Abstract: An automated warning time inspection system and method to test a warning time at a railroad grade crossing on each route for a train. The automated warning time inspection system comprises a track circuit configured to activate when a train enters the track circuit, an event recorder configured to record a first log time for activation of a crossing warning system, a camera to detect a first motion detection indication in a motion detection zone of the camera if there is any motion and an island circuit to detect a presence of the train as the train enters an island. The event recorder to record a third log time for switch position indications when present. The event recorder to record a fourth log time for activation of the island circuit. The camera to detect a second motion detection indication in the motion detection zone of the camera after the activation of the island circuit if there is any motion.

Abstract: A rail worker protection system having a first device configured to generate and send an identification code, a second device configured to transmit a request to the first device and to transmit a signal to one or more remote devices, and the remote device able to issue alarms to rail workers upon reception of the signal from the second device.

Abstract: An automated signaling equipment inspection system is provided. The system includes signaling equipment, a LiDAR imaging device permanently installed close to the signaling equipment at a position and with an orientation allowing complete imaging of the orientation and configuration in space of the signaling equipment and of any potential movement of the signaling equipment during its operation, an image data processing device for detecting a non-conformity of the signaling equipment, and a reference image database storing reference image data of the signaling equipment. The LiDAR imaging device is configured to scan the signaling equipment to obtain real image data thereof. The image data processing device is configured to detect a non-conformity of the signaling equipment by comparing the real image data with reference image data taken from the reference image database.

Abstract: A system includes a timing determination module configured to be disposed onboard an approaching vehicle system during travel of the approaching vehicle system along a first route toward a crossing between the first route and a second route. The timing determination module is configured to determine one or more arrival times of the approaching vehicle system to reach the crossing and to repeatedly communicate notification messages having the one or more arrival times to a remote crossing system that is configured to activate one or more warning devices disposed at or near the crossing to notify other vehicles on the second route that the approaching vehicle system is approaching the crossing along the first route. The timing determination module is configured to determine the one or more arrival times at different respective locations along the first route as the approaching vehicle system travels toward the crossing.

Abstract: A determination unit that determines whether a vehicle is in a lane change state where the vehicle is going to make a lane change from a travelling lane to a recommended lane; and a display control unit that causes a display unit to display the front image on which a guide line is superimposed, wherein the guide line has a front end point and a rear end point, are provided. In the lane change state, the display control unit sets a position of the rear end point in the front image such that the rear end point indicates a central position in a width direction of the vehicle, and, not in the lane change state, the display control unit sets a position of the rear end point in the front image such that the rear end point indicates a central position in a width direction in the travelling lane.

Abstract: There is provided a radar system that includes an emitter system (e.g., an antenna), configured to emit electromagnetic pulses and detect electromagnetic pulses, and a reflection target, placed opposite the emitter system. The emitter system and the reflection target define an area of interest. A controller is configured to identify a reflection from the reflection target and, if the reflection is not identified, to stop sending a radar check signal. The radar system may be part of a warning horn control system, where the radar check signal is used as a control input for activating a warning horn.

Abstract: A locomotive warning system includes an acoustical warning subsystem configured to emit variably directed sound. A controller subsystem is responsive to an initiation command and is configured to trigger the acoustical warning subsystem to begin a sounding sequence when the initiation command is received at a first directivity angle and to continue the sound blast sequence at increasing directivity angles for a pre-establish time and/or distance traveled.

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 includes a determination module and a communication module. The determination module is configured to be located onboard a first vehicle configured to travel along a first route including a crossing corresponding to an intersection of the first route with a second route. The determination module is configured to be communicatively coupled with a remote crossing module. The determination module is configured to determine, based on a speed of the first vehicle, timing information corresponding to a time at which the first vehicle will travel proximate to the crossing on the first route. The communication module is configured to transmit the timing information to the remote crossing module. The timing information includes a reference time configured as an absolute time corresponding to a time for impeding travel of a second vehicle along the second route through the crossing.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an absolute time associated with movement of a vehicle system, modifying the absolute time into a relative time, and controlling one or more warning devices using the relative time. A system includes a crossing module configured to receive an absolute time associated with movement of a vehicle system. The crossing module is configured to modify the absolute time into a relative time and to control one or more warning devices using the relative time.

Abstract: An assembly for monitoring an area is provided. The assembly can include two or more cameras sensitive to radiation of distinct wavelength ranges. The fields of view of the cameras can be substantially co-registered at the area to be monitored. The assembly can include a computer system which can process the image data to monitor the area. The computer system can be configured to identify relevant objects present in the area, update tracking information for the relevant objects, and evaluate whether an alert condition is present using the tracking information.

Abstract: A parking management system that facilitates motorist guidance, payment, violation detection, and enforcement using highly accurate space occupancy detection, unique vehicle identification and guidance displays is described. The system enables reduced time to find parking, congestion mitigation, accurate violation detection, and easier enforcement, and increased payment and enforcement revenues to cities. A system facilitating intersection management is also described having applicability to road intersections and railway crossings.

Abstract: A device to prevent railway crossing accidents between a roadway vehicle and a train, by comparing the UPS location of a roadway vehicle to the UPS location of the railway crossing by means of a mobile computing device, and alerting the operator of a roadway vehicle when the vehicle is at a railway crossing when an FM radio signal transmitted by the train is also detected by the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A vital programmable logic device (VPD) is provided having at least two microprocessors. The VPD is configured to provide failsafe operation of a vital control system while operating in a closed circuit environment. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, railroad grade crossing signals are controlled by the VPD.

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

Abstract: A method and a device operate a railroad security system having trackside devices for specific functions. In order to reduce the number of cable connections, control of a first trackside device is provided by a data message generated as required by a second trackside device, in particular a signal box, the data message being transmitted wirelessly.

Abstract: A system is described that provides redundant communication at a railway crossing. The system comprises a first communication unit for transmitting information associated with a railway vehicle approaching or near the railway crossing on a railway track. A first active warning sign located at or near the railway crossing receives and transmits information associated with the railway crossing. The system includes an onboard equipment unit located on a roadway vehicle approaching or near the railway crossing, the onboard equipment unit comprising a second communication unit for receiving information from the first communication unit and the active warning sign; a processor for processing the received information to determine a first threat indicator indicative of a potential collision, and a user interface for communicating the threat indicator to a user. The system may include sensors to detect and communicate the presence of a train.

Abstract: First and second crossing predictors communicate with each other, and each predictor transmits signals to instruct downstream adjacent predictors to activate their warning devices at a constant warning time (referred to as DAXing) by using train detection information from the other predictor. The communications between the predictors may be rail based, wireless or wired using conductors other than rails. Multiple predictors may be present between the first and second crossing predictors, and each such predictor may be DAXed by one of the outer predictors based on the train's direction. The predictor also transmits a signal to inform the other predictor of the presence of the train so that the other predictor may determine whether to suppress DAXing. Detecting an incoming train direction at a predictor may also occur by utilizing a second receiver attached to the track rails at a location offset from the first receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a railroad crossing (2). The railroad crossing (2) includes a railroad (4) along which a train can travel. The railroad crossing (2) further includes a road (6) extending across the railroad (4) and along which a vehicle or automobile can travel. The road (6) includes a curved approach (8) to the railroad (4). The curved approach (8) is effective in encouraging a reduction in speed of the vehicle without seriously disrupting vehicle traffic flow. The railroad crossing (2) further includes a movable vehicle impact barrier (10) which can prevent the vehicle from crossing the railroad (4). The road (6) may include two separated traffic lanes (16a, 16b) in which vehicles travel in opposite directions, and this separation of the lanes (16) deters the vehicle from being driven from one lane 16a and into the other lane (16b) in an attempt to circumvent the barrier (10).

Abstract: An example includes an apparatus for releasing a railroad gate in at least two directions. The example includes a primary pivot member and a secondary pivot member pivotally connected to the primary pivot member, with one end of the railroad crossing connectable to the secondary pivot member. In the example the primary pivot member is rotable around a primary pivot of the apparatus, the primary pivot member rotable in a first direction against a first spring bias and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, against a second spring bias other than the first spring bias, and wherein the secondary pivot member is rotable around a secondary pivot of the apparatus, the secondary pivot member rotable in the first direction against a third spring bias other than the first spring bias and the second spring bias.

Abstract: A communication system includes an electronic component located at a wayside device positioned along a route of a rail vehicle and a router transceiver unit operably coupled to the electronic component. The router transceiver unit is conductively coupled to a power supply conductor that supplies electric current to power at least one of the electronic component of the wayside device or an electronic apparatus other than the electronic component. The router transceiver unit is configured to communicate network data with a remote location through the power supply conductor.

Abstract: A signal alignment monitoring system is provided. The system includes a signal assembly including at least one signal lamp. The system also includes an alignment monitoring apparatus coupled to the signal assembly. The alignment monitoring apparatus includes a source for emitting electromagnetic energy and a detector for sensing electromagnetic energy emitted by the source to facilitate determining an alignment of the signal assembly.

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

Abstract: An apparatus that indicates the speed of oncoming trains at train crossings comprises a large digital display attached to a drop gate or alternately on a side gate crossing sign for those crossings without a gate. The digital display is surrounded by a large sign indicating the speed of an oncoming train. A speed detection device aimed in either direction on the track to determine train speed. An interface converts the detected speed into a digital display. It is envisioned that motorists knowing the speed of an oncoming train will be less likely to try to beat the train through the 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 train control system that does not allow running by erroneously receiving a signal of a further preceding train toward the front, nor permits a following train approaching another train beyond an allowable range.

Abstract: A method of operating a railway crossing including the steps of receiving a signal from a locomotive; and activating crossing warning devices and/or downroad warning and in-vehicle alert devices.

Abstract: A system and method that enables trains to rapidly accelerate through grade crossings from station stops or civil speed restrictions is disclosed. In some embodiments, equipped trains and grade-crossing controllers communicate wirelessly to address operational limitations pertaining to the grade crossings. In conjunction with the train's equipment, conventional crossing controllers are augmented with a communications capability and logic to accept commands to operate in a “Prediction” mode or a “Motion-Sensing” mode. The Prediction mode is the default operating mode for conventional constant-warning grade-crossing prediction controllers. The Motion-Sensing mode is an operating mode whereby the crossing is actuated as soon as an approach circuit detects train motion.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and a communication system for providing relatively constant warning time at a rail grade crossing for trains with prediction of the approach of a train from a remote controller via rail-based communications to a crossing controller. A first communication signal is generated when a prediction occurs and a second communication signal is generated for slower moving trains, with the second signal temporarily overriding the first signal to provide relatively constant warning time at the crossing. Cancellation timers with timing intervals are used to resolve situations where the train does not enter the approach or where the train leaves by way of a switch or backs out. Directional logic is used to determine the direction of movement of the train and, in conjunction with cancellation timers, causes the warning devices to be activated when the timers expire.

Abstract: A system for verifying the operation of a railroad gate is provided. The system includes a tilt device for measuring a tilt of the railroad gate and a controller coupled to the tilt device. The controller is selectively operable in a calibration mode and a monitoring mode. In the calibration mode, the controller measures a predetermined tilt of the railroad gate. In the monitoring mode, the controller measures a current tilt of the railroad gate to determine deviations between the current tilt and the predetermined tilt.

Abstract: An electronic controller for a highway-railroad grade crossing warning system is coupled to an approach circuit and to an island circuit and activates a warning device when a train is present in either of the approach or the island circuits. The controller has a display with touch-sensitive fields for selectively taking the approach circuit or island circuit out of service. Additional touch-sensitive fields on the display may be used for selecting the amount of time that the approach or island circuits remain out of service and for confirming that the maintainer wishes to take the these circuits out of service. Service is automatically restored upon expiration of the selected amount of time.

Abstract: A system and method for a directional audio train signaling system that comprises a receiver for receiving a signal indicating the approach of a train to a point of interest and one or more directional audio transmitter systems for transmitting a warning related to the approach of a train. A plurality of directional audio transmitters may be used, each with a footprint covering a portion of a roadway approaching an intersection. The receiver may be associated with an acknowledgement transmitter such that a train system confirms receipt of the alarm signal at the receiver.

