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 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 receiving an inhibit command;
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
A method and system for an automatic engine stop and start system in a locomotive that includes deactivating the automatic engine stop system in response to receiving an instruction to prevent the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive without otherwise disabling the continued operation of the automatic engine stop system. The invention is also an apparatus for controlling a locomotive equipped with an automatic engine stop system. The apparatus includes a receiving interface for receiving a deactivation command from the automatic engine stop system. The apparatus also includes an input device for receiving an instruction to override the received deactivation command. The apparatus further includes a transmitting interface coupled to the input device for transmitting a control command. The transmitted control command is a command other than the received deactivation command such that the control command at least delays the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive.
57 Citations
15 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 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 receiving an inhibit command;
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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2. An engine control system for a locomotive, the control system comprising:
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a memory for storing computer instructions;
a computer processor for executing the computer instructions stored in memory, 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 being electrically connected to a device generating 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 being electrically connected to a device generating an inhibit command responsive to an administrative device; and
the computer instructions further configuring the computer processor to at least delay outputting the engine shutdown command in response to receiving the inhibit command. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification