US 6,186,448 B1 · Captivity point detection system with single switch position target

Abstract

A point detection system is provided for use in a typical switch machine with a typical indication system, wherein a point detector bar is slidably captivated within a point detector sleeve, and wherein a target that is integrally engaged with the point detector bar is sensed by at least one sensing device, thereby to detect movement of the point detector bar. The point detector sleeve is supported by a track side bearing affixed to a track side wall of the switch machine, and by a field side bearing affixed to an opposing wall of the switch machine. The point detector bar extends outside the switch machine from only the track side bearing, thereby eliminating the bearings and the pinch point between the hand throw lever and the two piece point detector bar that otherwise extended from the related art switch machine. The sensing device may be mounted upon a slide mechanism to adjust the sensing device relative to the target. Use of the sensing device eliminates the need for cams to monitor in order to detect movement of the point detector bar, as well as eliminates moving parts between the cams and the mechanical linkages. Further, at least one other sensing device detects a normal and reverse locked position of a lock bar assembly and lock box of the switch machine.

Claims33

Dependent claims

A point detection system for a railway switch machine, said railway switch machine having a housing defining a first side wall and an opposing second side wall, and a slide bar positionable in a normal locked position and a reverse locked position, wherein said point detection system comprises:

a point detector bar with a first end and a second end and positionable in a normal position and a reverse position;
an indication system;
a support sleeve, affixed within the housing to the first side wall and the opposing second side wall, for receiving and slidably supporting the first end of the point detector bar therewithin;
an orifice defined in the first side wall of the housing, through which the support sleeve is supported by the first side wall, such that the first end of the point detector bar is slidably captivated within said support sleeve within the housing and the second end of the point detector bar is positioned outside of the housing;
a point detector target integrally engaged with the first end of the point detector bar within the housing;
and
first point detecting means, coupled to the indication system, for detecting said point detector target when the point detector bar is positioned in the normal position, wherein said first point detecting means generates a normal point detection signal that is transmitted to the indication system when said first point detecting means detects said point detector target.

4 more elements

A point detection system for a railway switch machine, said railway switch machine defining a housing with a first side wall and an opposing second side wall, wherein said point detection system comprises:

a point detector bar with a first and second end, positionable in a normal point position and a reverse point position;
a slide bar cooperatively engaged within the housing with locking means for locking movement of the switch machine, said slide bar being lockable in a normal locked position and a reverse locked position;
a support sleeve affixed within the housing to the first side wall and to the opposing second side wall, for receiving and slidably supporting said first end of the point detector bar therewithin;
an orifice defined in the first side wall of the housing, through which said support sleeve is supported by the first side wall, such that said first end of said point detector bar is slidably captivated within said support sleeve within the housing and said second end of said point detector bar is positioned outside of the housing;
a point detector target integrally engaged with said first end of said point detector bar within the housing;
a lock box integrally engaged with said slide bar within the housing;
first point detecting means for detecting said point detector target when said point detector bar is positioned in said normal point position, wherein said first point detecting means generates a normal point detection signal when said point detector target is detected in said normal point position;
and
first lock detecting means for detecting said lock box when said slide bar is locked in said normal locked position, wherein said first lock detecting means generates a normal lock detection signal when said first lock detecting means detects said lock box.

6 more elements

a point detector bar with a first and second end, positionable in a normal point position and a reverse point position;
captivating means affixed to and within the housing, for slidably captivating and retaining said first end of said point detector bar within said captivating means while said second end of said point detector bar is positioned outside of the housing, said captivating means comprising:
a support sleeve affixed within the housing to the first side wall and to the opposing second side wall, for receiving and slidably supporting said first end of the point detector bar therewithin, and
an orifice defined in the first side wall of the housing, through which said support sleeve is supported by the first side wall;
and
point detecting means for detecting said point detector bar in said normal point position and in said reverse position, wherein said point detecting means generates a normal point detection signal after detecting said point detector bar in said normal point position and said point detecting means generates a reverse point detection signal after detecting said point detector bar in said reverse point position.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Captivity point detection system with single switch position target

Life of this patent

Captivity point detection system with single switch position target

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims33