US 7,575,202 B2Granted

Apparatus and methods for providing relatively constant warning time at highway-rail crossings

AssigneeSafetran Systems Corporation

InventorsJohn T. Sharkey, Richard Bamfield, Martin Paget

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Abstract

Apparatus, methods and a communication system for providing relatively constant warning time at a rail grade crossing for trains with prediction of the approach of a train from a remote controller via rail-based communications to a crossing controller. A first communication signal is generated when a prediction occurs and a second communication signal is generated for slower moving trains, with the second signal temporarily overriding the first signal to provide relatively constant warning time at the crossing. Cancellation timers with timing intervals are used to resolve situations where the train does not enter the approach or where the train leaves by way of a switch or backs out. Directional logic is used to determine the direction of movement of the train and, in conjunction with cancellation timers, causes the warning devices to be activated when the timers expire.

Claims22

Dependent claims

Apparatus for providing relatively constant warning time at a rail grade crossing for trains, said apparatus comprising:

a crossing controller for monitoring a track of the rail grade crossing;
a warning device that is actuated by the crossing controller when an approaching train is predicted by the crossing controller;
a remote controller for sensing the approach of a train, said remote controller communicating the approach of a train to said crossing controller via rail-based communications, wherein said remote controller also determines if the approaching train is a slower moving train and communicates any determination that the train is slower moving to said crossing controller via rail-based communications, and said crossing controller responds to the communication that the train is slower moving by preventing early activation of said warning device;
a first transmitter for transmitting a first communication signal via rail-based communications, said first communication signal changing when an approaching train is sensed by the remote controller,
a first receiver for receiving the first communication signal via rail-based communications, the first receiver for communicating the change in the first communication signal to the crossing controller,
said crossing controller responding to the change in the first communication signal to activate the warning device;
a second transmitter for transmitting a second communication signal via rail-based communications, said second communication signal changing when the approaching train is determined by the remote controller to be a slower moving train;
a second receiver for receiving the second communication signal via rail-based communications, the second receiver communicating the change in the second communication signal to the crossing controller;
and
said crossing controller responding to the change in the second communication signal to prevent early activation of the warning device.

7 more elements

In apparatus for providing relatively constant warning time for a rail-grade crossing, said apparatus including a crossing controller, a remote controller and a warning device, a method comprising the steps of:

monitoring a track of the rail grade crossing with the crossing controller;
sensing the approach of a train at the remote controller;
communicating the approach of a train from the remote controller to said crossing controller via rail-based communications;
and
actuating a warning device with the crossing controller when an approaching train is communicated to the crossing controller;
determining if the approaching train is a slower moving train at the remote controller;
communicating any determination that the train is slower moving to said crossing controller via rail-based communications;
responding to the communication that the train is slower moving by preventing early activation of said warning device;
transmitting a first communication signal via rail-based communications;
receiving the transmitted first communication signal via rail-based communications;
communicating the received first communication signal to the crossing controller;
changing the first communication signal when an approaching train is sensed by the remote controller;
communicating the change in the first communication signal to the crossing controller;
responding to the change in the first communication signal at the crossing controller to activate the warning device;
transmitting a second communication signal via rail-based communications;
receiving the transmitted second communication signal via rail-based communications;
communicating the received second communication signal to the crossing controller;
changing the second communication signal when the approaching train is determined by the remote controller to be a slower moving train;
communicating the change in the second communication signal to the crossing controller;
and
responding to the change in the second communication signal at the crossing controller to prevent early activation of the warning device for slower moving trains.

18 more elements

A communication system for apparatus for providing relatively constant warning time for a rail-grade crossing, said apparatus including a crossing controller, a remote controller and a warning device, said communication system comprising:

a first transmitter for transmitting a first communication signal via rail-based communications, said first communication signal changing when an approaching train is sensed by the remote controller,
a first receiver for receiving the first communication signal via rail-based communications, the first receiver communicating the change in the first communication signal to a crossing controller,
said crossing controller responding to the change in the first communication signal to activate a warning device
a second transmitter for transmitting a second communication signal via rail-based communications, said second communication signal changing when the approaching train is determined by the remote controller to be a slower moving train,
a second receiver for receiving the second communication signal via rail-based communications, the second receiver communicating the change in the second communication signal to the crossing controller, and
said crossing controller responding to the change in the second communication signal to prevent early activation of the warning device.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.