RAILWAY DARK TERRITORY SWITCH AUTOMATION

• US 20150045998A1
• Filed: 10/14/2014
• Published: 02/12/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vossloh Signaling USA, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Vossloh Signaling USA, Inc.
• Inventors: Beaman, Donald Coy, Ruskauff, David
• Granted Patent: US 9,586,603 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/19
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/025 Absolute localisation, e.g. providing geodetic coordinates
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/065 for signalling systems on the vehicle using current conduction
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 7/00 Remote control of local operating means for points, signals, or track-mounted scotch-blocks B61L11/00, B61L13/00 take precedence; interlocking arrangements B61L19/00
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 7/06 using electrical transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 7/065 using electromagnetic driving means
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 7/08 Circuitry

Abstract

The invention provides a railroad switch for use in un-signaled (dark) territory. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Claims

1. In a vital railroad switching system for dark territory, a method of wirelessly controlling a railroad switch in a track system that includes tracks in a dark territory, comprising:

a railroad switching system comprising

a plurality of audio messages wherein each audio message is maintained on a discrete audio board, and each board is equipped with at least a trigger and an audio output;

each audio message is triggered by a programmable logic controller (PLC), the PLC being coupled to the trigger of each audio board;

the railroad switching system operates by;

receiving a wireless dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signal, the signal generated from a railway vehicle, at a device located concurrent with a section of railroad track located in a dark territory, from a first communications device, the signal indicating a desired railroad switch position;

validating the wireless signal;

initiating the control of the switch;

checking a relay to determine a relay status, the relay coupled to the railroad switch, the railroad switch not having a switch signal system that is associated with a central dispatch system;

checking a logic controller to determine a correspondence condition;

reporting the correspondence condition; and

wherein the wirelessly controlled switch reports a status of the railroad switch in a dark territory.