Abstract: A component of a railway track system is locally operated. The railway track system is operated while local operation of a component of the railway track system is enabled. A component identifier which identifies the component of the railway track system is queried using a mobile radio terminal via a close-range communication link and the identifier is transmitted to a control or signal box device via a radio link The component identifier of the component is checked in the control or signal box device, and, if the identifier check is successful, an enable command is generated which enables local operation of the component.

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: In a device for fixing a switch setting device (13) on stock rails (5) of a rail switch that features a Mounting for the switch setting device that can be fixed on the stock rails (5), the mounting is formed by a rigid frame (7) that connects the two stock rails (5) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rails and is respectively fixed on the web of the stock rails (5).

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: The subject of the present invention is a mechanism for operating sets of switch points, comprising an actuator control assembly (1) actuating two points operating half-bars (2), each connected to one point blade (switch rail), by a point-setting device (3) and by a manual control (4) connected in the actuator control assembly (1). The mechanism is one wherein actuation of the two points-operating half bars (2) by the actuator control assembly (1) is performed by way of rotary cam-drive devices (5), each one assigned to one operating half-bar (2) and wherein the points-setting device (3) is a device independent of the points-operating half-bar (2) and controlled by the actuator control assembly (1). The invention applies more particularly to the field of railway (railroad) infrastructure, particularly the operating of switch points.

Abstract: A switch stand for a railroad switch permits the switch to be locked against unauthorized movement of the switch. The switch stand permits trailing operation, even if locked. Passage of the rolling stock through the locked switch is permitted by allowing temporary movement of switch points of the switch when contacted by wheels of the rolling stock. The switch stand can also be unlocked and the position of the switch points changed manually to an alternate position from the normal or set position and then locked against unauthorized movement of the switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to be integrated with to a manual switch stand, particularly for use in dark territory. The device secures the spindle of the switch stand against rotation, thereby preventing authorized throwing of the switches. The device also contains sensors that will clearly indicate to an external observer both the position of the switch points and the locked or unlocked status of the switch stand. A particular sequence of steps must be taken before an operator will be able to unlock the switch stand and throw the switch, and further steps are required before he can secure the switch stand and remove his key. The switch stand must therefore be left in a locked state, and it continuously indicates the status of the switch stand to a remote monitor.

Abstract: A railroad switch machine which is normally operated by an electric motor but which may be manually operated without causing rotation of the power shaft of the electric motor to enable the switch machine to move the switch points without having to overcome the brake resistance applied to the power shaft by the brake and gearbox thereof.

Abstract: A railroad switch actuator has a transversely extending box sleeper having a pair of ends, adapted to be secured to a pair of longitudinally extending fixed rolling rails, and adapted to slidably support a pair of longitudinally extending and transversely shiftable switch tongues. A switch rod extends transversely in the box sleeper, is connected to the tongues, is centered on a transverse axis, and is displaceable along the transverse axis to shift the tongues. A drive having an output shaft is supported on one end of the sleeper by a hinge for pivotal movement between a down position outboard of the one sleeper end and with the output shaft axially aligned with the switch rod and an up position between the sleeper ends.

Abstract: An improved railroad switch apparatus includes a switch machine, a locking system lug, a detection system lug, a lock rod connecting rod, a point detector connecting rod, and a pair of movable rails. The locking system lug is mounted on a pair of lock rods of a switch machine, and the detection system lug is mounted on a point detector rod of the switch machine. The locking system lug includes a groove that receives the lock rod connecting rod and that permits a slight degree of pivoting therebetween while remaining securely mounted thereto. Similarly, the detection system lug includes a groove that receives the point detector connecting rod and that permits a slight degree of pivoting therebetween while remaining securely mounted thereto. The locking system lug and the detection system lug each include a pair of opposed convex retention surfaces formed on the groove thereof.

Abstract: Switch box for railway, tramway, or similar comprising a drive unit (M, 3, 4, 5, 5′, 5″, 5′″, 6) for the shifting motion of the blades (A1, A1′, A2, A2′) and at least one group of linear transmission (12, 20, 21, 24) of the drive motion to the blades, movable device (24, 124) to lock the blades in their respective closed positions. The groups are housed in a box (1) which has substantially the dimensions and the shape of a sleeper and which is fitted in the track in place of and with the function of a sleeper. The switch box has movable device (23, 24, 124) to lock the blades (A1, A1′, A2, A2′) in their corresponding closed positions.

Abstract: An improved cylinder head for a railroad track switch operator includes totally self-contained electronics and pneumatics for easy and direct replacement of a cylinder head on a prior art switch operator. The improved cylinder head has enhanced porting to improve air flow and speed of operation, a voltage control module permitting the unit to operate with either 24 volt or 12 volt line power, and recessed portions for covering or enclosing delicate and/or sensitive components for maximized protection in harsh outdoor installations.

Abstract: A railroad switch stand for moving a pair of switch points between two rails includes a vertically disposed spindle rotating about its principal axis and terminating adjacent its lower end in a stub shaft in which the spindle has a necked section of reduced diameter above the stub shaft including vertically aligned bench marks inscribed on the spindle immediately above and below the section of reduced diameter of the shaft, a horizontal crank threadingly engaged with the stub shaft and a connecting rod.

Abstract: An improvement in a railroad switch stand of the general type in which a vertical spindle is mounted for rotation within a switch stand housing, a horizontally extending connecting rod is operatively connected at its one end to railroad switch points and at its other end to a crank, the crank is carried by a hub, the hub is mounted at the lower end of the spindle for rotation with the spindle and the hub is held in a fixed vertical position on the spindle by means of a cross pin that passes diametrically through the spindle and the hub. The improvement of the invention being a safety plate positioned immediately below the spindle to prevent the hub from sliding off of the spindle should the cross pin fail.

Abstract: An operator for a railroad implement is provided with a linkage which mechanically isolates an actuator from impact forces transmitted through the linkage. Isolation provided by the linkage permits the use of a low power actuators which easily lend themselves to complete energization from solar energy sources. The operator is also provided with a safety electric interlock to prevent energization of the actuator during manual operation. A spring assembly tool is incorporated into the operator housing to facilitate installations and removal of compression springs in the operator mechanism.

Abstract: A railway switch stand includes a housing with a vertical shaft having a lower end connected to the switch throw rod, the shaft being rotatable to reciprocate the throw rod. A plate is mounted orthogonally on the shaft for rotation with the shaft, and has a plurality of bearings projecting upwardly therefrom around the shaft. A cam follower is mounted to move along a circle with the same radius as the bearings, with a spring mounted above the cam follower to apply a downward biasing force on the cam follower to retain the cam follower between a pair of bearings. A motor has a drive shaft oriented orthogonal to the vertical shaft and includes a drive crank affixed orthogonally to the drive shaft with radially projecting ends. One end of the crank is connected to a U-shaped yoke which in turn is pivotally connected to the cam follower.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving railroad switch points from side-to-side using a hydraulic power source operated using a DC electrical power source preferably in combination with a solar energy charging system. The apparatus has a hydraulic cylinder with a piston operatively connected to the switch points to move the switch points from side-to-side. The hydraulic power source is in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder. A valve for controlling the direction of the movement of the switch points by altering the direction of flow of hydraulic fluid is positioned in fluid communication between the hydraulic power source and the hydraulic cylinder. Preferably, the hydraulic power source is a hydraulic pump operated by a DC electric motor drawing power from a battery. The electrical charge of the battery is preferably replenished or supplemented by use of the solar energy charging system.

Abstract: The railroad power switch operates from the energy stored in a hydraulic accumulator. A pump charges the accumulator and keeps it charged. A power cylinder acts on the moveable rail of a railroad switch through this hydraulic energy. The energy opens the switch, closes it, and stabilizes it during train trailing through the switch. A spring pack supplements this hydraulic energy in stabilizing the switch.

Abstract: There is provided an improved hand throw device of an electric motor driven switch machine having a ratchet mechanism that permits torque to be applied to the hand throw device in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction as desired by an operator. The ratchet mechanism is a self contained module that can be easily installed to either side of the switch machine. The ratchet mechanism also permits the operator to assume a favorable position for application of force to the hand throw device with minimum stress and strain to his or her body. In addition, the ratchet mechanism has a gear system that provides a 2 to 1 mechanical advantage so that less torque is required for movement of the hand throw device.

Abstract: A railroad switch stand for actuating a rail switch between open and thrown positions includes, in one embodiment, an upstanding frame supporting a handwheel at approximately chest height for movement between a first position enabling manual rotation of an upstanding throw shaft to actuate a horizontal rail switch throw rod, and a second position enabling powered rotation of the throw shaft to open or throw the rail switch points. In alternative embodiments, low profile railroad switch stands are adapted for interconnection to a rail switch throw rod through fluid pressure or electric motor actuators and associated constant force spring actuators in a manner to apply a substantially constant force to the throw rod in maintaining the rail switch in open or thrown positions. The constant force spring actuators provide overload protection and automatic reset in the event a train runs through a rail switch lined against it.

