Cellemetry-operated railroad switch heater
First Claim
1. A control system comprising:
- a plurality of remotely located electrical switches wherein each remotely located electrical switch of said plurality of remotely located electrical switches performs a function of a separate, discrete system, at least one parameter of said separate, discrete system monitored by said control system, said control system comprising;
a cellular receiver and a cellular transmitter configured for communicating over control channels of a cellular network, a microcomputer coupled to said cellular receiver and said cellular transmitter, and to a respective said remotely located electrical switch, a sensor associated with said at least one parameter, said sensor coupled to said microcomputer, said microcomputer responsive to incoming cellular signals received by said cellular receiver, and providing outgoing cellular signals to said transmitter, said incoming cellular signals and said outgoing cellular signals containing data associated with said remote electrical switch and said sensor, respectively, a cellular link to the Internet, a data center coupled to the Internet and configured for receiving said data from the Internet and transmitting said data to the Internet, a user interface in said data center responsive to said data from said cellular transmitter and for inputting said data to said cellular receiver, and providing control and monitoring of said plurality of remote electrical switches and said at least one parameter from said sensor.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for monitoring a sensor or switch for operation is disclosed. The switch or sensor is coupled to a CELLEMETRY™ transmitter for sending electronic serial numbers (ESNs) encoded with information, and receiving mobile identification numbers (MINs), also encoded with information, in accordance with the CELLEMETRY™ protocol. A microprocessor controls operation of the combination of the radio and sensor or switch. A computerized control center coupled to the Internet provides a connection medium between the cellular system and the control center. When a sensor or switch so connected operates, the radio sends an ESN via the control channels of the cellular system to the Internet, where the ESN is relayed to the control center. There, processing occurs that provides notification to an entity associated with the sensor or switch. Communications from the control center to the radio associated with a sensor are via MIN numbers, and may initiate operation of a device coupled to the sensor.
50 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A control system comprising:
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a plurality of remotely located electrical switches wherein each remotely located electrical switch of said plurality of remotely located electrical switches performs a function of a separate, discrete system, at least one parameter of said separate, discrete system monitored by said control system, said control system comprising;
a cellular receiver and a cellular transmitter configured for communicating over control channels of a cellular network, a microcomputer coupled to said cellular receiver and said cellular transmitter, and to a respective said remotely located electrical switch, a sensor associated with said at least one parameter, said sensor coupled to said microcomputer, said microcomputer responsive to incoming cellular signals received by said cellular receiver, and providing outgoing cellular signals to said transmitter, said incoming cellular signals and said outgoing cellular signals containing data associated with said remote electrical switch and said sensor, respectively, a cellular link to the Internet, a data center coupled to the Internet and configured for receiving said data from the Internet and transmitting said data to the Internet, a user interface in said data center responsive to said data from said cellular transmitter and for inputting said data to said cellular receiver, and providing control and monitoring of said plurality of remote electrical switches and said at least one parameter from said sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for energizing and deenergizing railroad switch heaters from a remote location and providing at least an indication of an energized or deenergized state of each said railroad switch heater, said system comprising:
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an electrical switch for each said switch heater, said electrical switch coupled to connect and disconnect electrical power to a respective said switch heater, and responsive to an electrical CONNECT signal and an electrical DISCONNECT signal to either connect or disconnect said electrical heater, at least one CONNECT/DISCONNECT sensor for each said electrical switch for providing at least an indication of an energized or denergized state of a respective said switch heater, a cellular transmitter and a cellular receiver, a microprocessor responsive to said cellular transmitter and to said cellular receiver, and coupled to said electrical switch to trigger said electrical switch to a connected or disconnected state responsive to received cellular signals containing either a said CONNECT signal or a said DISCONNECT signal from said cellular receiver. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification