US4029274A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Train control signalling system
Assignee: SASIB SpA Bologna
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Filing: 1976-04-12
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Granted: 1977-06-14
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Expires: 1996-04-12
Abstract
Abstract In a train control signalling system, a wayside signal of an unknown code rate is detected and decoded on board the train to determine the code rate and derive the coded train control intelligence. The code rate is determined by counting the number of cycles of a known higher frequency which occur during one period of the unknown code rate. Before a train command signal is issued, a number of tests are performed to verify that the determination is accurate with no margin for error. The known higher frequency signal is passed through a tuned circuit to verify that it is within predetermined limits of its rated frequency. The counter that counts the cycles of the known higher frequency is tested to verify that it is reset to zero at required intervals. Verification is obtained that one and only one train control signal is obtained. The counting circuits and memory devices are cycled prior to each decoding operation to verify proper functioning. Each train control circuit is tested and none can operate unless the prior one in the chain responded properly. A train control circuit cannot remain operated unless it receives periodic confirmation signals.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry C. Sibley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 12:48
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F11/00; G06F11/07; G06F11/0796; B; B61; B61L; B61L3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
196 words
A train control system for causing a train to respond in a predetermined manner to signals of predetermined cycle durations, as received on-board the train from the wayside, and having on on-board decoder which includes counting means for sensing the time duration of cycles of the received signal and wherein further on-board means is provided for checking the operation of the decoder comprising: a. a counter for counting uniform intervals of elapsed time; b. counter control means for activating said counter at a first rate in response to the start of a cycle of a received signal and for resetting said counter at the end of the cycle; c. a plurality of elapsed time memory devices sequentially activated in response to said counter being advanced to predetermined counts indicative of successively larger intervals of elapsed time as measured from the start of the received signal which activated said counter; d. control means coupling said memory devices for deactivating a previously activated memory device when a successive memory device is activated; and e. verifying means for determining that only one of said memory devices is activated before said train is caused to respond to the decoded signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
196 words
A train control system for causing a train to respond in a predetermined manner to signals of predetermined cycle durations, as received on-board the train from the wayside, and having on on-board decoder which includes counting means for sensing the time duration of cycles of the received signal and wherein further on-board means is provided for checking the operation of the decoder comprising: a. a counter for counting uniform intervals of elapsed time; b. counter control means for activating said counter at a first rate in response to the start of a cycle of a received signal and for resetting said counter at the end of the cycle; c. a plurality of elapsed time memory devices sequentially activated in response to said counter being advanced to predetermined counts indicative of successively larger intervals of elapsed time as measured from the start of the received signal which activated said counter; d. control means coupling said memory devices for deactivating a previously activated memory device when a successive memory device is activated; and e. verifying means for determining that only one of said memory devices is activated before said train is caused to respond to the decoded signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 1 and including a train control circuit associated with each of said memory devices.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 2, wherein each of said memory devices passes a first control signal to its associated train control circuit when the memory device is activated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 3, wherein each train control circuit passes a second control signal to the successive train control circuit only when; a. the enabling train control circuit had responded to said first control signal; and b. the memory device associated with the enabling train circuit is deactivated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 4, wherein said verifying means comprises: a. first and second series of AND gates with each AND gate associated with, and controlled by, a predetermined one of said memory devices.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 5, wherein said verifying means further comprises sampling means for sampling the frequency of the pulses that activate said counter at said first rate and for producing a pass signal when the sampled pulses are within a predetermined frequency range.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
A train control system as set forth in claim 6, wherein an AND gate, from said second series of AND gates, associated with the memory device preceeding the activated memory device passes a third control signal to the train control circuit associated with said activated memory device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 7 and wherein an AND gate, from said first series of AND gates, associated with the memory device succeeding the activated memory device passes a fourth control signal to the train control circuit associated with said activated memory device in response to the reset of said counter at the end of said cycle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 8, wherein said fourth control signal is produced in response to the production of said pass signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The train control solution as set forth in claim 9 and including a timing circuit for enabling said fourth control signal to be passed to a train control circuit only within a predetermined time period subsequent to the deactivation of all of said memory devices.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 10, wherein a said train control circuit responds to receipt of said first, second, third and fourth control signals by activating a train command signal device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 11, wherein said train command signal device comprises a vital relay which has first and second coils which must be activated alternately and periodically to maintain it operated.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
71 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 12 and including a bi-stable toggle memory activated by successive cycles of said counter to pass a fifth control signal to said train control circuit for causing said train control circuit to direct alternate fourth control signals to activate said first coil of said vital relay and to direct intermediate fourth control signals to activate said second coil of said vital relay.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
93 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 1 and including a bi-stable toggle memory coupled to said counter and responsive to a reset operation of said counter for gating signals of said first rate to said counter when said bi-stable toggle memory is in one of its stable states and for gating signals of a second rate, which is a multiple of said first rate, to said counter when said bi-stable toggle memory is in its other stable state whereby said counter is alternately driven at said first and second rates.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 14, wherein said elapsed time memory devices include an ultimate memory device which, when activated by said counter advancing to a predetermined count, provides a counter reset signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 15 and including a train control circuit associated with each of said memory devices except said ultimate memory device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 16, wherein each of said memory devices passes a first control signal to its associated train control circuit in response to the activation of the memory device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
47 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 17, wherein a train control circuit passes a second control signal to the successive train control circuit in response to the deactivation and activation of the memory devices associated with the enabling and successive train control circuits, respectively.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
45 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 18, wherein in response to the deactivation of one memory device and the activation of the successive memory device, a third control signal is passed to the train control circuit associated with the activated memory device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
49 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 19, wherein said verifying means further comprises sampling means for sampling the frequency of the pulses that activate said counter at said first rate and for producing a pass signal when the sampled pulses are within a predetermined frequency range.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
49 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 20, wherein a fourth control signal is passed to the train control circuit associated with the activated memory device in response to the resetting of said counter at the end of the cycle and the production of said pass signal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 21, wherein a fifth control signal is passed to said train control circuits in response to the activation of said ultimate memory device.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
35 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 22, wherein a said train control circuit generates a train command signal in response to the receipt of said first, second, third and fourth control signals.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
35 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 23, wherein said generated train command signal comprises a pulse having a period which exceeds the maximum predetermined cycle duration as received on board the train.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
49 words
The train control system as set forth in claim 24, wherein said generated train command signal pulse is maintained for a similar period in response to the reactivation of the said train control circuit by said first, second, third and fourth control signals together with said fifth control signal.
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) | 1980-06-13 | 1980-12-13 | 1981-06-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-13 | 1984-12-13 | 1985-06-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-13 | 1988-12-13 | 1989-06-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |