Switch Or Signal Indicators Patents (Class 246/162)
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Patent number: 10953897Abstract: A railway switching machine includes a housing, a first point detector bar slidably coupled to the housing and structured to be directly coupled to a first switch point, and a second point detector bar slidably coupled to the housing and structured to be directly coupled to a second switch point.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: HITACHI RAIL STS USA, INC.Inventors: Kevin Mcquistian, Eric Mcgraw, Russell Szewczyk
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Patent number: 10501102Abstract: A positive train control system and method comprises a plurality of RFID devices embedded in a track way and having data representing location stored therein, and an RFID reader/detector mounted on a train for reading the location data from the embedded RFID devices. The location data is processed on the train and/or at a central facility for determining whether the train location and/or time is consistent with a train routing order. Messages, alerts and/or warnings may be generated for an alert device and/or for automated response, e.g., via a train control system.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Avante International Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Kwong-Tai Chung, Albert Han-Ping Chung, Yulin Huang
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Patent number: 8996209Abstract: A method for operating a railway section that includes section elements, which are each actuated by a processor that is reliable in terms of signaling and cyclically carries out a test routine. A railway section is configured for carrying out the method. In order to save energy and cost, the processor is operated selectively in active mode or sleep mode. From the sleep mode the processor is switched to the active mode for the duration of the test routine by way of a timer logic element that is reliable in terms of signaling.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Rudolf Temming
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Patent number: 8214092Abstract: A distributed interlocking device, architecture and process are disclosed, and are based on segregating the vital logic for a signal installation by type of signal equipment. A plurality of intelligent signal devices is disclosed, wherein each intelligent signal device is used to control a basic signal unit. In turn, a signal unit includes a set of signal apparatuses that are geographically and logically interrelated. An intelligent signal device receives data related to the states of other signal devices, determines and controls its own operational states, and communicates its own operational states to other devices. A generic intelligent signal device is also disclosed, and is based on a parameterization approach that incorporates a plurality of vital parameters into the vital logic of the device. The device is then customized to a site specific location by activating the appropriate parameters for that location.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Nabil N. Ghaly
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Patent number: 8032078Abstract: An interface device for interfacing a set of wayside systems with a radio transmitter includes a plurality of input ports each having at least one input for receiving a signal representing a state of a corresponding wayside system and first and second parallel data paths coupled to the plurality of input ports. Each data path includes input protection circuitry coupled to the inputs of the input ports for preventing short-circuit and open-circuit conditions from triggering a false input state, a multiplexer for selecting between the input port; and a processor for scanning the input ports with the multiplexer to determine the state of current signals appearing at the inputs. In response to determining the state of the current signals appearing at the inputs, the processor generates a message communicating a current state of the wayside systems for delivery to the radio transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: MeteorComm, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Donich, Paul F. Kulik, David B. Kelley, Richard J. Fulthorp, Dale K. Smith
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Patent number: 7983806Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Canadian National Railway CompanyInventors: Kari Muinonen, Anshu Pathak, Matthew Barker, Vincent Morency
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Patent number: 7810761Abstract: A method for controlling a model railroad stationary switch machine comprising sensing whether a train occupies a main track section near a track switch that connects between said main track section and at least two diverging track sections. An automatic switch control function for the track switch is inhibited in response to sensing that a train occupies the main track section near the track switch when a train is determined to be approaching the track switch on at least one of the diverging track sections. In addition, a method is provided for controlling a model railroad track switch comprising changing a position of the track switch, and automatically returning the track switch to a home position after expiration of a time interval following the changing of the track switch position.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventors: Anthony R. Parisi, Larry Maier
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Patent number: 7742849Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Canadian National Railway CompanyInventors: Kari Muinonen, Anshu Pathak, Matthew Barker, Vincent Morency
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Patent number: 7457691Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Canadian National Railway CompanyInventors: Kari Muinonen, Anshu Pathak, Matthew Barker, Vincent Morency, Gordon Doyle
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Patent number: 7191986Abstract: In a device for checking the operation of devices (4) used to displace movable switch parts (2, 3), in which the movable switch parts (2, 3) are connected with each other by a coupling rod (13), the coupling rod (13) is comprised of two coupling rod parts (14, 15) that are relatively movable in the axial direction. Sensors (34, 35) are provided for the detection of at least two different displacement positions of the coupling rod parts (14, 15).Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignees: VAE Eisenbahnsysteme GmbH, VAE AktiengesellschaftInventors: Herbert Achleitner, Anton Schaffer, Josef Hörtler
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Patent number: 7168662Abstract: A switching assembly includes a pair of hollow ties, a pair of supports, and a linkage. The linkage extends generally through the hollow ties, whereby the cribs are generally free of linkage components, and the ballast in the cribs can be compacted with known automated machinery. The linkage includes a number of lugs and a number of rods, with the rods each being formed from standard bar stock and threaded, and with the linkage configuration avoiding the need to custom bend any of the rods. The hollow ties are formed from generally available standard box section steel, as are the supports. The spacing between the hollow ties can be varied in accordance with the pitch of the other rail ties of the railroad switch. Each hollow tie can include a heater. The switching assembly is highly adjustable, which makes it suitable for use in numerous different track configurations.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Union Switch & Signal, Inc.Inventors: Kevin McQuistian, Edward E. Edwards, Jr.
