Control Patents (Class 105/61)
  • Patent number: 11763922
    Abstract: A method of electronically reporting a reportable condition includes receiving a first document associated with a first type of a Consolidated-Clinical Document Architecture (C-CDA) standard. The first document includes patient information associated with a patient treated by a healthcare provider (HCP). The method also includes parsing the first document into a plurality of patient information fields and determining whether any of the plurality of patient information fields in the parsed first document include a reportable condition. When at least one patient information field of the plurality of patient information fields includes the reportable condition, the method also includes generating a second document associated with a second type of the C-CDA standard and including the reportable condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services
    Inventors: Brandon Gene Elliott, Jacob Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 11440569
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coil device for an electromagnetic track brake for a rail vehicle. The coil device has a winding wire, which has a first end and a second end. The coil device is the first end of the winding wire is formed as a first coil connection for establishing an electrically conductive joint connection to a first connection cable and/or the second end of the winding wire is formed as a second coil connection for establishing an electrically conductive joint connection to a second connection cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Rathammer, Volker Joergl, Marcin Widlinski
  • Patent number: 11351972
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system of a rail vehicle having at least one pneumatic brake actuator, a pneumatic braking device for generating a brake pressure, an electro-pneumatic braking device for generating a brake pressure, and a controller. In the event of rapid, forcible, or emergency braking, the pneumatic braking device or the electro-pneumatic braking device provides a basic brake pressure, and the brake pressure is changed by the electro-pneumatic braking device, starting from the basic brake pressure provided, depending in particular on a load and/or a speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventors: Marc-Oliver Herden, Marcus Fischer, Roland Voigtländer-Tetzner
  • Patent number: 11052893
    Abstract: A redundant brake control system for a locomotive consist that employs corresponding air brake control units in each locomotive that are interconnected by an inter-unit cable extending between the locomotives. Power to the air brake control units may be selectively connected and disconnected to select which air brake control unit is controlling the brakes of the train. The electronic brake valves associated with the air brake control units remain powered so that braking command may be send from either electronic brake valve and responded to by whichever of the air brake control valves have been provided with power. The control of power may be performed by the locomotive control system so that an operator can easily switch control between the air brake control units from the cab of any locomotive in the consist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Chlumecky, Vincent Guarrera
  • Patent number: 10942512
    Abstract: A vehicle operating device includes a portable display unit configured to display a state of a vehicle, a portable input unit configured to receive operation information of the vehicle input thereto on the basis of a displayed content by the display unit, a first information processing unit configured to process first information among input operation information, a second information processing unit configured to process second information, which is different from the first information, among the input operation information, an interlock system configured to enable only the first information to be processed in an operating state and enable the first information and the second information to be processed in a released state, and a portable wireless output unit configured to output an operation signal of the vehicle based only on the first information processed in the operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENGINEERING, LTD.
    Inventors: Keisuke Kimura, Kenta Masumori, Fujio Shinoki, Satoshi Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 10932298
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for effectively forming uplink control information transmitted through a downlink from a base station to a terminal in a mobile communication system for providing a packet service and transmitting the uplink control information with minimum radio resources occupied. The method includes generating uplink control information; allocating the uplink control information to a downlink-shared radio resource for packet data transmission based on downlink scheduling information; and transmitting the radio resource to a terminal. The present invention is applied to a mobile communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jae-Heung Kim, Young-Jo Ko, Kyoung Seok Lee, Jung-Im Kim, Soo-Jung Jung
  • Patent number: 10843676
    Abstract: A compressed-air brake assembly for a rail vehicle includes at least one brake cylinder for producing a pressing force for a friction brake, wherein at least one control valve forms a corresponding brake-cylinder pressure in accordance with a pressure in a main air line conducted to the at least one brake cylinder via a line arranged therebetween. The at least one control valve interacts with at least one compressed-air sensor. A reserve-air tank can be controlled by the at least one control valve and stores the reserve air for the at least one brake cylinder. At least one compressed-air sensor arranged on the at least one control valve is connected to an energy source and a data memory having an interface for reading out data, wherein the data in the data memory contain information about a pressure level in the at least one brake cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FÜR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Heller, Thomas Anton, Jorg-Johannes Wach, Michael Holz, Matthias Cordes
