VITAL SOLID STATE CONTROLLER

• US 20080183306A1
• Filed: 12/26/2007
• Published: 07/31/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Central Signal, LLC
• Original Assignee: Central Signal, LLC
• Inventors: Ashraf, Ahtasham, Baldwin, David
• Granted Patent: US 8,028,961 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/4
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 29/22 electrically
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 29/28 electrically operated
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 29/282 magnetic or inductive control by the vehicle

Abstract

A vital programmable logic device (VPD) is provided having at least two microprocessors. The VPD is configured to provide failsafe operation of a vital control system while operating in a closed circuit environment. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, railroad grade crossing signals are controlled by the VPD.

Claims

1. A vital programmable logic device comprising:

a pair of independent microprocessors having redundant closed circuit hardware configurations,

wherein the device is configured to provide failsafe operation of a vital control system.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vital control system is a vehicle detection system.

3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a controller operably connected to the pair of independent microprocessors, the controller operably connected to a communication module.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of outputs are energized by a complementary and isolated circuit, wherein the circuit is controlled by a second pair of redundant microprocessors.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of outputs are energized by a complementary and isolated circuit, wherein the circuit is controlled by the pair of microprocessors.

6. The device according to claim 2, wherein the microprocessors are configured to provide independent and redundant processing of a plurality of inputs.

7. The device according to claim 2, wherein the microprocessors are configured to execute a health check protocol.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein failsafe operation of a railroad signal system is provided.

9. The device according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle detection system is a railroad grade crossing system.

10. The device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of inputs are generated from railroad relay devices.

11. The device according to claim 7, wherein the health check protocol is executed separately by the microprocessors.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the health check protocol is configured to monitor and compare the clock frequencies for each of the microprocessors.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein an output signal is generated in response to the health check protocol, the output signal is present when the device is functioning vitally and absent when device vitality is not ensured.

14. The device according to claim 3, wherein the communication modules are selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth module, a GPS module, a radio module, and a hardwire communication module.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein device data is wirelessly accessible.

16. A vital programmable logic device configured for failsafe control of a railroad signaling system comprising:

a first microprocessor operably connected to a second microprocessor, the first and second microprocessor being redundant with respect to the other, each microprocessor configured for closed circuit operation; and

a third microprocessor operably connected to the first and second microprocessors, the third microprocessor configured for user interface.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the first and second microprocessors are configured to provide independent and redundant processing of a plurality of railroad data inputs.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein the first and second microprocessors are configured to execute a health check protocol for monitoring and comparing the clock frequencies for each of the first and second microprocessors.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of data inputs include railroad relay signals.

20. The device according to claim 17, wherein a communication module is operably connected to the third microprocessor and configured for wirelessly accessing the device.

21. The device according to claim 19, wherein in response to a railroad detection signal the device generates a railroad grade crossing control signal.

22. The device according to claim 20, wherein the communication module is selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth module, a GPS module, and a radio module.

22-1. A vehicle detection system comprising:

a means for detecting movement of a first set of motor vehicles;

a means for inhibiting the movement of a second set of motor vehicles;

a preemptive crossing signaling device, wherein the inhibiting means is activated subsequent to the signaling device and the system is configured to dynamically change a delay duration based upon the detecting means.

23. A railroad detection system comprising:

a grade crossing signal for preventing vehicle traffic flow through a rail road grade crossing;

a plurality of rail road relays operably connected to a rail road track;

a vital programmable logic device for providing railroad crossing signal control of vehicle travel through the grade crossing, wherein the device is fail safe and adheres to closed circuit principles.