Title of Invention

''LOCKING APPARATUS DV FOR LOCKING A PONIT OF A RAIL SWITCH AND A METHOD OF INSTALLING THE SAME''

Abstract

The present invention relates to locking apparatus DV for locking a point (16) of a rail switch, said locking apparatus being characterized in that: a control bar (3) and locking bars (4) are disposed side-by-side, touching, and parallel to one another; first and second notches (7, 8) are provided in the same side of said control bar (3) and of each of said locking bars (4); the inside of the slideway (1) and the outside of the assembly comprising the control bar (3) and the locking bars (4), as disposed side-by-side and touching, being of complementary overall shapes so as to enable said control bar (3) and said locking bars (4) to slide relative to said slideway (1). The present invention also relates to apparatus for operating and locking a point (16), to a method of installing such apparatus, and to apparatus for operating and locking a rail switch.

Full Text

The present invention relates generally to apparatuses for operating rail switches, and more particularly to locking apparatus for locking a point of a rail switch, to apparatus for operating and locking a point, to a method of installing such apparatus, and to apparatus for operating and locking a rail switch. Apparatuses for operating switches situated on main tracks and used throughout the world may be put into two main categories: "trailable" apparatuses and "non-trailable" apparatuses. A definition of these terms and additional technical information on the state of.the art are given, for .example, in the Applicant's document EP 0 289 978. Apparatuses for operating switches require the positions of the points to be monitored, and said points to be locked. Table 1 below gives the various trailable and non- trailable types of apparatuses for operating switches. (Table Removed) Table 1 As indicated in Table 1, the type II switch-operating apparatus is one of the rare apparatuses which has both a trailable version and a non-trailable version. That switch-operating apparatus uses apparatus for monitoring the points, which apparatus is integrated into Type Trailable the operating mechanism, and locking apparatus for locking the points, which apparatus is independent of the operating mechanism. That switch-operating apparatus suffers from the drawbacks of requiring a complex mechanism and being complex to fix, of offering a low level of safety, and of requiring a long time to be replaced. A drawback suffered by state-of-the-art point-locking apparatuses is that they are not capable of being adapted to fit a large number of switch-operating apparatuses. An object of the invention is to provide locking apparatus for locking a point of a rail switch, and apparatus for operating and locking a rail switch, which apparatuses are capable of being adapted to fit a large number of switches. An object of the apparatus of the invention for operating and locking a rail switch is therefore to be compatible with prior art trailable or non-trailable apparatuses. Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for operating and locking a rail switch, which apparatus includes at least one locking apparatus for locking a point and can have a trailable version and a non-trailable version. According to the invention, the locking apparatus for locking a point of a rail switch comprises: a slideway; a locking plate adjoining said slideway; a control element and at least one locking bar, said control element and said at least one locking bar being disposed to slide relative to the assembly comprising said slideway and said locking plate, said control element being capable of sliding relative to said locking bars; first and second moving pegs loosely held in first and second notches provided in said control element, and held free to rotate in first and second notches provided in each of said locking bars, said first and second moving pegs being suitable for being entrained by said first and second notches in said control element, and being suitable for longitudinally entraining said locking bars, said first and second moving pegs being perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of said control element and of said locking bars; and is characterized in that: said control element is a control bar; said control bar and said locking bars are disposed side-by-side, touching, and parallel to one another; said first and second notches are provided in the same side of said control bar and of each of said locking bars; the inside of the slideway and the outside of the assembly comprising the control bar and the locking bars, as disposed side-by-side and touching, being of complementary overall shapes so as to enable said control bar and said locking bars to slide relative to said slideway. According to the invention, the apparatus for operating and locking a point of a rail switch is characterized in that it includes locking apparatus according to the invention for locking said point, and coupling apparatus for