86results about "Illumination for points/signalling" patented technology

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.

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.

The invention relates to a wheel axle temperature and wind pressure monitoring device based on wireless ad hoc networks and a method for railway passenger cars or wagons, and aims to achieve that random networking can be realized, monitoring work is real-time and accurate, a low power consumption working mode is realized, the operation is simple, the maintenance cost is low, and the maintenance is simple and convenient. The invention adopts the technical scheme that the wheel axle temperature and wind pressure monitoring device based on the wireless ad hoc networks for the railway passenger cars or wagons is characterized in that a locomotive unit and a group of carriage root units are included, a network system with a routing function is built between the locomotive unit and each carriage root unit through a wireless ad hoc network such as a Zigbee network, a WiFi network or a Bluetooth network, wherein, the locomotive unit comprises a coordinator module, a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) communication module, an industrial computer and a card reader, and each carriage root unit comprises a root unit module, a parameter collection sensor and a battery. The inventionis suitable for real-time monitoring of physical parameters such as wheel axle temperature, braking wind pressure and the like of a wagon group with a large quantity.

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.

A broken wheel detection system for detecting broken wheels on rail vehicles even when such vehicles are moving at a high rate of speed.

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.

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 invention discloses a solar LED (light-emitting diode) gear early warning device based on a radar ranging technology and relates to a gear early warning device, which solves the problems of large mounting cost and low safety of a current gear indicator. The solar LED (light-emitting diode) gear early warning device comprises a bracket and a lamp-post fixed on the bracket; the top end of the lamp-post is fixedly provided with a control box; the upper end of the control box is fixedly provided with a solar battery panel; a radar device is also fixedly arranged on the lamp-post and below the control box; an LED lamp is arranged on the front side of the control box; a solar controller and a storage battery are arranged in the control box; and the solar controller is electrically connected with the solar battery panel, the LED lamp, the storage battery, and the radar device. The solar LED (light-emitting diode) gear early warning device is convenient to mount, does not need wiring, can be suitable for severe outside environments, can be produced in batch, and has small mounting cost and high safety.

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 relates to a railway streetlamp for generating power by utilizing a flywheel battery and suction force and a use method thereof. The railway streetlamp and the use method are characterized in that each streetlamp at the two sides of the railway is additionally provided with a swinging device adopting the suction force as power; when a high-speed train passes, each swinging device swings due to action of the suction force; the swinging force enables a flywheel generating device to store energy and generate power simultaneously; the generated power is stored in one flywheel battery; and at night, a control circuit sends a message, and the flywheel battery supplies power to the streetlamps at the two sides of the railway to emit light for illumination. The railway streetlamp and the use method have the beneficial effects that the suction force generated when the high-speed train runs is utilized for generating power so as to provide stable and environmentally-friendly power for illumination of the railway streetlamp; the defect of unstable power of wind-energy and solar streetlamps is avoided; the power resource of a public supply network is also saved; since the energy for generating power is stored by utilizing the flywheel battery to replace the power stored by a chemical storage battery, the environmental pollution of the chemical battery is avoided, and the defects that the chemical battery is short in service life and needs to be maintained frequently are also avoided.

The invention discloses an LED countdown timer of a traffic light at a railroad crossing. The LED countdown timer is especially suitable for giving a notice before a train passes the crossing of the railroad and the highway. The LED countdown timer of the traffic light at the railroad crossing comprises a lamp post, a lamp shade and a signal lamp, the lamp shade is mounted on the lamp post, the lamp shade is provided with a countdown display device used for notifying the train pass time in advance and a signal display device used for displaying information of the signal lamp, the signal lamp is mounted in the signal display device, the countdown display device is mounted above the signal display device, and the countdown display device is further provided with a digital display for displaying the hours, minutes and seconds. The LED countdown timer of the traffic light at the railroad crossing has advantages of simple structure, convenience in maintenance and detection and high safety performance and is worth to be popularized.