US2054759A - Switch stand - Google Patents

Description

Sept. '15, 1936.

w. s. NEWHALL SWITCH STAND Filed March 20, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Mum/ NEW/1AM ATTORNEYS Sept. 15, 1936. w. s. NEWHALL SWITCH STAND] Filed March 20, 1936 a Sheet-Shet 2 v T "X j /& 4 '6 1 2 65 as 1 7 Z7 Q 3,2 7 %1 2 3 INVENTOR. 1714. 5 ML TR5 Nf-IWHALL BY I V fi WM ATToRNEYs Sept. 15, 1936. w, S NEWHALL 2,054,759

SWITCH STAND Filed March 20, 1936 v 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 4 11 INVENTOR.

W41. 7'51? 5. NEWHHLL ATTORNEY-5 Patented Sept. 15, 1936 UNITED STATES SWITCH STAND Walter S. Newhall,

Chagrin Falls, Ohio Application March 20, 1936, Serial No. 69,916

13 Claims.

This invention relates to a railway switch stand of the type employing a horizontal spiral cam coacting with a longitudinal, shiftable bar, connected to the switch points, a half rotation of such cam throwing the switch from one position to the other, and wherein mechanism between the cam and the banner mast, which carries an appropriate signal, automatically turns such mast ninety degrees for each throw of the switch. Such type of switch stand being located adjacent the ground is susceptible to damage by reason of some object falling off a train or projecting therefrom or by being struck by vehicles or debris resulting from a wreck at a highway crossing. The switch operating slide bar of the stand has to bear a definite stressed relationship to the switch in order to maintain the switch-points snugly against the rail normally engaged for maintaining an open track to the main traffic, and it is highly desirable that the main operating handle which throws the switch as well as the banner mast and signal be located remotely with reference to such highway crossing, adjacent which the switch stand may be disposed, when the switch points are in the above mentioned normal position. These parts should also be located with reference to the center of the stand, away from the normal direction of approach of trains on the track with which the switch and stand are associated.

The general arrangement whereby a single switch stand may have its banner mast and operating handle extend always away from such highway crossing, is shown and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 21,150, filed May 13, 1935. Said application shows a switch stand mechanism having side wings on which the banner mast may be interchangeably mounted and selectively connected to the cam-operated mechanism so that the banner mast is-turned when the switch is thrown, nowithstanding whether the mechanism is used as a right hand or a left hand stand. As shown in said application, the operating lever of the cam is reversible so as normally to extend from the stand toward the side which carries the banner mast when in use as either a right or left hand stand.

The present invention also relates to a switch stand which is adapted for right and left hand use, interchangeably, and one object is to generally improve such type of switch stand mechanism. Another object is to provide a simple and eiiective arrangement for converting the stand from right to left-hand use, without having to remove the cam or the cooperating parts housed therewith.

One problem in connection with railway switch stands arises from the fact that sometimes switches are run through improperly, as when the engineer disregards the signal on the banner mast, and such running through invariably breaks some part of the mechanism or the connections to the switch points. Unless so called breakable connections are provided between the slide bar of the switch stand, and the switch, a portion of the housing is ordinarily broken. The breakable connections leading to the switch points cannot be approved for use on main track switches, hence their use is limited to yards, and breakage of the stand though expensive is put up with as a necessary evil on stands for main track use.

In my above identified application, I have shown a detachable end cap for the portion of the housing which contains the cam, and this end cap closes the end of the housing that would normally be broken when the switch is run through from a cross-over or branch track. In the event of such running through only the end cap has to be replaced in repairing the stand. However, so far as I know no provision has been made in switch stands heretofore to prevent serious damage to the main housing not withstanding whether the switch is run through on the branch or the main track. In the one case, the forces tending to break the housing are applied to the slide bar in one direction and in the other case in the opposite direction. An object of the present invention is to provide for reducing or eliminating likelihood of damage to the switch stand in either event above outlined.

Another object is to provide an improved connection between the operating lever or handle and the cam shaft for preventing damage to the stand when the switch is run through.

