# US 10,370,013 B2 · System and method for identifying point detection calibration prior to point detector lock-out and switch machine failure

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- Number: US 10,370,013 B2
- Document ID: US10370013B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/421,086
- Filed: 2017-01-31
- Published: 2017-05-18
- Granted: 2019-08-06
- Earliest claimed: 2013-07-24
- Assignees: Hitachi Rail Sts USA, Inc.
- Applicants: Ansaldo Sts USA, Inc.
- Inventors: Peter J. Mariuzza, Jr.; Kevin McQuistian; Sean Dowhy
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10370013B2

## CPC

- B61L 5/107: {electrical control of points position}
- G01M 99/00: Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- G01M 99/008: {by doing functionality tests}
- B61L 27/53: for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
- B61L: GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC (brakes or auxiliary equipment B61H, B61K; point or crossing construction E01B)
- G01M: TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

## Abstract

A detection and indication system for use in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position. The system includes a mounting structure structured to be coupled to a housing of the switch machine and a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure. The first sensing device is positioned and structured to detect movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of providing early detection of point failure in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more primary roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a first predetermined distance from an initial position, the method comprising:
positioning a first sensing device adjacent the point detector bar such that the first sensing device, independent of movement of the one or more primary roller members, produces a signal upon movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting that the point detector bar has moved at least the second predetermined distance via the first sensing device and responsive to said detecting, transmitting a signal from the switch machine.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein transmitting a signal from the switch machine comprises wirelessly transmitting the signal.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The method of claim 3, wherein the signal is transmitted via a cellular transmission.

### Claim 5

A method of providing early detection of point failure in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more primary roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a first predetermined distance from an initial position, the method comprising:
positioning a first sensing device adjacent the point detector bar such that the first sensing device produces a signal upon movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance, and wherein the first sensing device comprises a secondary roller member and wherein positioning the first sensing device comprises engaging the secondary roller member with the point detector bar.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein the first sensing device further comprises a micro-switch which physically engages the secondary roller member.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6, wherein the micro-switch is adjustably coupled to the mounting structure.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, wherein the micro-switch is adjustably coupled to the mounting structure via a slot.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8, wherein the mounting structure comprises indicia provided thereon for assisting in locating the secondary roller member with regard to the roller member of the switch machine.