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Class 246/121 - Electric


Subclass of Class 246 - Railway switches and signals
Definition: Subject matter having roadway-defect signals which are actuated
No. of patents: 51
Last issue date: 11/02/2010


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NumberTitleIssue Date
7823841System and method for broken rail and train detection
A rail break or rail vehicle detection system which includes a voltage source, capable of voltage source compensation, is coupled to each of a plurality of zones within a block of rail track devoid of insulated joints. A plurality of current sensors are provided, ea...
11/02/2010
7815151Method and system for a track signaling system without insulated joints
In a railroad track system that provides for communications through a track rail without insulated joints between a specific transmitter and a specific receiver when a plurality of transmitters and a plurality of receivers are communicating using the track rail, a m...
10/19/2010
7575201System and method for detecting a change or an obstruction to a railway track
A system for determining the capability of a railroad track to safely carry railroad vehicles over the track by sensing changes in the environment proximate the track, the system including a sensor for detecting a magnetic field proximate the railroad track and gene...
08/18/2009
7392117Data logging, collection, and analysis techniques
A system and method for data logging, collection, and analysis techniques. Logging, collection, and analysis of data relating to the condition of a structure, such as a railway rail. Monitoring the neutral temperature of a railway rail. ...
06/24/2008
7295017Method and system for calculating railroad track ballast resistance
A method of estimating a resistance value for ballast, over a given length of track, used at a crossing on a railroad track that has a crossing warning system where a inductance of the track over the given length, an inductance of the track over the given length of ...
11/13/2007
7268565System and method for detecting rail break/vehicle
A system for detecting a rail break or train occupancy includes a current source adapted to deliver a current to an isolated block of a rail track. A voltage sensor is coupled to the isolated block and configured to detect voltage across the isolated block. A shunt ...
09/11/2007
7269487Method for train positioning
In the state that a train moves from a track circuit 3T toward a track circuit 5T, and a train detection signal TD1 is supplied from the boundary between the track circuits 3T and 5T to the track circuits 3T and 5T, a...
09/11/2007
7236860Method and system for ensuring that a train does not pass an improperly configured device
A train control system includes a positioning system and consults a database to determine when the train is approaching a configurable device such as a switch or grade crossing gate. The system continuously interrogates the device to determine its status as the trai...
06/26/2007
7226021System and method for detecting rail break or vehicle
A rail break or vehicle detection system includes a plurality of voltage sources, each coupled to one of the plurality of zones. A plurality of resistors are provided, each coupled in series with one of the plurality of voltage sources. A plurality of current sensor...
06/05/2007
7200471Train control system and method of controlling a train or trains
A train control system and method for ensuring that a train cannot be moved from a section of track not on a main line to a section of track on the main line until both a movement authority for the section of main line track and a circulation authority for the secti...
04/03/2007
7195211Electronically controlled grade crossing gate system and method
An electronically controlled grade crossing gate system and method. The system includes a gate arm, a gate arm moving assembly, a position sensor assembly and a controller. The gate arm moving assembly is configured to move the gate arm and the position sensor assem...
03/27/2007
7188341Method of transferring files and analysis of train operational data
A method of transferring files between a computer on board a train and a remote station including determining if the remote station is within range of the train and establishing wireless communication between the onboard computer and the remote station. Next, the co...
03/06/2007
7113107Intelligent selectively-targeted communications systems and methods
There is disclosed a system and method wherein precise geographical location information such as Global Positioning System coordinate data is utilized as a principal criterion for implementing other wireless transmitted instructions and communications advising vehic...
09/26/2006
7096096Method and system for automatically locating end of train devices
An end of train unit includes a positioning system such as a GPS receiver and is configured to transmit a message including the EOT unit's location when the EOT unit detects a loss of air pipe pressure and/or it is tipped over and/or a low battery condition is detec...
08/22/2006
7092801Train control system and method of controlling a train or trains
A train control system includes positioning systems at the end of the train and at the front of the train, allowing the conductor or engineer to unambiguously determine that no cars of the train have become detached. The positioning system at the end of the train is...
08/15/2006
7079926Train control system and method of controlling a train or trains
A train control system includes positioning systems at the end of the train and at the front of the train, allowing the conductor or engineer to unambiguously determine that no cars of the train have become detached. The positioning system at the end of the train is...
07/18/2006
7053797Intelligent selectively-targeted communications systems and methods for aircraft
There is disclosed a system and method wherein precise geographical location information such as Global Positioning System coordinate data is utilized as a principal criterion for implementing other wireless transmitted instructions and communications advising aircr...
05/30/2006
6967593Emergency vehicle approach warning method and system
Under the present invention, a warning unit having a light source (e.g., a laser) is mounted on an emergency vehicle. The light source first emits a low intensity light beam (e.g., an infrared light beam) to scan an area in front of the emergency vehicle. The scan i...
11/22/2005
6951132Rail and train monitoring system and method
A system and method for determining at least one parameter related to a train traversing on a railway track is provided. The system comprises a sensor coupled to a detection location and configured for sensing acoustic signals at the detection location on the railwa...
10/04/2005
6915191Method and system for detecting when an end of train has passed a point
A controller determines that an end of train (EOT) has passed a point through the use of positioning systems at the head of the train (HOT) and the EOT. In a first method, the controller obtains the HOT position at a point of interest from the HOT positioning system...
07/05/2005
6903658Method and system for ensuring that a train operator remains alert during operation of the train
A train control system requires a train operator to enter signal aspect information at each wayside signal position on a railroad and stops the train if the operator fails to enter aspect information without communicating with the wayside signal device to verify tha...
06/07/2005
6863246Method and system for automated fault reporting
An automated fault reporting system for a train includes a controller that gathers information concerning malfunctioning wayside status devices and automatically reports the information to an appropriate party. In one embodiment, the control module uses a positionin...
03/08/2005
6373403Apparatus and method for improving the safety of railroad systems
An apparatus and method for improving the safety of railroad systems of the present invention includes a system for navigating a railroad vehicle over railroad tracks. An attitude sensor is used to dynamically sense the attitude of the railroad vehicle as...
04/16/2002
6216985Railway hazard acoustic sensing, locating, and alarm system
A highly reliable early warning system is disclosed. The warning system provides immediate detection of railway activity and early warning of dangerous railway conditions to train crews and to Rail Traffic Control offices. The warning system has acoustic ...
04/17/2001
6164600Device for detecting the positions of pivotable parts of a point
Device for detecting the positions of pivotable parts of a rail switch, such as, e.g., tongue rails (1, 2) by at least one sensor designed as a continuous distance sensor (4,5,6,7), wherein the sensor output is connected to a circuit arrangement (10) for ...
12/26/2000
6102340Broken rail detection system and method
This invention relates to a system and method of detecting a broken rail in a railway system. The track sensing circuitry of the present invention applies a voltage source at each end of a block of rails and senses the current flowing through the circuitr...
08/15/2000
5986547Apparatus and method for improving the safety of railroad systems
An apparatus and method for improving the safety of railroad systems of the present invention includes a system for navigating a railroad vehicle over railroad tracks. An attitude sensor is used to dynamically sense the attitude of the railroad vehicle as...
11/16/1999
5785283System and method for communicating operational status of a railway wayside to a locomotive cab
A system and method of communicating via digital radio between a train and a device positioned at the wayside of a railway system, wherein the device detects defects at the wayside and information related to the defects is transmitted from the wayside to ...
07/28/1998
5786750Pilot vehicle which is useful for monitoring hazardous conditions on railroad tracks
A self-propelled remotely controlled pilot vehicle adapted for use on raiad tracks to monitor hazardous conditions and obstacles on the railroad tracks. The pilot vehicle precedes a train along the railroad tracks at a distance which will allow the train...
07/28/1998
5769364Coded track circuit with diagnostic capability
A track circuit with diagnostic capability differentiates between an occupied track circuit and one in which a conductor of the track circuit (one of the rails) is broken. Transceiver units are provided at the respective ends of the track circuit and oper...
06/23/1998
5743495System for detecting broken rails and flat wheels in the presence of trains
A redundant sensor system for predicting railway hazards including breaks in each rail, the location of the breaks, and determining when a railway vehicle has a flat wheel. Vibration sensors are distributed along both rails of a railway. Each sensor has a...
04/28/1998
5713518Railroad cross tie and track continuity detector systems
A rail tie and track-tie connection includes a molded plastic body member having molded plastic cover pieces attached to the body member, with lip portions engaging and capturing bottom flanges on the track rails. The body member may be hollow with a fill...
02/03/1998
5713540Method and apparatus for detecting railway activity
A highly reliable early warning system that can provide efficient detection of railway activity and early warning of dangerous railway conditions to train operators and to central dispatch control offices. The warning system has an acoustic sensor circuit...
02/03/1998
5680054Broken rail position detection using ballast electrical property measurement
The position of a break in at least one of a pair of rails in an electrically isolated rail segment of a railroad is carried out by measuring current across the ballast between the rails of the segment from one end of the segment when one of the rails in ...
10/21/1997
5649489Electromagnetic induction ground vehicle levitation guideway
The electromagnetic induction ground vehicle levitation guideway includes a beam support member, and a transverse structural slab member mounted on top of the beam support member. The structural slab member includes top and bottom structural plates mounte...
07/22/1997
5620155Railway train signalling system for remotely operating warning devices at crossings and for receiving warning device operational information
The present invention provides a signalling system for a railroad locomotive, providing the locomotive with the capability to signal its approach to upcoming railroad crossing signals in order for the crossing signals to activate lights, bells or similar ...
04/15/1997
5529267Railway structure hazard predictor
A hazard predictor that processes both rail and superstructure measurements to predict some potentially hazardous conditions on a railway structure. Measurement is collected in real time with the aid of fiber optic sensor based linear array mesh, and proc...
06/25/1996
5511488Electromagnetic induction ground vehicle levitation guideway
The electromagnetic induction ground vehicle levitation guideway includes a beam support member, and a transverse structural slab member mounted on top of the beam support member. The structural slab member includes top and bottom structural plates mounte...
04/30/1996
5429329Robotic railroad accident prevention vehicle and associated system elements
A robotic vehicle (10) is shown with conventional train flanged wheels (11) riding upon common railroad tracks (12). The body (13) of the vehicle encloses a conventional diesel electric power unit (14) with speed characteristics comparable to the train it...
07/04/1995
5397083Rail guard
A rail guard for monitoring the limits of transverse inclination and extension between the rails of a railroad track and transmitting an indication when these limits are breached. The rail guard has a plurality of tension switches, each switch being coupl...
03/14/1995
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