A wireless target activation system for a train, the system including at least one computer programmed or configured to: receive at least one first target location and at least one second target location associated with a forward route of the train, wherein the at least one first target location is located before the at least one second target location on the forward route of the train; determine a gap time between when the leading edge of the train leaves the at least one first target location and is estimated to arrive at the at least one second target location based at least partially on a distance between the at least one first target location and the at least one second target location and a design speed; and based at least partially on the gap time, an allowable acceleration of the train, and a required warning time, generate an activation message configured to activate or cause the activation of at least one function associated with the at least one second target location.

A wireless target activation system for a train, the system including at least one computer programmed or configured to: receive at least one first target location and at least one second target location associated with a forward route of the train, wherein the at least one first target location is located before the at least one second target location on the forward route of the train; determine a gap time between when the leading edge of the train leaves the at least one first target location and is estimated to arrive at the at least one second target location based at least partially on a distance between the at least one first target location and the at least one second target location and a design speed; and based at least partially on the gap time, an allowable acceleration of the train, and a required warning time, generate an activation message configured to activate or cause the activation of at least one function associated with the at least one second target location.

A multiple direction railroad gate release mechanism which is attached between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement in either a frontal or rearward direction by a vehicle or other outside force. A pivot arm assembly allows a released movement of the crossing arm in reaction to frontal impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detent position subsequent to an impingement in order to maintain grade crossing protection. A spring return assembly, a shock absorber, and a detent plunger act to return the pivot arm assembly and attached crossing arm to a neutral detent position. The pivot arm assembly allows for rotation about a single pivot point of at least /90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the attached crossing arm.

A multiple direction railroad gate release mechanism which is attached between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement in either a frontal or rearward direction by a vehicle or other outside force. A pivot arm assembly allows a released movement of the crossing arm in reaction to frontal impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detent position subsequent to an impingement in order to maintain grade crossing protection. A spring return assembly, a shock absorber, and a detent plunger act to return the pivot arm assembly and attached crossing arm to a neutral detent position. The pivot arm assembly allows for rotation about a single pivot point of at least /90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the attached crossing arm.

A vehicle barrier gate arm is pivotable upward and downward. The gate arm has an exterior wall having at least one channel extending along the length of the gate arm. The channel includes a recessed light housing containing a light system such as an LED light strip or a light rope. The channel is defined by two opposing, parallel channel walls and a backwall. Each channel wall has a retaining fin extending perpendicularly therefrom into the channel, thereby forming an aperture for the light housing. The light housing is situated between the retaining fins and the backwall. A visor channel extends from the retaining fins to the exterior wall of the gate arm. The visor channel provides a stronger contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated light systems within the light housing, allowing an observer to better determine whether the LED lights strips, which often act as signals, are activated or are not activated.

A vehicle barrier gate arm is pivotable upward and downward. The gate arm has an exterior wall having at least one channel extending along the length of the gate arm. The channel includes a recessed light housing containing a light system such as an LED light strip or a light rope. The channel is defined by two opposing, parallel channel walls and a backwall. Each channel wall has a retaining fin extending perpendicularly therefrom into the channel, thereby forming an aperture for the light housing. The light housing is situated between the retaining fins and the backwall. A visor channel extends from the retaining fins to the exterior wall of the gate arm. The visor channel provides a stronger contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated light systems within the light housing, allowing an observer to better determine whether the LED lights strips, which often act as signals, are activated or are not activated.

A crossing gate mechanism includes a gate mechanism enclosure defining an interior space, external wires located substantially outside the gate mechanism enclosure, and a terminal board positioned within the interior space of the gate mechanism enclosure. The external wires are connected to the terminal board. The terminal board is coupled to and swingable relative to the gate mechanism enclosure.

A crossing gate mechanism includes a gate mechanism enclosure defining an interior space, external wires located substantially outside the gate mechanism enclosure, and a terminal board positioned within the interior space of the gate mechanism enclosure. The external wires are connected to the terminal board. The terminal board is coupled to and swingable relative to the gate mechanism enclosure.

A highway grade crossing gate system comprises a gate arm configured to rotate 90 degrees from a horizontal position to a vertical position and vice versa and a highway grade crossing gate mechanism coupled to the gate arm for controlling rotation of the gate arm without mechanical user adjustments but rather use user angle and time inputs/outputs. The highway grade crossing gate mechanism includes a DC motor to drive the gate arm up and down and a voltage reduction circuit to receive an input voltage from a battery and reduce the input voltage. The highway grade crossing gate mechanism further includes a human machine interface (HMI) to receive a plurality of programmable set points as operational variables for operation of the gate arm without manually adjustable cams on a main shaft that move contacts to open or close at some preset angular rotation. The highway grade crossing gate mechanism further includes a control printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the HMI, the voltage reduction circuit, the brake, and the DC motor. The control PCB to receive an output based on an angular position of the gate arm as a position indication to have the control PCB provide an output for the operation of the gate arm.

A highway grade crossing gate system comprises a gate arm configured to rotate 90 degrees from a horizontal position to a vertical position and vice versa and a highway grade crossing gate mechanism coupled to the gate arm for controlling rotation of the gate arm without mechanical user adjustments but rather use user angle and time inputs/outputs. The highway grade crossing gate mechanism includes a DC motor to drive the gate arm up and down and a voltage reduction circuit to receive an input voltage from a battery and reduce the input voltage. The highway grade crossing gate mechanism further includes a human machine interface (HMI) to receive a plurality of programmable set points as operational variables for operation of the gate arm without manually adjustable cams on a main shaft that move contacts to open or close at some preset angular rotation. The highway grade crossing gate mechanism further includes a control printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the HMI, the voltage reduction circuit, the brake, and the DC motor. The control PCB to receive an output based on an angular position of the gate arm as a position indication to have the control PCB provide an output for the operation of the gate arm.