Assist Rod and Basket Assembly

Abstract

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.