Railway train signalling system for remotely operating warning devices at crossings and for receiving warning device operational information
First Claim
1. A signalling system for a railroad comprising:
- a) a first transmitter located on a railroad train comprising a transmitter for transmitting first electromagnetic signals from said train sequentially to a plurality of warning devices located at railroad crossings along the route of said train, wherein said first signals comprise first digitally encoded identification means for specifying each of said railroad crossings and further comprise digitally encoded control means for controlling the function of said warning devices located at each of said crossings; and
,b) a second transmitter located at each of said railroad crossings comprising a transmitter for transmitting second electromagnetic signals from each of said crossings to said railroad train, wherein said second signals comprise digitally encoded identification means for identification of each of said crossings, and further comprise digitally encoded information relating the operational condition of said warning devices located at said crossings; and
,c) a first receiver located on said railroad train comprising a receiver for receiving said second signals and a memory for storing said second signals; and
,d) a second receiver located at each of said railroad crossings, comprising a means for comparing said first digitally encoded identification means with a predetermined digital identity code stored internally in said second receiver, and a means for controlling said warning devices at each of said railroad crossings in response to said digitally encoded control means received from said first transmitter whenever said transmitted identity code matches said internally stored identity code.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
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 warning devices. The present invention includes a global positioning system receiver mounted within the locomotive for the purpose of determining the train location and, therefore, its proximity to the known locations of railroad crossings. The present invention also includes a self-diagnostic mechanism within the crossing signal device capable of performing certain internal checks for proper functioning of the warning devices. Such information, along with a digitally encoded identification of the particular crossing, is relayed to the locomotive as it passes the crossing. Thus, maintenance information concerning every railroad crossing so equipped is automatically collected on the locomotive-based system for frequent interrogation at service locations, and subsequent crossing-specific maintenance. Also included in the present invention is the capability to signal the approach of a locomotive directly to specially equipped motor vehicles. Further embodiments of the present invention include the capability for a locomotive to signal its position to other locomotives for purposes of collision avoidance.
132 Citations
11 Claims
-
1. A signalling system for a railroad comprising:
-
a) a first transmitter located on a railroad train comprising a transmitter for transmitting first electromagnetic signals from said train sequentially to a plurality of warning devices located at railroad crossings along the route of said train, wherein said first signals comprise first digitally encoded identification means for specifying each of said railroad crossings and further comprise digitally encoded control means for controlling the function of said warning devices located at each of said crossings; and
,b) a second transmitter located at each of said railroad crossings comprising a transmitter for transmitting second electromagnetic signals from each of said crossings to said railroad train, wherein said second signals comprise digitally encoded identification means for identification of each of said crossings, and further comprise digitally encoded information relating the operational condition of said warning devices located at said crossings; and
,c) a first receiver located on said railroad train comprising a receiver for receiving said second signals and a memory for storing said second signals; and
,d) a second receiver located at each of said railroad crossings, comprising a means for comparing said first digitally encoded identification means with a predetermined digital identity code stored internally in said second receiver, and a means for controlling said warning devices at each of said railroad crossings in response to said digitally encoded control means received from said first transmitter whenever said transmitted identity code matches said internally stored identity code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
Specification