The Patented FAS-PAS™ Time Locking
or Approach Locking System Configurations
FAS-PAS ™ Failsafe Audible Signal – Power Assisted Switch
High Quality, Remotely Operated, Switch Control Point
Designed for Dark Territory Operation
With well over 1,500,000 hours of safe operation. It’s the proven method for switch point detection and control.
“These… (FAS-PAS™)… switches make it safer, faster and easier for train crews to line switches and move across the territory.” Jerry W. Heavin, Senior Vice President of Operations, KCS |
Definition
Global Rail Systems FAS-PAS ™ systems are a combination of railroad operating rules and advanced technology applied to dark or ABS territory power switch operation and monitoring that allows for remote switch control and advance switch position indications to be accomplished in a vital method.
System Description
Each control point is considered a system and each system consists of seven major sub-systems.
1. Switch machine sub-system
2. Communication sub-system
3. Zone occupancy sub-system
4. Indication sub-system
5. Control sub-system
6. System housing and packaging
7. Configurations available
With the above sub-systems properly integrated, Global Rail Systems provides a vital control point for non-signalized territory (dark or ABS territory).
1. Switch Machine
Global Rail Systems TS 4500 power switch machine is the latest in technology design allowing a cost effective solution to increase safety and reliability in yard and mainline switch control applications. The unique patent pending design incorporates the best practices of applied engineering for force generation and switch point holding force. The reduction of linkages and the use of sealed bearings ensures increased reliability and minimizes maintenance requirements lowering the overall cost of ownership. The direct drive design maximizes the available power for throwing any size switch point. The spring holding force is easily adjusted and will not cause track structure failure due to excessive impact during throwing or while in the holding position. The field serviceable spring assembly allows maximum availability and reliability.
| Global Rail Systems TS 4500 Switch Machine | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | W 38”, D 39 ½”, H 13” |
| Throw Force | Up to 4500 lbs. |
| Spring Holding Force | Self adjusted to 2,000 lbs. |
| Speed of Throw | 2.2 seconds |
| Point Detection | Proximity Sensors |
| Primary Motor Shut Off | Microprocessor based |
| M/W Lock-out Tag-out | Yes |
| Overload Protection | Solid State Timer |
| Local Control | Push Button Toggle |
| Throw Rod Mechanism | Direct Drive Rack & Pinion |
| Power Supply | 12VDC |
| Charging System | Solar or AC |
| Local Control | Push Button Toggle |
| Remote Control | Radio, Data or DTMF |
| Manual Control | Hand Pump |
| Trail-able | Up to 40 mph |
| Environmental Specification | -40F to +130F |
| Event Logging | Up to 15,000 Events |
| Warranty | Two Year Parts and Labor |
Point Detection System
In a MYA ™ system, redundancy of critical inputs provides for vital outputs. In operations where switch position detection is critical, the TS 4500 switch machine ensures the switch position is known with proximity sensors placed inside the machine away from the elements. The sensors monitor the position of the cylinder attached directly to the throw rod so any movement of the rod is detected. The system detects the position and will provide the appropriate warning. If the switch is run through, the event log will detect the action and log it but the system is resettable with a push button control.
The optional Redundant Spring Holding Force & Point Position Device provides redundant switch point detection as well as additional spring point holding force. The system ensures that any run through switches will recover to a position having positive contact with the stock rail. The point detection systems in both the switch machine and EPSL device must correspond before a request can be processed.
Redundant Spring Holding Force & Point Position Device (EPSL)
b. Global Rail Systems can integrate with any style switch machine desired by our customers.
FAS-PAS ™ systems are compatible with any style switch machine
2. The Communication System
In a FAS-PAS ™ System, the communication system depends on how the Railroad wants to control the switch. Global Rail Systems provides either a data radio or a UHF-VHF radio. If the switch is to be controlled or queried from the locomotive then a radio is installed that will work with the voice radio on the locomotive and tuned to the frequency that the Railroad is licensed to use. The trainmen will use the DTMF key pad on the hand set of the locomotive to send a switch position request or query to the control point.
If the system is to be controlled from a computer aided dispatch system then the data radio is used. The FAS-PAS ™ system can utilize any of the existing serial data protocols that the Railroad industry is currently using such as ATCS, Genesis, DT4, DT8, MCS1 etc.
The FAS-PAS ™ System can utilize telephone modems or fiber optic modems as other means of integrating into a communications network. Once the communications link is established the system will provide normal, reverse, out of correspondence point position indication and OS occupancy to the office system.
3. Zone Occupancy Switch Detection System (OS)
In a FAS-PAS ™ system, safety is always the first priority in the implementation of our design. Global Rail Systems utilizes two (2) audio frequency overlay track circuits for the mainline and turnout side of a control point. This requires just two insulated joints to be installed on the turnout side of the control point just behind the switch points.
4. Indication Methods
There are multiple methods available for switch point position indication to the trainmen. The system is designed to provide a vital audible and/or visual indication to the train crew. Remote indication of switch point position to a dispatcher office system is also offered.
Global Rail’s LED Switch Point Indicator
Global Rail Systems provides a superior quality LED three aspect point position indicator with the following features.
1. Large snow hood and back ground powder coated flat-black for superior resistance to weathering.
2. Easy access for removal of individual LED units for replacement
3. LED’s provide superior visibility at over 10,000 feet away ,BR> 4. LED’s provide extreme life cycle durability (100,000 hrs)
5. Low power consumption which leads to extended operations when commercial power is interrupted. This also allows us to utilize solar panels when commercial power is not available.
5. Control System
The heart of the system is the Global Logic Controller and fail safe timers. The system design uses the Global Logic Controller (GLC) to process all switch control requests, logic and timers with the other fail safe components processing the functions. This method of operation provides an economical system that is accepted as a fail safe control point.
6. System Components
Great care has been taken to ensure the highest quality components for the system in all areas. Reliability, safety, durability and value are the key considerations for the selection of all components. Features the System Packaging provides are listed below.
7. Available Configurations
FAS-PAS ™ Yard Limits System with AC or Solar Charged TS 4500 Switch Machine. For under 20 mph. lines and yard limit operations. Includes fully wired electronics cabinet, track circuits for OS zone, DTMF controller, VHF or UHF voice radio package, back to back LED switch point position indicators.
Full FAS-PAS ™ Time Locking or Approach Locking Systems with AC or Solar Charged TS 4500 Switch Machine for mainline applications. Includes fully wired case, track circuits for OS zone, DTMF Controller, VHF or UHF voice or data radio package, material and grounding system, all mounting hardware, back to back LED switch point position indicators. (where applicable approach indication housing, circuits and LED’s)
Full FAS-PAS ™ Time Locking or Approach Locking System with AC or Solar Charged Mainline Switch Machine for mainline applications. Includes fully wired case, track circuits for OS zone, DTMF Controller, VHF or UHF voice or data radio package, material and grounding system, all mounting hardware, back to back LED switch point position indicators. (where applicable approach indication housing, circuits and LED’s).
Global Rail Systems Inc.
P.O. Box 110, 503 FM 147, Marlin, Texas 76661
Call toll free: 866-883-2213 --- Fax: 254-883-2201