Abstract: A screw-threaded counterweight adjustment apparatus is journaled in end journals provided with brackets for attachment to the interior of a railroad crossing gate arm casing preferably by jam-type threaded fittings. A traveler is threaded over an elongated helically threaded rod rotatably mounted in the journals. A guide on one side of the traveler fits in an adjustment slot in the casing and a counterweight supporting rod or pin extends from the guide for attachment and support of the counterweights. The helically threaded rod is manually rotated by a wrench or by a motor to move the traveler and guide longitudinally on the counterweight section of the gate when it is desired to adjust the position of the counterweights.

Abstract: A railway gate system comprising a railway station having an elevated platform area for passengers to stand and a recessed area with a track and a train movable therealong. A gate has a continuous upper restraining rail along its length. A plurality of cylindrical posts each have an upper end secured to the lower surface of the rail and a lower end. A horizontal recess and vertical apertures are located in the edge of the platform area adjacent to the track. The recess is adapted to receive the rail when lowered to an inoperative orientation and with the circular apertures adapted to slidably receive the posts. Motion imparting mechanisms include elongated pistons having upper ends secured to the lower surface of the rail, central extents extending through selected spaced circular apertures in the platform and lower ends. Hollow cylinders are located beneath the selected spaced circular apertures having open upper ends to receive the pistons.

Abstract: A variable placement lamp system for use with a supporting member is disclosed which includes a plurality of lamp housings (40) each including a channel for receiving an upper edge of a supporting member. Screw (50) on both sides of the housing (40) are turned until the housing is secured to the support member in a friction fit. Extensible cables (70) with 3-pronged connections connect the lamp circuitry to electrical circuitry to operate the lamps (38) in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate (20) is disclosed having a novel crossing arm (24) which includes a first longitudinal arm (26) member with a telescopically inserted second longitudinal arm member (28). The second arm member (28) is slideable to any one of a plurality of extendable positions and a fastener plate (100) disposed between the first and second members (26, 28) is provided for urging the second member (28) against the first member (26) in friction locking engagement. A plurality of gate lamps (38) are provided having a housing (40) which includes a channel for receiving an upper edge of the crossing arm (24). Screws (50) on both sides of the housing (40) are turned until the housing (40) is secured to the crossing arm (24) in a friction fit. Extensible cables (70) with three-pronged connections connect the gate lamps (38) to circuitry to operate the gate lamps (38) in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The operating mechanism of a railroad crossing gate employs a variable mechanical advantage connection to transmit force from the drive motor to the gate member to raise and lower the same. The main shaft of the mechanism serves as a mount for the gate member and its counterweights, and an operating arm is fixed to the shaft and extends radially therefrom. A crank is driven by reduction gearing and is connected to the arm by a sliding coupling which reciprocates on the arm longitudinally thereof as the crank rotates. The axis of rotation of the crank is located such that the mechanical advantage is high when the gate member is in either its raised or its lowered position, decreasing to a ratio approaching unity at the midpoint of travel in either direction. Accordingly, the starting load is minimized, the gate member is accelerated once it is in motion, and its speed is then reduced as it nears the end of its travel.