Patent Application
20230213557
The present invention relates generally to the field of test shunts. More specifically, the present invention relates to a test shunt clamp device. The device has at least two clamps that can be attached to each rail track of a railroad track. Once attached to each track rail, the two track rails are hard-wired to each other. The toggle switch can be placed in the “0.06” position such that a resistor (that the first and second wires are connected to) delivers a 0.06 ohm impedance between the rail track via a first pointed member of the first clamp attached to the first wire and a second pointed member of the second clamp attached to the second wire. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
Test Shunts are used by railroad signalmen to test the function and readiness of train detection gear via the attachment of test pins to each of two railroad rails. Currently, existing railroad signalmen attach test pins of their test shunts with C-Clamps or other similar devices to railroad rails by actually screwing the closure to the track rail and tightening it to create an electrical connection between the C-Clamp and the rail. However, said devices require time and effort while turning and adjusting the closing screw to attach the device to the track rail. The device must then also be removed from the rail once testing is complete by the same action of unscrewing the C-Clamp. Other testing options do exist but require additional persons to complete and have their own set of unique disadvantages.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used instead of a C-Clamp or other similar device to be used on a test shunt to secure test pins onto a railroad track to test track drivers. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used instead of a C-Clamp or other similar device to be used on a test shunt to secure test pins onto a railroad track to test track drivers that is not overly time-consuming. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used instead of a C-Clamp or other similar device to be used on a test shunt to secure test pins onto a railroad track to test track drivers that only requires a singular user.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a test shunt clamp device. The device is comprised of a housing with at least one toggle switch, at least one resistor, a first wire attached to a first clamp with at least one pointed member, and a second wire attached to a second clamp with at least one pointed member. Each clamp can be attached to a rail track of a railroad track. Once attached, the toggle switch can be placed in either of two positions such that, in position 1 (identified by “HW” on one side of the toggle switch) the two track rails are “hardwired” to each other and in position 2 (identified by “0.06” on the other side of the toggle switch) such that the resistor (that the first and second wires are connected to) delivers a 0.06 ohm impedance to each rail track via the first pointed member of the first clamp attached to the first wire and the second pointed member of the second clamp attached to the second wire.
In this manner, the test shunt clamp device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a device that can be used instead of a C-Clamp or other similar device to be used on a test shunt to secure test pins onto a railroad track to test track drivers. Further, the device does so in an efficient manner. Finally, the device only requires a singular user.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a test shunt clamp device. The device is comprised of a housing with at least one toggle switch, at least one resistor, a first wire attached to a first clamp with at least one pointed member, and a second wire attached to a second clamp with at least one pointed member.
The first wire and the second wire each enter the housing via at least one insulated grommet opening and connect to a first terminal and a second terminal within the housing. The first wire and second wire then connect to at least one resistor and the toggle switch via a series of connector wiring such that the resistor, the toggle switch, the first wire, the second wire, and the connector wiring are in wired, electrical communication. The wiring of the first wire, second wire, and connector wiring may be any type of insulated wire known in the art that can carry an electrical charge. The resistor is preferably a 0.06 ohm resistor but may differ in various embodiments.
The first wire and second wire are each comprised of at least one clamp that is preferably a C-clamp style locking clamp that can easily attach to (and remain secured to) a railroad track. Each clamp is comprised of a first jaw and a second jaw attached at a hinge point that allows the clamp to open/close. The clamp may be comprised of at least one locking mechanism that allows the jaws to be secured at any position. Each jaw is comprised of at least one pointed member that contacts the rail during use of the device. At least one wire attachment member attaches the first wire to one of the pointed members such that the electrical current can flow through the wire to and from the resistor and the track through the member.
During use, each clamp is attached to each rail of a railroad track such that the electrical current of each rail travels through the first wire and second wire. When a signalman is working on and testing railroad track signals, they may oftentimes need to create an exact impedance of 0.06 ohm. Pressing the toggle switch to an “0.06 position” allows the resistor to create said 0.06 ohm impedance by interrupting the primary flow of the electrical current from each rail. This is done to mimic the conditions present when a locomotive or rail car creates a short circuit. Pressing the switch to the “hard wired” position stops the impedance but maintains a dead short between the rails
The device is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, the first clamp is opened, placed around a first rail track, closed, and secured in said position by locking the single-action locking mechanism. Then, the second clamp is opened, placed around a second rail track, closed, and secured in said position by locking the single-action locking mechanism. Next, the switch can be pushed to either the “HW” or the “0.06 ” position such that the two tracks will be either “Hard-wired” to each other or connected to each other with 0.06 ohm resistance through the resistor to allow the railroad signalman to test and perform any other necessary operations to the tracks as needed by mimicking the condition of a (“Hard-wired” or “0.06 ” ohm) short circuit. Next, the locking mechanism of each clamp can be unlocked with a single action to remove each clamp from each rail.
