A switch gap detection system is disclosed herein that is configured to monitor a switch installed on a railway, detect a switch gap, and notify a train operator or otherwise take action to prevent a derailment, accident, or other dangerous situation. The switch gap detection system may include one or more switch gap sensors installed on or adjacent to a rail at a location proximate to a switch. The one or more switch gap sensors may be configured to determine a status of the switching points on the switch (e.g., open, closed, or switch gap detected). If the one or more switch gap sensors detect a switch gap, a notification may be provided to a train operator, for example, in the form of an audible and/or visual alert. In some embodiments, a signal may also be sent to automatically stop the train to prevent a derailment.

A switch gap detection system is disclosed herein that is configured to monitor a switch installed on a railway, detect a switch gap, and notify a train operator or otherwise take action to prevent a derailment, accident, or other dangerous situation. The switch gap detection system may include one or more switch gap sensors installed on or adjacent to a rail at a location proximate to a switch. The one or more switch gap sensors may be configured to determine a status of the switching points on the switch (e.g., open, closed, or switch gap detected). If the one or more switch gap sensors detect a switch gap, a notification may be provided to a train operator, for example, in the form of an audible and/or visual alert. In some embodiments, a signal may also be sent to automatically stop the train to prevent a derailment.

A signal structure is disclosed. The signal structure may include a housing and a light head disposed within the housing. The light head may include at least one signal light mounted thereto. The signal structure may also include at least one actuator operatively coupled to the light head and configured to move the light head within the housing.

A signal structure is disclosed. The signal structure may include a housing and a light head disposed within the housing. The light head may include at least one signal light mounted thereto. The signal structure may also include at least one actuator operatively coupled to the light head and configured to move the light head within the housing.

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 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.

An optical system (100) for a light emitting diode (LED) signal includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (12, 14), a plurality of optical lenses (20, 40, 60, 80) for diverging and collimating light generated by the plurality of LEDs (12, 14), wherein the plurality of LEDs (12, 14) and the plurality of optical lenses (20, 40, 60, 80) are sequentially arranged in an axial direction, and wherein the plurality of optical lenses (20, 40, 60, 80) are configured such that by altering an axial position of one of the optical lenses (20, 40, 60, 80) from a first defined axial position to a second defined axial position, a final angular light distribution of the optical system (100) is variable.

An optical system (100) for a light emitting diode (LED) signal includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (12, 14), a plurality of optical lenses (20, 40, 60, 80) for diverging and collimating light generated by the plurality of LEDs (12, 14), wherein the plurality of LEDs (12, 14) and the plurality of optical lenses (20, 40, 60, 80) are sequentially arranged in an axial direction, and wherein the plurality of optical lenses (20, 40, 60, 80) are configured such that by altering an axial position of one of the optical lenses (20, 40, 60, 80) from a first defined axial position to a second defined axial position, a final angular light distribution of the optical system (100) is variable.

A broken wheel detection system for detecting broken wheels on rail vehicles even when such vehicles are moving at a high rate of speed by determining the positions, lengths, or orientations of structured light lines projected against passing wheels.

This invention relates generally to a device which utilizes a solar powered Internet of Things (IoT) technology to remotely monitor the position of railroad switches and derails and send updates by cellular signal to a database via a cloud platform. This new and novel technology allows for cost effective remote monitoring of railroad switch points and derails in dark territory without the need for wayside power or radio communication equipment. The device is also capable of being integrated with dispatch CAD (computer automated dispatch), wayside signalization, positive train control devices, automatic alert generations, active warning devices, crossing gates, as well as power assisted railroad switches.