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Patent number: 6556898Abstract: A distributed control system for a track network includes a local controller connected to a plurality of switch machines and a central office. The local controller receives from each switch machine a switch position signal and outputs to at least one switch machine a switch control signal related to a desired state of a track switch associated with the at least one switch machine in one of a plurality of positions. The local controller further outputs to the central office a first communication signal including switch position data corresponding to the switch position signal output by the at least one switch machine and receives from the central office, as a function of the first communication signal and a desired movement of one or more vehicles on the track network, a second communication signal which includes switch control data corresponding to the switch control data output to the at least one switch machine.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbHInventor: Keith W. Clawson
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Patent number: 6164600Abstract: Device for detecting the positions of pivotable parts of a rail switch, such as, e.g., tongue rails (1, 2) by at least one sensor designed as a continuous distance sensor (4,5,6,7), wherein the sensor output is connected to a circuit arrangement (10) for two separate evaluations, the first evaluation being configured as a distance evaluation and the second evaluation being configured as a function control of the sensor, as well as a method for evaluating signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: VAE AktiengesellschaftInventors: Kurt Seidl, Josef Frauscher
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Patent number: 5253830Abstract: In a method for monitoring the condition of rail switch points and for detection of premature abrasive wear-and-tear in the region of the tongue switching rail (3) of the points, the signals from at least one proximity sensor (2) in the region of the tongue switching rail (3) of the points are evaluated when the tongue switching rail is travelled upon, and the smallest measured value of the separation distance (l) during the travel is stored in memory. The smallest measured value stored in memory and at least a first limiting value for the smallest separation distance are compared with one another and, when the smallest measured value in memory exceeds this first limiting value, a warning signal is generated.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1992Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: Voest-Alpine Eisenbahnsysteme Gesellschaft m.b.H.Inventors: Wolfgang Nayer, Gerald Durchschlag
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Patent number: 5192038Abstract: A safety detector for a railroad switch point having a detector mechanism which is to be secured to a stockrail at the switch point where the stockrail is intended to be in contact with a corresponding switchrail, in which the detector mechanism is adjustably secured in a housing located below the stack rail and has a spring loaded plunger assembly normally biased in the direction of the switchrail and reciprocably secured preferably beneath the stockrail in alignment with the switchrail at the switch point, electrical contacts connected to the plunger assembly for reporting contact or the lack of contact between the switchrail and the stockrail, and a contact on the switchrail at the switchpoint for reciprocating the plunger against the electrical reporting contacts when the switchrail is in physical contact with the stockrail at the switchpoint.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1992Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Inventor: Salvador C. Ocampo
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Patent number: 5116006Abstract: A safety detector for a railroad switch point having detector mechanism which is to be secured to a stockrail at the switch point where the stockrail is intended to be in contact with a corresponding switchrail, in which the detector mechanism is adjustably secured in a housing and has a spring loaded plunger assembly normally biased in the direction of the switchrail and reciprocably secured through the stockrail in alignment with the switchrail at the switch point, electrical contacts connected to the plunger assembly for reporting contact or the lack of contact between the switchrail and the stockrail, and a contact on the switchrail at the switchpoint for reciprocating the plunger against the electrical reporting contacts when the switchrail is in physical contact with the stockrail at the switchpoint.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1991Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Inventor: Salvador C. Ocampo
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Patent number: 5096147Abstract: An in-circuit contact monitor for providing reliable and safe detection of the position of fail safe, or vital, circuit contacts in railroad signaling and inter-locking control circuits comprises an impedance network arranged in a bridge configuration, a low-power, high-frequency signal source, an isolation transformer, and a pair of DC blocking capacitors. The low-power, high-frequency AC source provides energy for an isolated circuit which is used in detecting the toggling of an individual circuit contact. The circuit is configured such that the vital circuitry, which is connected to the circuit contact, is completely isolated from the DC components generated by the low-power, high-voltage AC source. The isolation transformer acts to isolate the monitor system from the in-circuit contact monitor circuitry and thus the vital circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1990Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: Sel Division, Alcatel Canada Inc.Inventors: John R. Brohm, Walter Friesen
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Patent number: 4114844Abstract: Tongue switch positioning is monitored by circuitry to indicate the switch is obstructed.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1978Date of Patent: September 19, 1978Assignee: Abex CorporationInventor: Earl E. Frank