Railway emulation brake
US6217126A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60T13/665
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for low power ECP brake emulation in a freight train having ECP equipped cars and one or more non-ECP equipped locomotives wherein power for the ECP equipment is provided by the 74 VDC locomotive battery. The apparatus includes an adapter for interfacing the locomotive MU cable and the ECP wire to supply sufficient power to operate the ECP equipment on each car indefinitely in a low power emulation mode. The method includes interfacing the locomotive MU cable to the ECP wire, implementing a low power emulation mode wherein pneumatic signals sent via the brake pipe are detected by pressure sensors and communicated to ECP control valves for changing the brake cylinder pressure accordingly. The method further includes minimizing power consumption by providing power only to the brake pipe sensors and minimal electronics to monitor pressure changes and thereafter activating other sensors and controls only as needed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.