Abstract:
A traffic crossing warning device is provided. The device includes a beam transmitter for transmitting a beam such as an IR beam, and a beam sensor in electrical communication with a signal processor for sensing the IR beam. In addition, the device includes a multimedia warning beacon, and a mounting device for supporting the beacon adjacent a roadway intersection. The warning beacon is activated when the beam sensor senses that the beam is not being received for a predetermined period of time. In one aspect, the warning beacon has a warning light, a speaker for delivering an audible signal, and a display for providing a written warning. A method for warning motorists of the presence of an oncoming locomotive object such as a train using the warning device is also provided.
Abstract:
A method of monitoring for radioactive contamination of scrap contained in a railroad car comprises the steps of detecting the presence of a moving railroad car. The railroad car is scanned for radioactive contamination upon being detected, and scanning continues thereafter. The identification of the railroad car is then determined by an RFID system. The scintillator scanning for radiation is deactivated when the vehicle is no longer detected. Once scanning is completed, then a determination is made whether the scanned vehicle is contaminated with radiation, and an indication that the vehicle is contaminated is made in that event.
Abstract:
An onboard system measures the train position by measuring the rotational speed of a tacho-generator, determines an estimated train occupancy range (in which the train may be present) using the train position, and transmits the estimated train occupancy range to a ground system. The onboard system corrects the train position based on the results of communication with a correction coil when the train has passed through the installation point of a correction coil. When the train position has been shifted backward as a result of correction that utilizes the correction coil, the onboard system determines and transmits the estimated train occupancy range based on the train position immediately before correction until the latest train position reaches the train position immediately before correction, and determines and transmits the estimated train occupancy range based on the latest train position after the latest train position has reached the train position immediately before correction.
Abstract:
An identification system which may be employed in a transport or monitoring system has at least one stationary and at least one mobile transmission unit which are each provided with an antenna, which antennas in turn are coupled inductively or capacitively to each other during the transmission of data. At least one of the antennas is designed such that in response to a mutual displacement of the coupled antennas a direction-dependent modulation of the transmitted signals occurs which is demodulated and evaluated in at least one of the transmission units, for example, by a demodulation unit and a processor, optionally a signal processor, in order to obtain information relating to the relative motion of the two transmission units. In addition to known identification functions, the identification system may perform additional important functions without requiring any significant additional expense.
Abstract:
A vehicle signal shunt detection apparatus responds to a first signal to establish the presence of a vehicle including a shunt circuit and then responds to a second signal to establish that the shunt circuit is operating to provide a desired predetermined vehicle signal.
Abstract:
A transducer having a field creating coil arrangement which produces a field having a field strength minimum, having a sensing coil positioned at that field strength minimum and responsive to changes in position of that minimum resulting from the proximity of an article to the field creating coil arrangement. By observing changes in the signal output of the sensing coil, information concerning the proximity of an article to the transducer is ascertained. Preferably the transducer includes a field disturbing means associated therewith for inducing a disturbance to the field created by the field creating coil so as to cause the sensing coil to operate by either simulating the disturbance of the field that would be caused by the proximity of an article or by changing the field while the article is present. Thus the transducer may be remotely checked as to its operation.