Non-mechanical Control Of Vehicles From Wayside Patents (Class 246/187B)
  • Patent number: 6108596
    Abstract: A process and a device for the control and/or regulation of a wagon body tilt system (1) for a railed vehicle, e.g., a train. Limit values with respect to comfort are taken into consideration for this purpose. In an equivalent way, these limit values preset a comfort scale for a rail camber or tilt (.phi..sub.c) as desired tilt values (.phi..sub.desired, .phi..sub.des. Speed, .phi..sub.des. accel.) for the control and/or regulation of a wagon body (2) as relevant value based on the system limits and permit a subsequent regulation within the adjustment system (4) of the wagon body (2) only within these limits. If at least one limit value for comfort and/or parameters describing the system is exceeded, these desired tilt values (.phi..sub.desired, .phi..sub.des. speed, .phi..sub.des. accel.) are then adapted by taking into account this at least one exceeded limit value and are converted to adapted desired tilt values (.phi.'.sub.desired, .phi.'.sub.des. speed, .phi.'.sub.des. accel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: TZN Forschungs-und Entwicklungszentrum
    Inventor: Johannes Beike
  • Patent number: 5999863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a DC power pack integrated with a micro-controller embedded controller for setting various voltages to accommodate different trains run on a track system. Micro-controller embedded controller (MECC) contains memory for pre-stored information and variable or changing information relating to the operation of the train system and related voltage and waveform requirements. Storage of variable or changing information can be in non-volatile memory or volatile memory with battery back-up. Throttle setting, braking and acceleration are controlled with the MECC connected to a user interface for selecting a number of possible values to increase the realism of the railroad operation. The railroader is capable of setting acceleration and deceleration times. Alternate embodiments provide for uploading/downloading data and information from the present invention to update the variable information pertaining to the operation of various manufactures trains and their operation set points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Model Rectifier Corporation
    Inventor: Zhiping Lin
  • Patent number: 5864304
    Abstract: A railroad-crossing warning system for protecting pedestrians and motorists from an oncoming train. The warning system has a vehicle detector system for determining whether a vehicle is stuck in an area of the railroad crossing, a train detector system for determining vital train information including the speed and direction of the oncoming train, a display unit for displaying warning messages to the pedestrians and motorists approaching the railroad crossing, and a communication system for communicating the vital train information and the distressed vehicle information to the oncoming train and the display system. The system provides early warning to the operator of the oncoming train to provide more reliable protection for distressed vehicles in the railroad crossing and for motorists and pedestrians approaching the railroad crossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: AT&T Corp
    Inventors: Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas T. Shen
  • Patent number: 5678789
    Abstract: A model railroad car position indicator includes a sensor receptive to the presence of a model railroad car on a track. Control circuitry determines the location of the car relative to a predetermined position on the track and approves initiation of a model train process if the car is within a range of acceptable positions for initiating the process. A preferred embodiment includes circuitry for determining whether the car velocity is less than a predetermined threshold velocity. In this embodiment, approval of initiation of the model train process is conditioned on both the car position being acceptable and the car velocity being acceptable. An indicator provides feedback to the model train operator for manual initiation of the model train process. Alternatively, the control circuit may automatically initiate the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Robert B. Pipich
  • Patent number: 5600564
    Abstract: A coke oven communication and control system uses high frequency spread spectrum transceivers which are land based (connected to a central controller) and machine based (on a charging car, door machine, pusher, or quench car). Each land based transceiver communicates with a single corresponding machine based transceiver, there being different frequencies for each of the machines. Except for the quenching car transceivers, the other land and machine transceivers all are selectively connected to a pair of antennas which are alternately used to overcome interference. An advantageous communication technique is used to send data between a central controller, known as a battery programmable logic controller (PLC), and the machines. Control strategies are used to minimize malfunctioning of the coke oven battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: National Steel Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Tarasiewicz, Edward C. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5592158
    Abstract: An initialization beacon for initializing a stationary vehicle, particularly for assisting the driving, operation, and maintenance of the stationary vehicle, comprises superposing cross-over structures Si, whereby each cross-over structure is made from a first electrical cable Ci1 and a second electrical cable Ci2. The first electrical cable Ci1, which mutually parallels with the second electrical cable over most of its length, crosses over the second electrical cable Ci2 to form a succession of magnetic nodes N. The magnetic nodes of each of the superposed cross-over structure form magnetic nodes Nij in the superposed cross-over structures. The magnetic nodes NiJ are staggered in a non-overlapping fashion according to a space period in each of the superposed cross-over structures. Pairs Pmn of the superposed cross-over structure Si can be successively powered at a clock frequency FH and a data frequency FD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom Transport SA
    Inventor: Didier Riffaud
  • Patent number: 5511749
    Abstract: A locomotive control system comprising a remote transmitter issuing RF binary coded commands and a slave controller mounted on the locomotive that decodes the transmission and operates in dependence thereof various actuators to carry into effect the commands of the ground based operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Canac International, Inc.
    Inventors: Folkert Horst, Oleh Szklar, Kelly Doig, George R. Cass, Jean L. Bousquet
  • Patent number: 5467945
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved block control for controlling a train safely and efficiently along a railway system. The apparatus includes a mechanism for designating a train route, a mechanism for assigning a feeder section along the designated train route to a desired substation, a mechanism for locking an assigned feeder section to a desired substation and for preventing unlocking of that assignment until predetermined conditions are met, a mechanism for designating a traveling direction of the train along the assigned feeder section, and a mechanism for controlling operation of the train along a designated control route. The invention also relates to a mechanism for enlarging a control route, a mechanism for unlocking the assigned feeder sections and substations, a mechanism for checking a determined control route, a mechanism for changing the borders of a feeder section, and a mechanism for selectively communicating received data to the correct substation to facilitate control of the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Central Japan Railway Company
    Inventors: Kiyoto Kubota, Hiroto Takeuchi, Shinichiro Kato
  • Patent number: 5452870
    Abstract: A train control-system employs beacon transponders along the track to transmit fixed data to a passing train in addition to dynamic data relating to track availability and routing provided by encoded cab signals transmitted in the track. The fixed data includes the location of block boundaries and distances to such boundaries, timetable speed limits, and the distance to a point along the track at which a speed restriction is in effect. This data and other fixed information is integrated with the dynamic data in an on-board computer which determines train control instructions from the received data and displays the instructions to the train crew. The system is capable of enforcing any restrictive instructions that are not obeyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Harmon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Heggestad
  • Patent number: 5294081
    Abstract: A device comprises a detector for detecting markers along the railway track processor for processing the signals supplied by the detector, in order to control the speed of a rail vehicle as a function of its position and instantaneous speed on a track section. The markers comprise, on each track section, markers (1) arranged at constant or random intervals at the entry of each section and markers (2) arranged to form a beacon for identifying the section in question and for initializing the device. The signal processor comprises a memory (9) in which a vehicle progress program is stored in the form of codes associated with each marker arranged on the ground and each containing a data item relating to the type of ground marker which is to be detected, a data item relating to a set-point speed of the vehicle on a level with the marker, and a data item relating to the number of the track section covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Aigle Azur Concept
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Malon
  • Patent number: 5149024
    Abstract: A system for controlling the movement of carriages in a conveyor system is disclosed in which individually powered carriages are controlled so as to stop a carriage at a designated position on the conveyor rail. Electrical contact wires extend along the conveyor rail and are electrically connected to controller units on each of the carriages by electrical contacts sliding along the electrical contact wires. Certain ones of the electrical contact wires have electrical discontinuities which define boundaries of first and second zones. The electrical discontinuities form a normally open electrical circuit with the controller units of each of the carriages, thereby keeping such controller units in the inoperative or "off" position. In this position of the controller unit, the power unit of each of the individual carriages drives the carriage along the conveyor rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawashima, Keiji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5127599
    Abstract: A deceleration zone in a linear motor in-track transit system is provided. The transit system includes a guideway and at least one vehicle carrying a linear motor secondary moveable along the guideway between a freight loading station and a freight unloading station. Linear induction motor (LIM) primaries are disposed along the guideway at spaced intervals to provide thrust to the vehicles. Deceleration zones are designated at certain segments of the guideway wherein reduced speed of the vehicles is required. The deceleration zones include a plurality of spaced permanent magnet decelerators located along the guideway adjacent the vehicle entrance end of the deceleration zone. The decelerators cause eddy currents to flow in the linear motor secondaries carried by vehicles passing thereover due to the magnetic interaction between the decelerators and the linear motor secondaries. The eddy currents result in a retarding thrust being supplied to the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: UTDC, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Veraart
  • Patent number: 5125347
    Abstract: A power supply system for a linear motor type transportation system includes a series of driving coils disposed along a railroad track for producing a moving magnetic field to drive a train, a plurality of feeding blocks disposed along the railroad track for supplying electric power to the series of driving coils, a plurality of power converters each connected to the corresponding feeding blocks to supply electric power to each corresponding feeding section composed of the feeding blocks, and a plurality of block switches connected between neighboring two feeding blocks of the feeding blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Youji Takahashi, Toyoharu Uchiyama, Kiyoshi Nakamura, Akira Kimura, Shigeyoshi Koike, Koumei Miyairi
  • Patent number: 5116002
    Abstract: Stopping zones in a linear motor in-track transit system are provided. The transit system includes a guideway and at least one vehicle moveable along the guideway between freight loading and unloading stations. Stopping zones are designated at certain segments of the guideway where it is necessary to stop a vehicle. The stopping zones include a primary brake in the form of a linear motor primary which is operable under normal conditions to stop the vehicle in the stopping zone at a designated stopping point when the vehicle enters the stopping zone. The linear motor primary is also operable to restart a vehicle it has stopped. A secondary brake is also provided along the guideway within the stopping zone and is spaced from the primary brake. The secondary brake typically remains inoperative but is also capable of stopping a vehicle within the stopping zone when the vehicle travels beyond the designated stopping point due to failure or malfunction of the primary brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: UTDC, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Veraart
  • Patent number: 5074499
    Abstract: A system for transmitting initialization information between fixed installations and trains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom SA
    Inventor: Patrick Marchand
  • Patent number: 5072900
    Abstract: Each train is equipped with an on-board device for detecting the position of the train with respect to the track and with a transmitter-receive communicating with a central station. The central station has an instantaneous storage of the relative positions of all of the trains in the network, storage of the itineraries of each train, the characteristics of the network related to the speed range, and of the performance of the rolling stock in service. The central station constitutes the organizing unit of the system and comprises a transmission at regular time intervals of messages containing the identification numbers of the trains in circulation which are authorized to follow their route, taking account of position information received from these trains by the central station and of speed range parameters contained in the storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Aigle Azur Concept
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Malon
  • Patent number: 5065963
    Abstract: A travel control system for trains, especially monorail trains, is disclosed. At each stopping point, there is a stop target mounted adajcent to the rail. The train carries a detector for sensing the stop targets and bringing the train to a stop at such targets. At each stop, there is also provided a controllable signal transmitter, cooperating with a receiver carried by the train. The transmitter/receiver combination has a greater effective transmitting range, in a lengthwise direction, than the stop target and its detector. Accordingly, the normal stop instructions can be overridden by activation of the controllable transmitter, allowing the train to pass through the stopping point without stopping. The controllable transmitter is also useful for restarting a train stopped in the normal course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Usui, Hideichi Tanizawa
  • Patent number: 5029294
    Abstract: A sensor unit for traffic control of an automatic guided vehicle. Traffic sensor means generates a signal of a specified frequency. Control means controls the direction of the automatic guided vehicle as a function of signal generated by the traffic sensor means. Control sensor means coupled with the traffic sensor means and the direction controlling means sends a stop signal to one or more of the vehicles to resolve conflicts at intersections and avoid collisions and deadlocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang S. Kim
  • Patent number: 4987834
    Abstract: An accumulating conveyor formed by a series of self propelled pallets (18) running on a track (20), with non-contacting proximity detectors (24A, 24B) located on the front and rear of each pallet (18), and an on board control circuit (26) causing deenergization of the drive motor (22) when a stopped pallet (18) is detected ahead, or when barrier members (28, 30) are positioned ahead. Slow down, stopping and reversing of the drive may be controlled by side mounted photo detector switches (40A, 40B, 52A, 52B) activated by photo emitter devices (42A, 42B, 54A, 54B) mounted along the path of the pallets (18). A bilevel feed and return track (20A, 20B) may be traversed by the pallets (18), reversed to be driven in either direction, and either the forward or rear proximity switch (24A or 24B) activated by the control circuit (26) depending on the direction of travel of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Roberts Sinto Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn L. Peck, Jr., James F. Foster, Kenneth J. Pol
  • Patent number: 4932614
    Abstract: A communication system for a railway train has a proving circuit for proving conditions of the railway track ahead of the train. The proving circuit comprises a transponder associated with at least one rail of the track to form a rail circuit therewith. The response of the transponder to an interrogater on the train is dependent upon the condition of the rail circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: British Railways Board
    Inventor: Michael S. Birkin
  • Patent number: 4922830
    Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a conveyor vehicle, a guide rail for supporting the conveyor vehicle to be freely movable relative thereto, and a linear motor including a primary coil and a secondary conductor for driving the conveyor vehicle. The primary coil is mounted on the conveyor vehicle and the secondary conductor is mounted on the guide rail. The guide rail defines a secondary conductor support portion for limiting downward and transverse movements of the secondary conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyoshi Fujita, Naobumi Sekiya, Takashi Okamura, Yoshitaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4914431
    Abstract: An electronic control system for model railroads incoporates a motor control unit, an electronic state generator that generates particular operating state signals and a remote control signal generator that multiplies the number of remote control effects that would be available from the remote control signals alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventors: Frederick E. Severson, Patrick A. Quinn
  • Patent number: 4854529
    Abstract: A vehicle control system in accordance with the present invention permits a vehicle to move only in the case where both of a device for detecting the content of a signal for directing the travelling speed of the vehicle transmitted from the trackside and a device for detecting the presence of the above signal perform detecting operations. The apparatus also comprises a device for detecting an abnormal operation of both the above mentioned devices, so that a runaway of the vehicle can be avoided. In addition, a voltage signal can be used for detecting the speed, and the vehicle can be controlled by means of a set of two signal lines, resulting in a reduction in the amount of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Shuichi Osada, Satoru Hayashi, Masaru Goto, Kiyoshi Godo
  • Patent number: 4788498
    Abstract: A magnetic detector for detecting the magnetic field of a magnetic field generating substance including an even number of saturable coils aligned in a straight line with the distance between adjacent ones larger than the width of the magnetic field generating substance. The saturable coils are separated into at least two pairs, and a high frequency oscillator is provided to supply a high frequency voltage through a resistor circuit to each pair of the saturable coils. A rectifying voltages circuit is arranged across the resistors in a differential manner as an output. When the magnetic field generating substance is displaced over an interval wider than the width thereof relative to the saturable coils, the magnetic detector generates a linear output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Macome Corporation
    Inventor: Saburo Uemura
  • Patent number: 4768740
    Abstract: A railway vehicle control system particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for controlling single track working. Transponders are located at fixed positions along the track such as at intersections, points and so on, and a vehicle is provided with sensors for detecting the transponders. A central control office supplies information concerning an identifying characteristic of the next transponders expected to be detected, when this happens the event triggers apparatus on the vehicle to communicate with the central office which then supplies information to identify the next transponder. The same sequence of events ensues as each successive transponder is passed. The transponders may be staggered alternately to opposite sides of the track for identification purposes. If the expected transponder is not detected but instead a different transponder is encountered, then a vehicle safety function such as the emergency brakes, may be brought into operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company Limited
    Inventor: John D. Corrie
  • Patent number: 4760797
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting at least one metallic object in a series of metallic objects lying along a path in a repetitive pattern by a metallic detector mounted on a vehicle movable along the path with the movement of the vehicle controlled by the detector to position the vehicle over a detected metallic object and blocking detection of a previously detected object subsequent to the detection of the previously detected metallic object to prevent erroneous metallic object detections, and further controlled to initiate different travel modes of movement including a fast mode to move the vehicle in a forward direction along the path at an optimum speed and controlling deceleration of the vehicle for accurately positioning it at a detected one of the metallic objects. The apparatus has particular application to the tamping of crossties on railway tracks and includes programs for controlling the movement of the vehicle and the tamping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Southern Railway Company
    Inventors: John L. Stubbs, Wesley H. Patton, Jeffrey L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4718621
    Abstract: An automatic transportation system comprises a track mounted on a floor, a carriage having a reaction plate movable along the track, and a plurality of stators mounted on the floor along the track. A linear induction motor (LIM) for propelling the carriage is formed by the reaction plate and one of the stators. The system further comprises a detector unit including a plate mounted on the carriage and having a pair of parallel spaced first and second rows of slots, and at least one detector device disposed adjacent to one of the stators located at stations. The detector device comprises a pair of spaced first and second sensors for respectively detecting the first and second rows of slots to output a pair of pulse signals 90.degree. out of phase from each other when the carriage passes thereby. An F/V converter converts the pulse signals into a signal representative of the direction and speed of movement of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Arata Horinouchi, Tadao Iseki
  • Patent number: 4711418
