Train Direction Detection Apparatus and Method
AssigneeVossloh Signaling, Inc.
InventorsJohn Cipollone, Martin Smaha
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a train direction detection device and a method of determining the direction of travel. The train direction detection device analyzes the characteristics, such as impedance, of an electrical circuit implemented on a railroad to determine the direction of approach of a train. The invention is adapted to integrate with occupancy or grade crossing circuits commonly used by railroads at grade crossings.
Claims12
A method for determining the direction of travel of a train approaching a grade crossing comprising:
- receiving into a module a first signal generated by a track circuit;
- receiving into the module a second signal generated by the track circuit subsequent to when the first signal was generated;
- establishing a data trend based on the change between the first signal and the second signal;
- comparing the data trend to a reference trend;
- and
- identifying the direction of travel of the train based on the data trend and the reference trend.
A system for determining the direction of travel of a train approaching a grade crossing comprising:
- a track circuit that generates an electrical current,
- wherein the circuit is partially comprised of a rail track,
- wherein the circuit generates a plurality of signals over a period of time which vary based on a location of a train within the circuit;
- a module for acquiring the plurality of signals,
- wherein the module determines a direction of travel of a train based on a rate of change in the plurality of signals.
A train direction detection device, comprising:
- a transmitter adapted to be electrically coupled to a rail, wherein the transmitter generates an electrical signal having a parameter;
- a receiver electrically coupled to the rail, wherein the receiver detects the signal from the transmitter, wherein the presence of a train alters the signal parameter;
- a module comprising a communications port and a processor, wherein the module acquires the signal detected by the receiver through the communications port;
- a program executed by the processor, wherein the program identifies a direction of travel of a train based on the signal parameter.
The device of claim 10, wherein the signal is an audio frequency alternating current.
The device of claim 11, wherein the parameter is impedance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.