Abstract: A communication system includes communication units onboard a vehicle system. A first unit receives satellite positioning data and correction data based on phase measurements of satellite signals. A second unit receives the satellite positioning data. One or more processors determine a first geographical position of the first unit based on the position correction data and the satellite positioning data. The processors communicate the position correction data or a copy thereof to the second unit. The processors determine second geographical position data of the second unit based on the position correction data and the satellite positioning data. The one or more processors communicate the second geographical position data that is determined to the first communication unit.

Abstract: Provided is a wheel detector for detecting a wheel of a rail vehicle, including two detector channels. Each channel includes a coil unit which is connected with a measurement and feeding module for feeding the coil unit with an output signal of the measurement and feeding module. A decision module of the respective channel is bi-directionally connected to the measurement and feeding module. The measurement and feeding module of each channel includes a temperature measurement module and/or a module for measurement of mechanical vibration, that is/are connected with an input/inputs of a decision module of the channel. The decision modules are connected via a bidirectional digital interface. The decision module of one channel is connected via a bidirectional digital interface with a data transmission module for communication with a supervisory system via a data transmission line.

Abstract: A wireless power transmission device radiates electromagnetic waves through a transmission antenna and generates multiple sensed signals by using multiple foreign object detection (FOD) coils for detecting metallic foreign object to sense the electromagnetic waves. Each FOD coil has three coil units connected in series to and spaced apart from one another. The radiation pattern of the transmission antenna overlaps a sensing range of the FOD coils. A controller of the wireless power transmission device determines if any metallic foreign object enters the radiation range of the transmission antenna according to a reference voltage signal and sensed signals of the cells, and stops the generation of electromagnetic waves when determining entry of metallic foreign object into the radiation range to avoid the metallic foreign object to be heated by the electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and devices that accurately detect the speed and direction of vehicles on railroad tracks, and which use the information to calculate arrival times.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the dynamic train-to-rail shunting performance of a train as it is moving along the rails of a railroad track. The systems and methods use portable equipment temporarily installed at a site where it is desired to test the shunting of one or more trains or the electrical equipment installed at the track. The systems and method use sensor plates and a high speed recording system to simultaneously capture measured train-to-rail shunting characteristics and the positioning of a train's axles and any rail conditions impacting the measurements. The captured information can be used to fine tune the train, the electrical equipment installed at the track and/or to design new devices.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for characterizing an object protruding beneath a train traveling along a rail. The method may include receiving one or more signals indicative of a detected horizontal force component and a detected vertical force component generated by impact of the object with a stationary impact element. The method may also characterize the object based on the detected horizontal and vertical force components.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a moving object impact detector is disclosed. A controller may receive input indicative of movement of an impact element from a first position to a second position. The controller may also receive an activation signal corresponding to the movement of the impact element. The controller may further receive input indicative of instructions to correlate the activation signal with the movement of the impact element. The controller may selectively set the activation signal as a reference signal for the detector, with the reference signal being indicative of an impact the moving object impact detector is set to detect.

Abstract: A wheel sensor that is particularly suited for track release signaling systems has at least one sensor device having an AC-fed sensor coil of an electric oscillating circuit sensitive to an inductive interaction of the sensor coil with passing wheels of rail vehicles. A further spool is connected to the sensor coil for suppressing external interference fields in a counter circuit. The further coil is arranged underneath the sensor coil and a spacing distance between the further coil and the sensor coil is at least one third of the inside diameter of the sensor coil.

Abstract: A transporting system is provided with: a track having a junction point; a plurality of transporting vehicles, each travelling on the track; and a transferring device which has (i) a left portion disposed on an edge on a left side of each of two track portions that are located at least before the junction point of the track with respect to a travelling direction of each transporting vehicle as a standard and (ii) a right portion disposed on an edge on a right side, and which can transfer a signal between the left portion in one of the two track portions and the right portion in another of the two track portions, and between the right portion in said one of the two track portions and the left portion in said another of the two track portions.

