Abstract: A railroad crossing gate arm electrical lamp system provides two flashing lamps and one continuously operated lamp. Each of the lamps has an internal electrical circuit with the internal electrical circuits being identical for each lamp. This permits the lamps to be interchanged in position with the lamp positions determining the function of the lamp. Each lamp electricl circuit has a three-wire input connection and a three-wire output connection. There are identical and reversible three-wire cables connecting the first flashing lamp with the second flashing lamp and the second flashing lamp with the continuously operated lamp. The input for the first flashing lamp includes two power supply terminals and a third common terminal. The lamps are connected in series across the power supply and a relay alternately shunts the lamps to obtain flashing of two of the lamps. The third lamp is connected across the power supply for steady light.

Abstract: A railroad crossing lights/gate controller for effecting operation of the crossing lights and lowering of the crossing gate during normal train operating conditions and during a gate controller failure mode includes a train sensing input, a gate control circuit, a lights control circuit, a solid state logic and monitor circuit and a fail/safe relay. The train sensing input provides one signal condition when the approach of a train is sensed and another signal condition when no train is sensed. This input is connected to the solid state logic and monitor circuit which is also connected to the gate control circuit and the lights control circuit. The gate control circuit has power applied thereto to maintain the gate in a raised position when the train sensing input indicates a no train condition and the lights control circuit has power supplied thereto to operate the lights in a flashing condition when the train sensing input indicates the approach of a train.

Abstract: An impedance bond for use in an electrified railway to provide a path for traction current includes a housing and a core positioned within the housing. The core is formed of a band of silicon steel wound into a closed loop construction which is then severed to form a cap and a U-shaped body. A pair of coils are positioned each upon a leg of the U-shaped core prior to repositioning the cap upon the core. Each of the coils is substantially identical in electrical resistance and each is formed of a flat copper sheet, identical in length, and wound into coils identical in configuration. There are terminal straps attached to the coil which extend outwardly from the housing. The terminal straps are preferably cast copper.

Abstract: Means for differentiating between traction current and signal current in an electrified railroad includes a first input transformer providing an input signal of the same frequency and phase as the track signal current. A second input transformer is connected to the track to provide a track signal. There are means for comparing the phase and frequency of the input signal and the track signal and means responsive to an output from the comparison means indicating a correct comparison for providing a relay driving signal.

Abstract: A railroad signal circuit includes a transmitter and a receiver which have a common connection to the track rails at one end of a signal block. There will be a similar transmitter and receiver at the opposite end of the signal block. A transmit/receive switch is connected in circuit with the transmitter and there is a code following element connecting the receiver to the transmit/receive switch and transmitter. The code following element comprises a Hall effect cell whose output is connected to the receiver.

Abstract: A railroad signal system includes an A type transmitter and receiver for sending and receiving signal messages in one direction and a B type transmitter and receiver for sending and receiving signal messages in the opposite direction. The A transmitter and the B receiver are located at one end of a signal block and the B transmitter and A receiver are located at the opposite end. The A transmitter provides an A type DC message and the B transmitter provides a B type DC message. The A receiver is responsive to only an A type message and the B receiver is responsive to only a B type message.

Abstract: Rail handling apparatus for automatically seizing, gripping, raising, carrying, lowering and releasing a rail comprising angularly pivotable vertically elongated tong arms connected near their lower ends by a pivot pin and each having means forming a support aperture in its lower end, a toggle link or shackle linking each support structure with an overlying crane ring supported by a crane, and slim tapered tong jaws protruding downward from the lower ends of the tong arms beneath the pivot pin, having converging outer jaw surfaces and inner jaw tip surfaces diverging at an acute angle surmounted by upwardly facing rail-supporting surfaces positioned to embrace and support the ball of a rail flanked by the tong jaws in crane-suspended rail-carrying position. The tong jaws are preferably removable and interchangeably bolted to the lower ends of the tong arms.

Abstract: By securely holding a gate arm connected pivot bar in a retaining and supporting assembly which supportingly holds the pivot bar in one position and allows the pivot bar to drop free when the bar has arcuately rotated into a second position, a universally applicable, pivoting breakaway coupling system is achieved which assures controlled, repeatable, impact breakaway of a roadway crossing gate arm from the control system. The universally applicable, breakaway coupling system of the present invention incorporates a crossing gate arm having a breakaway adapter securely mounted to one end thereof, with the breakaway adapter incorporating a pivot bar which is quickly and easily securely positioned in the retaining assembly for secure, supporting retention thereon when in a first position.

Abstract: A hand carried portable rail saw assembly includes a saw having a rotatable blade, a clamp adapted to attach to a rail to be cut and an axial locater adjustably mounted on the clamp and supporting the saw. The saw is pivotally attached to the axial locater and is arranged for pivotal movement from one side of the rail to the other so that first one side of the rail is cut and then the opposite side is cut. A hardened saw guide is attached to the clamp and the saw blade is positioned directly adjacent the guide during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a receiver in a railroad grade crossing protection system having a transmitter and receiver connected to the rails and a defined approach track section, utilizes the receiver detected motion voltage to determine low ballast resistance. A signal representative of the ballast condition is then utilized in conjunction with the signal representative of train motion to calibrate the receiver for the particular ballast condition.

Abstract: A traffic crossing signal mast for railroad-highway grade crossings incorporates a sturdy cantilever arm extending over the highway and supporting a maintenance catwalk. A short, horizontal jury mast at the end of the cantilever arm is pivotable about its axis parallel to the highway direction through limited angular sectors of one-quarter turn clockwise and counterclockwise. A junction box assembly mounted at each end of the jury mast suspends a pair of warning flasher crossing signal lamps on each side of the catwalk aimed down the highway axis. Pivoting movement of the jury mast from its locked, detent position to a latched quarter-turned position raises one of each pair of signal lamps for initial cable connections, repairs or replacement of flashing lamp heads. A lockable clamping cam lever disengages the detent for jury mast rotation and re-engages it to secure the signal lamps in their aligned position for use.