69results about "Traffic gates" patented technology

A safety system for use with a boom gate. The boom gate includes a boom and a boom moving means for moving the boom between a down position and an up position. The safety system also has a boom deflection detector for detecting deflection of the boom, such as deflection caused by collision of the boom with a vehicle. A control system is provided for actuating the boom moving means to move the boom to the up position whenever deflection is detected.In the preferred embodiment a combination hinge is used to permit the boom to deflect in both a horizontal and vertical direction. The combination hinge includes a horizontal pivot joint and a vertical pivot joint. The combination hinge joint is spring biased to retain the boom in a normal, undeflected position. The spring also acts to return the boom to the normal, undeflected position after the boom has been deflected. In the preferred embodiment the boom deflection detector is configured to detect both horizontal deflection and vertical deflection of the boom.

A railroad grade crossing assembly for blocking vehicle access across a railroad crossing including a gate assembly connectable to a stanchion and light assembly. This gate assembly is movable between a generally upright position to permit vehicle access across a railroad crossing and a generally horizontal position for blocking vehicle access across the railroad crossing. The gate assembly further includes a telescopic arm assembly for completely closing vehicle access to the railroad crossing. In another embodiment of the invention, the railroad grade crossing assembly includes a gate movable between a generally horizontal retracted position to permit vehicle access across a railroad crossing and a generally extended horizontal position for blocking vehicle access across a railroad crossing, the gate includes a telescopic arm for completely closing the railroad crossing, a first and second stanchions. The railroad grade crossing assembly also includes a battery to power the gate and a solar panel to recharge the battery. A low battery indicator may also be includes to indicate that said battery has a low voltage. A listening device is provided to detect the sound of an oncoming train and activate the gate, and a sensor is provided to sense when a train has passed and thereby cause the gate to retract.

A method includes receiving an absolute time associated with movement of a vehicle system, modifying the absolute time into a relative time, and controlling one or more warning devices using the relative time. A system includes a crossing module configured to receive an absolute time associated with movement of a vehicle system. The crossing module is configured to modify the absolute time into a relative time and to control one or more warning devices using the relative time.

A crossing guard is disclosed which comprises an operator positioned on one side of a thoroughfare for raising and lowering an arm, a gate connected to the arm, a first lock positioned on the opposite side of the thoroughfare, a plurality of cables supported within the gate, joined together at fixed points intermediate the ends of the cables, and a first end assembly connectable with the cables and the gate at the end of the gate opposite the operator with the first end assembly engagable with the first lock. The device further comprises a second lock positioned on the side of the thoroughfare nearer said operator engagable with a second end assembly positioned on the end of the gate nearer said operator.

The present invention is directed to a vehicle barrier system and method of use. The vehicle barrier system includes a control system adapted to pivot a gate arm between a horizontal position and a vertical position to control the flow of vehicle or pedestrian traffic in control access areas such as parking lots, or parking garages. The gate arm includes inset channels that are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the gate arm and configured to each removeably receive an array of light emitting diodes to increase visibility and alert drivers or pedestrians to the presence of a gate arm.

A retractable gate comprising a movable arm gate having multiple sections which nest or telescope into each other when parked (e.g. upright), and extends into a full length blocking position as it is deployed. The gate arm sections are deployed by the movement of one of the arms, e.g. the outer one section, relative to the ground or a stationary support member and is joined to the stationary support member by a pivot point or bearing, and is connected to the stationary support or ground by a cable connection (or equivalent) which powers the arm sections into extended or retracted positions by movement of the gate about the pivot bearing. A novel corresponding counterweight system provides selectable balance and torque requirements.

A system includes a determination module and a communication module. The determination module is configured to be located onboard a first vehicle configured to travel along a first route including a crossing corresponding to an intersection of the first route with a second route. The determination module is configured to be communicatively coupled with a remote crossing module. The determination module is configured to determine, based on a speed of the first vehicle, timing information corresponding to a time at which the first vehicle will travel proximate to the crossing on the first route. The communication module is configured to transmit the timing information to the remote crossing module. The timing information includes a reference time configured as an absolute time corresponding to a time for impeding travel of a second vehicle along the second route through the crossing.

A railroad crossing gate assembly includes a gate arm adapter, which is pivotally mounted to allow a lowered gate arm to rotate in response to a generally perpendicular force in a generally horizontal plane either toward or away from a railroad crossing. The gate arm mechanism further includes multiple interchangeable spring assemblies that generate a return force to bring a displaced gate arm back to its normal operating position, and at least two latch hook assemblies for selectively latching the gate arm in its normal position and controlling the rate of return of the gate arm from a displaced position through application of a pivotally leveraged force to a braking surface of the adapter.

A safety system for use with a boom gate. The boom gate includes a boom and a boom operator for moving the boom between a down position and an up position. The safety system also has a boom deflection detector for detecting deflection of the boom, such as deflection caused by collision of the boom with a vehicle. A control system is provided for actuating the boom operator to move the boom to the up position whenever deflection is detected.

The present invention is directed to a vehicle barrier system and method of use. The vehicle barrier system includes a control system adapted to pivot a gate arm between a horizontal position and a vertical position to control the flow of vehicle or pedestrian traffic in control access areas such as parking lots, or parking garages. The gate arm includes inset channels that are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the gate arm and configured to each remove ably receive an array of light emitting diodes to increase visibility and alert drivers or pedestrians to the presence of a gate arm.

A system for operating a gate arm of a railroad crossing gate is provided. The system includes a lever, a spring attached to an extendable gate arm, a cable mechanism including a cable and a crossing mechanism. The lever is movably coupled to the cable and the spring is coupled to the cable. The lever is coupled to the crossing mechanism and the cable is coupled to the crossing mechanism. The cable mechanism is configured to extend and retract the extendable gate arm and the lever is configured to enable the spring to pull the extendable arm out from a retracted position.

A gate arm saver is provided. The gate arm saver includes a cam and cam follower arrangement. A biasing element biases the cam follower into engagement with a detent formed in the cam upon rotation of the cam from a rest position due a loading placed upon a gate arm extending from the gate arm saver.

A railroad crossing gate with a gate assembly. An extendible member slides within an outer member with minimal friction. When the gate is in its open position, gravity retracts the extendible member to hollow member. When the gate is in its blocking position, gravity causes the extendible member to move out of the hollow member to a final blocking position.

The present invention relates to a railroad crossing (2). The railroad crossing (2) includes a railroad (4) along which a train can travel. The railroad crossing (2) further includes a road (6) extending across the railroad (4) and along which a vehicle or automobile can travel. The road (6) includes a curved approach (8) to the railroad (4). The curved approach (8) is effective in encouraging a reduction in speed of the vehicle without seriously disrupting vehicle traffic flow. The railroad crossing (2) further includes a movable vehicle impact barrier (10) which can prevent the vehicle from crossing the railroad (4). The road (6) may include two separated traffic lanes (16a, 16b) in which vehicles travel in opposite directions, and this separation of the lanes (16) deters the vehicle from being driven from one lane 16a and into the other lane (16b) in an attempt to circumvent the barrier (10).

An articulate railroad grade crossing assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the crossing assembly has an adjustable reach so that it can be adjusted to completely or partially close roadways of various sizes. In another preferred embodiment, the assembly includes one or more sensors for detecting the presence of people and / or objects in the crossing area so that the assembly can automatically respond to such presence.

A railroad grade crossing assembly for blocking vehicle access across a railroad crossing including a gate assembly connectable to a stanchion and light assembly. This gate assembly is movable between a generally upright position to permit vehicle access across a railroad crossing and a generally horizontal position for blocking vehicle access across the railroad crossing. The gate assembly further includes a telescopic arm assembly for completely closing vehicle access to the railroad crossing. In another embodiment of the invention, the railroad grade crossing assembly includes a gate means movable between a generally horizontal retracted position to permit vehicle access across a railroad crossing and a generally extended horizontal position for blocking vehicle access across a railroad crossing, the gate means includes a telescopic arm for completely closing the railroad crossing, a first and second stanchions. The railroad grade crossing assembly also includes a battery to power the gate means and a solar panel to recharge the battery. A low battery indicator may also be includes to indicate that said battery has a low voltage. A listening device is provided to detect the sound of an oncoming train and activate the gate means, and a sensor is provided to sense when a train has passed and thereby cause the gate means to retract.

A detection and warning system is provided for a railroad crossing. The system comprises a sensor configured to be mounted on an underside of a gate arm of a railroad crossing gate to detect a presence of a vehicle or other object that is obstructing the railroad crossing. The system further comprises a communication interface coupled to the sensor. In response to a detection of the vehicle or the other object, the communication interface to relay a warning signal indicative of a possible collision on the railroad crossing with the vehicle or the other object.

A method and apparatus for operating a security gate is disclosed which may comprise a drive mechanism arm having a first end and a second end, and including a security gate attachment member connected to the first end of the drive mechanism arm; a drive mechanism actuator operatively connected directly or indirectly to the drive mechanism arm and adapted to move the drive mechanism arm along a predefined path in relation to the actuator in response to operation of the actuator; and a release mechanism adapted to release the connection of the security gate attachment member to the first end of the drive mechanism arm in response to the application of a force to the security gate attachment member in a direction other than the force applied to the security gate attachment member by the drive mechanism arm in response to the operation of the actuator to move the security gate drive mechanism arm along the predefined path. The apparatus and method may also include a retractor to retract the drive arm after disconnection. The apparatus and method may have an actuator is a linear motion actuator connected directly to the drive mechanism arm, or a rotary motion actuator indirectly connected to the drive mechanism arm.

A crossing guard is disclosed which comprises an operator positioned on one side of a thoroughfare for raising and lowering an arm, a gate connected to the arm, a first lock positioned on the opposite side of the thoroughfare, a plurality of cables supported within the gate, joined together at fixed points intermediate the ends of the cables, and a first end assembly connectable with the cables and the gate at the end of the gate opposite the operator with the first end assembly engagable with the first lock. The device further comprises a second lock positioned on the side of the thoroughfare nearer said operator engagable with a second end assembly positioned on the end of the gate nearer said operator.

A wireless target activation system for a train, the system including at least one computer programmed or configured to: receive at least one first target location and at least one second target location associated with a forward route of the train, wherein the at least one first target location is located before the at least one second target location on the forward route of the train; determine a gap time between when the leading edge of the train leaves the at least one first target location and is estimated to arrive at the at least one second target location based at least partially on a distance between the at least one first target location and the at least one second target location and a design speed; and based at least partially on the gap time, an allowable acceleration of the train, and a required warning time, generate an activation message configured to activate or cause the activation of at least one function associated with the at least one second target location.

A highway grade crossing gate system comprises a gate arm configured to rotate 90 degrees from a horizontal position to a vertical position and vice versa and a highway grade crossing gate mechanism coupled to the gate arm for controlling rotation of the gate arm without mechanical user adjustments but rather use user angle and time inputs / outputs. The highway grade crossing gate mechanism includes a DC motor to drive the gate arm up and down and a voltage reduction circuit to receive an input voltage from a battery and reduce the input voltage. The highway grade crossing gate mechanism further includes a human machine interface (HMI) to receive a plurality of programmable set points as operational variables for operation of the gate arm without manually adjustable cams on a main shaft that move contacts to open or close at some preset angular rotation. The highway grade crossing gate mechanism further includes a control printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the HMI, the voltage reduction circuit, the brake, and the DC motor. The control PCB to receive an output based on an angular position of the gate arm as a position indication to have the control PCB provide an output for the operation of the gate arm.

A system includes a determination module and a communication module. The determination module is configured to be located onboard a first vehicle configured to travel along a first route including a crossing corresponding to an intersection of the first route with a second route. The determination module is configured to be communicatively coupled with a remote crossing module. The determination module is configured to determine, based on a speed of the first vehicle, timing information corresponding to a time at which the first vehicle will travel proximate to the crossing on the first route. The communication module is configured to transmit the timing information to the remote crossing module. The timing information includes a reference time configured as an absolute time corresponding to a time for impeding travel of a second vehicle along the second route through the crossing.