US4005601A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for detecting rail discontinuities
Assignee: AMAC Inc
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Filing: 1975-08-29
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Granted: 1977-02-01
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Expires: 1995-08-29
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and technique for use on a moving rail vehicle to detect, measure and record rail surface and side discontinuity by means of sensors mounted at intervals on the rail vehicle undercarriage. The sensors may be of the contact or non-contact variety, continually sensing track conditions. The sensor signals are transmitted to a peak detection system which evaluates the signals against prior values standarized for optimum track conditions. The system further determines peak values to indicate rail discontinuities. Analyzing, recording, and storing the signals are done with the aid of a computer processing unit and a magnetic tape unit as the storage medium.
Inventors
- 👤 Ramon J. Botello
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 18:05
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60L; B60L3/00; B61; B61K; B61K9/00; B61K9/08; G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/14; B60L2200/00; B60L2200/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A system for detecting rail discontinuities comprising: I. at least one data channel having; a. means for sensing a preselected type of rail discontinuity and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof; b. means connected to an output of the sensing means for converting the signal from an analog form to a digital form; C. storage means connected to an output of the converting means for storing data relating to a new sample interval; d. register means connected in circuit with the output of the converting means for storing data relating to a new sample interval; e. means for establishing a threshold level; f. means connected to the output of the register means and the threshold means for comparing the contents of both; and Ii. connecting means responsive to a preselected comparison by the comparing means for enabling the transfer of the new sample data from the storage means to a central processing unit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
153 words
A system for detecting rail discontinuities comprising: I. at least one data channel having; a. means for sensing a preselected type of rail discontinuity and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof; b. means connected to an output of the sensing means for converting the signal from an analog form to a digital form; C. storage means connected to an output of the converting means for storing data relating to a new sample interval; d. register means connected in circuit with the output of the converting means for storing data relating to a new sample interval; e. means for establishing a threshold level; f. means connected to the output of the register means and the threshold means for comparing the contents of both; and Ii. connecting means responsive to a preselected comparison by the comparing means for enabling the transfer of the new sample data from the storage means to a central processing unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The subject matter set forth in claim 1 together with another register means for storing data relative to discontinuity position, and means responsive to the transfer of the new sample data to the central processing unit, for enabling the additional transfer of corresponding position data to the central processing unit.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-02-01 | 1980-08-02 | 1981-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-01 | 1984-08-02 | 1985-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-01 | 1988-08-02 | 1989-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |