Patents by Inventor Mitchell W. Beard

Mitchell W. Beard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250214633
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2025
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Patent number: 12311988
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Patent number: 12252163
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Patent number: 12195061
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Publication number: 20240253677
    Abstract: A system and method for providing virtual approach signaling between physical signaling components. The system and method can generate virtual approach signal indicators to increase an efficiency along a segment of track. The system can provide a signal for the locomotive to increase the speed at which the locomotive can travel along the segment of track based on the virtual approach signal indicators, rather than physical signal components. The system can provide enhanced safety along the segment of track by automating the virtual approach signal indicators for the locomotive. The system and method can provide a reduced cost through the efficiency gains along the railway by upgrading the virtual approach signal to an all-clear indication removing any speed restrictions previously binding the locomotive. The system and method can provide a modular signaling ability to enhance a capacity along the segment of track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Publication number: 20240246584
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Publication number: 20240246583
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Publication number: 20240246585
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Publication number: 20240246586
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Patent number: 11827256
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt