Tool for measuring force needed to operate railroad track switches
US5452617A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L5/0042
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tool measures the force required to move the handle of a railroad track switch between first and second positions that open and close the switch. The tool includes (1) an elongate tool handle; (2) a clamp for clamping the tool handle to the end of the switch handle so the longitudinal axis of the tool handle is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the switch handle and so the tool handle extends a predetermined distance from the switch handle; (3) a grip mounted on the tool handle a fixed distance from the end of the switch handle; and (4) a gauge mounted on the tool handle between the grip and the clamp to measure the maximum force exerted to throw the switch. Another embodiment provides a clamp which fits on standard torque wrenches and mounts on the handle of a railroad track switch to permit the measuring of the force required to open and close the railroad track switch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.