A further important object is to provide a switch stand, a part or parts of which is or are adapted to yield in the event the switch is run through, which part or parts is or are then automatically returned to normal position.

Still another object is to provide a switch stand with yieldable and frangible parts which may be rendered efiective for operation selectively (to prevent or minimize damage to the stand in the event of running through the switch), as determined by the specific use of the stand or, the desire of the user.

Another object is to provide a switch stand mechanism having a so-called universal cam integral casting (reverse pitch continuous spiral, wherein no definite limits for the cam follower are made on the cam), in which mechanism definite provision is incorporated for holding the switch points in snug relationship to the rail normally engaged.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, relating to the accompanying drawings, showing the preferred forms. The essential characteristics are summarized in the claims.

In the drawings, Fig. l is a plan view of one form of switch stand in position on a pair of adjacent ties; Fig. 2 is an end view of the mecha-- nism shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional plan View, taken substantially as indicated by the line 33 on Figs. 2 and 5; Fig. 4 is a sectional plan view taken through the base portion of the stand, as indicated by the line i-4i on- Fig. 2; Fig; 5- is a transverse fragmentary sectional View taken substantially along the line 5-5 on Fig. 1; Fig. 6- is a detail fragmentary side elevation of a universal type spiral cam, a plan view of which is shown in Fig. 3; Fig. '7 is a diagram illustrating exemplary trackways and switches to assist in demonstrating the adaptability of the stand for right and left hand use Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan-view similar to Fig. 1 showing a modified form of stand, the banner mast and signal being broken away; Figs. 9 and 10 are fragmentary Views both taken along the line 99 on Fig. 8, and Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 9 showing still another modification.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, the frame of the switch stand comprises primarily a single it), having an approximately cylindrical barrel portion H, see particularly Fig. 5, and laterally extending wing portions l2 forming a base. On each side of the barrel the latter is integrally connected with the wing port-ionsby' inclined buttress effects l3, and on each wing portion identical provision is made, as will later be shown, for supporting the banner mast, one form of which is illustrated at M having a signalling device Milt. This particular type of mast and signal is by way of example only. Any' other type may be used.

The two spaced wing portions [2 are flat on their undersides and adapted to rest on adjacent ties'T (Figs. 1 and 2) to which the two wings are secured asby appropriate spikes in spike notches IS. The generally cylindrical barrel portion H ofthe frame closely houses a spiral cam 30, to be hereinafter more fully described, and both ends of the barrel are closed by detachable end caps l6 and ll of disc-like form.

The end caps are appropriately apertured at the center, for receiving and supporting the reduced shaft 3| of the cam about which the cam may be cast and which will herein be considered apart of the cam. Each end cap has a central boss, designated l8 and I9 respectively, which abut respective ends of the cam and normally prevent its endwise movement in either direction. The caps are secured against the barrel portion of the frame and to each other by suitable bolts 20 passing through aligned openings in the different parts, having heads adapted to abut one of the caps and detachable nuts 2| provided with lock washers 22 detachably abutting the other cap, as shown. In the form shown in Figs. 1 to 5 the bolts preferably form the weak point in the mechanism so that the same will be broken when excessive strain is imposed on the endcaps, to avoid breaking any part of the housing in the event the switch is run through.

The upper bolt 29 lies in an inverted troughlike channel 23 on the under side of the upper wall of the barrel, and the guide thereby formed for the bolt assists in the initial operation of assembling the two end caps onto the central housing. The other two bolts may be similarly guided, but as shown the two lower bolts loosely occupy enlarged recesses on the undersides of the inclined buttress portions E3 of the wings; only their end portions being. fairly snugly embraced by openings in the end walls of the main housing or frame.

Directly beneath the cam, as shown in Fig. 5, there is a channel effect 25 integral with the barrel portion II and open thereto, the same being formed as a bridge, the ends of which join respective depending strengthening flanges 21, which, in turn, merge into the under surfaces of the side-Wings and extend below the bridge.

At each side of the interior of the web portion: of the channel are ledges 28 and these cooperate with the side walls of the channel to form a guide for the slide bar 32, which has, at one end, a suitable opening for connection to a link' 32a Fig. 1 leading to the switch points.

