Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for determining a passage status of a train through a railroad crossing. In an example method, a railroad crossing status detector system provided in a vehicle may determine that a train is approaching the railroad crossing. The determination is made by evaluating a first detection signal received from a first train detection apparatus located on one side of the railroad crossing. The railroad crossing status detector system may then evaluate a second detection signal received from a second train detection apparatus located on the other side of the railroad crossing and determine that the train has traveled past the railroad crossing. The system may also evaluate one or both detection signals to determine whether the train is currently located at the railroad crossing or is backing up after traveling at least partway across the railroad crossing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a railway safety system having a circuit for enabling and disabling a safety device when trains are approaching or within a railway crossing. The apparatus may include an override switch, a flag, and a light, and may generate a control signal received by and configured to override the safety device circuit. The flag and the light may indicate to approaching trains that the safety device of the railway safety system has been overridden.

Abstract: There is provided a radar system that includes an emitter system (e.g., an antenna), configured to emit electromagnetic pulses and detect electromagnetic pulses, and a reflection target, placed opposite the emitter system. The emitter system and the reflection target define an area of interest. A controller is configured to identify a reflection from the reflection target and, if the reflection is not identified, to stop sending a radar check signal. The radar system may be part of a warning horn control system, where the radar check signal is used as a control input for activating a warning horn.

Abstract: A railroad maintenance-of-way personnel warning system and method therefor provides advanced detecting and warning of oncoming trains encroaching the construction area. Magnetometer sensors detect an oncoming train whereby a warning signal is transmitted to a receiver unit at the construction zone. Warning alarms including a flashing light and siren horn are thereby activated to indicate the imminent danger whereupon the construction personnel may take cautionary and evasive action in sufficient time to avoid mishap.

Abstract: An automated railroad crossing warning system includes a controller for servicing the intersection of a railroad track and a roadway with directional horns oriented in opposite directions to direct horn blasts along the roadway is disclosed. A controller detects the presence of a train approaching the intersection and transmits a signal to the horns to activate the horns. A horn detector transmits a signal to the controller upon activation of the horns at a predetermined decibel level. The controller then activates the light such that the railroad engineer can visually determine that the horns at the intersection are being activated. The controller includes an electronic circuit which causes the horns to produce blasts in a predetermined sequence which matches the conventional signal produced by a train engine upon approaching such a crossing.

Abstract: A railroad grade crossing warning device designed to operate at un-guarded grade crossings without the need for expensive train detection sensors. The system utilizes the sound of an approaching locomotive horn or whistle to activate a warning at a grade crossing. The preferred device is self contained and is powered by solar panel and storage battery to provide a flashing strobe warning on the approach of a train.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is an alarm monitor for a railroad grade crossing, the grade crossing having an island activation relay that is activated in response to an approaching train, the alarm monitor including a micropower impulse radar (MIR) responsive to pedestrians and motor vehicles in a prohibited area of the crossing island during activations of the island activation relay; and a processor configured to generate a warning signal when the MIR detects a pedestrian or a motor vehicle in the prohibited area during an activation of the island activation relay.

Abstract: A railroad safety system for use at an intersection of a roadway and a railroad track, that comprises a sensor for detecting a hazardous situation and a voice alarm for giving a voice command to warm drivers and pedestrians of the hazardous situation.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the passage of a train traveling through a rail way crossing, said device including a first and second sensors for sensing the presence of the train on a rail track when the train is in proximity to the sensors, said first and second sensors positioned adjacent the track, first and second processors opperatively coupled to the first and second sensors, respectively, the processors adapted to monitor the sensors and determine the speed and direction of the train when the train passes the sensors. The device also includes a signal positioned adjacent the crossing for signaling the public that a train is about to enter the rail way crossing, and a third processor operatively coupled to the signal and operatively coupled to the first and second processors, the third processor adapted to activate the signal when the train is within a predetermined time interval from entering the crossing.

Abstract: An apparatus that prevents motorists from crossing railroad tracks, when the warning gates are down during approaching of a train consists, of a plurality of tire-piercing cogs which are retracted from the ground when the railroad crossing gate is closed. The cogs are arranged across the entire width of the automobile road in order to prevent a motorist from going around the closed gate through the oncoming traffic lane. The piercing cogs are interlocked with a warning visual and/or sound signal which is activated if the vehicle went onto the railroad tracks and stuck on the rails after smashing the closed road gate arm. The cog drive mechanism is located below the ground level, and when the gate is open for normal traffic through the railroad crossing, the cogs are turned into position in which their back surfaces are arranged in flush with the ground level for smooth passage of the vehicles.

Abstract: An automated railroad crossing warning system includes a housing mounted at the intersection of a railroad track and a roadway with directional horns oriented in opposite directions to direct horn blasts along the roadway. A light is mounted on the housing for viewing by a railroad engineer. A control unit detects the presence of a train approaching the intersection and transmits a signal to the horns to activate the horns. A horn detector transmits a signal to the control unit upon activation of the horns at a predetermined decibel level. The control unit then activates the light such that the railroad engineer can visually determine that the horns at the intersection are being activated. The control unit includes an electronic circuit which causes the horns to produce blasts in a predetermined sequence which matches the conventional signal produced by a train engine upon approaching such a crossing.

Abstract: A railroad crossing traffic warning system for alerting a motorist approaching a railroad crossing to the presence of an oncoming train. The system comprises a series of magnetometer sensor probes buried in the right-of way adjacent to a railroad track at predetermined distances from the railroad crossing. These sensors provide a signal to a controller unit when the presence of a train is sensed. The controller unit first determines the speed at which the oncoming train is traveling and the time it will take for the train to reach the crossing and then activates an improved warning apparatus at a predetermined amount of time before the train reaches the crossing.

Abstract: A train warning system and method for warning personnel in proximity to railroad tracks of an approaching train includes a train sensor operable with the railroad tracks for detecting passage of a train over the railroad tracks at a given location. The train sensor generates a train sensor signal upon detecting passage of a train over the railroad tracks at the given location. A transmitter is operable with the train sensor for transmitting a warning signal upon receipt of the train sensor signal. A portable radio frequency (RF) receiver is carried by at least one of the personnel in proximity to the railroad tracks remote from the railroad tracks at the given location for receiving the warning signal transmitted by the transmitter. The portable RF receiver generates an alarm signal to notify the at least one of the personnel of the approaching train upon receipt of the warning signal.

Abstract: A railroad crossing traffic warning system for alerting a motorist approaching a railroad crossing to the presence of an oncoming train. The system comprises a series of magnetometer sensor probes buried in the right-of way adjacent to a railroad track at predetermined distances from the railroad crossing. These sensors provide a signal to a controller unit when the presence of a train is sensed. The controller unit first determines the speed at which the oncoming train is traveling and the time it will take for the train to reach the crossing and then activates an improved warning apparatus at a predetermined amount of time before the train reaches the crossing.

Abstract: A model railroad crossing bell and flasher employs spaced photocell detectors along the model railroad track. A comparator receives the photocell detector output signals and upon detecting a train shadow provides power to a first oscillator which actuates a pair of light emitting diodes in alternate sequence. Simultaneously, the first oscillator provides power to a second oscillator of a different frequency than the first oscillator. The second oscillator attenuates the first oscillator output signal to create a ringing sound through a loud speaker.