coupling said locking bars to said point. The apparatus of the invention for operating and locking a point of a rail switch also satisfies the following characteristics: the rear ends of said slideway, of said control bar, of said locking bars, and of said locking plate are suitable for being disposed on the opposite side of the rail from said point; the central portions of said slideway, of said control bar, of said locking bars, and of said locking plate are suitable for being disposed under said rail opposite from the point; the end of a frame disposed on said slideway is suitable for being secured to said opposite side of said rail from said point; the ends of the locking bars are suitable for being secured to said coupling apparatus for coupling said locking bars to said point; said coupling apparatus for coupling said locking bars to said point is suitable for being fixed to said point; and the front end of the control bar is suitable for being secured to a push rod for pushing at least one point. The apparatus of the invention for operating and locking a point of a rail switch also satisfies any one of the following characteristics: said coupling apparatus is suitable for being secured to said point so as to displace said point under the action of said push rod; said coupling apparatus is constituted by a yoke coupled to said locking bars via a bushing and via a screw. an adapting and fixing assembly for adapting and fixing to said point overlies said yoke; said adapting and fixing assembly comprises a pivot, an adapter bracket, and a coupling rod; said pivot is provided with a resilient hinge allowing said point a certain amount of freedom to be displaced vertically; a specific one of said adapter brackets is made for each fixing principle of said point; said adapter bracket fits either the web or the base of said point so that said apparatus for operating and locking said point fits a large number of points; and said coupling rod is disposed on said adapter bracket so as to allow said point to expand, and therefore said pivot to be displaced longitudinally relative to said point. According to the invention, the apparatus for operating and locking a rail switch includes at least one apparatus according to the invention for operating and locking a point of said switch. According to the invention, the method of installing the apparatus according to the invention for operating and locking a point of a rail switch, said apparatus including locking apparatus according to the invention for locking said point, is such that: the rear ends of said slideway, of said control bar, of said locking bars, and of said locking plate are fixed on the opposite side of the rail from said point; the central portions of said slideway, of said control bar, of said locking bars, and of said locking plate are fixed under said rail opposite from said point; the end of a frame disposed on said slideway is fixed on said opposite side of said rail from said point; the ends of the locking bars are fixed to said coupling apparatus for coupling said locking bars to said point; said coupling apparatus for coupling the locking bars to said point is fixed to said point; and the front end of the control bar is fixed to a push rod for pushing at least one point. The method of the invention also satisfies any one of the following characteristics: said yoke of said coupling apparatus is fixed to said locking bars via a bushing and via a screw; an assembly for adapting and fixing to said point, which assembly comprises a pivot, an adapter bracket and a coupling rod, overlies said yoke; a specific one of said adapter brackets is made for each fixing principle of said point; said adapter bracket is fixed either to the web or to the base of said point so that said apparatus for oyerating and locking.-said point fits' a large number" of points; and said point is displaced, under thea action. o£ said push rod via said coupling apparatus. An. advantage of the locking apparatus of the invention for locking a point is that it avoids unwanted unlocking. An advantage of the apparatus of the invention for operating and locking a rail switch is that it is easy and quick to install. Accordingly there is provided locking apparatus DV for locking a point of a rail switch, the apparatus comprising: a. slideway; a locking plate adjoining said slideway; a control element and at least one locking bar, said control element and said at least one locking bar being disposed to slide relative to the assembly comprising said slideway and said locking plate, said control element being capable of sliding relative to said locking bars; first and second moving pegs loosely held in first and second notches provided in said control element, and held free to rotate in first and second notches provided in each of said locking bars, said first and second moving pegs being suitable for being entrained by said first and second notches in said control element, and being suitable for longitudinally entraining said locking bars, said first and second moving pegs being perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of said control element and of said locking bars; said locking apparatus being characterized in that: said control element is a control bar; said control bar and said locking bars are disposed side-by-side, touching, and parallel to one another; said first and second notches are provided in the same side of said control bar and of each of said locking bars; the inside of the slideway and the outside of the assembly comprising the control bar and the locking bars, are disposed side-by-side and touching, being of complementary overall shapes so as to enable said control bar and said locking bars to slide relative to said slideway. The present invention also relates to a method of installing the apparatus for operating and locking a point of a rail switch, said apparatus including locking apparatus DV for locking said point, wherein method: the rear ends A of said slideway, of said control bar, of said locking bars, and of said locking plate are fixed on the opposite side of the rail from said point; the central portions B of said slideway, of said control bar, of said locking bars, and of .said locking plate are fixed under said rail opposite from the point; the end C of a frame disposed on said slideway is fixed on said opposite side of said rail from said point; the ends D of the locking bars are fixed to said coupling apparatus for coupling said locking bars to said point; said coupling apparatus for coupling the locking bars to said point is fixed to said point; and the front end E of the control bar is fixed to a push rod for pushing at least one point. Other objects, characteristics, and advantages of ' the invention appear on reading the following description of preferred embodiments and implementations of the apparatus for locking a point of a rail switch, of the apparatus for operating and locking a point, of the method of installing such apparatus, and of the apparatus for operating and locking a rail 'switch, given with reference to the^ drawings,1 in while Figure 1 is a perspective view of locking apparatus of the invention for locking a point, and of apparatus of the invention for operating and locking a point, which apparatus includes such locking apparatus; Figure 2 is an exploded view of locking apparatus of the invention for locking a point, and of apparatus of the invention for operating and locking a point, which apparatus includes such locking apparatus; Figures 3A and 3B are respectively a plan view and a cross-section view of non-trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches, which apparatus includes two point- locking apparatuses of the invention; Figures 3C and 3D are respectively a plan view and a cross-section view of trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches, which apparatus includes two pairs of point-locking apparatuses of the invention; Figures 4A to 4E are sequential operating diagrams of the trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches, operation being performed by a drive motor; Figures 4F to 4J are sequential operating diagrams of the trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches, operation being due to a passing vehicle; and Figures 5A to 5E are sequential operating diagrams of non-trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches. Figure 1 is a perspective view of locking apparatus DV of the invention for locking a point, and of apparatus of the invention for operating and locking a point, which apparatus includes such locking apparatus. The apparatus for operating and locking a point is mounted in part on a rail and in part on the point associated with the rail. Figure 2 is an exploded view of apparatus of the invention for operating and locking a point, which apparatus includes locking apparatus DV of the invention for locking a point. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, locking apparatus DV of the invention for locking a point is made up of a slideway 1, of a locking plate 2, of a control bar 3, and of two locking bars 4. The locking plate 2 overlies the slideway I. The control bar 3 and the two locking bars 4 are slidably mounted in the assembly comprising the slideway 1 and the locking plate 2. The control bar 3 can slide relative to the two locking bars 4. The control bar 3 is preferably disposed between the two locking bars 4. First and second moving pegs 5, 6 are held free to rotate in first and second notches 7, 8 provided in each of the locking bars 4. The first and second moving pegs 5, 6 are perpendicular to the control bar 3 and to the locking bars 4. The first and second notches 7, 8 are preferably provided in the top portions of the control bar 3 and of the locking bars 4. The moving pegs 5, 6 essentially serve to entrain the locking bars 4 longitudinally under the effect of the control bar 3 being displaced longitudinally. An electrical switch 9 is secured to the locking plate 2. A frame 10 supports the rear end of the slideway 1 and a rear cover 11. The rear cover 11 supports a cable outlet 12 connected to the electrical switch 9. The electrical switch 9 and the rear end A of the assembly comprising the frame 10, the slideway 1, the control bar 3, the locking bars 4, and the locking plate 2 are disposed on one side of the rail 14 associated with the operating and locking apparatus. For example, a cover 13 may be fitted over this assembly. The central portion B of the assembly comprising the slideway 1, the locking plate 2, the control bar 3, and the locking bars 4 is disposed under the rail 14 associated with the operating and locking apparatus. The front end C of the frame B is secured to the rail in question. Coupling apparatus 15 for coupling to the point 16 associated with the rail in question is secured to the front ends D of the locking bars 4. The front end E of the control bar 3 is secured to a push rod 17 for pushing the points. The coupling apparatus 15 serves to displace the point 16. The coupling apparatus 15 for coupling the locking bars 4 to the point 16 is constituted by a yoke 27 permanently coupled via a bushing 28 and via a special screw 29 locked securely after assembly by being welded to the yoke. An adapting and fixing assembly for adapting and fixing to the point overlies the yoke. The adapting and fixing assembly comprises a pivot 30, an adapter bracket 32, and a coupling rod 33. The pivot 30 is provided with a resilient hinge 31 which allows the point a limited amount of freedom to be displaced vertically. A specific adapter bracket 32 is made for each fixing principle of the point. Such a bracket must fit either the web or the base of the point. Such an adapter bracket makes it possible to obtain apparatus for operating and locking a point that can be adapted to a large number of points. The coupling rod 33 is disposed on the adapter bracket 32 in such manner as to allow the point to expand, and therefore to allow the pivot to be displaced longitudinally relative to the point. The yoke 27 is provided with a lip machined to fit the profile of the point, which lip ensures, within the limits of safety, that the point is held in the event of failure of the coupling apparatus 15. Figures 3A and 3B are respectively a plan view and a cross-section view of non-trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches, which apparatus includes two locking apparatuses DV1, DV2 of the invention for locking points 16A, 16B of set of points 21. Figures 3A and 3B show a rail switch 20 comprising a set 21 of flexible points, stock rails 22, a set of spacer rods 23, a multiple engagement apparatus 24, a drive motor 25A and a first operating rod 26A, and two locking apparatuses DV1, DV2 for locking the points 16A, 16B of the set of points 21. The spacer bars 23A, 23B are of fixed length and they couple together the points of the set of points 21. The non-trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches may be provided with one or more trailing operating systems 24, 26A, 26B. The non-trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches is operated via a drive motor 25A. As shown in more detail in Figure 3B, the first operating rod 26A is connected to the motor 25A, and to the central portion of a push rod 17 preferably by means of hinge tabs. The first operating rod 26A is extended to the multiple engagement apparatus 24 by a second operating rod 26B. The locking apparatuses DV1, DV2 for locking the points 16A, 16B of the set of points 21 are secured to respective ones of the rails 14A, 14B. Figures 3C and 3D are respectively a plan view and an elevation view of trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches, which apparatus comprises two or more pairs of locking apparatuses DV1, DV2, DV3, DV4 of the invention for locking the points 16A, 16B of the set of points 21. Figures 3C and 3D show a switch 20 comprising a set 21 of flexible points, stock rails 22, a set of spacer rods 23C, 23D, a multiple engagement apparatus 24, a drive motor 25B and a first operating rod 26A, and four locking apparatuses DV1, DV2, DV3, DV4 for locking the points 16A, 16B of the set of points 21. The spacer bars 23C, 23D couple together the points of the set of points 21. The spacer bars 23C, 23D are resilient and they are provided with resilient means 18. The resilient means 18 of the spacer bars have extension strokes limited by abutments. The trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches may be equipped with one or more trailing operating systems 24, 26. The trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches is operated via a drive motor 25B. The drive motor 25B of the trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches has a resettable mechanical circuit-breaker inserted in its drive mechanism. The circuit-breaker is tripped under an abnormal force, e.g. as a result of a trailing effect on the trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches. Tripping of the circuit-breaker is monitored electrically. As shown in more detail in Figure 3D, the first operating rod 26A is connected to the motor 25B and to the central portion of the push rod 17 preferably by means of hinge tabs. The first operating rod 26A is extended to the multiple engagement apparatus 24 by a second operating rod 26B. The locking apparatuses DV1 & DV3 and the locking apparatuses DV2 & DV4 for locking respective ones of the points 16A, 16B of the set of points 21 are secured to respective ones of the rails 14A, 14B. Figures 4A to 4E are sequential operating diagrams of the trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches, operation being effected by a drive motor. Figure 4A shows the switch with its points locked to the right. The right point 16B is coupled to the locking bar 4 of the locking apparatus DV2, the locking bar 4 being held stationary by the moving peg 5B since said peg 5B is engaged in a notch in the locking plate 2. The moving peg 5B is held firmly in the notch in the locking plate 2 by the control bar 3, the control bar 3 bearing against the frame 1 of the locking apparatus DV2 • The locking apparatuses DV1 and DV2 are associated with electrical switches 9. The electrical contacts 35, 36 of the electrical switches serve to verify the positioning and the structural integrity of the control and locking elements, and to verify the actual positions of the points 16A, 16B. In the event of failure of one of the resilient spacer bars 23C, 23D while a vehicle is passing, the left locking apparatus DV1 limits any closing of the open point 16A to the value of the clearance Jl. The value of the clearance Jl is large enough to ensure that the vehicle passes quite safely and in fault mode. The failure is detected by the electrical monitoring apparatus. Figure 4B shows the switch as unlocked. The control bar 3 controlled by the drive motor is displaced leftwards. The electrical contacts 35, 36 open. The control bar 3 coming into contact with the moving peg 5A and pushing it causes the left point 16A to move, and at least one resilient spacer bar 23C, 23D to be compressed to a limited extent. Since the strokes of the control bars are long enough, they cause the right point 16B to be unlocked by ejecting the moving peg 5B from its notch. Figure 4C shows the parallel movement of the points. Figure 4D shows the switch with its points locked to the left. The moving peg 5A of the left locking apparatus DV1 is inserted into its notch by the control bar 3. The left point locks. The right point continues to open under the effect of at least one spring 18 of the spacer bars 23C, 23D. All of the electrical contacts 35, 36 of the electrical switches remain open. Figure 4E shows the switch locked to the left. By stopping, the drive motor stops the movement of the operating bars 3. The left point 16A is locked. The springs 18 of the spacer bars 23C, 23D have completed opening of the right point 16B. The control bar 3 of the right locking apparatus DV2 has released the moving peg 5B as a result of the clearance J2. The electrical contacts 35, 36 of the electrical switches make the circuits for monitoring opening and closing of the corresponding points. It is important to note that the clearances J1 and J2 make the mechanical circuit-breaker of the drive motor insensitive regardless of the vibrations or impacts to which the open point is subjected while a vehicle is passing. The trailable apparatus of the invention for operating and locking switches is not only freely moving, but rather it requires a triggered and effective opening stroke of the open point before urging and triggering, freely, tripping of circuit-breaker of the drive motor itself. Figures 4F to 4J are sequential operating diagrams of the trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches, operation being due to a passing vehicle. Figure 4F reproduces Figure 4A and shows the switch with its points locked to the right. Figure 4G shows the beginning of trailing of the switch. A vehicle arrives at the heel of the switch, the set of points not being in the correct position to allow the vehicle to pass. When a flange of a left wheel 38 of a vehicle pushes away the open point 16A, the electrical contact 35 for monitoring the position of the point 16a opens due to the displacement of the locking bars 4 of the locking apparatus DV1. At least one of the springs 18 of the spacer bars 23C, 23D is compressed. As shown in Figure 4H, the two locking bars of the locking apparatus DV1 come into contact with the moving peg 5A, thereby causing the control bars 3 to move, and thus the mechanical circuit-breaker of the drive motor to trip, and then the right point to be unlocked by the moving peg 5B of the locking apparatus DV2. Figure 4I shows the movement of the points as caused by the passing vehicle. The diagram in Figure 4I corresponds to the diagram in 4C, the movement not being caused by the drive motor, but rather by the passing vehicle. During this movement of the points, the electrical contacts 36, 37 of the electrical switches are open. As shown in Figure 4J, the trailing movement ceases once the space between the point 16A and the stock rail 14B is wide enough to enable the wheel to pass. All of the electrical contacts of the electrical switches are open. Once the locking apparatus has been trailed, it can be reset by manually or electrically resetting the mechanical circuit-breaker of the drive motor. The switch is then returned to a normal situation as shown in Figure 4F, the mechanical circuit-breaker then being electrically monitored again by means of the contact 37. Figures 5A to 5E are sequential operating diagrams of non-trailable apparatus for operating and locking switches, which apparatus comprises two locking apparatus of the invention for locking points 16A, 16B. Figure 5A shows the switch with its points locked to the left. The left point 16A is coupled to the two locking bars 4 of the locking apparatus DVi, the locking bars being held stationary by the moving peg 6A engaged in the notch in the locking plate 2. The moving peg 6A is held firmly in its notch by the control bar 3 which bears against the frame 1 of the locking apparatus DV1. The right point 16B is locked in the same way by the right locking apparatus DV2- The electrical contacts 35, 36 of the electrical switches monitor the positioning and the structural integrity of the control and locking elements, and the actual position of the point 16A and the opening of the point 16B. Figure 5B shows unlocking of the set of points. The control bars 3 controlled by the drive motor are displaced rightwards. The electrical contacts 35 open. On coming into contact with the moving pegs 6A and 5B, the control bars cause the pegs 5A and 6B to be ejected, thereby unlocking the points 16A and 16B. Figure 5C shows the movement of the points. Since the locking bars are coupled to the control bars by means of moving pegs 5B and 6B in locking apparatus DV2, and by means of moving pegs 5A and 6B in locking apparatus DV1, all of the bars are displaced from left to right. Figure 5D shows the points locked to the right. The control bars continue to move under the effect of the drive motor. The right point 16B comes into contact with the stock rail 14B. The moving pegs 5B and 6A are pushed into the notches in their respective locking plates by the control bars. Finally, Figure 5E shows the switch with its points locked to the right. The operating bars have stopped moving. The moving pegs 5B and 6A are firmly held in their notches by the control bars, the control bars bearing against the frames 1 of the respective locking apparatuses DV1 and DV2. There follows from the above a method of installing the apparatus for operating and locking a point of a rail switch. The method of installing the apparatus for operating and locking a point of a rail switch, the apparatus including locking apparatus DV such as described above for locking the point, is such that: the rear ends A of the slideway 1, of the control bar 3, of the locking bars 4, and of the locking plate 2 are fixed on the opposite side of the rail 14 from the point 16. the central portions B of the slideway 1, of the control bar 3, of the locking bars 4, and of the locking plate 2 are fixed under the rail 14 opposite from the point 16; the end C of a frame 10 disposed on the slideway 1 is fixed on the opposite side of said rail 14 from the point 16; the ends D of the locking bars 4 are fixed to coupling apparatus 15 for coupling the locking bars 4 to the point 16; said coupling apparatus 15 for coupling the locking bars 4 to the point 16 is fixed to the point 16; and the front end E of the control bar 3 is fixed to a push rod 17 for pushing at least one point 16. WE CLAIM: 1. Locking apparatus DV for locking a point (16) of a rail switch, the apparatus comprising: a slideway (1); a locking plate (2) adjoining said slideway (1); a control element (3) and at least one locking bar (4), said control element and said at least one locking bar being disposed to slide relative to the assembly comprising said slideway (1) and said locking plate (2), said control element (3) being capable of sliding relative to said locking bars (4); first and second moving pegs (5, 6) loosely held in first and second notches (7, 8) provided in said control element (3), and held free to rotate in first and second notches (7, 8) provided in each of said locking bars (4), said first and second moving pegs (5, 6) being suitable for being entrained by said first and second notches (7, 8) in said control element (3), and being suitable for longitudinally entraining said locking bars (4), said first and second moving pegs (5, 6) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of said control element (3) and of said locking bars (4); said locking apparatus being characterized in that: said control element (3) is a control bar; said control bar (3) and said locking bars (4) are disposed side-by-side, touching, and parallel to one another; said first and second notches (7, 8) are provided in the same side of said control bar (3) and of each of said locking bars (4); the inside of the slideway (1) and the outside of the assembly comprising the control bar (3) and the locking bars (4), are disposed side-by-side and touching, being of complementary overall shapes so as to enable said control bar (3) and said locking bars (4) to slide relative to said slideway (1). 