrity measuring unit in case the voltage has a predetermined relation with a voltage threshold, indicating the fact that the electrical load is not powered by the power supply source. The integrity measuring unit has an impedance measuring circuit to apply a measurement signal to a circuit formed by the pair of electrical wires and to obtain a value of the impedance of the same circuit. The integrity measuring unit checks for the presence of a fault depending on the impedance value.

Abstract: An induction coil driver card for a railroad switch consists of a main power supply, a control unit, at least one induction heating unit, and an interface driver. The main power supply is electrically connected to the at least one induction heating unit that is used to generate eddy current fields. The generated eddy current field excites the atoms within the railroad switch resulting in elevated temperatures. The power input to the induction heating unit is managed via the control unit. The interface driver allows the user to control the frequency ranges received by the induction heating unit by utilizing the control unit. The interface driver also allows the user to have remote access via a wireless cellular modem.

Abstract: A track rail heating assembly that is adapted to position a heater element in spaced relation proximate to a surface of a track rail of a railroad. The assembly includes at least one heating element, and a housing that is operable to at least partially surround the heating element while positioning the heating element near to track rail. The hood positions the heating element relative to the rail section such that a gap exists between the heating element and the rail section. As the heating element does not contact the rail, the heating element cannot form an electrical by-pass for signals passing through the rail section. The assembly further incorporates a flexible barrier that at least partially isolates a side surface of the track rail from ambient conditions to reduce heat loss.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved tracheal tube which accommodates and follows the axial lengthening, shortening and translating movement of the trachea in actions such as breathing and swallowing, so as to minimize relative movement between the trachea and the tube where the tube inner end engages and bears against the trachea. In preferred form, the tube has two or more rigid, longitudinally spaced tubular support sections, including its inner end portion and an outer portion which are fixed in position with respect to the patient. The support sections support radially and connect at least one filmy tubular collapsible section between them. The collapsible section folds and unfolds on itself in the axial direction virtually without resistance, in response to movement of the trachea which tends to shorten or lengthen the distance between the support sections.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for an overhead conveyor system is disclosed which provides continuous cleaning of the system for smooth, trouble-free operation. The apparatus preferably includes one or more exteriorly-mounted wire brush assemblies which are arranged on the guide-rail of the conveyor system for operative cleaning engagement with the movable conveyor. A threaded adjustment arrangement is preferably provided so that the pressure exerted on the conveyor by the cleaning brushes can be selectively varied. For conveyors comprising an enclosed, box-section guide rail, the present apparatus is preferably configured to include a tension-carrying internal brush assembly which is integrated into the conveyor itself. In the preferred form, cleaning engagement is effected between the exteriorly-mounted brushes and the tension-carrying internal brush whereby the internal brush is periodically cleaned.

Abstract: Rail track heaters, comprising metal sheathed electric heaters, adapted to be positioned for heating a third rail or a switch rail. Our invention includes a simple stamping to provide a bracket for holding a cover containing the heater and surrounding insulation in position on the rail, and the same type of bracket made to be used to hold the terminal assembly of the heater in position on the rail. Each of the brackets is firmly held to the rail by a bolt extending transversely of and underneath the rail, the bolt having a hook at one end to hook over an adjoining part of the rail flange at one side of the rail, and having its other end adapted to engage a bracket part at an adjoining portion of the rail flange at the opposite side of the rail.

Abstract: A railroad switch heating system comprises lengths of a pliable insulated electrical resistance heating cable disposed against and along the outer sides of the fixed rails of the switch, with portions of these cable lengths between rail braces overlaid by thermally insulating mats and against the adjacent rail web surfaces, and supplemental heating to prevent ice formation in the crib space of, and excessive heat losses through, a rod interconnecting the displaceable rails near the switch points is provided by a crib heating unit having a sinuously bent length of the cable arranged over a pan-like support of sheet material that fits between and along the ties bordering the crib space beneath the rod therein. The pan-like support becomes heated by conduction and heats substantially the entire crib space by radiation and convection.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a mineral mining machine, such as a plough, to a drive chain. The coupling device is intended to locate within a channel inside a slotted guide containing the drive chain. The device is composed of coaxial tubular members secured together axially. The inner tubular member supports a swivel-mounted shackle connecting with the chain and a rigidly-mounted shackle connecting with the machine. One or both tubular members are shaped or relieved at the end nearest the swivel shackle to provide a cleaning nose which forces dust or the like from the channel as the chain draws the machine along the guide. A lateral projection on the outer tubular member engages in the slot and co-operates with the nose to guide the material away through the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating railroad rails such as those forming a railroad switch to prevent obstruction of the switch by ice and snow includes an elongate, bendable, high temperature heating cable disposed lengthwise against and along a side of the rail web. The cable comprises an electrical resistance heating wire encased in a high temperature resistant electrically insulating material confined inside a thermally conductive deformable metal sheath. An elongate, pliable heat insulating mat is disposed lengthwise against and along a length of the cable and portions of the rail web laterally adjacent thereto to prevent heat losses by convection or radiation from the cable length. An elongate substantially rigid casing member is fitted lengthwise over the mat and bears against the web side to confine the mat in place, and is held tightly in place against the rail web.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating railroad rails such as those forming a railroad switch to prevent obstruction of the switch by ice and snow includes an elongate, bendable, high temperature heating cable disposed lengthwise against and along a side of the rail web. The cable comprises an electrical resistance heating wire encased in a high temperature resistant electrically insulating material confined inside a thermally conductive deformable metal sheath. An elongate, pliable heat insulating mat is disposed lengthwise against and along a length of the cable and portions of the rail web laterally adjacent thereto to prevent heat losses by convection or radiation from the cable length. An elongate substantially rigid casing member is fitted lengthwise over the mat and bears against the web side to confine the mat in place, and is held tightly in place against the rail web. Current is supplied at high .[.wattage.]. .Iadd.watt density .Iaddend.