Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation

Other

Michael Wyatt

Joseph William Burge

Bryant James Deakins

Michael John Caelwaerts

Level

A tool, such as a level, including one or more polymer/plastic body segment, protective cover and/or seal is provided. The covers discussed herein may limit or prevent dirt or construction materials, such as concrete, from entering into the level body. The cover may also be a non-stick material, such as a polymer outer sleeve, that limits the ability of dirt and construction material to adhere to the level. The level may also include scratch resistant vial windows.

Level with metal frame supporting protective outer body

A level including a rotating level vial is provided. The level includes a locking mechanism that utilizes an actuator that engages a brake to lock the rotating vial into the desired position. The locking mechanism may include a spring element that is compressed by the actuator during locking, and the spring element in turn pushes against the brake facilitating control of the normal force that the brake applies to the vial surround of the rotating vial. The rotating level vial may engage the level body such that the rotating level vial is permitted to rotate 360 degrees in both the clockwise and counter clockwise directions.

Level with rotating vial and locking assembly

An apparatus is provided for moving railroad switch points from side-to-side using a hydraulic power source operated using a DC electrical power source preferably in combination with a solar energy charging system. The apparatus has a hydraulic cylinder with a piston operatively connected to the switch points to move the switch points from side-to-side. The hydraulic power source is in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder. A valve for controlling the direction of the movement of the switch points by altering the direction of flow of hydraulic fluid is positioned in fluid communication between the hydraulic power source and the hydraulic cylinder. Preferably, the hydraulic power source is a hydraulic pump operated by a DC electric motor drawing power from a battery. The electrical charge of the battery is preferably replenished or supplemented by use of the solar energy charging system. The solar energy system has at least one solar panel electrically connected to a battery charge regulator which in turn is electrically connected to the battery. The piston and connecting rod are operatively attached to a pivot shaft such that movement of the operating rod along its axis causes a rotation of the main pivot shaft, which translates to movement of the connecting rod along its axis to effect switching of the switch points. A biasing spring is also connected to the pivot shaft to assist in the retraction or extension of the connecting rod and locking it in the extended or retracted position.

Hydraulic switch stand

The present invention relates to a hydraulic apparatus for moving railroad switch points from side-to-side. The apparatus has a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to the switch points to move the switch points from side-to-side in fluid communication with a power source. The direction of the movement of the switch points is controlled by a valve positioned in fluid communication between the power source and the hydraulic cylinder. The direction of movement of the hydraulic cylinder and, consequently the switch points, is determined by the direction the valve is moved. In another aspect, the present invention has a hydraulic rail pump in fluid communication with the accumulator for storing hydraulic power generated by the rail pump activated by the wheels of passing trains, and a safety reservoir in fluid communication with the accumulator for storing hydraulic power beyond the capacity of the accumulator.

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Waukesha, WI, United States of America

Michael Wyatt