The slide bar is operated by the cam through the intermediary of a roller 33 mounted on the slide bar as will hereinafter be shown and the roller is embraced by a spiral cam groove 35-, the character of which will best. be seen in Figs. 3 and. 6.

The cam is operated to turn it through degrees of rotation by an operating handle orlever 36, detachably secured as by a cross-pin as on a square or otherwise suitably formed end 31 of the cam shaft 3| which projects outside 01' the housing beyond the adjacent end'cap l6. The operating lever may be weighted, as at 38, Figs. '1 and 2, and provided with a hand hold member 39, by which the lever may be thrown from the position shown in Fig. 1 to a position diametrically opposite that shown. The operating lever is reversible on the shaft for right and left hand used by knocking out the cross pin and replacing it in a 180 turned position of the leveron the shaft. operating lever may be held by suitable latches L, shown only in Fig. 1.

In the usual construction. of single spiral cams for the above mentioned purpose, definite limit stops are made in the roller groove to maintain snug switch. point and rail contact. However, in the present case the groove is continuous to provide both right and left-hand pitch spiral surfaces, and the cam must therefore be otherwise held in at. least one of its twov positions. of rest. with respect to the roller. To insure this I provide on the operating lever 36 a suitable double stiflleg device :23, detachably bolted theretoas at 4|; the device having opposite flange portions. 42,. embracing the upper and lower edge surfaces of" the operating leverto hold it against swinging out of normal realtionship. to the lever. In the two extreme positions of the operating lever 36, one of the other leg portion of the device 40 engages a tie on which the switch stand is secured and thusinsures that the cam is properly stopped in a manner to hold the switch points in tightengagement with their rails. The use of the stiffleg obviates the. necessity for the usual pair of In the two thrownpositions the lever rests (usually incorporated with the latch if used), which rest devices are relatively expensive.

When the operating lever is in the position shown irr- Figs. 1 and 3, the roller 33 occupies;

portion of the cam groove 35 which is nearest the operating handle 36, and the rollerbears tightly against a dwell surface portion 35a of the cam groove (shown in dotted lines, Fig. 3). The dwell portion is of substantial extent (several degrees), and holds the switch point operating bar 32 and its linkage in tension to maintain the active switch point snugly engaged with its adjacent rail notwithstanding considerable variation in the corresponding rest position of the operating lever.

Now, when the operating lever is turned through 180 degrees as above mentioned, the roller will then snugly rest against the opposite dwell surface portion 35b of the cam groove, and the slide bar and its linkage will be in compression to hold the then active switch point snugly against its adjacent rail.

It should be mentioned that separate cams may be supplied and fitted into the housing for right and left hand use, without requiring any modification of the housing or associated parts herein shown. Such special cams may be made, for example, in accordance with the disclosure of my above identified application and inter changeably mounted in the housing hereof by removing the operating arm and end caps, as will be obvious from inspection of Fig. 3.

The use of the universal cam herein shown makes it possible to adapt the stand for right or left-hand use without dismantling the housing; and, as will be hereinafter shown, the banncn-mast and operating'lever'alsomay be interchanged in position on the switch stand from one side of the cam barrel to the other, in accordance with the desired normal position of said parts with respect to local conditions, such as heretofore mentioned, without having to dismantle the housing.

The switch stand is convertible for right and lef -hand operation with respect to the banner mast by mounting the latter on either side of the cam housing and connecting it with the slide bar 32. To this end I form on each side of the frame a hollow vertical boss 50 and below that an inwardly projecting web 5|. The web and boss have aligned bearing openings as shown. The mast I4 as shown in Fig. 5, has a reduced portion 60 journalled in the bearing openings at the left-hand side of the housing, while the upper opening in the boss 53 at the right-hand side of the housing is closed as by a suitable plug or cap 6|. In case a left-hand switch stand is desired the banner mast and plug-cap would be interchanged.

