Patents by Inventor Richard C. Carlson

Richard C. Carlson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240132125
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized train control. A decentralized train system may include a plurality of wayside control units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each of which being configured for use in a particular train. Each wayside control unit may obtain information corresponding to each train that passes within its communication range, and provide obtained train-related information to each train-mounted unit passing within its communication range. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive train-related information from each wayside control unit that comes within its communication range, process the received train-related information, assess based on the processing of the train-related information conditions relating to operation of train within the railway network, and when at least one condition meets one or more particular criteria, perform or cause performing one or more responsive actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventor: Richard C. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20240109568
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors. One or more wayside units placed on or near a track may be configured to form a work zone network, based on ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, corresponding to a work zone in an area surrounding or in proximity to the one or more wayside units. When the work zone network is formed, at least one wayside unit of the one or more wayside units may be configured to obtain ranging information to a train traversing the track, based on communications of UWB signals with at least one train-mounted unit deployed on the train, and the one or more wayside units are configured to generate, based on the ranging information, notifications relating to the train and/or the work zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Sara J. Woitel
  • Publication number: 20240089022
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized rail signaling and positive train control. A decentralized train control system may include a plurality of wayside units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each configured for use in a train operating in a railway network that support use of the decentralized train control system. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive communicate with any wayside unit and/or train-mounted unit that comes within range, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and for generating control information based on the UWB signals, for use in controlling one or more functions associated with operation of the train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Alan Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus
  • Patent number: 11780481
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors. One or more wayside units placed on or near a track may be configured to form a work zone network, based on ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, corresponding to a work zone in an area surrounding or in proximity to the one or more wayside units. When the work zone network is formed, at least one wayside unit of the one or more wayside units may be configured to obtain ranging information to a train traversing the track, based on communications of UWB signals with at least one train-mounted unit deployed on the train, and the one or more wayside units are configured to generate, based on the ranging information, notifications relating to the train and/or the work zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Sara J. Woitel
  • Patent number: 11700075
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized rail signaling and positive train control. A decentralized train control system may include a plurality of wayside units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each configured for use in a train operating in a railway network that support use of the decentralized train control system. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive communicate with any wayside unit and/or train-mounted unit that comes within range, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and for generating control information based on the UWB signals, for use in controlling one or more functions associated with operation of the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Alan Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20230192164
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for train operation control and enforcement. A vehicle mounted system for train control may include a vehicle mounted data radio mounted on a railway vehicle and a vehicle mounted controller. The vehicle mounted controller may be connected to the vehicle mounted data radio. The vehicle mounted data radio may be in wireless communication with a wayside reporting station, which may be in communication with a signal control point that is associated with a safety point that is further associated with an interlocking, and the vehicle mounted data radio may be configured to receive signal state status information from the wayside reporting station. The vehicle mounted controller may be configured to determine a distance between the railway vehicle and the safety point. The vehicle mounted data radio may be an ultra-wide band (UWB) radio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20230058941
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors. One or more wayside units placed on or near a track may be configured to form a work zone network, based on ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, corresponding to a work zone in an area surrounding or in proximity to the one or more wayside units. When the work zone network is formed, at least one wayside unit of the one or more wayside units may be configured to obtain ranging information to a train traversing the track, based on communications of UWB signals with at least one train-mounted unit deployed on the train, and the one or more wayside units are configured to generate, based on the ranging information, notifications relating to the train and/or the work zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Sara J. Woitel
  • Patent number: 11492027
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors. One or more wayside units placed on or near a track may be configured to form a work zone network, based on ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, corresponding to a work zone in an area surrounding or in proximity to the one or more wayside units. When the work zone network is formed, at least one wayside unit of the one or more wayside units may be configured to obtain ranging information to a train traversing the track, based on communications of UWB signals with at least one train-mounted unit deployed on the train, and the one or more wayside units are configured to generate, based on the ranging information, notifications relating to the train and/or the work zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Sara J. Woitel
  • Patent number: 11349589
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized rail signaling and positive train control. A decentralized train control system may include a plurality of wayside units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each configured for use in a train operating in a railway network that support use of the decentralized train control system. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive communicate with any wayside unit and/or train-mounted unit that comes within range, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and for generating control information based on the UWB signals, for use in controlling one or more functions associated with operation of the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Alan Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20220140931
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized rail signaling and positive train control. A decentralized train control system may include a plurality of wayside units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each configured for use in a train operating in a railway network that support use of the decentralized train control system. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive communicate with any wayside unit and/or train-mounted unit that comes within range, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and for generating control information based on the UWB signals, for use in controlling one or more functions associated with operation of the train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Alan Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20210229716
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for ultra-wideband (UWB) based rail line sensing and safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther
  • Publication number: 20210206407
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for virtual trip stops in train networks. The rail network includes one or more wayside control units configured for deployment on or near tracks in the rail network, with each wayside control unit coupled or attached to a train signal, and the train-based control unit is configured to communicate with any wayside control unit that comes within communication range of the train-based control unit, determine based on processing of communicated signals with at least one wayside control unit one or both of operation information relating to one or both of the at least one wayside control unit and the train and state information relating to a state of train signal, and generate based on the operation information and the state information, control information configured for use in controlling one or more functions of the train in conjunction with operation in the rail network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther
  • Publication number: 20210179155
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized train control. A decentralized train system may include a plurality of wayside control units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each of which being configured for use in a particular train. Each wayside control unit may obtain information corresponding to each train that passes within its communication range, and provide obtained train-related information to each train-mounted unit passing within its communication range. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive train-related information from each wayside control unit that comes within its communication range, process the received train-related information, assess based on the processing of the train-related information conditions relating to operation of train within the railway network, and when at least one condition meets one or more particular criteria, perform or cause performing one or more responsive actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventor: Richard C. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10896589
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. A safety vest may be configured to support worker protection receiver function in worker protection systems. Components used in conjunction with the receiver functions may be integrated into the safety vest. The components may include one or more antennas, radio receiver (or transceiver) circuitry, integrated power supply source, indication components, and acknowledgement components. The safety vest may generate safety alerts in response to receiving signals from peer transmitter devices in the worker protection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Richard C. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20200317241
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors. One or more wayside units placed on or near a track may be configured to form a work zone network, based on ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, corresponding to a work zone in an area surrounding or in proximity to the one or more wayside units. When the work zone network is formed, at least one wayside unit of the one or more wayside units may be configured to obtain ranging information to a train traversing the track, based on communications of UWB signals with at least one train-mounted unit deployed on the train, and the one or more wayside units are configured to generate, based on the ranging information, notifications relating to the train and/or the work zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Sara J. Woitel
  • Patent number: 10778363
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized rail signaling and positive train control. A decentralized train control system may include a plurality of wayside units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each configured for use in a train operating in a railway network that support use of the decentralized train control system. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive communicate with any wayside unit and/or train-mounted unit that comes within range, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and for generating control information based on the UWB signals, for use in controlling one or more functions associated with operation of the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Alan Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20200007178
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving ultra-wideband (UWB) electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) immunity. A system that supports communication of UWB signals may be configured for using fractional receiving bands, from an entire band allocated for the communication of the UWB signals, during reception of UWB signals. A system that supports communication of UWB signals may be configured for using split bands, from an entire band allocated for the communication of the UWB signals, during transmission of UWB signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Kurt Alan Gunther, Richard C. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20190375439
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for wireless train communications for supporting control of train operation. A system for controlling train operations may include a control system and a train-based communication unit for deployment on the train. The train-based communication unit may be configured for communicating wireless signals. The train-based communication unit may communicate with one or more wayside communication units when it moves within communication range of the wayside communication units, and the train-based communication unit may communicate operational information to the control system derived from communications between the train-based and the wayside communication units. The control system may be a communication-based train control (CBTC) system. The train-based communication unit and at least one wayside communication unit may be configured for utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) based communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventor: Richard C. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20190337545
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized rail signaling and positive train control. A decentralized train control system may include a plurality of wayside units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each configured for use in a train operating in a railway network that support use of the decentralized train control system. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive communicate with any wayside unit and/or train-mounted unit that comes within range, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and for generating control information based on the UWB signals, for use in controlling one or more functions associated with operation of the train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Alan Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20190300033
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for train operation control and enforcement. A train control system for controlling operations of a train may include a train-mounted control unit deployed in the train, and a plurality of fixed control nodes deployed on or in close proximity to a track traversed by the train. Each of the train-mounted control unit and fixed control nodes includes a corresponding communication subsystem that includes transponders and communication circuits, configured for communicating signals. The train-mounted control unit is configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the plurality of fixed control nodes, with the signals including ultra-wideband (UWB) signals and with at least some of the signals carrying data pertinent to controlling operations of the train; and to determine control information relating to controlling operations of the train based on received UWB signals originating from one or more fixed control nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus