Method and system for automatically locating end of train devices

US7096096B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Quantum Engineering, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Mark Edward Kane · Orange Park, US
• James Francis Shockley · Orange Park, US
• John Mix · Denver, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 2, 2003
• Grant date: Aug 22, 2006
• Expiry date: Jul 2, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B61L2205/04
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An end of train unit includes a positioning system such as a GPS receiver and is configured to transmit a message including the EOT unit's location when the EOT unit detects a loss of air pipe pressure and/or it is tipped over and/or a low battery condition is detected. In highly preferred embodiments, the EOT unit periodically re-transmits the message until an acknowledgment message is received. In some embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to create a signal as a substitute for a motion sensor. In other embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to determine the speed of the end of the train. End of train unit tracking is also performed.