Abstract: A railroad crossing includes a turn in a road as the road approaches the railroad, the turn forcing an approaching vehicle to slow down. A impact attenuation zone extends from the turn in the direction of traffic flow so that vehicles failing to make the turn enter a vehicle impact attenuation zone are brought to a stop before coming into the area of danger through which railroad trains traverse.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate comprising a crossing gate arm having a counterweight support structure and one or more counterweights supported by the counterweight support structure. The counterweight support structure includes a gear rack provided along a first portion of the crossing gate arm and a pinion gear operatively coupled to and selectively movable along the gear rack.

Abstract: A method of programming or designing application logic for a highway-rail grade crossing warning system including the steps of providing a set of templates, each template of the set of templates defining a track circuit application for a grade crossing with different characteristics, selecting a template from the set that best corresponds to the track circuit application at the grade crossing, defining a set of default programming parameters for each template to program the controller, and inputting additional parameters into the controller to define other characteristics of the track circuit application. A visual representation of each template may be provided. This invention is also directed to the set of templates for programming the controller.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices, including program instructions, are provided for displaying information on a gate system. One embodiment includes a processor and a memory associated with a vehicle gate system. Program instructions are storable on the memory and executable by the processor to display target audience information.

Abstract: An electronically controlled grade crossing gate system and method. The system includes a gate arm, a gate arm moving assembly, a position sensor assembly and a controller. The gate arm moving assembly is configured to move the gate arm and the position sensor assembly is configured to sense a position of the gate arm. The position sensor assembly is a non-contact position sensor assembly. The controller is coupled to the gate arm moving assembly and the position sensor assembly and it is configured to receive an incoming command related to the gate arm. The controller activates the gate arm moving assembly in response to the incoming command and communicates with the position sensor assembly to monitor the position of the gate arm.

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 system (40) and method for remotely monitoring the operating status of railroad grade crossing warning equipment. A sensor (46) generates a signal (48) responsive to the operation of a grade crossing annunciator (42). In one embodiment, the annunciator may be a bell or speaker horn (92) and the sensor may be an accelerometer (99) mechanically coupled to the bell. A wayside controller (52) uses the signal as input for developing information (70) indicative of the operating status of the annunciator. A communications link (74) transmits the information to a location remote from the grade crossing. A system controller (78) located at the remote location may diagnose the information to direct a maintenance center (82) and/or operations center (86) in response to an indication of degraded performance of the annunciator. The communications link may include the Internet and may be used for two-way communication between the remote location and the grade crossing location (22).

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 method and system of detecting obstacles on railroad lines. Sensors for observing the railroad line are arranged along the railroad line, and automatic evaluation takes place. One advantage of the invention is that the railroad lines are divided into given, known line sections, each of which is monitored by a respective sensor, whereby the evaluation process is simplified. If the sensors are designed as video cameras, for example, a comparison with still images may suffice for the evaluation. Furthermore, as the line sections re known, a simple masking technique can be used. Obstacles outside a set route to be monitored are masked out using suitable masks.

Abstract: A railroad grade crossing warning device designed to operate at un-guarded grade crossings without the need for expensive train detection sensors. The system utilizes the sound of an approaching locomotive horn or whistle to activate a warning at a grade crossing. The preferred device is self contained and is powered by solar panel and storage battery to provide a flashing strobe warning on the approach of a train.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is an alarm monitor for a railroad grade crossing, the grade crossing having an island activation relay that is activated in response to an approaching train, the alarm monitor including a micropower impulse radar (MIR) responsive to pedestrians and motor vehicles in a prohibited area of the crossing island during activations of the island activation relay; and a processor configured to generate a warning signal when the MIR detects a pedestrian or a motor vehicle in the prohibited area during an activation of the island activation relay.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the passage of a train traveling through a rail way crossing, said device including a first and second sensors for sensing the presence of the train on a rail track when the train is in proximity to the sensors, said first and second sensors positioned adjacent the track, first and second processors opperatively coupled to the first and second sensors, respectively, the processors adapted to monitor the sensors and determine the speed and direction of the train when the train passes the sensors. The device also includes a signal positioned adjacent the crossing for signaling the public that a train is about to enter the rail way crossing, and a third processor operatively coupled to the signal and operatively coupled to the first and second processors, the third processor adapted to activate the signal when the train is within a predetermined time interval from entering the crossing.

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.