To give the mast a quarter turn, consequent upon a half-rotation of the cam, I secure a crank arm 63 drivingly rigidly to the lower end of the mast and connect the arm with a cross bar 64 which is tightly secured to the slide bar 32. As shown, the crank 63 embraces a squared portion 65 at the lower end of the mast and is held in place (for example) by a suitable cotter pin 66 and adjacent washer underhanging the lower surface of the crank arm. The crank arm 63 carries a roller 61 suitably mounted on a crank pin 68 and the roller constantly occupies a slot 69 in the horizontally projecting end of the cross bar 64. The relationship between the throw of the slide bar and that of the crank arm is such that when the slide bar is moved from one extreme position to the other, as above described, the mast is given a quarter turn, thereby indieating to the trainmen the condition of the switch.

To provide a rigid connection between the cross-bar 64 and the slide bar 32, the cross-bar has downwardly projecting ribs 10 on each side which embrace the lateral surfaces of the slide bar; and the two bars are fastened together by a pin 12 which carries the follower roller 33. The pin 12 has a shoulder engaging the upper surface of the cross bar 64 and the lower reduced end of the pin may be riveted over, as at 73 during assembly, this being accomplished by inserting a suitable riveting tool through an opening 14, in the floor of the channel shaped bridge 25.

Now it will be noted in Figs. 4 and 5 that the construction of the cross bar 64 is identical on each end, that is to say: each end is provided with a slot 69 for engagement by the crank arm roller 61 in either selected position of the banner mast and its crank on the frame. The two ends of the cross-bar extend from the slide bar through identical slots H in the opposite walls of the cam barrel. It will be seen that the banner mast may be shifted from the position shown in Fig. 5 to that in which it occupies the aligned openings in the right hand boss and web 50 and Si, and operatively connected with the slide bar in the other position simply by removing the cotter pin 65, placing the crank arm 63 in the other slot 63 and inserting the banner mast 60 into the squared opening of the crank arm and reattaching the arm to the mast. The general arrangement, whereby the connections from the cross bar to the banner mast are protected from the upper side by shrouding portions of the housing and, from the lower side, by the ties on which the side wings rest, is the same as in my above identified copending case. In case a right-hand stand is ordered, the connection between the crank arm 63 and the lower end of the banner mast may be made more permanent as by riveting. If the stands are ordered for interchangeable right and left-hand use, then the connection may be made in the field and is preferably as above described and shown.

In the event higher stands are required, then suitable adaption for a tubular bracket to form more widely spaced bearings for the banner mast may be provided in accordance with my prior application and suitable bracing therefor may be effected, using the bosses 50 or adaptations thereof to support, respectively, such tubular extension and the lower end of the brace.

Referring to the diagram, Fig. '7, the main track is indicated at M, cross-over or branch tracks leading say to a siding or yard, are indicatedat C, and the pairs of switch points at S. It will be seen that with a single switch stand installation, it is possible to have the normal position of the operating lever or handle 36 extending in the desired direction to meet local conditions, (for example remotely with reference to a highway such as indicated by broken lines at H, or remotely with reference to the normal direction of movement of trains on the main track), and likewise to have the banner mast disposed on whichever side of the housing best meets such conditions. Damage to the switch-stand is therefore much less likely to occur in the event of a wreck at the crossing, or in the event an object carried along by a passing train strikes the stand. It may be mentioned that it is obviously desirable that no damage be done to the stand by reason of the banner mast being knocked down, and that the operating lever be undisturbed in order that sub- 'sequent accidents 'shalrnotzoccurtbecausesofisuch damage to the stand or'improper throwing of the. switch.

Referring further to the diagram, it willbe seen that when the'right-hand switch S;is .run through by an engine on the cross-over C, with the switch set for through traffic on the main line M, this will move the near switch pointgpulling the slide bar toward the main trackand tending to break the inner end of the housing If). .However, no serious damage willpbedone to thestand because .the end cap ll is movable and if the .bolts fail to break, as preferably arranged,.thenathe worst that can happen isthat the cam willbe pushed through the end cap ll, breaking the same.

