US 5,530,328 A · Consist power monitor

Abstract

A consist power monitor provides information to the engineer of a multiple unit consist on the ability of each locomotive to provide traction power and dynamic braking. The consist power monitor is a microprocessor based device which communicates with other locomotive consist power monitors, either through the MU cable or over a wireless link, to display consist status to the engineer. Where the communication is through the MU cable, the communications link is provided by a high frequency carrier superimposed on an existing MU cable wire. No modification is required to the MU cable allowing for easy retrofit of existing locomotives. The alternative wireless communication is accomplished by means of a low power, spread spectrum data link now being incorporated into new locomotives. Information exchanged among the consist power monitors pertains to loading and dynamic brake conditions of the locomotives in the consist. Locomotive consist information is presented continuously.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A consist power monitor for a railroad consist having multiple locomotives comprising:

current measuring means in at least one dynamic braking loop of traction motors and current sensing means in other dynamic braking loops of traction motors not provided with current measuring means;
a storage device for storing a locomotive identification code;
a processor connected to said storage device and responsive to said current measuring means and said current sensing means for formatting a data frame containing said locomotive identification code and data pertaining to measured and sensed current for said dynamic braking loops;
a transmitter controlled by said processor for transmitting to other consist power monitors in other locomotives in said consist said data frame;
a receiver providing an input to said processor for receiving transmitted data frames from other consist power monitors in said consist;
and
a display controlled by said processor for displaying a count of locomotives in said consist and traction and dynamic braking performance of locomotives in said consist.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Consist power monitor

Life of this patent

Consist power monitor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9