Patent ID: 7832691
Filing Date: 2010-11-16
Classification: B61L

Abstract:
1. A system for use in conjunction with a train, railroad-highway grade crossings and grade-crossing warning systems associated therewith, wherein the system comprises a first onboard system, wherein when the train is stopped upstream of a first grade crossing or under civil speed restrictions upstream of the first grade crossing, the first onboard system: (a) estimates a crossing warning time for each of a plurality of downstream grade crossings, including the first grade crossing, based on train location, grade-crossing location, train speed, and a maximum allowed acceleration; (b) compares the estimated crossing warning times with a configured warning time for each of the grade crossings; (c) issues, when the estimated crossing warning times meet or exceed the configured warning times, a command to a wayside interface unit for each of the downstream grade crossings to change an operating mode from a conventional operating mode to a motion-sensing mode in which the associated grade-crossing warning system is activated as soon as an associated approach circuit detects motion of the train, irrespective of any amount by which a resulting crossing warning time exceeds the configured warning time; and (d) provides an indication that the train is permitted to accelerate at the maximum allowed rate when acknowledgement of successful mode change is received from the wayside interface unit of each of the downstream grade crossings.