Abstract: An automatic identification system having a storage device mounted on the car, which includes the car identification data. A reading device is connected to a local communication node which communicates with the locomotive in a network. The local communication node communicates the read identification data to the controller at the locomotive. The identification data includes at least the serial number, brake ratio, light weight and gross rail weight of the car. The storage device is permanently mounted on the car, preferably at a junction box or pipe bracket. A current sensor is also connected to the local communication node. The storage device and current sensor are part of a subsidiary communication node under the control of the communication node.

Abstract: A communication system for a plurality of carriages that travel along a rail. A power cable extends along the rail. The cable is used to convey electric current that drives the movable bodies and is also used to carry information between the carriages. The carriages communicate with one another by superimposing communication signals on the current flowing through the cable to transmit information and by extracting communication signals from the current flowing through the cable to receive information. A control unit at a fixed station relays communication signals transmitted between different carriages. The control unit receives communication signals, which the carriages transmit, from the cable, amplifies the signals, and returns the signals to the cable. The recipient carriage receives an amplified communication signal from the cable.

Abstract: A consist power monitor provides information to the engineer of a multiple unit consist on the ability of each locomotive to provide traction power and dynamic braking. The consist power monitor is a microprocessor based device which communicates with other locomotive consist power monitors, either through the MU cable or over a wireless link, to display consist status to the engineer. Where the communication is through the MU cable, the communications link is provided by a high frequency carrier superimposed on an existing MU cable wire. No modification is required to the MU cable allowing for easy retrofit of existing locomotives. The alternative wireless communication is accomplished by means of a low power, spread spectrum data link now being incorporated into new locomotives. Information exchanged among the consist power monitors pertains to loading and dynamic brake conditions of the locomotives in the consist. Locomotive consist information is presented continuously.

Abstract: The conveyor safety circuit (40) is connected on remotely operated vehicles (12) each having on-board controllers (28) which automatically run along guide rails (18) powered from power rails (20) extending along the guide rails (18). The safety circuit (40) interrupts power to the on-board controllers (28) when neutral is lost or during power down. The safety circuit (40) will provide power to the vehicle (12) during brief interruptions of power or neutral, i.e., brush skips, without vehicle (12) shut down.

Abstract: A brake control mechanism allows the engineman in a lead locomotive to control the brakes of a helper locomotive and does not require a manual connection of the brake pipe of the train to that of the helper locomotive. The End of Train (EOT) unit is used to effect this control. The EOT transmits brake pipe pressure data sensed at the end of the train. Both the lead locomotive and the helper locomotive are equipped with Head of Train (HOT) units which receive the transmitted data from the EOT unit. In the case of the HOT unit in the lead locomotive, this data is processed and displayed for the engineman in that locomotive, as is the normal operation in those units. However, in the case of the HOT unit in the helper locomotive, that unit is first of all set to receive the transmitted data from the EOT unit by dialing in the identification (ID) of the EOT unit using thumbwheels on the HOT unit provided for that purpose.

Abstract: In a railway signalling system, to achieve inter-vehicle headway spacing for railway vehicles (1) travelling on a track (T), there are a) control of vehicles by fixed block signalling and b) control of vehicles by moving block signalling via communication between vehicles. The moving block signalling occurs within a moving block control zone of the track and the fixed block signalling occurs outside that zone, there being the facility of two-way data transmission between vehicles throughout the moving block control zone and the fixed block signalling system not preventing a further vehicle from entering the mowing block control zone when another vehicle is already in that zone and receiving a transmission via the moving block signalling system.

Abstract: A power-charging system for a transporter cart is disclosed. The system includes a power-supplying electrode disposed along and at a predetermined section of a travelling passage along which the transporter cart automatically runs by power from a battery mounted thereon and a power-receiving electrode attached to the transporter cart and a slide-contactable with the power-supplying electrode during the automatic run of the cart.

Abstract: A system and method for movement of self-propelled vehicles in-line along a rail under external control is intended to ensure safe spacing between vehicles to avoid collisions. Each vehicle is driven by its own variable speed motor. The speed of the vehicles is controlled by a stationary cam extending beside the rail. The edge of the cam rises and falls in a predetermined manner and is sensed by a cam follower on each vehicle. The cam follower is coupled to a transducer which produces a control signal for varying the vehicle speed in response to the rise or fall of the cam edge. Each vehicle pulls along a tail which extends behind the vehicle and is guided for motion alongside the edge of the cam.

