Communication network having locomotive expansion module
First Claim
1. An expansion module for a communication network, comprising:
- a housing;
an input interface connected to the housing and configured to externally connect with at least one analog device;
an output interface connected to the housing and configured to externally connect with the communication network, the communication network is associated with a train consist having multiple cars connected to each other by a fluid coupling;
at least one processor located in the housing and configured to receive analog signals from the input interface, to convert the analog signals to digital signals, and to direct the digital signals to the output interface;
at least one sensor located in the housing and configured to generate digital signals indicative of a performance parameter associated with a fluid in communication with the housing, the performance parameter is associated with pressure; and
a conduit connecting the fluid coupling to the housing wherein the at least one sensor is in fluid communication with the conduit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An expansion module is disclosed for use in a communication network. The expansion module may include a housing, an input interface connected to the housing and configured to externally connect with at least one analog device, and an output interface connected to the housing and configured to externally connect with the communication network. The expansion module may also include at least one processor located in the housing and configured to receive analog signals from the input interface, to convert the analog signals to digital signals, and to direct the digital signals to the output interface. The expansion module may also include at least one sensor located in the housing and configured to generate digital signals indicative of a performance parameter associated with a fluid in communication with the housing.
26 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An expansion module for a communication network, comprising:
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a housing; an input interface connected to the housing and configured to externally connect with at least one analog device; an output interface connected to the housing and configured to externally connect with the communication network, the communication network is associated with a train consist having multiple cars connected to each other by a fluid coupling; at least one processor located in the housing and configured to receive analog signals from the input interface, to convert the analog signals to digital signals, and to direct the digital signals to the output interface; at least one sensor located in the housing and configured to generate digital signals indicative of a performance parameter associated with a fluid in communication with the housing, the performance parameter is associated with pressure; and a conduit connecting the fluid coupling to the housing wherein the at least one sensor is in fluid communication with the conduit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A communication network for a consist having a first vehicle connected to a second vehicle by a fluid coupling, the communication network comprising:
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a first network component; an analog device configured to generate analog signals indicative of a performance parameter of the first network component, wherein the performance parameter is a pressure; a second network component; an expansion module having; a housing; an input interface connected to the housing and externally connected with the analog device; an output interface connected to the housing and externally connected with the second network component; at least one processor located in the housing and configured to receive the analog signals from the input interface, to convert the analog signals to digital signals, and to direct the digital signals to the output interface; and at least one sensor located in the housing and configured to generate digital signals indicative of a performance parameter associated with a fluid in the fluid coupling, wherein the fluid is pressurized air used for braking; and a conduit connecting the fluid coupling to the housing of the expansion module, wherein the at least one sensor is in fluid communication with the conduit. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification