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Protection against exceeding the braking capability of remote controlled locomotives

  • US 8,311,689 B2
  • Filed: 12/21/2005
  • Issued: 11/13/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system comprising:

  • a first sensor for detecting work output data from a remote controlled locomotive that is part of a train;

    a second sensor for measuring a speed of the locomotive; and

    a processor for accepting work output data from the first sensor and speed of the locomotive from the second sensor to estimate a weight of the train based on the work output data and to calculate an acceptable stopping distance based on the weight of the train that is estimated, the speed of the locomotive, and an elevation grade, the processor configured to estimate the weight of the train by using a look-up table that compares a tractive load of a locomotive drive motor to the speed of the locomotive;

    wherein the remote controlled locomotive is controlled via a handheld transmitting unit;

    wherein the processor is configured to factor, at least a second time, the weight of the train that is estimated, the speed of the locomotive, and the elevation grade to determine whether the train can stop within the acceptable stopping distance.

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