Aaa Sales + Engineering, Inc.

Precision Rail and Mfg., Inc.

James D Braatz

Lowell B Ziese

William D Straub

Richard C Bohme

Thomas J Heyden

Donald Christopher Noll

Richard E Futter, Jr

David Dworschack

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.

Switch devices and methods for moving switch rails

A universal retarder system for slowing a railcar on rails. The system includes a lever arm configured to be pivotable within a vertical plane, where the lever arm is configured to support a brake shoe. An engagement device is coupled to the lever arm and configured to pivot the brake shoe towards one of the rails. A disengagement device is coupled to the lever arm and configured to pivot the brake shoe away from the one of the rails. The lever arm, engagement device, and disengagement device are each positioned between the rails. Pivoting the brake shoe towards the one of the rails is configured to force the brake shoe into engagement with the railcar to slow the railcar.

Universal retarder system for railway cars

A cartridge assembly for a railroad retarder control system. The cartridge assembly includes a body having a top and a valve base and defining a bore. The bore has first and second bore diameters, and the body defines pilot air passages, an upper air passage, and a lower air passage. A traveling member is positioned within the bore and has first and second traveling diameters corresponding to the first and second bore diameters of the body, respectively. The traveling member is axially moveable within the bore between open and closed positions via pressure differentials within the pilot air passages. The traveling member is closer to the top of the body in the open position than in the closed position. The traveling member has a base seal configured to engage with the valve base in the closed position to prevent air from flowing between the upper and lower air passages.

Systems and methods for making a modular railroad retarder control system

The present invention pertains to an electro-pneumatic retarder control (EPRC) valve for a pneumatic retarder that controls the speed of railroad cars in a marshaling yard. The EPRC valve has a housing that generally encloses and protects its various components. The housing has a lid that can be opened to gain access to a control panel mounted on an interior door. The control panel includes a display, keyboard and programmable logic controller or PLC module that can be adjusted to set the desired pressure levels of the retarder. The EPRC valve has a modular pressure control assembly that includes an intake and exhaust manifold, a retarder supply and return manifold and several interchangeable control lines formed by like-shaped control valves and components. A pilot air control assembly enables the PLC module to selectively open and close the control valves and lines to deliver or release pressurized air to the retarder.

Pneumatic retarder acutator valve

A hydraulic control and operating system is provided for a railroad car retarder to control the movement of railroad cars in railroad classification yard. The system utilizes a double-acting hydraulic cylinder to operate the retarder mechanism and includes a hydraulic control circuit that provides protection against pressure spikes and high pressure excursions, high and low temperature excursions, low oil levels and oil filter fouling. The above system not only shuts itself down to prevent damage, but provides a warning to maintenance staff that service should be performed long before a need for system shut-down is required. The system includes a central operating panel in the rail yard control center, remote control panel located at the position of the retarder and the system can be connected for operation from a completely remote location.

Hydraulic control and operation system for a railroad car retarder

An improved cylinder head for a railroad track switch operator includes totally self-contained electronics and pneumatics for easy and direct replacement of a cylinder head on a prior art switch operator. The improved cylinder head has enhanced porting to improve air flow and speed of operation, a voltage control module permitting the unit to operate with either 24 volt or 12 volt line power, and recessed portions for covering or enclosing delicate and/or sensitive components for maximized protection in harsh outdoor installations.

Growing community of inventors

Greenfield, WI, United States of America

James D Braatz