Abstract:
A railroad gate release mechanism which attaches between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement by a vehicle. The railroad gate release mechanism includes a pivotable arm assembly which allows released movement in two directions of the crossing arm in reaction to impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detented position subsequent to impingement to maintain grade crossing protection. An alternative embodiment includes a pair of swing plates and an elongated arm to which is attached a crossing arm, the elongated arm with the attached crossing arm is pivoted to the pair of swing plates in such manner that the elongated arm and attached crossing arm can be pivoted aside without moving the swing plates for crossing arm maintenance without impeding vehicular traffic flow across the grade crossing.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/764,802 entitled “Railroad Gate Release Mechanism” filed on Jan. 17, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,626. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is for a railroad gate release mechanism, and in particular, is for a railroad gate release mechanism which allows for maintaining of structural integrity of a railroad grade crossing arm during and subsequent to being struck by an automotive vehicle. Although a railroad gate release mechanism is described, the release mechanism can be incorporated for other uses such as, but not limited to, parking lot gates, restricted access gates, road closure gates, toll gates, and the like. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Railroad crossing grades are protected by railroad grade crossing arms which are stored substantially in a vertical position and which are actuated by railroad gate actuators which reorient the crossing arms to a horizontal position across a railroad grade crossing to warn operators of vehicles of oncoming train traffic and to physically place a barrier in the form of a crossing arm at both sides of the railroad grade crossing to prevent passage of a vehicle into the railroad grade crossing. Motorists unaware of the movement of a crossing arm may impinge the crossing arm to the extent that physical damage occurs where the crossing arm is broken and parted from the railroad gate actuator. Such an occurrence can compromise the safety of the railroad grade crossing in that other motorists will not be warned of impending danger due to the destruction of the crossing arm. Such occurrences compromise safety, as well as add a financial maintenance burden. Maintenance of prior art railroad grade crossing arms sometimes required that the railroad grade crossing arms be deployed across the railroad crossing grade, thus providing a nuisance and hinderance to the smooth flow of vehicle traffic across the railroad crossing grade. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a railroad gate release mechanism. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a railroad gate release mechanism for attachment between a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm including opposing channel-shaped brackets which attach to a railroad gate actuator and which also serve as mounting structure for other components of the railroad gate release mechanism. A pivotable arm assembly, to which a crossing arm is attached, pivotally mounts between bearing plates located on the inwardly facing surfaces of the opposing channel-shaped brackets. The pivotable arm assembly is influenced by a detent and plunger arrangement which maintains a perpendicular relationship of the pivotable arm assembly and the attached crossing arm with respect to the railroad gate actuator until acted upon by outside forces, such as a vehicle impinging the crossing arm. Such impingement causes the railroad gate release mechanism, with the attached crossing arm, to pivotally overcome the influence of the detent and plunger arrangement and to swing substantially horizontally out of the way of the impinging vehicle without functional damage to the crossing arm. Such pivotal breaking away substantially reduces the possibility of breakage of the crossing arm, as little bending moment is actually applied to the crossing arm itself due to the substantially unrestricted movement allowed by the railroad gate release mechanism. Subsequent to such impingement and when the vehicle has ceased to contact the crossing arm, spring assemblies function to return the pivotable arm assembly of the railroad gate release mechanism, with the attached crossing arm, to the detented position to continue to offer gated protection at the crossing grade. A shock absorber allows for rapid rate pivoting of the pivotable arm assembly in one direction during impingement and allows for a slower rate return of the pivotable arm assembly in the return direction subsequent to impingement. A centering spring assists in returning of the pivotable arm assembly to the detented position. 
     An alternative embodiment of the present invention involves a railroad gate release mechanism which allows maintenance of the a railroad gate release mechanism without requiring sustained horizontal positioning of the crossing arm across the railroad crossing grade. Such a device includes an additional pivotal arrangement and a readily detachable bracket for pivotal release of the crossing arm from the pivotable arm assembly to facilitate maintenance functions. 
     One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a railroad gate release mechanism which secures between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a railroad gate release mechanism which when impinged releasably allows breakaway pivoting in two directions of a crossing arm from a normal and detented position to prevent damage to the crossing arm. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a railroad gate release mechanism which allows return pivoting of a crossing arm to a normal and detented position subsequent to breakaway pivoting caused by impingement. 
     Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a railroad gate release mechanism which offers grade crossing protection subsequent to crossing arm impingement. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of cables attached to a pivotable arm assembly which connect to springs in spring assemblies which are compressed during impingement with the front side of a crossing arm to subsequently power the return of the pivotable arm assembly and attached crossing arm to an original and detented position. 
     A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a shock absorber which allows rapid deployment and release of a pivotable arm assembly and attached crossing arm during impingement and which allows return of the pivotable arm assembly and attached crossing arm at a slower rate subsequent to impingement, whereby the slower return rate reduces return overshoot of the pivotable arm assembly and the crossing arm. 
     A still further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a centering spring assembly which urges the pivotable arm assembly into a normal and detented position when the crossing arm is impinged from the rear side. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a pivotable arm assembly which allows maintenance of a crossing arm without requiring sustained horizontal positioning of the crossing arm across the railroad crossing grade. 
     Having thus described an embodiment of the present invention and set forth significant aspects and features thereof, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a railroad gate release mechanism. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a railroad gate release mechanism, the present invention, along with portions of mount arms and a crossing arm which are associated therewith in use, and FIG. 1 a  illustrates the use of the railroad ante release mechanism in combination with a prior art actuator; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the railroad gate release mechanism with an upper bracket removed; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a rear isometric view of the elements of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the pivotable arm assembly; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the railroad gate release mechanism; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the railroad gate release mechanism; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the railroad gate release mechanism in partial cutaway showing its normal position when in use; 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the railroad gate release mechanism in partial cutaway showing how it moves when the crossing arm is impinged by a vehicle or other object; 
     FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment, illustrates an isometric view of one side of a railroad gate release mechanism incorporating the functions of and the majority of the components of the previously illustrated railroad gate release mechanism shown in the position when a crossing arm is in the horizontal position, such as for stopping of traffic at a railroad grade crossing; 
     FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of the opposing side of the components shown in FIG. 9 of a railroad gate release mechanism incorporating the functions of and the majority of the components of the previously illustrated railroad gate release mechanism shown in the position when a crossing arm is in the horizontal position, such as for stopping of traffic at a railroad grade crossing; 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a semi-exploded isometric view of the pivotable arm assembly of the alternate embodiment; 
     FIG. 12 illustrates a semi-exploded isometric view of the pivotable arm assembly of the alternate embodiment; 
     FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the railroad gate release mechanism of the alternate embodiment; and, 
     FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the railroad gate release mechanism of the alternate embodiment where the upper bracket is removed for purpose of clarity, this figure best illustrating the mode of operation with respect to the arm of the railroad gate release mechanism. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of the railroad gate release mechanism  10 , the present invention, shown in the position which it has between mount arms  20  and  22  of a railroad gate actuator  23  (FIG. 1 a ) and a crossing arm  12  when the crossing arm  12  is in the horizontal position, such as for stopping of traffic at a railroad grade crossing. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the railroad gate release mechanism  10  with an upper bracket  14  removed for the purpose of clarity. With respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention is further described. Partial or fully visible components of the railroad gate release mechanism  10  include opposing upper and lower brackets  14  and  16  each having a plurality of mounting holes  18   a - 18   n  for attachment to the mount arms  20  and  22  of a railroad gate actuator, as well as other holes for mounting of other components thereto. Opposing upper and lower bearing plates  24  and  26  suitably secure to the inwardly facing surfaces of the upper and lower brackets  14  and  16  to accommodate a vertically oriented pivot pin  28  and a pivotable arm assembly  30 . The pivotable arm assembly  30  aligns between the upper and lower brackets  14  and  16  and is pivotally secured therebetween by the pivot pin  28 . The pivotable arm assembly  30  includes, in part, an arm  50  and opposing geometrically configured and horizontally aligned upper and a lower swing plates  32  and  34 . Arm  50  serves as a mount for the crossing arm  12 , shown in FIG.  1 . One end of the lower swing plate  34  is in the shape of an arc to which opposing cable guide plates  36  and  38  are opposingly and suitably secured. The cable guide plates  36  and  38  extend beyond the arced end of the lower swing plate  34  to form a cable channel  40  therebetween. A semi-circular detent  42  is comprised of semi-circular cutouts in each of the cable guide plates  36  and  38  the combination of which forms detent  42 . The upper swing plate  32  is fashioned similarly to the lower swing plate  34  and includes opposing cable guide plates  44  and  46  to form a cable channel  48 . Tabbed brace plates  49  and  51  (FIG. 4) also align between the upper swing plate  32  and the lower swing plate  34  and abut opposing sides of a right arm plate  52 . The arm  50  aligns and suitably secures between the upper swing plate  32  and the lower swing plate  34 . The arm  50  includes the right arm plate  52  aligned between the full length of the upper swing plate  32  and the lower swing plate  34 . The right arm plate  52  extends outwardly beyond the upper swing plate  32  and the lower swing plate  34  and, as such, serves as a mount for a left arm plate  54  and spacer bars  56  and  58  disposed therebetween. A portion of the right arm plate  52  extends along the length of the upper swing plate  32  and the lower swing plate  34 . A right brace plate  62  and a left brace plate  64  are mounted vertically between the upper bracket  14  and the lower bracket  16 . A plunger housing  66  including a spring loaded movable plunger  68  mounts to the right brace plate  62 . The plunger  68  engages the detent  42  of the pivotable arm assembly  30  to maintain the position of the pivotable arm assembly  30  where the crossing arm  12  is extended across a grade crossing. The left brace plate  64  also serves as a mounting plate for upper and lower spring assemblies  70  and  72 , a shock absorber  74 , and a centering spring assembly  76 . 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a rear isometric view of the elements of FIG.  2 . Illustrated in particular is the relationship of the pivotable arm assembly  30  to the upper and lower spring assemblies  70  and  72 , the centering spring assembly  76 , and the shock absorber  74 . Opposing mounting brackets  78  and  80  align and suitably secure into slots  82  and  84 , respectively, in the left brace plate  64 . One end of the shock absorber  74  pivotally secures to the mounting brackets  78  and  80 , and the other end of the shock absorber  74  pivotally secures to a pair of mounting brackets on the arm  50 . The shock absorber  74  when moved to the compressed position allows rapid movement of the pivotable arm assembly  30  and allows a slower rate of movement when returning to the extended position to suitably control the return rate of the pivotable arm assembly  30  subsequent to impingement of the crossing arm  12 . The horizontally oriented upper and lower spring assemblies  70  and  72  align and suitably secure in bores  86  and  88  in the left brace plate  64 . One end of cables  90  and  92  secure by ball ends  94  and  96  (FIG. 2) and align in the cable channels  40  and  48  of the lower and upper swing plates  34  and  32 , respectively. The other ends of the cables  90  and  92  secure to circular plates  98  and  100  located inside of the lower and upper spring assemblies  72  and  70 . Springs  102  and  104  are located interior to the lower and upper spring assemblies  72  and  70  between the circular plates  98  and  100  and the inward facing ends  106  and  108  of the lower and upper spring assemblies  72  and  70 . Movement of the pivotable arm assembly  30  including its arm  50  in a direction as indicated by arrow  110  causes compression of the springs  102  and  104  to provide for subsequent spring powered action of the pivotable arm assembly  30  to return the pivotable arm assembly  30  to its normal detented position subsequent to impingement of the crossing arm  12 . 
     FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the pivotable arm assembly  30 . Illustrated in particular are the tabbed brace plates  49  and  51  extending vertically and secured between the upper swing plate  32  and the lower swing plate  34 . One set of mounting brackets  112  secures at one end of the right arm plate  52  to serve as a mount for one end of the centering spring assembly  76  (FIG.  3 ), and another set of mounting brackets  114  secures at a mid-position on the left arm plate  54  to serve as a mount for one end of the shock absorber  74  of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the railroad gate release mechanism  10 . A rectangular hole  65  is provided in the right mounting plate  62  to accommodate the plunger  68  and to accommodate other mounting geometry of the plunger housing  66 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the railroad gate release mechanism  10 , where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the railroad gate release mechanism  10 , in partial cutaway, showing its normal position when in use, where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. The cable guide plate  44  and underlying cable guide plate  46  are shown in partial cutaway to reveal the detent  42  in the lower swing plate  34  of the pivotable arm assembly  30 . The spring loaded plunger  68  engages the detent  42  of the pivotable arm assembly  30  to maintain the position of the pivotable arm assembly  30  where the crossing arm  12  (FIG. 1) is extended across a grade crossing. The spring loaded plunger  68  is of sufficient strength to maintain the pivotable arm assembly  30  a including its arm  50  and an attached crossing arm  12  in the desired orientation during raising and lowering and to maintain the desired orientation extending across the crossing grade unless impinged by a vehicle. 
