Patents Examined by Jason C Smith
  • Patent number: 12270158
    Abstract: A light railway system comprising two parallel rails (12) each having a base portion (14) with a flat bottom, an upward-extending web (15), and a railhead (16), and resting within a respective trough structure (20). The trough structure (20) comprising multiple trough units (22) arranged end to end, with blocks (24, 26) that fit between the web (15) of the rail (12) and side portions of the trough unit (22) so as to locate the rail (12) within the trough structure (20). The system also includes multiple spaced-apart rigid ties (28) that interconnect the trough structures (20), so the rails (12) are at a desired separation. Inserted junction plates (54) may be used to hold successive trough units (22) in alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: CARPET TRACK LTD
    Inventor: Christopher Holden
  • Patent number: 12268975
    Abstract: A track running toy has a rotational device, whose track surface main body has a track surface and an entry and exit portion. An entry and exit guide member has an entry guide portion guiding a running body from the entry and exit portion to the track surface and an exit guide portion guiding the running body from the entry and exit portion to the same portion. An entry and exit control member is provided at the entry and exit portion, has a pop-up guide portion formed to follow a track guide portion and a running surface, and projects while tilting, whereby the running surface connects to the track surface by operating an operating body. A pop-up abutment member is switched from a retracted to a projecting state when operating the operating body and abuts a stopping abutment portion of the entry and exit guide member when projecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: AGATSUMA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinji Todokoro
  • Patent number: 12267027
    Abstract: This application relates to simulation equipment, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for simulating a line running state of magnetic levitation. The apparatus includes a levitation-guidance mechanism, a moving mechanism and a magnetic guideway fluctuation simulated mechanism. The levitation-guidance mechanism is configured to detect a force on a single Dewar of a maglev train to be simulated. The moving mechanism is configured to move the levitation-guidance mechanism. The magnetic guideway fluctuation simulated mechanism is arranged below the levitation-guidance mechanism, and is configured to apply a variable force to the levitation-guidance mechanism. The variable force is configured to simulate a constantly-variable electromagnetic force applied to the levitation-guidance mechanism by a real track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Southwest Jiaotong University
    Inventors: Jun Zheng, Yanxing Cheng, Long Kou, Huan Huang, Zhihao Ke, Zigang Deng
  • Patent number: 12263870
    Abstract: A bogie includes a bogie frame, a first running wheel and a second running wheel, at least one driving device, a first horizontal wheel, a second horizontal wheel, a first horizontal safety wheel connected to the first horizontal wheel and moving in synchronization with the first horizontal wheel, and a second horizontal safety wheel connected to the second horizontal wheel and moving in synchronization with the second horizontal wheel. The bogie frame has a straddle recess suitable for straddling a rail. The first running wheel and the second running wheel are pivotably mounted onto the bogie frame respectively and are coaxially spaced apart. The at least one driving device is mounted onto the bogie frame and located between the first running wheel and the second running wheel to drive the first running wheel and the second running wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Lin Ren, Hao Zeng, Junjie Liu, Fanghong Peng
  • Patent number: 12258054
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an early warning protection system based on Beidou position automatic sensing, the system is in communication connection with a TDCS/CTC system, and the early warning protection system includes a locomotive train-mounted terminal subsystem, a ground early warning protection platform subsystem, and a handheld terminal subsystem, the ground early warning protection platform subsystem is in communication connection to the TDCS/CTC system, the locomotive train-mounted terminal subsystem, and the handheld terminal subsystem respectively; and the ground early warning protection platform subsystem performs judgment processing on train-to-train and train-to-person early warning logics according to Beidou positioning, a train speed, and train direction information provided by the locomotive train-mounted terminal subsystem and Beidou positioning information of the handheld terminal subsystem and with reference to station information and train number information sent by the TDCS/CTC sys
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: CASCO SIGNAL LTD.
    Inventors: Jiqing Na, Jiajia Cheng, Tao Wang, Zhixin Chen
  • Patent number: 12240512
    Abstract: A fixed signage (10) and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a housing (22) having a window (24) is sized to house a sign (26) therein. A closure assembly (32), under the power of an actuator (112), is installed in the housing (22) to support a cover material (34). The cover material (34) is moveable by a moveable closure member (138) between a fully retracted position whereat the cover material (34) is contained within the housing (22) such that the window (24) is exposed to a fully extended position whereat the cover material (34) covers at least a portion of the window (24). A command signal (180) may be received via a transceiver (160) to remotely control the actuator (112) and cover material (34). A signal sensor (60) within the housing (22) indicates the location of the cover material (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: RailPros Field Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James McDonald, Chad Smith
  • Patent number: 12240507
    Abstract: A mid of train (MOT) mobile unit for use with a train is provided. The MOT mobile unit comprises a first hose for mounting the MOT mobile unit between first and second railway cars of the train located near a middle of the train and a radio for communications with an end of train (EOT) unit disposed on one end of the train and for communications with a head of train (HOT) unit disposed on other end of the train. With the first radio, the MOT mobile unit provides a repeater device functionality for communicating between the EOT unit and the HOT unit. The MOT mobile unit is configured to receive a power from a brake line of the train that runs a length of the train, wherein the power is derived from a compressed air in the brake line by means of an air-powered generator that recharges a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: SIEMENS MOBILITY, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Bolte, Mario Fernandes
  • Patent number: 11376513
    Abstract: A zip track system that is integrally connected to a challenge course so that a user can traverse one portion of the challenge course, and then can slide down the zip track system via a zip track to any other desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: JIMI IP, LLC
    Inventors: James Allen Liggett, Troy Lee Garland, Timothy John Powers
  • Patent number: 11364939
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic suspension for a rail vehicle comprising a body and a bogie, said pneumatic suspension extending between the body and a chassis of the bogie, comprising: at least one secondary pneumatic suspension element for vertically supporting the body on the chassis and capable of being supplied with compressed air at a supply pressure, and a pressure source, wherein it further comprises: a control unit, for each suspension element, a sensor connected to the command unit and able to measure a height between the chassis and the body at the level of said suspension element, and for each suspension element, a solenoid valve connecting said suspension element to the pressure source, said solenoid valve being commanded automatically by an electric command signal, generated by the command unit as a function of the measured height(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: SPEEDINNOV
    Inventors: Christophe Sarti, Michel Martin, Philippe Dessertenne, Luis Mendes Frederico, Romain Goude, Thierry Thommeret
  • Patent number: 11352033
    Abstract: Method and system for communicating data between a transmitter and a receiver via a physical transmission medium interposed there between, wherein the transmitter outputs over the transmission medium towards the receiver, a predefined precursor signal followed by a target signal carrying data packet. Based on the precursor signal received at the receiver, estimated values of actual electrical parameters of the physical transmission medium are computed via a predetermined model of the physical transmission medium, wherein the computed estimated values of the electrical parameters are indicative of a distortion caused by the physical transmission medium on the predefined precursor signal outputted by the transmitter. The data packets originally outputted by the transmitter are estimated based on the computed estimated values of the actual electrical parameters and on the target signal received at the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: John Ross, Jeffrey Fries
  • Patent number: 11355841
    Abstract: An embodiment of an antenna configured to form a high-power beam, such as a battery-charging beam, includes a transmission structure, signal couplers, amplifiers, and antenna elements. The transmission structure (e.g., a waveguide) is configured to carry a reference signal (e.g., a traveling reference wave), and each of the signal couplers is configured to generate a respective intermediate signal in response to the reference signal at a respective location along the transmission structure. Each of the amplifiers is configured to amplify, selectively, an intermediate signal from a respective one of the couplers, and each of the antenna elements (e.g., conductive patches) is configured to radiate a respective elemental signal in response to an amplified intermediate signal from a respective one of the amplifiers. In operation, the elemental signals interfere with one another to form a transmission beam, such as a battery-charging, or other high-power, transmission beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Searete LLC
    Inventors: Matthew S. Reynolds, Guy Lipworth, Joseph Hagerty, Daniel Arnitz, Yaroslav Aleksandrovich Urzhumov
  • Patent number: 11345377
    Abstract: A device for attachment to a train having a lead locomotive or control car and a rear car in a track network having a plurality of tracks is disclosed. The device may include at least one sensor. The sensor(s) may be disposed with the rear car. The sensor(s) may be configured to generate sensor data associated with at least one of a heading of the rear car of the train or a distance between the rear car of the train and an object in the track network. A communication interface may be configured to transmit the sensor data to at least one receiver. The receiver(s) may provide at least one indication based on the sensor data. A device for use onboard the train, a control system, a method for operating the device(s), and a method for coupling the train to a separate car are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Kernwein
