A grade crossing control system includes a controller that receives start and end inputs corresponding to a train traversing an outer approach, determines the difference in time between the start and end inputs, and uses the difference in time to determine a delay period by which activation of a grade crossing warning system will be delayed following detection of the train by a track occupancy circuit in an inner approach in order to compensate for slow moving trains. The start and end inputs for the outer approach may be supplied in different ways including a separate track occupancy circuit for the outer approach, by train detection devices unconnected to the track at the start and end of the outer approach, or by overlapping track occupancy circuits positioned at the start of the outer and inner approaches.

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 railroad communication system (100, 200) includes a wayside control device (130) in communication with one or more railroad crossing warning device(s) (140, 145) located at a railroad grade crossing (125), wherein the one or more railroad crossing warning device(s) (140, 145) are activated in response to a signal of the wayside control device (130). An autonomous motor vehicle (150) approaches the railroad grade crossing (125), wherein the wayside control device (130) is configured to communicate information in response to an activation of the one or more railroad crossing warning device(s) (140, 145), and wherein the autonomous motor vehicle (150) is configured to receive the information.

A railroad communication system (100, 200) includes a wayside control device (130) in communication with one or more railroad crossing warning device(s) (140, 145) located at a railroad grade crossing (125), wherein the one or more railroad crossing warning device(s) (140, 145) are activated in response to a signal of the wayside control device (130). An autonomous motor vehicle (150) approaches the railroad grade crossing (125), wherein the wayside control device (130) is configured to communicate information in response to an activation of the one or more railroad crossing warning device(s) (140, 145), and wherein the autonomous motor vehicle (150) is configured to receive the information.

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 solution for detecting and alerting to intrusions or obstacles in an area. One or more sensing devices can be used in combination with computer processing capabilities to monitor an area for intrusions or obstacles. An illustrative area is part of a railyard or railroad track, which can be monitored for intrusions by foot, vehicle, or even by inanimate objects such as falling rocks from a track cut. The sensing, computing, and/or alerting systems can be redundant to ensure operation at all times.

A solution for detecting and alerting to intrusions or obstacles in an area. One or more sensing devices can be used in combination with computer processing capabilities to monitor an area for intrusions or obstacles. An illustrative area is part of a railyard or railroad track, which can be monitored for intrusions by foot, vehicle, or even by inanimate objects such as falling rocks from a track cut. The sensing, computing, and/or alerting systems can be redundant to ensure operation at all times.

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.