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.

Abstract: A method of point detection is for use with a railway switch machine including a housing, a point detector bar positionable in a normal point position and a reverse point position, and a slide lock bar positionable in a normal locked position and a reverse locked position. The method includes providing point detecting sensors in the housing adjacent the point detector bar; detecting with the point detecting sensors the position of the point detector bar; generating by the point detecting sensors a point detection signal representative of the position of the point detector bar; and delivering the point detection signal to a processing device for determining if the point detector bar is in the normal point position, the reverse point position, or in neither the normal point position nor the reverse point position.

Abstract: A point detection system for a railway switch machine having a housing includes a point detector bar positionable in a normal point position and a reverse point position, and point detecting means positioned within the housing for detecting when the point detector bar is in the normal point position and when the point detector bar is in the reverse point position. The point detecting means may include a first proximity sensor for detecting when the point detector bar is in the normal point position and a second proximity sensor for detecting when the point detector bar is in the reverse point position. Preferably, the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are inductive proximity sensors. A method of point detection for a railway switch machine is also provided.

Abstract: A point detection system for a railway switch machine having a housing includes a point detector bar positionable in a normal point position and a reverse point position, and point detecting sensors positioned within the housing for detecting when the point detector bar is in the normal point position and when the point detector bar is in the reverse point position. The point detecting sensors may include a first proximity sensor for detecting when the point detector bar is in the normal point position and a second proximity sensor for detecting when the point detector bar is in the reverse point position. Preferably, the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are inductive proximity sensors. A method of point detection for a railway switch machine is also provided.

Abstract: A point detection system is provided for use in a typical switch machine with a typical indication system, wherein a point detector bar is slidably captivated within a point detector sleeve, and wherein a target that is integrally engaged with the point detector bar is sensed by at least one sensing device, thereby to detect movement of the point detector bar. The point detector sleeve is supported by a track side bearing affixed to a track side wall of the switch machine, and by a field side bearing affixed to an opposing wall of the switch machine. The point detector bar extends outside the switch machine from only the track side bearing, thereby eliminating the bearings and the pinch point between the hand throw lever and the two piece point detector bar that otherwise extended from the related art switch machine. The sensing device may be mounted upon a slide mechanism to adjust the sensing device relative to the target.

Abstract: Device for detecting the positions of pivotable parts of a rail switch, such as, e.g., tongue rails (1, 2) by at least one sensor designed as a continuous distance sensor (4,5,6,7), wherein the sensor output is connected to a circuit arrangement (10) for two separate evaluations, the first evaluation being configured as a distance evaluation and the second evaluation being configured as a function control of the sensor, as well as a method for evaluating signals.

Abstract: A fixed rail mounted railroad switch point indicator is provided, wherein proximity detectors are mounted to the fixed stock rail to sense the position of the switch relative to those stock rails. Preferably, eddy current sensors are used as the proximity sensors to indicate the distance of the switch points relative to the fixed rails. A microprocessor converts a current reading from the proximity detectors into the distance measurement, such as by indicating an "on/off" state of the sensor. Additionally, the microprocessor provides information as to the operation of the sensors to provide the reliability of the signals received.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method of detecting a broken rail in a railway system. The track sensing circuitry of the present invention applies a voltage source at each end of a block of rails and senses the current flowing through the circuitry. The present invention will detect broken rails continuously in a block, even with a train present (except for a break directly beneath the train). Since the rail is continuously checked, the only restriction imposed on train spacing by this track circuit configuration is that only one train can be present in a block at a time.

Abstract: A railway switch circuit controller has a housing enclosing a laterally movable platform with a first and second target affixed thereupon. A first and second proximity sensor within the housing is positioned to detect the first and second target, respectively, such that the proximity sensor upon detection of the respective target may provide a signal. The platform is connected to a point detector connecting rod of a railway switch, thereby to be movable relative to the movement of the point detector connecting rod. In a first preferred embodiment, the platform may be cooperatively engaged with a rotational drive shaft that is connected to the point detector connecting rod, thereby to move laterally when the drive shaft is rotated by lateral movement of the rod. In the first preferred embodiment, the first and second proximity sensor may be fixed within the housing and the first and second target may be adjustable laterally within the platform towards and away from the other target, respectively.

Abstract: A method comprises steps of reading (80) an optical code (14) associated with a destination (20) of an electronic network (10), retrieving (92) task information associated with the destination (20) based upon the optical code (14), linking (94) to the destination (20) based upon the optical code (14), and performing (96) a task with the destination (20) using the task information. A system and an article are provided to perform the aforementioned steps.

Abstract: A switch point position detecting system and method uses a plurality of proximity detectors positioned proximate the switch point or points of a railroad switch. Additional proximity detectors are placed within a switch machine housing to detect the position of components therein, such as lock rods and lock bars. One or more Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) have inputs connected to the proximity detectors and outputs connected to relays or switches which control the switch machine and signals. The PLC's are programmed to operate the relays to give signals to proceed only when correct indications are received from all effected proximity detectors.

Abstract: There is provided an electric motor driven switch machine for positioning a railroad track at a switching point having rail point detection and indication mechanism. In particular, the detection and indication mechanism has a latch out mechanism that identifies a latch out condition when the railroad tracks are not at, or near, their proper positions before or after switching the railroad tracks. The detection and indication mechanism includes a four bar linkage which comprises a point detector bar, two cam followers, and a link arm assembly. The cam followers, supported in part by the link arm assembly, are connected to two point detector switches, so that the switch machine is operating when either one of these switches is closed or the railroad tracks are being switched.

Abstract: A train detection device for use in railroad models is provided with a capacitance type sensor which detects the close approach or passage of a train by responding to capacitance of the train. By using the capacitance type sensor, the train detection device becomes a non-contact type detection device, which avoids the kind of damage that can occur with contact type detectors. The train detection device is applied to a train crossing control apparatus for use in railroad models equipped with a crossing gate, a warning signal, and a controlling device for controlling the operations of the crossing gate and the warning signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing the movement of a train around a model railroad track having one or more turn-outs activated by at least two separate arming signals. Each signal is linked to a specified direction of the turn-outs such as straight, curve right, or curve left. The arming signal is sent to all turn-outs on the railroad track but only the turn-out which the train is approaching is toggled to a position corresponding to the arming signal. All turn-outs over which the train is moving at the time the arming signal is sent are disarmed to prevent the train from derailing due to the toggling turn-out. Proximity-selection switches may also be used for slot-car operation or for city or highway vehicles which are part of a model or miniature diorama within the model railroad layout.

Abstract: An automatic conveying system includes a main loop-like conveying track, a plurality of auxiliary loop-like conveying tracks along the main conveying track for selective coupling and de-coupling by couplers to and from the main track, and a plurality of auxiliary conveying vehicles for running along the main and auxiliary tracks. Each conveying vehicle can run continuously along the main and auxiliary tracks with switching by the couplers. The system permits reduction or elimination of intermediate loading and unloading operations or waiting times for changing vehicles, thus increasing the efficiency of conveyance. In addition, such equipment as stockers or loading and unloading machines for tentatively stocking cargo for changing vehicles and for loading and unloading operations during conveyance can be reduced or eliminated, thus minimizing the installation space for such equipment. This permits effective utilization of factory premises and good layout of the factory with a high space utilization-factor.

Abstract: An electronic control system for model railroads incorporates electronics which "arms" all railroad track switch turn-outs (here after referred to as "turn-outs") at once, selects and toggles the state of a specific turnout by the approach of a model train directly after arming, and "disarms" all the turnouts at once when the selected turnout has operated. A variation of this method is also applied to model railroad electric uncoupler track sections or automatic unloader track sections to arm, select, operate and then disarm any desired track section.

Abstract: A new and improved automatic track switching control apparatus is provided for a switch assembly in a track layout for a lamp-containing model train. The automatic track switching control apparatus includes a first light sensor assembly which is supported by a base and which is located in the vicinity of a switch assembly in the track layout. The first light sensor assembly senses light emitted from a lamp on the lamp-containing model train as it approaches the switch assembly. A signal processing assembly is connected to the first light sensor assembly for receiving the electrical signal representing the approach of the lamp-containing model train to the first light sensor assembly. A switch-flipping assembly is connected to the signal processing assembly for receiving a second electrical signal for controlling switch status of the switch assembly. The signal processing assembly includes a counter assembly for counting first electrical signals provided by the first light sensor assembly.

