Self-sealing plate for mechanical switching mechanism used on railway points, prevents ingress of leaves or other objects

摘要

Railway junction points are operated by rigid rods (3) which push the tapered tongues (4) of the side rails in contact with the sides of the main rails (7) to divert the flanged wheels of the train. The reciprocating rods (3) are linked to the points (2) via hollow sleepers (1). The present sealing plate (5) prevents leaves and other objects from entering the hollow sleeper. The plate (5) is made from rubber of plastic and has slits (6) which allow the rods to move, but seal the gaps.