A switch device for moving switch rails. The switch device includes a motor operatively coupled to move the switch rails into and between first and second positions. The motor is configured for electricity to flow therethrough along a first path and a second path. A first path relay has two normally open contacts each within the first path, where activating the first path relay closes the two normally open contacts thereof. A second path relay has two normally open contacts each within the second path, where activating the second path relay closes the two normally open contacts thereof. The motor moves the switch rails towards the first position when the first path relay is activated and the second path relay is deactivated, and the motor moves the switch rails towards the second position when the second path relay is activated and the first path relay is deactivated.

A switch gap detection system is disclosed herein that is configured to monitor a switch installed on a railway, detect a switch gap, and notify a train operator or otherwise take action to prevent a derailment, accident, or other dangerous situation. The switch gap detection system may include one or more switch gap sensors installed on or adjacent to a rail at a location proximate to a switch. The one or more switch gap sensors may be configured to determine a status of the switching points on the switch (e.g., open, closed, or switch gap detected). If the one or more switch gap sensors detect a switch gap, a notification may be provided to a train operator, for example, in the form of an audible and/or visual alert. In some embodiments, a signal may also be sent to automatically stop the train to prevent a derailment.

A switching apparatus comprising a point detector connecting rod connected at one end to a switch machine and to at least one point at the opposite end. The point detector connecting rod is attached to the point via an angled block that permits a sliding motion relative to the point.

A switching apparatus comprising a point detector connecting rod connected at one end to a switch machine and to at least one point at the opposite end. The point detector connecting rod is attached to the point via an angled block that permits a sliding motion relative to the point.

A railroad switch circuit controller assembly includes a switch frame configured to be mounted to a stock rail, and a switch controller held by the switch frame. The switch controller includes at least one switching mechanism. The switch controller includes a point detection rod operatively connected to the at least one switching mechanism. The point detection rod extends a length from a proximate end portion to a distal end portion. The proximate end portion of the point detection rod is located closer to the stock rail as compared to the distal end portion when the switch frame is mounted to the stock rail. The railroad switch circuit controller assembly also includes a switch foot configured to be mounted to a switch rail, and an external rod operatively connected between the switch foot and the point detection rod of the switch controller such that the external rod is configured to translate linear movement of the switch foot toward and away from the stock rail to the point detection rod. The external rod is connected to the proximate end portion of the point detection rod.

This invention relates generally to a device which utilizes a solar powered Internet of Things (IoT) technology to remotely monitor the position of railroad switches and derails and send updates by cellular signal to a database via a cloud platform. This new and novel technology allows for cost effective remote monitoring of railroad switch points and derails in dark territory without the need for wayside power or radio communication equipment. The device is also capable of being integrated with dispatch CAD (computer automated dispatch), wayside signalization, positive train control devices, automatic alert generations, active warning devices, crossing gates, as well as power assisted railroad switches.

A railway switching machine includes a housing, a first point detector bar slidably coupled to the housing and structured to be directly coupled to a first switch point, and a second point detector bar slidably coupled to the housing and structured to be directly coupled to a second switch point.

An energy supply device for a switch machine is configured to be fed a direct voltage and to provide an alternating voltage suitable for the switch machine. Accordingly, in order to be able to produce a railway switch more economically, the energy supply device is configured to control the switch machine.

The present disclosure includes a portable rail safety system configured to determine a position of a rail switch. The rail safety system may include a rail switch detector, one or more rail switch beacons, a work block marker, a personal alert device, a collision avoidance system or combination thereof. In some aspects rail switch detector includes a first detector configured to be positioned between switch rails of a rail track and having a body, a first sensor coupled to the body and configured to detect a first switch rail tip of the switch rails, and a controller configured to calculate a first distance between the first sensor and the first switch rail tip and based on the first distance, determine a position of the switch rails between a first position and a second position.

A switch for a point machine, point machine having said switch, and a method for operating said point machine. The switch opening and closing a circuit providing current to the motor of the point machine. The switch having an elastic element, such as a spring, to create snap-action to open and close the circuit. Operation of the motor compressing the spring to open the circuit and cut-off power to the motor when the point machine has completed movement of a point.