Patent classifications
B61L29/28
RAILROAD CROSSING WARNING SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED ROUTE PLANNING
In an embodiment, a system for detection of trains at railroad crossings is provided. The system comprises a field-deployed detection and reporting device comprising a microphone, a communication module, a microprocessor, and an application. When executed on the microprocessor, the application receives data describing sounds captured by the microphone and identifies frequencies of a first received sound. The application also transmits, based on the identified frequencies and a formula, a first message via the communication module. The first received sound is generated by a warning bell sounded at the railroad crossing. The first message is received by a backend server that issues a first broadcast based on receipt of the first message. The application further determines that the first received sound discontinues. Based on the determination, the application sends a second message via the module to the backend server which issues a second broadcast that the crossing is reopened.
RAILROAD CROSSING WARNING SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED ROUTE PLANNING
In an embodiment, a system for detection of trains at railroad crossings is provided. The system comprises a field-deployed detection and reporting device comprising a microphone, a communication module, a microprocessor, and an application. When executed on the microprocessor, the application receives data describing sounds captured by the microphone and identifies frequencies of a first received sound. The application also transmits, based on the identified frequencies and a formula, a first message via the communication module. The first received sound is generated by a warning bell sounded at the railroad crossing. The first message is received by a backend server that issues a first broadcast based on receipt of the first message. The application further determines that the first received sound discontinues. Based on the determination, the application sends a second message via the module to the backend server which issues a second broadcast that the crossing is reopened.
Railroad crossing control system including constant warning time device and axle counter system
A railroad crossing control system (100) includes a constant warning time device (40) with a control unit (50) configured to produce multiple signals, and a wheel sensing system (120) comprising at least one sensor (122) connected to a rail (20a, 20b) of a railroad track (20) at a predetermined position (P), wherein the wheel sensing system (120) detects a presence of railroad vehicle travelling on the railroad track (20) such that the at least one sensor (122) detects wheels of the railroad vehicle using electromagnetic fields, wherein the wheel sensing system (120) provides speed values of the railroad vehicle to the constant warning time device (40), and wherein the constant warning time device (40) produces a constant warning time signal for controlling a railroad crossing warning device in response to receiving the speed values of the wheel sensing system (120).
Vehicle control system and method
A vehicle control system and method wirelessly communicate from at least one wireless transmitter positioned proximate a route crossing to a wireless receiver of a vehicle via a wireless wayside transceiver. The system and method communicate an indication of whether the route crossing is clear for passage of the vehicle through the route crossing. The system and method receive the indication by the wireless transmitter and using the vehicle receiver. A vehicle controller or an operator of the vehicle can determine whether it is safe for the vehicle to travel through the route crossing based on the indication received by the vehicle receiver from the portable transmitter. The vehicle can then be operated based on the determination.
Vehicle control system and method
A vehicle control system and method wirelessly communicate from at least one wireless transmitter positioned proximate a route crossing to a wireless receiver of a vehicle via a wireless wayside transceiver. The system and method communicate an indication of whether the route crossing is clear for passage of the vehicle through the route crossing. The system and method receive the indication by the wireless transmitter and using the vehicle receiver. A vehicle controller or an operator of the vehicle can determine whether it is safe for the vehicle to travel through the route crossing based on the indication received by the vehicle receiver from the portable transmitter. The vehicle can then be operated based on the determination.
MOUNT FOR SIMULATED RAIL TRACK LOAD INDUCTOR
A simulated track inductor mount including a base configured to be fixed against a supporting surface and an inductor hub attached to and extending from the base. The inductor hub includes one or more surfaces defining a margin and being configured to engage with an inner surface of the simulated track inductor, and the one or more surfaces are fixed to a camming tab configured to flex to removably seat the simulated track inductor on the inductor hub.
WARNING LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE FLASHING RATE
A method of operating a warning light assembly at a railway crossing, as well as a warning light assembly operable in accordance with such a method, are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a voltage signal at the warning light assembly that corresponds to a railway crossing event. The method includes initiating a warning light flashing sequence that includes, during a first time period, illuminating the warning light during receipt of the voltage signal in a flashing pattern having a flashing frequency. The warning light flashing sequence also includes, during a second time period after the first time period, discontinuing the flashing pattern and illuminating the warning light in accordance with the voltage signal. Upon determining that receipt of the voltage signal at the warning light assembly is discontinued for at least for a predetermined time, the warning light flashing sequence is reinitialized for a next railway crossing event.
WARNING LIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH ORIENTATION SENSOR, AND RAILWAY CROSSING INSTALLATION INCLUDING THE SAME
A warning light assembly and railway crossing including such an assembly are disclosed. An example warning light assembly includes a housing, an illumination device at least partially positioned within the housing, and a movement detection circuit positioned within the housing in a fixed position relative to the illumination device. The movement detection circuit can include a plurality of sensors of different types, and is configured to detect a change in position or orientation of the warning light assembly relative to an initial position, and, in response to detecting the change in position or orientation, generate an alert.
WARNING LIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH ORIENTATION SENSOR, AND RAILWAY CROSSING INSTALLATION INCLUDING THE SAME
A warning light assembly and railway crossing including such an assembly are disclosed. An example warning light assembly includes a housing, an illumination device at least partially positioned within the housing, and a movement detection circuit positioned within the housing in a fixed position relative to the illumination device. The movement detection circuit can include a plurality of sensors of different types, and is configured to detect a change in position or orientation of the warning light assembly relative to an initial position, and, in response to detecting the change in position or orientation, generate an alert.
ADVANCED PARKING AND INTERSECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
A parking management system that facilitates motorist guidance, payment, violation detection, and enforcement using highly accurate space occupancy detection, unique vehicle identification and guidance displays is described. The system enables reduced time to find parking, congestion mitigation, accurate violation detection, and easier enforcement, and increased payment and enforcement revenues to cities. A system facilitating intersection management is also described having applicability to road intersections and railway crossings.