Abstract: There is disclosed a transit vehicle brake control apparatus and method which determines a safe brake velocity for the vehicle in relation to a speed control relationship including roadway system design deceleration, the deceleration of the vehicle in relation to inertial space and the deceleration of the vehicle in relation to the roadway, when the actual speed is greater than the input command speed for the vehicle from the roadway. The actual speed of the vehicle is compared with the determined safe brake velocity for the control of the vehicle speed.

Abstract: An improved method for controlling the rate of deceleration and a point of stopping of a vehicle. Upon passing a first position marker, a first deceleration pattern is produced in an arithmetic circuit for stopping the train at a first predetermined point. Second and third deceleration patterns are produced when the vehicle passes a second position marker. In situations where the first deceleration pattern is a proper one, the vehicle velocity is subsequently conformed to the second deceleration pattern which controls the velocity of the vehicle at a lower deceleration rate than the first deceleration pattern, and stops the vehicle at a predetermined target point.

Abstract: A braking system for a mobile medical diagnostic device having forward support wheels operatively associated with proportional electromechanical brakes and a single central steerable wheel assembly at the rear of the device. Means are provided for generating throttle command signals and actual velocity signals and for comparing the two and for applying current to the proportional brakes to a degree which is proportional to the difference in those two signals. When this difference exceeds a predetermined level, a motor brake is further actuated to augment the proportional braking system. Also included is a means for automatically reducing the throttle command signal in proportion to the degree that the steerable wheel assembly is turned from the straight-ahead position.

Abstract: Installation for controlling trains defining allocated cross-overs with conductor loops, in accordance with a normal program P1n and an interference program P2n. Installation characterised in that the ground equipment of each block comprises a frequency generator GF producing a normal mode frequency F1, an interference mode frequency F2 and a frequency F3 to be modulated, supplying a mode selector SM, so as to provide a frequency signal FSn as a function of an occupation signal OCC (n+1) received by the mode selector SM and correspondin g to the occupation of the following block Cn+1, as well as a frequency signal PPn enabling the interference program P2n to be read, and the equipment fitted on board each train comprises a logical emergency-braking circuit CLF.

Abstract: An improved automatic control system for a train of transit vehicles which regulates the velocity of the train and its braking rate in accordance with a predetermined velocity/distance profile. The system includes apparatus for compensating for variations in wheel diameter and train length in such a manner as to assure that the center of the train regularly stops at a predetermined point with respect to a desired station stopping point. On board receivers are responsive to wayside signal devices for establishing the operating velocity of the vehicle and for initiating entry into the predetermined braking profile. Since vehicle control is effected by wayside signal devices, the distance between stopping points may be indefinite. The system includes apparatus which permits passing selected stopping points when desired.

Abstract: There is disclosed a passenger transit vehicle speed maintaining control apparatus and method, including an open loop acceleration control that is operationally modified by a closed loop speed control, for providing an improved control of vehicle speed in relation to a change of input speed command.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle door control apparatus and method, including programmed computer control apparatus responsive to open door code signals from the wayside in addition to a zero signal to indicate that the train of vehicles has stopped within a passenger station are operative to open the doors of all vehicles at the correct time on the correct side of the train when the train is within the station and traveling at less than a predetermined zero speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a train vehicle speed control apparatus which recognizes a change in one of the acceleration rate or the deceleration rate of a train moving along the track and the control of the train velocity in relation to what distance will be required for a desired operation of the train such as a predetermined decrease in the train speed or a stopping of the train. If the deceleration rate has changed, for example, the fixed physical system limits what control can be exercised and the velocity of the train can be modified to adjust the actual stopping distance used by the train or with a fixed stopping distance desired then the permitted train velocity can be changed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a passenger vehicle operation control apparatus and method, including programmed microprocessor control apparatus for determining an improved and more precise stopping of each vehicle in relation to a station platform.