Abstract: A device detects an occupied state or a free state of a track section and has a transmitter for feeding a transmission signal in the form of an alternating voltage into the running rails of the track section and at least one receiver for receiving a reception signal which is brought about by a transmission of the transmission signal via the running rails of the track section. In order to be able to detect faults in the device, in particular cable faults, particularly reliably and at the same time cost-effectively, the device accordingly is configured to determine a phase shift between the transmission signal and the reception signal. A method for operating such a device is further disclosed.

Abstract: A wheel sensor that is particularly suited for track release signaling systems has at least one sensor device having an AC-fed sensor coil of an electric oscillating circuit sensitive to an inductive interaction of the sensor coil with passing wheels of rail vehicles. A further spool is connected to the sensor coil for suppressing external interference fields in a counter circuit. The further coil is arranged underneath the sensor coil and a spacing distance between the further coil and the sensor coil is at least one third of the inside diameter of the sensor coil.

Abstract: A system for detecting and classifying a wheel of a rail vehicle traveling on a railway track includes a plurality of wheel detectors coupled to one rail of the railway track and configured to detect presence of the wheel and to generate signals representative thereof. A processing system is coupled to the wheel detectors and configured to receive and process the signals. The processing system is configured to classify the wheel based on a speed independent classification value calculated based on the signals from the wheel detectors.

Abstract: In order to measure a speed of a vehicle having an antenna and travelling on a track formed by two rails, first and second discontinuities are detected. The first discontinuity is detected in a current or voltage of a signal generated by an antenna when the vehicle passes a first tuning block of an electric joint. The second discontinuity is detected in a current or voltage of a signal generated by the antenna when the vehicle passes a second tuning block of the electric joint. The detected discontinuities are used to measure the speed of the vehicle travelling on a track divided in track sections separated by electric joints. Each electric joint includes two tuning blocks and a predetermined length of a track section, wherein each of the tuning blocks allows power coupling between adjacent track sections.

Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and apparatti generally define inventions that detect and alert train crews of a potentially unsafe condition caused by equipment hanging below any portion of the train. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A railcar presence detector including magnetic field sensors spaced along the length of a rail track for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects, such as railcars, passing along the rail track. Each of the magnetic field sensors generates an output signal that is received by a control unit. The control unit compares the output signal from each of the magnetic field sensors to a detection threshold and controls the position of a contact member dependent upon the comparison between the output signal and the detection threshold. Each of the magnetic field sensors includes a test device that is selectively operable to modify the magnetic field near the magnetic field sensor to test the operation of the magnetic field sensor. During operation of the system including the magnetic field sensor, the control unit can automatically activate the test device to assure that each of the magnetic field sensors are operating properly.

Abstract: A system for determining the capability of a railroad track to safely carry railroad vehicles over the track by sensing changes in the environment proximate the track, the system including a sensor for detecting a magnetic field proximate the railroad track and generating data indicative of the magnetic field, a processor for processing data from the sensor to identify changes in the magnetic field proximate the track, and a communication device in communication with the processor for transmitting indicia indicative of changes in the environment proximate the track affecting the capability of the track to safely carry railroad vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the direction of travel of an electrically driven model train through a model railroad track layout having track segments with rails of opposite polarity. A diode and transistor are operatively coupled to at least one rail of a powered track segment, such that passage of an electrically driven model train over the powered track segment in a first direction enables a flow of electrical current through the transistor to a signal or control circuit, while passage of the electrically driven model train over the powered track segment in a second direction does not.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a transducer to a train rail comprises a bracket having a base which engages the foot of the rail. An upright arm at one end of the base extends adjacent the web of the rail and carries a threaded adjuster which engages the transducer and urges it into contact with the rail. The clamp is sufficiently resilient so that, when the adjuster is tightened to a predetermined extent, both temporary and permanent de formation of the rail can be accommodated without difficulty.

Abstract: A method is proposed for setting an output voltage of a receiving circuit (5) of a receiving head (4) of a rail contact and a rail contact system for executing the method, at least one receiving voltage tapped from the receiving head (4) of the rail contact being superposed by at least one adjustment voltage to produce the output voltage. The adjustment voltage is tapped by a transformer circuit (20) from a transmitting circuit (2) of the rail contact as a voltage proportional to an electric current flowing in a transmitting coil (7) of the rail contact.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the presence of wheels of a rail vehicle includes first and second Hall Effect devices, a magnet for supplying a magnetic field to the first and second Hall Effect devices, the first and second Hall Effect devices and the magnet being mounted adjacent to the rail, whereby a railway vehicle wheel changes the magnetic field in the Hall Effect devices to produce wheel indication signals, and a processing circuit for receiving the wheel indication signals from the first and second Hall Effect devices and for producing an output signal in response to the wheel indication signals. A method of detecting the presence of a wheel is also provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection of the presence of a train wheel on a train track that overcomes problems associated with previously known detectors. The invention includes a method for detecting the presence of a train wheel on a train track.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection of the presence of a train wheel on a train track that overcomes problems associated with previously known detectors. The invention includes a method for detecting the presence of a train wheel on a train track.

Abstract: Railway wheel detection and counter and block control systems are disclosed using magnetic coils to detect wheels via measuring eddy current losses induced by a railway wheel as it disturbs the coil's magnetic field. Information from the coils is measured and processed using combination of analog and digital signal processing which processing automatically tests and calibrates all components to provide fail-safe operation. Virtual blocks are used to establish train presence, speed, and direction which parameters are used to provide block control systems.

Abstract: A passive magnetic detector is provided at ground level or buried below ground level in between rails of a railroad track at a distance from the level crossing for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects passing overhead on the track. Magnetic field reversals are detected in the passive detector signal. The reversal signal is analyzed and a train presence output signal is generated for controlling a level crossing gate system or other such crossing warning system. For parallel tracks, pairs of passive magnetic field detectors detect objects over each track and the reversals are analyzed to check that an inbound train does not sneak by undetected as an outbound train is leaving and passing over the same detector pair. At the level crossing, static magnetic field detectors are used to ensure that no equipment remains on the island after detecting that the moving train has left the crossing, so that the crossing gates can be safely lifted as soon as possible.

Abstract: Detection of a zero speed or moving railway vehicle wheel or other metallic object is accomplished by providing a balanced E-core inductive detector. An exciter coil on the center leg of the E-core inductively couples a pair of sensor coils connected in series opposition on the outside legs of the E-core. A voltage detector responsive to unbalancing of the E-core magnetic field by a train wheel or other metallic object is connected to the output of the sensor coils. A zero speed wheel located at the center of the magnetic field is detected by using the output of one of the sensor coils compared with the phase shifted and amplitude adjusted exciter signal. Speed and direction of travel are also determined by monitoring wheel detection output sequencing and timing.

Abstract: A reliable and consistent electrical contact path between the rails of a section of railroad track established by the shunting effect of the wheels and axles of a train is ensured by applying time-spaced, short duration electrical pulses to the rails at a voltage level sufficient to overcome poor wheel/rail contact. Each of the pulses is produced by a generator that discharges a capacitor across the rails. The narrow pulse width inductively isolates the pulse generator and associated track section from adjacent stretches of track, and the spacing between pulses further avoids interference with other types of electrical track equipment. A detector responsive to the voltage on the rails disables the pulse generator when the received voltage exceeds a threshold and thus indicates that no train wheels are present in the track section. In a grade crossing warning system, once activated the pulse generator and detector assume the role of the island detection circuit and maintain the crossing warning.

