Train Annunciators Or Indicators Patents (Class 246/124)
  • Patent number: 11505223
    Abstract: A train position detection apparatus is configured to detect a position of a train by receiving positioning radio waves from satellites through a reception antenna. The train position detection apparatus includes: a memory that stores therein in advance a railway design standard of a railway track on which the train travels; and one or more hardware processors that detect a position of the train by self-contained navigation based on an input signal from a self-contained navigation sensor. When a result of the train position detection based on the positioning radio waves does not satisfy the railway design standard, the one or more hardware processors correct the result of the train position detection based on the positioning radio waves with a result of the position detection by self-contained navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Hideaki Nameki, Naoto Seto, Yushi Kamo, Susu Jiang, Yohei Hattori
  • Patent number: 11414111
    Abstract: A system for enhancing personnel safety on a railroad track is presented. The system can receive data from sensors and/or a PTC system to determine positions of clients/worker and/or vehicles, and further utilize such data to determine if a vehicle is within a certain proximity of the client/worker location. The system can further generate geofences around clients/vehicles to and determine when such geofences intersect one another. Additionally, the present disclosure can assign severity levels and generate alerts with the assigned severity levels, and such severity levels can indicate how close a vehicle is to a particular location. It is an object of the invention to provide a system for generating alerts to notify personnel when they much retreat to a place of safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Eric Peter Olsen, Shanmugasundaram Rajasubramanian, Nithin Paul Mathew, Marutha Pandian Jagadesan, Michael Howard, David Himmelstein, Aamir Ahmad Halim, Wayne Morgan, Amit Kumar Dash, Jacob Bunkley, Dickson Waudo, William Stewart, Raven Wylie
  • Patent number: 11124213
    Abstract: A method for securing a level crossing permits timely securing of the level crossing and is particularly effective and reliable. The method proceeds in such a way that vehicle data are received from a track-bound vehicle approaching the level crossing by a stationary control device of a train control system. The vehicle data include at least the current position and the current speed of the track-bound vehicle. A strike-in point is determined on the basis of the received vehicle data and route data including at least the location of the level crossing. Securing of the level crossing is triggered when the strike-in point is reached. A stationary control device for a train control system and an arrangement having such a stationary control device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Schmidt, Jens-Harro Oechsner
  • Patent number: 10913472
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a rail warning system using wireless portable transmitters/receivers. The rail warning system uses a chirp spread spectrum modulation scheme, and alerts personnel in work zones on or near train tracks as well as optionally, on track equipment and train operators, of approaching trains or on track equipment. Portable wayside devices may also be positioned on the rail web, optionally magnetically, to alert work personnel, allowing for secure placement but also portability to other locations on the same track or adjacent tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: HARSCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Peter M. Bartek
  • Patent number: 10470008
    Abstract: A system for impact prevention using mobile beacons includes a receiving device associated with a user, the receiving device comprising a receiver adapted to receive a beacon broadcast from one or more of a plurality of beacons, the beacon broadcast comprising informational data and a range of relevance, a processor, and an alarm, wherein when the processor determines that the receiving device is within the range of relevance, the alarm is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Industrial Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Raghu Arunachalam, L. Robert Crouthamel
  • Patent number: 10449973
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of devices, systems, and methods related relaying voice messages to operator control units of a locomotive. In an exemplary embodiment, an operator control unit generally includes a user interface configured to receive one or more commands from an operator for controlling a locomotive, a wireless communication interface configured to transmit data to and receive data from a locomotive control unit of the locomotive, and memory configured to store multiple voice messages corresponding to the locomotive. The operator control unit also includes a processor configured to receive a voice message number from the locomotive control unit of the locomotive via the wireless communication interface, retrieve one of the multiple stored voice messages from memory corresponding to the received voice message number, and transmit the retrieved voice message to an earpiece of the operator via a wired transmission and/or near-field wireless transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventors: Jeremy Jovenall, Oleh Szklar
  • Patent number: 10179596
