Positive signal comparator and method
First Claim
1. A positive signal comparator system operatively connected to the controls of a locomotive for comparing signals from two operators on a train comprising a first and second signal input device, each said device including a plurality of switches for selectively generating a plurality of respective first and second output signals, controller means operatively connected to said first and second signal device, said controller means including signal comparator means responsive to the reception of said output signals for determining if said first and second output signals match, said controller means providing one or more control output signals in response to said determination to the controls of a locomotive.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A signal comparator receives switch-created signals from two stations manned by an engineer and a trainman in a locomotive and compares the signals for a match. The signals are an implementation and acknowledgement of wayside signals. One station is used to acknowledge a signal and unless a match is determined by the other operator entering the same acknowledgement within a preset time interval the system will automatically stop the train. Alarm functions and speed monitoring functions based on matched station signals are also provided. The system is automatically activated anytime a switch is operated or the speed of the train exceeds 15 mph. Signal matching is also required at period time intervals. If such acknowledgement is not forthcoming, the system assumes crew incapacitation and will automatically stop the train. The system has the capability to require acknowledgement when in proximity of a wayside signal by utilizing global positioning or other navigation system data to determine the location of the train with respect to all wayside signals in the rail system.
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Citations
30 Claims
- 1. A positive signal comparator system operatively connected to the controls of a locomotive for comparing signals from two operators on a train comprising a first and second signal input device, each said device including a plurality of switches for selectively generating a plurality of respective first and second output signals, controller means operatively connected to said first and second signal device, said controller means including signal comparator means responsive to the reception of said output signals for determining if said first and second output signals match, said controller means providing one or more control output signals in response to said determination to the controls of a locomotive.
- 11. A system for controlling the operations of a locomotive which has a speed indicating means comprising signal comparator means for comparing signals from two operators onboard a locomotive, said signal comparator means including a first station and a second station for use by a respective operator, each said station including a plurality of selectively operable switches for selectively creating a respective first and second output signal, controller means including signal comparator means for receiving said output signals and comparing said first and second output signals and providing control output signals to the controls of a locomotive in response to the comparison of said first and second output signals by said signal comparator means.
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24. A method of controlling the operation of a locomotive on a railroad having a brake control system for stopping the movement of a locomotive comprising the steps of:
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A. selectively creating a pair of output signals by two respective operators in a locomotive by selective operation of switches located on a pair of distinct devices located in the locomotive; B. comparing the output signals from the devices to determine a match or mismatch; and C. generating a brake signal to the brake control system of the locomotive if the output signals do not match in step B. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification