Method and system for ensuring that a train does not pass an improperly configured device
US6996461B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61L2205/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A train control system includes a positioning system and consults a database to determine when the train is approaching a configurable device such as a switch or grade crossing gate. The system continuously interrogates the device to determine its status as the train approaches the device, and forces an engineer/conductor to acknowledge any detected malfunction. The train is forced to come to a complete stop before proceeding past the device or may be slowed down to a speed that will allow the engineer/conductor to visually determine whether it is safe to proceed past the device if the engineer/conductor acknowledges a message warning of the malfunction and will stop the train if the engineer/conductor fails to acknowledge the warning message.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.