    Abstract: A railway signaling and traffic control system which minimizes the wayside equipment and eliminates the pole lines which carry power and signals along the right-of-way using instead the radio channel between the trains and the central office. Each train communicates with devices, such as passive beacons, which provide zone boundary messages. These devices provide secure messages to a control unit containing a microprocessor which responds to zone boundary messages and provides location information to the central office via radio when the train enters and leaves each zone. The central office has an input and communication processor and a vital processor. The vital processor converts route requests and the zone occupancy messages which are received by the input and communications processor into messages representing the signal aspects (the maximum speed at which the train can proceed), not only for the zone currently occupied, but also for the zone next ahead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Aver, Jr., William A. Petit
  • Patent number: 4674054
    Abstract: A method is provided for automatically controlling both the running operations of traveling machines including a pusher machine, a charging car, a coke guide and/or solely a quenching car. Transposed-pair-type inductive radio lines capable of data transmissions are arranged over the whole length of the running path of the respective traveling machines. The absolute addresses of the traveling machines are continuously located at a main control system by means of a continuously position detecting mechanism resorting to an absolute address detecting method. Instructions to consecutively effect the running, stopping and working operations of the traveling machines are generated by grasping the positions and working states of the traveling machines on the basis of the control programs of the respective working steps, all of which are stored in the main controller, and on the basis of the speed and work data fed from the traveling machines, and the positions and working states of the same machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Sumikin Coke Company Limited
    Inventors: Minoru Ikeda, Yasuyuki Higashigawa
  • Patent number: 4558415
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle speed control apparatus operative with a track providing an input speed command having ONE and ZERO information components. Two programmed microprocessors operate through dynamic serial link apparatus for comparing a speed command signal from each information component and for comparing a speed error signal from each information component to provide a vital enablement of the vehicle propulsion motor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Pierre A. Zuber, Habib Dadpey
  • Patent number: 4538781
    Abstract: The control system is of the kind in which vehicle passage is controlled by a token, and is particularly suitable for single track railways.According to the invention, such a system is electronic, and a central control and each vehicle in use in the system is provided with electronic transmitting and receiving equipment, by which an exclusive electronic token, or the like, is transmitted between the control and a designated vehicle, the arrangement being such that, only if the electronic token is issued to a vehicle, by simultaneous operation by the controller and vehicle operator, will that vehicle be authorized to proceed, said electronic token being withdrawn by the central control once the restricted section to which it relates has been traversed by said vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: British Railways Board
    Inventor: Michael S. Birkin
  • Patent number: 4491967
    Abstract: An object moves along a predetermined route adjacent a pair of inductive radio lines crossed at two predetermined intervals P.sub.1 and P.sub.2. A sensing device on the object senses the intervals and enables generation of an object position signal having a first code value when the interval P.sub.1 is sensed and a second code value when the interval P.sub.2 is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kobayashi, Tamio Ueno, Kozi Kanagawa
  • Patent number: 4471929
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Richard S. Rhoton, Gregory J. Walz
  • Patent number: 4449685
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to reduce the total power consumed by a coupling for inducing a high-frequency alternating current in the rails of a railroad track for the purpose of transmitting information to trains traveling along the track.According to the invention, the coupling consists of two conductive coils made of a conductive strip attached to an insulating strip, the conductive strip being arrayed, in the portions of the coupling that are parallel to the rail, in a plane parallel to the sides of the central rib of the rail and on either side of it, the insulating strip separating the central rib of the rail from the conductive strip. The two coils are connected in such a way that the same current flows in the same direction through both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: Jeumont Schneider Corporation
    Inventors: Jean P. Salmon, Claude P. Theze
  • Patent number: 4417229
    Abstract: Means for differentiating between traction current and signal current in an electrified railroad includes a first input transformer providing an input signal of the same frequency and phase as the track signal current. A second input transformer is connected to the track to provide a track signal. There are means for comparing the phase and frequency of the input signal and the track signal and means responsive to an output from the comparison means indicating a correct comparison for providing a relay driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Safetran Systems Corporation
    Inventor: H. James Wilson
  • Patent number: 4413568
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically operating a semi-continuous passenger transport system using non-motorized vehicles. Fault conditions corresponding to passengers or articles carried by passengers projecting beyond a surface limiting access to the vehicles in stations are detected. Detection of such fault conditions initiates progressive implementation of fault condition signalling, and slowing and stopping of the tracks which drive the vehicles. These measures are progressively cancelled on clearance of the fault condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Soule Fer et Froid S.A.
    Inventor: Jean Huon de Kermadec
  • Patent number: 4384695
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Nohmi, Hirokazu Ihara, Masahiro Yasunami
  • Patent number: 4354649
    Abstract: An arrangement enabling continuous control of vehicles on a track divided into individual areas comprises at least one track-conductor loop associated with the track in each of the areas having N transpositions therein, where N is an integer greater than two, the loop communicating data between the vehicles and a fixed control station by being coupled at opposite ends thereof to a different one of two supply units coupled to the control station and by being inductively coupled to communicating equipment on the vehicles. The one loop further comprises coupling elements disposed intermediate adjacent ones of the N transpositions to subdivide the loop into N track-conductor loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1982
    Assignee: International Standard Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Eduard Murr, Siegfried Gersting, Helmut bel, Alan C. Knight
  • Patent number: 4348618
    Abstract: A feeding system for a linear motor transportation system in which a number of discrete drive coil units or linear motor units are arranged along a track to generate a moving magnetic field for driving trains is disclosed. In the present feeding system, a number of feeding sections extend contiguously along the track and each of the feeding sections includes at least one power supply station. Each feeding section is divided into at least two linear motor blocks each having a feeder block. The linear motor units in each of the linear motor blocks are connected through associated ones of a first group of switches to the associated feeder means which are connected to the power converter of the associated feeding section through associated ones of a second group of switches. Preferably, those adjacent two feeder blocks which belong to adjacent different feeding sections respectively are coupled together through an associated one of a third group of switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Nakamura, Masayoshi Isaka
  • Patent number: 4330830
    Abstract: There is provided a transit vehicle control apparatus and method, including a plurality of vehicle carried signal receivers operative with a transposed signal transmitting cable positioned along the vehicle track for providing an initial and higher speed position determination and then a lower speed and more accurate position determination in relation to stopping the vehicle at a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Robert H. Perry
  • Patent number: 4304377
    Abstract: An electrical joint for separating adjacent block circuits of a railway signaling system in which the rails of the railway track serve as conductors. The upstream circuit block carries first frequency signals and the downstream block circuit carries second frequency signals. The electrical block separating joints are bounded by tuning units of which one may be a mere impedance and which are responsive to the frequencies of the circuit blocks and constitute respectively a low impedance for the first or second frequency and a capacitive impedance for the other of the first or second frequency. There are transmitter and receiver units the latter of which is associated to activate a control device, e.g. a relay, for the associated block circuit to de-activate the control device when a vehicle enters the electrical joint by a shunting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Assignee: Compagnie de Signaux et d'Entreprises Electriques
    Inventor: Pierre Pitard
  • Patent number: 4303215
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1981
    Inventor: Alaine Maire
  • Patent number: 4301899
    Abstract: A plurality of stationary markers (A, B, C, and D) are symmetrically placed at predetermined locations in the right of way of an electrically propelled traction vehicle on opposite sides of a transition point coinciding with a gap (14) between adjacent sections (13a, 13b) of a wayside conductor. Proximity sensing means (PSR, PSL) on the vehicle provide discrete output signals on a first line (43) upon passing the first and third markers (A and C) and on a second line (44) upon passing the second and fourth markers (B and D). Receiver logic means (42) includes means (108, 111-115, and 118-127), responsive to the output signals on the first and second lines, respectively, for producing a first control signal (on line 51) during the first-to-third marker interval and a second control signal (on line 50) during the second-to-third marker interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lloyd W. McSparran, Paul T. Ryan, Russell M. Smith
  • Patent number: 4302811
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Stuart W. McElhenny
  • Patent number: 4296901
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: Francis C. Perrott
  • Patent number: 4279395
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse Compagnia Italiana Segnali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Boggio, Andrea Bertone, Enzo Tumolo
  • Patent number: 4270716
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Larry W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4269377
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Donald L. Rush, Jayant K. Kapadia
  • Patent number: 4208717
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Donald L. Rush
  • Patent number: 4196471
    Abstract: A coke oven machinery positioning and spotting system comprises system characteristics mapped in a process memory and system dynamics controlled by a central processing unit and a sensing mode. The system results in the automatic control of machine travel, positioning and spotting, and interlock against further travel until a command signal is given to start a new sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: Koppers Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence M. McClure