Speed-control Systems Patents (Class 246/182R)
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Patent number: 6135396Abstract: A system and method for dynamically controlling the operation of a plurality of unmanned freight trains operating over a predetermined track layout. The method includes generating a movement plan that provides for the operation of the freight trains over several alternative routes within the track layout. A wireless communication system is used to transmit speed and braking commands to the freight trains. Commands for the wayside resources are transmitted, using wireless communications, as necessary to carry out the movement plan.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: GE-Harris Railway Electronics, LLCInventors: Russell U. Whitfield, William L. Matheson, Fred A. Ford, Wayne Basta, Ernest L. Peek, Anthony J. Guarino, Barbara S. Furtney, Charles F. Gipson
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Patent number: 6095618Abstract: A train control system is for a train comprising at least first and second train segments including a brake pipe being separated between adjacent train segments. The train control system preferably comprises a first control subsystem for installation in a locomotive of the first train segment and a second control subsystem for installation in a locomotive of the second train segment. The first and second control subsystems communicate with one another for controlling train braking. The system also preferably includes a third control subsystem for installation in a railcar adjacent an end of the first train segment. This third control subsystem preferably includes at least one pressure transducer for sensing brake pipe pressure adjacent the end of the first train segment, and at least one control valve for controlling brake pipe pressure adjacent the end of the first train segment.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: GE-Harris Railway Electronics, L.L.C.Inventors: Steven P. Heneka, Andrew T. Powshok, Eugene A. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 6092468Abstract: A bi-directional operating automated guided transit system such as a people mover including a vehicle having at least one pair of opposing axles, each axle having a wheel with its own drive system. The vehicle is capable of providing torque controlled steering to the vehicle. Sensors mounted on the vehicle detect the path of a guide track and, through a controlling system, direct the motors to provide a constant torque to both wheels, thereby directing the vehicle along a straight path or, in the alternative, direct the motors associated with each wheel to provide differing torques, thereby causing the vehicle to turn. The system also permits a vehicle operator to bypass the sensor signal and to manually steer the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1998Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Klaus-Ruediger H. Hase
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Patent number: 6035250Abstract: A locomotive brake control unit includes a manifold having a brake cylinder module for controlling pressure at the brake cylinder port in response to at least train braking signals and first and second ports on the control unit for receiving electropneumatic resetting and non-resetting dynamic brake interlocks respectively to control the train braking signals during dynamic braking, if an interlock module is present in one of the interlock ports.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1997Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: New York Air Brake CorporationInventors: Ronald O. Newton, Kevin B. Root
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Patent number: 6008731Abstract: A motion detector for detecting movement of a rail based vehicle and the direction of that movement is provided. The motion detector can be integral with or attachable to an end-of-train unit and can include a single axis accelerometer mounted at an angle from the rails for detecting acceleration in both the lateral and vertical directions. A systems controller, which can include an analyzer, can be provided to receive and analyze output from the accelerometer to determine a motion state and a direction. A power controller can be provided for supplying power to the accelerometer on an intermittent basis to conserve power. A calibration unit can be provided to both initially calibrate and to subsequently recalibrate the accelerometer after a stopped motion state is detected. Additionally, an input/output port and an output driver for conditioning the signal for output to the end-of-train unit can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Union Switch & Signal, Inc.Inventor: Ronald R. Capan
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Patent number: 5983144Abstract: In this invention there is disclosed a system and method for tuning look-ahead error measurements that is used to improve the train handling performance of a rail-based transportation system. A look-ahead error module along with a fuzzy logic controller is synthesized to ensure that a train simulator complies to a prescribed speed limit over a specified track profile while providing a smooth ride. A genetic algorithm is used to adjust the parameters of the look-ahead error module.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Piero Patrone Bonissone, Yu-To Chen, Pratap Shankar Khedkar
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Patent number: 5979334Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guide ways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guide way. The guide way provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guide way and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations. Automobiles are securely held on platforms which are so handled as to permit rapid loading and unloading operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Autran Corp.Inventor: Van Metre Lund
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Patent number: 5953995Abstract: A transport system for passive vehicles which move by way of wheels on treadways of a track includes guide surfaces for guiding the vehicles along the track. Each vehicle includes at least one drive roller propelling the vehicle through contact with rotary tubes. An axis of the drive roller is steerable with respect to the axis of the tubes. The vehicle also includes guide rollers adapted to cooperate with guide surfaces of the track. The track includes a trench containing the rotary tubes and a cover disposed atop the trench and having a lengthwise slit.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignees: Marc Treviso, Jean-Claude MourerInventor: Yves C. D. Saillant
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Patent number: 5950966Abstract: A system for controlling train movement uses a distributed architecture. Wayside controllers receive signals from individual trains, including position information derived from a navigation system. The wayside controllers interface with a central train control network, and coordinate local train movement including the issuance of incremental authorities.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Westinghouse Airbrake CompanyInventors: Joe Bryan Hungate, Stephen Robert Montgomery
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Patent number: 5950967Abstract: A train throttle and brake control apparatus is provided for use in a train having a master locomotive and one or more slave locomotives remotely located in the train. In a first embodiment, the apparatus includes a train force calculator which approximates train coupler forces based on computations as a function of the track topography. In a second embodiment, a coupler sensor is provided which senses the forces transmitted by the couplers on the slave locomotives. In either embodiment, a position determining device is included which provides a position signal based on the position of the train. A storage device stores a track database containing track topography information. A controller uses the coupler force computations or measurements, the position information, the track topography information, train consist information, and locomotive control settings to generate slave control signals which are provided to the slave locomotives through a communication device.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventor: Stephen R. Montgomery
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Patent number: 5825177Abstract: A rail mounted vehicle speed measuring device includes a first magnetic field generating member and a first magnetic field sensing member positioned at a first measuring location on the vehicle; a second magnetic field generating member and a second magnetic field sensing member positioned at a second measuring location on the vehicle, spaced a fixed distance from the first location in the direction of vehicle movement; wherein the magnetic fields generated by the first and second magnetic field generating member are influenced by the rail to produce first and second signal patterns sensed by the first and second sensing member and varying with movement of the vehicle along the rail; and device is provided for correlating the first and second sensed signal patterns to determine the time displacement between the two sensed signal patterns and the velocity of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: ABB Daimler-Benz Transportation Signal ABInventors: Askell Finnestad, Hakan Lind
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Patent number: 5713541Abstract: An electric power vehicle includes a propulsion system connected to a direct current (DC) source via a supply line. The propulsion system converts the DC supplied via the supply line to an AC electrical power to operate an AC motor at a desired level. An electromagnetic interference detection system for the vehicle includes an EMI processor connected to a current transducer and the propulsion system. The transducer detects AC signals appearing on the supply line and provides an output to the EMI processor. The EMI processor determines the frequency, amplitude and duration of the detected AC signals and causes the propulsion system to adjust the AC electrical power supplied to the motor as a function thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1997Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: ABB Daimler-Benz Transportation (North America) Inc.Inventors: William E. Schmitz, Pierre A. Zuber, William M. Truman, Fred J. Dimasi, Richard P. Ames
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Patent number: 5706735Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. Front and rear bogies of the vehicles pivot about front and rear vertical turn axes and carry direction control wheels that cooperate with guide ribs along tracks for selective control of movement to either of two exits from a Y junction. Electric power can be supplied through upper and lower track structures which can be of laminated construction. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Autran Corp.Inventor: VanMetre Lund
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Patent number: 5680120Abstract: A transportation safety apparatus and method for the detection of obstacles which lie off the line-of-sight or beyond the field of view of a moving vehicle entails shooting a laser beam through the air from a moving vehicle, capturing the beam and passing it to a fiberoptic relay which transmits a laser pulse to a distant site, and receiving a reflection thereof if the site is clear of obstacles. The pulses are received within about 10-20 microseconds per kilometer of relay length from the time of launching, permitting monitoring of the probe-site in real-time.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Aspen Systems Inc.Inventor: Michael M. Tilleman
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Patent number: 5598783Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections may include electrical connections for power and communication and they are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guideway. Transfer vehicles operate to transfer loads between the carrier vehicles and storage positions and may be controlled to move in either of two transverse directions or to rotate in a turntable operation. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Autran Corp.Inventor: VanMetre Lund
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Patent number: 5590603Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guideway. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Autran Corp.Inventor: VanMetre Lund
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Patent number: 5590604Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. Front and rear bogies of the vehicles pivot about front and rear vertical turn axes and carry direction control wheels that cooperate with guide ribs along tracks for selective control of movement to either of two exits from a Y junction. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Autran Corp.Inventor: VanMetre Lund
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Patent number: 5533695Abstract: A train control system employs a series of wayside control units spaced along the track, each of which has responsibility for the control of trains in a corresponding local area and monitors track availability and signal status in its local area. Each wayside unit has a data base in memory that comprises fixed data defining an operational profile of the associated local area, and is provided with a data radio for transmitting profile messages containing the fixed data for that area and authority messages containing the dynamic data bearing track availability and signal status information. A data radio in a receive mode on a train receives the data transmissions from the wayside unit or units responsible for its control, and an on-board computer determines the proper train control instructions from the received data.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1994Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Harmon Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Heggestad, Donald B. Schaefer, Jr.
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Patent number: 5474267Abstract: A method and device for effecting a fast but smooth deceleration or stopping of trains controlled under the automatic train control (ATC) system. Under ATC, a permitted maximum velocity is provided as an "ATC condition" to activate the brake system of the train if that velocity is exceeded. When it is necessary to alter the velocity of a train, a control center specifies a feeder section to have the ATC condition to be altered. Next, a substation corresponding to the specified feeder section is provided with notice about the alteration of the ATC condition. The notice includes the impending reduction of velocity. In response, the substation decelerates the train without using the ATC brake system provided on the train. When the train has been sufficiently slowed down such that the alteration of the ATC condition will not result in activation of the ATC brake system, the alteration of the ATC condition is then effected.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Central Japan Railway CompanyInventors: Kiyoto Kubota, Hiroto Takeuchi, Shinichiro Kato
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Patent number: 5452870Abstract: A train control-system employs beacon transponders along the track to transmit fixed data to a passing train in addition to dynamic data relating to track availability and routing provided by encoded cab signals transmitted in the track. The fixed data includes the location of block boundaries and distances to such boundaries, timetable speed limits, and the distance to a point along the track at which a speed restriction is in effect. This data and other fixed information is integrated with the dynamic data in an on-board computer which determines train control instructions from the received data and displays the instructions to the train crew. The system is capable of enforcing any restrictive instructions that are not obeyed.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Harmon Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Heggestad
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Patent number: 5437422Abstract: A railway signalling system comprising a control device for controlling the movements of railway vehicles on a railway track.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1993Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Assignee: Westinghouse Brake and Signal Holdings LimitedInventor: Greogory D. Newman
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Patent number: 5436631Abstract: A system for identifying momentary location and the momentary velocity of, in particular, a rail-bound vehicle, has a transmission/evaluation unit having an antenna for emitting a high-frequency pulse and for receiving a reflected pulse reply signal. Surface wave identification marks having individual coding are arranged at intervals from one another in an area of and along a prescribed travel path of the vehicle. The mutual phase shift of at least two pulse reply signals can be measured as a Doppler shift and the travel velocity can be calculated therefrom via the relative velocity with pulse interrogations of an identification mark following one another at least twice at a predetermined location before/after traversing a specific identification mark. The point in time change in operational sign of the Doppler shift is acquired for this identification mark, and is the point in time of traversal of the location of the specific identification mark.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1994Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Valentin Magori, Wolf-Eckhart Bulst
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Patent number: 5388789Abstract: The present invention provides a system for automatically controlling the distance between vehicles following each other on the same drive track which includes in each vehicle a drive device, brake device, distance sensing device, vehicle speed measuring device, and control device. Paralleling the drive track are a neutral rail and a control rail. The drive device drives the vehicle. The brake device brakes the vehicle. The distance sensing device generates a distance variable. The vehicle speed measuring device measures a speed of the vehicle, and generates speed signals based thereon. The control device controls the drive device to drive the vehicle at a speed based on a speed control variable. The control device generates the speed control variable based on the distance variable. The speed control variable is less than the distance variable.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1992Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: AEG Monorail Systems Inc.Inventor: Reinhart Rudershausen
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Patent number: 5376925Abstract: Motion and direction sensors for end of train (EOT) telemetry equipment employ a piezoelectric film as the sensing element. The motion sensor has a mechanical design which is optimized for detecting vibration on a railroad car. The electrical circuitry of the motion sensor generates output pulses to the EOT microprocessor which are processed according to an algorithm to make a determination of train motion based on detected vibration levels and rates of occurrence. Also, the EOT microprocessor dynamically adjusts the sensitivity of the motion sensor as a function of detected motion. The direction sensor uses a pendulum aligned with the axis of train motion to stress the piezoelectric film and, like the motion sensor, generates output pulses to the EOT microprocessor. These pulses are processed by a direction sensing algorithm implemented on the EOT microprocessor to determine the direction of train motion.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1992Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: Pulse Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Donald M. Crisafulli, Jayaram A. Grama
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Patent number: 5364047Abstract: A signaling and traffic control system which is capable of a vehicle determining its own absolute position along a guideway based on information received from the wayside using an inductive loop or beacon system in conjunction with the distance traveled according to the onboard tach generator(s), and report its position to a wayside control device, whereby the wayside control device reports to the vehicle, as part of its communications message, the location of the closest forward obstacle. Based upon this information, the vehicle controls itself safely based upon its characteristics as contained in a topographicla database and a vehicle database.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1993Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: General Railway Signal CorporationInventors: William A. Petit, George G. Maderer, Samuel J. Macano, James R. Hoelscher
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Patent number: 5340062Abstract: A train control system employs beacon transponders along the track to transmit fixed data to a passing train in addition to dynamic data relating to track availability and routing provided by encoded cab signals transmitted in the track. The fixed data includes the location of block boundaries and distances to such boundaries, timetable speed limits, and the distance to a point along the track at which a speed restriction is in effect. This data and other fixed information is integrated with the dynamic data in an on-board computer which determines train control instructions from the received data and displays the instructions to the train crew. The system is capable of enforcing any restrictive instructions that are not obeyed.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1992Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Harmon Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert E. Heggestad
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Patent number: 5305693Abstract: A system and method for movement of self-propelled vehicles in-line along a rail under external control is intended to ensure safe spacing between vehicles to avoid collisions. Each vehicle is driven by its own variable speed motor. The speed of the vehicles is controlled by a stationary cam extending beside the rail. The edge of the cam rises and falls in a predetermined manner and is sensed by a cam follower on each vehicle. The cam follower is coupled to a transducer which produces a control signal for varying the vehicle speed in response to the rise or fall of the cam edge. Each vehicle pulls along a tail which extends behind the vehicle and is guided for motion alongside the edge of the cam.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1993Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Assignee: The Walt Disney CompanyInventors: Bruce S. Johnson, Mark S. Mesko
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Patent number: 5303157Abstract: A locomotive control system having a single handle movable between a maximum propulsion position, through diminishing propulsion positions, through a release/idle position, through increasing braking positions, through a full service brake position to an emergency brake position. The control system receives position signals from the handle and generates propulsion, dynamic braking and fluid braking control signals as a function of the position signals. For any braking position of the handle, the control system first applies or removes dynamic braking and then provides fluid braking depending upon the position of the handle, the type of train brakes and whether the dynamic braking has maximized or is zero.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1993Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Assignee: Knorr Brake Holding CorporationInventors: Kevin B. Root, John J. Allen, Ronald O. Newton
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Patent number: 5294081Abstract: A device comprises a detector for detecting markers along the railway track processor for processing the signals supplied by the detector, in order to control the speed of a rail vehicle as a function of its position and instantaneous speed on a track section. The markers comprise, on each track section, markers (1) arranged at constant or random intervals at the entry of each section and markers (2) arranged to form a beacon for identifying the section in question and for initializing the device. The signal processor comprises a memory (9) in which a vehicle progress program is stored in the form of codes associated with each marker arranged on the ground and each containing a data item relating to the type of ground marker which is to be detected, a data item relating to a set-point speed of the vehicle on a level with the marker, and a data item relating to the number of the track section covered.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1992Date of Patent: March 15, 1994Assignee: Aigle Azur ConceptInventor: Jean-Pierre Malon
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Patent number: 5271584Abstract: A railway signalling system uses coded electrical information signals to convey vital signal information to wayside signal locations. The coded information signals are in the form of unipolar three-pulse DC signals capable of being sent or received during a 1.4 second transmission or receiving cycle. The system establishes greater signalling capability than prior systems which used only a two-pulse DC signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1992Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Assignee: General Railway SignalInventors: Robert I. Hochman, William A. Petit
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Patent number: 5239472Abstract: A method and means is provided whereby a vehicle travelling between two fixed points may be controlled either automatically or by prompting a driver to accelerate, coast and brake when required to meet a predetermined time of arrival at the finish point such that any period of coasting is maximized. Use of this method maximizes fuel efficient usage by the vehicle. The progress of the vehicle is monitored and will translate into a velocity/distance curve. The time to COAST and BRAKE is determined from knowing and approximating the vehicle's coasting and braking characteristics along the route path ahead and in conjunction with the real time velocity/distance curve provides intersection points. Those points represent COAST and BRAKE times and means to indicate the action of COAST and BRAKE are then actuated.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1990Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Assignee: Techsearch IncorporatedInventors: Andrew M. Long, Ian P. Milroy, Basil R. Benjamin, Guiseppe A. Gelonese, Peter J. Pudney
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Patent number: 5181679Abstract: Apparatus for use in a train speed control system which meets speed control signals, known as code rate signals, into a track section and restricts the injection of other signals which would allow faster train speeds. The apparatus enables speeds to be restricted in sections of the track where maintenance crews are working or otherwise where necessary or desirable. The apparatus is adaptable for use with many different configurations of speed control signals as may be used by different rapid transit authorities. The apparatus has a speed restriction carrier printed circuit board which presents a first set of contacts along an edge thereof which may be at the end of a slot into which a speed restriction selection printed circuit board is insertable in a plurality of different positions (eight positions for a square board). The speed restriction selection board has a plurality of second sets of contacts, two sets sharing the same edge of the board.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1991Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: General Railway Signal CorporationInventors: Klaus Frielinghaus, Steven M. Ferrarese
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Patent number: 5127599Abstract: A deceleration zone in a linear motor in-track transit system is provided. The transit system includes a guideway and at least one vehicle carrying a linear motor secondary moveable along the guideway between a freight loading station and a freight unloading station. Linear induction motor (LIM) primaries are disposed along the guideway at spaced intervals to provide thrust to the vehicles. Deceleration zones are designated at certain segments of the guideway wherein reduced speed of the vehicles is required. The deceleration zones include a plurality of spaced permanent magnet decelerators located along the guideway adjacent the vehicle entrance end of the deceleration zone. The decelerators cause eddy currents to flow in the linear motor secondaries carried by vehicles passing thereover due to the magnetic interaction between the decelerators and the linear motor secondaries. The eddy currents result in a retarding thrust being supplied to the vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1990Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: UTDC, Inc.Inventor: Pierre Veraart
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Patent number: 5118055Abstract: A transit system implementing a reduced voltage braking scheme is provided. The transit system includes a guideway extending between freight loading and freight unloading stations. Freight carrying vehicles are moveable along the guideway between the stations. The guideway is divided into a number of blocks with each block including at least two linear motor primaries located along the guideway at spaced intervals. A controller is associated with each block and communicates with the linear motor primaries as well as with sensors positioned along the guideway within the block. The controller is in communication with the controllers in the adjacent upstream and downstream blocks and provides an occupied signal to the upstream block when a vehicle is detected in the block.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1990Date of Patent: June 2, 1992Assignee: UTDC, Inc.Inventor: Pierre Veraart
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Patent number: 5083274Abstract: A railroad brake pressure recorder for use with both analogue and digital break pressure manifolds monitors the signal on its analogue air brake pressure input connector. If the signal on this input exceeds a predetermined frequency, inputs are processed as coming from an analogue manifold. If it is less than this frequency, the inputs are processed as coming from a digital manifold.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1990Date of Patent: January 21, 1992Assignee: Pulse Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Angel P. Bezos, Emilio A. Fernandez
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Patent number: 5074499Abstract: A system for transmitting initialization information between fixed installations and trains.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1989Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: GEC Alsthom SAInventor: Patrick Marchand
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Patent number: 5012749Abstract: A material handling system, such as a monorail material handling system, and a delivery device therefor which is intelligent, self-powered and capable of communicating with a central system control via a radio frequency communication link without direct electrical connection therewith. The material handling system comprises at least one delivery device, a pathway along which the delivery device is adapted to be propelled, and a central electronic control for controlling operation of the system. Each delivery device includes a drive for propelling the delivery device along the pathway, an onboard power supply for providing power to the drive, and an onboard electronic control for controlling operation of the delivery device. The onboard electronic control and the central electronic control include radio frequency communications for providing a radio communication link therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1990Date of Patent: May 7, 1991Assignee: The Allen Group Inc.Inventor: Robert D. Passage, Jr.
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Patent number: 5006989Abstract: This invention relates to cab signalling systems that receive various permissible maximum speed signals and decode the maximum speed signal to inform the engineman of a train of the current maximum safe speed that a train may travel. The apparatus of this invention accomplishes the foregoing by utilizing a single digital filter and a microprocessor to decode the various transmitted maximum speed signals and to verify that the decoded maximum speed signal represents one of the permissible maximum safe speeds.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1989Date of Patent: April 9, 1991Assignee: General Signal CorporationInventor: John W. Parker
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Patent number: 4988061Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for the automatic control of a guided vehicle (2) and proposes a new safety concept which, if breakdowns and/or emergencies arise, prevents the vehicle from being stopped in tunnels, on bridges or on pathless terrain. The invention lies in that between preselected stopping regions (11, 12, 13) provided with system for evaluation of passengers and for intervention by rescue services, the vehicle is always operated at such a high speed that even if the driving force fails, travel can still continue from every point of the line on account of its instantaneous momentum at least as far as a preselected subsequent stopping region in the direction of travel, and if a breakdown and/or emergency situation arises the vehicle (2) is brought to a standstill by initiation of automatic train stop or target automatic train stop in this preselected stopping region (FIG. 1).Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1989Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Thyssen Industries AGInventors: Luitpold Miller, Herbert Jansen
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Patent number: 4956779Abstract: The functions to be performed by a digital overspeed controller are implemented by application of two concepts, namely "diverse channels" and "even/odd systems cycles"; in accordance with the first concept, two channels are maintained throughout the overspeed controller, beginning with two independent tachometer inputs; all of the functions involve operations to be performed in each of the two channels separately. The numerical results for each of the channels are different and the numerical difference between the two channels is used to prove the integrity of the functions described. The second concept of "even/odd system cycles" involves a "system cycle time", denoted T.sub.CYC, that is nominally 100 milliseconds. All of the functions of the controller are performed each system cycle. In order to be able to vitally distinguish data results between adjacent cycles, the cycles are denoted EVEN and ODD, and the results of each of the operations produce different numerical values on even and odd cycles.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1988Date of Patent: September 11, 1990Assignee: General Signal CorporationInventor: David B. Rutherford
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Patent number: 4915328Abstract: A control method of an electric vehicle in which a frictional contact of rotating or stationary wheels of the electric vehicle to a rail road is recovered again when the wheels are in a slipping condition which is determined by a variable concerning rotation of the wheels exceeding a detection level which is determined by a sum of an instructed vehicle acceleration and a gradient acceleration determined by an inclination of the rail road.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1989Date of Patent: April 10, 1990Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Noriaki Nakamoto
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Patent number: 4901953Abstract: A railway vehicle controller apparatus having a housing in which a rotatable shaft having a first portion positioned within the housing and a second portion extending out of the housing is provided. A control mechanism is connected to the second portion of such rotatable shaft. Such control mechanism is operable by an operator of such railway vehicle. A detection unit is positioned within the housing to detect a rotational position of the rotatable shaft. The detection unit includes a unit to provide an electrical signal indicative of such rotational position of the rotatable shaft. Such a signal is used as an acceleration or deceleration command. A control resistance mechanism engages the rotatable shaft to provide a controlled resistance to rotation of such rotatable shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1988Date of Patent: February 20, 1990Assignee: Nippon air Brake Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuyoshi Munetika
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Patent number: 4854529Abstract: A vehicle control system in accordance with the present invention permits a vehicle to move only in the case where both of a device for detecting the content of a signal for directing the travelling speed of the vehicle transmitted from the trackside and a device for detecting the presence of the above signal perform detecting operations. The apparatus also comprises a device for detecting an abnormal operation of both the above mentioned devices, so that a runaway of the vehicle can be avoided. In addition, a voltage signal can be used for detecting the speed, and the vehicle can be controlled by means of a set of two signal lines, resulting in a reduction in the amount of equipment.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1988Date of Patent: August 8, 1989Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Shuichi Osada, Satoru Hayashi, Masaru Goto, Kiyoshi Godo
