Method of identifying and locating trainline power supplies

• US 6,225,919 B1
• Filed: 10/05/1999
• Issued: 05/01/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation (Knorr-Bremse GmbH)
• Original Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation (Knorr-Bremse GmbH)
• Inventors: Stevens, Dale R., Lumbis, Anthony W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US09/412,361
• Time in Patent Office: 574 Days
• Field of Search: 340/933, 340/825.05, 340/825.06, 340/505, 340/531, 340/539, 246/122 R, 246/167 R, 246/1 C, 701/19, 104/88.03, 104/88.02, 104/88.04, 104/88.05
• US Class Current: 340/933
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0036 Conductor-based, e.g. using CAN-Bus, train-line or optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0081 On-board diagnosis or maintenance

Abstract

A method of identifying and locating the trainline power supplies wherein the power supplies each are a node on a network. The locations of the power supply is determined by causing the power supply node to transmit its identity on the network. The power supply node includes a service pin and a signal is supplied to the service pin to cause the power supply node to transmit its identity on the network. A second node is provided at an identifiable location with each power supply and is commanded to cause the power supply at its location to transmit its identity on the network.

Claims

1. A method of identifying and locating trainline power supplies on a train wherein the power supplies each are a node on a communication network comprising:

determining the identity of a trainline power supply at one end of the train; and

determining the identity of the other trainline power supplies sequentially.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the end trainline power supply is determined by causing the power supply node at the end to transmit its identity on the network.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the power supply node includes a service pin and a signal is applied to the service pin to cause the power supply node to transmit its identity on the network.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the location and identity of the other trainline power supplies is determined by causing power supply node at an identifiable location to transmit its identity on the network.

5. A method according to claim 4, including a second node at an identifiable location with each trainline power supply;

and the second node is commanded to cause the power supply node at its location to transmit its identity on the network.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the power supply node includes a service pin and a signal is applied to the service pin by the second node to cause the power supply node to transmit its identity on the network.

7. A method according to claim 5, wherein the identifiable location of the other trainline power supplies is determined by serializing the second nodes.

8. A method according to claim 4, wherein the power supply node includes a service pin and a signal is applied to the service pin to cause the power supply node to transmit its identity on the network.

9. A method according to claim 1, including a second node at an identifiable location with each trainline power supply;

and the second node is commanded to cause the power supply node at its location to transmit its identity on the network.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the power supply node includes a service pin and a signal is applied to the service pin by the second node to cause the power supply node to transmit its identity on the network.

11. A method according to claim 9, wherein the identifiable location of the other trainline power supplies is determined by serializing the second nodes.

12. A method of identifying and locating trainline power supplies on a train comprising:

providing trainline power supplies each as a node on a communication network;

providing a second node on the network at an identifiable location with each trainline power supply;

commanding the second node to cause the power supply node at its location to transmit its identity on the network; and

locating the trainline power supplies by locating the second nodes.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the power supply node includes a service pin and a signal is applied to the service pin by the second node to cause the power supply node to transmit its identity on the network.

14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the location of the trainline power supplies is determined by serializing the second nodes.

15. A train having a trainline extending between one or more locomotives and cars in the train, the train including:

a plurality of trainline power supplies on a train each connected as a node on a communication network;

at least one second node on the network at one end of the trainline;

each power supply node including a service pin and transmit its identity on the network in response to a signal on the service pin; and

the second node being connected to the service pin of a trainline power supply at the end of the trainline and providing a signal to cause the power supply node at its location to transmit its identity on the network.

16. A train according to claim 15, including a second node on the network at each power supply node connected to the service pin of a trainline power supply and providing a signal to cause the power supply node at its location to transmit its identity on the network.

17. A train according to claim 16, wherein the trainline power supplies and the second nodes are on a common locomotive.

18. A train according to claim 16, wherein each second node includes means for locating the node in the train.

19. A train according to claim 15, wherein each power supply node includes means for locating the node in the train.