Method and system for checking track integrity
US7036774B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61L2205/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A train control system includes a control module that determines a position of a train using a positioning system and consults a database to determine when the train is approaching a portion of track monitored by a track circuit. When the train is near a track circuit, but while the train is still far enough away from the track circuit such that the train can be stopped before reaching the portion of track monitored by the track circuit, the train transmits an interrogation message to a transceiver associated with the track circuit. When the track circuit receives the interrogation message, a test is initiated. The test results are transmitted back to the train. The train takes corrective action if the track circuit fails to respond or indicates a problem.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.