    Abstract: A rail warning system using wireless portable transmitters/receivers is described. The rail warning system uses a chirp spread spectrum modulation scheme, and alerts personnel in work zones on or near train tracks as well as optionally, on track equipment and train operators, of approaching trains or on track equipment. Portable wayside devices may also be positioned on the rail web, optionally magnetically, to alert work personnel, allowing for secure placement but also portability to other locations on the same track or adjacent tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: HARSCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Peter M. Bartek
  • Patent number: 10142551
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recognizing information included in an image, e.g., a license plate number of a vehicle image. The method includes: detecting an ambient illuminance and determining a speed of a moving object; capturing, by an image capturer, image frames of the moving object according to at least one of a shutter opening time of the image capturer and an illuminance of an illuminator to illuminate the moving object which are set based on the detected ambient illuminance and the determined speed of the moving object; and extracting information of the moving object from the captured image frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: HANWHA AEROSPACE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jaehoon Lee, Hongwoo Kim, Joonggyun Jung
  • Patent number: 10029716
    Abstract: A system and device that will notify roadway maintenance workers of an approaching mass transit vehicle and, conversely, will notify the operators and administrators of mass transit vehicles of roadway maintenance workers within the vicinity of an approaching section of track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: STC, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cross, Destry Diefenbach, Yogesh Barve, Pete Ksycki, Scott Kolts, Steve McDonald
  • Patent number: 9994242
    Abstract: The present disclosure teaches inter-vehicle communications for avoiding rear collision of rail vehicles on a railroad. For example, a collision avoidance system may comprise an end-of-train device and a V-aware unit located on different vehicles. The two devices may be configured to wirelessly communicate with each other, and then detect each other's presence by estimating a distance between them. Warnings may be issued to respective operators against a collision hazard when the distance drops to or below a pre-determined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: HARSCO TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Peter Michael Bartek
  • Patent number: 9704309
    Abstract: A method for recognizing and classifying damage incidents and/or contact incidents, in particular on motor vehicles, the different forms of damage incident shall be detected, evaluated and classified by way of detecting and evaluating at least one impact sound signal. An amplitude envelope of the impact sound signal is determined and the impact sound signal is classified based on the time progression of the amplitude envelope. This involves assigning different damage incidents or contact incidents to different kinds of time progression of the amplitude envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hella KGAA Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Thomas Niemann, Klaas Hauke Baumgartel, Karl-Ludwig Krieger
  • Patent number: 9603123
    Abstract: Measurements can be obtained from sensors to determine a state of a device. The state can be used to determine whether to provide an alert. For example, after a first alert is provided, it can be determined that the device is not accessible to the user based on the determined state, and a second alert can be suppressed at a specified time after providing the first alert. The sensor measurements can be monitored after suppressing the second alert, and a state engine can detect a change in a state based on subsequent sensor measurements. If the state change indicates that the device is accessible to the user the second alert can be provided to the user. Alerts can be dismissed based on a change in state. A first device can coordinate alerts sent to or to be provided by a second device by suppressing or dismissing such alerts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Jackson, Anil K. Kandangath, Ronald K. Huang
  • Patent number: 9580092
    Abstract: A method for operating a rail vehicle in a railway system includes providing at least one optical waveguide which is laid next to at least one railway track and into which light pulses are fed, using the optical waveguide as a distributed acoustic sensor, and detecting backscattered light. In order to configure such a method in such a way that it meets stringent safety requirements relatively easily, a rail vehicle is used having a sound generator which can be adjusted in terms of its frequency spectrum in such a way that it indicates an emergency. When the sound generator is activated, an emergency signal of the rail vehicle is acquired if a frequency spectrum which corresponds to the adjusted emergency frequency spectrum of the sound generator is detected in the backscattered light. A railway system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gamze Arpaci, Wolfgang Bachmann, Doris Martitz, Karsten Rahn
  • Patent number: 9542852
    Abstract: A system and device that will notify roadway maintenance workers of an approaching mass transit vehicle and, conversely, will notify the operators and administrators of mass transit vehicles of roadway maintenance workers within the vicinity of an approaching section of track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: STC, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cross, Destry Diefenbach, Yogesh Barve, Pete Ksycki, Scott Kolts, Steve McDonald
  • Patent number: 9327744