Accordingly, the test shunt clamp device of the present invention by accomplishing single-action attachment/detachment and selectable (“HW”; “0.06 ” ohm) is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used instead of a time-consuming C-Clamp and the labor-intensive two person devices to test track drivers. In this manner, the test shunt clamp device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of testing railroad track drivers known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used instead of a C-Clamp or other similar device to be used on a test shunt to secure test pins onto a railroad track to test track drivers. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used instead of a C-Clamp or other similar device to be used on a test shunt to secure test pins onto a railroad track to test track drivers that is not overly time-consuming. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used instead of a C-Clamp or other similar device to be used on a test shunt to secure test pins onto a railroad track to test track drivers that only requires a singular user.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a test shunt clamp device. The device is comprised of a housing with at least one toggle switch, at least one resistor, a first wire attached to a first clamp with at least one pointed member, and a second wire attached to a second clamp with at least one pointed member. The first wire and the second wire each enter the housing via at least one insulated grommet opening and connect to a first terminal and a second terminal within the housing. The first wire and second wire then connect to at least one resistor (preferably a 0.06 ohm resistor) and the toggle switch via a series of connector wiring such that the resistor, the toggle switch, the first wire, the second wire, and the connector wiring are in wired, electrical communication. The wiring of the first wire, second wire, and connector wiring may be any type of insulated wire known in the art that can carry an electrical charge.
The first wire and second wire are each comprised of at least one clamp that is preferably a C-clamp style locking clamp that can easily attach to (and remain secured to) a railroad track. Each clamp is comprised of a first jaw and a second jaw attached at a hinge point that allows the clamp to open/close. The clamp may be comprised of at least one locking mechanism that allows the jaws to be secured at any position. Each jaw is comprised of at least one pointed member. The member contacts the rail during use of the device. At least one wire attachment member attaches the first wire to one of the pointed members such that the electrical current can flow through the wire to and from the resistor and the track through the member.
During use, each clamp is attached each to one of the rails of a railroad track such that the electrical current of each rail travels through the first wire and second wire without any impedance. A signalman can then use the device to create an exact impedance of 0.06 ohm. This is done by pressing the toggle switch to an “0.06 ” which allows the resistor to create said 0.06 ohm impedance by interrupting the primary flow of the electrical current from each rail. As a result, the device mimics the conditions present when a locomotive or rail car creates a short circuit. Pressing the switch to the “HW” position stops the impedance and returns the flow of power to the clamps without any impedance.
The device is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, the first clamp is opened, placed around a first rail track, closed, and secured in said position by locking the single action locking mechanism. Then, the second clamp is opened, placed around a first rail track, closed, and secured in said position by locking the single action locking mechanism. Next, the switch can be pushed to the “0.06 ” position such that the resistor creates a 0.06 ohm impedance to allow the railroad signalman to test the tracks as needed by mimicking the condition of a short circuit. Once testing has been completed, the switch can be toggled to the “hard wired” position to shut off the resistor. Next, the locking mechanism of each clamp can be unlocked by single action and each clamp can be removed from each rail.
Accordingly, the test shunt clamp device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used instead of a C-Clamp to test track drivers. Further, the device does so in an efficient manner while only requiring a singular user. In this manner, the test shunt clamp device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of testing railroad track drivers known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The housing 110 may be made from any material known in the art such as but not limited to wood, metal, plastic, etc. The material of the housing 110 is preferably waterproof. In one embodiment, the material of the housing 110 may be made from a non-conductive material that prevents a user from being shocked by the device 100. The housing 110 is preferably square or rectangular in shape, but may be any shape known in the art that allows components of the device 100 to be housed into the interior space 120, such as, but not limited to, at least one insulator 130 of any electrical insulating material known in the art.
The lid 112 of the housing 110 may have at least one hinge 118 (or a fold) that allows the lid 112 to open/close to access the internal components of the device 100 for maintenance purposes. The hinge 118 may be any type known in the art. The lid 112 is comprised of at least one toggle switch 114 protected by at least one switch guard 116 that prevents the switch 114 from being accidentally engaged, as best seen in
The wiring of the first wire 200, second wire 300, and connector wiring 140 may be any type of insulated wire known in the art that can carry an electrical charge. The first wire 200, second wire 300, and connector wiring 140 are preferably made from a coated copper wire. The resistor 154 is preferably a 0.06 ohm resistor but may differ in various embodiments.
The first wire 200 is comprised of at least one first clamp 210, as seen in
The second wire 300 is comprised of at least one first clamp 310, as seen in
During use, each clamp 210,310 is attached to each rail 10 of a railroad track such that the electrical current of each rail 10 travels through the first wire 200 and the second wire 300. When a signalman is working on and testing railroad track signals, they may oftentimes need to create an exact impedance of 0.06 ohm. Pressing the switch 114 to an “0.06 ” allows the resistor 154 to create said 0.06 ohm impedance by interrupting the primary flow of the electrical current from each rail 10. This is done to mimic the conditions present when a locomotive or rail car creates a short circuit. Pressing the switch 114 to the “HW” position stops the impedance and returns the flow of power to the clamps without and impedance.
The device 100 can be transported in at least one carrying case 400, as seen in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “test shunt clamp device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the test shunt clamp device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the test shunt clamp device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the test shunt clamp device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the test shunt clamp device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the test shunt clamp device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the test shunt clamp device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/296,568, which was filed on Jan. 5, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63296568 | Jan 2022 | US |
