Automatic start/stop system and method for locomotive engines
First Claim
1. An engine control system for a locomotive, the control system comprising:
- a memory device for storing computer instructions;
a computer processor for executing the computer instructions stored in the memory device, the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to output one or more commands when one or more predefined conditions exist; and
engine control hardware for controlling the locomotive engine in response to commands output by the computer processor;
the computer processor receiving a signal indicative of whether an automatic engine stop system is enabled;
the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to normally output an engine shutdown command when the automatic engine stop system is enabled and a set of automatic engine shutdown parameters are satisfied;
the computer processor receiving an inhibit command;
the computer instructions further configuring the computer processor to at least delay outputting the engine shutdown command in response to the inhibit command.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for an automatic engine stop and start system in a locomotive that includes deactivating the automatic engine stop system in response to receiving an instruction to prevent the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive without otherwise disabling the continued operation of the automatic engine stop system. The invention is also an apparatus for controlling a locomotive equipped with an automatic engine stop system. The apparatus includes a receiving interface for receiving a deactivation command from the automatic engine stop system. The apparatus also includes an input device for receiving an instruction to override the received deactivation command. The apparatus further includes a transmitting interface coupled to the input device for transmitting a control command. The transmitted control command is a command other than the received deactivation command such that the control command at least delays the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive.
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Citations
59 Claims
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1. An engine control system for a locomotive, the control system comprising:
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a memory device for storing computer instructions;
a computer processor for executing the computer instructions stored in the memory device, the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to output one or more commands when one or more predefined conditions exist; and
engine control hardware for controlling the locomotive engine in response to commands output by the computer processor;
the computer processor receiving a signal indicative of whether an automatic engine stop system is enabled;
the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to normally output an engine shutdown command when the automatic engine stop system is enabled and a set of automatic engine shutdown parameters are satisfied;
the computer processor receiving an inhibit command;
the computer instructions further configuring the computer processor to at least delay outputting the engine shutdown command in response to the inhibit command.
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2. An engine control system for a locomotive, the control system comprising:
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a memory for storing computer instructions;
a computer processor for executing the computer instructions stored in memory, the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to output one or more commands when one or more predefined conditions exist; and
engine control hardware for controlling the locomotive engine in response to commands output by the computer processor;
the computer processor being electrically connected to a device generating a signal indicative of whether an automatic engine stop system is enabled;
the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to normally output an engine shutdown command when the automatic engine stop system is enabled and a set of automatic engine shutdown parameters are satisfied;
the computer processor being electrically connected to a device generating an inhibit command responsive to an administrative device; and
the computer instructions further configuring the computer processor to at least delay outputting the engine shutdown command in response to receiving the inhibit command. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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- 16. A method of implementing an automatic engine stop system in a locomotive, the method comprising deactivating the automatic engine stop system in response to receiving an instruction to prevent the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive without otherwise disabling the continued operation of the automatic engine stop system.
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27. An apparatus for controlling a locomotive, said locomotive equipped with an automatic engine stop system, the apparatus comprising:
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a receiving interface for receiving a deactivation command from the automatic engine stop system;
an input device for receiving an instruction to override the received deactivation command; and
a transmitting interface coupled to the input device for transmitting a control command, said control command being something other than the received deactivation command, said control command at least delaying the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive.
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- 28. A method of controlling a locomotive, said locomotive configured with an automatic engine stop system, the method comprising receiving an engine shutdown command from the automatic engine stop system and generating a command other than the received engine shutdown command to at least delay the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive.
- 30. A method for prompting a locomotive operational control system to enable an automatic engine stop system, the method comprising generating a notification when the automatic engine stop system is disabled and in response to a change in an operating parameter of the locomotive.
- 40. A method for providing an instruction to an administration device to enable an automatic engine stop system, the method comprising inhibiting motoring of the locomotive until the automatic engine stop system is enabled.
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51. An automatic engine stop system in a locomotive, said locomotive being one of a plurality of locomotives in a consist, the system comprising:
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memory for storing computer instructions;
a computer processor for executing the computer instructions stored in memory, the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to output one or more commands;
a receiver electrically coupled to the computer processor for receiving an inter-consist communication from a second locomotive in the consist; and
engine control hardware for controlling the locomotive engine in response to commands output by the computer processor, said computer instructions configuring the computer processor to output an engine shutdown command to the engine control hardware as a function of the received inter-consist communication.
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52. A method of implementing an automatic engine stop system in a locomotive, said locomotive being one of a plurality of locomotives in a consist, the method comprising:
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receiving an inter-consist communication from a second locomotive in the consist; and
generating an engine shutdown command responsive to or a function of the received inter-consist communication. - View Dependent Claims (53)
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- 54. A method of implementing an automatic engine stop system in a locomotive, the method comprising generating an engine shutdown command as a function of a position of the locomotive.
- 58. A method of implementing an automatic engine stop system in a locomotive, the method comprising generating an engine shutdown command as a function of a location of a crew member.
Specification