  • Patent number: 10759455
    Abstract: A communication system includes a data manager unit, a private interface, and an open interface. The data manager unit is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and to manage a transmission of data from a control system of the vehicle to a plurality of applications. The private interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit to the control system of the vehicle, and to limit communication with the control system via a connection protocol, wherein the connection protocol is configured to prevent direct communication between the data manager unit and an application that does not use the connection protocol. The open interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit and the plurality of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: GE Global Sourcing LLC
    Inventors: Todd Goodermuth, Richard Hooker
  • Patent number: 10696166
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a machine with an electric drive and an energy storage system for the intermediate storage of recovered energy. The invention relates in particular to machines that function statically or quasi-statically with a primary electric drive and a secondary hydraulic drive that function in cyclical movements, such as in the form of a material-transferring device like an excavator or crane, having an electric drive with at least one electric motor for driving the drive train of the machine and with an energy storage system for the intermediate storage of reverse power released during towing and/or braking operation and transferred from the drive train to the electric motor. The invention also further relates to a method for operating a machine with an electric drive, in which energy recovered during a towing or braking operation is used to compensate for system losses or is stored temporarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Liebherr-Components Bieberach GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Münst, Daniel Bayer
  • Patent number: 10661666
    Abstract: A method for tractive force distribution for a power-distributed train is provided, which includes: determining a current motor car of a target train; acquiring parameter information of the current motor car; calculating, based on the parameter information, axle load transfer at four axles of the current motor car; calculating, based on the axle load transfer at the four axles of the current motor car, current axle loads on the four axles of the current motor car; and performing, based on the current axle loads on the four axles, distribution of tractive forces of the four axles of the current motor car using an electrical control compensation technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignees: CRRC ZHUZHOU INSTITUTE CO., LTD., ZHUZHOU CRRC TIMES ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenguang Chen, Jianghua Feng, Xiong Liu, Chaolu Chen, Hua Xiao, Junfeng Xu, Huishui Peng, Peijin Xie, Yuanji Lu, Wenye Yuan, Long Wang
  • Patent number: 10562554
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a CPU module for processing railway signals. The CPU module includes a first input unit that receives an input signal from an external apparatus; a second input unit that receives a second input signal and a second instruction signal from a CPU checking module; a first comparison unit that compares the two input signals and outputs a resulting input signal if it is determined that the two signals are identical; a signal processing unit that converts the resulting input signal into a first instruction signal; and a second comparison unit that compares the first instruction signal with the second instruction signal and outputs a resulting instruction signal if it determines the two instruction signals are identical; and a control unit that sends a synchronization signal for controlling operation timing of the two comparison units, the signal processing unit, and the CPU checking module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong-Gee Cho, Dong-Han Woo, Yung Bang
  • Patent number: 10543860
    Abstract: A communication system includes a first communication device disposed onboard a displaced vehicle. The first communication device communicates with a second communication device onboard a lead vehicle of a vehicle system for the lead vehicle to remotely control operation of the vehicle system. The first communication device receives a reconfiguration signal from the second communication device. A remote control (RC) communication device is disposed onboard the first displaced vehicle. The RC communication device wirelessly receives a control signal from an operator control unit (OCU) for the OCU to remotely control the first displaced vehicle. A communication controller reconfigures the RC communication device to repeat the control signal from the OCU responsive to the first communication device of the first displaced vehicle receiving the reconfiguration signal from the second communication device of the lead vehicle or another reconfiguration signal from an off-board or on-board location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: GB GLOBAL SOURCING LLC
    Inventors: Maurice Stanley Hutchins, Gary William Mason
  • Patent number: 10494001
    Abstract: A self-locking anti-slip rail braking device is provided. The rail braking device includes a ladder-shaped support, a lifting unit, a roller-and-wedge plate mechanism, a roller support, and a rail clamping unit. The ladder-shaped support is connected under a surface of a balance beam of a port facility, and is connected at a middle part thereof with the lifting unit. A lower end of the lifting unit is hinged to two sides of the roller support. The roller support is provided on an upper end surface thereof with the roller-and-wedge plate mechanism, and is provided at a middle part thereof with the rail clamping unit. An upper end of the rail clamping unit serves as a force application end and is configured to match the roller-and-wedge plate mechanism, and a lower end of the rail clamping unit serves as a rail clamping end corresponding to two lateral sides of a rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: WUHAN K-CRANE OCEAN LIFTING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhong Yang, Yongzhi Li, Lei Wang, Zhihui Hu, Jianmin Yuan, Gongxian Wang
  • Patent number: 10479217
    Abstract: An object is to provide an in-train transmission control system which can minimize delay in transmission of command data to devices further than the conventional art, in which a central unit provided in any car of a train formation composed of one or more cars and controlling operation of the entire train formation transmits command data to devices provided in some or all of the cars and in which the devices transmit device data to the central unit. The control system comprises relay device provided in the car, and line concentrator allowing the command data to pass therethrough, and when receiving device data from the devices, transmitting the device data to the relay device. The relay device aggregates the device data received from the line concentrator to transmit the aggregated data to the central unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shogo Tatsumi, Shingo Honda, Tomoyuki Hirata
  • Patent number: 10370016
    Abstract: A method for carrying out a test process relating to a rail vehicle achieves a fast-working, flexible, and in the event of a misdetection, precise monitoring environment, in particular without complex system or architectural adjustments to the rail vehicle. A stationary control unit and a simulation unit are provided on the land side. A data connection is established between the stationary control unit and the rail vehicle. A data connection is established between the stationary control unit and the simulation unit. The test process includes providing data traffic between the stationary control unit and the rail vehicle and the simulation unit. A device for carrying out a test process relating to a rail vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Fischer
  • Patent number: 10336351
    Abstract: A communication system includes a data manager unit, a private interface, and an open interface. The data manager unit is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and to manage a transmission of data from a control system of the vehicle to a plurality of applications. The private interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit to the control system of the vehicle, and to limit communication with the control system via a connection protocol, wherein the connection protocol is configured to prevent direct communication between the data manager unit and an application that does not use the connection protocol. The open interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit and the plurality of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: GE GLOBAL SOURCING LLC
    Inventors: Todd Goodermuth, Richard Hooker
  • Patent number: 10247705
    Abstract: An ultrasound sensing system for monitoring the condition or integrity of a structure, comprising (a) a plurality of ultrasound sensors, each sensor being configured to receive at least one first electrical signal, transmit an ultrasound signal in response to the first electrical signal, receive at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and transmit a second electrical signal in response to the reflected ultrasound signal, the first and second electrical signals being analog; (b) at least one digital sensor interface (DSI) to which at least a portion of the sensors are connectable, the DSI being configured to transmit the first electrical signal and receive the second electrical signal, and to generate an A-scan signal based on the first and second electrical signals for each sensor, the DSI having circuitry for transmitting a digital signal based directly or indirectly on at least the A-scan signal, the digital signal including an address corresponding to the at least one DSI; (c) a digital bus configured to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SENSOR NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Pellegrino, James Barshinger
  • Patent number: 10232839
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a vehicle and a braking feedback control method for the same. The braking feedback control method includes the following steps: detecting a current speed of a vehicle and a depth of a braking pedal of the vehicle; when the current speed of the vehicle is greater than a preset speed, the depth of the braking pedal is greater than 0, and an anti-lock braking system of the vehicle is in a non-working state, controlling the vehicle to enter a braking feedback control mode, where when the vehicle is in the braking feedback control mode, a required braking torque corresponding to the vehicle is obtained according to the depth of the braking pedal, and a braking torque of a first motor generator, a braking torque of a second motor generator, and a braking torque of basic braking performed on the vehicle are distributed according to the required braking torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: BYD Company Limited
    Inventors: Dongsheng Yang, Yubo Lian, Jintao Zhang, Hongbin Luo
  • Patent number: 10164887
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for squelching and unsquelching serial port ingress traffic, including a squelch timer, an idle timer and a state machine which is configured to enable squelch and enable a data path, load and start the squelch timer when a character is received by the serial port, load and start the idle timer, activate a squelch state when the squelch timer expires before the idle timer and disable the data path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Fred Odendaal, Jean Labonte
  • Patent number: 10137913
    Abstract: A method and a route and train configuration for switching a train off and on in a parking position include a train side automatic train control device and a route side train monitoring system. In order to switch the train on and off economically and independently from personnel, the following steps are provided: A) entering the parking position, wherein a train reclosing unit, together with a route side coupling module connected to the train monitoring system, establishes an electrical connection; B) switching off train side subsystems using the train control device; C) shutting down and switching off the train control device; D) event triggered reactivation of the train control device using the train reclosing unit; E) switching on remaining train subsystems by using the train control device, and F) exiting the parking position, while separating electrical connection between the reclosing unit and the coupling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Marion Giebel-Roder
  • Patent number: 10053117
    Abstract: A method for operating a consist is disclosed. The consist includes a number of locomotives. The method includes selecting a power setting in a lead locomotive of the consist to generate an overall power request by an input device. Thereafter, a controller determines a power setting in each locomotive based on the overall power request. Next, the controller modulates a power output of one or more locomotives according to a difference between a measure of the overall power request and a measure of a combined power output of all locomotives according to the power setting determined by the controller, such that the combined power output matches the overall power request by keeping the power setting, determined by the controller, of each of the one or more locomotives unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Progress Rail Locomotive Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Suwa Traylor, Benjamin Arthur Raeder
  • Patent number: 9983593
    Abstract: In a system and method for communicating data between first and second vehicles, a first electronic component in the first vehicle is monitored to determine if the component is in (or enters) a failure state. In the failure state, the first electronic component is unable to perform a designated function. Upon determining the failure state, data is transmitted from the first vehicle to a second electronic component on the second vehicle, over a communication channel linking the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The second electronic component is operated based on the transmitted data, with the second electronic component performing the designated function that the first electronic component is unable to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Eugene Smith, Nick David Nagrodsky, William Cherrick Schoonmaker, Todd William Goodermuth
  • Patent number: 9868454
    Abstract: A train consist for freight transportation includes a first or lead locomotive and at least one second or trail, adjacent locomotive directly connected with one another, followed by a plurality of cars or wagons. Each of the locomotives has an Electronically Controlled Pneumatic Brake System (ECPBS), a brake handle installed in the driver's cab providing electric signals to control the ECPBSs upon train operator's commands, and a communication layer used to transmit various signals between the two or more adjacent locomotives of the consist. The electrical signals generated by the brake handle in the lead locomotive are extended to at least the first trail locomotive through the communication layer in order to control the ECPBS in the trail locomotive, providing full train brake redundancy, allowing non-degraded train operation even in case of an unrecoverable failure of the brake control system in the lead locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT ITALIA S. p. A.
    Inventor: Roberto Tione
  • Patent number: 9869610
    Abstract: A method for detecting a vibration of a driven axle system of a rail vehicle includes a sensor system detecting a parameter indicating the vibration of an element of the axle system and an evaluating unit evaluating a signal of the sensor system. In order to reliably detect the vibration of the driven axle system of the rail vehicle, the sensor system includes a motion sensor which detects a motion of the element as the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Hassler, Wolfgang Rulka, Thorsten Stuetzle
  • Patent number: 9845099
    Abstract: System and computer-implemented methods and processes for data management of a plurality of target devices of a vehicle, the system including a portable computer device programmed for wireless connectivity to a network and data management activities and interaction with the target devices. The system and computer-implemented methods and processes are particularly useful in connection with trains having at least one locomotive, where the train includes multiple target devices, such as a train event recording system and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Brian E. Kurz
  • Patent number: 9789881
    Abstract: A railway vehicle comprises a traction system including an asynchronous electric motor or a synchronous electric DC motor operable by an inverter electronic drive system. The vehicle further comprises an electronic control unit coupled to the traction system and configured to receive signals/data/commands indicative of operating conditions of the vehicle and of the traction system and to determine, based on the received signals/data/commands, the occurrence of a coasting condition of the vehicle and the occurrence of an exit condition from the coasting condition of the vehicle. If a coasting condition of the vehicle occurs, the electronic drive system is controlled to cause the electric motor to undergo magnetic flux changes. If an exit condition from the coasting condition occurs, and depending whether the electronic drive system is on or off, the electronic drive system is controlled to increase torque of the electric motor or to reduce magnetic flux reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ansaldobreda S.P.A.
