CA2211547C - Railroad crossing traffic warning system apparatus and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A railroad traffic warning system for alerting a motorist or a maintenance-o f-way crew of an approaching train. The system has magnetometer sensor probes (50) along the right-of-way adjacent to a railroa d track. These sensor probes (50) provide a signal to a controller unit (32) when the presence of a train is sensed. The system may be powered by a battery, which may be recharged by a solar panel ar ray (40).

Description

RAILROAD TRAFRC WARNING SYS JEM
APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREFOR
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to traffic warning systems and more particularly to a railroad crosslng traffic warning system for alerting motorists approaching a railroad grade crossing to the presence of an oncoming railroad train.
Additionally, t he present invention relates generally to railroad warning systems and specifically to a warning system for railroad maintenance-of-way personnel working on or in the vicinity of active railroad tracks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are over 223,0()0 railroad grade clossi,lgs in the United States alone. Most of these crossi-lgs, es~eci-~lly those in rural areas, have only warning signs to alert motorists to the danger posed by an approaching train.
Typical of railtuad grade crossi~y warning signs is the familiar X-shaped 'tRAlLROAD CROSSING" sign or"crossbuck." Warning si~ns, however, only alert motorists to the presence of a railroad crossing and do not alert them to the presence of an oncoming train. Often, a motorist may fail to see an approaching train because he was distracted or t)ec~-'se his view of the train was obstructed by environmental conditions or darkness. Consequently, collisions between trains and automobiles at railroad crossings account for thousands of acci~ents each year, many of which result in extensive property ~ damage and serious injury or death to motorists.
Known to the art are active railroad crossing warning systems utilizing the railroad tracks themselves to detect an approaching train and activate warning signal apparatus such as flashing lights and bells. These systems warn ",otorisls when a train is detected at a predetermined distance from the CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

crossing. However, present active warning systems do no take into account the speed of the train and thus make no allowance for the time it will take the train to reach the crossing. For example, a fast moving train may reach the crossing in only a few seconds after it is detected, while a slow moving train may fail to reach the c~ssing until sever~l minutes have pa~sed. Motorists may become impatient waiting for slow moving trains to reach the crossing.
Consequently, some motorists may begin to ignore the warnings and attempt to cross the tracks possibly causing an accident should a fast moving train be encountered. Further, installation of current active warning systems may require the insulation and resetting of great lengths of track. Additionally, these systems may require the inst~l~ation of expensive high voltage transformers, relays, and b~llerias for backup systems. Unfortunately, many rural crossings are not conducive to the installation of active warning systems that requires ACelectrical power and extensive grade preparation. Consequently, these crossings usually remain inadequately protected. High speed rail corridors being proposed across the United States will only exacerbate this problem.
These corridors will require improved crossing warning systems to properly secure the safety of both passengers and motorists.
Additionally, railroad crews working on or in the vicinity of active railroad tracks are suscel,liLlle to ~ccidents as a result of not being suf~iciently warned of an oncol,.i"g train entering the work area. The rail work is typically pel rul 1 l ,ecl in isolated regions away from crossi~ 1~ areas, and therefore the work crews do not have the benefit of standard crossing signals to warn them of approaching trains. Thus, there lies a need for a reliable warning system for warning maintel)ance-of-way crews which allows the crew to concenl~ate on the work at hand while providing adequate warning of oncor"i.,g train hazards in order to clear the tracks of tools, equipment and workers to avoid an accident.
The r~:!,oad crew warning system is further required to be portable and easily set up by the crew in a relatively short period of time. Additionally, the warning system should be of sufficient operational e~ficiei,cy to activate the warning system only upon the detection of a train to thereby mitigate the natural human tendency to ignore the warning system after false activations.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved railroad crossing waming system for warning a motorist, pedestrian, bystander, or the like to the presence o~ an approaching railroad train.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved railroad crossing warning system suitable for operation at remote or rural railroad grade crossings where a source of AC electrical power may not be 1 0 available.
It is a further ob~ect of the invention to provide an improved railroad crossing warning system that may be easily installed at existing railroad crossings without removing, replacing or interfering with the existing railroad track.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an railroad crossing warning system having improved warning signal devices, signs and the like.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved railroad crossing system wherein the warning signal device is activated at a predetermined interval of time before the train reaches the railroad crossing.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved railroad crossing warning system having means to detect a stopped train at a crossing so that activation of the warnin~ signal device or sign may be continued.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a means of collecting and recording data regarding the operation of the warning system and information ~bout the trains passing the crossing.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved r~il,oad crossing system comprising a primary system and redundant backup and fail-sa~e systems for added reliability and safety.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an improved railroad crossing warning system wherein the components are reliable, easily CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

WO 97/2~;23~ PCT/US97/00153 maintained, and protected against vandalism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with these objects, the present invention provides a railroad crossing traffic warning system for alerting a motorist approaching a railroad crossing to the presence of an oncoming train. As used herein, "motorist" Is intended to refer not only to operators and passengers of motor vehicles, but also to pedestrians, cyclists, bystander, and the like. Sensors buried adjacent to the train rails at predetermined distances from the railroad crossing detect the presence of an approaching train. A control unit, processing signals received from these sensors, determines the speed at which the train is traveiing and the time required for the train to reach the crossing.
At a predeter,l,i,led time before the train reaches the crossing, the control unit activates warning apparatus to alert motorists to the presence of the oncoming train. The motorists may then take cautionary or evasive action.
The system also includes improved warning apparatus. The warning apparatus comprises an X-shaped railroad crossing warning sign or "crossbuck" having reflectors, reflecting paint, or the like for reflecting the headlights of an automobile, a plurality of strobe lights to enhance the motorist's awareness of the approaching train and a train direction indicator.
The crossbuck may include a pluralit,v of light emitting diodes ("LED") or the like mounted on the across the center of the crossbuck in an X-shape. The train direction indicator comprises a plurality of lamps placed ~rlj~cent to each other in a line. These lamps are lighted sequentially to i~ldicate the direction in which the oncoming train is traveling. Further, the warning apparatus may further 2~ include an audible warning means such as a siren horn or bell to provide an audible output signal. Crossing guard apparatus may also be provided to detect the presence of a stopped train in the railroad crossing so that activation of the warning apparatus may be continued until the train moves from the crossing. The crossing guard includes an infrared trans",iL~er and a receiver mounted diagonally across the crossing. The transmitter transmits an infrared WO 97/2~;23S PCT/US97/001~;3 beam of light across the crossing to tne receiver. If a train is present in the crossing the beam is interrupted and a signal is sent to the control unit.
The system may be powered by a rechargeable battery. This battery may be recharged by a solar panel array allowing the system to be deployed at clossings located in rural areas where a source of AC electricat power is notreadily available.
Additionally, the present invention provides a system for warning railroad crews working on or in the vicinity of railroad tracks of oncGr"i"s~ trains. A train detector probe is piaced near the train rails at a predetermined distance from the works crew in either direction along the tracks. Electronic detection, processing and control circuitry receive and process the detector probe signal which is transmitted via a radio frequency communications link to a receiver in the located vicinity of the crew. The receiver processPs the received train detection signal and thereupon activates a warning system which provides visual and audio warning to the crew o~ the presence of an incoming train.
BRIEF DES~KIr ~ J OF THE DRAWINGS
The numerous objects and adv~nl~lges of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by refer~"ce to the accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a typical single track grade crossi"g employing a railroad c~ossi~g warning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an area surrounding a typical grade crossing, as illustrated in flG. 1, depicting the placement of the warning system's components along the track;
FIG. 3A is an elevational view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illu~lldli~y the operation tnereof before an oncoming railroad train reaches the crossing;
FIG. 3B is an elevational view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the operation thereof after passage of the train;

CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the basic components of the warning system accordir~g to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view depicting a warning signal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the warning system illustrating the operational features thereof;
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view depicting a warning signal device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention employing a crossing gate;
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a warning signal device mounted on a cantilever assembly according to alternative embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 illustrates the use of the present invention in a railroad crossing having multiple railroad tracks, such as in an industrial area ~r near a freight yard;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a typical application of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the basic components of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
F~G. 12 is an elevation view of the present invention showing typical operation thereof;
FIG. 13 is an elevation view of the present invention further showing typical activation thereof;
FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the present invention further showing 25typical deactivation thereof; and FIG. 1~ is a schematic diagram of the present invention showing the operational features thereof.
DET~ILED DES~ ., ION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
A. Dtsc,~ loN oF FlGS~ 1 To ~
FIG. 1 depicts a t,vpical single track grade crossing employing a railroad crossing warning systern 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The warning system 10 preferably comprises several components which operate separately of the railroad's track, equipment, or ~ systems to provide means of actively warning a motorist, pedestrian, or the like ("motorist") approaching the crossing of the presence of an oncoming train.
Warning signal devices 12 may be erected adjacent to a road or highway 14 on either side of the crossing 16. These devices 12 are preferably positioned facing oncoming traffic so as to be clearly visible to a motorist approaching the crossing on the road or highway 14. Preferably, each device 12 comprises a standard X-shaped railroad crossing warning sign or "crossbuck~l 18 having reflectors, reflective paint, or the like for reflecting the lights of an approaching automobile. The crossbuck 18 may be mounted on a post, pole, mast or like supporting means 20 which is anchored in the ground next to the crossing.
Visi~ility of the crossbuck 18 may be further enhanced by a plurality of light emitting diodes ("L~D"s) 22 mounted across the center of the crossbuck 18 such that they form an X-shape. These LEDs Z2 may be animated, i e. made to flash so as to attract the motorists attention. A strobe iiyl,Ut,din direction advisory sign 24 may be mounted above the crossbuck 18 on the mast 20.
This sign 24 may include a plurality of strobe lights 26 which function to alertinattentive rl~olo~ to the presence of the approaching train. A train direction indicator 28 may also be provided comprising a plurality of lamps 30 placed adjacent to each other in a sL,~i~l,l line. Upon detection of the presence of anapproaching train by the system, these lamps 30 may be lighted sequentially in a repetitious manner to indicate the direction in which the oncoming train istraveling. Embodi~nenl~ of the warning signal device 12 may further include an audible warning means such as a siren horn or bell (not shown) to provide an audible warning to the motorist.
A control unit 32 may activate the warning signal devices 12 when an approaching train is detected. The control unit 32 may be housed in a w~ter,uroof underground vault 34 located near the railroad grade crossing. The CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

vault 34 may include a steel access door 36 secured by a locking device 38 such as a hasp to receive a padlock or the like. The buried vault 3~ may provide physical security for the control unit 32 protect the control unit's electronics from the extreme temperature changes that could be experienced were the control ùnit 32 to be loc~ted in an above ground enclosure which had no heating and air conditioning. Preferably, the vault 34 may be grounded to provide ele~ u~l~lic shielding to the electronic components contained therein.
The system 10 is preferably powered by rechargeab~e batteries (not shown). The batteries may be housed within the vault 34 with the control unit 32. Recharging of the batteries may be accomplished by means of a solar panel array 40 mounted on a pole, or post 42 near the crossing. Use of solar panels 40 to recharge the system batteries is desirable when the system 10 is to be deployed at crossings located in rural areas where a source of electrical power is not readily available. The crossbuck 12, strobe li~hl/llain direction advisory sign 24, and solar panels 40 may have transparent coverings comprising 1/2 inch thick LEXAN~ or the like to prevent darnage due to the environment or vandalism.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the system 10 pl~r~rably includes a series of remote sensors probes 50 which are capable of detecting the presence of a train 52. The sensor probes 50 may be positioned ~ cent to the train rails 54 at predetermined distances from the railroad crossing 56. Preferably, each sensor 50 comprises a may,l~tol"el~r enclosed in a sealed housing assembly which may be buried in the right-of-way to the railroad tracks to prevent vandalism. The magnetometers produce a signal in response to local disturbances of an electromagnetic field, such as the disturbance of the magnetic field of the earth c~ Ised by the passing of a large melallic object such as a train. The sensor probes 50 may be interconnected with electronic circuitry in the control unit 32 which produces a binary (on or of~ signal when the presence of a train is detected. Shielded, rodent proof, multi-conductor s~ t cables 58, which may also be buried in the right-of way, may CA 022ll547 l997-07-25 WO 97/25235 PCT/~JS97/01~153 interconnect the remote sensor probes 50 to the control unit 32. These cables 58 may be further protected by electronic circuitry within the control unit 32 which monitor the integrity olF a closed loop circuit in the buried cable. In the ~ event that a cable 58 is cut or damaged, the control unit 32 will sense a break in the closed loop circuit and place the system in a fail safe mode of operationwhich automa~ically activates the warning signal devices 12.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate operation of the system 10 to ~letect an approaching train 52 and activate warning signal devices 12 located at the crossing 56. The railroad crossing warning system 10 pr~fer~bly comprises a primary train detection subsystem and a secondary or backup train detection sul~system. The primary train detection subsystem may include two speed traps ¢O each comprising two sensor probes 50a & 50b positioned on either side of the grade crossing 56 along the track 62 at a predetermined distance from each other. The sensor probes 50a & 50b are preferably located at a sufficient distance from the grade crossing 56 to permit the system ~0 to activate the warning signal devices 12 at a predetermined interval of time before the arrival of the train 52 regardiess of the train's speed. The sensor probes 50a & 50b may be buried in the earth in the right-of-way ~ cent to the track 62 to prevent damage or vandalism. As a train 52 approaches the crossing 56, it passes a first primary sensor probe 50a positioned at a first predetermined distance from the crossing 56 and is detected. The first primary sensor probe 50a provides a train dele.iliol1 signal to the control unit 32 which is preferably located in the underground vault near the crossing 56. As the train 52 continues toward the crossing 56, it reaches a second primary sensor probe 50b positioned at a second predetermined distance from the CluSSi"g 56 such that its distance from the first primary sensor probe 50a is known. The second primary sensor probe 50b also detects the presence of the train 52 and sends a second train detection signal to the control unit 32. Electronic circuit~, preferably including a microprocessor, in the control unit 32 measures the time interval between receipt of the first train detection signal and receipt of the CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

second train detection signal and using the known distance between the first and second primary sensor probes 50a & 50b c~lcl ~'at~s the speed of the train 52 and the time it will take the train 52 to reach the crossing 56.
A secondary or backup subsystem may also be provided should the S primary system fail to properly detect the approaching train. Like the primary subsystem, the backup subsystem may include magnetometer sensor probes 50c buried in the earth in the right-of-way on either side of the grade crossing56. Each backup sensor probe 5~c is preferably positioned at a predetel"lined distance from the crossing 56 along the track 62. The backup sensor probes 50c, however, are placed between the second primary subsystem sensor probe 50b and the grade crossing 56 at a sufficient distance from the crossing to permit activation of the warning signal devices 12 before the train 52 reaches the crossing. During normal operation, the primary subsystem, upon proper detection of a train 52 by both the first and second primary sensor probes 50a & 50b, disables operation of the backup system. If, however, the primary subsystem malfunctions or the train 52 is not detected by both of the primary sensor probes 50a & 50b, the backup subsystem provides means of activating the warning signal devices 12 before the train 52 reaches the c~ussi, ,9 56. Forexample, the approaching train 52 is detected by the first primary sensor probe 50a. However, due to malfunction, the second primary sensor probe 50b fails to detect the train 52. The primary subsystem cannot determine the speed of the approaching train 52 in order to determine the appropriate time in which to activate the warning signal devices 12. Electronic circuitry, preferably including a microprocessor, within the control unit 32 does not disable the backup subsystem. As the train 52 continues toward the crossing ~6, it reaches the first of the backup sensor probes 50c and is detected. The backup sensor probe 50c provides a signal to the control unit 3~ which may immediateiy activate the warning signal devices 12.
A crossing guard subsystem may be provided comprising apparatus capable of detecting the presence of a train 52 either moving or stopped across the grade crossing 56. The crossing ~uard subsystem preferably allows the warning system to continue activation of the warning signal devices 12 until thetrain ~2 clears the crossing. The crossing guard subsystem is preferably enabled when either the primary or backup subsystems detect the presence of s a train 62 approaching the crossing 56. An infrared ll~nsll,iKer 64 and receiver 66 may be mounted on posts 68 located near the .;, ossi"y 56 on either side of the track 62 P~rar~bly, these posts 68 are positioned so that the transmitter 64 may transmit an infrared beam of light diagonally across the crossing 56 to the receiver 66. If a train 52 is present in the crossing 66 the infrared beam is interrupted and does not reach the receiver 66. The receiver 66 then may provide a signal to the control unit 32 indicating the presence of a train 52 in the orossing ~6. After the train S2 has passed the cr~ss;"g, the receiver 66 may provide a signal to the control unit 32 indicating that the end of the train 52 has cleared the crossing 56. The control unit 32 may then deactivate the warning signal devices 12 immediately or after a predetermined interval of time, for example 10 seconds. When no train has been detected by the warning system's primary or backup subsystems, the crossing guard subsystem is preferably disabled by the control unit 32 to avoid false activation of the warning signal devices ~2 by an automobile or truck passing through the crossing.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the warning system 10 may include several standard components which may be easily assembled together when deployed at a r~m~L~ site such as a grade crossing located in a rural area. The control unit 32 may be mounted in an above-ground enclosure 70. This enclosure 70 may be made of steel and have a locking mechanism 78 to prevent vandalism.
The enclosure 70 may be mounted to a mast or like support 42 which may also provide means for supporting the solar panel array 40. Cables ~8 may be provided to interconnect the warning signal device 12, sensor probes 50, and control unit 32. These cables 58 may be buried in the earth adjacent to the tracks during i"slallalion of the warning system 10. Conduits 72, preferably CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

made of steel or the like, may be provided to protect cable not buried.
FIG. 5 depicts a railroad crossing warning signal device 12 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The warning signal device 12 preferably comprises a standard X-shaped railroad crossing warning sign or "crossbuck" 18 mounted on a post or mast 20. The surface of the cross-buck 18 preferably includes a plurality of reflectors, reflecting paint or the like for reflecting the lights of an automobile. A plurality of high intensity light emitting diodes ("LED") 22 or the like may be mounted across the center of the crossbuck 18 in an X-shape. These LEDs 22 may be animated, i.e. made to repeatedly flash on and off to attract the attention of motorists and enhance visibility of the sign at night or in poor weather conditions. Further, a shroud74 may be mounted on the mast 20 behind the crossbuck 18 to improve the contrast ~etween the crossbuck 18 and its background. Preferably, this shroud 74 is black. A strobe light/train cli,~;lion advisory sign 24 may be mounted above the crossbuck 18 on the mast 20. Like the crossbuck 18 this sign 24 may also have a black shroud 76 to improve the co~ sl between it and its background. The upper half of the sign 24 may comprise an array of strobe lights 26 which when activated function to alert the motorist of an approaching train. Preferably the array comprises four strobe lights which may have an intensity of approximately 4.5 million candlepower each. The strobe lights 26 are preferably red in color and may strobe or flash at a rate of approxirnately 440 flashes per min~te to indicate to the motorist that he must stop. The lower half of the strobe lighVtrain direction advisory sign 24 may comprise a train direction i,)dicdlor 28 which provides a means of indicating to the motorist thedirection the approaching train is traveling. The train dire.;liol) indicator 28 may comprise a plurality of amber colored lamps 30 placed adjacent to each other so that they form a straight line. Upon detection of the presence of an approaching train by the system, these lamps 30 may be lighted sequentially to i"dicala the direction in which the train is traveling. For example, if a train is approaching the crossing from the left, the left-most lamp 30a is lighted flrst, WO 97/25235 PCTtUS97/OOlS3 then extinguished. Immediately thereafter, the next lamp in line 30b is lighted and extinguished. then the next 30c, and so on in quick successiol1 until the right-most lamp 30d is lighted then extin~uished so that to a motorist viewing the sign 24, a single light appears to move from left to right. This sequence isS then repeated until the train clears the crossing and the warning signal device 12 is deactivated. If a train approaches the crossing from the right, the sequence is reversed so that it would appear to a motorist viewing the sign 24 that a single light moves from right to left. Embodiments of the warning signal device 12 may further include an ~ hle warning means such as a siren horn or bell to provide an audibie output si~nal (not shown).
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the interconnection of the various subsystems and components of the warning system. A sensor subsystem 80 may comprise a primary sensor probe array 82 and a backup sensor probe array 84 each including several magnetometer sensor probes and corresponding electronic circuitry to determine when a probe has detected the presence of a train. The sensor probes of the primary sensor probe array 82 are preferably arranged to form speed traps on either side of the grade crossing. Each speed trap may comprise two sensor probes placed at a predetermined distance from each other. The backup sensor probe array 84 may compri~e two backup sensor probes placed on either side of the crossi"g between the crossing intersection and the innermost primary sensor probe.
The sensor probes are preferably sealed assemblies which may be buried in earth for their useful life. Each sensor probe may be interconnected with electronic monitoring circuitry which produces a binary (on or of~ signal when the presence of a train is detected by that probe. The primary sensor probe array 82 is monitored by electronic circuitry of the primary control subsystem 86 while the backup sensor probe array 84 is monitored by electronic circuitry of the backup control subsysltem 88~ Both the primary and backup sensor probe array monitoring circuitry is preferably located in the control unit whichmay be housed an envir~nnlenl~lly sealed equipment enclosure 70 (FIG. 4) or CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

vault 34 (FIG. 1). The sensor subsystem 80 may comprise eight Cartel CT-6 magnet~l,eter probe assemblies 50 (FIG 4) which terminate into five each CT-2N circuit board subassemblies ~not shown). The CT-2B control board may be modified to include the addition of a voltage spike protection zener diode s across its probe input connectors (not shown). This modification may substantially reduce the vulnerability of the assembly to damage should lightning strike the immediate vicinity of a sensor probe. The CT-6 probe construction features a sheath containing an epoxy enc~rsulated coil of wire terminated to a shielded cable.
l O Interconnecting cable 58 (FIG. 4) may be provided between the sensor probes and the control unit. This cable may be a foam/skin insulated filled cable meeting REA Specification PE-89, such as CASPI~ FSF manufactured by Essex Groups, Inc. of Decatur, Illinois. The interconnecting cable may be buried in the earth and preferably features sheathing to provide protection 1~ against water penetration, and mechanical or rodent damage. The cable may also be shielded to reduce susceptibility to natural or manmade electromagnetic interference. Preferably, the cable is capable of supporting sensor probes located at distances of 2 or more miles from the associated control unit. I lowever, the present invention would seldom require cable lengths longer than a half mile. (A speed trap located 1/2 mile from a grade crossing would allow 25 seconds of warning time for a train traveling at 72 miles per hcur.) A cable monitoring or cable guard subsystem 100 (FIG. 6~
may monitor the integrity of a closed loop circuit in the buried cable. In the event that the cable is cut or damaged, the cable guard subsystem 100 preferably forces the warning system 10 into a fail safe condition 90 mode of operation resulting in illumination of the warning signal device's displays 92, which include the crossbuck LEDs 22 (FIG. 5), strobe lights 26 (FIG. 5), and train cli(~-;lion indicator 28 (FIG. 5) and audible warning means.
The control unit preferably com,urises four addi~iol)al suhsystems: (1 ) the primary control subsystem 86, (2) the backup control subsystem 88, (3) the WO 97/25235 PCT~US97/00153 data recording or data logger subsystem 94, and (4) the warning signal device control subsystem 96. The primary control subsystem 86 may include the speed trap sensor probe monitoring ~ir~uits and a dedicated microprocessor - assembly. This subsystem monitors the speed trap sensor probes and uponS detection of an approaching train, determines parameters such as the train's speed, length, and the like in order to initiate activation of the warning signal device displays 92 located at the grade crossing. ~ r~bly, the warning signal device displays 92 are activated at a predetermined time interval before the train reaches the crossing, regardless of the train speed. The primary control subsystem 86 may also initiate deactivation of the warning signal devicedisplays 92 when the sensor probe arrays 82 & 84 andlor crossil,~ guard subsystem 98 sense that the end of the train has passed the grade crossing.
The primary control subsystem 86 may then reset the system in preparation for another train.
The backup control subsystem 88 pre~er~bly comprises a micro controller assembly which m~nitors the backup sensor probe array 84. If not disabled by the primary control subsystem 86, the backup control subsystem 88 may initiate activation of the waming signal device displays 92 whenever one or more of the backup sensor probes detects a train. Preferably, this subsystem is automatically operational in the event of a failure of the primary control subsystem 86.
The data recording or data logger subsystem 94 may comprise a micro controller S uh~ssembly including a micropr~cessor, date/time ciock, and batteryprotected random access memory This subsystem may monitor the primary control subsystem 86 and record various parameters includlng the speed and length of each passing train as well as the function of the system during each train passing. In addition, the data logger subsystem 94 may periodically perform diagnostic tests of the backup control subsystem 88 and backup sensor probe array 84. If the backup subsystem 88 is found faulty, the data logger subsystem g4 may place the warning system 10 into the fail-sa~e CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

condition 90 mode of operation. The microprocessor assembly (not shown) may include a lithium battery or the like to maintain the date/time clock and tomaintain information stored in volatile memory.
The primary control subsystem and data logger micro controller assemblies may employ 8-bit microprocessors or the like. For example, the primary control subsystem 86 may utilize an RTC 31/52 computer board assembly, manufactured by Micromint Inc. of Vernon, Connecticut. Similarly, the data logger subsystem 94 may utilize a NanoLink micro controller board assembly, manufactured by Dison Technologies of Santa Barbara, California.
Software may be employed to control the microprocessor's operation and to set operation variables. Thus, the warning system may be configured to meet the operational requirements of an individual site operational without modification to the system's hardware or physical installation.
The crossing guard subsystem 98 including the crossing guard transmitter 64 (FIGS. 3A, 3B) and receiver 66 ~FIGS. 3A, 3B) may provide a signal to the control unit indicating the presence of a train in the crossing. The control unit may use this signal to continue activation of the warning signal displays 92 when a train has stopped in the crossing and thus would not otherwise be detected by the backup sensor probe array 84. The control unit may utilize this signal to verify when a train has cleared the crossing.
The warning signal device control subsystem 96 may comprise relay logic circuits switched on and off by the control unit's subsystems to provide fail safe operation of the warning signal device displays 92. All relays in the subsystem are preferably maintained in the actuated (contacts open) state at 2~ all times. All relays are p~t:rer~bly industrial quality electro mechanical or solid state relays.
A power supply subsystem 102 may be provided comprising one or more lecharyeable ball~ries and ~ecl,aryi"g circuitry. This rechal-yii,g circuitry may operate using conventional 120/240 VAC electrical power from a public utility or other external source. In more remote areas, a solar panel array may provide electrical power to recharge the batteries so that the system may be operated independently from outside power sources. The power supply's batteries and recharging circuitry may be mounted in the same waterproof - underground equipment vault which houses the control unit.
The railroad crossing warning system 10 may provide redundan~ means to activate the warning device dispiays 92 loc~tecl at the railroad grade crossing. The system pl~reral)ly comprises two basic layers of protection: (1) the control subsystems and (2) the fail safe condition. The control subsystems may include two separate subsystems having electronic circuitry used to control the warning signal device displays g2: the primary control subsystem 86 and its associated primary sensor probe array 82, and the backup control subsystem 88 and its associated backup sensor probe array 84. The primary control subsystem 86 monitors the primary sensor pro~e array's speed traps and activates the waming signal device displays 92 whenever a sensed event (i.e. the detection of a train) is deemed a normal train passing event (i.e. thetrain p~sses through a speed trap within a defined time window). If the sensed event does not fall within "normal" train passing event criteria, control of system preferably reverts to the backup control subsystem 88. If the sensed event fallswithin "normal" train passing event criterla, the primary control subsystem 86 may disable the backup control subsystem 8~ and take control of the system.
During the time that the backup control subsystem 88 is disabled, the primary control subsystem 86 may analyze the backup control subsystem 88 for proper operation. If the backup control subsystem 88 is found faulty, the primary control subsystem 86 may place the entire warning system into the fail sa~e mode of o~ lion. Conversely, the purpose of the backup control subsystem 88 is to activate the warning signal device displays 92 in the event that the primary control subsystem 86 is unable to do so. Thus, redundancy is achieved by virtue of the backup subsystem's capability to protect a grade crossing should the pri~,)a~y control subsystem fail. Additionally, the backup control subsystem 88 may offer protection whenever unusual events (i.e.

CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

WO 97/2!;235 PCT/US97/00153 events which do not fall within "normal" train passing evenl: criteria) are in process. Examples of unusual events include:
1. A short train passes slowly through a primary sensor probe array 82 speed trap and stops. When the train again moves, it may be detected S by the backup sensor array 84 allowing the backup control subsystem 88 to activate the warning signal device displays 92.
2. A train comes to a stop while spanning the crossing. The crossing guard subsystem 98 may continue activation of the warning signal device displays 92. When the train again moves, the backup control subsystem 88 may continue activation of the warning signal device displays 92 since the primary sensor probe array 82 would not have detected the train.

3. A high railer passes through a primary sensor array speed trap in the reverse direction (i.e. it is detected by the innermost sensor probe before being detected by the outermost sensor pro5~e). When the outermost sensor probe detects the high railer, the primary control subsystem's micro controller is alerted that an event may be in p~ oy, ~ss.
The micro controller finds that the innermost sensor probe has already detected the train. Since the micro controller may require about .32 seconds to become fully active after being alerted that the outermost sensor probe is tripped, it determines that something has passed through the speed trap in about 0.32 seconds (in excçss of 200 mph), rejects the event as being outside normal train passing event criteria, and does not disarm the backup control subsystem 8~.
The second level of redundancy is provided by the fail safe condition 90.
The fail safe condition 90 is the condition where a vital relay is no longer el,eryi~ed. Upon loss of power to the vital relay the relay contacts may close thus providing power to the warning signal device displays 92. The warning signal device displays 92 may remain illun~il laled until maintenance is peRormed on the system and the control unit circuitry is manually reset. The W O 97/2523~ PCT~US97S00153 ~ail sa~e condition mode of operation is the final level of redundancy regardingprotection of the grade crossing. The fail-safe condition may be achieved by maintaining a display relay in a contacts-open position whenever the warning - signal device displays 92 are not to be illuminated. In the event of a failure of S the control unit circuitry the vital relay would be de-energized and would revert to it's normally ciosed state. Closure of the relay connects the warning signal device displays 92 directly to battery power and the dispiays remain illuminateduntil the fault is repaired and the system is reset by maintenance personnel.
FIGS. 7 and 8 depict alternative embodiments of the present invention l 0 wherein the warning signal device may be modified for use at grade crossings experiencing a high volume of automobile traffic. As shown in FIG. 7, the warning signal device 12 may comprise a standard crossing gate 110 to prevent motorists from entering the grade ~ ossi. ~ when an appro~ching train is detected. Upon detection of an approaching train and activation of the IS warnlng signa1 device by the system, a cantilevered arm 112 may be lowered across the roadway at the entrance to the crossing to block automobiles from entering the crossing. After the train has cleared the crossing, the arm 112 may be raised to allow traffic to pass through the crossing. The ~ate 110 be mounted directly to the mast 20 of the warning signal device 12 or may itself befree standing. A plurality of lights such as LEDs 114 may be mounted along the center of the arm 11 2. These LEDs 114 improve the motorists ability to see the closed gate at night or in poor weather. Although a standard railroad crossing gate 11~ is shown, the present invention anticipates the use of four quadrant gates and the like. FIG. 8 illu~l(dtes an alternative arrangement of the warning signs. A cantilever support structure 120 may have a cantilevered arm, truss assembly, or the like 122 which may extend over a multilane roadway. One or more animated crossbucks 18 may be mounted on this structure as required to adequately warn molorisL~ in all lanes of traffic.
Likewise, multiple strobe lighVtrain directional indicator signs 24 may be mounted on the cantilevered arm 122 of the support structure 120 to warn the CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

motorists in all lanes of traffic.
FIG. 9 illustrates the use of the present invention in a crossing 128 having multiple railroad tracks such as in an industrial area or near a freight yard. Sensor probes 50 may be placed at various positions on along of the tracks 130 to detect the presence of oncoming trains 132. Preferably the sensor probes 50 are buried in the right of way along the outermost train rails 134 and are capable of detecting a train moving along any of the tracks 130.
In view of the above detailed description of a pr~r~r,~d embodiment and modifications thereof various other modificalio~s will now become apparent to those skilied in the art. The claims below encompass the disclosed embodiments and all reasonable modi~icdlions and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
B~ Description of FIGS. 10 to 15 FIG. 10 illustrates a typical application of a second embodiment of the present invention. A maintenance-of-way crew 100 is required to work on a length of active railroad track 120 in an area defining a construction zone 1~0.The maintenance-way-crew 100 provides necess~ry upkeep and maintenance of the Idill uad tracks 120 which may be active meaning that the tracks 120 are in use by trains while construction is being performed. The posslbility of an oncoming train 160 poses a serious safety hazard to the crew 100 working on the track 120 who must concentrate on the construction work to be performed while constantly being alert to the possible oncoming train ~60. Often the topography of the land and nearby flora and fauna prevent the workers 100 from becoming aware of the oncoming train hazard 160 to sufficiently move the~oselves and their equipment to a position of safety before the arrival of the train 160. Thus the combination of the terrain flora and fauna such as a clustering of trees 180 and the layout of the track 120 such as bend 200 may co,l,L i"e to block the view and sounds of an oncoming thereby increasing the safety hazard to the mai,ll~nallce-of-way crew 100. The present invention provides a system to detect an oncoming train 160 to provide adequate warning of the railroad construction crew 100 to maneuver to a position of safety in time ~ to avoid an accident.
As can be seen from FIG. 10, a remote sensor unit 220 is placed at a predetermined distance, preferably approximately one mile, in either or both directions along tracks 120. Each sensor unit 220 preferably includes two sensor probes 240 which are ca,~able of ~etecting the presence of a train 160.
The sensor probes 240 are preferably responsive to local disturbances of an electromaynetic field, such as the disturbance of the magnetic field of the earth caused by the passing of the train 160, a large metallTc object.
~n response to the passing train 160, the sensors 240 send a detection signal to the sensor unit 220 which contains the necessary processing electronics to process the detection signal of the sensors probes 240. The sensor unit 220 includss signal transmission means which is prer~r~l,ly a radio frequency Ll dl Isr~ er with an antenna 260 to l~l,slr,it the train detection signal to a receiver unit 280. The Feceiver unit 280 is loc~ted in the vicinity of the construction zone 140 and l:he workers 100, and includes signal receiving means which preferably includes an antenna 380 and a radio frequency receiver. The receiver unit 280 includes processing electronics necessary to receive and process train detection signals received from the sensor unit 220.
A crew warning means 400 is coupled to the receiver unit 280 to visually and audibly alert and warn the crew 100 that an oncoming train 160 has been detected. Upon being alerted by the crew warning means 400, the construction crew 100 may move to a safe position until the train 160 has passed, whereupon the crew 100 may resume working. The sensitivity of the sensor 2s probes 240 may be optimally adjusted such that only the mass of a train 160 will trigger the warning systern and that other vehicles such as a truck 420 will not cause false alarms which degrade the confidence of the workers 1100 in the integrity of the warning system.
FIG. 11 illustrates the main components of lthe present invention.
Sensor unit 220 preferably comprises a light weight and durable plastic, CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

fiberglass or steel weatherproof housing which contains sensing, processing and control electronics. The sensor unit 220 preferably includes a solar panel array 440 which provides power to the electronic sensing cir~uitry contained within the sensor unit 220 and is used primarily to maintain a charge on a power supply battery conta;ned within the sensor unit 220. The sensor unit 220 includes receiving jacks 460 for receiving a plug 480 at the end of sensor probe240. The sensor probe plug 480 connects to a receiving jack 460 of the sensor unit 220 via a length of probe cabling 500. The length of the pr~be cabling 500 is sufficiently long to allow the positioning of the sensor probe 240 near the railroad track 120 while allowing for the positioning the sensor unit 220 in an optimal position to receive ~axi~ ~um solar energy incident upon the solar panelarray 440.
The crew warning means 400 includes a portable light standard 520 which may be erected near the construction zone 140. The light standard 520 15 - preferably includes telescopic legs 560 which extend from and are hinged at a spring resistance hinge 580 making the light standard 520 readily collapsible and capable of being placed upon uneven terrain while remaining sturdily in place. The light standard 520 preferably includes four legs but may alternatively use three legs as well. Erected vertically from spring hinge 580 is a mounting shaft 600 upon which are mounted visual warning means 620 and audio warning means 640. The visual waming means is preferably two L.O.S.
beacons mounted on the mounting shaft such that the light emitted therefrom sweeps horizontally in order to cover a maximum area which includes the construction zone 140. The beacons may be Commander Strobe Beacons, Model 5200 manufactured by Whelen Engineering Co. of Chester, Connecticut, the beacons using a xenon flash bulb. The audio warning means 640 preferably incl~ ~des two warning siren horns capable of emiffing a high decibelwarning sound that can be heard over the noise of construction activity. The beacons 620 and horns 640 are mounted to a mounting unit 1;60 which is in turn mounted to the mounting shaft 600. Two safety flags 680 of bright safety CA 022ll547 l997-07-25 orange color are mounted at the top end of the mounting shaft 6û0 to generally alert others that construction activity is occurring in the vicinity. An omindirectional antenna 380 is mounted on the shaft 520 and connected to the receiver unit 280.
The antenna 380, beacons 620 and horns 640 are connected to the rec~iver unit 280 via a receiver cable 700 which connects to a jack 460 with a plug 480 at the end of the cable 700. The receiver unit 280 is generally of the same or similar construction as the sensor unit 220 in that it is constructed o~a light weight plastic, fiberglass or steel material and is weatherproof. The receiver unit 280 is constructed having a hinged lid 720 which is opened during operation. A solar panel array 440 is mounted in the lid 720 of the receiver unit 280 which may receive energy when the lid 720 is in an open position. The receiver unit 280 also includes a control panel (not shown) having basic operational controls (e.g. on-off switch, reset switch, etc.). The receiver unitmay also include a handle 740 for ease of portability.
FIG. 12 depicts the operation of the present invention in detecting the presence of an oncoming train. The receiver unit 220 is placed up the tracks ~20 from the construction zone 140 at a predetermined distance therefrom. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the receiver unit 220 is placed approximately one mile from the construction zone 140 which provides approximately one minute warning time to the crew 100 for average train speeds of sixty miles per hour.
The sensor probes 240 are placed alongside the train tracks 120 parallel thereto. Only one probe 240 is required to sense a train 160, but preferably two probes 240 are utilized for redundancy in case of failure of one of the probes. Further, the utilization of two probes provides both information as to the direction and speed of the oncoming train. In an alternative embodiment ~ of the present invention, two sensor probes 240 may be utilized to detect the direction and speed of an oncoming train 160. Further, it has been found that the sensor probes 240 are directionally sensitive in that the probes 240 exhibit CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

greater sensitivity at the end of the probe 240 connected to the probe cable 5~0. Preferably, the probes 240 are laid alongside the tracks 120 with the end of the probe 240 connected to the cabling 240 pointing toward the direction from which the oncoming train 160 will approach and the free end of the probe 240 pointing toward the construction zone 140.
A moving incoming train 160 induces current in the sensor probe 240 upon the train passing by the probe 240. The induced signal from the train 240 is detected by the electronic circuitry of the receiver unit 220 and transmitted to the receiver unit 280 which is located at the construction zone 140. The sensor unit220 and the receiver unit 280 are couple via a radio frequency communications link 760. The receiver unit 280 receives the transmitted detection signal from the sensor unit 220 and thereupon activates the crew warning means 400 which is placed in the vicinity of the construction zone 120. The beacon and the horns are thereby activated, visually and audibly alerting the crew 100 to the presence of the oncoming train 160.
FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the operation of an embodiment of the present invention in which two sensor units are utilized. A first sensor unit 220A and asecond sensor unit 220B each placed in either di,e~;lion down l:he tracks 120 form the construction zone 140. As shown in FIG. 13, an incoming train 160 passing bysensor unit 220A activates the crew warning means 400 whereupon the crew 1G0 may take precautionary action.
As shown in FIG. 14, sensor unit 22B will be activated as the train 160 exits the construction zone 140 and passes sensor unit 220B further long down the tracks 120. When the train 16 has completely passed by sensor unit 220A, sensor unit 220A stops transmitting the train detection signal to the receiver unit. The sensor unit 220B will send a detection signal to the receiver unit 280 upon the passing of the train 160. The receiving of a detection signal from down track receiver unit 220B indicates and verifies the passing of the train whereupon thereceiver unit may initiate automatic deactivation of the crew warning means 400.

W O 97~5235 PCT~US97/00153 The warning system is thereby automatically reset and ready to detect the next incoming train. Logic processors included with the electronic circuitry of the receiver unit are capable olF processing the presence, absence, sequence and timing of the detection signals from sensor unites 220A and 220B, activating theS crew waming means 400 when a train 160 is incoming and deactivating the crew warning means 400 when the train 160 has passed and then reseffing the system.
A manual reset means is also provided.
FIG. 15 illustrates schematically the electronic components of the present invention. The sensor probes ("SENSOR") 240 connect to sensor unit 220 and are coupled to sensor processor cards ("SP CAR~) 780. The sensor processor cards 780 interface with electronic processing means ("PROCESSOR") 800 and include circuitry electronic circuitry to act as a buffer between the sensors probes 240 and the processing means 800.
In a preferred embodirnent of the present invention, the sensors probes 240 comprise an inductor coil winding having a powdered iron core or other similar paramagnetic material. The sensors probes detect varialions in the magnetic field of the earth when a train l~sses nearby by detecting the resulting change of permeability of the space surrounding the inductor coil. A moving train passing by the sensor probe 240 alters the magnetic flux iines of the earth's magnetic field through the inductor coil of the probes 240 thereby inducing a current in the inductor coil of the sensors 240 which is detected, received and amplified by the sensor processor cards 780. Thus, sensor probes 240 provide an ele~l, ic~l output signal in response to local variance in the magnetic field of the earth caused by a passing train. The sensors function similarly to musicai instrument pickups with the ~5 magnetic field of the earth acting as the perrnanent magnet and the train acting a the vibrating strings.
The sensors probes 240 are preferably Cartel CT-6 magnetometer probes available from Preferred Technology Group of Lancaster, Pennsylvania or similar thereto. The sensor processor cards 780 include magnetometer control circuits atso manufactured by Preferred Technology Group available as CT-2B circuit CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

board subassemblies. The sensor processor cards 780 preferably include a voltage spike protector clamp across the probe input terminals 460 to protect the circuitry from environmental voltage spikes caused by lightnin~, for example. The sensitivity of sensor probes 240 may be adjusted with the sensor processor cards780. The sensitivity of the sensor probes 240 is preferably optimally adjusted to detect trains without being triggered by other types of vehicles ~e.g., cars, trucks, etc.).
The processor means 800 connects with a detector processor and transmitter ("DETECTOR(S) PROCESSOR & TRANSMI I I t~") 820 which includes commullicaliGns means for communicating with the receiving unit 280 including aninternal antenna ("ANTENNA") 260. The sensor unit 220 preferably receives operational power from a battery ("BATTERY") 840 and solar panel array ("SOLAR") 440. The battery 840 is preferably a rechargeable lead acid type battery designed to operate in extreme environmenlal conditions. All~ lively, the rechargeable battery 840 may comprise other various types of rechargeable electrochemical cells such as alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, sealed lead-acid, zinc-air or lithium ion cells or the like, for example.
The solar panel array 440 may be utilized to provide electrical energy converted from solar energy to charge the battery 840 and to provide a trickle charge thereto to keep the battery 840 topped off. Additionally, the solar panelarray 440 may be utilized to provide supplemental operational power to the detector unit 120 in case of depletion of the battery charge or battery failure, for example.
A similar battery ("BArrERY") 880 and solar panel array ("SOL~R") 44G are also included with the receiver unit 28 for providing operational power thereto. The battery 880 is preferably a sealed, rechargeable lead-acid type battery manufactured by GNB Industrial Battery Company of Saint Louis, Missouri as the "ABSOLYTF" product which is designed for solar service and railroad equipment appli~alions. The battery 840 preferably includes a battery char~ing regulator model ASC 12/2 available from Siemens Solar Inc. of Camarillo, California. The solar panel 440 is a model M75 available also available form Siemens.

