METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SOUNDING HORN ON A TRAIN
First Claim
1. A computerized method for activating a horn on a train comprising the steps of:
- receiving an indication that the train is at a first position, the first position being a known distance from a location at which the horn must be sounded;
obtaining a speed of the train;
determining a time in which the train will reach the location based at least in part on the speed of the train; and
sounding the horn in a predefined pattern if the time is less than a threshold.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for actuating a train horn use the speed of the train to determine when to start a horn sequence such that the horn sequence complies with all applicable regulations. In one embodiment, an engineer enters a command, such as by pushing a button, when a predetermined distance from a grade crossing is reached. A processor then determines the speed of the train from a tachometer. The speed is used to determine how long it will take to reach the grade crossing. Preferably, this calculation is repeated until the time to reach the grade crossing is within a window during which the horn sequence must be started. The processor or other device then causes the horn to sound in the required pattern.
71 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A computerized method for activating a horn on a train comprising the steps of:
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receiving an indication that the train is at a first position, the first position being a known distance from a location at which the horn must be sounded; obtaining a speed of the train; determining a time in which the train will reach the location based at least in part on the speed of the train; and sounding the horn in a predefined pattern if the time is less than a threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A device for activating a horn on a train comprising:
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a logic unit; a first port connected to the logic unit and configured to receive a signal indicative of a speed of the train; a second port connected to the logic unit and configured to receive a signal indicating that the train is at a first position, the first position being a known distance from a location at which the horn must be sounded; and an output port connected to the logic unit and configured to output a signal for activating the horn; wherein the logic unit is configured to perform the steps of receiving a signal via the second port indicating that the train is at the first position; obtaining a speed of the train; determining a time in which the train will reach the location based at least in part on the speed of the train; and outputting a signal via the output port such that the horn will sound in a predefined pattern if the time at which the train will reach the location is less than a threshold. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification