Microprocessor based electro-pneumatic locomotive brake control and train monitoring system
AssigneeNew York Air Brake Corporation
InventorArnold W. Knight
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computerized electro-pneumatic braking system that includes a train monitoring system. Preferably, the braking system control device is installed on all vehicles on the train. When braking is initiated, the system applies the brakes instantaneously and simultaneously to all the vehicles on the train, bringing the train to a stop quickly. Sensors on the system's control device also monitor operating conditions of each vehicle and report the results to the master controller.
Claims15
For use in a railroad train comprising a plurality of interconnected vehicles including at least one locomotive and a plurality of cars, the improvement comprising an apparatus for electronically controlling pneumatically actuated train brakes, the apparatus comprising in combination:
- a digital control device on each car to electrically control and monitor electro-pneumatic brake control valve functions on said car;
- a master controller on a locomotive for instructing the control devices on each car;
- a Neuron chip on each car in a LonWorks network between the control device on each car and master controller for exchanging information and instructions;
- and
- power source means for providing power to the control device on each car and master controller.
A method for electronically controlling pneumatically actuated train brakes and monitoring status of a railroad train comprising a plurality of interconnected vehicles including at least one locomotive and a plurality of cars, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a microprocessor driven LonWorks network with a Neuron chip node at each car and a master controller on a locomotive communicating directly with a control device on each car;
- sensing application of pneumatic brakes in one vehicle;
- and
- transmitting a braking signal on said network for applying electro-pneumatic brakes co-extensively and simultaneously in every vehicle in the train.
An apparatus for monitoring operating conditions on a railroad train comprising a plurality of interconnected vehicles including at least one locomotive and plurality of cars, the apparatus comprising in combination:
- a control device on each car for electrically controlled electro-pneumatic brakes;
- a plurality of sensors on each control device for monitoring vehicle operating conditions;
- a master controller on a locomotive for receiving information from the control devices on each car;
- a microprocessor driven LonWorks node network for direct communication between a Neuron chip node at each control device on each car and master controller for exchanging information;
- and
- power source means for providing power to the control device on each car and master controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.