Abstract: An energy supply device for a switch machine is configured to be fed a direct voltage and to provide an alternating voltage suitable for the switch machine. Accordingly, in order to be able to produce a railway switch more economically, the energy supply device is configured to control the switch machine.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a linked crank mounting device for use with a switch rail, comprising: an input terminal or series of input terminals; an actuator; an output connector; and attachment means for rigidly attaching the linked crank mounting device relative to the railway; wherein the input terminal or terminals are for receiving input power, the output connector is directly or indirectly mechanically linked to at least one of a switch rail or an output connector of a further linked crank mounting device, and the actuator applies the input power to the output connector.

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: 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 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: 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 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 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 train detection mechanism for detecting the presence of a train on a section of track, the track section including first and second rails 1, 2 and delimited by first and second ends thereof, includes current injector for injecting current into the first rail at the first end of the section and current receiver for receiving current from the second rail at the first end of the section, and a shunt 3 connected between the first and second rails at the second end of the section, characterized in that the shunt includes a switch 4 for controlling current flow through the shunt, the switch being operable by the passage of a train.

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 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: 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: 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: 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 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 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: 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 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: A railway switch circuit controller having a housing with a bottom surface and opposed side surfaces. The bottom surface has a raised planar boss provided thereon, in which the raised boss is cast upon the bottom surface and is then machined so as to have a flat surface and a selected height. The side surfaces have respective openings provided therethrough for receiving a shaft. The shaft is rotatably disposed through the side surface openings and has one or more cam segments disposed thereupon. Each cam is engageable with a follower in which the follower is biased to a first position but rotation of the shaft causes the cam to move the follower to a second position. The follower is connected to a movable contact of a contact spring assembly. The contact spring assembly also has one or more sets of first and second generally nonmovable contacts in which the movable contact is disposed between the two nonmovable contacts. The contact spring assembly is secured to a terminal board.

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: An in-circuit contact monitor for providing reliable and safe detection of the position of fail safe, or vital, circuit contacts in railroad signaling and inter-locking control circuits comprises an impedance network arranged in a bridge configuration, a low-power, high-frequency signal source, an isolation transformer, and a pair of DC blocking capacitors. The low-power, high-frequency AC source provides energy for an isolated circuit which is used in detecting the toggling of an individual circuit contact. The circuit is configured such that the vital circuitry, which is connected to the circuit contact, is completely isolated from the DC components generated by the low-power, high-voltage AC source. The isolation transformer acts to isolate the monitor system from the in-circuit contact monitor circuitry and thus the vital circuitry.