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Patent number: 4804910Abstract: A traction load meter system for displaying information concerning the amount of current energizing electric motors which drive a locomotive. These motors have power and braking modes and have a continuous current rating. The system includes a current-to-frequency converter for providing an output signal having a frequency corresponding to the amount of current drawn by the motors. Electronic logic circuitry is included for receiving this output signal and being responsive thereto to provide outputs indicating whether the locomotive is in the power or braking mode, the amount of current being drawn, whether this amount is above the continuous rated current for the motors, and the period of time the above-rated condition has existed. Additionally, the meter system includes a display panel connected to the logic circuitry and adapted to be mounted in a cab of the locomotive for displaying to the engineer the aforementioned outputs of the logic circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1986Date of Patent: February 14, 1989Assignee: Vapor CorporationInventor: Jack A. Russell
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Patent number: 4752053Abstract: A railway vehicle motion detector that monitors vibrations within the vehicle and the acceleration thereof to provide an indication of the condition of motion of the vehicle. The motion detector is adapted to be mounted on any railway vehicle, and in particular on the last vehicle of a railway train, and to be incorporated into a system that monitors and remotely displays a plurality of train status conditions. The motion detector includes a transducer (10) that converts the vehicle vibrations and acceleration into an electrical output signal. A velocity circuit (12) selectively passes and integrates a range of frequencies of the transducer output signal that are reliable indicators of vehicle motion to obtain a velocity signal having a magnitude that is proportional to a change in the velocity of the vehicle and a polarity that is indicative of the direction of a change in velocity.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1984Date of Patent: June 21, 1988Assignee: DSL Dynamic Sciences LimitedInventor: Peter C. Boetzkes
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Patent number: 4732355Abstract: In railway signaling systems which transmit rate code signals along track circuits, which signals are picked up by the trains and used for signaling purposes, such as speed control, the rate code signals of the same repetition rate received when the train passes between adjacent track section may suffer a phase shift, also known as a phase jump. To prevent loss of the rate code signal during a phase jump, an improved rate code decoding system is provided wherein a correlation process is applied to the received rate code signal by multiplying the signal in separate multipliers with reference signals which are in quadrature and then cross-correlating the output of the multipliers with a step function and summing the absolute values of the outputs of the cross-correlators to provide a level which is substantially constant in the presence of a phase jump.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1986Date of Patent: March 22, 1988Assignee: General Signal CorporationInventor: John W. Parker
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Patent number: 4723737Abstract: For data communication in the form of messages between railways vehicles moving over a same track, short identical emissions at random times by modulating a directional microwave beam whose angular opening is sufficient in the horizontal direction for maintaining communication in bends of said track and switches and in the vertical direction for maintaining communication during changes in the profile of the track.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1985Date of Patent: February 9, 1988Assignee: Matra TransportInventor: Samuel Mimoun
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Patent number: 4710880Abstract: A passenger vehicle is provided for movement along a track having an input speed command including ONE and ZERO information components to control the vehicle speed. A first control apparatus including at least a first microprocessor is responsive to the ONE and ZERO information components for providing first and second speed error signals. A second control apparatus including at least a second microprocessor is responsive to the ONE and ZERO information components for providing third and fourth speed error signals the first control apparatus compares the first, second, third and fourth speed error signals for controlling the vehicle and the second control apparatus compares the first, second, third and fourth speed error signals for controlling the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1984Date of Patent: December 1, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventor: Pierre A. Zuber
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Patent number: 4655421Abstract: In order to transmit in a simple manner in a railway system informations from a ground station provided at the rail level to a railway vehicle, a plurality of transmitters (5) and receivers (4) are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the railway track and are used as coding elements (1,2,3) of a coding group and cooperate individually and one after the other with a code converter (9) upon the passage of a vehicle on the rails provided with a corresponding code converter (9)-like ground station. The isolated coding elements (1,2,3) comprised of transmitter (5) and receiver (4) form the parts of a resonant circuit which is synchronized with the frequency of the code converter (9) and which draws the whole energy required for its return from the transmission power of the code converter (9).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1984Date of Patent: April 7, 1987Inventor: Walter Jaeger
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Patent number: 4652057Abstract: A train having at least a pair of control cabs spaced along the train interconnected electrically. Electric signals transmitted between the control cabs allows for fluid braking signals to be propagated from both control cabs toward each other. Each car of the train includes a device for modifying a test signal transmitted between the control cabs in response to a specified condition. The signal modify device can be a tuned circuit and may indicate brake status or a hot journal.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1985Date of Patent: March 24, 1987Assignee: General Signal CorporationInventors: Thomas H. Engle, John W. Parker