Abstract: A hollow tie assembly for rodding associated with moveable trackwork (such as in a switch or a moveable point frog) serves the function of a tie, houses and protects throw rods, lock rods and detector rods, is adapted to accommodate North American switch machines, and does not interfere with mechanical tampers. The rodding is housed within two elongated and spaced channels which are held in predetermined spaced relationship. Switch plates straddle the flanges of each channel and the moveable rails or points are mounted on the switch plates. Rod adapters and switch clip provide a sliding connection to the moveable rails or points. The rods are made of insulating material and the switch plates and associated components include insulation to avoid cross conduction between the rails.

Abstract: A device for setting railway switches includes a plurality of interlinked hydraulic switching devices (6) connected to a separate reversible hydraulic drive unit in a manner offset in the longitudinal direction of the rails, wherein the working volumes of the hydraulic cylinder piston aggregates (6) are connected to driving movement in same direction. The pistons (20) or plungers (11) include push-open valves (18) for travel limitation.

Abstract: A nose type rail member for a crossing member applied to a turnout or wayside switch system on the ground for a train and the like, is made of high carbon steel material containing 0.70 to 0.82 wt. % of carbon. The rail member is constructed by a pair of rail parts, which have a concave at a side of the middle support part. A backing plate is made of the same material as the rail member, or a steel material having a less carbon content than that of the rail member, and is held by a pair of the opposite concaves. A pair of the head portions and the base portions at a side thereof are joined by means of electron beam welding, and the joined rail member is subjected to S.Q. heat processing; whereby at least a wheel tread of the rail member becomes a homogeneous and fine pearlite structure.

Abstract: A rail switch point assist apparatus includes an elongated main member having an outward end removably and adjustably connected to the railroad track running rail and the inner end adjustably connected to a support member extending between a pair of ties. The inward end of the main member is vertically adjustable relative to the support member, and a pair of rollers are rotatably mounted between the inward end and the track running rail. The rollers are mounted on the main member to support a rail switch point moving towards and after from the track running rail. The outward end of the main member includes a bracket which is pivotally and slidably mounted to the main member so as to pivot about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the main member and being slidable along the longitudinal axis of the main member.

Abstract: A box sleeper (1), characterized by a steel box-like sleeper section member (5) which has a cross-sectional width (15) and a cross-sectional height (16) matching that of a normal concrete or wooden sleeper and has an open part (31) on top and is closable at its ends by transverse plates (17 and 18) and has laterally projecting bearing flanges (13 and 14) for stockrail fasteners (28, 29), points-tongue slide chairs (30) and/or operating components of tip fasteners. The box-like sleeper section member (5) is associated with tip fasteners in the form of "latch fasteners" (33) comprising stationary guides (32) and movable latches (34), cam rods (34) and cam-rod bearings (37), all of which project into the upper part (31) of the box-like sleeper section member (5), whereas the bottom part houses the points-tongue slide rods (54), the tongue-monitoring linkage (45), heating rods (43) if any, and shock-absorbing elements (38).

Abstract: A rail switch point assist apparatus includes an elongated main member having an outward end removably and adjustably connected to the railroad track running rail and the inner end adjustably connected to a support member extending between a pair of ties. The inward end of the main member is vertically adjustable relative to the support member, and a pair of rollers are rotatably mounted between the inward end and the track running rail. The rollers are mounted on the main member to support a rail switch point moving towards and after from the track running rail. The outward end of the main member includes a bracket which is pivotally and slidably mounted to the main member so as to pivot about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the main member and being slidable along the longitudinal axis of the main member.

Abstract: An improved geometry for a split switch rail turnout a compound point rail leading to a curved closure rail that is linear and tangent through the switch frog. The switch point rail includes a proximal portion curved in the same radius as the closure rail, and a distal end portion that is linear and tangent to the proximal portion. The linear distal end portion of the point rail provides an entry angle of the switch point that is the same as the angle of attack of a wheel truck encountering the turnout, and also provides the shortest possible switch point length and the greatest possible radius of curvature of the closure rail. The angle of attack and the curvature of the closure rail can be optimized to produce a split switch turnout that permits high speed through the turnout while minimizing wear and maintenance costs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for determining lateral and/or vertical deviations in the path taken by a wheel at railway points or crossings. One of the aims of this invention is to provide data on the condition of such points or crossings, particularly as to the degree of their wear. Further, it is another aim of the invention to create a device which is easier to relate the signals from the sensors to the direction of the loads giving rise to these signals, and which at the same time is simpler and more economical to assembly while at the same time ensuring reproduceable results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat for the movable point in a cradle of a crossing frog incorporated in long welded rails and the process for production of such a seat. The seat is characterized in that the connection between the movable point (1) and the element (2") of the cradle constituted by two rails (3 and 4) is effected by an essentially mechanical assembly. The invention is more particularly applicable to the field of the construction of railway equipment, particularly, crossing frogs.

Abstract: An apparatus includes running surfaces made from metallic I-beams one of the flanges of which is adapted to support tires, whereas the web is adapted to receive flat strips which are substantially perpendicular to the web. At least one of the flanges is adapted to receive stiffening flat strips which are substantially parallel to the web. Troughs made from a metallic U-section channel are adapted to be fixed at least partly to one of the flat strips and flanges and open toward the flange adapted to support the tires. Such flanges, web, flat strips and channel are united to constitute a formwork into which is poured concrete whose level is flush with the level of the flanges.

Abstract: A rotary switch for a people mover guideway having a predetermined path, guidebeam and electric rail configuration, routes a transit car having electric power signal collectors from one entry guideway path to either of two exit guideway paths or vice versa. The switch has an elongated structural frame provided with guidelines, electric rail and tire path structure on one side compatible with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to one of the two exit paths. The frame further has guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on another side compatible with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to the other of the two exit paths. The electric rail structure on each side of the frame includes power rails and signal rails disposed along the respective switch paths of travel for respectively contacting the electric collectors of the transit car.

Abstract: A switching station for a people mover rotary guideway switch. The switching station routes a transit car from an entry guideway path to either of two exit guideway paths. The station includes a guideway section structured at each of its entry and exit points to provide a predetermined guideway configuration including a pair of spaced tire running surfaces for transit cars. The guideway section has an elongated switch pit located under a reference plane through the tire running services that extends longitudinally along and between the tire running services. An elongated rotary switch frame is disposed in the switch pit and assembled with the guideway section for alignment with the guideway paths. The frame is provided with guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on opposite sides of the frame which are compatible with the guideway configuration to route a car from the entry path to the first and second exit paths, respectively.

Abstract: In a reversing device for the movable parts of a railway switch, in which movable wing rails are, in their end positions, alternately engaging the frog and are supported in their engaging positions by supporting rods extending in the longitudinal direction of the wing rails and which are slideably guided on the sleepers or, respectively, base plates, the supporting rods include at least one thrust support cooperating, for the purpose of shifting the wing rails relative to the frog, with thrust supports of the wing rails. In this case, at least one of the mutually cooperating surfaces of the thrust supports of a wing rail and/or supporting rod is formed of a wedge surface passing over into a supporting surface extending in essentially parallel relation to the longitudinal direction of the supporting rod. The supporting surface cooperates, in the position in which the wing rail contacts the frog, with the thrust support of the wing rail.

Abstract: A rotary switch for a people mover guideway having a predetermined tire path, guidebeam and electric rail configuration routes a transit car from one entry guideway path to at least either of two exit guideway paths or vice versa. The switch has an elongated structural frame that has guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure compatible with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to one of the two exit paths on one switch side and to provide car routing to the other of the two exit paths on another switch side. Switching is achieved by rotating a movable part of the switch 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis. First and second shafts support the two ends of the switch frame and one of the shafts is driven to rotate the switch frame between first and second rotational positions in which the switch is locked and the switch sides respectively line up with the guideway configuration.

Abstract: A single turnout rotary guideway switch is provided with an elongated structural frame member having guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on each of two sides of the switch compatible with the guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure of the guideway. Switching is achieved by rotating a movable part of the switch 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis. One elongated beam acts as a principal structural member of the frame and provides a tire path on one of the switch sides for main line car routing by the switch. Another curved beam is secured between the one beam and another elongated beam that extends generally parallel to the one beam. The curved beam cross-supports the frame and provides a tire path on the other switch side for car turnout routing by the switch. In a crossover switching station in a dual lane guideway, a pair of the single turnout rotary switches are combined with an interface guideway section to provide for lane-crossover car routing by the switches.

