Wheel-slip Control Patents (Class 291/2)
  • Patent number: 11433930
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contactless recording of a track geometry of a track by means of a rail vehicle which is moved along the track on on-track undercarriages (4), wherein profile data of the track extending in transverse direction are compiled by means of a laser scanner. In this, it is provided that, by means of an evaluation device, profile data are evaluated relative to a reference base pre-defined on the rail vehicle in order to derive from this the course of a track central axis and/or a rail. The invention additionally relates to a rail vehicle which comprise an evaluation device configured for carrying out the method. Thus, no further measuring system is required to determine a track position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Buerger
  • Patent number: 10239350
    Abstract: A traction media is provided that includes a plurality of axes having a distal origin point and proximal point termination surrounded by one or more faces thus forming a body capable of being delivered by hand or traction enhancing system to a lower surface such as the ground to provide an increased coefficient of friction between an upper surface such as a shoe or tire and the lower surface and a relative air movement duct is provided that includes a controlled path of flow through about a 90 degree angle having an intake, discharge and baffle capable of delivering traction media from a hopper/valve assembly by an air flow to a lower surface such as the ground to provide a controlled path of traction media between an upper surface such as a tire and a lower surface such as the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: James B. Skarie
  • Patent number: 9126605
    Abstract: A control device for a brake system of a rail vehicle, the brake system having at least one first brake device and a second brake device, which devices can be actuated by an actuating force during a braking process. The first brake device and the second brake device are adhesion-type brake devices. The control device is capable of receiving and/or generating a loss of adhesion signal, which identifies insufficient adhesion for the first and/or second brake device, and is also designed, during a braking process, to actuate the first and/or second brake device with an increased actuating force if a loss of adhesion signal is present. Also disclosed is a brake system for a rail vehicle having a control device of this type, a corresponding rail vehicle and a method for controlling the brake system of a rail vehicle using a control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Reinhold Mayer, Thomas Rasel, Marc-Oliver Herden, Joerg-Johannes Wach
  • Patent number: 8403373
    Abstract: Method and device for de-icing of trains is provided in which a glycol heated treatment medium is sprayed against the underside of units in the train such as locomotive and carriages in order to remove ice which has been built up in the base frames of the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nordic Ground Support Equipment IP AB
    Inventor: Thomas Jemt
  • Patent number: 8371625
    Abstract: The Revolution Daddy Rock Super Track is a salt sifting tank that dispenses rock salt directly to the front of the vehicle wheels followed by the rear wheels which would prevent the automobile from sliding side to side and also aiding the vehicle to go up and down hills in the winter time with super traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Isaiah Crawford, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120158223
    Abstract: To avoid a locomotive from travelling with a disabled sanding system, a method and system are provided for ensuring that the sanding system is not disabled if a primary speed reference used to detect the locomotive's speed is faulty. The method comprises determining a first speed measurement from a primary speed source; if the first speed measurement is below a setpoint, determining a second speed measurement from a secondary speed source; and if the second speed measurement is below the setpoint, disabling the automated and/or emergency initiated sanding control system on the locomotive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Aldo Liberatore, Amarjit Soora, Lucas Pul
  • Patent number: 8073591
    Abstract: A method, and an apparatus, for monitoring the sand supply in a sand tank (2) of a sand-scattering device in vehicles, in particular in express trains. To prevent an insufficient sand supply, the sand-supply level is monitored by a inspection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Faiveley Transport
    Inventor: Werner Bartling
  • Patent number: 7735607
    Abstract: A rail lubricator for a railroad rail has a nozzle adjacent to the rail and attached thereto. The nozzle has a discharge orifice disposed beneath the top surface of the rail. The orifice is aimed generally longitudinally of the rail with the aiming including an upward component and a lateral component toward the centerline of the rail. Jets of lubricant project upwardly from the nozzle, arch above the top surface of the rail, and then fall onto the top surface and gage corner of the rail. This lubricates the top of a rail using an optimum amount of lubricant on the optimum area of the railhead. The lubricant is applied when the nozzles are spanned by a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Tranergy Corporation
    Inventor: Sudhir Kumar
  • Patent number: 7694833
    Abstract: A friction management system for a traveling crane applies a liquid or solid friction modifier (FM) in precisely controlled quantities to the crane wheels or rail to improve performance and safety during movement of the crane. The friction modifier is applied by a nozzle mounted on a crane truck, which nozzle is opened and closed by a valve. The duration of the valve opening per second, which controls the friction modifier application rate, is approximately proportional to the average current draw, which is detected by current sensors connected to the truck motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Tranergy Corporation
