Patent Publication Number: US-11027759-B2

Title: Spring-loaded gate retraction device to return a rail-road crossing gate arm

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a spring-loaded gate retraction device configured to return a rail-road crossing gate arm to a home position and is capable of bi-directional operation with 60 degree rotation on both sides. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Current spring-loaded gate return devices are rotation limited to 45 degrees, sometimes fail to return a gate arm due to a spring popping out of a detent and also fail to return from an angle above horizontal if activated. Additionally a railroad worker needs to replace a shear pin in the assembly. 
     General Railway Signals (GSI) has a bi-directional gate saver but only rotates 45 degrees and has return issues. National Electric Gate Company (NEG) has a bi-directional gate saver but only rotates in 45 degrees and also uses a shear pin. Western Cullen Hayes (WCH) has a bi-directional gate saver that rotates 60 degrees from center, uses a shear pin, is heavier and requires more counter weights. The WCH design does not return from 60 degrees off center while elevated 60 degrees above horizontal. The NEG unit does have a swivel feature for maintenance but poor design causes the 2 locking bolts to shear and does not rotate easily with long gate arms. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a robust bi-directional gate return device not prone to spring popping but and has up to 60 degree rotation in both directions from center and with up to 60 degrees from horizontal. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly described, aspects of the present invention relate to a spring-loaded gate retraction device to return a rail-road crossing gate arm using a two-ended pin instead of a notch to catch a spring pair when a main pivot assembly rotates along with a pair of spring catching washers which keep each spring from moving on a corresponding end plate of a frame holding a gate pivot pin that is configured to provide a bi-directional 60 degree rotation of the rail-road crossing gate arm. 
     In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a spring-loaded gate retraction device to return a rail-road crossing gate arm is provide. The spring-loaded gate retraction device comprises a frame to hold a gate pivot pin that is configured to provide a bi-directional rotation of the rail-road crossing gate arm. The spring-loaded gate retraction device further comprises a main pivot assembly that receives the gate pivot pin on one end so as to enable rotation of the main pivot assembly in a horizontal plane substantially parallel to a ground surface of a road. The main pivot assembly comprises a first side and a second side opposite of the first side. The main pivot assembly further comprises a pin extending on the first side and the second side of the main pivot assembly. The pin has a first length on the first side of the main pivot assembly and a second length on the second side of the main pivot assembly. The spring-loaded gate retraction device further comprises a first spring having a first end and a second end. The first spring is disposed horizontally lengthwise on the first side of the main pivot assembly and coupled to the frame on the first end of the first spring and detachably coupled to the first length of the pin of the main pivot assembly on the second end of the first spring. The spring-loaded gate retraction device further comprises a second spring having a first end and a second end. The second spring is disposed horizontally lengthwise on the second side of the main pivot assembly and coupled to the frame on the first end of the second spring and detachably coupled to the second length of the pin of the main pivot assembly on the second end of the second spring. 
     In accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a gate retraction device is provided to return a crossing gate arm. The gate retraction device comprises a frame to hold a gate pivot pin that is configured to provide a bi-directional rotation of the crossing gate arm. The gate retraction device further comprises a main pivot assembly that receives the gate pivot pin on one end so as to enable rotation of the main pivot assembly in a horizontal plane. The main pivot assembly comprises a first side and a second side opposite of the first side and wherein the main pivot assembly further comprises a spring pin extending on the first side and the second side of the main pivot assembly. The gate retraction device further comprises a spring-loaded assembly trapped against the spring pin of the main pivot assembly as the main pivot assembly rotates. 
