Patent ID: 7946538
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: B61L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for bracing a railroad switch point comprising: an environmentally resilient case; a lock spring assembly system comprising a pivot block having a hole receiving a first clevis pin that secures a first clevis to the pivot block, while allowing the first clevis to swivel in a horizontal motion, the lock spring assembly system also comprising a first mounting bar secured to the case and the pivot block, and a second mounting bar secured to the case and the pivot block on an opposite side of a lock spring; coupled between the first clevis and a second clevis is the lock spring; a spindle assembly system coupled to the second clevis by a second clevis pin, the spindles assembly system comprising a spindle shaft, an operating lever located above a base plate, the operating lever coupled to a spindle shaft to move in a simultaneous motion with and aligned with a point lever which is coupled to the end of the spindle shaft opposite the operating lever, the point lever being coupled to a clevis for securing a railroad switch, the spindle shaft is mated to the case with at least one bearing housing about the spindle shaft; a point detection system, comprising a sensor mounting bracket attached to the case, and a first proximity sensor secured to the mounting bracket at a first position and a second proximity sensor secured to the mounting bracket at a second position, each proximity sensor being electrically coupled to an electrical terminal block, the electrical terminal block also being electrically coupleable to a railroad switch machine; the proximity sensors are positioned above the spindle shaft; a proximity sensor target secured to the second clevis.