    Inventor: Sudhir Kumar
  • Patent number: 7594682
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an application of a friction modifying agent to an area of contact between a railway wheel and a railway rail over which the wheel is traversing to selectively modify the coefficient of friction at the contact area. A sensor is used for detecting a parameter relating to the operation of the railway train. A controller is responsive to the sensor for selecting one or more of a plurality of friction modifying agents and controls the application of the agent to the rail as a function of the parameter. An applicator is responsive to the controller and applies the friction modifying agent to the area of contact between the railway wheel and rail. A second application of the agent may be predicated upon the effectiveness of a first application of the agent. The selection of the appropriate agent may include a consideration of a current location of the railway vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Vishwesh M. Palekar, Anthony Giammarise, Chi-Houng E. Lu, John Polley
  • Patent number: 7575258
    Abstract: A vehicle salt dispensing system. An illustrative embodiment of the vehicle salt dispensing system includes a pump and supply module adapted to contain a supply of salt, at least one dispensing tube communicating with the pump and supply module and at least one generally curved discharge tube communicating with the at least one dispensing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Margaret Osei-Bosompem
  • Publication number: 20090188989
    Abstract: Method and device for de-icing of trains is provided in which a glycol heated treatment medium is sprayed against the underside of units in the train such as locomotive and carriages in order to remove ice which has been built up in the base frames of the units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Jemt
  • Publication number: 20070284889
    Abstract: A system for deicing a railroad portion, such as a switch point, switch plate, or length of rail, including a reservoir of deicing fluid, a deicing fluid dispensing assembly connected in hydraulic communication with the reservoir, at least one ice sensor positioned to report the temperature of the predetermined portion of the railroad system, and a deicing fluid flow actuator operationally connected to the reservoir. Energization of the flow actuator urges deicing fluid through the fluid dispensing assembly and onto the railroad portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Carlton Leslie
  • Patent number: 7290807
    Abstract: A method and computer program product of limiting sand use in a railroad locomotive sanding system applying sand to railroad rails to enhance adhesion of wheels of a railroad locomotive on a track having a pair of railroad rails, the sanding system including a plurality of sand applicators for each rail for directing sand flow toward the rail and with the locomotive having two trucks carrying the wheels for supporting and propelling the locomotive along the track. The method and computer program product may include steps of automatically controlling a flow of sand applied to the rail by the locomotive sanding system to limit the application of sand to situations in which applying sand to the rail would be effective to increase the adhesion of at least one of the railroad locomotive wheels on the rail by a predetermined incremental amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Patent number: 7027900
    Abstract: A method of dynamically controlling traction of a locomotive (V) having a plurality of axles (A1–A6) on each of which are mounted wheels (W) for moving the locomotive over a set of rails (R). A creep control signal (creep_n) is provided to a controller (TMTC) for each axle to move the locomotive over the rails, the creep control signal being a function of adhesion operation characteristics (tractive effort, torque, creep) for that axle. An advisory signal (ccc_n) combining values representative of the adhesion quality of the two axles is provided to the controller to maximize the tractive effort of the axle if the adhesion quality of the other axle is a maximum for the current rail conditions. This reduces the amount of time for the axle to attain its maximum tractive effort when rail conditions change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith K. Kumar, Bret Worden
  • Patent number: 6954690
    Abstract: A vehicle movement stabilizing device is provided which in effectively functioning braking, acceleration and turning movement during travel of the vehicle by activating the frictional force adding device, reliably controls the start and end of the operation of the frictional force adding device and prevents repetition of unnecessary operations. The vehicle movement stabilizing device is provided with frictional force adding device for increasing the frictional force of the wheels to the road surface by scattering particles and a controller. The controller is structured to start the operation of the frictional force adding device when it detects the operation start conditions based on signals from wheel speed sensors, a hydraulic pressure sensor and a step-in force sensor during braking, and to stop its operation if signals indicating disappearance of the state are detected, thereby preventing repetition of unnecessary operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Watanabe, Shoichi Masaki, Moriharu Sakai
  • Patent number: 6893058
    Abstract: A system and method for friction management for managing and controlling an application of a friction modifying agent to an area of contact between a railway wheel and a railway rail over which the wheel is traversing to selectively modify the coefficient of friction at the contact area. The system comprises a sensor for detecting a parameter relating to the operation of the railway train. A controller is responsive to the sensor and controls the application of a friction modifying agent to the rail as a function of the parameter. An applicator is responsive to the controller and applies the friction modifying agent to the area of contact between the railway wheel and rail. The invention also includes a method for railway train friction management for managing and controlling the application of friction modifying agent to an area of contact between railway wheel and railway rail over which the wheel is traversing to selectively modify the coefficient of friction at the contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Vishwesh M. Palekar, Anthony Giammarise, Chi-Houng E. Lu, John Polley
  • Publication number: 20040075280
    Abstract: A system and method for friction management for managing and controlling an application of a friction modifying agent to an area of contact between a railway wheel and a railway rail over which the wheel is traversing to selectively modify the coefficient of friction at the contact area. The system comprises a sensor for detecting a parameter relating to the operation of the railway train. A controller is responsive to the sensor and controls the application of a friction modifying agent to the rail as a function of the parameter. An applicator is responsive to the controller and applies the friction modifying agent to the area of contact between the railway wheel and rail. The invention also includes a method for railway train friction management for managing and controlling the application of friction modifying agent to an area of contact between railway wheel and railway rail over which the wheel is traversing to selectively modify the coefficient of friction at the contact area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Vishwesh M. Palekar, Anthony Giammarise, Chi-Houng E. Lu, John Polley
  • Patent number: 6629709
    Abstract: If the wheel/rail adhesion for a railway vehicle is insufficient then the wheels may slip when braking. If slipping is detected, a control system may reduce the brake pressure to permit a controlled level of slip and so to optimize the braking force for the available adhesion. By determining the pressure supplied to the brake cylinder, a signal may be obtained which indicates the value of the adhesion. Alternatively the adhesion may be monitored by detecting any discrepancy between the braking deceleration demanded by the driver and the observed deceleration. The adhesion signal may activate a warning. It may also be used to adjust the rate at which sand is supplied by a sander to the wheel/rail interface. The rate at which sand is supplied may also be adjusted in accordance with other parameters such as the train speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: AEA Technology plc
    Inventors: John David Tunley, Graham Edward Curtis
  • Publication number: 20030020282
    Abstract: A particulate delivery plumbing system for a locomotive including a body portion having a through hole formed therethrough. A particulate charge inlet opening is provided at a first end of the plumbing, and a particulate outlet opening is provided at a second end of the plumbing. A pair of spaced-apart protective guide members extend from the body portion at the second end and straddle the particulate outlet opening to define a slot between the protective guide members through which particulate may be deposited onto a locomotive rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Emma L. Biddings
  • Patent number: 6488217
    Abstract: An anti-hydroplane system for tires that includes a blower assembly in front of each of the tires of a vehicle. Each blower assembly discharges a high pressure stream into a water dispersal area in front of a respective one of the vehicle tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony A. Donastorg
  • Patent number: 6371532
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted device and method for delivering a traction enhancing material to a road surface directly in front of one or more tires is disclosed. The device delivers the traction enhancing material when an electronic controller detects a loss of traction. The device uses an air duct to collect air incident on the vehicle and direct the air to the road surface. The device further comprises a hopper to hold the traction enhancing material. The hopper is coupled to the air duct at an aperture. When activated, a valve assembly selectively opens and closes the aperture in response to controller commands. When opened, the traction enhancing material accelerates from the hopper into the duct and becomes entrained in the air stream where it is then delivered to the road surface. Once delivered, the traction enhancing material is introduced between the tires and the road surface to effectively increase the coefficient of friction therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: James B. Skarie, Christopher J. Skarie, Loren P. Skarie, Paul R. Skarie
  • Patent number: 5919295
    Abstract: The adhesion between a locomotive drive wheel and supporting rail can be substantially increased by application of a powder mixture that contains a hard particle constituent preferably including alumina, a soft particle constituent preferably including titania, and an iron oxide constituent. The mixture may be in the form of a dry powder, a paste with water or alcohol vehicle, or a metal composite that includes the powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignees: General Motors Corporation, National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Harinder Singh Lamba, Robert Thomas Scott, Joseph Kalousek, Keping Hou
