Richard Bamfield

Title: Innovations by Richard Bamfield in Highway-Rail Crossing Safety

Introduction

Richard Bamfield is an accomplished inventor based in Upland, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of safety systems for highway-rail crossings. With a total of four patents to his name, Bamfield's work focuses on enhancing the safety and efficiency of rail grade crossings.

Latest Patents

Bamfield's latest patents include innovative technologies aimed at providing relatively constant warning time at highway-rail crossings. One of his notable inventions is an apparatus and methods for providing consistent warning time at rail grade crossings. This system utilizes a communication protocol that predicts the approach of a train and generates signals to alert crossing controllers. The first communication signal is activated upon prediction, while a second signal is generated for slower-moving trains, ensuring that warning times remain constant. Additionally, cancellation timers are employed to manage situations where a train does not enter the approach or leaves via a switch.

Another significant patent is the highway-rail grade crossing controller with an out-of-service mode. This electronic controller is designed to activate warning devices when a train is detected in either the approach or island circuits. It features a touch-sensitive display that allows maintainers to take circuits out of service and select the duration for which they remain inactive. Service is automatically restored once the selected time expires.

Career Highlights

Bamfield is currently employed at Safetran Systems Corporation, where he continues to develop innovative safety solutions for rail systems. His work has been instrumental in improving the reliability and safety of highway-rail crossings, making them safer for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Bamfield has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Martin Paget and John T. Sharkey. These partnerships have contributed to the advancement of safety technologies in the rail industry.

Conclusion

Richard Bamfield's contributions to highway-rail crossing safety through his innovative patents demonstrate his commitment to enhancing public safety. His work at Safetran Systems Corporation continues to influence the field positively.