Abstract: A mechanism for use in a railway switch machine includes an elongate contact body having a housing formed from a non-conductive material, a plurality of electrical contact rails disposed in or on the contact body, and a contact block slidably coupled to the contact body such that the contact block can generally freely slide along the contact body. The contact block has a plurality of moveable contacts positioned thereon facing the contact body and is structured to engage a point detector bar of the railway switch machine. The contact block is moveable along the contact body from among: a first position in which a first and second rail of the plurality of contact rails are electrically connected and a third and fourth rail of the plurality of contact rails are electrically connected, and a second position in which only the second and third rails are electrically connected.

Abstract: A device for grounding an overhead line of a segment of rail track including a first electrical conductor configured for connecting electrically to the overhead line of the segment of rail track, a second electrical conductor configured for connecting electrically to ground and/or a return line of the segment of rail track, a switch configured to enable and disable a connection between the first and second electrical conductors, control means configured to activate and deactivate the switch and communication means configured for wireless communication with a remote communication device, for receiving a control signal from the remote communication device and for accordingly actuating the control means for activating and deactivating the switch, or for blocking the switch, wherein the communication means are configured for communication over a public telecommunication network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the actual and true position of model railroad turnout points while not adding any load or hindrance to the turnout points or to said points operating mechanism. The movable, tapered rails of railroad turnouts are called points, and their position determines the route that the train will follow. Using Hall-effect switches and magnets, the actual and true position of the turnout throw bar and points is detected without any physical contact with the throw bar, the points, or with the mechanism that actuate said throw bar and points. The output of the Hall-effect switches is used to communicate and provide feedback of the actual position of the points to the position display indicators, which are observed by the model railroad operator, and to the model railroad control system.

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 method for operating a railway section that includes section elements, which are each actuated by a processor that is reliable in terms of signaling and cyclically carries out a test routine. A railway section is configured for carrying out the method. In order to save energy and cost, the processor is operated selectively in active mode or sleep mode. From the sleep mode the processor is switched to the active mode for the duration of the test routine by way of a timer logic element that is reliable in terms of signaling.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying trackside conditions in safety critical railroad applications by reporting the status of trackside signals and switches to a remote train control system. The system comprises at least one sensor for providing trackside conditions electrically connected to a circuit for providing trackside conditions to a railroad, said sensor being powered by voltage applied to the circuit such that the sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged. The system and method further comprises a method and system which is failsafe and which enables the control system to independently verify signals from each sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for a railroad switch for use in un-signalized (dark) territory utilizing multiple audio messages for control and communication purposes to operate the railroad switch and relay its position to incoming trains. The messages are triggered by a programmable logic controller in conjunction with a dual tone multiple frequency signals.

Abstract: A shield device for a switch point adjusting element used in combination with a railroad switch. The device includes first and second shells that mate with one another to form a cover having an inner chamber. The inner chamber is sized to loosely enclose the adjusting element. At least one boss having a recessed generally aligns with a guide having a passageway on the cover. A fastener extends at least partially through the passageway to the guide and engages the recess of the boss to hold the first and second shells together.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the position of a point detector bar having an outer surface and linked to a moveable point associated with a fixed rail utilizing a probe. The probe is moveable to contact and ride on the outer surface of the point detector bar. A housing is connected to the probe and is moveable toward point detector bar also. A leg is positioned relative to the housing to form a unit. The leg is moveable within and relative to the housing when the probe contacts a certain portion of the outer surface of the point detector bar. A driver is linked to the leg and the housing unit and moves the housing and connected probe toward the point detector bar. A signal generator alerts the relative movement between the housing and leg within the housing and the probe contacts a certain portion of the outer surface of the point detector bar which may take the form of an enlarged diameter area.

Abstract: A railroad switch point indicator comprising a mounting plate mountable to a railroad switch point, a tubular housing mounted to the mounting plate, a piston slidably disposed in the housing and extendable to variably engage an associated railroad rail, a bias spring operatively connected to the piston for biasing the piston in an axial direction with respect to the housing and the railroad switch point, and a signal mechanism operatively connected to the piston for indicating the positional status of the switch point via an attitude of a signal flag. When the switch point is engaged with a rail, the flag is in a first attitude. When the switch point is disengaged from the rail, the flag is in a second attitude. When the switch point is positioned incorrectly, i.e., damaged, the flag may be in a third attitude intermediate between the first and second attitudes, indicating alarm.

Abstract: A rail appliance communication system includes: an equipment management device capable of being coupled with a conductive pathway extending along a track that a rail vehicle travels along; and an appliance communication device capable of being coupled with a rail appliance disposed proximate to the track, the appliance communication device and the equipment management device configured to communicate a data signal with each other through the conductive pathway. A method for communicating with a rail appliance includes: coupling an equipment management device with a conductive pathway that extends along a track that a rail vehicle travels along; and coupling an appliance communication device with the rail appliance disposed proximate to the track; wherein the equipment management device and the appliance communication device communicate a data signal through the conductive pathway.

Abstract: A transporting system is provided with: a track having a junction point; a plurality of transporting vehicles, each travelling on the track; and a transferring device which has (i) a left portion disposed on an edge on a left side of each of two track portions that are located at least before the junction point of the track with respect to a travelling direction of each transporting vehicle as a standard and (ii) a right portion disposed on an edge on a right side, and which can transfer a signal between the left portion in one of the two track portions and the right portion in another of the two track portions, and between the right portion in said one of the two track portions and the left portion in said another of the two track portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for switching a vehicle from a first track to a second track. The track-switching device may be rotated by a motor, and may have a drive axle and a primary axle. The drive axle may have a barrel located at one end of the drive axle, the barrel having a plurality of switch tracks located thereon and a braking assembly connected to the drive axle and spaced from the barrel. The primary axle may have a flywheel and a clutch assembly. The drive axle may then be driven by the primary axle upon engagement of the clutch assembly via the motor and the energy stored in the flywheel. A method for switching a vehicle from a first track to a second track is also provided.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

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: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A method for controlling a model railroad stationary switch machine comprising sensing whether a train occupies a main track section near a track switch that connects between said main track section and at least two diverging track sections. An automatic switch control function for the track switch is inhibited in response to sensing that a train occupies the main track section near the track switch when a train is determined to be approaching the track switch on at least one of the diverging track sections. In addition, a method is provided for controlling a model railroad track switch comprising changing a position of the track switch, and automatically returning the track switch to a home position after expiration of a time interval following the changing of the track switch position.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A system is provided for temporary protection operation of at least one controller box for a railroad switch turnout in a powered mode or non-power mode depending on the railroad configuration and independent of the controller box. A normal controller box is coupled to the normal switch point and includes a block slidably received within the housing based on moving the normal switch point to establish at least one pair of electrical contacts within the housing. A controller is coupled to the controller box to verify a pair of compressed contacts to determine that the normal switch point has moved to the normal position to cause the controller box to send an open signal to a pair of switch connections.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

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: A railroad switching indicator apparatus for use with a point detector bar, and a point locking rod which cooperatively locks with a locking bar. First and second point detector bar receptors generate first and second signals indicating the first and second terminal movements of the point detector bar. At the same time, a point lock rod receptor generates another signal indicating the locking of the locking bar with the point locking rod.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A vital proximity detection mechanism and method for reliably determining and communicating the position of a railroad switch point relative to a normal fixed track and a reverse fixed track, wherein the mechanism includes substantial component redundancy and fault-checking features and otherwise meets promulgated safety standards for vital componentry. The mechanism includes an RF transmitter and remote status indicator unit to allow for remote adjustments of proximity sensors while monitoring the effects of such adjustments.

Abstract: A railroad switching indicator apparatus for use with a point detector bar, and a point locking rod which cooperatively locks with a locking bar. First and second point detector bar receptors generate first and second signals indicating the first and second terminal movements of the point detector bar. At the same time, a point lock rod receptor generates another signal indicating the locking of the locking bar with the point locking rod.

Abstract: In a device for checking the end positions of movable parts of a railway switch, in which at least one separate end-position checking device (5, 6) is assigned to each movable switch part (3, 4), wherein the end-position checking device (5, 6) includes a rod (8) and a checker housing (9) in which the rod (8) is inserted and in which at least one limit switch (21, 22) is arranged to detect the two end positions of the movable switch part (3, 4), the rod (8) in its portion reaching into the housing (9), or the housing (9), comprises at least two axially spaced-apart switching flanks for the actuation of the at least one limit switch (21, 22), wherein at least one of said switching flanks is arranged to be axially displaceable relative to the other of said switching flanks and fixable in the respective position.

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.

Abstract: A system is provided for temporary protection operation of at least one controller box for a railroad switch turnout in a powered mode or non-power mode depending on the railroad configuration and independent of the controller box. A normal controller box is coupled to the normal switch point and includes a block slidably received within the housing based on moving the normal switch point to establish at least one pair of electrical contacts within the housing. A controller is coupled to the controller box to verify a pair of compressed contacts to determine that the normal switch point has moved to the normal position to cause the controller box to send an open signal to a pair of switch connections.