  • Patent number: 5582441
    Abstract: A sand delivery system for use in automobiles, or other vehicles. The device uses the hollow front bumpers found on most modern vehicles today to store bags of sand, which is delivered through a number of nozzles located in the front of the vehicle. A blower system forces the sand through the nozzles and projects the sand in a wide pattern out in front of the vehicle. The system is designed to operate when the vehicle is braking. Because the sand is disbursed out in front of the vehicle, the tires can better utilize the sand for braking. Because the sand is projected out in front of the vehicle only a moderate amount of sand is needed to improve traction, thereby reducing the need for large quantities of sand. The sand delivery system can be tied to a manual switch, the vehicle's brake pedal, or to a computer that is tied into the anti-lock brake systems of a car. In the latter case, sand is only be applied when the anti-lock brake system is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Michael T. Frost
  • Patent number: 5350035
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle comprising an antihydroplaning system, particularly for improving the wheel adhesion despite the presence of a sheet of water on the road. Output signals from sensors for detecting body and chassis vibrations, ambient temperature and other parameters are analyzed to determine when hydroplaning is occurring or about to occur, and to activate antihydroplaning measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm GmbH
    Inventors: Rudiger Bodier, Hartmut Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4944539
    Abstract: This invention concerns a creepage control system for locomotives that optimizes adhesion while minimizing wasted energy, rail/wheel wear and shock loading on the drive train. The basis of the invention is to always maintain a small but positive value of the slope of the wheel-rail adhesion creep curve (or differential of adhesion versus creep) for all traction axles of the locomotive through microprocessor control. The value of the differential of adhesion versus creep is used to define an operating window for control and operation of motors continually in the optimum domain when high adhesion is demanded. When, due to a sudden increase in rail contamination, the value of the control function becomes negative, the microprocessor control reduces the generator excitation in stages until the function becomes positive and inside the operating window again. The microprocessor controls a rail cleaning system which is turned on or off depending on the cleanliness of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignees: Tranergy Corporation, General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sudhir Kumar, Shiv R. Kumar, Dean A. Becker
  • Patent number: 4936610
    Abstract: This invention concerns a creepage control system for locomotives that optimizes adhesion while minimizing wasted energy, rail/wheel wear and shock loading on the drive train. The basis of the invention is to always maintain a small but positive value of the slope of the wheel-rail adhesion creep curve (or differential of adhesion versus creep) for all traction axles of the locomotive through microprocessor control. The value of the differential of adhesion versus creep is used to define an operating window for control and operation of motors continually in the optimum domain when high adhesion is demanded. When, due to a sudden increase in rail contamination, the value of the control function becomes negative, the microprocessor control reduces the generator excitation in stages until the function becomes positive and inside the operating window again. The microprocessor controls a rail cleaning system which is turned on or off depending on the cleanliness of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Tranergy Corporation
    Inventors: Sudhir Kumar, Shiv R. Kumar
  • Patent number: 4719861
    Abstract: Single-sided linear induction motors (SLIMs) suspended in proximity to the rail of a locomotive are energized to increase the effective adhesion between the locomotive drive wheels and the rail in response to the detection of an operating condition in which the tractive effort of the locomotive traction motors is limited by less than optimal adhesion. The SLIMs are energized in relation to the reserve power capability of the power source and the limit of tractive effort improvement. One method further employs sand dispensing units activated if the suboptimal operating condition is not alleviated by activation of the SLIMs. Another method uses the sand dispensing units first, and only activates the SLIMs if the suboptimal operating condition is not alleviated by activation of the sand dispensing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jack W. Savage, Thomas J. Savage, Mark A. Navarre
  • Patent number: 4095147
    Abstract: The following specification described a method or system of correcting locomotive wheel slip in which each driven wheel provides a wheel velocity signal proportional to its angular velocity. This signal is compared in a wheel slip detection circuit for each wheel with a train speed signal to derive a signal corresponding to the difference in the event of wheel slip. This difference signal is differentiated to provide a signal corresponding to the acceleration and multiplied by a signal corresponding to the slipping wheel speed to provide a correction signal corresponding to the power lost in the slipping wheel.The wheel velocity signals are compared in a "less than" and a "greater than" circuit respectively to derive the train speed signal and the slipping wheel signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1978
    Inventor: John M. Mountz