Abstract: An invention is presented that expedites cause, fault and liability litigation of rail-highway crossing mishaps by providing a digital audio and video record of the events at the crossing as the locomotive or rail vehicle approaches and passes through the intersection. The electrical system components are located on and within the locomotive and can be powered exclusively by resources available from the locomotive. In addition, the invention may automatically and spontaneously inspect the operational status of the rail-highway crossing gate by capturing and processing the digital images of the gate by computational methods programmed in the locomotive's on-board computer. Alternatively, the images or video could be transmitted to a remote station for processing or inspection.

Abstract: A portable tracked wheel allows the operator or robot to move a vehicle from a surface track to another, or free the vehicle from guided motion without disassembly or modification of the wheel or track. By depressing the lock tab manually with hand or foot or remotely by mechanical or robotic means, the track retention mechanism can be positively engaged and the motion of the vehicle disposed to the track. Disengagement from the track is accomplished by depressing the lock tab in the same manner, allowing the retention mechanism to rotate out of the track, thereby freeing the motion of the vehicle. The anti-lift tracking mechanism is spring-loaded to maintain constant adhering force between the wheel and the tracked surface. Lateral translation of the wheel on the track is precluded by a slanted contact interface between the device and the track.