     In accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a method of returning a crossing gate arm to a home position with a gate retraction device is provided. The method comprises providing a frame to hold a gate pivot pin that is configured to provide a bi-directional rotation of the crossing gate arm, providing a main pivot assembly that receives the gate pivot pin on one end so as to enable rotation of the main pivot assembly in a horizontal plane. The main pivot assembly comprises a first side and a second side opposite of the first side and wherein the main pivot assembly further comprises a spring pin extending on the first side and the second side of the main pivot assembly. The method further comprises trapping a spring-loaded assembly against the spring pin of the main pivot assembly as the main pivot assembly rotates. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a representation of a front view of an entrance crossing gate for a gate arm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of a spring-loaded gate retraction device to return a rail-road crossing gate arm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a representation of a top view of a spring-loaded gate retraction device to return a rail-road crossing gate arm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a representation of a front view of a spring-loaded gate retraction device to return a rail-road crossing gate arm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a representation of a bottom view of a spring-loaded gate retraction device to return a rail-road crossing gate arm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a representation of a side view of a spring-loaded gate retraction device to return a rail-road crossing gate arm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a representation of an exploded view of the spring-loaded gate retraction device of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of the coil spring and a spring centering washer with a clip in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of a main pivot assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of a roller assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of a gate arm in the horizontal position to a road in that the gate arm is in the 0 degree or in a home position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of a gate arm in the horizontal position but had been struck by a vehicle and rotated 60 degrees about a pivot shaft in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of a gate arm in the horizontal position but had been struck by a vehicle and rotated 60 degrees about a pivot shaft and a complete mechanism has rotated 60 degrees up from a horizontal plane in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a flow chart of a method of returning a crossing gate arm to a home position with a gate retraction device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles, and features of the present invention, they are explained hereinafter with reference to implementation in illustrative embodiments. In particular, they are described in the context of a gate retraction device configured for returning a crossing gate arm to a home position. Embodiments of the present invention, however, are not limited to use in the described devices or methods. 
     The components and materials described hereinafter as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components and materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. 
     Consistent with one embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 1  represents a representation of a front view of an entrance crossing gate  5  for a gate arm  7  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The entrance crossing gate  5  comprises a mast  10  and a signal light  12  mounted on it. The entrance crossing gate  5  further comprises a gate mechanism  15  and a counterweight kit  17 . The entrance crossing gate  5  further comprises a “RAILROAD CROSSING” sign  20 . The entrance crossing gate  5  further comprises a gate arm keeper or a spring-loaded gate retraction device or a gate return device  22 . The entrance crossing gate  5  further comprises a plurality of lamps  25 ( 1 - 3 ) mounted on the gate arm  7 . 
     The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  22  is not rotation limited to 45 degrees but can rotate up to 60 degrees in two directions. The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  22  is configured not to fail to return the gate arm  7  due to a spring popping out of a notch or a detent (see  FIG. 2 ) and also not to fail to return from an angle above horizontal if activated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , it illustrates a representation of a perspective view of a spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  to return a rail-road crossing gate arm (not shown, but see the gate arm  7  in  FIG. 1 ) coupled to an arm tang  202  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  comprises a frame  205  to hold a gate pivot pin  207  that is configured to provide a bi-directional rotation of the crossing gate arm  7  of  FIG. 1 . The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  further comprises a main pivot assembly  210  that receives the gate pivot pin  207  on one end so as to enable rotation of the main pivot assembly  210  in a horizontal plane  212 . The main pivot assembly  210  comprises a first side  215 ( 1 ) and a second side  215 ( 2 ) opposite of the first side  215 ( 1 ). 
     The main pivot assembly  210  further comprises a spring pin  217  extending on the first side  215 ( 1 ) and the second side  215 ( 2 ) of the main pivot assembly  210 . The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  further comprises a spring-loaded assembly  220  trapped against the spring pin  217  of the main pivot assembly  210  as the main pivot assembly  210  rotates. The spring pin  217  has a first length  222 ( 1 ) on the first side  215 ( 1 ) of the main pivot assembly  210  and a second length  222 ( 2 ) (similar to  222 ( 1 ) but not seen) on the second side  215 ( 2 ) of the main pivot assembly  210 . 
