The present invention relates to heating device for melting snow and ice from a railway track, wherein the heating device comprises a connection plate (3), a heat element (5) attached to the connection plate, and at least one securing member (7) for securing the connection plate to the track. The securing member (7) is configured to clamp a part of the track between the securing member (7) and the connection plate. An outer portion (8) of the connection plate (3) is bent inwards so that a hook (11) is formed at an end (4a) of the connection plate for receiving a part of the track, and the hook is provided with at least one through hole (16) for receiving the at least one securing member.

An embodiment of a rail switch heating system is disclosed, including a controller comprising a processor and memory, an electrically resistive heating element coupled to the controller, the heating element configured for mounting to and heating a railroad rail, and software stored on the memory for executing the steps of: (a) automatically determining a pulse width modulated (PWM) cycle corresponding to a target energy consumption for cycling the heating element on and off; and (b) cycling the heating element on and off according to the PWM cycle.

An embodiment of a rail switch heating system is disclosed, including a controller comprising a processor and memory, an electrically resistive heating element coupled to the controller, the heating element configured for mounting to and heating a railroad rail, and software stored on the memory for executing the steps of: (a) automatically determining a pulse width modulated (PWM) cycle corresponding to a target energy consumption for cycling the heating element on and off; and (b) cycling the heating element on and off according to the PWM cycle.

A magnetic railroad clip is able to stay engaged to the rails of a railroad track as a train passes over the rails. The magnetic railroad clip includes a base plate, a first brace, a second brace, and at least one magnet. The base plate is used to brace the underside of a rail of a railroad track. The first brace and the second brace allow the magnetic railroad clip to be pressed against the sides of the rail. The second brace further allows a heating device such as, but not limited to, a hot switch induction head to be mounted to the rail. The at least one magnet provides a magnetic fulcrum effect that prevents the first brace from dropping below the underside of the rail. Thus, the magnetic railroad clip can stay engaged and/or pull tighter to the railroad track rail as a train passes over the rail.

A magnetic railroad clip is able to stay engaged to the rails of a railroad track as a train passes over the rails. The magnetic railroad clip includes a base plate, a first brace, a second brace, and at least one magnet. The base plate is used to brace the underside of a rail of a railroad track. The first brace and the second brace allow the magnetic railroad clip to be pressed against the sides of the rail. The second brace further allows a heating device such as, but not limited to, a hot switch induction head to be mounted to the rail. The at least one magnet provides a magnetic fulcrum effect that prevents the first brace from dropping below the underside of the rail. Thus, the magnetic railroad clip can stay engaged and/or pull tighter to the railroad track rail as a train passes over the rail.

A system for remotely controlling third rail ribbon heaters is provided for preventing the accumulation of ice and snow on the rails. The system includes a plurality of switching assemblies that control a flow of electric current from the third rail of a railway to ribbon heaters mounted on the third rail. A remotely located digital controller provides switching commands to the switching assemblies via a radio link. The switching assemblies include current and voltage sensors that continuously provide current and voltage information that allows the digital controller to accurately predict when a heater failure condition is likely to occur so that ribbon heaters may be preemptively and safely replaced before failure. Each of the switching assemblies is contained in a junction box that includes both a door panel and a safety switch that disconnects the switching assembly from third rail current when the door panel is opened for improved safety.

A system for remotely controlling third rail ribbon heaters is provided for preventing the accumulation of ice and snow on the rails. The system includes a plurality of switching assemblies that control a flow of electric current from the third rail of a railway to ribbon heaters mounted on the third rail. A remotely located digital controller provides switching commands to the switching assemblies via a radio link. The switching assemblies include current and voltage sensors that continuously provide current and voltage information that allows the digital controller to accurately predict when a heater failure condition is likely to occur so that ribbon heaters may be preemptively and safely replaced before failure. Each of the switching assemblies is contained in a junction box that includes both a door panel and a safety switch that disconnects the switching assembly from third rail current when the door panel is opened for improved safety.

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.

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.

An induction coil driver card for a railroad switch consists of a main power supply, a control unit, at least one induction heating unit, and an interface driver. The main power supply is electrically connected to the at least one induction heating unit that is used to generate eddy current fields. The generated eddy current field excites the atoms within the railroad switch resulting in elevated temperatures. The power input to the induction heating unit is managed via the control unit. The interface driver allows the user to control the frequency ranges received by the induction heating unit by utilizing the control unit. The interface driver also allows the user to have remote access via a wireless cellular modem.