Abstract: Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for controlling remote equipment in a network. A switch heater control system includes a weather modeling function. The system periodically obtains weather data according to a predetermined time interval. Based on the closest weather data set, the weather modeling function generates a hyperlocal forecast associated with each switch heater location. The system includes an active snowfall mode and a maintenance mode that controls heating based on an estimate of local snow depth, adjusted for wind conditions and passing trains. When the hyperlocal forecast indicates heating is required, the system calculates a melt duration, starts a timer, and transmits a start signal to the switch heater.

Abstract: A method for detecting whether a point rail is attached to a stock rail is disclosed. The method is performed by using a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. Each of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor is configured to detect whether the point rail is attached to the corresponding one of the pair of stock rails, convert a pressure signal between the point rail and the stock rails into a voltage signal, and transmit the voltage signal to a signal processor. The signal processor is configured to process and transmit the processed voltage signal to a monitoring center having a host computer. The host computer is configured to control an operation of a switch in response to the detected pressure value collected by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor by using a PID control algorithm.

Abstract: A rail heating head includes a vented enclosure and an induction coil. The induction coil is positioned within the vented enclosure. When in use, the vented enclosure is positioned adjacent a lateral portion of a train track rail. To be positioned adjacent to the head, the web, and the foot of the train track rail, a rail-bracing wall of the vented enclosure has a convex exterior surface and a concave interior surface. The induction coil has an oblong, concave shape and is pressed against the concave interior surface. Thus, the induction coil can induce eddy current magnetic fields in the head, the web, and the foot maximizing surface area. The larger surface area results in molecules in a large area being activated and leads to more heat. An eddy current deflecting magnetic shield further directs magnetic fields towards the train track rail.

Abstract: A heating torch (10) for burning a mixture of fuel and air. The heating torch (10) includes a fuel inlet port (12) for supplying fuel from a fuel source to an air entrainment chamber (14). The air entrainment chamber (14) includes at least one air inlet (22) for supplying air from the atmosphere to the air entrainment chamber (14). The air entrainment chamber 14 includes an outlet (26) for discharging from the air entrainment chamber (14) a mixture of fuel and air in a flow path extending from the outlet (26). The heating torch (10) also includes a combustion chamber (28) provided in the flow path A and spaced from the outlet (26). The combustion chamber (28) has an open end (30) facing in a generally downstream direction away from the outlet (26). The combustion chamber (28) includes at least one side opening (36) extending along a side of the combustion chamber (28).

Abstract: A superstructure device (10) for a set of points having a switch support which is composed of a block of high-strength steel and which has stock and short point rails which delimit said switch support and are formed integrally from the block, wherein the block is connected to a lower part composed of a material other than the high-strength steel, such as mild steel, and is in particular connected in a materially joined fashion, wherein the block extends essentially over the entire length of a switch rail device as the superstructure device on both sides beyond the switch support, and the lower part is a means of supporting the block in the form of at least two supports which are spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a component for a railway snow melter. The component includes a mounting plate adapted for connection to a tie duct. The mounting plate defines a point nozzle opening and/or a track duct nozzle. A point nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the point nozzle opening. A track duct nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the track duct nozzle opening.

Abstract: A railway track barrier system that includes a barrier extending along a rail adjacent a switch having an upper edge adjacent a rail head disposed within a wash zone thereof formed of deflector elements movable relative to one another permitting railway vehicle wheel and wash contact during train passage without barrier dislodgement or damage. The barrier is formed of a deflector acutely inclined toward the head and a downwardly extending skirt that conforms to uneven railway bed and tie surfaces. A preferred barrier is formed of oppositely extending brushes removably attached to a mounting bracket. The bracket can be attached to a hinge assembly that releasably latches the barrier in an operating position and that can be unlatched permitting the barrier to be swung away from the rail to an inspection position. A hinge pin with a manually graspable handle can be removed to detach the barrier for storage.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an input size of a wheel of a vehicle, determining a derived speed of the vehicle that is based on the input size of the wheel, determining a reference speed of the vehicle as the vehicle moves, comparing the derived speed with the reference speed of the vehicle, and identifying an error in the input size of the wheel based on a difference between the derived speed and the reference speed. A system includes a control unit configured to determine a derived speed of a vehicle that is based on an input size of the wheel and a reference speed of the vehicle as the vehicle moves. The control unit compares the derived speed with the reference speed of the vehicle in order to identify an error in the input size of the wheel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a track switch cover system and method. The system and method allows for easy installation and removal of track switch covers as well as quick and easy access to the switch mechanism shrouded by the covers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a component for a railway snow melter. The component includes a mounting plate adapted for connection to a tie duct. The mounting plate defines a point nozzle opening and/or a track duct nozzle. A point nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the point nozzle opening. A track duct nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the track duct nozzle opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a component for a railway snow melter. The component includes a mounting plate adapted for connection to a tie duct. The mounting plate defines a point nozzle opening and/or a track duct nozzle. A point nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the point nozzle opening. A track duct nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the track duct nozzle opening.