     The spring-loaded assembly  220  comprises a first spring  225 ( 1 ) having a first end  227 ( 1 ) and a second end  230 ( 1 ). The first spring  225 ( 1 ) is disposed horizontally lengthwise on the first side  215 ( 1 ) of the main pivot assembly  210  and coupled to the frame  205  on the first end  227 ( 1 ) of the first spring  225 ( 1 ) and detachably coupled to the first length  222 ( 1 ) of the spring pin  217  of the main pivot assembly  210  on the second end  230 ( 1 ) of the first spring  225 ( 1 ). The spring-loaded assembly  220  further comprises a second spring  225 ( 2 ) having a first end  227 ( 2 ) and a second end  230 ( 2 ). The second spring  225 ( 2 ) is disposed horizontally lengthwise on the second side  215 ( 2 ) of the main pivot assembly  210  and coupled to the frame  205  on the first end  227 ( 2 ) of the second spring  225 ( 2 ) and detachably coupled to the second length  222 ( 2 ) of the spring pin  217  of the main pivot assembly  210  on the second end  230 ( 2 ) of the second spring  225 ( 2 ). In one embodiment, the spring pin  217  of the main pivot assembly  210  is located near a center at a middle of a longitudinal length of the main pivot assembly  210 . 
     The frame  205  may further comprise a first end plate  235 ( 1 ) angled rearwards towards the centerline of the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  to receive the first end  227 ( 1 ) of the first spring  225 ( 1 ). The frame  205  may further comprise a second end plate  235 ( 2 ) angled rearwards towards the centerline of the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  to receive the first end  227 ( 2 ) of the second spring  225 ( 2 ). 
     In one embodiment, the first spring  225 ( 1 ) and the second spring  225 ( 2 ) are a coil spring. The first spring  225 ( 1 ) may be trapped against the spring pin  217  of the main pivot assembly  210  as the main pivot assembly  210  rotates. The second spring  225 ( 2 ) is trapped against the spring pin  217  of the main pivot assembly  210  as the main pivot assembly  210  rotates. 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , it illustrates a representation of a top view of the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  of  FIG. 2  to return a rail-road crossing gate arm such as the gate arm  7  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The crossing gate arm  7  is detachably coupled to the main pivot assembly  210  such that the rail-road crossing gate arm such as the crossing gate arm  7  is removable from the main pivot assembly  210  so that the main pivot assembly  210  can swivel during arm maintenance. A 90 degree maintenance swivel  310  is provided using a maintenance pivot pin  300 . The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  further comprises a top bearing  305 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a representation of a front view of the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  to return the rail-road crossing gate arm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  comprises a first clip  400 ( 1 ) and a second clip  400 ( 2 ). The first clip  400 ( 1 ) holds the first spring  225 ( 1 ) in position via a first screw. The second clip  400 ( 2 ) holds the second spring  225 ( 2 ) in position via a second screw. The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  further comprises a first centering washer  405 ( 1 ) coupled to the first end plate  235 ( 1 ) to hold position of the first spring  225 ( 1 ) with the first clip  400 ( 1 ) by keeping the first spring  225 ( 1 ) from moving on the first end plate  235 ( 1 ). The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  further comprises a second centering washer  405 ( 2 ) coupled to the second end plate  235 ( 2 ) to hold position of the second spring  225 ( 2 ) with the second clip  400 ( 2 ) by keeping the second spring  225 ( 2 ) from moving on the second end plate  235 ( 2 ). 
     As seen in  FIG. 5 , it illustrates a representation of a bottom view of the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  to return the crossing gate arm  7  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gate pivot pin  207  provides a 60 degree rotation in a left direction  500 ( 1 ) from a home position  505  of 0 degree and a 60 degree rotation in a right direction  500 ( 2 ) from the home position  505 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , it illustrates a representation of a side view of the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  to return the crossing gate arm  7  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The frame  205  comprises a first channel  600 ( 1 ) and a second channel  600 ( 2 ). Each channel  600  of the first and second channels  600 ( 1 ),  600 ( 2 ) has a first flange  605 ( 1 ,  2 ) and a second flange  610 ( 1 ,  2 ) such that a pivot point of the gate pivot pin  207  is closer to the first flange  605 ( 1 ) of the first channel  600 ( 1 ). The 90 degree maintenance swivel  310  is provided 3 bolts  312 ( 1 - 3 ) that can be removed to allow the gate arm  7  to rotate 90 degrees off the road for maintenance purposes. This can be done after the internal gear train of the gate mechanism is locked. If the gear train was not locked, once the gate arm  7  is rotated to a certain point, the complete assembly would no longer be gate side heavy and would want to rise up. This can only rotate in one direction, away from the train tracks. 
