Communication system and method for a rail vehicle consist

US8825239B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Jared Klineman Cooper · Melbourne, US
• Todd William Goodermuth · Melbourne, US
• David Michael Peltz · Melbourne, US
• David Lowell McKay · Melbourne, US
• Scott C. Sherin · Rochester, US
• John William Brand · Melbourne, US
• Eugene Smith · Sharpsburg, US
• David Teeter · Melbourne, US
• Robert Francis Bryant · Palm Bay, US
• Mark Bradshaw Kraeling · Melbourne, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 8, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 2, 2014
• Expiry date: Nov 15, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B61L3/20
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for communicating data in a rail vehicle consist includes transmitting first data at a first rail vehicle of the consist over a power supply conductor to a second, different rail vehicle in the consist, where at least one rail vehicle of the consist receives direct electrical power from the power supply conductor. The method also includes monitoring the power supply conductor for second data at the first rail vehicle and receiving the second data over the power supply conductor at the first rail vehicle for use by a first system onboard the first rail vehicle. In one aspect, the transmitting step comprises transmitting the first data over one or more of a catenary line or a third rail that supplies the electrical power.