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: 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
  • Publication number: 20190283721
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adaptively controlling railcar stopping distance based on environmental conditions related solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther
  • Publication number: 20190263432
    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: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Alan Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20190071106
    Abstract: A plurality of wayside communication units may be configured for placement on or near path of trains. Each wayside communication unit may include a power component configured for generating and/or obtaining power for powering components of the wayside communication unit; a communication component configured for transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals; and one or more circuits that process signals and data, and perform one or more applications or functions relating to operations of the wayside communication unit. Each wayside communication unit may be configured to communicate signals and/or messages with one or more local control devices within a legacy train control system, and with each train-based device that moves within communication range of the wayside communication unit. The legacy train control systems may include communication-based train control (CBTC) based systems. The wayside communication units may be configured for utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) based communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Richard C. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20190054942
    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: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventor: Richard C. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20180362058
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for rail vehicle signal enforcement and separation control. A vehicle-mounted system for managing operation compliance of a vehicle may include a communication subsystem that includes one or more transponders and one or more communication circuits, configured for communicating signals, and a processing subsystem, that includes at least one processor. The communication subsystem may be configured to communicate signals with one or more fixed reporting stations, with the signals including ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and with at least some of the signals carrying data pertinent to evaluating vehicle operation compliance. The processing subsystem may be configured to evaluate vehicle operation compliance based on information obtained from at least one signal communicated with at least one reporting station. The processing subsystem may determine a rule for evaluating compliance of the vehicle, and may monitor operation of the vehicle to evaluate compliance with the rule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20180301012
    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: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventor: Richard C. Carlson
  • Patent number: 9731738
    Abstract: A system for vehicle management includes a control signal interface subsystem and a vehicle-mounted subsystem. Each of these subsystems includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) communications component. The subsystems communicate with each other through the UWB components. The vehicle mounted subsystem interfaces with a braking system of the vehicle. The vehicle mounted subsystem determines the distance between it and the control signal interface subsystem based on the time-of-flight of at least one communication between the subsystems. The vehicle-mounted subsystem can cause the braking system of the vehicle to activate if the distance between the vehicle-mounted subsystem and the control signal interface subsystem is less than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20150329130
    Abstract: A system for vehicle management includes a control signal interface subsystem and a vehicle-mounted subsystem. Each of these subsystems includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) communications component. The subsystems communicate with each other through the UWB components. The vehicle mounted subsystem interfaces with a braking system of the vehicle. The vehicle mounted subsystem determines the distance between it and the control signal interface subsystem based on the time-of-flight of at least one communication between the subsystems. The vehicle-mounted subsystem can cause the braking system of the vehicle to activate if the distance between the vehicle-mounted subsystem and the control signal interface subsystem is less than a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Patent number: 9043131
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20150060608
    Abstract: A system for vehicle management includes a control signal interface subsystem and a vehicle-mounted subsystem. Each of these subsystems includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) communications component. The subsystems communicate with each other through the UWB components. The vehicle mounted subsystem interfaces with a braking system of the vehicle. The vehicle mounted subsystem determines the distance between it and the control signal interface subsystem based on the time-of-flight of at least one communication between the subsystems. The vehicle-mounted subsystem can cause the braking system of the vehicle to activate if the distance between the vehicle-mounted subsystem and the control signal interface subsystem is less than a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20140346285
    Abstract: A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Peter Strezev, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Patent number: 8812227
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20140229096
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Patent number: 8752797
    Abstract: A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Peter Strezev, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Patent number: 8702877
    Abstract: A cathodic member for electrochemical cells used in hypochlorite production comprises a zirconium plate coated with a zirconium oxide layer, which is particularly suitable for minimising the decomposition of the hypochlorite product while ensuring a prolonged lifetime. The coated zirconium plate can be used as the cathodic plate in a monopolar cell, or can be welded to a titanium plate for use in a bipolar configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carl W. Brown, Jr., Richard C. Carlson, Kenneth L. Hardee
  • Publication number: 20130256466
    Abstract: The present technology provides a rail crossing remote diagnostics system. The rail crossing remote diagnostics system includes a rail crossing station monitor installed in a bungalow at a rail crossing station. The station monitor has a communication module, such as a wireless transceiver, a connection to the ethernet, a cellular transceiver, a telephone connection, or a modem. The rail crossing remote diagnostics system also includes one or more diagnostic sensors installed at the rail crossing station. The diagnostic sensors are adapted to communicate with the station monitor. The station monitor automatically monitors at least one device installed at the rail crossing station and generates rail crossing diagnostics reports. The present technology also provides a rail crossing diagnostics network that includes a network hub and one or more rail crossing remote diagnostics systems. Certain embodiments also provide methods for automatically monitoring the operation of a rail crossing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, John Wolf, Kurt Gunther, Richard Carlson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130088370
    Abstract: Systems, methods, routines and/or techniques for a crossing gate tip sensor are described. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a crossing gate tip sensor may be attached to or incorporated into a gate arm of a crossing gate. The crossing gate tip sensor may accurately detect the orientation (among other things) of the gate arm. In some embodiments, a crossing gate tip sensor may include a tilt sensor that includes one or more accelerometers. In some embodiments, a crossing gate tip sensor may include a microcontroller and/or a wireless communication unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Gunther