     In  FIG. 7 , it illustrates a representation of an exploded view  700  of the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The main pivot assembly  210  comprises a roller assembly  702  including a yoke and a roller such that a pin going through the yoke holds the roller assembly  702  in place. The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  comprises a rubber spring  705  and a ramp  707  having a detent  710  such that the roller of the roller assembly  702  fits into the detent  710 . When a force is applied to the crossing gate arm  7 , the rubber spring  705  is compressed in order for the roller to move out of the ramp  707  and compress one of the first spring  225 ( 1 ) or the second spring  225 ( 2 ). 
     With regards to  FIG. 8 , it illustrates a representation of a perspective view of a coil spring  800  and a spring centering washer  805  with a clip  810  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The spring centering washer  805  is coupled to an end plate  815  to hold position of the coil spring  800  with the clip  810  by keeping the coil spring  800  from moving on the end plate  815 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 9 , it illustrates a representation of a perspective view of a main pivot assembly  900  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The main pivot assembly  900  receives a gate pivot pin  905  on one end  910  so as to enable rotation of the main pivot assembly  900  in a horizontal plane substantially parallel to a ground surface of a road. The main pivot assembly  900  comprises a first side  915 ( 1 ) and a second side  915 ( 2 ) opposite of the first side  915 ( 1 ). 
     The main pivot assembly  900  further comprises a pin  920  extending on the first side  915 ( 1 ) and the second side  915 ( 2 ) of the main pivot assembly  900 . The main pivot assembly  900  further comprises a roller assembly  925  including a yoke  930  and a roller  935  such that a pin  940  going through the yoke  930  holds the roller assembly  925  in place. In the main pivot assembly  900 , at the gate pivot pin  905  is where the rotation happens if the gate arm  7  struck by a vehicle or an object. The pin  920  sticking out of the middle of the main pivot assembly  900  is the pin that catches the coil of the spring  225  if rotated. The roller assembly  925  is just visible in the  FIG. 9  is held in position by the pin  940  that is to the right of the pin  920 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of the roller assembly  925  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The roller assembly  925  includes the yoke  930  and the roller  935  such that a pin (not shown) going through the yoke  930  holds the roller assembly  925  in place. The roller assembly  925  is a small sub-assembly that get installed in the main pivot assembly  900 . The roller  935  rides on a socket head cap screw acting as an axle for the roller  935 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of a gate arm  1100  in a horizontal position  1102  to a road  1105  in that the gate arm  1100  is in the 0 degree or in a home position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11  shows a gate mechanism that has been lowered to a horizontal position such that the gate arm  7  in parallel to a road surface. This is the normal operation of the gate mechanism. There is not a force applied to the gate arm  7  so the gate arm  7  did not rotate from its home or 0 position. The coil springs  225  are not in contact with the main pivot assembly  900  and the roller  935  is in the detent  710  of the ramp  707 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of the gate arm  1100  in the horizontal position  1102  but had been struck by a vehicle and rotated 60 degrees about a pivot shaft in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the view in  FIG. 12 , a force has been applied to the side of the gate arm  7 . One of the 2 coils springs  225  has been compressed, the main pivot assembly  900  has moved up such that the roller  935  has come out of the detent  710  in the ramp  707  and rotated up the ramp surface. The rubber spring  705  above the main pivot assembly  900  has been compressed as the roller  935  has come out of the detent  710  and up the ramp  707 . In one embodiment, the maximum rotation is 60 degrees. At 60 degrees, the springs  225  have been compressed to the maximum state and maximum force is exerted on the gate arm  7  trying to return it to the 0 or home position  505 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a representation of