Abstract: A passenger vehicle speed control apparatus and method are operative with a track providing an input speed command having ONEs and ZEROs information components. At least two programmed microprocessors operate with the vehicle and redundantly decode the ONEs and ZEROs input speed command signal components through operation of a fixed frequency filter for each of a plurality of frequency pairs and a variable frequency filter tuned to the frequency of the fixed filter having the highest amplitude signal component for determining a speed command signal to control the movement speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of automatic vehicle operation which fulfills multi-dimensional performance indices by presetting the weight for power consumption, the weight for the riding comfort, and the like. The modification of running time relative to the standard running time to be spent between two stations, the allowable power consumption relative to the standard power consumption to be spent for the standard running between two stations, and the degree of improvement of riding comfort for the standard running between two stations are set prior to the departure from a station so as to determine control parameters to be used for divided regions of distance between two stations, and the speed of the vehicle between two stations is controlled using the selected control parameters.

Abstract: A radio communication control system for a lead unit and a plurality of remote units is disclosed. The system has a protocol for establishing a communication link between the lead unit and the one or more remote units in the system which prevents any of the units in that system from processing messages or commands from other units in other train systems or processing messages or commands originating from units within a train system which are addressed to other units within the system. The communication system also includes a communications channel contention system for minimizing the probability of multiple units transmitting on the common communication channel at the same time and for insuring that the highest priority communications in each train are transmitted first in time measured from the end of the latest transmission on the radio communications channel.

Abstract: A speed control system for a passenger vehicle provides a predetermined brake mode operation to control the vehicle speed when the vehicle speed plus a determined speed offset responsive to a calculated effort request signal is equal to or greater than a desired program stop speed, and then compares the calculated effort request signal with a predetermined value of the effort request signal to control the vehicle speed in response to the calculated effort request signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a speed control apparatus and method for a passenger vehicle moving along a track in response to an input command speed, which produces fewer operative changes between the brake mode and the power mode for an improved speed maintaining control of the vehicle.

Abstract: A radio communication control system for a lead unit and a plurality of remote units is disclosed. The system has a protocol for establishing a communication link between the lead unit and the one or more remote units in the system which prevents any of the units in that system from processing messages or commands from other units in other train systems or processing messages or commands originating from units within a train system which are addressed to other units within the system. The communication system also includes a communications channel contention system for minimizing the probability of multiple units transmitting on the common communication channel at the same time and for insuring that the highest priority communications in each train are transmitted first in time measured from the end of the latest transmission on the radio communications channel.

Abstract: A vehicle carried profile generator generates a speed profile to control a vehicle governor at the transition from a higher to lower speed limit. The speed profile is calculated and checked to ensure it starts at a valid speed limit, continually decreases and is above a wayside speed limit. The governor is modified or controlled to inhibit brake application or a requirement for a brake application so long as actual speed is below profile speed.

Abstract: A synchronous wheel-slip control system for a multi-axle vehicle having a speed sensor for producing signals representative of the velocity of each of the wheel axle units. A differentiator connected to each of the speed sensors for differentiating the velocity signals to obtain rate signals. A plurality of truck and car rate comparators for determining when all the wheel axle units are in synchronism. A plurality of truck and car highest velocity circuits for determining the actual highest velocity signal of the wheel axle units and a car differentiator for differentiating the actual highest velocity signal to obtain the actual highest rate signal. A synchronous slip logic network for causing a data processing circuit to initiate a brake force reduction action of one of the trucks when all the wheel axle units are in synchronism and when the actual highest rate signal exceeds a requested rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a control signal in front of a vehicle moving along a track having an earth ground potential, with the vehicle having first and second low impedance interconnected collector shoes being coupled between a pair of signal rails and provided at respectively the front end and rear end of the vehicle. A first control signal is provided in front of the vehicle to control the desired operation of the vehicle and a second control signal is provided in the rear of the vehicle to control an undesired operation of the vehicle. An impedance member is provided, in a first conductive circuit on the vehicle or in a second conductive circuit associated with the track, to prevent the second control signal in front of the train from having a threshold level high enough to confuse the desired operation of the train.

Abstract: A speed independent system is used for obtaining a preselected number of samples from an object moving along a fixed path, such as a railroad train passing through a sensing zone along the section of track. The sensing zone is defined by a pair of wheel sensors. Upstream of the sensing zone a third sensor is positioned. The distance between the third sensor and the closer of the pair of sensors comprises a reference distance which is the length of the sensing zone multiplied by a known multiple. The time for the train to pass through the reference distance is obtained and then divided by a divisor comprising the product of the known multiple and the desired number of samples to obtain a single interval. During the time the train passes through the sensing zone consecutive intervals are counted off to obtain the desired number of samples.

Abstract: The signal term to be transmitted to a railroad traction vehicle is formed in a signaling system in that each element, from a destination element back to a start element has a respective top speed assigned thereto as an identification. The identification is transmitted element-by-element back to the start element and is devalued during relaying thereof when the identification is greater than that prescribed for a travel path element having a lower assigned top speed so that the identification received at the start element indicates the top speed admissible for the route. The admissible top speed is then converted into a corresponding signal term.

Abstract: The number of on-line locomotives of a consist is either reduced or increased by a manual control system that conserves fuel by throttling back trailing locomotives and operating the remaining locomotives of the consist at the most efficient throttle position. A control unit in the lead locomotive is operated by the engineer to command control units in equipped trailing locomotives of the consist. Each time the engineer depresses a "subtract power" push button, one trailing locomotive is throttled back; conversely, each time an "add power" push button is depressed, a trailing locomotive is returned on line by advancing its throttle to the most efficient position. A cutout control signal, which is generated in the lead locomotive and transmitted to trailing units in serial order (front to rear) by a single spare trainline wire, has voltage levels that progressively decrease or increase in response to the subtract or add power commands.

Abstract: A process for coding track circuits allows particularly information to be transmitted to a vehicle travelling over a railway track divided into a succession of sections each equipped with a track circuit, in which each of the carrier frequencies for energizing the track circuits is frequency modulated by means of a number of modulation frequencies each representing a piece of information to be transmitted. This process includes the steps of comparing the modulation frequency obtained by demodulation of the modulated carrier frequency with another source of modulation so as to check that said modulation frequency is indeed correct, and to allow transmission of the modulated carrier frequency in the corresponding track circuit only when this check is positive. This process and device applies to high-speed railway trains.

Abstract: A fail-safe acknowledging circuit having a plurality of relay switching contacts having a predetermined order of more restrictive significance. A differentiating circuit selectively interconnected by certain ones of the plurality of relay switching contacts for establishing a selected one of a plurality of charging potential levels from a d.c. voltage source. A latching circuit is conditioned by a holding voltage and is set by momentarily closure of an acknowledging switch to produce a.c. signals which are fed to one input of a two-input AND gate. A checking circuit monitors the voltage level of the d.c. voltage source and verifies the integrity of the differentiating circuit to produce a d.c. potential which is conveyed to the other input of the two-input AND gate.

Abstract: A transportation system comprising a plurality of driven vehicles movable along a track and controlled by the provision of deterministic cells, defined by track-to-vehicle speed and/or position command signals, which move along the track, each vehicle being confined within the limits of a cell but being capable of autonomous movement relative thereto to permit the formation of a contact train with other vehicles within the cell. A control is provided to close-up vehicles within a cell, and there may also be provided on board each vehicle three coordinated closed-loop subsystems, governing respectively the vehicle speed, position and closing speed relative to an adjacent vehicle.

Abstract: A pair of on-board processing units, operating in parallel, are supplied with input signals representing actual train speed, advance traffic conditions, and selected train parameters. Each unit continuously calculates a maximum train speed from which emergency braking will stop the train within the indicated clear track distance ahead. Each unit also compares the calculated maximum speed with actual train speed and emits a preselected distinctive frequency signal or a d.c. signal as actual speed is less than, or equals, or exceeds maximum speed, respectively. A logic network with parallel filter-rectifier circuit paths passes the unit outputs, if of the preselected frequencies, to a two-input AND gate whose output holds emergency braking released. If a preselected frequency output is absent from either or both units, due to actual speed equaling or exceeding maximum speed or to a fault condition in the apparatus, the corresponding lack of an AND gate output actuates emergency braking.

Abstract: An automatic speed control system for a consist of diesel locomotives conserves fuel by throttling back trailing engines and operating remaining engines at the most efficient throttle position. A control unit in the lead locomotive is operated by the engineer to command control units in equipped trailing locomotives of the consist. In the lead locomotive, depressing a "set speed" push button causes a speed memory to store the existing speed of the consist, and a cutout control signal is generated which is transmitted to trailing units in serial order, i.e., front to rear, by a single spare trainline wire. The control signal has two control voltage levels that increase or decrease with deviations of the speed of the consist from the desired speed in memory. These voltage levels are decoded by each trailing unit and, if power is needed, the engine throttle is set at the most efficient position or, if the locomotive is to be cut out, the throttle is set at a desired minimum position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a passenger vehicle speed maintaining control apparatus and method, including program microprocessor control apparatus for controlling the vehicle speed in response to an acceleration or tractive effort request P signal.

Abstract: A speed decoding and error determining control apparatus and method are disclosed, including two independently programmed microprocessors responsive to a desired speed command from the wayside for determining respective speed errors for a coupled passenger vehicle, which speed errors must compare within a predetermined tolerance before the speed command is permitted to control the actual speed of the passenger vehicle.

Abstract: A method for regulating vehicular traffic over a network of itineraries travelled by various vehicles such as railroad trains, or other public modes of transportation. On board, computer assisted vehicle control processes are advantageously combined with traditional time-table scheduling and modern centralized traffic control concepts. Simplified audio radio communications alleviate the need for intensive track equipment. Monitoring and signaling devices are limited to those dictated by safety rules and regulations. In order to limit to a minimum the exchange of data between each vehicle and the traffic control, a set of predetermined timetables are stored on board each vehicle. Traffic instructions are reduced to two elements, the identification of the assigned timetable and a time lag constant to be uniformly added to the time entries of the assigned time-table.

Abstract: A device for automatically controlling a speed restriction from information coming from outside the vehicle, comprising means for analysing and decoding the information and control means for maintaining the speed of the vehicle at a value equal to that of the speed limit. The device comprises coding means for coding the information coming from outside; program means able to make correspond to each speed limit a voltage associated with this speed and electrical connection means between the program means and the speed control means, these electrical connection means being responsive to the coding of the speed limit and able to select the voltage corresponding to the coded speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a train vehicle speed control signal providing apparatus operative with a frequency command speed control signal, and relates to the generation of the desired speed code signals in such a frequency rate system. Two separate and independent physical and electrical operations provide each of the respective desired frequency speed code signals in combination with a comparison step to provide an output speed code signal only if the two input frequency signals are each at the desired frequency.

Abstract: Clock pulses representative of the velocity error between desired and actual train speeds drive an advance train line (ATL) register to count up or down, in accordance with the sign of the error, between zero and a selected maximum count position. The existing total count is continuously applied to a D/A converter to provide a stepped analog signal which drives an advance train line channel to vary the propulsion effort of the train, car by car, to the next adjacent level, increasing or decreasing per the direction of the counting action. Attainment of either count limit by the ATL register generates, through logic circuitry, a clock pulse to drive the associated propulsion train line (PTL) encoder in the same direction to its next propulsion condition. The ATL register is reset to the opposite count limit during generation of the PTL clock pulse, to continue the stepped variation of the propulsion level in the same direction.

Abstract: Speed governor for automatic trains comprising a dynamo electric device having a plurality of stators, one for each of a plurality of different predetermined speeds, and a common rotor mounted on a shaft connected to an axle of the train and each stator having a primary winding connected across an a.c. supply and a secondary winding connected via a saturable transformer to the d.c. control winding of a transductor whose a.c. winding is connected in the a.c. supply circuit to the stator, a winding of the transformer being connected to train speed control means such that saturation of the transformer occurs at a predetermined rotor speed to increase the impedance of the transductor and reduce the current through the windings of the transformer correspondingly.

Abstract: A reversible binary counter unit receives periodic clock pulses from associated advance train line apparatus, one pulse at the end of each cycle of operation of the ATL apparatus to vary train propulsion level in car by car steps. The counter adds or subtracts each pulse in accord with the condition of an up/down direction signal representing the sign of the train speed error. The BCD output of the counter is converted into decimal form and applied to a "select and/or" logic network which energizes the train line relay corresponding to the base propulsion level designated by the decimal count and all lower level train line relays. When the counter reaches either count limit, under a corresponding direction signal, further counting operation is inhibited through a logic network.

Abstract: This invention relates to a signal system for high speed vehicles traveling along a predetermined way. In the system vehicles are controlled from the wayside through the use of incremental signals automatically provided to the vehicles as a function of vehicle passage and relative vehicle position. In addition central control is provided for such a system to allow for superimposing on the automatic wayside signal equipment a programmable speed control which allows for simultaneous provision of safe vehicle speed while establishing constant, acceleration or deceleration control over any vehicle in the system.

Abstract: A speed detector for a direct current motor is coupled substantially in parallel with the motor such that only the motor input voltage and a function of the input current are inputs to the speed detector/indicator system. Analog speed detection is provided by using either operational amplifiers or single stage transistor circuits to sample the current and voltage to generate a voltage proportional to speed of the motor.