76results about "Audible signals" patented technology

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.

A traffic informational system provides information to traffic moving along a road and may include a plurality of traffic information devices mountable to the road, each having an integral power producing source, at least a first set of illumination sources, and a wireless communications subsystem. The traffic informational system may further include at least a first external control device comprising at least one antenna and a transmitter communication wirelessly with the traffic information devices and / or with one another. The traffic information device may communicate with one another, and may include sensor for sensing ambient conditions. The system employs various approaches to reducing power consumption and improving communications, and is suitable for a wide range of applications, including use in remote environments.

A safety system for providing early warning notifications to an authorized track worker performing official duties along a rail road network is disclosed herein. The safety system determines the position of the authorized worker and determines an estimated time to collision between the authorized track worker and an approaching rail vehicle. The result of the safety system is that the track worker has enough time and sufficiently accurate warning that will enable the track worker to move to a point of safety so as to remain unharmed by the approaching rail vehicle.

A system for use by a railroad to warn railroad workers, track walker, railroad personnel and others of oncoming train(s) and to warn the train operator(s) of such train(s) of the presence of railroad workers, track walker railroad personnel, other train(s) and others on or near the railroad tracks, such system including at least one train transceiver for each train for sensing signals transmitted by at least one of a plurality of personal transmitter / receivers, one personal transmitter / receiver being worn by each of such railroad workers, track walker and railroad personnel, such train transceiver(s) to warn the train operator(s) of the presence of railroad workers, track walker, other train(s), and railroad personnel on or near the tracks when receiving signals from the personal transmitter / receivers, such personal transmitter / receivers receiving signals from the train transceiver(s) to warn the railroad workers, track walker and railroad personnel of oncoming train(s) with such warning signal activating nearby lights and horns, such system working in conjunction with VOBC and a compact, lightweight portable train detectors.

A wayside signal for a railway includes a plurality of light emitting diodes housed in a housing. The light emitting diodes output indication signals. Further, the light emitting diodes are configured on a first circuit board which is thermally coupled to the housing. The housing may also include heat sink fins to dissipate heat generated by the light emitting diodes and associated driving circuitry for driving the light emitting diodes also contained within the housing. An additional light emitting diode may also be contained within the housing to point in an opposite direction than the indication signal light emitting diodes, which additional light emitting diode may be formed on a second circuit board with the driving circuitry. The additional light emitting diode provides an indication to anyone behind the wayside signal as to the indication of the wayside signal. The wayside signal is further optimized for thermal efficiency and to be sealed against the elements. In regard to thermal efficiency, the first circuit board may be metal clad and the housing may be formed of black anodized aluminum. Also, a plastic insulator may be attached to the housing and covered with a lamp base. The lamp base may be configured to be inserted into a conventional socket for a wayside signal, so that the wayside signal of the present invention can be utilized with existing circuitry.

There is provided a system for managing information comprising a network, a hand-held mobile device, and a central server computer. The network is established between the central server computer and the hand-held mobile device to communicate computer readable information between the central server computer and the hand-held mobile device. In an embodiment, the computer-readable information is human interface information related to operation of a train.

An operational status detection system for a railroad warning device having a warning light, comprising: a photodiode configured to generate a signal corresponding to a light output of the warning light of the railroad warning device; an amplifier for increasing a signal strength of the signal and providing an output corresponding to the signal; a filter for receiving the output, the filter being configured to only allow portions of the output corresponding to the light output of the warning light to be presented as an output signal of the warning light; and a microcontroller receptive to the output signal and for comparing the output signal to a threshold value, the threshold value corresponding to an acceptable light output of the warning light.

A Traffic-Light Status Remote Sensor System is disclosed. The basic system consists of a set of lenses, detectors, and narrowband filters. The sensor system is capable of determining the status of a traffic light (red, amber, or green) from a distance, without any connection to the electronic boards controlling the traffic light. A portable red-light photo-enforcement system working independently from the traffic light controllers is a potential application of the remote traffic light sensor.

Disclosed is an operator warning system for use in connection with a locomotive having a horn system with a horn activation actuator and a horn device for producing a noise. The operator warning system includes an onboard computer system with a database having grade crossing data and locomotive data thereon. The onboard computer system is in communication with the horn system. The operator warning system also includes a warning device for providing an audio, visual and / or tactile indicator to an operator of the locomotive based upon the grade crossing data, locomotive data and / or actuation condition of the horn activation actuator. A method for improving locomotive operator vigilance is also disclosed.

A point detection system is provided for use in a typical switch machine with a typical indication system, wherein a point detector bar is slidably captivated within a point detector sleeve, and wherein a target that is integrally engaged with the point detector bar is sensed by at least one sensing device, thereby to detect movement of the point detector bar. The point detector sleeve is supported by a track side bearing affixed to a track side wall of the switch machine, and by a field side bearing affixed to an opposing wall of the switch machine. The point detector bar extends outside the switch machine from only the track side bearing, thereby eliminating the bearings and the pinch point between the hand throw lever and the two piece point detector bar that otherwise extended from the related art switch machine. The sensing device may be mounted upon a slide mechanism to adjust the sensing device relative to the target. Use of the sensing device eliminates the need for cams to monitor in order to detect movement of the point detector bar, as well as eliminates moving parts between the cams and the mechanical linkages. Further, at least one other sensing device detects a normal and reverse locked position of a lock bar assembly and lock box of the switch machine.

An operational status detection system for a railroad warning device having a warning light, comprising: a photo detector configured to generate a signal corresponding to a light output of the warning light of the railroad warning device, the photo detector comprising a lens, an optical filter and a photodiode, wherein the optical filter is disposed between the photodiode and the lens and the optical filter is configured to provide the light output of the warning light to be presented as a substantially uniform spatial response to the photodiode wherein areas of high intensity of the warning light that are received by the lens are attenuated, the areas of high intensity providing higher light outputs than other areas of the warning light; and a microcontroller for receiving the signal, wherein the microcontroller compares the signal to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value corresponding to an acceptable light output of the warning light.

A highway / railroad crossing detection and warning system which uses sets of Doppler radar transmitters and receivers to detect the approach of a train coming from either direction toward a highway crossing. The Doppler radar sets are located an extended distance from the crossing with each set detecting movement toward and away from its location. Presence detectors are located at the crossing and sense moving or stationary trains. All detector devices transmit signals to warning equipment to provide aural and visual indications to approaching motorists or work crews.

An operational status detection system for a railroad warning device having a warning light, comprising: a photo detector configured to generate a signal corresponding to a light output of the warning light of the railroad warning device, the photo detector comprising a lens, an optical filter and a photodiode, wherein the optical filter is disposed between the photodiode and the lens and the optical filter is configured to provide the light output of the warning light to be presented as a substantially uniform spatial response to the photodiode wherein areas of high intensity of the warning light that are received by the lens are attenuated, the areas of high intensity providing higher light outputs than other areas of the warning light; and a microcontroller for receiving the signal, wherein the microcontroller compares the signal to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value corresponding to an acceptable light output of the warning light.

An operational status detection system for a railroad warning device having a warning light, comprising: a photodiode configured to generate a signal corresponding to a light output of the warning light of the railroad warning device; an amplifier for increasing a signal strength of the signal and providing an output corresponding to the signal; a filter for receiving the output, the filter being configured to only allow portions of the output corresponding to the light output of the warning light to be presented as an output signal of the warning light; and a microcontroller receptive to the output signal and for comparing the output signal to a threshold value, the threshold value corresponding to an acceptable light output of the warning light.

A switching assembly includes a pair of hollow ties, a pair of supports, and a linkage. The linkage extends generally through the hollow ties, whereby the cribs are generally free of linkage components, and the ballast in the cribs can be compacted with known automated machinery. The linkage includes a number of lugs and a number of rods, with the rods each being formed from standard bar stock and threaded, and with the linkage configuration avoiding the need to custom bend any of the rods. The hollow ties are formed from generally available standard box section steel, as are the supports. The spacing between the hollow ties can be varied in accordance with the pitch of the other rail ties of the railroad switch. Each hollow tie can include a heater. The switching assembly is highly adjustable, which makes it suitable for use in numerous different track configurations.

A traffic crossing warning device is provided. The device includes a beam transmitter for transmitting a beam such as an IR beam, and a beam sensor in electrical communication with a signal processor for sensing the IR beam. In addition, the device includes a multimedia warning beacon, and a mounting device for supporting the beacon adjacent a roadway intersection. The warning beacon is activated when the beam sensor senses that the beam is not being received for a predetermined period of time. In one aspect, the warning beacon has a warning light, a speaker for delivering an audible signal, and a display for providing a written warning. A method for warning motorists of the presence of an oncoming locomotive object such as a train using the warning device is also provided.

There is provided a system for use in illuminating a feature of a railway. In one embodiment, a system can include an illumination unit disposed for illumination of a railway feature. The illumination unit can include a light source bank, a solar panel, and a rechargeable battery for energizing the light source bank that is rechargeable utilizing energy collected by the solar energy panel.

