Switches Patents (Class 246/239)
  • Proximity detection and communication mechanism and method
    Patent number: 7577502
    Abstract: A vital proximity detection mechanism and method for reliably determining and communicating the position of a railroad switch point relative to a normal fixed track and a reverse fixed track, wherein the mechanism includes substantial component redundancy and fault-checking features and otherwise meets promulgated safety standards for vital componentry. The mechanism includes an RF transmitter and remote status indicator unit to allow for remote adjustments of proximity sensors while monitoring the effects of such adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: J & A Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Henry, Stephen V. Kilgore
  • Method and system for computing rail car switching solutions in a switchyard based on expected switching time
    Patent number: 7457691
    Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Canadian National Railway Company
    Inventors: Kari Muinonen, Anshu Pathak, Matthew Barker, Vincent Morency, Gordon Doyle