Patent ID: 6186448
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B61L

Abstract:
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; andfirst 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.