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A traffic warning system which alerts approaching vehicle traffic to the approach of a train in a crossing. The system includes a plurality of surface mounted lights partially embedded in and placed across a roadway. Once activated, the flashing lights warn drivers of approaching vehicles that the t

A traffic warning system which alerts approaching vehicle traffic to the approach of a train in a crossing. The system includes a plurality of surface mounted lights partially embedded in and placed across a roadway. Once activated, the flashing lights warn drivers of approaching vehicles that the train is approaching, and that caution should be exercised.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A railroad crossing signal apparatus to alert approaching vehicle traffic to the approach of a train in a crossing, said railroad crossing signal apparatus comprising: a roadway, said roadway having a surface; a plurality of signal head members mounted on said roadway surface and extending at

1. A railroad crossing signal apparatus to alert approaching vehicle traffic to the approach of a train in a crossing, said railroad crossing signal apparatus comprising: a roadway, said roadway having a surface; a plurality of signal head members mounted on said roadway surface and extending at least some distance across said roadway and above said roadway surface to at least partially designate a railroad crossing, each of said signal head members conditioned to withstand contact by vehicle traffic, each of said signal head members including at least one light source adapted to direct a beam of light from said roadway surface in the direction of the approaching vehicle traffic and away from the railroad crossing, and adjacent to and generally parallel to said roadway surface; and activation means to selectively illuminate said plurality of signal head members light sources to warn the drivers of the approaching vehicles that a train is approaching the crossing. 2. The railroad crossing signal apparatus of claim 1 including an ambient light sensing circuit to adjust light intensity to dynamically compensate for poor visibility and night operating conditions. 3. The railroad crossing signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head members have a height of 1/2 to 3/4 inches above said roadway surface. 4. The railroad crossing signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head light source comprises light emitting diodes. 5. The railroad crossing signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head light source is directed in a beam having a vertical angular range of 0 degrees to 5 degrees. 6. The railroad crossing signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head members are installed facing only oncoming vehicle traffic. 7. The railroad crossing signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head members are installed across the entire width of a crossing. 8. The railroad crossing signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said beam of light flashes in a predetermined sequence, and remains flashing for a predetermined time. 9. The railroad crossing signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head member includes a lens assembly to focus light into a beam in the direction of an approaching vehicle. 10. The railroad crossing signal apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of signal head members each include a base plate portion embedded in said roadway.