Abstract: A switch machine for railroad tracks is provided having a low vertical profile without increasing the axial length of existing switch machines. Also, the capability of being operated by an electric motor, hand crank or hand throw operation has been retained within these new dimensional constraints. A particular electric motor and gearbox combination permits a low overall profile due to its compact size. A worm gear shaft serves the dual purpose of driving a worm wheel and coupling to a hand crank, thus maintaining the low profile while increasing the functionality of the shaft. In addition, a hand throw drive shaft is provided adjacent to a crank drive shaft in order to provide a hand throw operation while further maintaining the low profile of the switch machine.

Abstract: A railroad switch stand for switching railroad track switch points is provided with a manually-operated crank assembly that is coupled to the switch stand switching input shaft without included lost motion and that has an included yoke with latch bars that function to stop and secure the crank assembly in operating positions that reduce operator risk to excessive back stress and lower spine injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic apparatus for moving railroad switch points from side-to-side. The apparatus has a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to the switch points to move the switch points from side-to-side in fluid communication with a power source. The direction of the movement of the switch points is controlled by a valve positioned in fluid communication between the power source and the hydraulic cylinder. The direction of movement of the hydraulic cylinder and, consequently the switch points, is determined by the direction the valve is moved. In another aspect, the present invention has a hydraulic rail pump in fluid communication with the accumulator for storing hydraulic power generated by the rail pump activated by the wheels of passing trains, and a safety reservoir in fluid communication with the accumulator for storing hydraulic power beyond the capacity of the accumulator.

Abstract: A railway switch stand includes a reciprocating toggle arm which extends from the stand to operate a railway track switch between open and closed positions. The toggle arm has one end connected to a block which is operably mounted on the switch stand base for reciprocating forward and rearward movement. Forward and rearward brackets on the base prevent movement of the block beyond predetermined forward and rearward positions. An hydraulic cylinder connected to the block selectively moves the block between forward and rearward positions so as to reciprocate the toggle arm and throw the track switch. A pair of throw arms are pivotally disposed on opposite sides of the block relative to the blocks reciprocating path, with a forward end of the throw arm connected to the block.

Abstract: A railroad track switch stand includes a support frame having a throw crank operably mounted thereon for reciprocating a connecting rod. A pair of cams are mounted on the throw crank so as to rotate the throw crank on the frame. A throw arm is operably connected to the frame and associated with one cam so as to engage the cam and rotate the throw crank. A second throw arm is associated with the second cam so as to engage the second cam and rotate the throw crank. The throw arms are mounted on the frame so as to be out of engagement with the associated cams, until moved between first and second positions. Each throw arm has a cam-engaging roller which is slidably mounted, so as to engage the associated cam when the throw arm and cam are initially in adjacent positions, and so as to bypass engagement with the cam when the cam and throw arm are initially in opposite positions.

Abstract: A switch machine operates a track switch under radio control via a switch controller. The switch controller may be given an identifying address unique to it which distinguishes the switch machine from other switch machines in the railway territory. In addressing or programming the switch machine, a portable terminal is used. The controller is enabled by a manually actuable switch to accept identifying addresses which is stored in electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Whenever a message is received over the radio link, the identifying address is read out of memory. In order that the identifying address is vital (fail-safe) and to guard against any errors which change the identifying address and which can cause the controller to effectuate operation of the track switch in front of an oncoming train or when the train is over the switch, the address is stored in the EEPROM by encoding the identfying address into unique multi-bit check words.

Abstract: A high-speed switch machine for actuating railroad switch points. The machine has an electric motor which drives a hydraulic pump. The pump supplies pressure fluid to a hydraulic cylinder adapted to move the switch points from an initial to a second limit position. A four-way, two-position hydraulic control valve directs fluid to the cylinder such that the cylinder automatically operates in an extension and retraction cycle. The uni-directional motor and two-position control valve minimize response times of the actuating components so that the switch points are thrown in a short time period.

Abstract: A railroad head block switching installation having a safety cover secured to the track ties between which extend the connecting rod of the rail switching mechanism, so as to overlie such rod in spaced relationship therewith and protect persons from tripping over the rod. The safety cover is preferably of plate formation molded from a weight-supporting structural plastic material to provide opposing ramp sections and a central section in common therewith and spaced above the rod. Longitudinal and transverse reinforcing ribs are advantageously provided on the undersurface of the cover, with lag-bolt-accommodating bosses formed at the intersections of such ribs.