a perspective view of the gate arm  1100  in the horizontal position  1102  but had been struck by a vehicle and rotated 60 degrees about a pivot shaft and a complete mechanism has rotated 60 degrees up from a horizontal plane  1300  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the example of  FIG. 13 , the gate arm  7  is rotated 60 degrees as per the last  FIG. 12  but the gate mechanism, gate arm, support arm and counter weights have been rotated up 60 degrees about the main shaft of the gate mechanism. To show this effect, the gate arm  7  is placed in this 60 degree rotated over and 60 degree up position. This could be an example of the gate arm  7  coming down from the vertical position on top of a truck or a car hitting the gate arm  7  so it rotated in the direction of the car traveling and pushing the gate arm  7  up from horizontal. The typical entrance gates are counter weighted so it is gate side heavy (about the main shaft) and the gate arm  7  is held in the horizontal position by gravity. During the gate closing or lowering cycle, a motor powers the gate arm  7  down from vertical (90 degrees) to 70 degrees and the remaining movement of the gate arm  7  from 70 degrees to 0 or horizontal is done by gravity (the weight of the gate arm  7 ). With the gate arm  7  in the horizontal position, it can be pushed up by a person or force from the underside of the gate. Again, the complete gate assembly is counter weighted to be gate side heavy (a range of torque). If the gate arm  7  is rotated, the center of gravity moves towards the main shaft pivot point. This center of gravity shifts towards the main shaft pivot point even further if the gate arm  7  is forced to raise up. It is now possible that the resultant force balance results in the gate arm  7  side being light or want to rise to the vertical position and opening the crossing to traffic. This would be the worst situation. The springs  225  are able to exert enough force to rotate the gate arm  7  to the 0 position  505 , the roller  935  has moved back into the detent  710  of the ramp  707 . Once this has happened, the center of the gate arm  7  has moved away from the pivot point of the main shaft making the complete gate mechanism assembly gate side heavy again and gravity now brings the gate arm  7  to the horizontal position as in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a flow chart of a method  1400  of returning the crossing gate arm  7  of  FIG. 1  to the home position  505  of  FIG. 5  with the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  of  FIG. 2  according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Reference is made to the elements and features described in  FIGS. 1-13 . It should be appreciated that some steps are not required to be performed in any particular order, and that some steps are optional. 
     In step  1405 , the method  1400  comprises providing the frame  205  to hold the gate pivot pin  207  that is configured to provide a bi-directional rotation of the crossing gate arm  7 . The method  1400  further comprises a step  1410  of providing the main pivot assembly  210  that receives the gate pivot pin  207  on one end so as to enable rotation of the main pivot assembly  210  in a horizontal plane. The main pivot assembly  210  comprises the first side  215 ( 1 ) and the second side  215 ( 2 ) opposite of the first side  215 ( 1 ). The main pivot assembly  210  further comprises the spring pin  217  extending on the first side  215 ( 1 ) and the second side  215 ( 2 ) of the main pivot assembly  210 . 
     The method  1400  further comprises a step  1415  of trapping the spring-loaded assembly  220  against the spring pin  217  of the main pivot assembly  210  as the main pivot assembly  210  rotates. The method  1400  further comprises a step  1420  of returning the crossing gate arm  7  to the home position  505  with the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200 . 
     The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  has increased a range of motion from 45 to 60 degrees each direction if the gate arm  7  is struck. The springs  225  does not pop out of a groove and the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  can return a  40 ′ arm to the home position  505  when rotated 60 degrees and with the gate mechanism 60 degrees from horizontal. This spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  is similar to a typical gate saver in which a maintenance swivel has been added to the design. The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  is strong enough that shear pins are not needed. 
     The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  has increased the range of motion from 45 to 60 degrees each direction by moving a main pivot point forward (away from the gate), angling the end plates  235  rearward and having a deeper detent  710  in the ramp  707  to increase break away force and reduce un-intended operation due to high winds in the vertical position. This allows the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  to eliminate the need for a shear pin (maintainer not needed to reinstall a new shear pin). The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  has ramp angles, coil spring rates and the rubber spring that are able to return  40 ′ gate arms from 60 degrees from vertical and horizontal. The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  catches the springs  225  upon rotation of the unit and keeps the spring  225  centered to the end plates  235  for constant spring compression during rotation. 
     The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  restores the crossing gate arm  7  to the home position  505  in the event it was hit by a motor vehicle. It consists of machined aluminum channels, angles end plates for aligning and holding the coil springs  225 , a supported central pivot shaft with a roller that fits into a detent  710  in the ramp  707 . As force is applied to the gate arm  7 , the rubber spring  705  must be compressed in order for the roller  935  to move out of a ramp  707  notch or the detent  710  (home position) and compress one of the coil springs  225 . The force of the springs  225  is trying to return the gate arm  7  to the home position  505  once the applied force on the gate arm  7  is removed. 
     The distance between the top and bottom channels  600  and the mounting hole locations in these channels  600  configured to able to fit different brands of crossing gate counter weight support arms. In this way, the springs  225  are properly captured and compressed as the gate arm  7  rotates. 
     The advantages and benefits of the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  are such that gate arm rotation has been increased from 45 to 60 degrees. The springs  225  has increased rotational travel and along with the changes in the detent  710  in the ramp  707  and ramp angle changes, the spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  can return a  40 ′ gate arm to the home position  505  if struck and rotated 60 degrees while also moving 60 degrees up from horizontal. Other designs needed to use a shear pin (optional) to increase the initial force of movement (assuming high winds or long gate arms in the vertical position). The spring-loaded gate return or retraction device  200  has a deeper notch or detent  710  in the ramp  707 , ramp angle and the spring  225  characteristics increase the initial force to move such that a shear pin is not needed. This makes the unit maintenance free as service is not needed to replace a pin once activated. The springs  225  are used in a way that prevents the spring  225  from sliding or popping out of a notch and preventing failures in the field. 
     For example, a motor vehicle hits the gate arm  7  when the gate arm  7  is horizontal to the road. This force on the gate arm  7  rotates about the gate pivot pin  207  and compresses the coil spring  225 . The spring  225  coil gets trapped by the spring pin  217  and the side of the pivot arm above. The spring pin  217  is disposed forward and perpendicular to the gate pivot pin  207 . The centering washer  405  may be slightly smaller in a diameter than an internal diameter of the coil spring  225  to hold its location. 
     While a powered gate is described here a range of other constructions of a gate mechanism and a gate arm are also contemplated by the present invention. For example, other types of crossing gate mechanisms and gate arms may be implemented based on one or more features presented above without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The techniques described herein can be particularly useful for a coil spring-loaded assembly for a gate return or retraction device. While particular embodiments are described in terms of the coil spring-loaded assembly, the techniques described herein are not limited to the coil spring-loaded assembly but can also be used with other retraction or return devices. 
     While embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following claims. 
     Embodiments and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure embodiments in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, article, or apparatus. 
     Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or express definitions of, any term or terms with which they are utilized. Instead, these examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being described with respect to one particular embodiment and as illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these examples or illustrations are utilized will encompass other embodiments which may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in the specification and all such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of that term or terms. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. The description herein of illustrated embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein (and in particular, the inclusion of any particular embodiment, feature or function is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to such embodiment, feature or function). Rather, the description is intended to describe illustrative embodiments, features and functions in order to provide a person of ordinary skill in the art context to understand the invention without limiting the invention to any particularly described embodiment, feature or function. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, while the invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention. 
     Respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in a specific embodiment” or similar terminology in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any particular embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment may be able to be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, components, systems, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention. While the invention may be illustrated by using a particular embodiment, this is not and does not limit the invention to any particular embodiment and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments are readily understandable and are a part of this invention. 
     It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component.