Portable beacons

• US 6,371,416 B1
• Filed: 08/01/2000
• Issued: 04/16/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/01/2000
• 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: Hawthorne, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Morano, S. Joseph
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jules, Frantz F.
• Application Number:
  US09/630,601
• Time in Patent Office: 623 Days
• Field of Search: 246/3, 246/167, 246/5, 246/122.R, 246/124, 246/187.A, 246/182.R, 246/488, 342/357.09, 342/357.1, 701/213, 701/301, 701/19, 340/988, 340/426, 340/989-996, 340/905, 340/901, 340/904
• US Class Current: 246/122.00R
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 2205/04 Satellite based navigation systems, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 23/06 for warning men working on the route
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/025 Absolute localisation, e.g. providing geodetic coordinates
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/026 Relative localisation, e.g. using odometer
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 1/68 Marker, boundary, call-sign, or like beacons transmitting signals not carrying directional information

Abstract

A beacon system for determining its position and transmitting its location to trains on the track. The length of the zone and any operational restrictions can also be transmitted. The location of the zone can be displayed on the train. The beacon system uses a global navigational position system for determining its location, and a transmitter for transmitting its location to trains on the track.

Claims

1. A method of alerting an operator of a train which travels along a track of the existence of a portable object adjacent the track, the method comprising:

positioning the portable object adjacent the track;

the train and the object determining their positions relative to the track; and

the object transmitting its position to the train.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the train and the object determine their positions using a global positioning system.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the object transmits its position directly to the train.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the object transmits its position to the train via a transceiver.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the object transmits its position to the train via a satellite.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the object transmits its position to the train via a station adjacent the track.

7. A method according to claim 1, including displaying on the train the location of the object on the track.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the object is a portable beacon.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the object also transmits its identity to the train.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the identity includes whether the object defines a zone and including determining the zone defined by the identity and displaying the determined zone.

11. A method of alerting an operator of a train which travels along a track of the existence of a portable object adjacent the track, the method comprising:

positioning a pair of spaced portable beacons adjacent the track;

the train and the beacons determining their positions relative to the track; and

the beacons transmitting their position to the train.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein one of the beacons determines the one beacon'"'"'s and the other beacon'"'"'s position and the one beacon transmits the position of both beacons to the train.

13. A method of alerting an operator of a train which travels along a track of the existence of a portable object adjacent the track, the method comprising:

positioning the portable object with operational restrictions adjacent the track;

the train and the object determining their positions relative to the track; and

the object transmitting its position and operational restrictions to the train.

14. A method according to claim 13, including determining if the operational restrictions apply to the train and displaying the operational restrictions if they apply to the train.

15. A method according to claim 13, including providing a visual indication on the object signifying the operational restriction.

16. A method according to claim 13, wherein the object defines a zone and includes zone information and including transmitting the zone information to the train, determining the zone defined by the zone information and displaying the determined zone.