    Abstract: Train detection security system and method for detecting a moving train are provided. The train detection security system includes one or more sensor units fixed to a rail of a rail track. The sensor units are arranged for detecting a first signal induced by a moving train and propagated through the rail. The system further includes a control unit including a signal processor arranged for receiving first sensor output signals representing the first signals from each of the one or more sensor units, processing the first sensor output signals and generating a train warning signal representing characteristics of the moving train based on envelope characteristics of the first sensor output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: WAVETRAIN SYSTEMS AS
    Inventors: Fredrik Lingvall, Tron Danielsen, Richard Aaroe, Torsten Amundsen, Orjan Sommerseth
  • Patent number: 9320979
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown to allow the creation of sound programmers and complementary sound decoders that may be securely downloaded with sound and IPL data and that will operate in power limited environments with resistance to power drop outs and are significant improvements beyond prior art devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony J Ireland
  • Patent number: 8998148
    Abstract: A locomotive warning system includes an acoustical warning subsystem configured to emit variably directed sound. A controller subsystem is responsive to an initiation command and is configured to trigger the acoustical warning subsystem to begin a sounding sequence when the initiation command is received at a first directivity angle and to continue the sound blast sequence at increasing directivity angles for a pre-establish time and/or distance traveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Basant K. Parida, Abdullatif K. Zaouk, Jason Ross, Grant Stephen Nash
  • Patent number: 8939412
    Abstract: A train-position locating device includes an onboard control device incorporated in a train and a ground control device installed on a ground. The onboard control device decides a track on which a train is present based on position information and a result of a nearest track search, transmits identification information for identifying the own train and track information to the ground control device, and shifts to an onboard-oriented train control mode when receiving a response indicating “position is located” from the ground control device. The ground control device transmits a response indicating “tentative position is normal” to the onboard control device when another train located to be present on a track is not present on the tentative position, and transmits the response indicating “position is located” to the onboard control device when a change from a previous track to the changed track is correct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Tokumaru
  • Patent number: 8870126
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus control railway safety systems, in particular train routing systems and railway crossing systems. In order to simplify the railway line infrastructure while increasing the safety level at the same time, it is provided that the vehicle emits an RFID—radio frequency identification—signal which contains vehicle data and is read and evaluated by a device on the railway line in order to generate control input variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Bock, Bernhard Evers, Lars Schnieder
  • Patent number: 8862291
    Abstract: A system for verifying a route segment that a vehicle is traveling along includes a magnetic sensor and a control unit. The magnetic sensor generates an output signal based on an orientation of the sensor relative to an external magnetic field. The control unit receives an operator-designated route segment. The operator-designated route segment represents a selected route segment of the route segments that is identified by the operator as being the route segment on which the vehicle is traveling. The control unit identifies a directional heading of the vehicle based on the output signal from the magnetic sensor and determines an actual route segment of the routes segments in the network that the vehicle is actually traveling along based on the directional heading of the vehicle. The control unit verifies that the actual route segment on which the vehicle is actually traveling is the selected route segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ankit Sharma, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Vishram Vinayak Nandedkar
  • Publication number: 20140209754
    Abstract: A train information announcement system of the present invention includes vehicle radio sets VRS1 and VRS2 which performs wireless communication, and is installed on a train 1 which moves on a railroad track R, wayside radio sets WRS1 to WRS5 arranged along the railroad track R, and an information providing means which provides train information announcements at a station at predetermined timing based on information about a train location obtained by the wireless communication between the vehicle radio sets VRS1 and VRS2 and the wayside radio sets WRS1 to WRS5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8786428
    Abstract: In a method of operating a system for announcing the presence of one or more individuals on or near a pathway to an operator of a vehicle traveling on the pathway, each of a number of data readers positioned along the pathway receives data input by the one or more individuals. In response to each data reader receiving the data input, a unique subset of a number of lamps, also positioned along the pathway, is caused to illuminate. The system includes a computer network that controls the operation of the lamps in response to the input of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Keith Burton Sheardown, Mark Willer, Pankaj Sood, Nerraj Sood, Peter Basl
  • Publication number: 20130194423
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a warning system for displaying a warning message to a vehicle approaching a railroad crossing. The railroad crossing includes a railroad along which a train can travel, and a road crossing the railroad and along which the vehicle can travel. The warning system includes an identification system for identifying at least one identity characteristic (e.g. number plate, vehicle type, etc.) relating to the vehicle. A train detection system detects at least one train characteristic (e.g. presence, position, speed) relating to the train approaching the railroad crossing along the railroad. A vehicle detection system detects at least one vehicle characteristic (e.g. presence, position, speed) relating to the vehicle approaching the railroad crossing along the road. The warning system further includes a display system for displaying the warning message to the vehicle responsive to detecting both the train and vehicle characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: QR LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Baines, David McMah
  • Publication number: 20130112815
    Abstract: A train-position locating device includes an onboard control device incorporated in a train and a ground control device installed on a ground. The onboard control device decides a track on which a train is present based on position information and a result of a nearest track search, transmits identification information for identifying the own train and track information to the ground control device, and shifts to an onboard-oriented train control mode when receiving a response indicating “position is located” from the ground control device. The ground control device transmits a response indicating “tentative position is normal” to the onboard control device when another train located to be present on a track is not present on the tentative position, and transmits the response indicating “position is located” to the onboard control device when a change from a previous track to the changed track is correct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto TOKUMARU
  • Patent number: 8412394
    Abstract: A railroad signal message system is provided. The system includes: an input circuit to receive railroad data from a railroad signaling device, an aspect converter operatively coupled to the input circuit to convert the railroad data into a machine-readable message that includes an indication of the railroad signaling device, and a message translator operatively coupled to the aspect converter to translate the message into a human-perceivable message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David Joseph DeSanzo
  • Patent number: 8344877
    Abstract: A safety system for providing early warning notifications to an authorized track worker performing official duties along a rail road network is disclosed herein. The safety system determines the position of the authorized worker and determines an estimated time to collision between the authorized track worker and an approaching rail vehicle. The result of the safety system is that the track worker has enough time and sufficiently accurate warning that will enable the track worker to move to a point of safety so as to remain unharmed by the approaching rail vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Keith Burton Sheardown, Sathya Vagheeswar Venkatasubramanian, Jason John Freebern
  • Patent number: 8109474
    Abstract: A train detector having dual ultrasonic sensors positioned adjacent to a rail for sensing the movement thereby of a train wheel and determining the direction and speed of the train for transmitting such information to nearby workers and signal devices and a method of train detecting are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Peter M. Bartek
  • Publication number: 20110127389
    Abstract: A train detector having dual ultrasonic sensors positioned adjacent to a rail for sensing the movement thereby of a train wheel and determining the direction and speed of the train for transmitting such information to nearby workers and signal devices and a method of train detecting are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Peter M. Bartek
  • Patent number: 7840338
    Abstract: An apparatus, and related method, for monitoring and controlling the traffic of transport systems, such as railway vehicles, wherein the vehicles include device elements, such as satellite positioning systems, monitored by a series of centralized units to monitor and control adjacent areas. In case of anomalous traffic situations, the system and method provides proper alarm signals and signals for automatically putting into action the breaking systems of the vehicles. To do so, the devices can interface with breaking means and sensors placed along the railway paths and in the vehicles, and exchange positioning data or other kinds of data of various sensors, among vehicles running within a certain mutual distance and can further include a secured memory means for storing data, information and parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: MP S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco Paolacci
  • Patent number: 7769544
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle collision/crossing warning system provides for simple, inexpensive and decentralized installation, operation and maintenance of a reliable vehicle collision/crossing warning system. The autonomous warning system preferably utilizes a single frequency TDM radio communication network with GPS clock synchronization, time slot arbitration and connectionless UDP protocol to broadcast messages among vehicles and components in the warning system. Adaptive localized mapping of components of interest within the warning system eliminates the need for centralized databases or coordination and control systems and enables new vehicles and warning systems to be easily added to the system in a decentralized manner. Preferably, stationary warning systems are deployed as multiple self-powered units each equipped to receive broadcast messages and to communicate with the other units by a low power RF channel in a redundant Master-Slave configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Ansaldo STS USA, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Blesener, Gordon M. Melby
  • Patent number: 7671757
    Abstract: A method and system to detect misalignment of sensors used in train inspection systems are provided. The method includes receiving inputs from a train inspection sensor that is coupled to a railroad track, determining a position of the train inspection sensor using a motion detector, and identifying the inputs received from the train inspection sensor as at least one of acceptable or not acceptable based on the determined position of the train inspection sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harry Kirk Mathews, Jr., Benjamin Paul Church
  • Patent number: 7656110
    Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
  • Patent number: 7624952
    Abstract: A system for use by a railroad to warn railroad workers, track walker, railroad personnel and others of oncoming train(s) and to warn the train operator(s) of such train(s) of the presence of railroad workers, track walker railroad personnel, other train(s) and others on or near the railroad tracks, such system including at least one train transceiver for each train for sensing signals transmitted by at least one of a plurality of personal transmitter/receivers, one personal transmitter/receiver being worn by each of such railroad workers, track walker and railroad personnel, such train transceiver(s) to warn the train operator(s) of the presence of railroad workers, track walker, other train(s), and railroad personnel on or near the tracks when receiving signals from the personal transmitter/receivers, such personal transmitter/receivers receiving signals from the train transceiver(s) to warn the railroad workers, track walker and railroad personnel of oncoming train(s) with such warning signal activating ne
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Peter M. Bartek
  • Publication number: 20080269957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the order of wagons in a train. The invention configures a plurality of wagons of a train to sense at least one environmental condition that the wagons are respectively exposed to when the train is moving. The invention configures the wagons to generate a corresponding announcement message in response to a change in state of the environmental condition. The invention configures the first wagon of the train to listen for the announcement message generated by any of the plurality of wagons. The invention configures the first wagon to compute a sequence of the announcement messages from an order in which the wagons have been heard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: John G. Rooney, Paolo Scotton
  • Publication number: 20080237406
    Abstract: A communication system in trains comprises a control data communication device 400 and an image data communication device 300 installed in each of the cars. The control data communication device 400 transmits train operation information, train location information, control instructions of train-mounted apparatuses, and the like. The image data communication device 300 transmits image information such as moving images and still images, audio information such as in-train announcement, textual information for caption display, and operation log information of apparatuses, which form the contents, to a display unit 200 installed in each of the cars and to apparatuses 500 such as a telephone. The display unit 200 switches the display on the screen in accordance with train control information transmitted from the control data communication device 400 through the image data communication device 300.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Nao Saito, Setsuo Arita, Satoru Ito, Kazunori Ayabe, Yukio Sagawa
  • Patent number: 7398140
    Abstract: Provided is an operator warning system for use in connection with a locomotive having a horn system with a horn activation actuator and a horn device for producing a noise. The operator warning system includes an onboard computer system with a database having grade crossing data and locomotive data thereon. The onboard computer system is in communication with the horn system. The operator warning system also includes a warning device for providing an audio, visual and/or tactile indicator to an operator of the locomotive based upon the grade crossing data, locomotive data and/or actuation condition of the horn activation actuator. A method for improving locomotive operator vigilance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Kernwein, Frank Wilson, Kevin J. Angel, Scott A. Sollars
  • Publication number: 20080099633
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a train horn use the speed of the train to determine when to start a horn sequence such that the horn sequence complies with all applicable regulations. In one embodiment, an engineer enters a command, such as by pushing a button, when a predetermined distance from a grade crossing is reached. A processor then determines the speed of the train from a tachometer. The speed is used to determine how long it will take to reach the grade crossing. Preferably, this calculation is repeated until the time to reach the grade crossing is within a window during which the horn sequence must be started. The processor or other device then causes the horn to sound in the required pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: QUANTUM ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Kane, James Brady
  • Patent number: 6824110
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically activating a train warning device that uses a positioning system such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver or an inertial navigation system (INS) to determine the train's position. The system further includes a database containing locations of grade crossings and other locations at which a train is required to give a warning signal and what regulations govern activation of the warning device at such locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Quantum Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Kane, James Francis Shockley, Harrison Thomas Hickenlooper
  • Patent number: 6637703
    Abstract: A method for identifying and determining the position of rolling stock within a railyard using a system that includes an AEI reader, a plurality of elevated electronic imaging devices and a tracking computer. The rolling stock includes a plurality of railcars and a plurality of locomotives. The method includes recording an identification pattern for each piece of rolling stock as each piece enters the railyard, compiling tracking data of the rolling stock as the rolling stock moves within the railyard using the respective identification patterns, and mapping the position of each piece of rolling stock as the rolling stock moves within the railyard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: GE Harris Railway Electronics LLC
    Inventors: William Matheson, Russell Whitfield
  • Patent number: 6609049
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically activating a train warning device that uses a positioning system such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver or an inertial navigation system (INS) to determine the train's position. The system further includes a database containing locations of grade crossings and other locations at which a train is required to give a warning signal and what regulations govern activation of the warning device at such locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Quantum Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Kane, James Francis Shockley, Harrison Thomas Hickenlooper
  • Patent number: 6511023
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the real time location of wheeled cars linked together in a train traveling on a fixed track. The method creates a wheel count and a location point for the train by counting the number of wheels on the train in a sequential order as the train passes a first wheel counting station, wherein the wheel counting station is stationary at a fixed location. The wheel count and location point for the train is then recorded in a computer. As the train passes subsequent wheel counting stations positioned along the track, the train is identified by recounting the wheels on the train and matching the number of recounted train wheels to the wheel count. The location point of the train is updated in the computer to correspond to the location of the last wheel counting station and to count the number of wheels on the train. Subsequently, a rail car location in the computer is created, wherein the rail car location corresponds to the last updated location point for the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Sydney Allen Harland
  • Patent number: 6471162
    Abstract: A railroad maintenance-of-way personnel warning system and method therefor provides advanced detecting and warning of oncoming trains encroaching the construction area. Magnetometer sensors detect an oncoming train whereby a warning signal is transmitted to a receiver unit at the construction zone. Warning alarms including a flashing light and siren horn are thereby activated to indicate the imminent danger whereupon the construction personnel may take cautionary and evasive action in sufficient time to avoid mishap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: EVA Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Pace
  • Patent number: 6456937
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to identifying locomotive consists within train consists, and determining the order of the locomotives within the identified locomotive consists. By identifying locomotive consists and the order of locomotives within such consists, a railroad can better manage it locomotive fleet. In one exemplary embodiment, an on-board tracking system for being mounted to each locomotive of a train includes locomotive interfaces for interfacing with other systems of the particular locomotive, and a computer coupled to receive inputs from the interface, and a GPS receiver and a satellite communicator (transceiver) coupled to the computer. Generally, the onboard tracking systems determine the absolute position of the locomotive on which it is mounted and additionally, obtain information regarding specific locomotive interfaces that relate to the operational state of the locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John R. Doner, David L. Diana, Kevin N. Clyne
  • Publication number: 20020113171
    Abstract: A system which operates a digitally controlled model railroad transmitting a first command from a first client program to a resident external controlling interface through a first communications transport. A second command is transmitted from a second client program to the resident external controlling interface through a second communications transport. The first command and the second command are received by the resident external controlling interface which queues the first and second commands. The resident external controlling interface sends third and fourth commands representative of the first and second commands, respectively, to a digital command station for execution on the digitally controlled model railroad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Matthew A. Katzer