  • Patent number: 11345373
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a stabilizing transom. Various embodiments provide a vehicle truck such as a railroad car truck including a first side frame, a second side frame, a bolster, and a stabilizing transom connected to the first side frame and the second side frame and configured to reduce, inhibit, minimize, and/or prevent truck hunting and warping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Standard Car Truck Company
    Inventor: Andrew J. Morin
  • Patent number: 11332171
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for derailing a vehicle from a track are provided. In one embodiment, a device is provided that includes a directional derail block extending from a base and including a wheel deflecting surface arranged at an angle less than or equal to about 13 degrees with regard to a longitudinal axis of the track and designed to deflect the wheel away from the track. The length of the device is greater than or equal to about 53 centimeters (cm) (21 inches (in)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jarred Michael Pollock
  • Patent number: 11325619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension bridge type self-supporting aerial metal structure, in which the main platform is designed having three levels. The upper level is intended for the passage of motor vehicles. The intermediate level is intended for the transportation, transmission and distribution of all existing public services, and other possible services. The lower level is intended for an urban public transport system. Thanks to its self-supported aerial design, the structure of the present invention can be built within cities following the same layout as existing roads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: David Williams Suarez Ajo
  • Patent number: 11325624
    Abstract: A Rail Drone can include: a payload interface, a drivetrain, and a rail platform 515. The Rail Drone can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The Rail Drone can integrate a standardized payload interface and an autonomous electric road vehicle platform into a rolling stock architecture. The Rail Drone can be a stand-alone, payload-agnostic, motive element which can be independently or cooperatively capable of carrying heavy loads across long distances at various cruising speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Parallel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Soule, John Howard, Benjamin Stuart Stabler, Brian Ignaut
  • Patent number: 11325623
    Abstract: A purpose of the invention is to provide a rail breakage detection device mountable also on a vehicle. The invention is directed to a rail breakage detection device that receives: transmission-device state information indicating whether a rail signal transmission device that sends a rail signal is normal; reception-device state information indicating whether a rail signal reception device that receives a voltage induced by the rail signal is normal; and reception state information indicating whether a voltage induced by the rail signal reception device is received, and the rail breakage detection device performs rail breakage detection on the basis of the transmission-device state information, the reception-device state information, and the reception state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Koshino, Masashi Asuka, Wataru Tsujita, Tomoaki Takewa, Yoshitsugu Sawa
  • Patent number: 11318971
    Abstract: A method and a system determine a subsequent number of guided vehicles occupying a track section of a railway network. The system has a trackside device configured for controlling and managing a movement authority of a guided vehicle for a track section and at least one neighboring trackside device. Each neighboring trackside device is configured for controlling and managing a movement authority for a directly neighboring track section. The trackside device is configured for calculating the subsequent number of guided vehicles from a number of guided vehicles occupying the track section previously determined by the trackside device and information received from each neighboring trackside device regarding a number of guided vehicles entering, from the track section. The directly neighboring track section is controlled by the neighboring trackside device and a number of guided vehicles leaving the directly neighboring track section for the track section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventors: Pierre-Olivier Guislain, Oscar Alonso Garrido, Michael Gschnass
  • Patent number: 11318842
    Abstract: A first train-installed device according to the present invention includes: a memory; and a processor. The processor performs operations. The operations includes: performing wireless communication through an antenna installed at a front of a train; acquiring train information including information indicating a railroad of the train; transmitting a search signal to another train in a neighborhood of the train; when receiving a response signal including train information including information indicating a railroad on which the another train is on-rail, determining whether there is a possibility of a collision between the train and the another train based on the train information; and when there is a possibility of the collision, measuring a distance between the another train and the train by transmitting and receiving a measurement signal and a measurement response signal to and from the second train-installed device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Kojima
  • Patent number: 11312398
    Abstract: Neutralizing deflection in a transportation system comprising connecting a number of support structures to ground. A tube is coupled to the support structures via a number of actuators, wherein the tube defines an interior enclosure through which a vehicle can travel. Utilizing a number of sensors, directional displacement of the support structures can be sensed, and the actuators are controller to counter the sensed displacement of the support structures by producing a directionally-opposite displacement of the tube relative to the support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert Erik Grip, Steven Fulton Griffin