Spacing Patents (Class 246/2S)
  • Patent number: 5758847
    Abstract: A control device for conveyor systems in an industrial area has a drive motor in each overhead conveyor, a drive control, and an associated sensor consisting of a transmitter aimed at the leading overhead conveyor and a receiver for the signal reflected by this overhead conveyor. The transmitter is configured to transmit a detection signal not only straight ahead, but also diagonally leftward and rightward ahead. The reflector is designed with a three dimensional reflecting surface contour, so that even with diagonal aiming toward the following overhead conveyor, the signal emitted from its transmitter is reflected at its receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Corell, Dieter Braitmayer, Christoph Huber
  • Patent number: 5026009
    Abstract: A central control system includes a method for monitoring a plurality of trains throughout a transit system having computer for maintaining a train location table tracking the location of the trains throughout the system and for detecting and recording false train occupancy indications. The system is designed to handle a large number of false occupancy designations and to associate each train with a physical track circuit location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: AEG Westinghouse Transportation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Milnes
  • Patent number: 4768740
    Abstract: A railway vehicle control system particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for controlling single track working. Transponders are located at fixed positions along the track such as at intersections, points and so on, and a vehicle is provided with sensors for detecting the transponders. A central control office supplies information concerning an identifying characteristic of the next transponders expected to be detected, when this happens the event triggers apparatus on the vehicle to communicate with the central office which then supplies information to identify the next transponder. The same sequence of events ensues as each successive transponder is passed. The transponders may be staggered alternately to opposite sides of the track for identification purposes. If the expected transponder is not detected but instead a different transponder is encountered, then a vehicle safety function such as the emergency brakes, may be brought into operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company Limited
    Inventor: John D. Corrie
  • Patent number: 4723737
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Matra Transport
    Inventor: Samuel Mimoun
  • Patent number: 3988991
    Abstract: A conveyor system in which code devices with reflectors mounted on trucks selectively coact with optoelectronic reader units to cause spur line switches to selectively divert the trucks from a main line to particular spur lines is disclosed. Each reader unit has an energy beam emitter and a beam sensor both covered by a barrier surface. The emitter casts a beam upwardly at an angle to the vertical through a cover opening so that the reflector of a particular code device will reflect the beam through the opening to the sensor which thereupon initiates actuation of a spur line switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Horace M. Swartz