Abstract: A hand throw mechanism for an in-tie switch machine having a drive element which serves to move switch points from a first end point to a second end point. The mechanism includes an elongated hand throw arm having a first coupling element that includes a first lower mating surface and a first upper mating surface. The mechanism also includes a gear set having an output shaft for moving the drive element. The gear set additionally includes a second coupling element having a second lower mating surface for engaging the first upper mating surface and a second upper mating surface for engaging the first lower mating surface to thus couple the first and second coupling elements. Rotation of the hand throw arm through an angle of approximately 180 degrees then causes rotation of the output shaft to thus move the driving element and ultimately the switch points.

Abstract: A device is provided for manually maneuvering a set of switch points, the device includes a housing which is intended to apply a force at a location of a set of rail switch points in order to move the set of switch points relative to the housing from a first switch points position to a second switch points position. The device also includes a guided member for controlling the set of switch points, which can be moved relative to the housing, a guiding member, which can also be moved relative to the housing, a transmission mechanism for driving the guided member in one direction when the guiding member moves in a first direction. The guiding member is capable of being moved in a second direction, opposed to the first direction, while the guided member remains fixed relative to the housing.

Abstract: A flood protection structure for supporting a switch stand comprises a flood protection base, and at least one flood protection prop upstanding from the flood protection base. The flood protection prop is sufficient to extend above a level of expected standing water. The flood protection structure further comprises an interface mounted over the at least one flood protection prop for attachment to a base of the switch stand.

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 control mechanism for moving switch points on a railroad track, having a drive screw driven by a motor, a traveling block moving along the drive screw to position the switch points, an end stop on the drive screw for limiting movement of the traveling block, a hand crank for manually turning the drive screw, and a torque limiting clutch on the hand crank.

Abstract: A railroad switch machine gear box having a low vertical profile is provided, wherein a compound gear rotatably mounted within a housing along a first vertical axis cooperatively engages an adjacent main crank gear. The main crank gear is rotatably mounted within the housing about a main crank shaft that extends vertically within the gear box housing along a second vertical axis that is different than the first vertical axis. A bevel gear fixedly mounted to a hand throw shaft rotatably mounted within the housing along a first horizontal axis cooperatively engages the compound gear, thereby to rotate the compound gear when the hand throw shaft is rotated, typically with a hand throw lever affixed to the hand throw shaft external to the housing. The hand throw shaft may be rotatable about an eccentric shaft that is independently mounted and rotatable with the housing along the first horizontal axis.

Abstract: A solar-powered, electric railroad switch stand includes a housing having a mounting mechanism for mounting a solar cell assembly for converting solar energy into electrical current, a storage battery, and a motor connected to a gear reduction mechanism having an output shaft extending therefrom. The battery stores a charge from the electrical current of the solar cells and is electrically coupled to the motor to drive a gear reduction mechanism. An operating device is linked to the output shaft and is operable to move the switching rails.

Abstract: Improved railroad switch stands having an improved angled and elongate lever arm to protect the user from back injuries. The lever arm is angled so that an arc of less than 180 degrees is provided for movement of the lever arm from a first position to a second position.

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 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 method for modifying a railway switch stand is utilized on conventional switch stands having a table mounted on legs above a base plate, a rotatable throw crank having a shaft extending vertically from the base plate through the table, and a handle extending from a yoke which is attached to the throw crank shaft above the table. The first step in modifying the switch stand is to remove the handle and yoke from the throw crank shaft. A housing having gear works therein is mounted to the table and a yoke within the housing is attached to the throw crank shaft. A bevel gear in the gear works is mounted on the yoke for rotation with the shaft, and a pinion gear is mounted in the housing for rotation intermeshed with the first bevel gear. A rotatable wheel-type handle is mounted to the pinion gear so as to enable the switch to be open or throw by rotating the handle and thereby rotating the throw crank shaft.

Abstract: A railroad switch stand for moving switch points between a pair of stock rails having a worm and gear drive connection between an operator driven input shaft and an output shaft connected to the switch points.

Abstract: A railroad switch stand is provided by which a switchman can easily and conveniently throw a railroad switch while standing, which automatically locks in respective open and thrown positions, and which automatically disconnects from the switch throw rod in the event excessive longitudinal force is applied to the throw rod, the preferred switch stand includes a hand-operable, rotatable throw wheel; means mounting the wheel at about normal chest height; structure for translating rotation of the wheel into longitudinal movement of the rod; and means for releasably locking the wheel in respective, alternate open and thrown positions. In use, a switchman releases the locking means and rotates the throw wheel through one revolution in order to throw the switch to its alternate position at which point the locking means automatically engages the throw wheel to prevent further rotation thereof.