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).
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Publication number: 20250214633Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2025Publication date: July 3, 2025Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
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Patent number: 12311988Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2023Date of Patent: May 27, 2025Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
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Patent number: 12252163Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2023Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
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Patent number: 12195061Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2023Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
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Publication number: 20240253677Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2023Publication date: August 1, 2024Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
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Publication number: 20240246584Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2023Publication date: July 25, 2024Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
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Publication number: 20240246583Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2023Publication date: July 25, 2024Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
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Publication number: 20240246585Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2023Publication date: July 25, 2024Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
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Publication number: 20240246586Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2023Publication date: July 25, 2024Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
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Patent number: 11827256Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2023Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt