System and method for selectively limiting tractive effort to facilitate train control

US7949441B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Mirza A. Baig · Lindenhurst, US
• Richard L. Evans · Erie, US
• Scott Sexauer · Erie, US
• Christopher E. Pallo · North East, US
• Ning Zhang · Saratoga, US
• Steven Andrew Kellner · Melbourne, US
• Leonard Hill · Erie, US
• Bruce M. Sweeley · Erie, US
• James Glen Corry · Palm Bay, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 30, 2005
• Grant date: May 24, 2011
• Expiry date: Oct 31, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60L2200/26
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Method for controlling the level of tractive efforts in a train having a first locomotive at a head end of the train, constituting a lead locomotive, and a second locomotive positioned in the train behind the lead locomotive, constituting a remote locomotive, with the remote locomotive being configured to selectively operate in either of two modes of operation, such as a first mode in which the locomotive operates at a full tractive effort level of operation and a second mode in which the locomotive operates in a partial tractive effort level of operation producing a tractive effort which is less than the full tractive effort of the locomotive. The method allows selecting (e.g., at the lead locomotive) one of the two modes of operation for producing a level of tractive effort appropriate for conditions as the train moves along a length of track. The method further allows transmitting a signal indicative of the selected mode of operation from the lead locomotive to the remote locomotive. The signal is received at the remote locomotive. The tractive effort generated at the remote locomotive is controlled so as not to exceed the selected level.