Abstract: An electrical load balanced heating system and method. The load balanced heating system and method is configured to facilitate smooth electrical operation as well as energy savings. The system is configured to group the heating elements based on load characteristics of the heating elements and turn the groups on and off sequentially in a matter that promote efficient and smooth operations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a component for a railway snow melter. The component includes a mounting plate adapted for connection to a tie duct. The mounting plate defines a point nozzle opening and/or a track duct nozzle. A point nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the point nozzle opening. A track duct nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the track duct nozzle opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a component for a railway snow melter. The component includes a mounting plate adapted for connection to a tie duct. The mounting plate defines a point nozzle opening and/or a track duct nozzle. A point nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the point nozzle opening. A track duct nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the track duct nozzle opening.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively attaching components to railroad track rails. More specifically, a connector is provided that can quickly and effectively electrically connect one or more signal lines with a surface of the track rail. In one embodiment, the non-invasive connector utilizes a spring clamp to form an electrical connection with a flange portion of the track rail. First and second opposing members of the spring clamp include teeth that mar the surface of the flange to form an electrical connection between the track rail and the spring clamp when the flange is forced between these opposing members. A signal line is electrically connected to the spring clamp.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively attaching components to railroad track rails. More specifically, a connector is provided that can quickly and effectively electrically connect one or more signal lines with a surface of the track rail. In one embodiment, the non-invasive connector utilizes a spring clamp to form an electrical connection with a flange portion of the track rail. First and second opposing members of the spring clamp include teeth that mar the surface of the flange to form an electrical connection between the track rail and the spring clamp when the flange is forced between these opposing members. A signal line is electrically connected to the spring clamp.

Abstract: A railway track barrier system that includes a barrier extending along a rail adjacent a switch having an upper edge adjacent a rail head disposed within a wash zone thereof formed of deflector elements movable relative to one another permitting railway vehicle wheel and wash contact during train passage without barrier dislodgement or damage. The barrier is formed of a deflector acutely inclined toward the head and a downwardly extending skirt that conforms to uneven railway bed and tie surfaces. A preferred barrier is formed of oppositely extending brushes removably attached to a mounting bracket. The bracket can be attached to a hinge assembly that releasably latches the barrier in an operating position and that can be unlatched permitting the barrier to be swung away from the rail to an inspection position. A hinge pin with a manually graspable handle can be removed to detach the barrier for storage.

Abstract: A heating system for railroad switches or other movable railroad structures that substantially eliminates protruding heater elements that may be damaged. The heater elements may cast into, enclosed within or received within recesses of a tie (including a metal or concrete tie), rail or other component. In one implementation, inductive heating is used to directly heat the rail, tie or other structure.

Abstract: A high efficiency, direct conduction track switch heater (24) and associated spring clamp (70) are disclosed. The heater (24) includes a generally blade-shaped jacket (30) dimensioned for mounting on the gauge side 26 of a fixed rail (16) at the track switch interface. The jacket dimensions reduce the likelihood of impact damage due to track switching while providing an enlarged heat transfer surface (66). The spring clamp (70) presses the heater (24) tightly against the rail (16) while accommodating normal thermal expansions and providing a narrow profile for the overall heater and clamp assembly.

Abstract: An sir blowing system for use in deeping railroad track switches clear of snow utilizes flexible tubes, preferebly of rubber or plastic, located transversely beneath the main tracks, and connecting with resilient nozzles to direct a high flow of air in the direction of the track switch points. The system may include resilient ducts conveying air in protective relation with the switch control rods, extending laterally beneath the track. The rod protective air discharge may be by way of a louvered cross-tube, extending parallel with the rods, to discharge air laterally of the rods, or one or more nozzles discharging air longitudinally of hte rods.

Abstract: A heating cable assembly includes a connector having a sleeve, and a heat-absorbing electrically conductive core member within said sleeve. The assembly also includes a heating cable having an electrical resistance heating wire extending from said core member out a first end of the sleeve, and a water-proof, heat conductive, spirally fluted tube encasing said heating cable. According to one embodiment, the connector further includes an electrically conductive expansion joint extending from said core member opposite said heating wire. According to an additional embodiment, the assembly includes a weld connecting said spirally fluted tube to said first end of said sleeve.

Abstract: An installation for melting of snow or ice, e.g. at roof downpipes on flat roofs, in gutters and the like, comprising a heating means (11), a temperature sensor means (4,6) and a control unit (1) for connecting and disconnecting the heating means (11) in dependence on sensed temperature. The temperature sensor means comprises a first temperature sensor (4) for sensing the surface temperature at the place of snow or ice melting, and a second temperature sensor (6) for sensing the air temperature at the topical place.

Abstract: A high efficiency, direct conduction track switch heater (24) and associated spring clamp (70) are disclosed. The heater (24) includes a generally blade-shaped jacket (30) dimensioned for mounting on the gauge side 26 of a fixed rail (16) at the track switch interface. The jacket dimensions reduce the likelihood of impact damage due to track switching while providing an enlarged heat transfer surface (66). The spring clamp (70) presses the heater (24) tightly against the rail (16) while accommodating normal thermal expansions and providing a narrow profile for the overall heater and clamp assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful apparatus for use in a railway switch heating assembly. The apparatus includes a hollow structural member adapted to replace a conventional railway tie and adapted to be connected to a source of heated air, and a mechanism for discharging the heated air from the hollow member to desired locations along the assembly.

Abstract: A snow-melting apparatus of an electromagnetic induction heating type, comprises: a high frequency power source; a pair of conductive cables wound in at least one turn around a segment of each rail and through through-holes which are formed through side walls of the rail, the segment of the rail being defined between two through-holes; and a lead wire interconnecting the power source and the conductive cable, for supplying current from the power source to the conductive cable, thereby heating the rail by the flow of electromagnetic ally induced current in the rail segment.

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: The process for on-track neutralization of the rails of a railway consists in causing to move past continuously along the rails (R2) at least one heating element (12), measuring continuously the value of the temperature of the rails before heating, measuring the value of the speed of movement past of the heating elements in relation to the rails, measuring the value of the change in the temperature of the rails after heating until the moment of their on-track fixing and controlling the heating of the heating elements (12) as a function of the said values.

Abstract: A latch mechanism to secure a switch cover panel to a railroad track switch to cover the switch to avoid accumulations of ice and snow that would impede operation of the switch. An anchor bar is positioned beneath the housing of the cover panel. A linkage has a hook at a lower end that engages the anchor bar. The upper end of the linkage is connected to an over-center cam mechanism. A cam member is pivotally connected to a hinge plate secured to the upper surface of the switch cover panel housing. The upper end of the linkage is eccentrically connected to the cam member. A lever rotates the cam member on the hinge plate. Rotation of the cam member moves the upper end of the linkage from a relatively low position to a relatively elevated position to lift the hook for engagement with the anchor bar. Opposite rotation of the cam member releases the hook from the anchor bar.

Abstract: A rail heating system is provided for heating railroad components such as railroad switch areas and electrified third rails. The heating system includes a side heater having a heating pad that has a flexible contact surface. A clip arrangement such as a spring steel clip is provided for securing the heating pads to the stock rail and pressing the contact surface into engagement with the rail. The contact surface of the heating pad is forced to conform to the shape of the contacted portion of the rail. Ground pan heaters may be used to keep areas of the switch that are not suitable for attachment by the side heaters, such as the switch rod, free from ice and snow.

