IMPROVED RAILROAD TRACK SWITCH HEATER

摘要

A high efficiency, direct conduction track switch heater (24) and associated spring clamp are disclosed. The heater (24) includes a generally blade-shaped jacket (68) dimensioned for mounting on the gauge side (26) of a fixed rail (22) at the track switch interface (62). The jacket dimensions reduce the likelihood of impact damage due to track switching while providing an enlarged heat transfer surface (66). The spring clamp presses the heater (24) tightly against the rail (22) while accommodating normal thermal expansions and providing a narrow profile for the overall heater and clamp assembly.