Railroad signaling and communication system using a fail-safe voltage sensor to verify trackside conditions in safety-critical railroad applications
US9457821B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01B7/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for verifying trackside conditions in safety critical railroad applications by reporting the status of trackside signals and switches to a remote train control system. The system comprises at least one sensor for providing trackside conditions electrically connected to a circuit for providing trackside conditions to a railroad, said sensor being powered by voltage applied to the circuit such that the sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged. The system and method further comprises a method and system which is failsafe and which enables the control system to independently verify signals from each sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.