Distributed power and electronic air brake control system for a train and associated methods

US6401015B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• Scot Stewart · Indialantic, US
• Dale H. Delaruelle · Melbourne, US
• Premal Desai · Rockledge, US
• Mark Wheeler · Groton, US
• Don Herndon · Indialantic, US
• Brett A. Pierce · Arden, US
• Ronald O. Newton · Adams, US
• Kevin B. Root · Black River, US
• John J. Allen · Watertown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 14, 1998
• Grant date: Jun 4, 2002
• Expiry date: Oct 14, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B61C17/12
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A train control system includes a plurality of control subsystems for installation in respective locomotives. At least one of the control subsystems is configurable as a lead control subsystem, and at least one other control subsystem is configurable as a remote control subsystem. Each control subsystem preferably comprises a radio transceiver, a first processor connected to the radio transceiver for communicating with at least one other control subsystem, an electronic brake valve connected to the first processor, and an electro-pneumatic controller connected to the first processor and the electronic brake valve, for interfacing to the air brake system of the train. The first processor preferably comprises a locomotive computer interface for performing both distributed power and electronic air brake functions in cooperation with the locomotive control computer. The distributed power functions may comprise at least one of tractive effort and dynamic braking functions. The electronic air brake functions preferably comprise at least one of automatic service braking, independent braking, and emergency braking.