Abstract: A method that can be implemented relatively easily and inexpensively for monitoring a hazard zone of a level crossing, divides a roadway into a first roadway section and a second roadway section. For this purpose, the method is carried out such that by use of a first radio module, first radio signals are emitted in a first detection region containing at least one part of the first roadway section. By use of a second radio module, second radio signals are emitted in a second detection region containing at least one part of the second roadway section. The hazard zone is monitored indirectly using an analysis which is based both on the first emitted radio signals as well as the second emitted radio signals and which relates to the detection regions.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle control device which, when traffic participants are waiting in the vicinity of a railroad crossing for a train to pass, appropriately controls driving of a vehicle about to pass through the railroad crossing. Entry of the vehicle into the railroad crossing is restrained until a waiting time elapses since when the railroad crossing transitioned from a passage blocking state to a passage allowing state, the waiting time being set in accordance with the kind or the number of the traffic participants present in the vicinity of the railroad crossing. When the waiting time has elapsed, the vehicle is caused to enter the railroad crossing and pass (through) the railroad crossing.

Abstract: A gate retraction device is provided to return a crossing gate arm to a home position. The gate retraction device comprises a frame to hold a gate pivot pin that is configured to provide a bi-directional rotation of the crossing gate arm. The gate retraction device further comprises a main pivot assembly that receives the gate pivot pin on one end so as to enable rotation of the main pivot assembly in a horizontal plane. The main pivot assembly comprises a first side and a second side opposite of the first side and wherein the main pivot assembly further comprises a spring pin extending on the first side and the second side of the main pivot assembly. The gate retraction device further comprises a spring-loaded assembly trapped against the spring pin of the main pivot assembly as the main pivot assembly rotates.

Abstract: A backup power railroad crossing notification system for a railroad crossing mechanism. The system includes a stationary audible device carried within a railroad housing proximate to a railroad crossing mechanism; a remote mobile device; and a computer carried within the railroad housing. The computer includes a switch conductively coupled to a battery and operably associated with the stationary audible device; and a transceiver in data communication with the mobile device. A method includes wirelessly communicate with the mobile device via the transceiver if power is being drawn from the battery; and activating the stationary audible device if power is being drawn from the battery.

Abstract: A locomotive warning system includes an acoustical warning subsystem configured to emit variably directed sound. A controller subsystem is responsive to an initiation command and is configured to trigger the acoustical warning subsystem to begin a sounding sequence when the initiation command is received at a first directivity angle and to continue the sound blast sequence at increasing directivity angles for a pre-establish time and/or distance traveled.

Abstract: An anti-tamper device in the form of a collar fitted about a housing is provided. The ends of the collar are formed into lock tabs, one of which is formed into a U-shaped portion, or V-shaped portion, to permit capture of the end of the other lock tab. Movement of the captured tab is prevented to resist tampering with the housing. Embodiment of the invention find application, in particular, to a housing for a bell at a railroad level crossing, and prevents loss of the bell due to vandalism.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for reducing problems associated with the train/railroad systems are provided. In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method is provided wherein a sensor monitors a particular area (e.g. a train/railroad crossing, a tunnel entrance or exit, etc.) and transmits data (e.g. an image and/or video) to a train as it approaches the monitored area (e.g. when it is within a predetermined distance of the monitored area). In certain example embodiments, the sensor may be enclosed within a housing to prevent damage thereto. A display within the train may indicate whether or not there is a problem at the particular monitored area (e.g. a blockage at a crossing, a cave-in at a tunnel, etc.). Multiple images corresponding to multiple areas may be displayed, and may be ordered, for example, to the train. The conductor of the train may take appropriate action to avoid accidents and/or to reduce the impact of inevitable accidents (e.g., by stopping the train or reducing speed).

Abstract: An example includes an apparatus for releasing a railroad gate in at least two directions. The example includes a primary pivot member and a secondary pivot member pivotally connected to the primary pivot member, with one end of the railroad crossing connectable to the secondary pivot member. In the example the primary pivot member is rotable around a primary pivot of the apparatus, the primary pivot member rotable in a first direction against a first spring bias and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, against a second spring bias other than the first spring bias, and wherein the secondary pivot member is rotable around a secondary pivot of the apparatus, the secondary pivot member rotable in the first direction against a third spring bias other than the first spring bias and the second spring bias.

Abstract: A method for sensing objects within a rail grade crossing island is described. The method includes transmitting a radar signal into the island from each of a plurality of radar devices such that each portion of the island is monitored by at least two of the radar devices, detecting if an object is in the island based on received signals corresponding to the transmissions associated with at least one of the radar devices, and operating a gate control device associated with the rail grade crossing based on the detections.