Irrespective of whetherzithe boltsZEl orithe end cap ll, are or is broken, nodamage is done to the main portion of the'housing, or to the end cap i6 at the opposite end of theihousing. Damage to the cap ifi'is prevented .by .providing sufiicient clearance between thehub .3fiazof the operating lever and the endwise adjacentportion of the end cap it (said portion being shownas an annular web i511), so that the cam may .bezmoved toward the switch by the slide barxthe maximum distance it could be displaced by the wheel flange of a car or engine in running through theswitch. The clearance distance shouldnot be less than the maximum width of a wheel flange, and can be any desired greater distance. In the arrangement shown, the hub 35a will'simpiy telescope further into thereeess provided .by the circular flange i612, the extremity of which normally extends. over the innermost portion of the hub 35a to house in the clearance spaceenid prevent there being an unsightly gap between thehub of thelever and the end cap.

Now, if the switch is run through by a train on the-main track when set for a cross-over, with reference to either track C,.no damage will be done to the main portion of .the housing, but in this event the slide bar will be moved fin, carrying the cam in the direction opposite that previously mentioned and breaking the bolts 20 or the end cap Hi. In such event thecam shaft 3i will simply slip out of :the central .opening in the cap l3 and obviously, no. damage will .be .done to said cap.

From the aboveit will be seenthat, when the switch is run through, the impact'of the wheel flange on the switch point transmitted to one or the other of the. end caps and. ii,- depending on the direction in which the switch is run through; but only one end cap will beaffected in either event. Movement of the cam in displacing an endcap will operate to turn the banner mast and indicate the position in which the switch .points remain after the switch has been run through.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 11, an illustrative arrangement whereby absolutely no'damage is done to the'stand in the event the switch is run through from either track, (main or cross-over) will now be described.

Fig. 8 shows the exterior essentials of the modified stand, the'un-rnodified parts'being numbered as in Fig. 1. The operating lever is in a position diametrically opposite that shown in Fig. 1, and the slide bar 32 is therefore in out position.

Figs. 9 and 10 show an arrangement of yielding means adapted for association with each of the bolts 29, arranged as previously described -.for holding both end caps in normalposition and Figsllzshowsanvalternative construction of yielding;meansfor effecting the same result.

Rferringfirst-to Figs. 8 and 9, these figures show hollowextensions which are aligned with theopeningsjin the end caps I! for the bolts 20. Theboltspass loosely through the hollow extensions, but are guided byrestricted openings at 16,:in "the end caps proper. The arrangements for all the bolts-2E is, of course, the same. Within .the hollow extensions 15 are compression springs 18, each adapted to hear at one end against the end 'cap ll, and at the other, against effectiveheads on the bolts for example the lock washers 22 previously mentioned underlying respective nuts 2!. The nuts may be prevented from becoming unscrewed by suitable cotter pins intransverse. holes 2Ia, extending through each bolt.

The above described arrangement provides for the separation of the end cap 51 from the housing iii in the event the switch is run through in a mannertopullqthe cam toward the end of the housing, closed by the end cap ll, so that in the event of such. running through, no damage whatever is .done to the stand. During such withdrawalzcf the end cap H from the housing if], the springs Ed-are compressed and the washers 22 and nuts :21 move freely within the hollow extensions 15 01? the end cap. After the switch is run through the springs expand and replace the end cap ill to its normal position. The approximate position which the end cap ll assumes when the switch is run throdghin"amannertdtend te break theend of the housing closed by the cap H, is shownin broken lines at Mr, Fig. 8.

Now, when theswitch is run through in a man ner tending to break the opposite end of the cam housing the springs l8 perform the same function as above described, but in this event the cap l6 separates temporarily: from the adjacent end of the housing 18 and assumes a position such as indicated inlbrokenlines at lfiar, Fig. 8. Thereafter the end cap i5 is returned to the normal .positionqshown in full lines, by re-expansion of the springs.

