Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for initializing an automated train control system

US5803411A · kind A · utility

107Cited by
45References
42Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 21, 1996
Grant dateSep 8, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 21, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB61L27/40
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle initialization system for a control system that includes a vehicle, such as a train that is to be initialized, a vehicle track, a first reader, an onboard computer and a tachometer. The vehicle is adapted to coact with the track. At least two spaced apart position identifiers are positioned along the track. The first reader attaches to the vehicle and is adapted to read information from the position identifiers and relay the information to the onboard computer. The tachometer is also interfaced with the onboard computer, so that as the vehicle passes the position identifiers, the tachometer can be calibrated and the vehicle direction of travel and the vehicle orientation can be determined. The system also includes a vehicle identifier adapted to identify the vehicle characteristics. A second reader is positioned along the track and is adapted to read the vehicle identifier as the vehicle travels along the track. A wayside computer interfaces with the second reader. A wheel detector and a trip stop for preventing the vehicle from proceeding along the track are provided along the track and are interfaced with the wayside computer. The trip stop prevents the vehicle from pro…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.