Abstract: A trackside railway apparatus includes at least one sensor device which is configured to detect at least one use of at least one trackside component of a railway installation. A storage device stores at least one item of use information dating or tracing back to the detection of the use. A transmission device is configured to wirelessly transmit the usage information to at least one receiving device entering a transmission range in a manner which is temporally decoupled from the storage. The apparatus is configured to detect the at least one receiving device entering the transmission range. A device for determining use of at least one trackside component of a railway system and a method for detecting use of at least one trackside component of a railway installation are also provided.

Abstract: A derail placement warning system for a railway derailer that automatically generates an alert to inform railway personnel (or others) of the placement of the derailer on a rail of the railway such that the derailer will derail rail traffic over the derailer. The warning system has an electronic circuit with an electric power source, an electronic switch and an electronic alert, and is configured for the switch to automatically activate and turn ON the alert when the derailing component of the derailer is positioned atop a railway rail. The alert comprises one or more of an audible component, a tactile sensation, an olfactory component, a visible light emission, and an electronic transmission.

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 system for monitoring operating functions of railway devices such as switch machines of turnouts and signal lamps is described. The system comprises a wireless network for communication among operating parameter local detection units associated to individual railway devices and a data collection server and/or remote portable units. The local units detecting operating parameters can be powered via power lines of a railway device to be monitored and for a period of time during which a power signal powering the monitored railway device is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for a safety verification system, or a safety verification management system. At railroads or construction sites, equipment, such as a piece of heavy machinery, or a locomotive engine, must be subjected to a safety protocol before authorized personnel are allowed to approach the equipment. It is essential to have independent, automatic confirmation that the safety protocol has been successfully completed. In railroad systems, a Three Step Protection Mode is often used to place a locomotive engine in safe mode. One embodiment of the present invention provides an independent, automatic verification that this safety protocol has been successfully completed and sends an audible, visual, audiovisual, or vibratory signal to remote personnel. Another embodiment tracks the relative positions of personnel and locomotives, and generates a warning when personnel are proximate to an equipment that is not in safe mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown to provide a downloadable and user configurable sound generator based on a Sound Definition Language method with inline modifiers, which provides the maximum user customization, flexibility and adjustment of sounds that can be produced. The embodiments of this method allow the creation of sound decoders that may be securely downloaded with sound and IPL data and that will operate in power limited environments with resistance to power drop outs and are significant improvements beyond prior art devices.

Abstract: A third rail warning device in which the third rail carries in use a dangerously high voltage. Connected to the third rail is a source of relatively safe voltage as a warning that the dangerously high voltage is about to be applied to the third rail. A time delay is employed to terminate the safe voltage and permit automatic connection of the dangerously high voltage, and an alarm is actuated when the safe voltage is being applied to the third rail.

Abstract: Tongue switch positioning is monitored by circuitry to indicate the switch is obstructed.

Abstract: A railroad track alarm. The alarm comprises a switch box mountable between the rails of a railroad track. There are openings in the ends of the switch box and first and second switches located in the switch box. Two rods extend outwardly from inside the switch box through the openings, one rod towards each rail of the track when the alarm is in its useful position between the rails. The alarm has means urging each rod outwardly. Each rod is linked to a switch so that when the rods move outwardly relative to each other by a first amount the first switch is tripped and when the rods move outwardly relative to each other by a second amount, larger than the first, the second switch is tripped. The alarm is simple to set. Unlike prior art alarms it sets an alarm for wide gauge and for other track damage.