     MODE OF OPERATION 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the railroad gate release mechanism  10 , in partial cutaway, and best illustrates the mode of operation of the railroad gate release mechanism  10 , where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. Pivotal arm relief is provided for front side or rear side impingement of the attached crossing arm  12 . Impingement of the front side of the attached crossing arm  12  by a vehicle or other object forces pivoting of the pivotable arm assembly  30  about the pivot pin  28 , as shown by arrow  110 . Such pivoting allows, for purposes of example and illustration, rotation of 40° of the pivoting arm assembly  30  about the pivot pin  28 . Such forced pivoting causes disengagement of the spring loaded plunger  68  from the detent  42  of the pivotable arm assembly  30 , thus allowing the pivotable arm assembly  30  and attached crossing arm  12  to pivot, thereby preserving the integrity of the attached crossing arm  12 . Pivoting of the pivotable arm assembly  30  and attached crossing arm  12  is allowed at a suitable and rapid rate and is not greatly influenced by the shock absorber  74 . However, return of the pivotable arm assembly  30  and attached crossing arm  12  to the detented position is influenced by the shock absorber  74  which acts to allow return pivoting at a rate much less than that during impingement-caused pivoting. During impingement-caused pivoting of the pivotable arm assembly  30  and attached crossing arm  12 , spring  104  in the upper spring assembly  70  and spring  102  in the lower spring assembly  72  are compressed by the movement of the cables  92  and  90 , respectively, which are attached in the cable channels  48  and  40  located on the ends of the upper swing plate  32  and the lower swing plate  34 , respectively. Such spring compression provides force to return the pivotable arm assembly  30  and attached crossing arm  12  towards and into the detented position at a controlled rate as provided by the shock absorber  74 , as previously described. 
     Impingement of the rear side of the attached crossing arm  12  provides for disengagement of the spring loaded plunger  68  from the detent  42  of the pivotable arm assembly  30 , thus allowing the pivotable arm assembly  30  and attached crossing arm  12  to pivot, thereby preserving the integrity of the crossing arm  12 . Such pivoting allows, for purposes of example and illustration, rotation of 15° of the pivoting arm assembly  30  about the pivot pin  28  as generally shown by arrow  116 . The centering spring assembly  76  urges and assists the pivotable arm assembly  30  to return to a normal and detented position. 
     FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment, illustrates an isometric view of one side of a railroad gate release mechanism  10   a  incorporating the functions of and the majority of the components of the previously described railroad gate release mechanism  10  shown in the position when the crossing arm  12  is in the horizontal position, such as for stopping of traffic at a railroad grade crossing. The railroad gate release mechanism  10   a  includes an arm  50   a  which can be positioned for maintenance to an attached crossing arm without obstruction to vehicular grade traffic. Previously incorporated upper and lower bearing plates  24  and  26 , respectively, are replaced by upper and lower bearing plates  24   a  and  26   a  each incorporating bearings (not shown) in their inwardly facing surfaces for accommodation of opposing ends of a pivot pin  28   a  (FIG. 11) extending between, as well as slightly beyond, upper and lower swing plates  32   a  and  34   a , which partially comprise a pivotable arm assembly  30   a  similar in functionality in most respects to the pivotable arm assembly  30 . The upper and lower swing plates  32   a  and  34   a  of the pivotable arm assembly  30   a  are modified slightly to allow for pivotal accommodation of the arm  50   a , as later described in detail. Additionally, an arm pivot pin  120  extends vertically through the upper and lower swing plates  32   a  and  34   a  and through the arm  50   a  to pivotally secure the arm  50   a  to the upper and lower swing plates  32   a  and  34   a . To accommodate maintenance, a detachable bracket  122  secures to the arm  50   a , as later described in detail, to serve as a pivotable attachment point for connection to the shock absorber  74 . Vertically oriented stop bars  124  and  126  align, as illustrated, between the upper and lower swing plates  32   a  and  34   a  to limit pivotal rotation of the arm  50   a  about the arm pivot pin  120  when crossing arm maintenance is accomplished. Previously described and unchanged components function as described in the previous figures. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of the opposing side of the components shown in FIG. 9 of a railroad gate release mechanism incorporating the functions of and the majority of the components of the previously described railroad gate release mechanism  10  shown in the position when the crossing arm  12  is in the horizontal position, such as for stopping of traffic at a railroad grade crossing. Illustrated in particular are the vertically oriented stop bars  124  and  126  extending between the upper and lower swing plates  32   a  and  34   a , as well as additional vertically oriented bracing plates  128  and  130  extending between the upper and lower swing plates  32   a  and  34   a  and partially along and abutting a vertically aligned tabbed brace plate  53 , later described in detail. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a semi-exploded isometric view of the pivotable arm assembly  30   a , similar in many respects to the pivotable arm assembly  30  previously described. Included in the pivotable arm assembly  30   a  are the tabbed brace plates  49  and  51  extending vertically and secured between the upper swing plate  32   a  and the lower swing plate  34   a , as well as the vertically oriented bracing plates  128  and  130  extending between the upper and lower swing plates  32   a  and  34   a  in juxtaposition to a tabbed brace plate  53 . Vertically aligned tabbed brace plate  53  is also secured between the upper swing plate  32   a  and the lower swing plate  34   a  to bridge between the bracing plates  128  and  130  and the tabbed brace plates  49  and  51 . The tabbed brace plate  53  serves as an attachment plate for the connection between the shock absorber  74  and the pivotal arm assembly  30   a . Body holes  132  and  134  are included extending through the tabbed brace plate  53  as also shown in FIG. 12. A hole  136  in the upper swing plate  32   a  and a hole  138  in the lower swing plate  34   a  are included to foster pivotal attachment of the arm  50   a  in conjunction with the arm pivot pin  120  and accompanying washer  140  and nut  142 . A mounting bracket set  112  is relocated to secure at one end of the tabbed brace plate  53  to serve as a mount for one end of the centering spring assembly  76  (FIG.  9 ). 
     The pivotable arm assembly  30   a  also includes an arm  50   a . Arm  50   a  serves as a mount for the crossing arm  12 , shown in FIG. 1, and is fashioned to include horizontally aligned spacer bars  56   a  and  58   a  aligned between and secured to vertically aligned right arm plate  52   a  and left arm plate  54   a . Pivot holes  144  and  146  extend vertically through the spacer bars  56   a  and  58   a , respectively. Body holes  148  and  150  extend through the right arm plate  52   a  in alignment with body holes  152  and  154  in the left arm plate  54   a . A support bar  156  aligns between the inwardly facing surfaces of the right arm plate  52   a  and the left arm plate  54   a . The support bar  156  is also flanked by the body holes  148 ,  150 ,  152  and  154  to provide for support between the right arm plate  52   a  and the left arm plate  54   a  when the arm  50   a  is firmly secured to the tabbed brace plate  53  by machine screws  168  and  170  (FIG.  12 ). The arm  50   a  secures in the position shown in FIG.  10 . Pivot holes  144  and  146  are aligned with the holes  138  and  136  in the lower swing plate  34   a  and the upper swing plate  32   a , respectively, and pivotally secured thereto by the arm pivot pin  120  extending therethrough. Washer  140  and nut  142  secure to the bottom end of the arm pivot pin  120 . 
     FIG. 12 illustrates a semi-exploded isometric view of the pivotable arm assembly  30   a . Shown in particular is the relationship of the arm  50   a  and the detachable bracket  122  to the tabbed brace plate  53 . As previously described, the arm pivot pin  120  pivotally secures the arm  50   a  between the upper swing plate  32   a  and the lower swing plate  34   a  in a position behind the stop bar  124 . Further securing of the arm  50   a  is accomplished by securing the detachable bracket  122  to the arm  50   a  and to the tabbed brace plate  53 . The detachable bracket  122  includes holed plates  162  and  164  attached to a holed base plate  166 . Machine screws  168  and  170  extend, respectively, through the holed base plate  166 , through the body holes  152  and  154  in the left arm plate  54   a , through body holes  148  and  150  in the right arm plate  52   a , and through holes  132  and  134  in the tabbed brace plate  53  thereupon which washers  178 ,  180  and nuts  182  and  184 , respectively, are applied. A machine screw  172 , a washer  174 , and a nut  176  are provided to attach the shock absorber  74  to the detachable bracket  122 , and thus the arm  50   a  and tabbed brace plate  53 , as shown in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the railroad gate release mechanism  10   a , where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. Shown in particular is the capture of the opposing ends of the pivot pin  28   a  by the upper and lower bearing plates  24   a  and  26   a . Also shown are the nuts  182  and  184  which aid in the securing of or the unsecuring of the arm  50   a  from the tabbed brace plate  53 . 
     MODE OF OPERATION 
     FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the railroad gate release mechanism  10   a  where the upper bracket  14  is removed for purpose of clarity. FIG. 14 best illustrates the mode of operation with respect to arm  50   a  of the railroad gate release mechanism  10   a . In order to perform maintenance on a crossing arm which attaches to the arm  50   a  and to position the arm  50   a  to a position which does not interfere with vehicular grade traffic, the detachable bracket  122  is removed from intimate contact with the tabbed brace plate  53  by removing nuts  182  and  184  from the machine screws  168  and  170 , respectively. The machine screws  168  and  170  can then be disengaged from the arm  50   a , whereby the shock absorber  74  and the detachable bracket  122  can be swung in the direction indicated by arrow  186 . The arm  50   a  is then free to pivot about the arm pivot pin  120  in the direction indicated by arrows  188  and  190 , thus positioning the crossing arm for maintenance. Stop bars  124  and  126  limit rotation of the arm  50   a.    
     Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope hereof. 
     RAILROAD GATE RELEASE MECHANISM PARTS LIST 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 railroad gate release mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 10a 
                 railroad gate release mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 crossing arm 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 upper bracket 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 lower bracket 
               
