The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 07, 1998
Filed:
Jan. 31, 1997
Michael L Wyatt, Paducah, KY (US);
Other;
Abstract
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.