W097125235 PCT~S97~001~3 Upon the detection of an oncon)ing train 160, the transmitter 820 transmits a signal via a radio frequency comml~r~ic~lions link ("RADIO LINK"~ 760 to a receiver ("RECEIVER PROCESSOR") 86Q col,tai"ed within the receiver unit 280.
Antennas ("ANTENNA") 260 and 820 are provided for the transmitter processor 820 and the receiver processor 860 respectively to increase the signal gain of the radio communications link 760. The radio communications link 760 pre~erably utilizes a band of 8 spread spectrum channels at a ~requency licensed by the Federal Communications Commission for such type of radio fre~uency commul~icaliolls. The radio frequency communications between the sensor unit 220 and the receiver unit 280 is preferably dual-tone multiple frequency (DTMF) encoded, spread spectrum modulated tra-~s~ission to avoid unintended jammin~
or interference from other radio frequency sources operating in the vicinity thereby preventing loss ~ co~ n~atisn or ~a!s~ ala~ms. The pF~~ess~fst88û, 82~, ~6G) of the present invention are preferably implemented in RTC31/52 cornputer board assemblies as manufactured by Micromint Inc. of Vernon, Conne~ticllt In the event that a train encroaches the vicinity of the sensor unit 220, the sensor probes 240 detect the presence of the train and send a detection signal received by the sensor probe cards 780 of the receiver unit 220. The sensor probe cards 780 send a signal to the ,urocessor 800 in response to the deltection signal received from the sensor probes 240. The processor 800 activates the detector transmitter 820 to commence tra"st1)isslon of a coded warning signal to the receiver 860 of the receiver unit 280. The receiver 860 receives and decodes thetransmitted warning signal whereupon a latch relay ("LATCH RELAY~) 900 is triggered to activate visual warning means ("WARNING LIGHT") 620. Further, a switch and relay ("SWITCH & RELAY") 920iS triggered thereby activating audible warning means ("HORN") 640. The visual and audible warning means (620, 640) alert the workers of the approaching train so that they may take the necessary evasive actions to stop work and to move themselves and any equipment to safety.After the train 160 has p~sse~l, a manual reset switch ("RESET") 94Q may be engaged by the workers to reset the latch relay 900 and the switch and relay CA 02211~47 1997-07-2~

W097/25235 PCT~S97/00153 920, thereby turning off the visual and audible warning means (620,640) warning and resetting tne warning system for the next train detection event. Alternatively, the warning system may be pluy~nlmed to aulom~licall~/ rest upon passing of the train as it is sensed passing a second sensor unit 220.
s An important feature of the present invention is a handshaking communications protocol bet~Neen the sensor unit 220 and the receiver unit 280.
The sensor unit 220 preferably transmits an "all clear" call signal at periûdic intervals (e.g., every five seconds) to the receiver unit. The successrul transmission and reception of the call signal verifies the proper functioning of the crew warning system. If the all clear call signal is not received, the receiver unit 280 immediately enters into an alarm mode. In the alarm mode, a system fail warning light iocated on the control panel of the receiver unit or other alarm may be activated to aler~ the workers that protection is no longer provided by the warning system The failure to receive the call signal may be ca~sed by battery failure, component failure, unforeseen damage to the sensor unit 220, or loss ofintegrity of the radio frequency communication link 760, for e~ample.
In an altemative embodill~e,ll of the present invention, multiple sensor units 220 may be llti~i7e~ in areas having multiple railroad tracks. Each sensor unit 220 is preferably capable of operating in conJunction with up to four sensor probes 220 simultaneously. Further, the receiver unit 280 is preferably designed to receive and process up to eight different transl"ission codes from eight individual sensor units 220 simultaneously. Ulili~aliGn of multiple probes 240 and sensor units 220 is of particular utility in areas having several railroad track such as wyes, spurs, or switchyards, for example.
Additional embodiments of the present invention contemplate implementation of an event recorder for monitoring and recording train activity. The recorded event data may be utilized in analysis of accidents or close calls to determine event causation and to leam how the system nnay be improved if necessary. The event recorder may be implemented by additional programming of the microprocessors (800, 820, 860) of the present invention in conjunction with non-volatile electronic memory (e.g., NVRAM, EEPROM, FLASH RAM) or battery refreshed electronic memory (e.g., SRAM, DRAM) or other means for savin~ the event data (e.g., magnetic tape). The electronic memory is preferably a 64 kilobyte static random ~ccess memory chip (SRAM) backed by a lithium type battery. Other types of data may also be monitored and recorded such as battery charge condition, train speed, train length, direction of approach, etc.
In view of the above detailed descri~ lion of a preferred embodiment and modifications thereof, various other modifications will now become apparent to those skilled in the art. The claims below encompass the disclosed embodiments and all reasonable modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (89)

-30-

1. A railroad crossing traffic warning system for alerting a motorist approaching a railroad crossing over a railroad track to the presence of an oncoming railroad train, said warning system comprising:
(a) a train detection sensor for detecting an oncoming train and for producing a train detection signal in response to the presence of an oncoming train, said train detection sensor being positioned adjacent to the railroad track at a predetermined distance from the railroad crossing;
(b) a controller unit for receiving the train detection signal from said train detection sensor, said controller unit comprising:
(i) microprocessor means for processing the train detection signal of said detection sensor, (ii) sensor signal interface means for interfacing the train detection signal of said detection sensor with said microprocessor means, (iii) means for controlling said means for alerting the motorist, said controlling means being operationally connected to said microprocessor means and to said alerting means, (iv) battery means for supplying operational power to said microprocessor means; and (c) means for alerting the motorist to the presence of an oncoming railroad train such that the motorist may take cautionary or evasive action before the arrival of an oncoming train at the railroad crossing, said alerting means being coupled to and controlled by said controller unit.

2. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 1, wherein said detection sensor is a magnetometer.

3. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 1, wherein said controller unit further comprises a solar panel array for providing a charge current to said battery means.

4. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 1, wherein said means for alerting the motorist to the presence of an oncoming railroad train comprises:
(a) support means, said support means placed at an entrance to the railroad crossing; and (b) visual warning means mounted on said support means for providing a visual output signal, said visual warning means being responsive to said controlling means.

5. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 4, wherein said visual warning means comprises an X-shaped railroad crossing warning sign, said warning sign having a reflector means for reflecting the lights of an oncoming automobile and a plurality of lighting means, said plurality of lighting means forming an X-shape.

6. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 5, wherein said lighting means is a light emitting diode.

7. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 4, wherein said visual warning means comprises a strobe light.

8. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 4, wherein said visual warning means comprises a train direction indicator means, said train direction indicator means including a plurality of lamps placed adjacent to each other in a line, said plurality of lamps lighted sequentially to indicate the direction in which an oncoming train is traveling.

9. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 1, wherein said means for alerting the motorist to the presence of an oncoming railroad train comprises audible warning means mounted on said supporting means for providing an audible output signal, said audible warning means being responsive to said controller means.

10. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 9, wherein said audible warning means includes a siren horn.

11. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 9, wherein said audible warning means includes a bell.