Abstract: A system for use with a rail for carrying a moving conveyance, the rail having a web portion, a base portion and an increased width top portion, the system serving to heat the rail top portion to decrease the accumulation of snow and ice thereon, including studs secured to the rail web portion, such as by spot welding, at spaced intervals along the length of the rail, a series of elongated carrier members each defined in cross-section normal the length thereof by an upper trough forming portion and a lower clamping portion, the clamping portion having openings spaced along the length thereof in register with and arranged to receive the studs affixed to the rail web portion and being positionable in a first position wherein the trough forming portion is exposed to receive a heating cable therein and in a second position wherein the heating cable is in close proximity to the top rail portion whereby heat supplied by the cable is readily transmitted to the rail top portion.

Abstract: A railroad switch, snow deflecting apparatus is described in which air is fed through conduits to primary nozzles for directing air along the rails and towards the switch points to a position adjacent the apex of the switch. Secondary nozzles are spaced from the primary nozzles and behind the switch points so as to direct air along and between movable rails of the railway switch, and in the same direction as air from the primary nozzles to maintain the railway switch operationally free of snow.

Abstract: A control switch system for a railway switch heater with an environment probe near the switch and controlling switching on and off of the switch heater in a predetermined mode.

Abstract: In a method of preventing snow from bedding into railway switches, air is blown into the area between the stock rail and the movable rail in a switch, and substantially horizontally in a direction obliquely outwards towards the open end between the stock rail and the movable rail. An apparatus for carrying out this includes a blower assembly (8) between the rails in a railway switch, the assembly being supplied by a fan unit (20) and adapted to provide a substantially horizontal air discharge directed obliquely outwards towards the open end between the stock rail and the movable rail in their separated positions.

Abstract: A heat retaining and snow deflecting cover assembly for railroad track switches is made up of panels that prevent snow and ice from building up in the regions where the switching rails must move. An inner panel assembly is mounted between the switching rails near the entry point of the track switch. Outer panels are secured along the outer sides of the main tracks. The panels also retain heat generated by conventional heaters. Deflecting panels are secured at both ends of the inner panel assembly to guide snow inwardly to the center of the track and away from the switching rails. The cover assembly is easily installed for winter use and removed when no snow is present.

Abstract: Heating apparatus is described that is particularly adapted for thawing frozen particulate material in railroad hopper cars. The apparatus is a low profile, fuel-fired heater adapted for installation between rails traversed by the hopper cars within a thawing shed. The construction employs heat-radiating metal plates forming an elongated gas-conducting chamber through which high velocity combustion gases are conducted. The arrangement of plates is such as to enhance the emission of radiant heat to the hopper car bottoms with appropriately positioned heat insulated regions to protect hopper car brake hoses, or the like, from damage caused by overheating.

Abstract: Rail track heaters, comprising metal sheathed electric heaters, adapted to be positioned for heating a third rail or a switch rail. Our invention includes a simple stamping to provide a bracket for holding a cover containing the heater and surrounding insulation in position on the rail, and the same type of bracket made to be used to hold the terminal assembly of the heater in position on the rail. Each of the brackets is firmly held to the rail by a bolt extending transversely of and underneath the rail, the bolt having a hook at one end to hook over an adjoining part of the rail flange at one side of the rail, and having its other end adapted to engage a bracket part at an adjoining portion of the rail flange at the opposite side of the rail.

Abstract: A railroad switch heating system comprises lengths of a pliable insulated electrical resistance heating cable disposed against and along the outer sides of the fixed rails of the switch, with portions of these cable lengths between rail braces overlaid by thermally insulating mats and against the adjacent rail web surfaces, and supplemental heating to prevent ice formation in the crib space of, and excessive heat losses through, a rod interconnecting the displaceable rails near the switch points is provided by a crib heating unit having a sinuously bent length of the cable arranged over a pan-like support of sheet material that fits between and along the ties bordering the crib space beneath the rod therein. The pan-like support becomes heated by conduction and heats substantially the entire crib space by radiation and convection.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic cleaning device for removing particulate material from crevices and channels particularly between component parts of railroad switch mechanisms, is provided which has a heavy duty nozzle including a central port and a pair of outwardly divergent side ports having axes which are coplanar with the axis of the central port for discharging a pressurized stream of air in a generally fan-shaped pattern along a surface to be cleaned when the device is connected to a pressurized air source. The device has an elongated body portion and end portions formed at an angle therewith and parallel to one another, and includes a switch for controlling the flow of air therethrough, a runner to maintain the nozzle at a spaced distance from a surface to be cleaned, and a handle to facilitate manual use of the device.

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: A temperature control system and method for controlling the bus bar temperature of an automated guideway transit system in relation to the ambient dew point temperature. A resistance temperature device detects the temperature of the bus bars, and a dew point cell detects the dew point temperature of the ambient atmosphere. A first transmitter converts the detected bus bar temperature to a first electrical signal, and then amplifies and transmits the first electrical signal. A second transmitter converts the detected dew point temperature to a second electrical signal, and then amplifies and transmits the second electrical signal. A first electronic comparator receives the transmitted signals and detects the magnitude of the difference between the two signals. When the magnitude of the difference between the two signals reaches a set level, an output signal is triggered.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating railroad rails such as those forming a railroad switch to prevent obstruction of the switch by ice and snow includes an elongate, bendable, high temperature heating cable disposed lengthwise against and along a side of the rail web. The cable comprises an electrical resistance heating wire encased in a high temperature resistant electrically insulating material confined inside a thermally conductive deformable metal sheath. An elongate, pliable heat insulating mat is disposed lengthwise against and along a length of the cable and portions of the rail web laterally adjacent thereto to prevent heat losses by convection or radiation from the cable length. An elongate substantially rigid casing member is fitted lengthwise over the mat and bears against the web side to confine the mat in place, and is held tightly in place against the rail web.

Abstract: A heater is provided to supply hot air through apertured distribution ducts at a rate of at least 1300 CFM, a temperature of at least 250.degree. F, and a velocity of at least 3000 FPM so as to clear the entire switch area of ice, snow and water. The parallel, spaced distribution ducts are apertured so as to direct the air not only outwardly toward the rails but also inwardly to clear the central portion of the rail grade. The switch grade is therefore kept dry and the movable rails are free to be shifted when required.

Abstract: The arrangement includes at least one first and at least one second electrode positioned one above the other and spaced from each other in the vertical direction by at least one respective interelectrode gap which can be bridged over by snow, ice and other forms of freezing precipitation to produce an interelectrode gap resistance decrease. A detecting circuit is electrically connected across the electrodes and is operative for detecting the bridging of the interelectrode gap by snow, ice or other forms of freezing precipitation by detecting the interelectrode gap resistance decrease resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A railway track switch is provided with an arrangement for preventing the accumulation on the track switch of snow such as could cause blockage of a moving part of the track switch or other malfunction. The arrangement includes a controllable track switch heating unit operative when activated for heating at least a part of the track switch, and a capacitive snow-detecting unit arranged in proximity to the track switch. The snow-detecting unit detects accumulated snow or ice, and the operation of the track switch heating unit is automatically controlled in dependence upon such detection.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing snow deflecting air curtains for a railway switch comprising one (or two side-by-side) ducts along the center of the railway switch and having nozzle slits for directing snow-deflecting air curtains in opposite directions over each pair of rails consisting of one fixed and one movable rail. The duct internal cross-section tapers so that air passes therealong at a more or less constant velocity from an air blower connected to the conduit. The air curtains issue from the nozzle slits at at least one hundred feet per second and preferably travel along a path which inclines upwardly from the horizontal about 5.degree..

Abstract: An apparatus for heating railroad rails such as those forming a railroad switch to prevent obstruction of the switch by ice and snow includes an elongate, bendable, high temperature heating cable disposed lengthwise against and along a side of the rail web. The cable comprises an electrical resistance heating wire encased in a high temperature resistant electrically insulating material confined inside a thermally conductive deformable metal sheath. An elongate, pliable heat insulating mat is disposed lengthwise against and along a length of the cable and portions of the rail web laterally adjacent thereto to prevent heat losses by convection or radiation from the cable length. An elongate substantially rigid casing member is fitted lengthwise over the mat and bears against the web side to confine the mat in place, and is held tightly in place against the rail web. Current is supplied at high .[.wattage.]. .Iadd.watt density .Iaddend.