Abstract: A blocked rail crossing detection and notification system is described. The system includes a processing device, a communications interface communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable for facilitating communications between the processing device and at least one external device, and at least one vehicle detection mechanism placed proximate to a rail grade crossing. The at least one vehicle detection mechanism is communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable to provide signals to the processing device indicative of the presence or non-presence of a vehicle within a defined area surrounding an intersection of a roadway and one or more railroad tracks. The processing device is further programmed to communicate the presence or non-presence of a vehicle along with supporting correlative visual data within the defined area to the at least one external device via the communications interface.

Abstract: A blocked rail crossing detection and notification system is described. The system includes a processing device, a communications interface communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable for facilitating communications between the processing device and at least one external device, and at least one vehicle detection mechanism placed proximate to a rail grade crossing. The at least one vehicle detection mechanism is communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable to provide signals to the processing device indicative of the presence or non-presence of a vehicle within a defined area surrounding an intersection of a roadway and one or more railroad tracks. The processing device is further programmed to communicate the presence or non-presence of a vehicle along with supporting correlative visual data within the defined area to the at least one external device via the communications interface.

Abstract: A system includes a base station associated with a railroad crossing having a unique identifier and comprising at least one processor to wirelessly transmit a proximity alert, determine that a train is on approach, and wirelessly transmit a train-on-approach notification. The system further includes a receiver comprising at least one processor to wirelessly receive the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification from the base station and to provide at least one of a visual and audible indication responsive to at least one of the proximity alert and the train-on-approach notification.

Abstract: A method for sensing objects within a rail grade crossing island is described. The method includes transmitting a radar signal into the island from each of a plurality of radar devices such that each portion of the island is monitored by at least two of the radar devices, detecting if an object is in the island based on received signals corresponding to the transmissions associated with at least one of the radar devices, and operating a gate control device associated with the rail grade crossing based on the detections.

Abstract: A blocked rail crossing detection and notification system is described. The system includes a processing device, a communications interface communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable for facilitating communications between the processing device and at least one external device, and at least one vehicle detection mechanism placed proximate to a rail grade crossing. The at least one vehicle detection mechanism is communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable to provide signals to the processing device indicative of the presence or non-presence of a vehicle within a defined area surrounding an intersection of a roadway and one or more railroad tracks. The processing device is further programmed to communicate the presence or non-presence of a vehicle along with supporting correlative visual data within the defined area to the at least one external device via the communications interface.

Abstract: A method for sensing objects within a rail grade crossing island is described. The method includes transmitting a radar signal into the island from each of a plurality of radar devices such that each portion of the island is monitored by at least two of the radar devices, detecting if an object is in the island based on received signals corresponding to the transmissions associated with at least one of the radar devices, and operating a gate control device associated with the rail grade crossing based on the detections.

Abstract: A method for testing effectiveness of a cathodic protection device configured to apply at least one voltage across an underground structure and a reference point is described. The method includes providing a sample of the material from which the underground structure is fabricated, placing the sample proximate the underground structure, electrically connecting the sample to the underground structure through a switch, operating the switch at predetermined intervals, and measuring electrical characteristics of the sample at intervals based at least partially on the predetermined intervals and a position of the switch.

Abstract: A method for testing a cathodic protection system is disclosed where the system includes a cathodic protection rectifier configured to apply a voltage across a pipeline and a reference point. The method includes measuring a magnitude of an output voltage of the cathodic protection rectifier, transmitting to a site remote from the rectifier, the measured output voltage magnitude using a cellular control channel, receiving the transmitted measurement at the remote site, and using the transmitted measurement to determine whether the cathodic protection system is operational.

Abstract: A method for testing a cathodic protection system is disclosed where the system includes a cathodic protection rectifier configured to apply a voltage across a pipeline and a reference point. The method includes measuring a magnitude of an output voltage of the cathodic protection rectifier, transmitting to a site remote from the rectifier, the measured output voltage magnitude using a cellular control channel, receiving the transmitted measurement at the remote site, and using the transmitted measurement to determine whether the cathodic protection system is operational.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a cathodic protection system includes a cathodic protection rectifier configured to apply a voltage across a pipeline and a reference point. The method includes measuring a magnitude of an output voltage of the cathodic protection rectifier, transmitting to a site remote from the rectifier, the measured output voltage magnitude using a cellular control channel, receiving the transmitted measurement at the remote site, and using the transmitted measurement to determine whether the cathodic protection system is operational.