Abstract: A control and detector for a railroad switch point having a detector mechanism which is secured to a stockrail at the switch point where the stockrail is intended to be in contact with a corresponding switchrail. The detector mechanism is secured in a housing and has a plunger assembly biased in the direction of the switchrail and reciprocably secured preferably in alignment with the switchrail at the switch point. Electrical contacts connected to the plunger assembly report contact or a lack of contact between the switchrail and the stockrail. A contact on the switchrail at the switchpoint for reciprocates the plunger against the electrical reporting contacts when the switchrail is in physical contact with the stockrail at the switchpoint. A heating element is associated with the switchpoint and us energized in response to contact between the stockrail and switchrail as detected by the detector mechanism.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring the condition of rail switch points and for detection of premature abrasive wear-and-tear in the region of the tongue switching rail (3) of the points, the signals from at least one proximity sensor (2) in the region of the tongue switching rail (3) of the points are evaluated when the tongue switching rail is travelled upon, and the smallest measured value of the separation distance (l) during the travel is stored in memory. The smallest measured value stored in memory and at least a first limiting value for the smallest separation distance are compared with one another and, when the smallest measured value in memory exceeds this first limiting value, a warning signal is generated.

Abstract: A safety detector for a railroad switch point having a detector mechanism which is to be secured to a stockrail at the switch point where the stockrail is intended to be in contact with a corresponding switchrail, in which the detector mechanism is adjustably secured in a housing located below the stack rail and has a spring loaded plunger assembly normally biased in the direction of the switchrail and reciprocably secured preferably beneath the stockrail in alignment with the switchrail at the switch point, electrical contacts connected to the plunger assembly for reporting contact or the lack of contact between the switchrail and the stockrail, and a contact on the switchrail at the switchpoint for reciprocating the plunger against the electrical reporting contacts when the switchrail is in physical contact with the stockrail at the switchpoint.

Abstract: A safety detector for a railroad switch point having detector mechanism which is to be secured to a stockrail at the switch point where the stockrail is intended to be in contact with a corresponding switchrail, in which the detector mechanism is adjustably secured in a housing and has a spring loaded plunger assembly normally biased in the direction of the switchrail and reciprocably secured through the stockrail in alignment with the switchrail at the switch point, electrical contacts connected to the plunger assembly for reporting contact or the lack of contact between the switchrail and the stockrail, and a contact on the switchrail at the switchpoint for reciprocating the plunger against the electrical reporting contacts when the switchrail is in physical contact with the stockrail at the switchpoint.

Abstract: The circuit arrangement of this invention includes a signal searchlight wherein the lamp is in an electrical series circuit with interlock contact switches. The switches interlock the display color lens such as yellow and green to control the electrical energization of the signal circuit. Logic control switching devices in a remote wayside control box supply signals through a cable to operate a bipolar device to selectively display the desired color.

Abstract: A device for determining the condition of railway switches or railway crossings by monitoring the end position of tongue rails (2), said device having a sensor (18) within the area of the theoretical frog point (17) of a frog (8), said sensor giving on occasion of a mechanical collision with the wheel flange or with the running surface of the wheel a signal indicating premature wear within the area of the frog.

Abstract: A railway track switch, also known as a switch machine, is controlled by a microprocessor switch lock connected to the electric switch lock of the switch machine and permits the switch machine to be unlocked so that the track switch points may be thrown, as by a hand-throw mechanism, to permit movement of a train between main and secondary tracks. The switch lock is connected to a cut section repeater of the track circuit adjacent to the track switch. An overlay track circuit connected to the main tracks indicates occupancy in the vicinity of the track switch. The microprocessor receives signals from the repeater, the overlay circuit and the electric switch lock of the switch machine indicating track occupancy and requests to unlock the track switch so that the switch points may be moved. Signals are also received from a timer as to specific, selected delay times set by the user before unlocking the switch.

Abstract: In a switch for rail points arranged to move two rails interconnected at one of their free ends, between two end positions in engagement with the inner face of one of two rails of e.g. a railroad track, a box girder having the configuration and dimensions of a conventional sleeper supporting the rail track, the box girder housing an electrically driven mechanism arranged to effect the movement of the two rails to the end positions thereof, and also a mechanism arranged to indicate when the two rails assume their intended end positions.