Device for testing a sensor of train undercarriage temperatures

• US 9,423,305 B2
• Filed: 12/19/2014
• Issued: 08/23/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Progress Rail Services Corporation (Caterpillar Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Progress Rail Services Corporation (Caterpillar Incorporated)
• Inventors: Agostini, Alessandro, Ricci, Andrea
• Primary Examiner(s): Jagan, Mirellys
• Application Number:
  US14/577,799
• Publication Number:
  US 20150131696A1
• Time in Patent Office: 613 Days
• Field of Search: 374/2, 374/141, 374/121, 374/166, 374/208, 374/112, 374/57
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B61K 9/06 by detecting or indicating heat radiation from overheated axles
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/02 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/53 Reference sources, e.g. standard lamps; Black bodies
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/532 using a reference heater of the emissive surface type, e.g. for selectively absorbing materials

Abstract

A test apparatus for testing an IR sensor of train undercarriage temperatures is disclosed. The IR sensor may be used to obtain infrared IR emission data by sensing a wheel or a wheel bearing of a rail vehicle. The test apparatus may comprise a heat emitter for supplying IR emissions at a reference temperature to the IR sensor. A support may support the heat emitter at a position spaced from the passage of the rail vehicle and in an orientation for directing the IR emissions at the IR sensor.

Claims

1. A test apparatus for an IR sensor of a rail vehicle undercarriage component, the test apparatus comprising:

a heat emitter for producing IR emissions at a reference temperature, the heat emitter includes a heat member having a black surface coupled to a resistor; and

a support for supporting the heat emitter at a position spaced from the passage of the rail vehicle and in an orientation for directing the IR emissions at the IR sensor.

2. The test apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat emitter comprises at least one high speed IR LED.

3. The test apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat emitter comprises a plurality of high speed IR LEDs arranged in an array corresponding to an array of IR sensor elements in the IR sensor.

4. The test apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of heat emitters.

5. The test apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support is an upright frame spanning a rail track.

6. The test apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a test circuit connecting the heat emitter to a controller.

7. The test apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller is connected to a wheel sensor.