               
                   
                 18a-n 
                 mounting holes 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 mount arm 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 mount arm 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 upper bearing plate 
               
               
                   
                 24a 
                 upper bearing plate 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 lower bearing plate 
               
               
                   
                 26a 
                 lower bearing plate 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 pivot pin 
               
               
                   
                 28a 
                 pivot pin 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 pivotable arm assembly 
               
               
                   
                 30a 
                 pivotable arm assembly 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 upper swing plate 
               
               
                   
                 32a 
                 upper swing plate 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 lower swing plate 
               
               
                   
                 34a 
                 lower swing plate 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 cable guide plate 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 cable guide plate 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 cable channel 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 detent 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 cable guide plate 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 cable guide plate 
               
               
                   
                 48 
                 cable channel 
               
               
                   
                 49 
                 tabbed brace plate 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 arm 
               
               
                   
                 50a 
                 arm 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 tabbed brace plate 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 right arm plate 
               
               
                   
                 52a 
                 right arm plate 
               
               
                   
                 53 
                 tabbed brace plate 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 left arm plate 
               
               
                   
                 54a 
                 left arm plate 
               
               
                   
                 56 
                 spacer bar 
               
               
                   
                 56a 
                 spacer bar 
               
               
                   
                 58 
                 spacer bar 
               
               
                   
                 58a 
                 spacer bar 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 right brace plate 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 left brace plate 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                  65 
                 rectangular hole 
               
               
                  66 
                 plunger housing 
               
               
                  68 
                 plunger 
               
               
                  70 
                 upper spring assembly 
               
               
                  72 
                 lower spring assembly 
               
               
                  74 
                 shock absorber 
               
               
                  76 
                 centering spring assembly 
               
               
                  78 
                 mounting bracket 
               
               
                  80 
                 mounting bracket 
               
               
                  82 
                 slot 
               
               
                  84 
                 slot 
               
               
                  86 
                 bore 
               
               
                  88 
                 bore 
               
               
                  90 
                 cable 
               
               
                  92 
                 cable 
               
               
                  94 
                 ball end 
               
               
                  96 
                 ball end 
               
               
                  98 
                 circular plate 
               
               
                 100 
                 circular plate 
               
               
                 102 
                 spring 
               
               
                 104 
                 spring 
               
               
                 106 
                 end 
               
               
                 108 
                 end 
               
               
                 110 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 112 
                 mounting bracket set 
               
               
                 114 
                 mounting bracket set 
               
               
                 116 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 120 
                 arm pivot pin 
               
               
                 122 
                 detachable bracket 
               
               
                 124 
                 stop bar 
               
               
                 126 
                 stop bar 
               
               
                 128 
                 bracing plate 
               
               
                 130 
                 bracing plate 
               
               
                 132 
                 body hole 
               
               
                 134 
                 body hole 
               
               
                 136 
                 hole 
               
               
                 138 
                 hole 
               
               
                 140 
                 washer 
               
               
                 142 
                 nut 
               
               
                 144 
                 pivot hole 
               
               
                 146 
                 pivot hole 
               
               
                 148 
                 body hole 
               
               
                 150 
                 body hole 
               
               
                 152 
                 body hole 
               
               
                 154 
                 body hole 
               
               
                 156 
                 support bar 
               
               
                 162 
                 holed plate 
               
               
                 164 
                 holed plate 
               
               
                 166 
                 holed base plate 
               
               
                 168 
                 machine screw 
               
               
                 170 
                 machine screw 
               
               
                 172 
                 machine screw 
               
               
                 174 
                 washer 
               
               
                 176 
                 nut 
               
               
                 178 
                 washer 
               
               
                 180 
                 washer 
               
               
                 182 
                 nut 
               
               
                 184 
                 nut 
               
               
                 186 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 188 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 190 
                 arrow