Abstract: A test point monitor is disclosed which includes, a processor, a cellular modem interfaced to the processor, and at least one analog sensor interfaced to the processor. The monitor is configured with a wake-up cycle, and further configured to periodically measure a voltage during the wake-up cycle utilizing the sensor, and further configured to transmit the measured voltage over a cellular control channel utilizing the modem.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the a method for collecting railroad crossing data is disclosed. The method includes detecting a presence of at least one of pedestrians and vehicles within a boundary of the railroad crossing, storing a count of the presence of pedestrians and vehicles detected within the boundary and transmitting the count to an external device.

Abstract: A communication system is provided that includes a plurality of remote terminal units (RTUs) that communicate with a server via a network. The network provides communication paths to the RTUs via both a sessionless protocol and a switched connection protocol. Generally, the RTUs communicate via the network using the sessionless protocol. The network also includes a server. The RTUs share at least one account identifier that is coordinated by the server. Short messages are sent via the sessionless protocol. Longer messages are sent via the switched connection protocol using a shared account identifier. A corresponding method of operating the network is also provided. The use of a shared account identifier avoids the requirement of obtaining access accounts to the switched connection protocol for each of the RTUs, and is especially efficient and economical when the need to communicate longer messages is infrequent, but where each of a large number of RTUs require this capability.

Abstract: A web based vehicle tracking system includes a passenger identification device that registers when a passenger boards and disembarks the vehicle. The web based vehicle tracking system utilizes a vehicle information system, that includes the passenger identification device, and a base station network administrator to monitor the travel of a vehicle and the on-board status of a passenger. Using, a user communications interface, a user accesses the Internet to query passenger on-board status information.

Abstract: A method for testing a cathodic protection system is disclosed where the system includes a cathodic protection rectifier configured to apply a voltage across a pipeline and a reference point. The method includes measuring a magnitude of an output voltage of the cathodic protection rectifier, transmitting to a site remote from the rectifier, the measured output voltage magnitude using a cellular control channel, receiving the transmitted measurement at the remote site, and using the transmitted measurement to determine whether the cathodic protection system is operational.

Abstract: A test point monitor is disclosed which includes, a processor, a cellular modem interfaced to the processor, and at least one analog sensor interfaced to the processor. The monitor is configured with a wake-up cycle, and further configured to periodically measure a voltage during the wake-up cycle utilizing the sensor, and further configured to transmit the measured voltage over a cellular control channel utilizing the modem.

Abstract: A web based vehicle information messaging system allows a user to receive user defined information pertaining to the vehicle. The system implements a network of transmitters, receivers, and computers to post a web site displaying information pertaining to the vehicle, that can be viewed and interfaced with by a user. The system allows the user to predetermine the type of vehicle information the users desires and then sends messages to the user pertaining to the requested information according to timing triggers selected by the user.

Abstract: A web based vehicle tracking system includes a passenger identification device that registers when a passenger boards and disembarks the vehicle. The web based vehicle tracking system utilizes a vehicle information system, that includes the passenger identification device, and a base station network administrator to monitor the travel of a vehicle and the on-board status of a passenger. Using, a user communications interface, a user accesses the Internet to query passenger on-board status information.

Abstract: A web based vehicle messaging system communicates vehicle information messages to a user. In addition, the system communicates an emergency message to the user when a vehicle of interest to the user encounters an indefinite delay or becomes disabled. The web based vehicle messaging system includes a vehicle information system processor, a base station computer, and a user communications interface. Utilizing the Internet, the base station computer communicates messages to the user communications interface.

Abstract: A web based tracking system includes an ‘Assist’ button that notifies an emergency dispatcher that the vehicle needs assistance. The web based vehicle tracking system includes a base station network administrator, a vehicle information system processor, a driver computer interface, and a user communications device. The ‘Assist’ button, coupled to a driver computer interface, initiates communication with an emergency response terminal. Using the user communications interface, a user accesses the Internet to view a current graphical representation of the vehicle location.