Patents Assigned to Metrom Rail, LLC
  • Patent number: 11965952
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for subway personnel detection. An ultra-wideband (UWB) based detection of objects in subway tunnels may include transmitting UWB signals into an area within a subway tunnel, the area including one or more tracks traversed by trains running in the subway tunnel, receiving UWB signals within the area, and processing received UWB signals to enable detecting objects within the area. The processing may include identifying received UWB signals corresponding to echoes of the transmitted UWB signal transmitted by the detection devices, and detecting based on the echoes of the transmitted UWB signals when an object is present within the area. The object may be assessed, such as to determine when the object represents an intrusion within the area of the subway tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt A. Gunther
  • Patent number: 11952028
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for achieving vital ultra-wideband (UWB) based train control. Train-mounted units and wayside units that incorporate at least two separate and independent radios are used to obtain independent and separate ranging measurements in trains based on communications between the train-mounted units and wayside units. The communications includes communication of ultra-wideband (UWB) based signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Carlson, John Albert Plutt, Jr., Kurt Gunther
  • Patent number: 11814088
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for vehicle host interface module (vHIM) based braking solutions and use thereof in trains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Alan Gunther, Peter Strezev
  • Patent number: 11780481
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors. One or more wayside units placed on or near a track may be configured to form a work zone network, based on ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, corresponding to a work zone in an area surrounding or in proximity to the one or more wayside units. When the work zone network is formed, at least one wayside unit of the one or more wayside units may be configured to obtain ranging information to a train traversing the track, based on communications of UWB signals with at least one train-mounted unit deployed on the train, and the one or more wayside units are configured to generate, based on the ranging information, notifications relating to the train and/or the work zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Sara J. Woitel
  • Patent number: 11700075
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized rail signaling and positive train control. A decentralized train control system may include a plurality of wayside units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each configured for use in a train operating in a railway network that support use of the decentralized train control system. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive communicate with any wayside unit and/or train-mounted unit that comes within range, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and for generating control information based on the UWB signals, for use in controlling one or more functions associated with operation of the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Alan Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus
  • Patent number: 11492027
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors. One or more wayside units placed on or near a track may be configured to form a work zone network, based on ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, corresponding to a work zone in an area surrounding or in proximity to the one or more wayside units. When the work zone network is formed, at least one wayside unit of the one or more wayside units may be configured to obtain ranging information to a train traversing the track, based on communications of UWB signals with at least one train-mounted unit deployed on the train, and the one or more wayside units are configured to generate, based on the ranging information, notifications relating to the train and/or the work zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Sara J. Woitel
  • Patent number: 11349589
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized rail signaling and positive train control. A decentralized train control system may include a plurality of wayside units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each configured for use in a train operating in a railway network that support use of the decentralized train control system. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive communicate with any wayside unit and/or train-mounted unit that comes within range, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and for generating control information based on the UWB signals, for use in controlling one or more functions associated with operation of the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Alan Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus
  • Patent number: 10778363
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decentralized rail signaling and positive train control. A decentralized train control system may include a plurality of wayside units, configured for placement on or near tracks in a railway network, and one or more train-mounted units, each configured for use in a train operating in a railway network that support use of the decentralized train control system. Each train-mounted unit may configured to receive communicate with any wayside unit and/or train-mounted unit that comes within range, with the communicating including use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and for generating control information based on the UWB signals, for use in controlling one or more functions associated with operation of the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Alan Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus
  • Patent number: 10737709
    Abstract: A worker protection system may include a train-mounted unit for use on a train, and one or more wayside units, configured for placement on or near a track traversed by the train. Each of the train-mounted unit and the one or more wayside units may include a corresponding communication component, with one or more antennas, configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals, with the signals comprise ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and one or more circuits configured for processing signals and data, and for performing applications or functions relating to operations of the corresponding unit. The train-mounted unit may operate cooperatively with the one or more wayside units, to provide alerts to one or more workers operating on or near the track, based on communication of the UWB signals with at least one of the one or more wayside units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Carlson, Kurt Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus, Peter Strezev, John Albert Plutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10336353
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Carlson, Kurt Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus, Peter Strezev, John Albert Plutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10179595
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Carlson, Kurt Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus, Peter Strezev, John Albert Plutt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180301012
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. A safety vest may be configured to support worker protection receiver function in worker protection systems. Components used in conjunction with the receiver functions may be integrated into the safety vest. The components may include one or more antennas, radio receiver (or transceiver) circuitry, integrated power supply source, indication components, and acknowledgement components. The safety vest may generate safety alerts in response to receiving signals from peer transmitter devices in the worker protection systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventor: Richard C. Carlson
  • Patent number: 9731738
    Abstract: A system for vehicle management includes a control signal interface subsystem and a vehicle-mounted subsystem. Each of these subsystems includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) communications component. The subsystems communicate with each other through the UWB components. The vehicle mounted subsystem interfaces with a braking system of the vehicle. The vehicle mounted subsystem determines the distance between it and the control signal interface subsystem based on the time-of-flight of at least one communication between the subsystems. The vehicle-mounted subsystem can cause the braking system of the vehicle to activate if the distance between the vehicle-mounted subsystem and the control signal interface subsystem is less than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Patent number: 9043131
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20140346285
    Abstract: A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Peter Strezev, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Patent number: 8812227
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20140229096
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Patent number: 8752797
    Abstract: A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Peter Strezev, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus