Traffic warning system
First Claim
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1. A self-testing train detection system, comprising:
- a train sensor operatively associated with at least one railroad track for detecting at least one railroad car, said train detector producing at least one signal;
a track trip unit associated with at least one railroad track, said track trip unit including a retractable trip arm for engaging a switch arm of rail cars; and
an implementing device operatively connected to said train sensor and said track trip unit, said implementing device responding to information received from said train sensor and said track trip unit appropriately, wherein said implementing device is capable of engaging a warning device if said railroad car has been detected by said train sensor or said track trip unit and whereby at least one of said train sensor and said implementing device are capable of placing said train detection system in a fail-safe state if at least one of said train sensor and said implementing device discovers an anomaly.
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a train detection system for detecting the velocity, presence, and direction of a railroad car which may be utilized in existing railroad crossing installations. The train detection system is suitable for self-testing of its components and if an anomaly has been detected, the train detection system is capable of placing the system in a fail-safe state. The train detection system of the present invention is also capable of constant communication between the sensor of said system and the implementing device of the train detection system via a wireless link.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A self-testing train detection system, comprising:
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a train sensor operatively associated with at least one railroad track for detecting at least one railroad car, said train detector producing at least one signal; a track trip unit associated with at least one railroad track, said track trip unit including a retractable trip arm for engaging a switch arm of rail cars; and an implementing device operatively connected to said train sensor and said track trip unit, said implementing device responding to information received from said train sensor and said track trip unit appropriately, wherein said implementing device is capable of engaging a warning device if said railroad car has been detected by said train sensor or said track trip unit and whereby at least one of said train sensor and said implementing device are capable of placing said train detection system in a fail-safe state if at least one of said train sensor and said implementing device discovers an anomaly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A self-testing train detection system, comprising:
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means for detecting presence, direction, and speed of a moving train, said detecting means including mechanical switching means for engaging a switch arm of rail cars when rail cars pass the mechanical switching means; means for determining if information processed by said detecting means is within prescribed parameters; means for placing said train detection system into a fail-safe state when said information processed by said train detection system is not within said prescribed parameters; and means for engaging a warning device if said moving train has been detected or said system has been placed in a fail-safe state. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A self-testing train detection system, comprising a train sensor operatively associated with at least one railroad track capable of detecting presence of at least one railroad car, comprising at least two solid state magneto-resistive chips and a processing chip suitable for calculating direction and speed of said railroad car;
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a track trip unit associated with at least one railroad track, said track trip unit including a retractable trip arm for engaging a switch arm of rail cars; and an implementing device including a programmable processor;
said implementing device being operatively connected to said processing chip of said sensor and said track trip unit, wherein said programmable processor of said implementing device engages a warning device if said railroad car has been detected by said sensor or said track trip unit and when at least one of said processing chip of said sensor and said programmable processor of-said implementing device discover an anomaly said detection system is placed into a fail-safe state. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification