Protection against exceeding the braking capability of remote controlled locomotives
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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Abstract
A method for controlling a remote controlled locomotive that is part of a train to insure effective braking, the method including calculating an estimated total energy of a train, calculating a threshold representing a predetermined braking capability limit of the locomotive, determining whether the estimated total energy is at least one of approaching and exceeding the threshold, and decreasing a velocity of the train until the threshold is at least one of no longer being approached and is no longer exceeded.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system comprising:
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a first sensor for detecting work output data from a 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 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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Specification