Railroad crossing warning system

• US 7,196,636 B2
• Filed: 02/24/2004
• Issued: 03/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kevin M. Graham
• Original Assignee: Kevin M. Graham
• Inventors: Graham, Kevin M.
• Primary Examiner(s): GOINS, DAVETTA WOODS
• Application Number:
  US10/785,675
• Publication Number:
  US 20050184883A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,127 Days
• Field of Search: 340/933, 340/903, 340/904, 340/907, 340/993, 340/435, 246292-296, 246/166, 246/167.R, 246/1.R, 246/13, 246/122.R, 246/217, 246/473.R, 246/473.1, 701/119, 180/14.1
• US Class Current: 340/933
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 29/28 electrically operated
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/56 for presence detection presence detection using near field arrangements G01V3/00, e.g. G01V3/08, G01V3/12; burglar, theft or intruder alarms with electrical actuation G08B13/22 - G08B13/26
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/86 Combinations of radar systems with non-radar systems, e.g. sonar, direction finder
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/91 for traffic control G01S13/93 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/04 Systems determining presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/003 Transmission of data between radar, sonar or lidar systems and remote stations
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/07 Controlling traffic signals

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A highway/railroad crossing detection and warning system comprising:

(a) Doppler radar transmitter and receiver motion detectors detecting movement of rail traffic toward and away from a crossing site, said motion detectors extending upwardly above a ground surface and positioned separate from and adjacent to a railroad track and characterized by the absence of operational attachment to either rails, cross ties or roadbed of said railroad track;

(b) warning signal devices at the crossing site, the motion detectors communicating with the warning signal devices to activate them and warn persons of rail traffic approaching the crossing site, and deactivate them when said rail traffic departs the crossing site; and

(c) a presence detector extending upwardly above a ground surface and positioned separate from and adjacent to a railroad track and characterized by the absence of operational attachment to either rails, cross ties or roadbed of said railroad track, the presence detector detecting rail traffic obstructing the crossing, the presence detector communicating with the warning signal devices to prevent deactivation of the warning signal devices when rail traffic stops and occupies the crossing site.