A grade crossing control system (400, 600) includes a track circuit with a grade crossing predictor (GCP) system (40), and at least one auxiliary shunting device (420, 430) connected to the rails (20a, 20b) of the railroad track (20), wherein a railroad vehicle travelling on the railroad track (20) causes a change of impedance when entering the track circuit, wherein the at least one auxiliary shunting device (420, 430) detects a presence of the railroad vehicle travelling on the railroad track (20) and generates an auxiliary change of the impedance of the track circuit, and wherein the GCP system (40) generates grade crossing activation signals in response to the change of the impedance or the auxiliary change of the impedance of the track circuit. The auxiliary shunting device is provided to improve reliability in case of poor shunting. In a first implementation the auxiliary shunting device is an additional shunt (428) between rails and within the approaching distance (AL), wherein the shunt is switched on by a separate vehicle detector (422). In a second implementation the termination shunt (SI) is switched off by a vehicle detector (422) before the approaching distance (AL).

A crossing gate mechanism includes a swingable gate arm, a rotatable gate arm shaft fixed to the gate arm, and an electronic sensor assembly coupled to the gate arm shaft. Rotation of the gate arm shaft corresponds with swinging of the gate arm. The electronic sensor assembly senses an angular position of the gate arm shaft and transmits a position signal corresponding thereto. The electronic sensor assembly includes a driving element that is attached to the gate arm shaft to rotate therewith. the electronic sensor assembly also includes a driven element that is driven by the driving element such that rotation of the gate arm shaft causes the driven element to rotate. The electronic sensor assembly is configured to generate the position signal based on a position of the gate arm shaft.

A crossing gate mechanism includes a swingable gate arm, a rotatable gate arm shaft fixed to the gate arm, and an electronic sensor assembly coupled to the gate arm shaft. Rotation of the gate arm shaft corresponds with swinging of the gate arm. The electronic sensor assembly senses an angular position of the gate arm shaft and transmits a position signal corresponding thereto. The electronic sensor assembly includes a driving element that is attached to the gate arm shaft to rotate therewith. the electronic sensor assembly also includes a driven element that is driven by the driving element such that rotation of the gate arm shaft causes the driven element to rotate. The electronic sensor assembly is configured to generate the position signal based on a position of the gate arm shaft.

A crossing gate mechanism includes a gate mechanism enclosure, electrical components inside the gate mechanism enclosure, and a controller inside the gate mechanism enclosure. The controller is connected to and configured to monitor and/or control the electrical components. The controller includes an operator panel for receiving input from a user. In addition, the controller has a user interface displayed by the operator panel. The controller is operable to present information associated with the electrical components on the user interface.

A crossing gate mechanism includes a gate mechanism enclosure, electrical components inside the gate mechanism enclosure, and a controller inside the gate mechanism enclosure. The controller is connected to and configured to monitor and/or control the electrical components. The controller includes an operator panel for receiving input from a user. In addition, the controller has a user interface displayed by the operator panel. The controller is operable to present information associated with the electrical components on the user interface.

A system can include a signal light for regulating traffic, a controller, a first communication module configured to electronically communicate with the controller, a memory and two or more position sensors coupled to the signal light is disclosed. The two or more position sensors comprise at least a first position sensor configured to detect a first position of the signal light according to a first measurable criteria and a second position sensor configured to detect a second position of the signal light according to a second measurable criteria. The memory configured to selectively store as a reference, desired position data. The controller can be configured to electronically communicate with the two or more position sensors to receive an updated data regarding the first position and the second position and is configured to compare the updated data to the desired position data.

A system can include a signal light for regulating traffic, a controller, a first communication module configured to electronically communicate with the controller, a memory and two or more position sensors coupled to the signal light is disclosed. The two or more position sensors comprise at least a first position sensor configured to detect a first position of the signal light according to a first measurable criteria and a second position sensor configured to detect a second position of the signal light according to a second measurable criteria. The memory configured to selectively store as a reference, desired position data. The controller can be configured to electronically communicate with the two or more position sensors to receive an updated data regarding the first position and the second position and is configured to compare the updated data to the desired position data.

A crossing gate mechanism includes a gate mechanism enclosure, a gate arm shaft, and a quick-replacement moon gear assembly. The gate mechanism enclosure defines an interior space. The gate arm shaft extends into the gate mechanism enclosure and is rotatable relative thereto. The quick-replacement moon gear assembly is coupled to the gate arm shaft for rotation therewith and is positioned within the interior space. The quick-replacement moon gear assembly includes a gear hub fixed to the gate arm shaft for rotational movement therewith, and a quick-replacement moon gear releasably coupled to the gear hub. The quick-replacement moon gear is removeable from the interior space while the gear hub remains fixed to the gate arm shaft.

Systems and methods are disclosed including a system that can include a traffic gate, an electronic circuit and a portable controller. The traffic gate can have an arm. The electronic circuit can have a controller, a first communication module, and one or more light sources configured to mount to the arm or other portions of the traffic gate. The controller can be configured to control the electronic circuit to selectively operate the one or light sources as desired. The portable controller can have a second communication module configured to communicate with the first communication module to actuate the controller to control of the electronic circuit.

A sensor unit for detecting the approach of a train, the sensor unit having first and second non-rail-mounted sensors, wherein the non-rail-mounted sensors are different from one another. A first control unit, itself having first and second non-rail-mounted sensors, wherein the non-rail-mounted sensors are different from one another in that they work on different physical principles, wherein the first sensor unit and first control unit are arranged to cooperate with one another to detect the approach of a train.