Automatic start/stop system and method for locomotive engines
First Claim
1. An engine control system for a locomotive, the control system comprising:
- a memory device for storing computer instructions;
a computer processor for executing the computer instructions stored in the memory device, the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to output one or more commands when one or more predefined conditions exist; and
engine control hardware for controlling the locomotive—
engine in response to commands output by the computer processor;
the computer processor including an input for receiving a signal indicative of whether an automatic engine stop system is enabled;
the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to normally output an engine shutdown command when the automatic engine stop system is enabled and a set of automatic engine shutdown parameters are satisfied;
the computer processor including an input for receiving an inhibit command from an operator of the locomotive;
the computer instructions further configuring the computer processor to at least delay outputting the engine shutdown command in response to the inhibit command.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic start/stop system for locomotive engines which takes into account operator needs and concerns by enabling operators to locally prevent automatic shutdowns of their locomotives without disabling their AESS systems. Thus, operators can maintain their lead (and/or other) units running (i.e., for peace of mind, climate control, etc.) without prohibiting other locomotives in consist from automatically shutting down. The system preferably includes an inhibit switch located in each locomotive control cabin which, when actuated by an operator, prevents that locomotive (and only that locomotive) from automatically shutting down within a predefined duration of time. Techniques for reminding and prompting an operator to enable an AESS system include sounding an alarm, displaying and recording fault data, and inhibiting motoring of the locomotive when the AESS system is disabled and the operator calls for braking or motoring capability.
37 Citations
29 Claims
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1. An engine control system for a locomotive, the control system comprising:
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a memory device for storing computer instructions;
a computer processor for executing the computer instructions stored in the memory device, the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to output one or more commands when one or more predefined conditions exist; and
engine control hardware for controlling the locomotive—
engine in response to commands output by the computer processor;
the computer processor including an input for receiving a signal indicative of whether an automatic engine stop system is enabled;
the computer instructions configuring the computer processor to normally output an engine shutdown command when the automatic engine stop system is enabled and a set of automatic engine shutdown parameters are satisfied;
the computer processor including an input for receiving an inhibit command from an operator of the locomotive;
the computer instructions further configuring the computer processor to at least delay outputting the engine shutdown command in response to the inhibit command. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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- 9. A method of implementing an automatic engine stop system in a locomotive, the method comprising deactivating the automatic engine stop system in response to operator input to thereby prevent the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive without disabling the automatic engine stop system.
- 16. A method for prompting an operator of a locomotive to enable an automatic engine stop system, the method comprising sounding an audible alarm when the automatic engine stop system is disabled and the operator initiates braking or motoring.
- 23. A method for prompting an operator of a locomotive to enable an automatic engine stop system, the method comprising inhibiting motoring of the locomotive until the automatic engine stop system is enabled.
Specification