Patent for switch stands. The improvement is to provide a mechanism in connection with stands of the character specified for moving the points of a switch to deflect trains from the main track on to the switch, wherein locking mechanism is provided for locking the switch points in safety or main line position and connected to the operating mechanism for moving the points in such manner that when operating arm for the switch is moved into the inoperative position after returning the points to the normal position, the locking mechanism will be operated to lock the points against movement.

Patent for mixing anhydrous sodium-sulfate with saw dust, heating the mixture in a furnace to 880 degrees Celsius and letting it partially cool. This process will convert the sodium-sulfate to sodium sulfide which when combined with the saw dust creates a liquid which will not oxidize because of the saw dust. The saw dust prevents the mixture from becoming volatile. When lime is added to the mixture then caustic soda is created.