Abstract: A manual switch remote controller is adapted for use with a power switch machine to electrically and selectively move switch points of a track switch between a normal position and a reverse position from a remote location in the field. In one preferred embodiment, the manual switch remote controller includes a first switch for selectively connecting and disconnecting a first source of DC operating power from first and second input terminals to first and second output terminals which are coupled to respective first and second input operating terminals of a biased-neutral controller. A second switch is used for selectively connecting and disconnecting a second source of DC controlling power from third and fourth input terminals to third and fourth output terminals which are coupled to respective third and fourth input control terminals of the biased-neutral controller.

Abstract: In a device for checking the operation of devices (4) used to displace movable switch parts (2, 3), in which the movable switch parts (2, 3) are connected with each other by a coupling rod (13), the coupling rod (13) is comprised of two coupling rod parts (14, 15) that are relatively movable in the axial direction. Sensors (34, 35) are provided for the detection of at least two different displacement positions of the coupling rod parts (14, 15).

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.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing movement of a point rail away from a stock rail by a selected distance, by closing a switch to shunt a track circuit, with means for resetting the apparatus to open the switch only after manual resetting of the point rail.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an end position detector for movable switch parts (3) which comprises a rod assembly and a housing (12), into which the rod assembly penetrates and in which at least one sensor for sensing an end position of the rod assembly is arranged. According to the invention, the rod assembly is connected to the movable switch part (3) such that it can be pivoted in a vertical plane that lies transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rails, wherein the rod assembly comprises at least one rod (8) of circular cross section, and wherein said rod (8) in its region that penetrates into the housing (12) in a sealed fashion carries on its periphery at least one switching flank (13) that cooperates with a switch contact (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing movement of a point rail away from a stock rail by a selected distance, by closing a switch to shunt a track circuit. Manual resetting of the point rail is required to reset the apparatus to open the switch.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection of the presence of a train wheel on a train track that overcomes problems associated with previously known detectors. The invention includes a method for detecting the presence of a train wheel on a train track.

Abstract: A modular sensor apparatus for detecting the location of a movable track point includes a primary sensor and a secondary sensor disposed on a sensor mount that is movable with respect to a frame that is mounted on a switch machine. The secondary sensor is offset from the primary sensor in order to permit the secondary sensor to detect the need for imminent readjustment of the track point prior to the time at which the track point becomes maladjusted and in need of immediate readjustment. The sensor mount is threadably adjustable with respect to the frame, whereby once the primary sensor has detected the position of the movable track point when it is disposed against a fixed stock rail, the sensor mount can be moved a fixed threshold distance by rotating a thumbwheel a fixed number of turns.

Abstract: A modular sensor apparatus for detecting the location of a movable track point includes a primary sensor and a secondary sensor disposed on a sensor mount that is movable with respect to a frame that is mounted on a switch machine. The secondary sensor is offset from the primary sensor in order to permit the secondary sensor to detect the need for imminent readjustment of the track point prior to the time at which the track point becomes maladjusted and in need of immediate readjustment. The sensor mount is threadably adjustable with respect to the frame, whereby once the primary sensor has detected the position of the movable track point when it is disposed against a fixed stock rail, the sensor mount can be moved a fixed threshold distance by rotating a thumbwheel a fixed number of turns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transmitting a control signal to a vehicle which is driven using an electrical drive current which is fed into a traction current conductor at a drive current feed point. In order to ensure that the transmission of the control signal is very largely unaffected by interference frequency components included in the drive current, according to the invention one current sensor, which is located outside the line section, is used to receive the control signal.

Abstract: The railroad trackwork switch assembly of the present invention is essentially comprised of a relatively fixed conventional stock rail, a conventional switch point relatively movable into and out of abutting engagement with the stock rail, a target magnetic field source array, a controller housing element affixed to the switch stock rail and containing a Hall-effect sensor array, and electrical/electronic circuitry interconnecting the invention Hall-effect sensor array element to a power source and to an external switch closure condition signal visual display.

Abstract: A modular sensor apparatus for detecting the location of a movable track point includes a primary sensor and a secondary sensor disposed on a sensor mount that is movable with respect to a frame that is mounted on a switch machine. The secondary sensor is offset from the primary sensor in order to permit the secondary sensor to detect the need for imminent readjustment of the track point prior to the time at which the track point becomes maladjusted and in need of immediate readjustment. The sensor mount is threadably adjustable with respect to the frame, whereby once the primary sensor has detected the position of the movable track point when it is disposed against a fixed stock rail, the sensor mount can be moved a fixed threshold distance by rotating a thumbwheel a fixed number of turns.

Abstract: A modular sensor apparatus for detecting the location of a movable track point includes a primary sensor and a secondary sensor disposed on a sensor mount that is movable with respect to a frame that is mounted on a switch machine. The secondary sensor is offset from the primary sensor in order to permit the secondary sensor to detect the need for imminent readjustment of the track point prior to the time at which the track point becomes maladjusted and in need of immediate readjustment. The sensor mount is threadably adjustable with respect to the frame, whereby once the primary sensor has detected the position of the movable track point when it is disposed against a fixed stock rail, the sensor mount can be moved a fixed threshold distance by rotating a thumbwheel a fixed number of turns.

Abstract: A modular sensor apparatus for detecting the location of a movable track point includes a primary sensor and a secondary sensor disposed on a sensor mount that is movable with respect to a frame that is mounted on a switch machine. The secondary sensor is offset from the primary sensor in order to permit the secondary sensor to detect the need for imminent readjustment of the track point prior to the time at which the track point becomes maladjusted and in need of immediate readjustment. The sensor mount is threadably adjustable with respect to the frame, whereby once the primary sensor has detected the position of the movable track point when it is disposed against a fixed stock rail, the sensor mount can be moved a fixed threshold distance by rotating a thumbwheel a fixed number of turns.

Abstract: A switch machine for moving railroad switch points. The switch machine includes a switch stand adapted to be connected to the railroad switch points. The switch stand includes a rotatable hub which is selectively rotatable to throw the switch points. A rotary actuator includes a rotatable pinion that is coupled to the hub of the switch stand. A hydraulic pump and a valve are in fluid communication with the rotary actuator and selectively control the direction of rotation of the pinion. A first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor are provided to sense the position of the pinion and hub. When the pinion and hub are rotated to a first position to move the switch points to a first switch point position, the first sensor will deactivate the hydraulic pump. When the pinion and hub rotate the switch points to a second switch point position, the second proximity sensor will deactivate the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A distributed control system for a track network includes a local controller connected to a plurality of switch machines and a central office. The local controller receives from each switch machine a switch position signal and outputs to at least one switch machine a switch control signal related to a desired state of a track switch associated with the at least one switch machine in one of a plurality of positions. The local controller further outputs to the central office a first communication signal including switch position data corresponding to the switch position signal output by the at least one switch machine and receives from the central office, as a function of the first communication signal and a desired movement of one or more vehicles on the track network, a second communication signal which includes switch control data corresponding to the switch control data output to the at least one switch machine.

Abstract: A switch machine electronic controller includes a point detecting circuit having Namur sensors for detecting an indication rod target in first and second point positions, and a lock detecting circuit having Namur sensors for detecting a lock box target in first and second lock positions. A microprocessor processes the signals to provide Normal and Reverse outputs. The Normal output is enabled when the first point and lock detection signals have values within a predetermined ON value range, and the second point and lock detection signals have values within a predetermined OFF value range. The reverse output is enabled when the second point and lock detection signals have values within the ON value range, and the first point and lock detection signals have values within the OFF value range. Both outputs are disabled when any of the signals has a value that corresponds to a shorted, open or indeterminate value range.

Abstract: An improved point detector sleeve includes a tube portion and an adjustment portion that are integrally formed with one another as a monolithic member, whereby the point detector sleeve is substantially free of joints between the tube portion and the adjustment portion. The tube portion includes a beveled surface formed thereon, and the adjustment portion includes an internally threaded region formed thereon. In accordance with one method of manufacturing the improved point detector sleeve, a first end of a cylindrical pipe formed with a cylindrical cavity is cut with a rotary cutting tool to form a substantially cylindrical inner surface. The rotary cutting tool advantageously closely follows the cavity to form the cylindrical inner surface without the rotary cutting tool radially “walking” away from a central longitudinal axis of the pipe. In another embodiment, the pipe receives therein an insert having an externally threaded region and an internally threaded surface.

Abstract: A contactless detection system for detecting the movements of the switch points of a railroad switch and stock rail of a railroad switch/point having a transformer for detecting or sensing the position of the switch points, the transformer having a core linked to the switch points, and further having a primary coil and a pair of secondary coils wound around the core; and an electronic interface means for receiving signals from the secondary coils responsive to, and corresponding with, the positioning of the switch points.