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 manually-operable railroad switch stand for causing movement of railroad switch points between two extreme operating positions is provided with a crank assembly that is connected to the switch stand input shaft for joint rotation and that has a pair of parallel and substantially laterally spaced-apart handle pull-push segments which are each of sufficient length to alternatively accommodate an operator's hand or an operator's foot and which each may be selectively hand-grasped or foot-engaged by the switch stand operator without having to significantly bend his/her spinal column at the waist when manually causing movement of the switch points between the switch extreme operating positions thus avoiding possible costly operator spinal injury.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching a railroad car wheel from a first rail to a second rail including a base and a ramp member. The ramp member is hingedly connected to the base. The ramp member extends from the first rail to the second rail. The ramp member has a first angled portion at one end and a second angled portion at another end. The ramp member has a generally flat surface between the angled portions and has a thickness of greater than one and one-half inches. A frame extends upwardly from the base so as to support a hinge. The hinge extends in parallel relation to the base and to the ramp member. The ramp member is connected to the hinge by a plurality of struts. A lever-receiving receptacle is fastened to one of the struts so as to move in relation to the movement of the ramp member.

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.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a railroad-highway crossing gate and signal arrangement having an elongated aluminum gate arm movable between a vertical clear position and a horizontal traffic blocking position. The elongated aluminum gate arm is attached by a breakaway connector to a gate arm bracket which is connected to one end of a pair of gate arm support members. A pair of adjustable counterweights are securely attached to the other end of the gate arm support members. A power operating mechanism including a permanent magnet d.c. motor and a gear train rotatably drives an output shaft which has its respective ends attached to the pair of gate arm support members for moving the aluminum gate arm between its horizontal and vertical positions. The d.c.

Abstract: A railroad safety and warning arrangement characterized by a single foot pedal which initiates the consecutive operation of a locomotive bell and both the locomotive bell and a locomotive whistle. The operation of the preceding alarms are discontinued by means of a release mechanism which selectively disengages a notched control arm from a side edge of the foot pedal.