Abstract: A system for testing a plurality of subsystems in a multi-car train over a train-wide communications network includes at least one master station and a plurality of slave stations interconnected by the train-wide communications network, each station collecting status and diagnostic information from associated slave subsystems and providing the information upon request. A portable test unit is provided for testing the subsystems by requesting status and diagnostics information about at least one of the plurality of slave subsystems over the communications network. A diagnostic interface is provided in the at least one master station for interfacing the portable test unit to the master station to facilitate transmission of data between the portable test unit and the train-wide communications network.

Abstract: A railway signalling system for the detection of a train within a defined section of track by means of track circuit apparatus utilizes the rails within the section as part of the track circuit. The rails are electrically shunted by the wheels and axles of a railway vehicle of the train in the section. The presence of a train is detected by detecting the change in the shunt impedance between the rails of the track circuit when a train enters the section. To improve the reliability of the track circuit a shunt assist circuit is provided. This shunt assist circuit comprises an inductive loop aerial provided on the railway vehicle so that it is closely coupled, inductively, with the rails, whereby when the loop aerial is energized from an alternating source, a current is induced in the wheel-rail-axle circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a train speed control system which meets speed control signals, known as code rate signals, into a track section and restricts the injection of other signals which would allow faster train speeds. The apparatus enables speeds to be restricted in sections of the track where maintenance crews are working or otherwise where necessary or desirable. The apparatus is adaptable for use with many different configurations of speed control signals as may be used by different rapid transit authorities. The apparatus has a speed restriction carrier printed circuit board which presents a first set of contacts along an edge thereof which may be at the end of a slot into which a speed restriction selection printed circuit board is insertable in a plurality of different positions (eight positions for a square board). The speed restriction selection board has a plurality of second sets of contacts, two sets sharing the same edge of the board.

Abstract: A train communication and control system is described having the cars of the train connected by a two-wire train line running continuously from car to car. Any car may be selected to be a master unit. The selection of one car as a master unit disconnects the power sources of all other cars from the train line, leaving the master unit power source as the sole power source for the line. The master unit communicates with each other car by causing a high voltage ("mark" state or logic one) or a low voltage ("space" state or logic zero) to be on the train line. Each non-master car can receive a communication from the master unit, or can transmit to another car by applying a low impendance across the train line to change from a "mark" state to a "space" state. The power source consists of a voltage regulator with precision constant current limit.

Abstract: A transit system implementing a reduced voltage braking scheme is provided. The transit system includes a guideway extending between freight loading and freight unloading stations. Freight carrying vehicles are moveable along the guideway between the stations. The guideway is divided into a number of blocks with each block including at least two linear motor primaries located along the guideway at spaced intervals. A controller is associated with each block and communicates with the linear motor primaries as well as with sensors positioned along the guideway within the block. The controller is in communication with the controllers in the adjacent upstream and downstream blocks and provides an occupied signal to the upstream block when a vehicle is detected in the block.

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.

Abstract: A drive controller for a rail supported conveyor device made up of a plurality of wheel driven support carriages linked together includes a revolution sensor on one of the drive wheels of one of the support carriages, individual torque controllers on each of the carriages, and a device for providing a common torque signal to the various torque controllers based on the difference between the measured speed of the one speed sensor and the desired speed of the carriages.

Abstract: A remote control device for an installation of electrical toys on a circuit comprises a radio emitter (400) for emitting different radio-electric signals (b) selected by the user and a fixed radio receiver (450) for detecting and transmiting the radio-electric signals to an electronic device (270) which interprets the signals and triggers a control device (275). Specifically, the radio signal (b), which is emitted by the radio emitter, comprises a repetition of a word composed of a series of presences or absences of electric pulses. The word is formed according to an associated coded signal (a) and in accordance with the user's selection.

Abstract: An EOT emergency arming apparatus and method in which an engineer at the HOT operates a standard air brake control and responds to a resulting report of change in air pressure from the EOT within a prescribed short interval. The response is a signal which includes the EOT unique identification code, and if received within the short interval is interpreted by the EOT as if the EOT ARM switch had been activated.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a conveyor rail and an automotive cart which travels along the conveyor rail. The automotive cart obtains power for travel from power supply rails installed in the conveyor rail. The automotive cart has a first signal receiving member for stop signal and a first signal transmitting member for automotive cart signal. The rail has a second signal transmitting member for the stop signal and a second signal receiving member for the automotive cart signal located at suitable positions on the rail. The automotive cart transmits and receives control signals for its travel by means of their signal transmitting members and signal receiving members. The first signal receiving member on the automotive cart is a magnetic sensor, while the second signal transmitting member comprises an electromagnet. The electromagnet includes magnetic pole plates having along the conveyor rail a length which is almost the same as or longer than the brake distance of the automotive cart.

Abstract: A control method of an electric vehicle in which a frictional contact of rotating or stationary wheels of the electric vehicle to a rail road is recovered again when the wheels are in a slipping condition which is determined by a variable concerning rotation of the wheels exceeding a detection level which is determined by a sum of an instructed vehicle acceleration and a gradient acceleration determined by an inclination of the rail road.

Abstract: A digital signal is used for railway track circuit signalling. A digital signal comprises a pseudo-random binary sequence selected from a set of such sequences. The set is chosen to give the lowest possible cross-correlation between different sequences, to minimize the risk of false identification. Gold codes are suitable. One of the sequences indicates the absence of a train from the track section and this code is generated until an indication is given by a train detector that a train is present. Generation of the train absence signal is then inhibited, and other sequences are generated providing information to the train. The generated sequences are received and coded in a fail-safe decoder.

Abstract: An improved strain sensor is disclosed utilizing a linear variable displacement transducer (LVDT) to precisely output the linear strain over a structural member. The LVDT is mounted utilizing a position apparatus having a similar coefficient of thermal expansion as the structural member, and effectively integrates the strain over the entire longitudinal dimension of the member by precisely measuring displacement under load. This assembly is readily incorporated in locomotive couplers and crane structures having a void or hollow coinciding with the neutral bending axis of the member being tested, as well as over relatively large spans, in pairs or singly, having bending moments present. A locomotive control system for increasing the strain on a locomotive coupler by monitoring the draw bar force with an associated generator speed and maximizing the draw bar force by manipulating the generator speed.

Abstract: A brake control system for a multiple unit train of mixed motor cars and trailer cars--of the type usually to be found operating as metro or mass transit trains--and in which the motor cars have dynamic brakes operation of which is blended with, but given preference over, the friction brakes of all units. A brake demand signal calling for a given level of train retardation is weighted on each vehicle, according to the load of the vehicle, and the level of dynamic braking effort invoked on each motor car is limited in accordance with a maximum adhesion level calculated n proportion to the measured load of that car. In a modified arrangement the adhesion level is calculated in accordance with the load of the lightest loaded motor car. Signals representing the amount of dynamic brake effort achieved by each motor car is supplied to a trailer car and subtracted from the load weighted braking effort for the trailer car and the result used to actuate the friction brakes of the trailer.

Abstract: A transit vehicle having a door includes a zero speed condition detection apparatus provided to logically supply a zero condition output signal for each of a plurality of axles when both of the tachometers for each of those axles are under a predetermined zero speed condition. When two or more zero condition output signals are so supplied, a failsafe driver is energized to operate a control relay for determining the operation of the door.

Abstract: A computer-controlled interlocking system for a railway installation which comprises a plurality of sections, each of which sections has an associated plurality of elements, comprises a plurality of section computers to be respectively associated with the sections and arranged to be fail-safe in terms of signaling technology. Each section computer is provided with a respective program memory which, in turn, is provided with programs relating to the processing of requirements for control, both individual and in relation to routes, of all the associated plurality of roadway elements independently of their presence an arrangement in the relevant section. Each section computer also has a write/read memory arranged for receiving and storing installation-specific data relating to the railway installation topography and the respective element characterization in terms of type of element, element program, element designation and the arrangement of the elements relative to neighboring elements.

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: 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 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: 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: Apparatus for electronically simulating the response of a direct current traction motor to predetermined operating states whereby there is provided a resultant signal representative of the torque that would be produced by an actual motor operating in the prescribed states. The apparatus calculates E per RPM for the simulated motor from measured values of available armature voltage and armature velocity. A function generator thereafter converts the E per RPM signal to a signal representative of the motor field current based upon known values for the simulated motor. The field current signal is converted to an armature current signal by a circuit which responds to the motor commanded state of field weakening to compute the instantaneous ratio of armature current to field current under the commanded conditions and thereafter multiplies the field current signal by that ratio to obtain a signal representative of armature current.

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: 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.