Abstract: A passive magnetic detector is provided at ground level or buried below ground level in between rails of a railroad trace at a distance from the level crossing for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects passing overhead on the track. Magnetic field reversals are detected in the passive detector signal. The reversal signal is analyzed and a train presence output signal is generated for controlling a level crossing gate system or other such crossing warning system. For parallel tracks, pairs of passive magnetic field detectors detect objects over each track and the reversals are analyzed to check that an inbound train does not sneak by undetected as an outbound train is leaving and passing over the same detector pair. At the level crossing, static magnetic field detectors are used to ensure that no equipment remains on the island after detecting that the moving train has left the crossing, so that the crossing gates can be safely lifted as soon as possible.

Abstract: This invention pertains to model railroads and specifically to the problem of detecting the presence or absence of cars, locomotives, or obstructions which may occupy a particular section of track. Modulated signals of radio frequency are applied to the track via a balanced transformer and detected synchronously. A circuit is provided for nulling the detected signal in the absence of any occupation in such a manner that any change in detected signal represents an item which occupies that track section. The use of radio frequency signals and synchronous detection enables the system to be very sensitive, and to detect objects which do not necessarily form a direct current path across the rails.

Abstract: A vital wheel detector for railways injects an oscillating electrical current into a short rail segment and produces a monitor signal in response the magnetic field around the rail. A high Q pickup coil is employed which, when a car wheel is present on the rail segment, sharply decreases in Q and significantly reduces the level of the monitor signal. Any failure of the detector apparatus is in a safe mode, as a loss of rail current results in a loss of the monitor signal whether through an electrical or a mechanical failure. Also, internal mechanical or electrical failures either interrupt the current to the rail or interrupt transmission of the monitor signal to the processing logic.

Abstract: A mechanism for the attachment of a speed sensor to a vehicle comprising a rotary body for attachment to an end of a wheel axle such that the rotary body rotates with the wheel axle, the rotary body having an outer peripheral surface, the outer peripheral surface having a gear wheel with teeth; a sensor mounting body within which the rotary body rotates by means of a bearing therebetween; a speed sensor attached to the sensor mounting body and aligned opposite to the gear wheel with teeth of the rotary body, the bearing maintaining a predetermined gap between the speed sensor and the gear wheel with teeth, the teeth providing the change in magnetic field sensed by the speed sensor when the rotary body is rotating with the wheel axle so that the speed sensor generates a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheel axle; and a connection link through which the sensor mounting body is connected to a frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable scanning range is provided for vehicle-activated measuring equipment of the type which includes receiver coils positioned on opposite sides of a transmitter such that voltages induced in the received coils from the transmitter are altered as the vehicle passes, the measuring occurring through the application of the induced voltages to a comparison circuit. Altering the input(s) to the comparison circuit by a constant voltage value allows the scanning range to be adjusted.

Abstract: A shunting device used on railroad maintenance vehicles, such as pickup trucks and other maintenance vehicles, for transmitting electrical signal through railroad tracks for operating signalling devices and notification to the dispatcher. The shunting device consists of a backing plate for attaching the device to the vehicle, an insulator block to electrically isolate the shunting device from the vehicle, a mounting plate for attaching the shunting device to the insulator block and providing height adjustment, a shock tube attached to the mounting plate, a brush support slidable within the shock tube, a biasing mechanism to provide an outward bias to the brush support, a clamping device attached to the brush support, a brush make with a plurality of wire cable secured and held in position within the clamping device, and an electrical connection on the brush support for electrically connecting the shunting device to a signal generator.

Abstract: A train detection circuit is provided to determine whether a particular section or block of railroad track is occupied by a train. In one embodiment, a bias current generator is used to provide a low current signal that flows through the rails and through the wheels and axles of a railroad engine or car, such bias current ultimately being directed into a train detection circuit which measures the magnitude of the received bias current. If the bias current is greater than a certain magnitude, that is indicative of the particular block being occupied by a train. In second embodiment, a continuous pulse signal is directed into one rail, through a resistance bond, and through the other rail into a train detection circuit. The magnitude of this received pulse at the detection circuit will be quite small unless a train occupies the block. The received magnitude of the pulse signal can be compared to a predetermined threshold to determine the presence of a train in the block.

Abstract: A railroad car wheel transducer includes a coil positioned along a rail of a track. The presence of a wheel proximal to the coil causes basic electrical characteristics of the coil, such as its inductance and Q factor to change, which is sensed and used to generate a coil signal. A calibrating circuit monitors the coil characteristics to compensate for long term drifts.

Abstract: A synchronous position correction system for a self-controlled linear synchronous motor train includes a position detector for detecting a positional relationship between a propulsion winding provided on a track and a field pole provided on the train which is formed by a plurality of cars. A synchronous operation of the formed train is performed at a phase which is obtained by correcting a phase detected by the position detector on the basis of a difference between an average phase of the whole of the formed train and the phase detected by the position detector, at a phase which is obtained by correcting the phase detected by the position detector on the basis of a difference between the phase of a speed electromotive force of the whole of the formed train and the phase detected by the position detector, or at a phase which is detected by the position detector in conjunction with the position of a central car of the formed train.

Abstract: A differential magnetic wheel detector is disclosed which identifies the presence and direction of a railway vehicle. The wheel detector includes a primary winding, a secondary winding and signal processing circuitry. The primary winding is excited by a source of AC energy to produce a magnetic flux in the wheel of the railway vehicle. The secondary winding senses a change in voltage induced by the magnetic flux in the railway wheel. The secondary winding includes two coils in a differential bridge which prevents external factors from interfering with the sensing of the wheel. The signal processing device transforms the voltage change into a signal identifying the presence and direction of the railway vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for adjusting the height of a monitor with respect to the rail head of a rail having a first bracket adapted to be connected to the rail and a secured bracket adapted to be connected to the monitor, the brackets are releasably connected to each other by a vertically movable slide arrangement comprising mating surfaces one of them having an elongate recess and the other having a complementary protrusion to prevent relative tilting or canting of the brackets.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for sensing train wheels which employs a slotted detector bar. Optical resistive and piezoresistive strain gauges may be coupled to the detector bar as well as enhanced mechanical and electrical components. Optional equipment including an optical sensor, and pulse and frequency modulators improve noise immunity and reduce power consumption.

Abstract: A proximity switching system comrising a plurality of self-propelled vehicles mounted in tandem on a track and carrying magnetic proximity switches for controlling the vehicle propulsion. Each vehicle has a first magnet mounted on the front end at a first position, a second magnet mounted on the back end at a second position, a first magnetic reed switch mounted on the front end at a position congruent with the second position on the back end, and a second magnetic reed switch mounted on the back end at a position congruent with the first position on the front end. A pair of electric rails are mounted next to the track. Each vehicle includes contacts for receiving voltages on the rails. A DC motor drives the vehicles on the track in one of two directions dependent on the polarity of the voltages, and for not driving the vehicles in response to the closure of the first switch when the voltage has one polarity and in response to the closure of the second switch when the voltage has an opposite polarity.

Abstract: Apparatus including a magnet (10) having at least one degree of freedom w respect to a first member, tangent to the direction of measurement and cooperating with a magnetic portion associated with a second member, and a sensor (11) for picking up the position of the magnet relative to the first member. Such apparatus is employed in steerable railway vehicles.

Abstract: A magnetic speed detecting arrangement for a railway vehicle including a number of permanent magnets fixed on the outer circumference of an axle of the railway vehicle at fixed intervals in which the distance between two adjacent permanent magnets is larger than the width of the permanent magnets. A detector holder is fixed to the sprung portion of the body of the railway vehicle. A number of magnetic sensing elements are mounted to the detector holder and face the outer circumference of the axle. The number of permanent magnets may vary between 7 and 17 and the number of magnetic sensing elements may vary between 4 and 9 so that the product of the permanent magnets and magnetic sensing elements causes the detector to produce at least 60 pulses per revolution of the axle.

