Abstract: A data gathering apparatus comprises a power generation device configured to generate power via movement of the rail. The data gathering apparatus further comprises a sensing device configured to receive power from the power generation device and to sense at least one property of the rail, wherein the property of the rail is at least partially defined by a vehicle traveling on the rail.

Abstract: A system which operates a digitally controlled model railroad transmitting a first command from a first client program to a resident external controlling interface through a first communications transport. A second command is transmitted from a second client program to the resident external controlling interface through a second communications transport. The first command and the second command are received by the resident external controlling interface which queues the first and second commands. The resident external controlling interface sends third and fourth commands representative of the first and second commands, respectively, to a digital command station for execution on the digitally controlled model railroad.

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 safety device for train passengers which permits barriers to rise and lower as trains (66) pass. Ridge posts (58) are secured by ridge post mounts (64) on a train undercarriage (68). Ridge wheels (60) spins on the ridge posts (58). As the train (66) moves into a train station, the ridge wheels (60) will first encounter an inclined ramp guide (1) or a mechanical ramp guide (52) and spin along the spin wheel ridge (4), causing the motion barrier wall (2) to move downward, below the platform level (10). As the motion barrier wall (2) moves downward, its support system, pole spring units (12) or cylinder spring units (22) will be compressed into underground chambers. As the train (66) leaves the train station the ridge wheels (60) will continue spinning until the last car of the train (66) rolls off the end of the spin wheel ridge (4) and the ramp guide (1) or a mechanical ramp guide (52).