12. A railroad crossing traffic warning system for alerting a motorist at a railroad crossing over a railroad track to the presence of an oncoming train, said warning system comprising:
(a) a first train detection sensor for detecting an oncoming train and for producing a first train detection signal in response to the presence of an oncoming train, said first train detection sensor being positioned adjacent to the railroad track at a first predetermined distance from the railroad crossing;
(b) a second train detection sensor for detecting an oncoming train and for producing a second train detection signal in response to the presence of an oncoming train, said second train detection sensor being positioned adjacent to the railroad track at a second predetermined distance from the railroad crossing;
(c) a controller unit for receiving said first train detection signal from said first train detection sensor and said second train detection signal from said second train detection sensor, said controller unit comprising:
(i) microprocessor means for processing the first train detection signal of aid first train detection magnetometer and the second train detection signal of said second train detection magnetometer, said microprocessor means comparing said first and second train detection signals to determine a speed and which an oncoming train is traveling;
(ii) magnetometer signal interface means for interfacing the first train detection signal of said first train detection magnetometer and the second train detection signal of said second train detection magnetometer with said microprocessor means;
(ii) means for controlling said means for alerting the motorist, said controlling means being operationally connected to said microprocessor means and to said alerting means;
(iii) battery means for supplying operational power to said microprocessor means; and (d) means for alerting the motorist to the presence of an oncoming railroad train such that the motorist may take cautionary or evasive action before the arrival of an oncoming train at the railroad crossing, said alerting means being coupled to and controlled by said controller unit.

13. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 12, wherein said first and second detection sensors are magnetometers.

14. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 12, wherein said controller unit further comprises a solar panel array for providing a charge current to said battery means.

15. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 12, wherein said means for alerting the motorist to the presence of an oncoming train comprises:
(a) support means, said support means placed at an entrance to the railroad crossing; and (b) visual warning means mounted on said support means for providing a visual output signal, said visual warning means being responsive to said controller means.

16. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 15, wherein said visual warning means comprises an X-shaped railroad crossing warning sign, said warning sign having a reflector means for reflecting the lights of an oncoming automobile and a plurality of lighting means, said plurality of lighting means forming an X-shape.

17. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 16, wherein said lighting means is a light emitting diode.

18. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 15, wherein said visual warning means comprises at least one strobe light.

19. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 15, wherein said visual warning means comprises a train direction indicator means, said train direction indicator means including a plurality of lamps placed adjacent to each other in a line; said plurality of lamps lighted sequentially to indicate the direction in which an oncoming train is traveling.

20. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 12, further comprising a backup train detection sensor for detecting an oncoming train and for producing a backup train detection signal in response to the presence of an oncoming train, said backup train detection sensor being positioned adjacent to the railroad track at a third predetermined distance from the railroad crossing, said backup train detection signal provided to said controller unit.

21. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 20, wherein said backup train detection sensor is a magnetometer.

22. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 12, wherein said means for alerting the motorist to the presence of an oncoming railroad train comprises audible warning means mounted on said supporting means for providing an audible output signal, said audible warning means being responsive to said controller means.

23. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 22, wherein said audible warning means includes a siren horn.

24. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 22, wherein said audible warning means includes a bell.

25. A method for warning a motorist at a railroad crossing of the presence of an oncoming railroad train, said warning method comprising:
(a) detecting the presence of an oncoming train at first and second predetermined distances from the railroad crossing;
(b) determining the time required for an oncoming train to reach the railroad crossing;
(c) detecting the presence of an oncoming train at a third predetermined distance from the railroad crossing; and (d) activating means for alerting the motorist to the presence of an oncoming train when the presence of an oncoming train is detected at said third predetermined distance from the railroad crossing.

26. The warning method according to claim 25, wherein said detecting steps include detecting the presence of an approaching train with a magnetometer sensor whereby the magnetometer sensor detects variance in the magnetic field of the earth caused by the presence of a train.

27. The warning method according to claim 25, further comprising the steps of detecting when the train has passed the railroad crossing and thereafter automatically deactivating the motorist alerting means.

28. The warning method according to claim 27, wherein said detecting steps include detecting the presence of an approaching train with a magnetometer sensor whereby the magnetometer sensor detects variance in the magnetic field of the earth caused by the presence of a train.

29. An apparatus for warning a motorist at a railroad crossing of the presence of an oncoming train comprising:
(a) a support means;
(b) an X-shaped railroad crossing warning sign mounted on said support means, said warning sign having a reflector means for reflecting the lights of an oncoming automobile and a plurality of lighting means, said plurality of lighting means forming an X-shape;
(c) a strobe light;
(d) a train direction indicator means, said train direction indicator means including a plurality of lamps placed adjacent to each other in a line; said plurality of lamps lighted sequentially to indicate the direction in which an oncoming train is traveling; and (e) an audible warning means mounted on said supporting means for providing an audible output signal.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said audible warning means includes a siren horn.

31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said audible warning means includes a bell.

32. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a shroud mounted behind said X-shaped railroad crossing warning sign.

33. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said lighting means comprises a light emitting diode.

34. A railroad crossing traffic warning system having apparatus for detecting the presence of a train in a railroad crossing and activating a means for alerting a motorist, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a transmitter for transmitting an infrared light beam diagonally across the railroad crossing;
(b) a receiver for receiving said infrared light beam, said receiver producing a train not present signal in response to receiving said infrared light beam;
(c) a controller means, said controller means for receiving the train not present signal from said receiver.

35. A railroad crossing traffic warning system for alerting a motorist at a railroad crossing over a railroad track to the presence of an oncoming train, said warning system comprising:
(a) a first train detection sensor for detecting an oncoming train and for producing a first train detection signal in response to the presence of an oncoming train, said first train detection sensor being positioned adjacent to the railroad track at a first predetermined distance from the railroad crossing;
(b) a second train detection sensor for detecting an oncoming train and for producing a second train detection signal in response to the presence of an oncoming train, said second train detection sensor being positioned adjacent to the railroad track at a second predetermined distance from the railroad crossing;
(b) a controller unit for receiving said first train detection signal from said first train detection sensor and said second train detection signal from said second train detection sensor; and (c) a backup train detection sensor for detecting an oncoming train and for producing a backup train detection signal in response to the presence of an oncoming train, said backup train detection sensor being positioned adjacent to the railroad track at a third predetermined distance from the railroad crossing, said backup train detection signal provided to said controller unit.

36. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 35, wherein said backup train detection sensor is a magnetometer.

37. The railroad crossing traffic warning system of claim 35, wherein said controller unit comprises:
(a) microprocessor means for processing the first train detection signal of said first train detection sensor, the second train detection signal of said second train detection sensor, and the backup train detection signal of said backup train detection sensor;

(b) sensor signal interface means for interfacing the first train detection signal of said first train detection sensor, the second train detection signal of said second train detection sensor, and the backup train detection signal of said backup train detection sensor with said microprocessor means;
(c) means for controlling said means for alerting the motorist, said controlling means being operationally connected to said microprocessor means and to said alerting means; and (d) battery means for supplying operational power to said microprocessor means.
38. A maintenance-of-way railroad crew warning system for alerting a maintenance-of way railroad crew working in a construction zone on a section of an active railroad track to the presence of an oncoming train, said warning system comprising:
(a) a detector probe for detecting the oncoming train and for producing a train detection signal in response to the presence of the oncoming train, said train detector probe being positioned adjacent to the railroad track at a predetermined distance from the construction zone;
(b) a sensor unit coupled to and receiving the train detection signal from said train detector probe, said sensor unit for transmitting a train indication signal thereupon, said sensor unit including:
(i) first microprocessor means including a transmitter for processing the train detection signal of said detector probe and for transmitting the train detection signal;
(ii) sensor interface means for interfacing the train detection signal of said detector probe with said processor means;

(iii) a first antenna connected to the transmitter of said first microprocessor means, said first antenna being utilized in the transmission of the train indication signal;
(iv) first battery means for supplying operational power to said first microprocessor means; and (c) a receiver unit for receiving the train indication signal transmitted from said remote sensor unit, said receiver unit being located near the construction zone;
(d) means for alerting the maintenance-of way crew to the presence of the oncoming train such that the maintenance-of-way crew may take cautionary and evasive action before the arrival of the oncoming train in the construction zone, said alerting means being coupled to and controlled by said receiver unit.

38. The maintenance-of way railroad crew warning system of claim 1 wherein said detector probe is a magnetometer.

39. The maintenance-of way railroad crew warning system of claim 38, wherein said sensor unit further comprises a first solar panel array for providing a charge current to said first battery means.

40. The maintenance-of way railroad crew warning system of claim 38, wherein said receiver unit comprises:
(a) second microprocessor means including a receiver for receiving and processing the transmitted train detection signal;
(b) means for controlling said means for alerting the maintenance-of-way crew, said controlling means being operationally connected to said second microprocessor means and to said alerting means;
(c) a second antenna connected to the receiver of said second microprocessor means, said second antenna being utilized in the reception of the train indication signal;
(d) second battery means for supplying operational power to said second microprocessor means; and (e) a second solar panel array for providing a charge current to said second battery means.

41. The maintenance-of-way railroad crew warning system of claim 38, wherein said means for alerting the maintenance-of way crew to the presence of the oncoming train comprises:
(a) a portable, collapsible light standard, said light standard being able to be erected on uneven terrain;
(b) audible warning means mounted on said light standard for providing an audible output signal, said audible warning means being responsive to said controlling means; and (c) visual warning means mounted on said light standard for providing a visual output signal, said visual warning means being responsive to said controlling means.

