Abstract: A battery-operated tool is disclosed for use in the rail industry. In some embodiments, the battery-operated tool may comprise a battery-operated spike driver configured to drive in spikes configured to hold rails for a railway onto a fixed point. The battery-operated tool may include or otherwise be connected to a battery management system. The battery management system may be configured to manage the power supplied to the battery-operated device via one or more batteries. In various embodiments, the one or more batteries may comprise a set of rechargeable batteries connected in series or in parallel. In some embodiments, the battery management system may be attached to or included within the battery-operated device. In other embodiments, the battery management system may be physically separate from the battery-operated device. For example, the battery management system may be included within a separate battery pack that includes the set of batteries.

Abstract: A portable railroad spike remover comprises a claw assembly extractor that is shaped to engage and secure a railroad spike previously installed into a rail tie. The claw assembly extractor may include a pair of jaw members that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivoting pin and a rotating pin. Each jaw member may include a lower end configured to contact and secure a railroad spike and a pair of upper members interlocked with each other and pivotally connected to the clevis fastener with the rotating pin. When the drive shaft is rotated, the claw assembly extractor and the mounting flange may move inside the main housing in a vertical direction to extract the railroad spike from the rail tie.

Abstract: An anti-collision system for railcars and locomotives provides a distance ranging and worker coupling protection system utilizing remote-sensing radar techniques for use with a locomotive and railcar. The anti-collision system may include an object detector device attached to a railcar or a locomotive that detects objects in a path of the railcar and the locomotive and a train display device electrically connected to the object detector device. The anti-collision system may also include an emergency action device which enables a crew member to stop the railcar or locomotive without communication to a locomotive operator when a hazard is recognized. The object detector device may include a remote sensor, a radio, and a microprocessor programmed to include data-logging to record and log all data from the anti-collision system.

Abstract: A clip insertion system is disclosed inserting and/or removing clips from rail plates. The clip insertion system described herein may comprise a hand tool that positions and inserts a clip into a rail plate that is attached to the railroad tie. The clip secures the steel rail to the tie. This invention represents a significant improvement over existing clip setting hand tools by improving useability, reducing safety risks, and increasing efficiency in the process/method of securing the rail using clips and/or other clip-based technologies. This system also provides and improved method of moving and positioning the tool as it is moved to successive clip insertion locations.

Abstract: An interactive vehicle safety system having capabilities to improve peripheral vision, provide warning, and improve reaction time for operators of vehicles. For example, the interactive vehicle safety system may have capabilities for portraying objects, which are being blocked by any of the structural pillars and/or mirrors of a vehicle (such as a truck, van, train, etc.). The interactive vehicle safety system disclosed may comprise one or more image capturing devices (such as camera, sensor, laser), distance and object sensors (such as ultrasonic sensor, LIDAR radar sensor, photoelectric sensor, and infrared sensor), a real-time image processing of an object, and one or more display systems (such as LCD or LED displays). The interactive vehicle safety system may give a seamless 360-degree front panoramic view to a driver.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a rail warning system using wireless portable transmitters/receivers. The rail warning system uses a chirp spread spectrum modulation scheme, and alerts personnel in work zones on or near train tracks as well as optionally, on track equipment and train operators, of approaching trains or on track equipment. Portable wayside devices may also be positioned on the rail web, optionally magnetically, to alert work personnel, allowing for secure placement but also portability to other locations on the same track or adjacent tracks.

Abstract: A portable railroad spike remover comprises a claw assembly extractor that is shaped to engage and secure a railroad spike previously installed into a rail tie. The claw assembly extractor may include a pair of jaw members that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivoting pin and a rotating pin. Each jaw member may include a lower end configured to contact and secure a railroad spike and a pair of upper members interlocked with each other and pivotally connected to the clevis fastener with the rotating pin. When the drive shaft is rotated, the claw assembly extractor and the mounting flange may move inside the main housing in a vertical direction to extract the railroad spike from the rail tie.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device for measuring vertical rail measurements under service to record and report excessive vertical rail movement to prevent a train from derailing. The device may be pivoting with a tilt sensor and light-weight. The device may include a microprocessor, sensors, and a display. The device may be installed on the rail. The device may sense an approaching train, automatically turn on the device, and measure the real-time vertical displacement and the maximum/minimum vertical movement of the rail while the train is operating over the rail at all speeds.

Abstract: A portable device is disclosed for drilling a hole through a plate and into a wooden tie and/or inserting a lag screw into the hole in the plate and into the wooden tie. The portable device may include a handle and a removable drill with a rechargeable battery that provides power to the portable device. In various embodiments, the portable device may include a gear ratio and gear reduction system configured to allow a user to change speed and torque settings for the portable device independent from the battery-powered drill. In some embodiments, the portable device may include a quick connect/disconnect component configured to enable the portable device to be used as a tie drill device or a lag screw inserter device by interchangeably connecting either a drill bit or a lag screw socket to the portable device.

Abstract: An interactive vehicle safety system having capabilities to improve peripheral vision, provide warning, and improve reaction time for operators of vehicles. For example, the interactive vehicle safety system may have capabilities for portraying objects, which are being blocked by any of the structural pillars and/or mirrors of a vehicle (such as a truck, van, train, etc.). The interactive vehicle safety system disclosed may comprise one or more image capturing devices (such as camera, sensor, laser), distance and object sensors (such as ultrasonic sensor, LIDAR radar sensor, photoelectric sensor, and infrared sensor), a real-time image processing of an object, and one or more display systems (such as LCD or LED displays). The interactive vehicle safety system may give a seamless 360-degree front panoramic view to a driver.