:For some installations, the only type of stand that canbe approved is one wherein the action of throwingthe operating lever from one position of rest to the other must be absolutely certain-to result in throwing the switch points to an extreme position, wherefore, if a switch point is blocked by foreign material, the operating lever of the stand will .becprevented from assumingits proper position of rest. In such event the action of the springs 18, in permitting the end :caps to-move, may :be nullified, simply 'by the provision of 'washers-8ll, as shown in Fig. 10, abutting the .ends of the hollow extensions 15 andund'erlying the nuts 2! and their lock washers when used. -When washers such as 80 are in position, either the bolts oro-ne or the other of theiendcaps must be broken consequent upon the switch :being'run through. Thus the washers ;80 are used oromitted depending upon the specific environment of the switch stand or the regulations ofthe user. When the washers are in placegthe 'nuts 2| may be held against becoming unscrewed by suitable cross-pins in holes Zlbgnearer 'the extremities of the bolts 20, than theaforementioned holes 21a. The alternative construction illustrated in Fig. 11, shows hollow extensions 85 on both end caps, each provided with compression springs, etc, as previously described. In .this case both sets of springs on each bolt become active to simultaneously prevent damage to the standwhen either endcap is pushed away from the main housing, and. then to return the cap so pushed away. Since the work is divided between two springs of each set the modified arrangement employs shorter capextensions and springs.

It may be mentioned that in case. studs instead of through bolts are used to attach the end. caps to the housing it (as in my copending application), then each cap would be equipped with an individual set of springs of proper length to allow the necessary movement of the caps. From the above description of both general embodiments it will be'seen that in every desired instance I am able to maintain the switch points tight against the rails normally engaged, the slide bar-being under tension or compression as required, and the operating lever 36 extending normally in the desired direction for maximum safety. It will also be seen that in each case the banner mast or signal'd'evice may always be placed on the side of the switch stand remote from'that most likely to be presented to oncoming destructive agencies. Moreover, in the event of running'through a switch, minimum or no damage is done to the stand and such as may occur can quickly be repaired with comparatively little expense. 'It will also be seen that the matter ofadaption for right and lefthand use of the stand is'accomplished with substantially minimumefiort and loss of time. u

1. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted for connection to a switch point, cam means connected with the bar in a manner to operate it to throw the switch, a housing for the cam means including a main body and two movable end caps for the body, each forming a bearing for the cam means and operatively abutting the same normally to prevent endwise movement of the cam means, whereby, in the event the switch is run through, one or the other cap will move and prevent serious damage to the stand, irrespective of the endwise direction in which the bar is moved.

2. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted for connection to a switch point, a shaft and a cam thereon connected with the bar in a manner to operate it, a main housing for the cam and bar, and a pair of detachable end caps for the housing in which the shaft is supported for rocking movement, the ends caps each being movable, whereby, in the event the switch is run through, serious damage to the stand will be prevented, irrespective of which direction the slide bar is moved by the switch point.

3. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted for connection to a switch point, a cam and an operating lever therefor, said cam having spiral camming surfaces of opposite pitch for engagement with a follower on the bar so that the mechanism may be used interchangeably as a right or a left-hand stand, and a housing for the cam having detachable end caps operatively abutting the Opposite ends of the cam, said caps constituting bearings for the cam and normally preventing its endwise movement, said caps being movable to prevent serious damage to the stand in the event the cam is bodily moved by the slide bar and switch point to which connected, in either direction axially of the cam.

4. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted for connection to a switch point, a cam connected with the bar in a manner to operate it to throw the switch, a housing for the cam including a main body and a movable end cap for one end of the body, forming a bearing for the cam and operatively abutting the end of the cam normally to prevent endwise movement thereof, and a spring abutting the movable end cap to permit the cap to move and. to return it to normal position after such movement.

5..A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted for connection to a switch point, a shaft and a cam thereon connected with the bar in a manner to operate it, a main housing for the cam and bar, a pair of movable end caps for the housing in which the shaft is supported for rocking movement, and yielding means opposing movement of the end caps but permitting the same to move, in the event the switch is run through, thereby preventing damage to the mechanism irrespective of which direction the slide bar is moved by the switch point.

6. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted for connection to a switch point, cam means connected with the bar in a manner to operate it to throw the switch, a housing for the cam means including a main body and a movable end cap for the body, forming a bearing for one end of the cam means and operatively abutting the same normally to pre- Vent endwise movement of the cam means in one direction, yielding means associated with the end cap arranged to return the end cap to normal position in the event the cap is displaced, and substantially rigid detachable means adapted to be operatively interposed between the yielding means and a fixed portion of the housing in a manner to block the yielding action of the yielding means in the event action of the same is not desired.

7. A railroad switch stand, comprising a frame having a portion which forms a cam housing, a slide bar, having a guide on the frame and being adapted for connection to a switch point, a spiral cam in the housing having cam surfaces engageable by a follower on the bar in such manner that the bar is shiftable by the cam to throw the switch, a lateral bar rigid with the slide bar, extending in opposite directions therefrom and having operatively identical end portions, a banner mast adapted to be mounted interchangeably on the frame on either side of the axis of the cam and means for operatively connecting the mast interchangeably to the end portions of the lateral bar in a manner to turn the mast upon reciprocation of the slide bar.

8. In a railroad switch stand, the combination of a housing, a slide bar in the housing adapted for connection to a switch point, a spiral cam in the housing having right and left-hand pitch cam surfaces engageable by a follower on the bar so that the cam is interchangeably operable to throw the bar in a single direction by rotation of the cam in opposite directions, a cross-bar on the slide bar having operatively identical end portions, a banner mast operatively connectable interchangeably to either end of the cross-bar in a manner to cause the mast to be turned, and means to support the mast in appropriate juxtaposition to either end of the cross-bar.

9. A railroad switch stand mechanism, comprising a slide bar adapted for connection to a switch point, a spiral cam having a cam surface operatively associated with a follower on the bar in a manner to move the bar .in opposite directions, a housing for the cam forming bearings for the cam at each end of it, an operating handle operatively fixed to the cam, at one end of the housing in spaced relation thereto exteriorly thereof a distance substantially as great as or greater than the movement of the slide bar occasioned by the switch being run through, so that the handle may move axially of the cam toward the housing a corresponding distance without engaging the same, said housing including a'movable end cap adjacent the cam at the end thereof opposite the handle, so that the cap will be displaced in the event the switch is run through and throws the cam toward the cap, said spaced relation allow ing simultaneous movement of the handle toward the end of the housing adjacent the handle, but without engaging the same, whereby the handle will not break said adjacent endof the housing.

10. A switch stand mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the end of the housing adjacent the handle hasa socket which is normally occupied by a hub on the handle and into which the hub telescopes freely when moved toward the housing asstated in said claim.

11. In a switch stand mechanism of the class described, having a spiral cam and a switchpoint-operating slide bar arranged to be moved from'one predetermined position to another by the cam, an operating handle for the cam and a lateral projection on the handle intermediately of its ends positioned to'engage directly a support on which the switch stand .is secured *to :hold the switch point against an :adjacent rail when the handle is insubstantially .horizontal position.

12,. In aswitch stand, a housing having a barrel portion, a spiral cam in the barrel portion, a slide bar having a follower operatively engaged by the cam, said bar being-adapted for connection to a. switch point, encl walls for the housing in which the cam :is journalled, said walls. having aligned pairs of bolt holes and at least'one uwall being detachable from the barrel, through bolts for attaching the movable wall to the housing, said bolts being adapted to extend into respective register-ing pairs of holes, and a trough-like recess in the housing adjacent the barrel arranged "to guide one of the bolts when passed through its bolt hole in one of the end walllszinto 'the'registering bolt hole of the other-end wall.

13. A railroad switch stand mechanismoomprising a slide bar adapted 'for connection to 'a switch point, aspiral cam connected with the :bar in a manner to reciprocate it in-a direction uparallel to the axis :of the cam, 'a housing in 'which the cam is supported forrrooki-ng movement, and yielding means normally holding the cam in a. predetermined position against axialshifting, said means per-mitting-endwise movement of the :cam without damaging the housing in the-event the switch is run through, and thereupon acting to return the camto normal'position-to reset the switch point. r

WALTER S. NEWHALL.

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