Examples described herein provide a computer-implemented method that includes detecting a loss of power to a motor of the gate crossing mechanism. The motor is operably coupled to a gate of the gate crossing mechanism. The method further includes, responsive to detecting the loss of the power, providing, by at least one supercapacitor, power to the motor to initiate the gate moving from an open position to a closed position.

A method for commanding a railway level crossing protection system comprising: a) activating a railway signal preventing a train from driving beyond a level crossing; b) detecting an incoming train approaching the level crossing and measuring a speed of said incoming train; c) calculating a waiting time, as a function of the train's measured speed; d) waiting until expiration of the calculated waiting time and, once said waiting time expires, sending an order to commute the protection system into the protected state; and e) querying the state of the protection system and if said protection system is found to have commuted into the protected state, deactivating said railway signal, and maintaining said railway signal in the activated state otherwise.

A method for commanding a railway level crossing protection system comprising: a) activating a railway signal preventing a train from driving beyond a level crossing; b) detecting an incoming train approaching the level crossing and measuring a speed of said incoming train; c) calculating a waiting time, as a function of the train's measured speed; d) waiting until expiration of the calculated waiting time and, once said waiting time expires, sending an order to commute the protection system into the protected state; and e) querying the state of the protection system and if said protection system is found to have commuted into the protected state, deactivating said railway signal, and maintaining said railway signal in the activated state otherwise.

A system for detecting obstructions within a railroad crossing. The system may include at least one housing in the form of a tower. The housing is located at the railroad crossing. A sensor box may be disposed within the housing. The sensor box may include a sensor and a transmitter disposed within. The sensor is operable to detect an obstruction on a railroad at the railroad crossing. The present invention further includes a wiring electrically connecting the sensor box to a signal gate at the railroad crossing. When the signal gate is powered the sensor is powered and the wireless transmitter is operable to transmit a signal to an oncoming train when the sensor detects the obstruction on the railroad.

Systems and methods are disclosed for reliable detection of oncoming trains and for warning roadway personnel working on the railroad track of the oncoming train. A train detection system includes a wireless communication network further including train detection modules attached to catenary poles along the sides of the railroad track. Each train detection module is equipped with at least two diverse sensors configured to detect trains and other on-track vehicles. Each train detection sensor is simultaneously active and works with other train detection sensors to detect an approaching train and generate train alerts. The train alerts are transmitted wirelessly over the wireless communication network by the train detection modules. The system transmits train alerts to personal alert devices worn by roadway workers. The personal alert device forms an ad-hoc wireless network with the train detection modules.

A diagnostic system for a level-crossing safeguarding system. The safeguarding system has a relay circuit with electrical connection cables that are at least partly guided in a cable conduit. The cable conduit has a longitudinal access side with a detachable cover. The diagnostic system is simplified in that the cover is configured for receiving a plurality of current sensors of the diagnostic system and the plurality of current sensors are disposed, in particular fastened, next to one another in the cover in the longitudinal direction of the cover. There is also described a current sensor for such a diagnostic system and to a method for installing such a diagnostic system.

Examples described herein provide a computer-implemented method that includes detecting a loss of power to a motor of the gate crossing mechanism. The motor is operably coupled to a gate of the gate crossing mechanism. The method further includes, responsive to detecting the loss of the power, providing, by at least one supercapacitor, power to the motor to initiate the gate moving from an open position to a closed position.

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.

Estimating electrical parameters of a track circuit including a transmitter, a receiver, and a track section between the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter outputs, over the track section towards the receiver, a signal including a data packet part, and the signal received by the receiver is decoded to determine the data packet received. Simulated signals are generated, via a predetermined software model including parameters of the track circuit, by varying an actual value input for the model parameters, each signal generated corresponding to actual values input for the parameters. Each simulated signal is compared with the signal received at a receiver until finding a part of a simulated signal that matches a corresponding part of the signal received at a receiver. The actual parameter values corresponding to the simulated signal that match the signal received at the receiver are estimated as the actual parameters of the track circuit.