Abstract: First and second crossing predictors communicate with each other, and each predictor transmits signals to instruct downstream adjacent predictors to activate their warning devices at a constant warning time (referred to as DAXing) by using train detection information from the other predictor. The communications between the predictors may be rail based, wireless or wired using conductors other than rails. Multiple predictors may be present between the first and second crossing predictors, and each such predictor may be DAXed by one of the outer predictors based on the train's direction. The predictor also transmits a signal to inform the other predictor of the presence of the train so that the other predictor may determine whether to suppress DAXing. Detecting an incoming train direction at a predictor may also occur by utilizing a second receiver attached to the track rails at a location offset from the first receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a railroad crossing (2). The railroad crossing (2) includes a railroad (4) along which a train can travel. The railroad crossing (2) further includes a road (6) extending across the railroad (4) and along which a vehicle or automobile can travel. The road (6) includes a curved approach (8) to the railroad (4). The curved approach (8) is effective in encouraging a reduction in speed of the vehicle without seriously disrupting vehicle traffic flow. The railroad crossing (2) further includes a movable vehicle impact barrier (10) which can prevent the vehicle from crossing the railroad (4). The road (6) may include two separated traffic lanes (16a, 16b) in which vehicles travel in opposite directions, and this separation of the lanes (16) deters the vehicle from being driven from one lane 16a and into the other lane (16b) in an attempt to circumvent the barrier (10).

Abstract: Some methods include rotating a crossing gate actuator around a vertical swing pivot of a crossing gate mount, along a vertical swing path and into a down position to block a path such that a crossing gate coupled to the crossing gate actuator blocks the path, with a spring biased crossing gate release mechanism maintaining the crossing gate in a center position blocking the path and decoupling a bar segment from the crossing gate to decouple a spring from biasing the crossing gate into the center position such that the crossing gate is free to swing around a horizontal swing pivot, perpendicular to the vertical pivot, and out of the path.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate height adjustment assembly and method for establishing or reestablishing a height of the crossing gate of a railroad crossing gate apparatus. The assembly includes an elongated smooth pipe having a smooth exterior surface and a sliding coupling slidably engageable at a lower end along a length of the smooth pipe. A larger, upper end of the sliding coupling is threadably engageable with a coupling previously secured at a lower end of a wiring conduit of the gate apparatus whereby the length of the wiring conduit is adjustably increased by an exposed length of the smooth pipe. A lower end of the smooth pipe has an external thread which is threadably engageable into a threaded hole formed into a top surface of a gate base of the gate apparatus for supportively receiving a lower end of the smooth pipe.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate height adjustment assembly and method for reestablishing a height of the crossing gate of a railroad crossing gate apparatus. An elongated externally threaded pipe has a reducer threadably engageable at a lower, smaller end thereof onto, and is adjustably positionable along a length of the threaded pipe. A larger, upper end of the reducer is threadably lockable with a coupling previously secured at a lower end of a wiring conduit of the gate apparatus whereby the length of the wiring conduit is adjustably increased by an exposed length of the threaded pipe. A bushing having an external thread is lockably engageable onto a top surface of a gate base of the gate apparatus after the coupling and connected wiring conduit are removed, the bushing also having an external thread thereon for supportively receiving a lower end of the threaded pipe.

Abstract: A multiple direction railroad gate release mechanism which is attached between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement in either a frontal or rearward direction by a vehicle or other outside force. A primary pivot arm assembly allows a released movement of the crossing arm in reaction to frontal impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detent position subsequent to an impingement in order to maintain grade crossing protection. Spring assemblies, a shock absorber and a spring centering assembly act to return the primary pivot arm assembly and attached crossing arm to a normal detent position. A secondary pivot arm assembly is secured to the primary pivot arm assembly whereby the secondary pivot arm assembly can act independently of the primary pivot arm assembly to allow released movement and return of the crossing arm in reaction to rear impingement.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate flasher assembly has a sealed, rodent-proof connection for electrical cables that pass from the foundation to a junction box. A clearance between the bottom of the junction box and the top of the foundation is sealed with a plate to prevent rodents from accessing the cables. The seal plate is mounted to the bolts that extend from the foundation and is leveled after it is inserted onto the bolts. The junction box is lowered onto the seal plate and attached to the same bolts so that the junction box also is level. The seal plate has an opening, coupling and conduit for protecting the cables.

Abstract: A system for verifying the operation of a railroad gate is provided. The system includes a tilt device for measuring a tilt of the railroad gate and a controller coupled to the tilt device. The controller is selectively operable in a calibration mode and a monitoring mode. In the calibration mode, the controller measures a predetermined tilt of the railroad gate. In the monitoring mode, the controller measures a current tilt of the railroad gate to determine deviations between the current tilt and the predetermined tilt.