  • Publication number: 20020088904
    Abstract: A train location system and methodA train location system and method utilizes inertial measurement inputs, including orthogonal acceleration inputs and turn rate information, in combination with wheel-mounted tachometer information and GPS/DGPS position fixes to provide processed outputs indicative of track occupancy, position, direction of travel, velocity, etc. Various navigation solutions are combined together to provide the desired information outputs using an optimal estimator designed specifically for rail applications and subjected to motion constraints reflecting the physical motion limitations of a locomotive. The system utilizes geo-reconciliation to minimize errors and solutions that identify track occupancy when traveling through a turnout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas J. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20020084387
    Abstract: A method for identifying and determining the position of rolling stock within a railyard using a system that includes an AEI reader, a plurality of elevated electronic imaging devices and a tracking computer. The rolling stock includes a plurality of railcars and a plurality of locomotives. The method includes recording an identification pattern for each piece of rolling stock as each piece enters the railyard, compiling tracking data of the rolling stock as the rolling stock moves within the railyard using the respective identification patterns, and mapping the position of each piece of rolling stock as the rolling stock moves within the railyard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: William Matheson, Russell Whitfield
  • Patent number: 6377215
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the rotation of a wheel truck on a rail vehicle and further for determining the relative direction of motion of said truck with respect to said rail vehicle and further for determining the rate at which the truck moves with respect to the rail vehicle is disclosed, which is a low power radar sensor disposed underneath the rail vehicle and directed toward the truck. In a Preferred embodiment, two sensors are shown which are disposed on opposite sides of the rail vehicle. The sensors are coupled with an onboard computing device and with other components of a train control system which can be used for precisely locating the train on closely spaced parallel tracks and further for updating and augmenting position information used by the train control system. The system including GPS receivers and wheel tachometers for providing alternate sources of information for position determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: WABTEC Railway Electronics
    Inventors: David H. Halvorson, Joe B. Hungate
  • Publication number: 20010032908
    Abstract: An automated railroad crossing warning system includes a controller for servicing the intersection of a railroad track and a roadway with directional horns oriented in opposite directions to direct horn blasts along the roadway is disclosed. A controller detects the presence of a train approaching the intersection and transmits a signal to the horns to activate the horns. A horn detector transmits a signal to the controller upon activation of the horns at a predetermined decibel level. The controller then activates the light such that the railroad engineer can visually determine that the horns at the intersection are being activated. The controller includes an electronic circuit which causes the horns to produce blasts in a predetermined sequence which matches the conventional signal produced by a train engine upon approaching such a crossing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Kurt Anderson, Matt Ablett
  • Patent number: 6145792
    Abstract: A warning system and method for warning a train operator that the train is approaching personnel at a railroad station includes a transmitter disposed at the railroad station for transmitting a radio frequency (RF) warning signal with a given power output. A receiver is disposed on the train for receiving the RF warning signal. The receiver generates an alarm to notify the train operator of the presence of the personnel at the railroad station upon receiving the RF warning signal. A transmitter is disposed on the train for transmitting an RF confirmation signal upon receipt of the RF warning signal by the receiver disposed on the train. A receiver disposed at the railroad station receives the RF confirmation signal. The receiver disposed at the railroad station generates an alarm to notify the personnel that the train operator is aware of the presence of the personnel at the railroad station upon receiving the RF confirmation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: George Gregory Penza, George Robert Penza
  • Patent number: 6113037
    Abstract: A railroad maintenance-of-way personnel warning system and method therefor provides advanced detection and warning of oncoming trains encroaching the construction area. Magnetometer sensors detect an oncoming train whereby a waning signal is transmitted to a receiver unit at the construction zone. Warning alarms including a flashing light and siren horn are thereby activated to indicate the imminent danger such whereupon the construction personnel may take precautionary and evasive action in sufficient time to avoid mishap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: EVA Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Pace