Method and apparatus for distributed power train control
First Claim
1. A control system for a distributed power train, the train including a lead unit, a emote unit, a plurality of rail cars, and a communications system wherein a controller for the lead unit communicates with a controller for the remote unit through the communications system, the control system comprising:
- a system controller configured to monitor an operability condition of the communications system, the direction of travel of the train, and an operational mode of each of the lead and remote units; and
the system controller further configured to activate an alarm in the lead unit, wherein activation of the alarm requires the train traveling in a forward direction, the communications system being inoperable, and the remote unit being in a dynamic braking mode, for cautioning an operator against applying a tractive force at the lead unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for controlling a railroad train (10) comprising a lead unit (14), a remote unit (12A) and a communications system communicating information between the lead unit (14) and the remote unit (12A), wherein the lead unit (14) and the remote unit (12A) are each operable in a traction operational mode and a dynamic brake operational mode. The method comprises determining operability of the communications system; determining a direction of train travel; determining an operational mode of the lead unit (14) and the remote unit (12A); and indicating a train condition responsive to the operability of the communications system, the direction of train travel and the operational mode of the lead (14) and remote units (12A).
22 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A control system for a distributed power train, the train including a lead unit, a emote unit, a plurality of rail cars, and a communications system wherein a controller for the lead unit communicates with a controller for the remote unit through the communications system, the control system comprising:
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a system controller configured to monitor an operability condition of the communications system, the direction of travel of the train, and an operational mode of each of the lead and remote units; and the system controller further configured to activate an alarm in the lead unit, wherein activation of the alarm requires the train traveling in a forward direction, the communications system being inoperable, and the remote unit being in a dynamic braking mode, for cautioning an operator against applying a tractive force at the lead unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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9. A control system for a distributed power train comprising:
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a system controller configured to monitor an operability condition of a communications system configured to transmit messages between a controller for a lead unit and a controller for remote unit of the train, the direction of travel of the train, and an operational mode of each of the lead and remote units; and
whereinthe system controller is further configured to activate an alarm in the lead unit, the activation of the alarm requires the direction of travel of the train is forward, and the operational mode of both of the lead and remote units is braking, and in response to a shifting to a traction mode of the operational mode of the lead unit. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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Specification