Communication system for transmitting RF signals representative of defects or hazards in a railway system having frangible glass activation

• US 5,356,098 A
• Filed: 07/15/1993
• Issued: 10/18/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: General Railway Signal Corporation (Alstom SA)
• Original Assignee: General Railway Signal Corporation (Alstom SA)
• Inventors: Post, Kendall E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Oberleitner, Robert J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Morano, S. Joseph
• Application Number:
  US08/093,191
• Time in Patent Office: 460 Days
• Field of Search: 246/169 A, 429/112, 429/116, 340/682
• US Class Current: 246/169.00A
• CPC Class Codes: B61K 9/06 by detecting or indicating heat radiation from overheated axles
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/36 containing electrolyte and made operational by physical means, e.g. thermal cells

Abstract

A communication system for submitting RF signals responsive to the currents of defects or hazards in a railway system wherein a reserve cell ampule containing an electrolyte is disposed in one compartment of a housing and the electronic apparatus transmitting desired signals is disposed in a second compartment such that when the reserve cell is heated the pressure rises within the ampule to rupture it, whereby the electrolyte contained is dispersed in the first compartment and causes energization of electronic apparatus including an antenna connected to such apparatus, whereby the antenna is ejected from the housing and is able to broadcast suitable RF signals.

Claims

1. A communication system for transmitting RF signals representative of defects or hazards in a railway system comprising:

a reserve cell glass ampule containing an electrolyte, said ampule containing a sufficient quantity of inert gas such that a suitable elevated activation temperature for the reserve cell can be established;

a housing for containing said glass ampule;

electronic apparatus, including an antenna, located within said housing;

said reserve cell further including electrodes electrically connected to said electronic apparatus such that when said reserve cell is activated by reaching its activation temperature, said ampule becomes fractured and its contents dispersed, whereby said electronic apparatus and said antenna are energized;

further in which said antenna has a connection to said electronic apparatus for broadcasting RF signals to a locomotive or to a way station; and

means for deploying said antenna responsive to said reserve cell being activated.

2. A communication system as defined in claim 1, in which said housing has first and second compartments, said glass ampule being in said first compartment and said electronic apparatus in said second compartment.

3. A communication system as defined in claim 2, further including a metal wall defining said first and second compartments;

an insulating member disposed in a gap formed through the metal wall, and a connection from the electronic apparatus to first and second electrodes of the cell.

4. A system as defined in claim 1, in which said means for deploying includes a spring held by a restraining member, said spring being attached to said antenna such that when power is supplied the restraining member is released and said antenna is ejected.

5. A system as defined in claim 1, in which said elevated activation temperature is approximately 120°

C.