Assist Rod and Basket Assembly
A railroad switch assembly comprises a basket that directly actuates a torsional assist rod. The basket is located at a lower elevation than the assist rod, preferably in a hollow tie and preferably between the switch machine and the running rail.
1 . A basket assembly for use in a railroad switch comprising:
a sliding element having an opening for receiving a rod or bar therethrough; and,
at least one arm rotatably mounted on said sliding element.
2 . The basket assembly of claim 1 wherein said at least one arm comprises a pair of opposed arms.
3 . The basket assembly of claim 2 wherein each of said opposed arms is rigidly secured to an assist rod.
4 . The basket assembly of claims 1 or 2 wherein said rod or bar is hinged to a switch rod.
5 . A basket assembly for use in a railroad switch comprising:
a sliding element having an opening for receiving a rod or bar therethrough; and,
a pair of pins extending from opposed sides of said sliding element.
6 . The basket assembly of claim 5 further comprising a pair of arms, each of said arms being mounted for rotation of one of said pins.
7 . The basket assembly of claim 6 wherein said arms are rigidly connected to an assist rod.