Abstract: In a piston position detector for a fluid pressure cylinder operating by fluid pressure such as air pressure or oil pressure, a permanent magnet is mounted on a piston sliding in a non-magnetic cylinder, and a magnetic detection element to respond to the magnetic field formed by the permenent magnet and to generate detection signals is mounted to any position of the cylinder. A magnetic induction piece in sheet form is interposed between the cylinder and the magnetic detection element, so that when the permanent magnet faces the front of the magnetic detection element, the magnetic induction piece is magnetically saturated by performing bypass induction of only a part of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet to act on the magnetic detection element and most of the magnetic flux acts on the magnetic detection element.

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.

Abstract: A railway detection system in which the presence of a train is detected by means of first inductive loop apparatus. When the train is detected second inductive loop apparatus is enabled to detect the passage of wheels of the train.

Abstract: The present invention involves a thermal compensation procedure for magnetic circuits, such as those used in security devices detecting metallic masses, whose losses increase as a function of ambient temperature. According to the invention a body is placed in the immediate proximity of the magnetic circuit, the body being made of a material whose magnetic permeability is a decreasing function of temperature and whose Curie point equals the maximum possible ambient temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring loads transmitted via wheels to a track from vehicles travelling thereon, comprises means responsive to load at a plurality of approximately equally spaced locations on a selected portion of the track at least about equal in length to the circumference of a typical wheel passing thereover, for providing a signal that is a function of the largest load on the track from each wheel, means responsive to the signal for comparing each largest load with at least one selected load level, and means responsive to the load comparing means for identifying each wheel from which any load greater than a selected level was transmitted.

Abstract: A Hall effect element, incorporated into an integrated circuit unit with temperature compensation, voltage regulation, and amplification, is mounted on top of a permanent magnet made of ceramic material with the critical Hall axis aligned with the magnet pole axis. To avoid saturating the Hall cell, it is positioned within a pole-to-pole hole in the magnet, which creates a flux null space. The permanent magnet and Hall cell assembly is mounted on the rail a predetermined distance below the top so that the flange of passing wheels occupies the air gap between the magnet and the rail through which the major portion of the magnet flux flows. Reduction of the air gap increases the level of the magnet flux and thus the level of voltage output of the Hall cell. The output of the Hall cell is applied to a Schmitt trigger whose switching level is set by a threshold voltage unit.

Abstract: A vehicle detector has an inductive sensing loop that is a frequency determining element of an oscillator. A first counter is operated to sample the oscillator frequency or period and the count achieved is applied as a preset reference to a second down counter which is counted down in one sample period while a fresh count value is being established in the first counter. The residue in the second counter at the end of a sample period is examined by detection logic to determine the presence of a vehicle. Preferably the first counter is updated every Nth sample period whereas the second counter is activated every sample period. Upon vehicle detection the first counter is frozen at the value preceding detection, the second counter continuing operation.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement is disclosed for detecting the presence of an axle of a rail vehicle in a short length of a track. The arrangement includes a bridge coupled to and including resistances of the rail upon which the vehicle travels. This bridge is unbalanced by wheels of an axle shunting resistance of the bridge with the bridge unbalance producing an output indicative of the presence of the axle. Two such arrangements displaced relative to each other will enable detecting the direction of movement of the vehicle. This sensor arrangement contains no electric components on the rail and is insensitive to interference from rail currents and electromagnetic rail brakes.

Abstract: A receiver for sensing track currents includes a toroid coupled to the track rails via a single conductor. The toroid has an air gap in which a linear Hall sensor is inserted. The voltage of the Hall sensor is applied to signal processing circuitry including a low pass filter, amplifier and level detectors. In one embodiment of the invention comprising a track occupancy detector, second and third windings coupled to the toroid are selectively energized from a potential source to provide MMF's in the toroid of one and another polarity, and of a level less than the MMF provided by an occupied track section. The amplifier includes first and second channels for amplifying signals of opposite polarities. Each channel of the amplifier is coupled to a pair of level detectors, one of the level detectors in each pair is a vital level detector with the threshold set at about 50% of the threshold of the other level detector in the pair.