Abstract: An anti-tamper device in the form of a collar fitted about a housing is provided. The ends of the collar are formed into lock tabs, one of which is formed into a U-shaped portion, or V-shaped portion, to permit capture of the end of the other lock tab. Movement of the captured tab is prevented to resist tampering with the housing. Embodiment of the invention find application, in particular, to a housing for a bell at a railroad level crossing, and prevents loss of the bell due to vandalism.

Abstract: A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.

Abstract: A train classification information interface receives train classification information, an ATS interface obtains ATS control information transmitted by an ATS system, a memory unit stores therein the train classification information, an operation determining unit determines the door opening-closing side based on a door opening information table stored in the memory unit, and door opening-closing-signal outputting units output a door opening-closing signal to door opening-closing devices, respectively, based on a door opening-closing operation performed by a crew member and based on a signal output by the operation determining unit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a scissor-type gate blocking apparatus with an adjustable blocking width of a gate leaf. According to its technical solutions, the apparatus comprises a shaft 1 and an initiative swing arm 4. It also comprises an eccentric disk 21 connected with the shaft 1 and eccentrically provided with a plurality of mounted holes 211 of the eccentric disk 21, an eccentric amount adjusting piece 22 connected with the eccentric disk 21 through the mounted hole 211 of the eccentric disk 21, a small shaft 223 eccentrically fixed at the eccentric amount adjusting piece 22, and a connecting rod mechanism adjusting its length retractably and connected with the initiative swing arm 4. The blocking apparatus has the advantages that it has a simple and practical structure and can adjust the blocking width of the gate leaf within a certain range.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method is provided for monitoring the lighting and the gate arm position at a railroad crossing.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method is provided for monitoring the lighting and the gate arm position at a railroad crossing.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate flasher assembly has a sealed, rodent-proof connection for electrical cables that pass from the foundation to a junction box. A clearance between the bottom of the junction box and the top of the foundation is sealed with a plate to prevent rodents from accessing the cables. The seal plate is mounted to the bolts that extend from the foundation and is leveled after it is inserted onto the bolts. The junction box is lowered onto the seal plate and attached to the same bolts so that the junction box also is level. The seal plate has an opening, coupling and conduit for protecting the cables.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spreading ballast along railways makes use of an inertial measurement system to determine where to apply ballast from a hopper car. A variety of techniques can be used to determine the location and speed of the ballast spreading train, including manual or automated visual techniques, laser technology, radar technology, radio frequency transponders, magnetic sensor, thermal imaging and aerial photogrammetry. The invention also contemplates “on the fly” surveys and terrain profiling using lasers or radar.

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing misalignment of a railroad signaling system. The railroad signaling system includes at least one railroad signal coupled to at least one elongated member adjacent to a railroad. The system includes at least one transmitter positioned within at least one elongated member, and at least one receiver positioned from each of said at least one transmitter within at least one adjacent elongated member to the at least one elongated member. More particularly, the system includes at least one electronic device coupled to each of a transmitter and each of at least one receiver, to sense detection of each transmitter by at least one receiver of at least one receiver indicative of misalignment of the railroad signaling system.

Abstract: A retractable gate comprising a movable arm gate having multiple sections which nest or telescope into each other when parked (e.g. upright), and extends into a full length blocking position as it is deployed. The gate arm sections are deployed by the movement of one of the arms, e.g. the outer one section, relative to the ground or a stationary support member and is joined to the stationary support member by a pivot point or bearing, and is connected to the stationary support or ground by a cable connection (or equivalent) which powers the arm sections into extended or retracted positions by movement of the gate about the pivot bearing. A novel corresponding counterweight system provides selectable balance and torque requirements.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate with a gate assembly. An extendible member slides within an outer member with minimal friction. When the gate is in its open position, gravity retracts the extendible member to hollow member. When the gate is in its blocking position, gravity causes the extendible member to move out of the hollow member to a final blocking position.

Abstract: A logistics system and method are mounted on a vehicle and utilize vehicle position control for logistics operations, such as loading and unloading material to and from the vehicle. The position control can be GPS-based and/or based on linear movement of the vehicle, such as movement of a railcar along a rail track. A computer-based position control subsystem mounted on the vehicle is connected to and operates vehicle-mounted components for performing the logistics functions.

Abstract: A logistics system and method are mounted on a vehicle and utilize vehicle position control for logistics operations, such as loading and unloading material to and from the vehicle. The position control can be GPS-based and/or based on linear movement of the vehicle, such as movement of a railcar along a rail track. A computer-based position control subsystem mounted on the vehicle is connected to and operates vehicle-mounted components for performing the logistics functions.

Abstract: A GPS controlled multiple source material application or ballast spreading system includes tracking the position of a plurality of ballast hopper cars using GPS derived coordinates and controlling the opening of multiple ballast doors to spread ballast on desired sections of track for railroad maintenance. The process involves tracking the current hopper loads, the opened or closed state of the ballast doors, and the concurrent amount of ballast which has been spread on the desired track sections.

Abstract: A barrier device for preventing passage, having a simple construction and capable of being lowered into a shallow trench. The barrier device, preferably constructed as a gate for preventing passage to and from buildings or property, comprises a moveable framework for supporting a telescopic barrier arrangement and a movement device for moving the support device between a barrier position and an open position of the telescopic barrier arrangement. The telescopic barrier arrangement is shortened during the movement from the barrier position to the open position with the help of a counter-force which can be applied by a sunken base, and extended in the opposite direction during movement from the open position to the barrier position, with the help of the force of gravity.

Abstract: A gate arm for retrofitting onto an existing cantilever crossing structure at a railroad crossing. The gate arm is pivotally attached to a mast of the existing cantilever crossing structure so that the gate arm can be lowered to an in use position and alternately raised to an out of use position. A cable extending from the gate arm to a winch secured to the cantilever crossing structure or mast lowers the gate arm in response to the approach of a train. Lights provided on the gate arm also activated in response to the approach of a train. The gate arm raises and the lights on the gate arm deactivated upon the train passing 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: A railway gate system comprising a railway station having an elevated platform area for passengers to stand and a recessed area with a track and a train movable therealong. A gate has a continuous upper restraining rail along its length. A plurality of cylindrical posts each have an upper end secured to the lower surface of the rail and a lower end. A horizontal recess and vertical apertures are located in the edge of the platform area adjacent to the track. The recess is adapted to receive the rail when lowered to an inoperative orientation and with the circular apertures adapted to slidably receive the posts. Motion imparting mechanisms include elongated pistons having upper ends secured to the lower surface of the rail, central extents extending through selected spaced circular apertures in the platform and lower ends. Hollow cylinders are located beneath the selected spaced circular apertures having open upper ends to receive the pistons.

Abstract: The pivot pin (26) connects the gate arm (14) and adapter (28) to the extension plate (24), and cross pin (32) supports the supporting pins (34) unless shear pins (50) are removed or destroyed. When the shear pins are removed and the gate arm moves horizontally (FIG. 2), its support pins move toward a parallel position with respect to the cross pin (32), which would normally allow the gate arm to drop to the ground in a disabled position. When maintenance is to be performed on the gate arm, the temporary retainer nut (10) is threaded onto the lower end (48) of the pivot pin to keep the gate arm from falling and the shear pins (50) are extracted so that the gate arm can be moved through a horizontal arc out of the road blocking horizontal position without falling to the ground.

Abstract: A reliable and consistent electrical contact path between the rails of a section of railroad track established by the shunting effect of the wheels and axles of a train is ensured by applying time-spaced, short duration electrical pulses to the rails at a voltage level sufficient to overcome poor wheel/rail contact. Each of the pulses is produced by a generator that discharges a capacitor across the rails. The narrow pulse width inductively isolates the pulse generator and associated track section from adjacent stretches of track, and the spacing between pulses further avoids interference with other types of electrical track equipment. A detector responsive to the voltage on the rails disables the pulse generator when the received voltage exceeds a threshold and thus indicates that no train wheels are present in the track section. In a grade crossing warning system, once activated the pulse generator and detector assume the role of the island detection circuit and maintain the crossing warning.

Abstract: An energy absorbing motor vehicle barrier includes a collapsible energy absorption assembly which is stored in a vault in the ground. Upon deployment, the energy absorption apparatus is lifted out of its vault, where it thereby expands and deploys. The energy absorption apparatus includes four stages of pairs of elastomeric torsion springs configured into scissors arrangements, with each stage having a progressively higher effective spring rate, to thereby decelerate a vehicle which strikes the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a barricade structure is positioned in a first orientation below ground level and raised to a second position in above ground level orientation to provide a barricade relative to various railroad crossings and the like. The apparatus includes spaced parallel posts mounting a plurality of equally spaced bars therebetween, the bars include shock-absorbing plates equally spaced orthogonally relative to the bars and parallel to the posts. An individual or plurality of spools effects raising and lowering of the organization.

Abstract: A multi-frequency shunt is provided for use between the rails of a railroad track to define the approach distance for a railroad crossing using a constant warning time or motion detection device. The shunt includes a housing with a PC board having rail terminals thereon being mounted in the housing. There are connections from the rail terminals of the PC board, extending outwardly through the housing, to the rails. The PC board includes a plurality of inductive and capacitive elements mounted thereon and connected to header terminals which are mounted on a header board. There are straps for interconnecting the header terminals with the interconnections between the header terminals determining which inductive and capacitive elements are connected between the rails and thus determining the nominal frequency of the shunt.

Abstract: A three-piece, compact wireless railroad grade crossing motorist warning device comprising: a locomotive mounted transceiver which simultaneously communicates (upon close proximity) with a similar transceiver mounted at railroad grade crossing, and motor vehicles equipped with sympathetic receivers. Upon signal receipt verification, the grade crossing transceiver emits a coded radio signal to local motoring public sympathetic receivers. Upon signal reception, an audio/visual alert is presented to the motor vehicle operator, alerting the motor vehicle operator to the locomotive-occupied railroad crossing. Additionally, a contact verification display is displayed to the operator of the locomotive, upon activation of the grade site transceiver.

Abstract: A detector circuit for a model railroad employs two pairs of magnetically-operated relays positioned on either side of a grade crossing along a set of tracks. In addition a single magnetically-operated relay is located at the grade crossing and is given an orientation orthogonal to that of the two pairs of relays. A locomotive of the model railroad is equipped with a first magnet for operating the pairs of relays and at least one car has a second magnet for operating the relay at the grade crossing. A control circuit is connected to the relays such that crossing gates at the grade crossing are lowered, a bell is sounded, and lights are flashed whenever the locomotive magnet passes over the pairs of relays traveling toward the grade crossing. The control circuit also raises the crossing gate and deactivates the bell and flashing lights whenever the car magnet moves over the relay at the grade crossing or the locomotive magnet moves over one of the pairs of relays while traveling away from the grade crossing.