A wireless position sensing device is provided for monitoring railyard equipment status. The device comprises a gravity sensing mechanism for sensing an angular displacement with respect to a substantially vertical line, and for generating a displacement signal upon sensing a change in angular displacement exceeding approximately 40 degrees. A processing mechanism, operatively coupled to the gravity sensing mechanism, receives the displacement signal. A radio frequency transmitter, responsive to the processing mechanism, transmits a data signal indicative of the angular displacement. The processing mechanism is programmed to activate the radio frequency transmitter upon receipt of the displacement signal. The gravity sensing mechanism is affixed, attached, or mechanically coupled to railyard equipment comprising at least one of a manually operated rail switch or a safety indicator.

In a method of operating a system for announcing the presence of one or more individuals on or near a pathway to an operator of a vehicle traveling on the pathway, each of a number of data readers positioned along the pathway receives data input by the one or more individuals. In response to each data reader receiving the data input, a unique subset of a number of lamps, also positioned along the pathway, is caused to illuminate. The system includes a computer network that controls the operation of the lamps in response to the input of data.

An apparatus that indicates the speed of oncoming trains at train crossings comprises a large digital display attached to a drop gate or alternately on a side gate crossing sign for those crossings without a gate. The digital display is surrounded by a large sign indicating the speed of an oncoming train. A speed detection device aimed in either direction on the track to determine train speed. An interface converts the detected speed into a digital display. It is envisioned that motorists knowing the speed of an oncoming train will be less likely to try to beat the train through the crossing.

There is provided a system for managing information comprising a network, a hand-held mobile device, and a central server computer. The network is established between the central server computer and the hand-held mobile device to communicate computer readable information between the central server computer and the hand-held mobile device. In an embodiment, the computer-readable information is human interface information related to operation of a train.

The invention provides a modern tram intersection signal control pre-warning method, which comprises the following steps: based on an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) arranged in a fixed position, updating tram running information; based on the time for RFID electronic tags at the head and the tail of a tram to pass through an RFID reader-writer and the tram body length information, calculating the average speed information of the tram; based on the average speed information and a distance Si between the current RFID reader-writer arranged beside a track and the downstream adjacent intersection, calculating estimated time for the tram to arrive at the downstream adjacent intersection; according to the geometric type of the downstream adjacent intersection, obtaining clearance time and safety reserved time of the downstream intersection; based on the steps, calculating the estimated time for the tram to arrive at the downstream adjacent intersection and the sum of the clearance time and the safety reserved time of the downstream adjacent intersection, and judging whether the risk of conflict exists or not. The invention also relates to a modern tram intersection signal control pre-warning system.

System and method for monitoring status of a visual signal lamp. The system includes at least one optical fiber comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned proximate to the signal lamp and is oriented to capture a portion of light signal emitted by the signal lamp when the signal lamp is illuminated. The system also includes a photodetector positioned proximate to the second end of the optical fiber and configured to receive the portion of light signal. The system further includes a threshold detection circuitry connected to the photodetector and configured to detect a lighting parameter in relation to the signal lamp according to a predetermined criterion.

The present invention is an apparatus and a method for a safety verification system, or a safety verification management system. At railroads or construction sites, equipment, such as a piece of heavy machinery, or a locomotive engine, must be subjected to a safety protocol before authorized personnel are allowed to approach the equipment. It is essential to have independent, automatic confirmation that the safety protocol has been successfully completed. In railroad systems, a Three Step Protection Mode is often used to place a locomotive engine in safe mode. One embodiment of the present invention provides an independent, automatic verification that this safety protocol has been successfully completed and sends an audible, visual, audiovisual, or vibratory signal to remote personnel. Another embodiment tracks the relative positions of personnel and locomotives, and generates a warning when personnel are proximate to an equipment that is not in safe mode.

A locomotive warning system includes an acoustical warning subsystem configured to emit variably directed sound. A controller subsystem is responsive to an initiation command and is configured to trigger the acoustical warning subsystem to begin a sounding sequence when the initiation command is received at a first directivity angle and to continue the sound blast sequence at increasing directivity angles for a pre-establish time and / or distance traveled.

The invention discloses a turnout control device and belongs to the technical field of automatic switching of mining turnouts. The turnout control device comprises a controller and an actuator which are used together, wherein the controller connected with the power supply is connected with a display box, and an encoder is arranged in the controller controlled by a remote controller; and an audible and visual alarm and turnout position arrows are arranged on the display box. The turnout control device not only realizes automatic lane change of a mine car and replaces a manual switch to solve the difficult problem of high probability of failures in the traditional technology, but also is simple and convenient to mount, is easy to maintain, meets the requirement for quick lane change of the mine car, improves the production and operation efficiencies and is suitable for being popularized in the production.