42. The maintenance-of-way railroad crew warning system of claim 41, wherein said audible warning means includes a siren horn.

43. The maintenance-of way railroad crew warning system of claim 41, wherein said visual warning means includes a strobe light beacon.

44. The maintenance-of-way railroad crew warning system of claim 41, wherein said second antenna is mounted to said light standard.

45. A warning system for alerting a railroad crew working on a section of an active railroad track to the presence of an oncoming trains said warning system comprising:
(a) one or more detector probes capable of detecting the presence of a train and producing a detection signal in response to an oncoming train, said one or more detector probes capable of being positioned adjacent to a railroad track at a predetermined distance from a work site;
(b) a transmitter unit [coupled to said one or more detector probes, said transmitter unit] comprising a microprocessing means interfacing with said one or more detector probes and capable of processing said detection signal and a transmitter capable of transmitting a train indication signal;
(c) a detector probe interface means for coupling said one or more detector probes to said transmitter unit and interfacing said detection signal with said microprocessing means;
(d) a receiver unit for receiving the train indication signal transmitted from said transmitter unit; and (e) an alerting means coupled to and controlled by said receiver unit.

46. The warning system according to claim 45, wherein said one or more detector probes have adjustable sensitivity.

47. The warning system according to claim 45, wherein said one or more detector probes comprise magnetometers.

48. The warning system according to claim 45, wherein said transmitter unit comprises a wireless transmitter and said receiver unit comprises a wireless receiver.

49. The warning system according to claim 48, wherein said transmitter unit comprises a radio frequency transmitter and said receiver unit comprises a radio frequency receiver.

50. The warning system according to claim 49, wherein one or both of said transmitter unit and said receiver unit comprise a radio frequency transceiver.

51. The warning system according to claim 45, wherein operational power is supplied by one or more self contained power sources.

52. The warning system according to claim 51, wherein operational power is supplied by one or more batteries.

53. The warning system according to claim 52, wherein said one or more batteries are rechargeable.

54. The warning system according to claim 53, wherein said transmitter unit and/or said receiver unit comprise a solar panel array coupled provide a charge current to said one or more batteries.

55. The warning system according to claim 45, wherein said alerting means comprises one or more warning indicators selected from the group consisting of audible warning means, visual warning means, or combinations thereof.

56. The warning system according to claim 55, wherein said audible warning means comprises a loudspeaker.

57. The warning system according to claim 55, wherein said audible warning means comprises a siren horn.

58. The warning system according to claim 55, wherein said visual warning means comprises one or more stroboscopic lamps.

59. The warning system according to claim 55, wherein said alerting means further comprises a support elevating said one or more warning indicators.

60. The warning system according to claim 59, wherein said support is capable of being erected on uneven terrain.

61. The warning system according to claim 59, wherein said support further comprises an antenna mounted thereon, said antenna being capable of being operatively coupled to said receiver unit.

62. The warning system according to claim 45, wherein said microprocessing means comprises a microprocessor capable of calculating, and optionally monitoring and/or storing, data selected from the group consisting of train direction, train speed, train position, train size, time remaining until the train will reach a predetermined location along the tracks, when a train has cleared a predetermined location along the tracks, battery charge condition, and transmitter operability.

63. A warning system for alerting a railroad crew working on a section of an active railroad track to the presence of an oncoming train, said warning system comprising:
(a) one or more detector probes capable of detecting the presence of a train and producing a detection signal in response to an oncoming train, said one or more detector probes capable of being positioned adjacent to a railroad track at a predetermined distance from a work site;
(b) a transmitter unit for transmitting a train indication signal;
(c) a detector probe interface means for coupling said one or more detector probes to said transmitter unit and interfacing said detection signal with said microprocessing means;
(d) a receiver unit for receiving said train indication signal, said receiver unit comprising a microprocessing means capable of processing said train indication signal; and (e) an alerting means coupled to and controlled by said receiver unit.

64. The warning system according to claim 63, wherein said one or more detector probes have adjustable sensitivity.

65. The warning system according to claim 63, wherein said one or more detector probes comprise magnetometers.

66. The warning system according to claim 63, wherein said transmitter unit comprises a wireless transmitter and said receiver unit comprises a wireless receiver.

67. The warning system according to claim 66, wherein said transmitter unit comprises a radio frequency transmitter and said receiver unit comprises a radio frequency receiver.

68. The warning system according to claim 67, wherein one or both of said transmitter unit and said receiver unit comprise a radio frequency transceiver.

69. The warning system according to claim 63, wherein operational power is supplied by one or more self contained power sources.

70. The warning system according to claim 69, wherein operational power is supplied by one or more batteries.

71. The warning system according to claim 70, wherein said one or more batteries are rechargeable.

72. The warning system according to claim 71, wherein said transmitter unit and/or said receiver unit comprise a solar panel array coupled provide a charge current to said one or more batteries.

73. The warning system according to claim 63, wherein said alerting means comprises one or more warning indicators selected from the group consisting of audible warning means, visual warning means, or combinations thereof.

74. The warning system according to claim 73, wherein said audible warning means comprises a loudspeaker.

75. The warning system according to claim 73, wherein said audible warning means comprises a siren horn.

76. The warning system according to claim 73, wherein said visual warning means comprises one or more stroboscopic lamps.

77. The warning system according to claim 73, wherein said alerting means further comprises a support elevating said one or more warning indicators.

78. The warning system according to claim 77, wherein said support is capable of being erected on uneven terrain.

79. The warning system according to claim 77, wherein said support further comprises an antenna mounted thereon, said antenna being capable of being operatively coupled to said receiver unit.

80. The warning system according to claim 63, wherein said microprocessing means comprises a microprocessor capable of calculating, and optionally monitoring and/or storing, data selected from the group consisting of train direction, train speed, train position, train size, time remaining until the train will reach a predetermined location along the tracks, when a train has cleared a predetermined location along the tracks, battery charge condition, and transmitter operability.

81. A warning system for alerting a railroad crew working on a section of an active railroad track to the presence of an oncoming train said warning system comprising:
(a) one or more detector probes capable of detecting the presence of a train and producing a detection signal in response to an oncoming train, said one or more detector probes capable of being positioned adjacent to a railroad track at a predetermined distance from a work site;
(b) a transmitter unit comprising a first microprocessing means interfacing with said one or more detector probes and capable of processing said detection signal, and a transmitter capable of transmitting a train indication signal;
(c) a detector probe interface means for coupling said one or more detector probes to said transmitter unit and interfacing said detection signal with said microprocessing means;
(d) a receiver unit for receiving said train indication signal, said receiver unit comprising a second microprocessing means capable of processing said train indication signal; and (e) an alerting means coupled to and controlled by said receiver unit.

82. A method for alerting a railroad crew working on a section of an active railroad track to the presence of an oncoming train using the warning system according to claim 45, comprising the steps of:
(a) detecting the presence of the approaching train at a predetermined distance from the construction zone;
(b) transmitting a signal to a receiver disposed at the construction zone, the signal being indicative of the oncoming train;
(c) activating means for alerting the maintenance-of-way railroad crew to the presence of the oncoming train at the predetermined distance.

83. The warning method according to claim 82, wherein said detecting step includes detecting the presence of the approaching train with a magnetometer probe whereby the magnetometer probe detects variance in the magnetic field of the earth caused by the presence of the train thereby initiating said transmitting step.

84. The warning method according to claim 82, further comprising the steps of detecting when the train has passed the construction zone and thereafter automatically deactivating the crew alerting means.

85. The warning method according to claim 82 wherein said activating step includes alerting the crew in sufficient time to safely avoid the train as the train passes through the construction zone, said sufficient time being based upon the predetermined distance and the speed of the train.

86. A method for alerting a railroad crew working on a section of an active railroad track to the presence of an oncoming train using the warning system according to claim 63, comprising the steps of:
(a) detecting the presence of the approaching train at a predetermined distance from the construction zone;
(b) transmitting a signal to a receiver disposed at the construction zone, the signal being indicative of the oncoming train;
(c) activating means for alerting the maintenance-of-way railroad crew to the presence of the oncoming train at the predetermined distance.

87. The warning method according to claim 86, wherein said detecting step includes detecting the presence of the approaching train with a magnetometer probe whereby the magnetometer probe detects variance in the magnetic field of the earth caused by the presence of the train thereby initiating said transmitting step.

88. The warning method according to claim 86, further comprising the steps of detecting when the train has passed the construction zone and thereafter automatically deactivating the crew alerting means.

89. The warning method according to claim 86, wherein said activating step includes alerting the crew in sufficient time to safely avoid the train as the train passes through the construction zone, said sufficient time being based upon the predetermined distance and the speed of the train.