A method for outputting a trigger signal for an acoustic warning signal of a rail vehicle, includes reading in a piece of signal information detected by an image sensor of the rail vehicle, comparing the piece of signal information to at least one stored piece of reference signal information to classify the piece of signal information as a warning sign requiring an output of an acoustic warning signal, and providing a trigger signal to an output unit of the rail vehicle for outputting an acoustic warning signal.

A railroad crossing warning circuit includes a lamp and a signal generator for generating a first signal of a selected frequency. Divider circuitry divides the frequency of the signal to generate second signal at a flashing frequency. A switch responsive to the second signal controls current flow through the lamp and cause the lamp to flash at the flashing frequency.

A system and method are for controlling a train traveling along track blocks. A first signal transmitter is installed at a first track block and transmits, using a predefined range of transmission frequencies, first signals for detecting when the train enters the first track block. A second signal transmitter is installed at an adjacent second track block and transmits, using a predefined range of transmission frequencies different from the predefined range of transmission frequencies used by the first signal transmitter, second signals for detecting when the train enters the second track block. One or more signal receivers on board of the train are configured to receive the transmitted first and second signals, and an onboard controller is configured, based on signals supplied by the one or more receivers indicative of the first and second signals received, to identify when the train enters the first or second track blocks.

The present invention relates to methods of improving the reliability and accuracy of level crossing warning systems. The invention is comprised of an axle counter based system that detects the presence and calculates the speed of a train approaching a level crossing and adjusts the activation time for any warning system using a pre-defined period.

A railroad crossing warning circuit includes a lamp and a signal generator for generating a first signal of a selected frequency. Divider circuitry divides the frequency of the signal to generate second signal at a flashing frequency. A switch responsive to the second signal controls current flow through the lamp and cause the lamp to flash at the flashing frequency.

Systems and methods for detecting the dynamic train-to-rail shunting performance of a train as it is moving along the rails of a railroad track. The systems and methods use portable equipment temporarily installed at a site where it is desired to test the shunting of one or more trains or the electrical equipment installed at the track. The systems and method use sensor plates and a high speed recording system to simultaneously capture measured train-to-rail shunting characteristics and the positioning of a train's axles and any rail conditions impacting the measurements. The captured information can be used to fine tune the train, the electrical equipment installed at the track and/or to design new devices.

An oncoming train alarm assembly for a railroad track includes a housing that defines an interior space. The housing is positioned on a first side of a railroad track. A power module and a microprocessor are coupled to the housing and positioned in the interior space. The microprocessor is operationally coupled to the power module. A transmitter and a speaker are coupled to the housing and operationally coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is positioned to command the transmitter to transmit a photoelectric beam. A receiver is positioned on a second side of the railroad track. The receiver is operationally coupled to the microprocessor and aligned with the transmitter. The receiver is positioned to detect the photoelectric beam and to signal the microprocessor in event of a blocking of the photoelectric beam, positioning the microprocessor to actuate the speaker to sound an alarm to warn persons of an oncoming train.

An oncoming train alarm assembly for a railroad track includes a housing that defines an interior space. The housing is positioned on a first side of a railroad track. A power module and a microprocessor are coupled to the housing and positioned in the interior space. The microprocessor is operationally coupled to the power module. A transmitter and a speaker are coupled to the housing and operationally coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is positioned to command the transmitter to transmit a photoelectric beam. A receiver is positioned on a second side of the railroad track. The receiver is operationally coupled to the microprocessor and aligned with the transmitter. The receiver is positioned to detect the photoelectric beam and to signal the microprocessor in event of a blocking of the photoelectric beam, positioning the microprocessor to actuate the speaker to sound an alarm to warn persons of an oncoming train.

The present invention relates to methods of improving the reliability and accuracy of level crossing warning systems. The invention is comprised of an axle counter based system that detects the presence and calculates the speed of a train approaching a level crossing and adjusts the activation time for any warning system using a pre-defined period.

A bond pin assembly for connecting a connection cable with a rail, comprising: a bond pin that is inserted into a through hole in the rail, said bond pin having a transition portion and a screw portion, a diameter of one end of the transition portion being larger than a diameter of the other end of the transition portion, the end of the transition portion having a smaller diameter being connected with the screw portion; a conductive sleeve that is provided between the bond pin and a wall of the through hole of the rail, and a nut that is screwed on the screw portion to fasten an end of the connection cable between the nut and a side wall of the rail. By inserting the conductive sleeve with the shape corresponding to those of the through hole and the bond pin between the through hole and the bond pin and further taking fastening measure, the structural intensity of the bond bin assembly can be increased effectively.