Abstract: A lock spike adapter is disclosed for use with a spike puller to remove a lock spike on a railroad. The lock spike adapter may comprise an adapter portion, a magnet, and a slide pin. The adapter portion may comprise a machine piece of metal and include a top head unit and a pair of arms with a hole through each arm. When the top head unit and the pair of arms of the adapter portion are positioned over the top of a lock spike, the push-through bolt or slide pin may be adapted to slide through the pair of holes in the arms of the adapter portion and the eye of the lock spike. The magnet may be configured to hold the slide pin in place. When attached to a lock spike, the lock spike adapter may be used to pull the lock spike from railroad ties.

Abstract: An interactive vehicle safety system having capabilities to improve peripheral vision, provide warning, and improve reaction time for operators of vehicles. For example, the interactive vehicle safety system may have capabilities for portraying objects, which are being blocked by any of the structural pillars and/or mirrors of a vehicle (such as a truck, van, train, etc.). The interactive vehicle safety system disclosed may comprise one or more image capturing devices (such as camera, sensor, laser), distance and object sensors (such as ultrasonic sensor, LIDAR radar sensor, photoelectric sensor, and infrared sensor), a real-time image processing of an object, and one or more display systems (such as LCD or LED displays). The interactive vehicle safety system may give a seamless 360-degree front panoramic view to a driver.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light for railways. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may provide a rail worker with one light device to be used for many railway applications. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may have a two-sided light capability and the ability to provide warning and lighting on both a front panel and a back panel of the lantern/multi-functional LED. The lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light may include one or more of the following features: two-sided with extra-bright warning LEDs orientated in rows that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to light-up a work area, multi-color with different flash rates, sensor to allow for orientation position indication and automatic ON/OFF on one side, bottom base magnetic mount, two bright top-mounted LED lights and two side-top LEDs that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to be used as a flash light.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a rail warning system using wireless portable transmitters/receivers. The rail warning system uses a chirp spread spectrum modulation scheme, and alerts personnel in work zones on or near train tracks as well as optionally, on track equipment and train operators, of approaching trains or on track equipment. Portable wayside devices may also be positioned on the rail web, optionally magnetically, to alert work personnel, allowing for secure placement but also portability to other locations on the same track or adjacent tracks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device for measuring lateral rail measurements under service to record and report excessive rail movement and angle differential to prevent a train from derailing. The device may be spring-loaded and light-weight. The device may include a microprocessor, sensors, and a display. The device may be installed on the rail. The device may sense an approaching train, automatically turn on the device, detect the train speed, and measure the angle differential, the real-time displacement, and the maximum/minimum displacement between the two rails while the train is operating over the rail at all speeds. The device measures and records the separation and angle differential of the rail to ensure the rail does not exceed separation that could derail the train.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device for measuring vertical rail measurements under service to record and report excessive vertical rail movement to prevent a train from derailing. The device may be pivoting with a tilt sensor and light-weight. The device may include a microprocessor, sensors, and a display. The device may be installed on the rail. The device may sense an approaching train, automatically turn on the device, and measure the real-time vertical displacement and the maximum/minimum vertical movement of the rail while the train is operating over the rail at all speeds.

Abstract: A sports swing training device is attachable to a sports striking-object, such as a golf club, tennis racket, or baseball bat, and uses multiple motion sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers, in conjunction with one or more microprocessors and device displays, to measure and display various swing metrics and to project flight patterns resulting from each swing. Swing data are displayed in graphic and/or indicia format, on the device's displays and are wirelessly transmitted to the displays of one or more external devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers. The projected flight patterns reveal flaws in the swing so as to promote corrective adjustments by the athlete.

Abstract: A portable railroad spike remover comprises a claw assembly extractor that is shaped to engage and secure a railroad spike previously installed into a rail tie. The claw assembly extractor may include a pair of jaw members that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivoting pin and a rotating pin. Each jaw member may include a lower end configured to contact and secure a railroad spike and a pair of upper members interlocked with each other and pivotally connected to the clevis fastener with the rotating pin. When the drive shaft is rotated, the claw assembly extractor and the mounting flange may move inside the main housing in a vertical direction to extract the railroad spike from the rail tie.

Abstract: The derail warning system may include a solar-powered LED indicator for derail or switch. The derail warning system may also include an orientation sensor that automatically turns on depending on the orientation of the derail (up or down), derail metal flag, or switch indicator flag. The derail warning system may bring more visibility with a 360-degree LED that is solar powered and may detect orientation and turn on based on the position of the derail, switch, or flag. The derail warning system may use a unique acceleration sensor or g-sensor that can detect orientation movement and automatically turn on or off and be fully charged to operate day or night. The derail warning system may also include a data-logging microprocessor to determine a time stamp of position and location.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light for railways. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may provide a rail worker with one light device to be used for many railway applications. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may have a two-sided light capability and the ability to provide warning and lighting on both a front panel and a back panel of the lantern/multi-functional LED. The lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light may include one or more of the following features: two-sided with extra-bright warning LEDs orientated in rows that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to light-up a work area, multi-color with different flash rates, sensor to allow for orientation position indication and automatic ON/OFF on one side, bottom base magnetic mount, two bright top-mounted LED lights and two side-top LEDs that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to be used as a flash light.