Abstract: The method uses a computer which, in accordance with a function based on either time or distance of deceleration, delivers speed values to a control apparatus for the braking force of the vehicle. The control apparatus is utilized to deliver correcting control signals for correcting the braking forces, and a fixed braking force control signal is provided and has a magnitude which is rated for a braking which is accurate as to the deceleration distance under conditions of an ideal track and an average train length, as when the rail-guided vehicles are locomotive-drawn railroad trains. The correcting control signals are combined, after a first time delay and in the correct mathematical polarity, or relationship, to the fixed braking force control signal. Upon actuation of the vehicle brake, only the fixed braking force control signal is applied and the computer is actuated for picking up and storing the actual speed at this instant.

Abstract: A speed and location programmer located at a particular train station is used to prepare a non-volatile program that may be used by an on board microcomputer to control the speed of a train. The program includes train orders, track conditions, and other relevant information, such as size, length and capacity of the train which may be obtained from a centralized location. The program is fed into a microcomputer which monitors the speed and distance of the train and compares it with the program. If the parameters as contained in the program are exceeded, either the throttle would be reduced or the brakes applied to regulate the speed of the train. A trip history of the train may be extracted at the next train station to determine the operation of the train by the engineer. An override system is included to eliminate the function of the microcomputer in case of emergency. Sensors may be used to determine the number of rotations of the train wheel and thereby compute the speed and distance of the train.

Abstract: A safety device for a transport system in which a vehicle travels on a track divided into sequential sections operates to stop the vehicle when a parameter representing the motion of the vehicle exceeds a threshold in the course of travelling over a track section. The device comprises two comparators each delivering during passage of the vehicle in each track section a comparison signal having a first value when the parameter remains within the threshold and a second value when the parameter exceeds the threshold. A coincidence detector is connected to receive the output signals of the two comparators and operates to initiate emergency braking of the vehicle if the output signals of the two comparators do not simultaneously have the same value during travel in a track section.

Abstract: The specification describes apparatus for applying automatic braking as a function of the effective deceleration of a vehicle caused by any already applied service braking whereby total braking time for the vehicle is shortened.

Abstract: The running speed of a track bound vehicle whose movement is normally determined by an automatic control system that preassigns speeds and braking curves and accelerations up to the permissable speed at a predetermined rate or with maximum propulsion power is optimized by an additional circuit carried by the vehicle which calculates a predetermined point on a coasting initiation curve from data communicated to the vehicle and which switches off the propulsion power of the vehicle when the actual speed of the vehicle exceeds the predetermined point.

Abstract: A system is described for controlling the movement of a vehicle over a guideway having a specified length. A signal is generated which represents a commanded absolute position of the vehicle on the guideway. A vehicle position transducer provides a signal having a value representing the actual position of the vehicle on the guideway which is compared with the commanded position to provide a position error signal. The speed of the vehicle is controlled in accord with the value of the position error signal. The commanded vehicle position signal is varied with time in a manner to provide desired vehicle motion characteristics including vehicle jerk and acceleration and deceleration values. The system also provides for a constant velocity control mode.

Abstract: A safety and test device for railway signalling systems comprising a calculating device or computer adapted to treat information signals, relating to prevailing speed and desired speed, and to activate a brake device if said treatment reveals that speed reduction is necessary. In order to control itself the computer is programmed to run through special test programs, suitably sections of the ordinary program with given start data, and at the end of each such test program generate a control word, specific for each test program and coming in a given sequence. A control unit connected between the computer and the brake device receives the control words generated by the computer and compares them with correct words stored in a memory and generates an output pulse, each time an incoming control word coincides with a correct control word stored in the memory.

Abstract: A spot control type automatic train stop system utilizing ground control units common to more than one block section signal. For at least one particular block section signal, one or more of the ground units positioned in a block section which precedes the particular block section signal by at least one block section is in a position in the preceding block section common to the position of the basic pattern generating ground unit for the particular block section signal.

Abstract: A train operation control apparatus includes a memory for prestoring speed instructions in accordance with the travelled distances of a train and a counter which starts to operate upon train's passing through a predetermined point to count input signals representative of a travel speed of the train. A speed instruction is read out of the memory in response to a content of the counter so that the train follows the speed instruction. Before the operation of the counter is started, a maximum count of the counter is preset so that a minimum speed instruction is read out of the memory at the start of operation, and based on the content thereof a fault of the counter is detected so that a brake instruction is issued to the train.

Abstract: A device for preventing collision of trains includes two units, a stationary signal sending unit mounted on the wayside and a moving control unit mounted on the locomotive. The signal sending unit including the traffic light system transmits a D. C. voltage, zero, positive, or negative value, representing red, yellow, or green traffic light, to the control unit through two contacts, one mounted on the wayside and one mounted on the locomotive. The control unit includes an electro-responsive valve, the air brake system of the train, and four speed-switches. The electro-responsive valve is connected by a pipe to the air brake system of the train. Openings of the electro-responsive valve will cause brake applications. The so organized device will cause the train to stop if the train runs through a red traffic light, and will cause the train to restrict its run under a pre-set low speed limit after passing the red traffic light.

Abstract: In an automatic operating system for a vehicle where the velocity of the vehicle is controlled so as to follow a selected one of a plurality of target velocity patterns, the system comprising first apparatus for predicting a braking or a powering force corresponding to a first target velocity pattern, second apparatus for predicting a braking or a powering force corresponding to a second target velocity pattern and third apparatus for selecting either one of the braking or powering force from the first and second apparatus in response to values of the braking or powering force therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated railway system and to a method of leading a vehicle by means of a control center from an automatically controlled area to an area of individual control. The speed-determining criteria in the area of individual control, for example, maximum speeds and stopping points, are stored in the control center and used to determine a transition speed and a transfer point which, in turn, are communicated as corresponding running commands to the vehicle still being in the area of the control center.

Abstract: A train vehicle zero speed sensing apparatus is provided for operation with a pair of tachometers coupled to the drive mechanism of a train vehicle, such that zero speed or an equivalent zero speed of the vehicle is sensed, and any single failure is detectable and will not yield a false zero speed indication.

Abstract: Train speed is controlled by propulsion train line (PTL) apparatus, which sets a base level of propulsion effort, and by an advance train line (ATL) apparatus, which varies the propulsion effort up or down from the existing base level in accordance with under or over speed conditions. Each full cycle of ATL operation drives the PTL apparatus to the next higher or lower base level. A propulsion error signal PE drives a comparator-clock network to generate clock pulses and an up/down signal to step the ATL register and thus the PTL encoder to bring speed within the desired range. A speed control, brake error signal SCBE controls normal train braking effort but is inhibited while propulsion control remains effective to reduce speed. When the PTL encoder counts down to the zero propulsion level, the clamp on signal SCBE is removed to activate braking to further reduce speed.

Abstract: A propulsion, braking, and station stopping control circuit for a rapid transit train including a first summing and amplifying apparatus for producing a velocity signal which is a function of the desired and actual velocity of the train and including a second summing and amplifying apparatus for producing a propulsion error signal which is a function of the velocity signal and an actual acceleration signal. An absolute value and sign determining apparatus for receiving the propulsion error signal and for producing an up-down signal which is to be supplied to an advanced train line register and propulsion train line encoder and for producing an analog signal which is supplied to a clock for generating pulses which are applied to the advanced train line register. Apparatus for producing a speed control braking error signal which is a function of the velocity signal and an actual acceleration signal.

Abstract: In a rail transportation system, a sensor assembly is mountable on a rail vehicle for detecting, during the travel thereof, a rail obstruction which would inhibit continued and uninterrupted travel of the vehicle and for transmitting such detection to the vehicle speed control for regulating the same to thereby avoid a perilous situation. The sensor assembly includes a leashed sensor element which is guidingly propelled forwardly of the vehicle parallel to the rail at a distance required for a comfortable stop depending on vehicle speed. Travel of the sensor element is retarded upon contacting the obstruction thereby causing a reel to which the leash is connected to rewind and accordingly regulate the vehicle speed control to bring the travelling vehicle to a complete and safe stop if necessary.

Abstract: In a transportation vehicle control system, a signal is detected from a transposed cable to determine the vehicle position relative to a predetermined speed control zone. This position data, along with other manual and/or automatic inputs, is fed into a profile function generator whose output is a predetermined singular function of the position and other inputs. While the vehicle is within the speed control zone, the output of the profile function generator is converted from digital form into analog form and then used to limit the vehicle speed.

Abstract: In an anti-skid type control system for automotive vehicles, apparatus for maintaining wheel slip in a region of values associated with a maximum coefficient of road friction. Periodic modulation of the wheel brake torque in conjunction with wheel acceleration measurement are employed to determine the variation of the coefficient of road friction from an optimum value, while integral-plus-proportional control of the pulse modulation allows compensatory variation of the wheel torque and slip condition to a condition providing the optimum coefficient of road friction.

Abstract: A railroad car maximum speed limiting device including a railroad car wheel-driven generator and centrifugal speed responsive switch for operating a solenoid valve to supply vacuum to the vehicle brakes from an auxiliary vacuum reservoir after the vehicle has passed a magnetic trip operating a relay to complete the genertor circuit, the improvement comprising an air cylinder operated by trainline vacuum for moving the generator and centrifugal speed responsive switch wheel out of engagement with the car wheel for trainline operation, and a special shuttle valve on the cylinder for supplying braking vacuum to the cylinder alternately from the speed control auxiliary vacuum reservoir or from the main conventional vacuum reservoir.

Abstract: Sensor means which is fitted to a mobile member so as to stop the latter on engagement with an object in its path comprising a trip bar, a plurality of links which are arranged at spaced points along the mobile member and are each pivotally connected to said mobile member and trip bar at respective opposite ends so that they form a folding parallelogram with the mobile member and trip bar, and switch means which is arranged in relation to said trip bar so as to be operated by movement of the latter towards said mobile member. Preferably, at least one of the links is pivotally connected to the mobile member by connection means which is adjustable in position along a respective portion of the length of the mobile member and which preferably carries a stop in a predetermined angular position relative to the pivot between the link and connection means so that the links lie parallel to one another when they engage their respective stops.

Abstract: A method and device for facilitating the movement of a number of moving bodies such as trains travelling behind each other in a closed circuit with all the necessary automatic functions such as safety precautions against collision and control of traffic, is arranged by providing an ideal circulation of imaginary moving bodies corresponding to the actual bodies and progressing regularly according to a pre-established programme, each actual moving body being constrained to remain, within limits behind its corresponding imaginary moving body taking into account possible braking requirements, and, in front of the imaginary moving body controlling the next actual moving body.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the speed of a vehicle, especially vehicles of a railway train, wherein acceleration-imparting mechanisms associated with the wheels are adjusted on an individual basis by comparison of tangential speed and desired speed by the use of sensors to maintain the tangential speeds of the wheels equal to each other, and equal to a predetermined value. The technique may be employed in either the braking or the propulsion mode of operation, or in both modes, and allows commanded rates of vehicle acceleration to be realized to the greatest possible extent.

Abstract: This invention concerns a positioning device for a transport vehicle, constrained to travel along a track. These transport vehicles are propelled by linear motor propulsion. Along the track are positioning points typically located at stations for entering and exiting the vehicle. Associated with the means for linear motor propulsion, stationary in the track at the positioning points are two switches, means to detect the velocity of the vehicle and a logic control circuit, so that acceleration, deceleration and zero strength excitation signals can be applied to the linear motor in the vehicle so as to cause the vehicle to come to rest at the positioning point. The apparatus controls a vehicle travelling in either direction along the track.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle operation system which responds to a plurality of speed commands and a plurality of stopping commands. The vehicle is controlled to travel at one of a plurality of speeds in response to one of a plurality of speed commands. The vehicle can also be controlled to stop a predetermined distance after receipt of one of the two stopping commands. Which of the two stopping commands is received determines the distance over which the vehicle travels between receipt of the stopping command and the point at which the vehicle comes to rest. Regardless of which of the commands is received the vehicle is controlled so as to respect predetermined acceleration and jerk limits during periods of acceleration and deceleration. The acceleration control circuit is responsive not only to velocity rate of change but also to the grade over which the vehicle is traveling so as to limit the total acceleration of deceleration forces to a predetermined maximum.