Siemens Industry, Inc.

Safetran Systems Corporation

Invensys Rail Corporation

Randy M O'Dell

Patrick Joseph Venneman

Patrick J Vennemann

A first crossing predictor uses signals from a pair to spaced apart receivers, which may be located on opposite sides of a transmitter, to determine on which side of a crossing an approaching train is located. If the first predictor upstream with respect to the approaching train, the first predictor transmits signals to instruct a downstream adjacent predictor to activate its warning device at a constant warning time (referred to as DAXing).

Apparatus for bi-directional downstream adjacent crossing signaling

First and second crossing predictors communicate with each other, and each predictor transmits signals to instruct downstream adjacent predictors to activate their warning devices at a constant warning time (referred to as DAXing) by using train detection information from the other predictor. The communications between the predictors may be rail based, wireless or wired using conductors other than rails. Multiple predictors may be present between the first and second crossing predictors, and each such predictor may be DAXed by one of the outer predictors based on the train's direction. The predictor also transmits a signal to inform the other predictor of the presence of the train so that the other predictor may determine whether to suppress DAXing. Detecting an incoming train direction at a predictor by utilizing a second receiver attached to the track rails at a location offset from the first receiver.

First and second crossing predictors communicate with each other, and each predictor transmits signals to instruct downstream adjacent predictors to activate their warning devices at a constant warning time (referred to as DAXing) by using train detection information from the other predictor. The communications between the predictors may be rail based, wireless or wired using conductors other than rails. Multiple predictors may be present between the first and second crossing predictors, and each such predictor may be DAXed by one of the outer predictors based on the train's direction. The predictor also transmits a signal to inform the other predictor of the presence of the train so that the other predictor may determine whether to suppress DAXing. Detecting an incoming train direction at a predictor may also occur by utilizing a second receiver attached to the track rails at a location offset from the first receiver.

Method and apparatus for bi-directional downstream adjacent crossing signaling

A method and apparatus for controlling a grade crossing warning system employs a track occupancy circuit or other device to detect the presence of a train in the approach to a grade crossing and an indirect indication of a maximum authorized speed of the train in order to determine an amount of time to delay activation of the grade crossing warning system after the train has been detected. The indirect indication is preferably encoded onto a signal associated with the track occupancy circuit, preferably using a frequency shift technique. The indirect indication may be supplied by a wayside signal device.

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Blue Springs, MO, United States of America

Randy M O'Dell