Abstract: A double turnout rotary guideway switch is provided with an elongated structural frame member having guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on each of two sides of the switch compatible with the guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure of the guideway. Two elongated beams form the sides of the frame and, with cross connected end beams, operating as the principal structural members for the frame. A curved beam extends from one of the elongated side beams inwardly and to one of the end beams. Opposite sides of the curved beam provide respective surfaces for a left turnout tire path on one of the two sides of the switch and a right turnout tire path the other side of the switch.

Abstract: A rotary switch operates in a people mover guideway having a predetermined tire path, guidebeam and electric rail configuration to route a transit car from one entry guideway path to at least either of two exit guideway paths or vice versa. The switch has an elongated structural frame having guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on one side compatibly with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to one of the two exit paths. The switch frame member is further provided with guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on another side compatibly with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to the other of the two exit paths. The switch is supported by first and second shafts at its two ends. One of the two shafts is driven to rotate the switch frame between first and second rotational positions corresponding to alignment of the respective switch sides with the guideway.

Abstract: A rotary switch is provided for a people mover guideway having a predetermined tire path, guidebeam and electric rail configuration. The rotary switch routes a transit car from one entry guideway path to at least either of the two exit guideway paths or vice versa. A movable elongated structural switch frame member has guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on one side compatibly with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to one of the two exit paths in one of two switch positions; the movable switch frame further has guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on another side compatibly with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to the other of the two exit paths in the second switch position. Switching is achieved by rotating a movable part of the switch 180.degree. degrees about its longitudinal axis. A first fixed frame supports a drive shaft which in turn supports a first end of the movable switch frame.

Abstract: A guideway switching station for a people mover guideway system includes a guideway section with a rotary guideway switch having guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on one side compatibly with the guideway configuration to route cars from an entry path to one of two exit paths. On another switch side, similar structure routes cars from the entry path to the other exit path. When the switch is in a first rotary position, one of two tire paths is provided by fixed guideway structure and the other tire path is provided by interfaced switch and guideway structure. In a second rotary switch position, the two tire paths may by provided as in the case of the first rotary position, or both tire paths may be provided by interfaced switch and guideway structure.

Abstract: In overhead rail systems with branching tracks, a carrier such as a feeding container can be brought to pass a cyclic transportation course when the pertaining switches are correctly operated. By the invention the carrier (8, 6) and the switches (10) are arranged in such a manner that a predestined transportation course is automatically achieved without applying any separate control of the switches, as the carrier (6) is provided with switchable activation cams (22), which can co-operate with change-over switch arms (26, 28) on each rail switch (10) in such a manner that the carrier (6) by its own movement can cause a change-over of the switch (10), when this is relevant, as the activation cams (22) selectively are made operative and inoperative, respectively, by passing strategically placed, fixed actuator members (30, 32). Hereby a cyclic course of the conveyance of the carrier can be arranged purely mechanically.

Abstract: In a transportation system of a floated-carrier type, a carrier is suspended from a guide rail, in a non-contact manner, and is propelled along the guide rail. The transportation system includes a plurality of track units, each having the ferromagnetic guide rail, an electrical wire, and a pair of connectors provided to both ends of the electrical wire. Each track unit comprises minimum and necessary elements required for traveling the carrier. When a connector of one track unit and that of the other track unit are connected, connection of electrical wires necessary for this system is completed. For this reason, an operation for mounting the electrical wires in the track can be omitted, and installation of the track can be facilitated. Furthermore, when the travel path of the carrier is to be modified, a combination of track units can be freely changed, thus realizing various travel paths of the carrier. For this reason, the travel path can be easily modified.

Abstract: A switch for a railway system having a common track, and upper and lower branch tracks, each track comprising a pair of rails with one rail disposed above the other. The switch comprises a fixed support between the common and branch tracks, upper and lower fixed switching rails on the fixed support associated with the upper and lower branch tracks, respectively, a pair of movable switching rails movable between a raised position in which the pair extends between the common track and the upper fixed switching rails and a lowered position in which the pair extends between the common track and the lower fixed switching rails, and a plurality of movable supports for the movable switching rails mounted on the fixed support at spaced intervals. Each movable support is guided for movement transversely with respect to the direction of length of the movable switching rails and generally in the plane of these rails.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in an apparatus and method for moving a railway switch composed of travel rail sections of a main track which are pivoted by positioning elements to rail sections of a branch-off track and locked by closing elements in a particular position with respect to a switch plate extending across the switch, the improvement comprising two positioning sleds, a profiled guide rail supporting each of said sleds, one of said guide rails being outside of and parallel to said travel rail sections of said main track, and the other of said guide rails being outside of and parallel to said rail sections of said branch-off track, and a cross-piece on each positioning sled, each of said cross-pieces having a compression roller mounted thereon and adapted to engage the inside of a rail head of an adjacent travel rail.

Abstract: A track switching device for selectively coupling a first track to one of second and third tracks. The switching device comprises a plurality of movable members, one of which has two parallel rails which operate such that when it is moved, the two rails are moved between the outer rails of the second and third tracks so that a selected one of the rails on the movable member is coupled to a selected one of the inner rails of the second and third tracks.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle switch assembly is operatively connected between a single main track and a pair of diverging tracks for selectively diverting a vehicle moving along the main track to one of the diverging tracks. The switch assembly includes first and second track sections having first abutting ends, and second ends respectively connected to the main track and the pair of diverging tracks. The first track section is thus a continuation of the main track, while the second track section is a continuation of the pair of diverging tracks. The abutting ends of the first and second track sections are operatively connected to a moving device which simultaneously moves these ends in opposite directions between two extreme positions, in substantially the same plane, thereby to selectively align the first track section with the tracks of the second track section in order to selectively direct a vehicle on the main track to either of the diverging tracks.

Abstract: Electrically driven railway point operating apparatus having a biasing device whereby, without damage to the operating mechanism the point can be forced open against its closing bias by the wheels of a vehicle. The point operating slide is moved by a lever which in turn is moved by a driving member which is driven in either of opposed directions by a reversible electric motor. The driving member carries a roller which is located in an aperture in the lever, so that relative movement of the lever and the roller is permitted. The roller is returned by the motor to an intermediate position, when a switching operation is complete, so that the lever can move relative to the roller if the point is forced open.

Abstract: A railroad turnout including a switch having runoff plates with stop lugs spaced farther apart than the width of the switch point base so that flexure of the switch points downstream of the heel spread is permitted. Floating heel blocks are affixed to the stock rails at the heel point to maintain the conventional heel spread. A smooth ride through the turnout is further assured by additional switch rods, uniform risers in the switch and guard rails associated with the frog of the turnout.

Abstract: A sorting switch comprises a plurality of channel-shaped pallet support members mounted on drive chains for movement around a course including an upper article sorting portion and a lower return portion. The upper article sorting portion of the course includes parallel article conveying paths, and the pallet support members extend across both article conveying paths. A pallet is slidably supported on each pallet support member and has a switch engaging member depending therefrom. The pallets are arranged in sets, with alternate sets of pallets being normally aligned with opposite article conveying paths. Switching mechanisms are provided for selectively allowing each set of pallets to remain aligned with the article conveying path normal thereto or for diverting the pallets comprising the sets into alignment with the opposite article conveying path.

Abstract: Railway switch for Vignoles rails, comprising a frog tip and wing rails arranged for swivelling movement, each of the wing rails engaging the frog tip in a respective end position and being supported in this position by supporting members resting against the railway sleepers, the movement of the supporting members and the movement of the wing rails being effected in mutual dependence, the supporting members being guided in longitudinal direction of the corresponding wing rails by guide members on the railway sleepers and the supporting members cooperating with abutments protruding from the wing rails and fixed to the web of the wing rails.

Abstract: A switch is disclosed for a railroad transporation system comprising parallel car-supporting rails defining railroad tracks which bifurcate at rail switching station into two branch tracks and rotatable drive shafts which extend along a line between the parallel car-supporting rails and which also bifurcate at the switching station into first and second branch lines. The switch comprises a first car-supportable swing gate rail mounted at the switching station for movement between a position traversing the first branch line and a position aside the first branch line. A second car-supportable swing gate rail is also mounted at the switching station for movement between a position traversing the second branch line and a position aside the second branch line.

Abstract: A suspended railway employs a suspension rail provided with two runway rails upon which respectively ride the first and second traveller wheel sections of a traveller from which a railway car, or the like, is suspended. A railway switch for the suspension rail has a stem section and two branch sections. Each of the two runway rails of the stem section also forms the outer runway rail of a respective one of the two branch sections. Each of the two branch sections furthermore has a respective inner runway rail. The inner runway rails of the two branch sections define together with the outer runway rails a switch gap over which one of the traveller wheel sections crosses unsupported as the traveller crosses the switch gap, so that in crossing the switch gap the traveller exhibits a tendency to tilt in a first direction towards the unsupported side of the traveller.