The present disclosure generally relates to work block encroachment warning systems for providing protection for rail workers working in a mobile or fixed work block. For example, a vehicle (V)-aware unit installed on a moving rail vehicle and a work block limit encroachment unit mounted on a railroad may wirelessly communicate with each other to determine a distance between them. When a vehicle is moving toward an occupied work block, the distance may be used to identify potential hazards.

The present disclosure generally relates to work block encroachment warning systems for providing protection for rail workers working in a mobile or fixed work block. For example, a vehicle (V)-aware unit installed on a moving rail vehicle and a work block limit encroachment unit mounted on a railroad may wirelessly communicate with each other to determine a distance between them. When a vehicle is moving toward an occupied work block, the distance may be used to identify potential hazards.

The present disclosure generally relates to a rail warning system using wireless portable transmitters/receivers. The rail warning system uses a chirp spread spectrum modulation scheme, and alerts personnel in work zones on or near train tracks as well as optionally, on track equipment and train operators, of approaching trains or on track equipment. Portable wayside devices may also be positioned on the rail web, optionally magnetically, to alert work personnel, allowing for secure placement but also portability to other locations on the same track or adjacent tracks.

The present disclosure generally relates to a rail warning system using wireless portable transmitters/receivers. The rail warning system uses a chirp spread spectrum modulation scheme, and alerts personnel in work zones on or near train tracks as well as optionally, on track equipment and train operators, of approaching trains or on track equipment. Portable wayside devices may also be positioned on the rail web, optionally magnetically, to alert work personnel, allowing for secure placement but also portability to other locations on the same track or adjacent tracks.

Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.

Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.

A system, comprising: a plurality of wayside devices positioned along a train track, the plurality of wayside devices having known positions, each of the plurality of wayside devices comprising at least one first radio-frequency (RF) antenna; a work zone device positioned along the train track, the work zone device comprising at least one second RF antenna configured to transmit RF signals to and/or receive RF signals from the plurality of wayside devices; and at least one processor configured to determine a position of the work zone device using the known positions and using RF signals transmitted between the work zone device and the plurality of wayside devices.

A system, comprising: a plurality of wayside devices positioned along a train track, the plurality of wayside devices having known positions, each of the plurality of wayside devices comprising at least one first radio-frequency (RF) antenna; a work zone device positioned along the train track, the work zone device comprising at least one second RF antenna configured to transmit RF signals to and/or receive RF signals from the plurality of wayside devices; and at least one processor configured to determine a position of the work zone device using the known positions and using RF signals transmitted between the work zone device and the plurality of wayside devices.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light for railways. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may provide a rail worker with one light device to be used for many railway applications. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may have a two-sided light capability and the ability to provide warning and lighting on both a front panel and a back panel of the lantern/multi-functional LED. The lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light may include one or more of the following features: two-sided with extra-bright warning LEDs orientated in rows that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to light-up a work area, multi-color with different flash rates, sensor to allow for orientation position indication and automatic ON/OFF on one side, bottom base magnetic mount, two bright top-mounted LED lights and two side-top LEDs that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to be used as a flash light.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light for railways. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may provide a rail worker with one light device to be used for many railway applications. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may have a two-sided light capability and the ability to provide warning and lighting on both a front panel and a back panel of the lantern/multi-functional LED. The lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light may include one or more of the following features: two-sided with extra-bright warning LEDs orientated in rows that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to light-up a work area, multi-color with different flash rates, sensor to allow for orientation position indication and automatic ON/OFF on one side, bottom base magnetic mount, two bright top-mounted LED lights and two side-top LEDs that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to be used as a flash light.