US Patent 8240618 Multiple direction railroad gate release mechanism

A multiple direction railroad gate release mechanism which is attached between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement in either a frontal or rearward direction by a vehicle or other outside force. A primary pivot arm assembly allows a released movement of the crossing arm in reaction to frontal impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detent position subsequent to an impingement in order to maintain grade crossing protection. Spring assemblies, a shock absorber and a spring centering assembly act to return the primary pivot arm assembly and attached crossing arm to a normal detent position. A secondary pivot arm assembly is secured to the primary pivot arm assembly whereby the secondary pivot arm assembly can act independently of the primary pivot arm assembly to allow released movement and return of the crossing arm in reaction to rear impingement.