Union Switch & Signal has a rich history that spans over a century. The company was founded in 1894 by a group of investors who saw an opportunity to develop and manufacture railroad signaling systems.
In the early days, Union Switch & Signal focused on producing mechanical interlockings, which were a crucial component of railroad signaling systems. These interlockings allowed trains to safely pass through intersections by preventing multiple trains from occupying the same track at the same time.
The company's early success was largely due to its innovative approach to railroad signaling. Union Switch & Signal introduced the first electric interlocking system in the early 1900s, which greatly improved the safety and efficiency of railroads.
Founding and History
Union Switch & Signal was founded in 1881 by George Westinghouse through the merger of two companies, Union Electric Signal Company and Interlocking Switch & Signal Company.
The merging of these two companies marked the beginning of US&S, bringing together track circuit technology and interlocking systems expertise.
The company's early years were built on the reputation of its founding corporations, with Union Electric Signal Company known for its innovative track circuit technology and Interlocking Switch & Signal Company recognized for its reliable interlocking systems.
Broaden your view: Railroad Track Maintenance Tax Credit
Founding Years
The company was founded by George Westinghouse in 1881. He merged two other corporations, Union Electric Signal Company and Interlocking Switch & Signal Company, to create US&S.
Union Electric Signal Company was known for its track circuit technology, which was a game-changer in its time.
The merging of these two companies marked the beginning of US&S, and it's amazing to think about how far the company would go from its humble beginnings.
Interlocking Switch & Signal Company had earned a reputation for its interlocking systems, which were a crucial part of railroad safety.
Wartime Production
During World War II, Union Switch & Signal was one of the five contractors to make M1911A1 pistols, a task they took on in 1943.
They produced a total of 55,000 pistols, a relatively low number due to the cancellation of their contract early in 1943.
The production blocks assigned to Union Switch & Signal were between serial numbers 1,041,405 and 1,096,404, with Colt duplicating 4,171 pistols in the 1,088,726 to 1,092,896 serial number range.
Union Switch & Signal produced high-quality pistols, a testament to their expertise in manufacturing firearms.
Only Singer produced fewer 1911A1's, with a total of 500 pistols made.
Products and Equipment
Union Switch & Signal offers a wide range of products and equipment to support railway signaling systems.
Their wayside signaling equipment includes DC code systems, electronic communication systems, electronic interlocking, relays, railway signals, switch machines, and track circuits.
This variety of equipment helps ensure safe and efficient train operations on the tracks.
The company's central control signaling equipment provides computer-based manual control systems, traffic management systems, dark territory control systems, and electro-mechanical centralized traffic control machines.
These systems enable remote control and monitoring of train movements, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall transportation efficiency.
By providing these innovative products and systems, Union Switch & Signal has revolutionized the railway industry since its inception in 1881.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Werhof V Freeway Traffic Systems GmbH & Co KG
Railway Signaling
Union Switch & Signal has been a pioneer in railway signaling since its inception in 1881. The company's innovative products and systems have revolutionized the industry, making railway transportation safer and more efficient.
US&S built the first power interlocking system in the United States in 1882 at East St. Louis, Illinois, a pneumatic design. This was soon replaced by an electro-pneumatic system, which was widely adopted by railroads across the country.
The company introduced an electrically controlled highway crossing gate in 1908, contributing to the safety of road-rail intersections. This was a significant innovation in railway signaling, making it safer for both road users and rail passengers.
US&S developed the first inductive train control system in 1923, paving the way for the development of coded track circuits and bi-directional cab signaling. This innovation has had a lasting impact on the industry, improving the safety and efficiency of railway transportation.
Here are some of the key areas where US&S has made significant contributions to railway signaling:
- Railway signaling
- Block systems
- Signaling control
- Signals
- Train detection
- Train protection
- Crossing signals
Level Crossing
Level Crossing is a crucial aspect of railway signaling, ensuring safe passage for both trains and road users. US&S introduced an electrically controlled highway crossing gate in 1908, contributing to the safety of road-rail intersections.
Level crossing signals are a modern product line offered by US&S, featuring model 95 gate mechanisms, 8″ and 12″ flashing lights, and bells. This equipment plays a vital role in alerting road users to approaching trains.
US&S also provides cab signaling equipment and automatic train control, protection, and stop systems. These advanced systems help prevent accidents at level crossings by ensuring trains are brought to a safe stop before reaching the crossing.
Additional reading: Meta Announces Ai Users
Railway Signaling
Railway signaling is a crucial aspect of safe and efficient train operation. US&S built the first power interlocking system in the United States in 1882 at East St. Louis, Illinois.
This system was a pneumatic design, which was later replaced by an electro-pneumatic system that was widely adopted by railroads across the country. The electro-pneumatic system was a significant improvement over the pneumatic system.
In 1901, US&S developed the first electro-pneumatic automatic train stop system for the Boston Elevated Railway. This system was later implemented by the New York City Subway and other transit systems.
US&S introduced an electrically controlled highway crossing gate in 1908, contributing to the safety of road-rail intersections. The company's innovative products and systems have revolutionized the industry, making railway transportation safer and more efficient.
US&S developed the first inductive train control system in 1923, which paved the way for the development of coded track circuits and bi-directional cab signaling. This was a major breakthrough in railway signaling technology.
Recommended read: Apple Pay Later Terminated
Here are some key features of US&S's railway signaling products:
- DC code systems
- Electronic communication systems
- Electronic interlocking
- Relays
- Railway signals
- Switch machines
- Track circuits
US&S's modern product line includes level crossing signals, featuring model 95 gate mechanisms, 8" and 12" flashing lights, and bells. The company also provides cab signaling equipment and automatic train control, protection, and stop systems.
Corporate and Modern Developments
US&S operated as an independent company until 1917, when it became a subsidiary of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO). In 1968, American Standard purchased WABCO and reorganized US&S as a separate division.
The company went through several ownership changes, with Ansaldo STS purchasing US&S from American Standard in 1988. US&S became a publicly traded company in November 1993 with shares listed on Nasdaq.
In 2009, US&S was renamed Ansaldo STS – USA after merging with Ansaldo's other signaling investments. This change occurred after Ansaldo was acquired by Hitachi in 2019, resulting in US&S being renamed Hitachi Rail STS.
Intriguing read: Gio. Ansaldo & C.
Corporate Management
US&S operated as an independent company until 1917, when it became a subsidiary of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO).
The company changed hands several times, with American Standard purchasing WABCO in 1968 and reorganizing US&S as a separate division.
In 1988, Ansaldo STS, a global supplier of signaling, control and automation systems, purchased US&S from American Standard.
US&S became a publicly traded company in November 1993, with shares listed on Nasdaq.
Modern Developments
In 2019, Hitachi Rail STS was formed after Ansaldo STS was taken over by Hitachi. This marked a significant change in the company's name and structure.
US&S continued to develop and innovate, playing a crucial role in shaping railway signaling systems.
Explore further: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
Frequently Asked Questions
Who bought Union Switch and Signal?
Union Switch and Signal was acquired by Ansaldo in 1988, following previous changes in ownership by Westinghouse Air Brake, American Standard, and Westinghouse. Ansaldo's purchase marked a significant shift in the company's history.
Featured Images: pexels.com