Abstract: A method of verifying clearance of a rail crossing includes: (a) detecting the presence of a train near the crossing, the train being equipped with a locomotive control unit; (b) in response to detection of the train near the crossing, generating a unique code; (c) capturing an image of the crossing; (d) transmitting the unique code along with the image to a remote operator control unit; (e) using the locomotive control unit, waiting for a response from the operator control unit containing the unique code; and (f) if the response containing the unique code is received by the locomotive control unit, permitting further operation of the train and, if the unique code is not received by the locomotive control unit, carrying out an automatic response which prevents movement of the train through the crossing.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate flasher assembly has a sealed, rodent-proof connection for electrical cables that pass from the foundation to a junction box. A clearance between the bottom of the junction box and the top of the foundation is sealed with a plate to prevent rodents from accessing the cables. The seal plate is mounted to the bolts that extend from the foundation and is leveled after it is inserted onto the bolts. The junction box is lowered onto the seal plate and attached to the same bolts so that the junction box also is level. The seal plate has an opening, coupling and conduit for protecting the cables.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate drive mechanism has an adjustable gate arm support in the form of a split hub mounted on the external portion of a drive shaft. A fixed section of the split hub is keyed to the drive shaft and has threaded bolt holes therein. A moveable section of the split hub mounts a gate arm connector and has arcuate slots cut on the same bolt circle as the fixed section's bolt holes. Cap screws extend through the arcuate slots and into the bolt holes. The horizontal position of the gate arm connector can be adjusted due to the loose fit afforded by the arcuate slots on the cap screws. When the gate arm connector is located in the desired horizontal position, the cap screws are tightened to lock the split hub sections together.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and a communication system for providing relatively constant warning time at a rail grade crossing for trains with prediction of the approach of a train from a remote controller via rail-based communications to a crossing controller. A first communication signal is generated when a prediction occurs and a second communication signal is generated for slower moving trains, with the second signal temporarily overriding the first signal to provide relatively constant warning time at the crossing. Cancellation timers with timing intervals are used to resolve situations where the train does not enter the approach or where the train leaves by way of a switch or backs out. Directional logic is used to determine the direction of movement of the train and, in conjunction with cancellation timers, causes the warning devices to be activated when the timers expire.

Abstract: A method of programming or designing application logic for a highway-rail grade crossing warning system including the steps of providing a set of templates, each template of the set of templates defining a track circuit application for a grade crossing with different characteristics, selecting a template from the set that best corresponds to the track circuit application at the grade crossing, defining a set of default programming parameters for each template to program the controller, and inputting additional parameters into the controller to define other characteristics of the track circuit application. A visual representation of each template may be provided. This invention is also directed to the set of templates for programming the controller.

Abstract: A crossing gate arm comprises at least two generally tubular members having one end engagable with a portion of a crossing gate assembly wherein the opposite free end of the crossing gate arm has a part of one tubular member removed to impart flexibility to the free end.

Abstract: An automated fault reporting system for a train includes a controller that gathers information concerning malfunctioning wayside status devices and automatically reports the information to an appropriate party. In one embodiment, the control module uses a positioning system and a database including device locations in order to determine when the train is near a device. If no status information is received from the device as the train approaches, or the status information indicates a problem, the train is allowed to continue at a reduced speed to allow the operator to visually confirm that it is safe to proceed. If an area monitored by the device has been passed, or if the operator indicates that there is no problem, or the device fails to respond, the controller records and reports the malfunction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the a method for collecting railroad crossing data is disclosed. The method includes detecting a presence of at least one of pedestrians and vehicles within a boundary of the railroad crossing, storing a count of the presence of pedestrians and vehicles detected within the boundary and transmitting the count to an external device.

Abstract: A model railroad crossing gate includes a base, a crossing gate mounted on the base for movement between a raised position and a lowered position, a spring coupled to the crossing gate biasing the gate to the raised position, a string attached to the crossing gate and the base for pulling the gate against the spring, and a tensioner engaging the string for pulling the gate from the raised position to the lowered position. A controller is coupled to the tensioner for controlling the position of the gate. The controller is preferably is also coupled to a limit sensor and a motor for operating the motor to move the gate from the raised position to the lowered position or vice versa and then stop the motor.

Abstract: A warning light having a switching system where the behavior of a warning light can be altered by actuation of a switching mechanism by rotary actuation of a connector plug. A rotary pin base located adjacent to a connector plug receptor port is rotated by an engaging connector plug to rotationally position pins in the rotary pin base for the purpose of contacting stationary switch pins in a stationary pin base to provide electrical current of different natures and attributes to a warning lamp.

Abstract: Sections of a highway crossing over the rail road are raised completely clear of the rail road to form a barrier preventing automobile traffic from entering the rail road when a train is at or nearing the crossing. When the train has passed, the barrier sections are lowered, reforming the grade crossing so that automobile traffic may cross the rail road at near grade. The ends of each barrier transverse to the centerline of the roadway are shaped and positioned so that a continuous surface is formed when the barrier sections are in the lowered position, partly resting on the rail road or nearby supports, allowing automobiles to continue over the rail road by means of driving on the upper surfaces of the lowered barriers, with only small gaps at the joints where the sections adjoin each other or meet the approach roadway.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a barricade structure is positioned in a first orientation below ground level and raised to a second position in above ground level orientation to provide a barricade relative to various railroad crossings and the like. The apparatus includes spaced parallel posts mounting a plurality of equally spaced bars therebetween, the bars include shock-absorbing plates equally spaced orthogonally relative to the bars and parallel to the posts. An individual or plurality of spools effects raising and lowering of the organization.