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein coupling apparatus (15) is provided for coupling said locking bars (4) to said point (16). 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein: the rear ends A of said slideway (1), of said control bar (3), of said locking bars (4), and of said locking plate (2) are respectively disposed on an opposite side of the rail (14) from said point (16); the central portions B of said slideway (1), of said control bar (3), of said locking bars (4), and of said locking plate (2) are disposed under said rail opposite from said point (16); the front end C of a frame (10) disposed on said slideway (1) is secured to said opposite side of said rail (14) from said point (16); said coupling apparatus (15) for coupling said locking bars (4) to said point (16) is secured to the front ends D of the locking bars (4); the front end (E) of the control bar (3) is secured to a push rod (17) for pushing at least one point (16). 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said coupling apparatus (15) is secured to said point (16) so as to displace said point (16) under the action of said push rod (17). 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said coupling apparatus (15) is constituted by a yoke (27) coupled to said locking bars (4) via a bushing (28) and via a screw (29). 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein an adapting and fixing assembly (30, 32, 33) for adapting and fixing to said point (16) overlies said yoke (27). 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said adapting and fixing assembly comprises a pivot (30), an adapter bracket (32), and a coupling rod (33). 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said pivot (30) is provided with a resilient hinge (31) allowing said point (16) a certain amount of freedom to be displaced vertically. 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein a specific one of said adapter brackets (32) is made for each fixing principle of said point (16). 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said adapter bracket (32) fits either the web or the base of said point (16) so that said apparatus for operating and locking said point (16) fits a large number of points. 11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said coupling rod (33) is disposed on said adapter bracket (32) so as to allow said point (16) to expand, and therefore said pivot (30) to be displaced longitudinally relative to said point (16). 12. Rail switch (20) comprising a set (21) of flexible points (16A, 16B), stock rails (22), a first operating rod (26A) connected to a drive motor (25A), wherein said first operating rod (26A) is connected to a push rod (17) of a locking apparatus (DV1) as claimed in claim 3 or 4 for locking the points (16A, 16B) of the set of points (21), said locking apparatus (DV1) being secured to one rail (14A) of the stock rails (22), and wherein said push rod (17) is connected to another locking apparatus (DV2) which is secured to another rail (14B) of the stock rails (22). 13. A method of installing the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11 for operating and locking a point (16) of a rail switch, said apparatus including locking apparatus DV as claimed in claim 1 for locking said point (16), wherein method: the rear ends A of said slideway (1), of said control bar (3), of said locking bars (4), and of said locking plate (2) are fixed on the opposite side of the rail (14) from said point (16); the central portions B of said slideway (1), of said control bar (3), of said locking bars (4), and of said locking plate (2) are fixed under said rail (14) opposite from the point (16); the end C of a frame (10) disposed on said slideway (1) is fixed on said opposite side of said rail (14) from said point (16); the ends D of the locking bars (4) are fixed to said coupling apparatus (15) for coupling said locking bars (4) to said point (16); said coupling apparatus (15) for coupling the locking bars (4) to said point (16) is fixed to said point (16); and the front end E of the control bar (3) is fixed to a push rod (17) for pushing at least one point (16). 14. Locking apparatus DV for locking a point of a rail switch substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 15 A method of installing the apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Documents:

2522-del-1996-abstract.pdf

2522-del-1996-claims.pdf

2522-del-1996-correspondence-others.pdf

2522-del-1996-correspondence-po.pdf

2522-del-1996-description (complete).pdf

2522-del-1996-drawings.pdf

2522-del-1996-form-1.pdf

2522-del-1996-form-13.pdf

2522-del-1996-form-19.pdf

2522-del-1996-form-2.pdf

2522-del-1996-form-3.pdf

2522-del-1996-form-4.pdf

2522-del-1996-form-6.pdf

2522-del-1996-gpa.pdf

2522-del-1996-petition-138.pdf