    Inventors: Ciro Nappo, Luigi Accardo, Vincenzo Mungiguerra, Fabio Voccia, Guglielmo Navarra
  • Patent number: 9751537
    Abstract: The present application relates to a new high-speed rail rescue crane and a multifunctional high-speed rail rescue train, comprising a vehicle equipped with wheels; a concave floor disposed on middle of the vehicle floor; wherein a steel frame base is disposed on the concave floor; a cassette deck is set on both sides of the steel frame base and a V-type chute is set up on the cassette deck; a pedestal floor is disposed on the steel frame base, a sliding tenon is set on both sides of the pedestal floor, the sliding tenons is engaged with the V-type chute; an end of the pedestal floor is connected to a trip lever of a hydraulic cylinder fixed on the steel frame base; a rotary support is fixed on the pedestal floor, a crane is fixed on the pedestal floor; legs of the crane are disposed on the vehicle floor; and a slot engaged with a steel rail is disposed on root of the legs of the crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Chen Fang
  • Patent number: 9731616
    Abstract: An electric locomotive includes a first control line and DC buses laid between couplers, a power storage device connected to the DC buses, and a DC/DC converter that executes charge and discharge control with respect to the power storage device. A non-powered vehicle includes DC buses connected to the DC buses via a coupler, a second control line, a power storage device connected to the DC buses via a circuit breaker, and a BMU that manages the power storage device. The DC/DC converter executes power accumulation control with respect to the power storage device and power accumulation control with respect to the power storage device. When having determined abnormality of the power storage device, the BMU controls the circuit breaker to be turned off, thereby cutting off electrical connection between the power storage device and the DC buses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keita Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 9623884
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling movement of a train including a plurality of locomotives along a route. In one example, the method comprises, generating a first plan profile, the first plan profile including synchronous settings for the locomotives over a route, and generating a second plan profile based on the first plan profile, the second plan profile including independent settings for the locomotives over at least one region within the route. The method may further comprise, operating the locomotives based in the first and/or second plan profiles. In another example, the method comprises, generating a plan profile with fully independent settings for the locomotives over the entire route, the fully independent settings based on cost function coefficients of each locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James D. Brooks, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bernardo Adrian Movsichoff, Ramu Chandra
  • Patent number: 9592739
    Abstract: Drive control equipment for a vehicle comprises: a plurality of power conversion devices respectively connected with a plurality of motors that convert DC power supplied from a DC power source to AC power and output this to said motors; a control device that controls the power conversion devices; a frame that accommodates said power conversion devices and the control device and having a ceiling wall facing below the vehicle floor; and a power unit having a cooler in which are installed a plurality of semiconductor elements constituting the power conversion devices; a first control board provided with a first connector connected with said semiconductor elements, arranged facing the cooler; and a second control board arranged in a direction orthogonal to said first control board and connected with a second connector connected with the first connector of said first control board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Haruhiko Fujito, Michiaki Ishikawa, Hiroaki Yoshinari, Hideyuki Shimizu, Takashi Takagi
  • Patent number: 9590701
    Abstract: A first near field communication (NFC) device or a first NFC-enabled device utilizes a feedback based approach to allow for dynamic adjusting of one or more operating characteristics. The feedback based approach can be a direct feedback based approach or an indirect feedback based approach. In the direct feedback based approach, a second NFC device or a second NFC-enabled device can communicate information to the first NFC device or the first NFC-enabled device to cause the first NFC device or the first NFC-enabled device to dynamically adjust the one or more operating characteristics. In the indirect feedback based approach, the first NFC device or the first NFC-enabled device can dynamically adjust the one or more operating characteristics in response to the non-occurrence of an event, such as receiving a response command from the second NFC device or the second NFC-enabled device to provide an example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Dong-U Lee, Divyanshu Jain
  • Patent number: 9559615
    Abstract: A fully variable controller allows wide range of output voltages and output currents to be programmed therein. In this manner, a power supply including the fully variable controller can power a wide range of electrical loads having distinct voltage and current requirements. The fully variable controller includes a control unit, a voltage regulator and a current regulator configured, respectively, to provide and maintain voltage and current according to an output voltage and output current programmed into the fully variable controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Magtech Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Kuo, Tao Zhu
  • Patent number: 9421960
    Abstract: A braking installation (1) includes a pneumatic brake pipe (BP) which extends along the train, and wherein the pressure is controlled by a braking control apparatus (BCA) in the locomotive (L), an electrical power supply and communication line (EL) which extends along the train, and which is coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) in the locomotive (L); and in each wagon (W) or in each group of wagons (W), an electronic module (EM) coupled to the electrical line (EL) through power supply and communication interface devices (I, I1), and further connected to an electro-pneumatic control assembly (EPC) designed for driving pneumatic brake valve means (ELV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT ITALIA S. p. A.
    Inventors: Angelo Grasso, Francesco Demaria, David Wynd
  • Patent number: 9051157
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a brake which is operated by a spring force and a device for monitoring the force, comprising the steps of taking into account a force which is required to load or bias at least one spring by means of the device for monitoring the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR AG
    Inventors: Olaf Breidenstein, Jochen Schulze, Eberhard Vogler, Andreas Wilhelm, Torsten Gessner, Gunther Hermann, Markus Jetter, Nils-Anton Mollgaard, Uwe Resag
  • Publication number: 20150000552
    Abstract: A passenger transportation system having at least one rail extending along a path; at least one trolley movable along the rail; an actuating device having a linear electric motor, in turn having at least one slide fitted to the trolley, and a linear stator extending at least partly along the path, and having an elongated body, and a quantity of power windings embedded in the elongated body; and a quantity of sensors configured to control the position of the trolley, the sensors being fitted to the elongated body and so positioned as to minimize noise generated by the power windings on the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Walter Sonnerer, Giuseppe Conte
  • Patent number: 8924052
    Abstract: A locomotive consist control system may include a lead controller associated with a lead locomotive of the consist, and a secondary controller associated with a trailing locomotive of the consist and communicatively coupled by a communication link with the lead controller. The lead controller may be configured to receive a generator voltage or current output from a power bus electrical characteristics sensor associated with each locomotive, determine a total electrical power output requirement for the consist, determine an electrical power output requirement for each locomotive in the consist, and supply instructions to dynamically adjust an output voltage or current generated by a generator associated with each locomotive to a desired voltage or current anywhere within the rated capacity of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis John Melas, Andrew Joseph Shakal
  • Publication number: 20140345492
    Abstract: Drive control equipment for a vehicle comprises: a plurality of power conversion devices respectively connected with a plurality of motors that convert DC power supplied from a DC power source to AC power and output this to said motors; a control device that controls the power conversion devices; a frame that accommodates said power conversion devices and the control device and having a ceiling wall facing below the vehicle floor; and a power unit having a cooler in which are installed a plurality of semiconductor elements constituting the power conversion devices; a first control board provided with a first connector connected with said semiconductor elements, arranged facing the cooler; and a second control board arranged in a direction orthogonal to said first control board and connected with a second connector connected with the first connector of said first control board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Haruhiko FUJITO, Michiaki ISHIKAWA, Hiroaki YOSHINARI, Hideyuki SHIMIZU, Takashi TAKAGI
  • Publication number: 20140318410
    Abstract: A locomotive includes a plurality of axles and a plurality of pairs of wheels, each pair of wheels being connected to one of said axles. The locomotive also includes a plurality of traction motors, each traction motor operably attached to at least one of the axles. The locomotive includes a power system including at least one power module, the power system being configured to provide power to the traction motors. The locomotive includes a controller configured to receive a control signal indicative of a locomotive powering mode and determine a number of power modules operably connected to the power system and, based on the number of power modules operably connected to the power system and the control signal, send a command signal to the power system for operating the power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: PROGRESS RAIL SERVICES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Franklin Kral, Jeffrey Holt Wright, Sidarta Fornari Beltramin, Luis Roberto van den Berg
  • Patent number: 8833265
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a power control system for a consist. The consist may include a plurality of locomotives, each locomotive having an engine. The power control system may include a plurality of locomotive controllers. Each locomotive controller may be associated with one of the engines and configured to monitor temperature and power conditions of the associated engine. The power control system may also include a central controller adapted to receive temperature and power conditions from each locomotive controller and to determine desired power levels for each engine in the consist based on the received temperature and power conditions of the plurality of locomotives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Teoman Uzkan
  • Patent number: 8676411
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a grade crossing protection system include at least one camera providing surveillance of a grade crossing, the at least one camera coupled to a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes imagery of the grade crossing to a transceiver onboard a train. A display unit onboard the train is provided to allow the train operator to view the grade crossing. A control unit in communication with the transceiver is configured to monitor the received signal and, based upon a determined location of the train relative to the train crossing, issue a command to the train's brake system to reduce the speed of the train, or stop the train, before the train reaches the grade crossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Thales Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Abe Kanner
  • Patent number: 8655521
    Abstract: A method for powering a powered system having a first power generating unit where power settings for the first power generating unit are decoupled from power settings for a second power generating unit, the method including developing a power operating plan which is independent of a coupled power setting, and determining a power setting responsive to the power operating plan. A computer software code operable within a processor and configured to reside on a computer readable media for powering a powered system having at least a first power generating unit where power settings for the at least first power generating unit are decoupled from power settings for at least a second power generating unit is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James D. Brooks, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Patent number: 8640629
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are provided. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Norfolk Southern Corporation
    Inventors: Gibson V Barbee, Gerhard A. Thelen, Robert S Runyon, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Patent number: 8622002
    Abstract: A rail vehicle has a powered bogie, wherein the powered bogie has driven wheels. Each driven wheel of the powered bogie can be driven by an electric machine, with a power converter being assigned to the electric machine. As a result, a separate power converter is assigned to each driven wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Jöckel
  • Patent number: 8548655
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a grade crossing protection system include at least one camera providing surveillance of a grade crossing, the at least one camera coupled to a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes imagery of the grade crossing to a transceiver onboard a train. A display unit onboard the train is provided to allow the train operator to view the grade crossing. A control unit in communication with the transceiver is configured to monitor the received signal and, based upon a determined location of the train relative to the train crossing, issue a command to the train's brake system to reduce the speed of the train, or stop the train, before the train reaches the grade crossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Thales Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Abe Kanner
  • Patent number: 8381658
    Abstract: A method of operating a locomotive including a set of electrical traction motors, a fuel cell power module for generating electrical current for the traction motors, an air system for providing an air mass to the fuel cell power module, and a cooling system for cooling the fuel cell power module. When an amount of power is requested from the power module, a required current and a stoic set point for the power module are determined. From the required current, the stoic set point, and numerical factors characterizing the power module, an air mass flow set point is determined for producing the requested amount of power. A compressor set point including speed and torque set points of a compressor motor are determined for the air system to produce the air mass flow corresponding to the requested amount of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Arnold R. Miller, Kris S. Hess, Timothy L. Erickson, James L. Dippo
  • Patent number: 8342103
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage devices. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Norfolk Southern Corporation
    Inventors: Gibson V Barbee, Gerhard A Thelen, Robert S Runyon, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Patent number: 8285430
    Abstract: Provided is a controlling device for a railway electric car, the controlling device being able to detect a slipping/sliding phenomenon during, in particular, high-speed travel and to exercise slipping/sliding control in an appropriate manner. A slip controlling unit 1 includes a first adhesion level index generating unit and a second adhesion level index generating unit. In a normal slipping state in which an acceleration changes instantaneously, torque control is exercised by using a first adhesion level index generated by the first adhesion level index generating unit based on an acceleration deviation and a speed deviation. In a slipping state during high-speed travel, because the acceleration deviation and the speed deviation are small, torque control is exercised by using a second adhesion level index generated by multiplying the first adhesion level index by a gain equal to or smaller than 1 generated by the second adhesion level index generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masataka Yabuuchi, Hidetoshi Kitanaka, Keiji Nakatsu
  • Publication number: 20120227616
    Abstract: A drive control device for an electric train comprises a switch for connecting or opening direct-current power, a power converter into which the direct-current power is input via the switch between two terminals on an input side and which converts the direct-current power into alternating-current power through a switching action and drives an alternating current rotating machine connected on an output side, and a voltage detector for detecting the voltage between the two terminals. In addition, a power controller is provided that controls the power converter such that when the detected voltage of the voltage detector exceeds a predetermined open-circuit voltage, the switch is opened and the regenerative brake force is reduced by the alternating current rotating machine under a predetermined reduction pattern having a ramp reduction time longer than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Kusano
  • Patent number: 8244419
    Abstract: A marine power system comprises a motor for providing propulsion. It also comprises an energy storage unit (ESU) for storing and supplying energy to the motor. A prime power system is connected to the ESU and motor for selectively providing energy to these subsystems through a bus. The motor selectively receives energy from the prime power system and the ESU and can supply regenerative braking energy to the bus. The system can also accommodate multiple generator sets providing system power. The ESU can also provide starting power for the prime power system. Alternately, the prime power system drives a mechanical power system output shaft connected to the motor, and the marine system comprises an alternator driven by the prime power system output shaft. The ESU can transmit energy to the alternator. The prime power system can be located on a tugboat displacing a barge carrying the energy storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Wegner-Donnelly, John David Watson
  • Publication number: 20120160125
    Abstract: A system is provided for powering a locomotive. The system comprises a plurality of traction motor assemblies, each assembly comprising an armature and a field; a first power source connected in series to each armature; and in specific circumstances, a second power source connected across the fields. A method of controlling traction power in a locomotive is also provided, the method comprising: identifying which of a plurality of traction motor armatures in the locomotive has a highest current reading; and ramping a traction motor field current to equal the highest current reading for the traction motor armatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: ZTR Control Systems
    Inventors: Aldo LIBERATORE, Viktor GVELESIANI