Cab signalling system utilizing coded track circuit signals
AssigneeUnion Switch & Signal Inc.
InventorsMichael E. Colbaugh, Raymond C. Franke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A railway vehicle cab signalling system providing electrical signals to operate an aspect display unit or the like located on-board a railway vehicle based upon the track circuit signals typically used to operate wayside indicators. A sensor detects the track circuit current as it passes through at least one wheel and axle set on the vehicle. A processor receives an output signal from the sensor and produces a signal to operate the aspect display unit.
Claims15
A railway vehicle cab signalling system for providing electrical signals to operate on-board traffic control indicators based upon coded track circuit signals carried by a track circuit current, said system comprising:
- shunt path means comprising at least one railway vehicle wheel and axle set for conducting at least a portion of said track circuit current;
- sensor means adjacent said shunt path means for detecting said at least a portion of said track circuit current conducted through sad shunt path means and producing a detection signal;
- and
- processing means for receiving said detection signal and producing a display signal to operate said traffic control indicators.
A railway vehicle cab signalling system for providing electrical signals to operate on-board traffic control indicators based upon coded track circuit signals carried by a track circuit current, said system comprising:
- shunt path means comprising at least one railway vehicle wheel and axle set for conducting at least a portion of said track circuit current;
- sensor means adjacent said shunt path means for detecting said track circuit current and producing a detection signal;
- said sensor means having at least one toroid constructed of two generally semicircular members generally defining an opening for at least partially circumscribing at least a portion of said axle of said wheel and axle set;
- and
- processing means for receiving said detection signal and producing a display signal to operate said traffic control indicators.
A railway vehicle cab signaling system for providing electrical signals to operate on-board traffic control indicators based upon coded track circuit signals carried by a track circuit current, said system comprising:
- shunt path means comprising at least one railway vehicle wheel and axle set for conducting at least a portion of said track circuit current;
- sensor means adjacent said shunt path means for detecting said track circuit current and producing a detection signal;
- said sensor means having at least one toroid generally defining an opening for at least partially circumscribing at least a portion of an axle of said wheel and axle set;
- said toroid having a winding thereon to form a current transformer;
- and
- processing means for receiving said detection signal and producing a display signal to operate said traffic control indicators.
A railway vehicle cab signalling system for providing electrical signals to operate on-board traffic control indicators based upon coded track circuit signals carried by a track circuit current, said system comprising:
- shunt path means comprising at least one railway vehicle wheel and axle set for conducting at least a portion of said track circuit current;
- sensor means adjacent said shunt path means for detecting said track circuit current and producing a detection signal;
- said sensor means having at least one toroid generally defining an opening for at least partially circumscribing at least a portion of an axle of said wheel and axle set;
- said toroid further defining a gap, said sensor means further comprising a magnetic field sensor mounted within said gap;
- and
- processing means for receiving said detection signal and producing a display signal to operate said traffic control indicators.
A railway vehicle cab signalling system for providing electrical signals to operate on-board traffic control indicators based upon coded track circuit signals carried by a track circuit current, said system comprising:
- shunt path means comprising at least one railway vehicle wheel and axle set for conducting at least a portion of said track circuit current;
- sensor means adjacent said shunt path means for detecting said track circuit current and producing a detection signal;
- said sensor means comprising a transformer having a toroidal core, said said transformer mounted encircling an axle of said railway vehicle wheel and axle set;
- and
- processing means for receiving said detection signal and producing a display signal to operate said traffic control indicators.
A method of railway vehicle cab signalling comprising the steps of:
- (a) establishing at least one shunt path on-board a railway vehicle conducting at least a portion of a track circuit signal current carrying a coded track circuit signal;
- (b) detecting said portion of said track circuit current conducting through said shunt path;
- (c) providing a track circuit current detection signal analogous to said track circuit current;
- (d) isolating said coded track circuit signal from said track circuit current detection signal;
- and
- (e) interpreting said track circuit signal to operate traffic control indicators located on-board said railway vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.