Monitoring status of railyard equipment using wireless sensing devices
US7388483B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61L17/023
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wireless position sensing device is provided for monitoring railyard equipment status. The device comprises a gravity sensing mechanism for sensing an angular displacement with respect to a substantially vertical line, and for generating a displacement signal upon sensing a change in angular displacement exceeding approximately 40 degrees. A processing mechanism, operatively coupled to the gravity sensing mechanism, receives the displacement signal. A radio frequency transmitter, responsive to the processing mechanism, transmits a data signal indicative of the angular displacement. The processing mechanism is programmed to activate the radio frequency transmitter upon receipt of the displacement signal. The gravity sensing mechanism is affixed, attached, or mechanically coupled to railyard equipment comprising at least one of a manually operated rail switch or a safety indicator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.