Spot control type automatic train stop system utilizing ground control units common to more than one block signal

Claim 1

A spot control type automatic train stop system for use in a train control system having block section signals at the junctions between successive block sections of a railway line, said automatic train stop system comprising: a train unit for mounting on a train and having means, other than a train braking pattern storage means for storing a plurality of train braking patterns, responsive to a first spot information signal for generating a basic distance-speed train braking pattern for the train according to which the train can be brought to a stop from maximum train speed, and having means, other than a train braking pattern storage means for storing a plurality of train braking patterns, responsive to each of further successive spot information signals for cancelling the entire basic pattern and regenerating the balance of said basic pattern subsequent to the time of cancellation thereof, and means responsive to a cancellation signal for cancelling the basic pattern and any regenerated balance of the basic pattern; control means on said train coupled to said train unit for comparing the actual speed of the train with the speed from the generating means and braking the train when the actual speed exceeds the pattern speed; a first signal transmitting ground unit corresponding to each block section signal and positioned at a point along said railway line preceding a block section signal to which the train is to respond at a distance ahead of the block section signal at least equal to the longest braking distance of the train; signal transmitting means coupled between each block section signal and the corresponding first signal transmitting ground unit for transmitting to said first signal transmitting ground unit a first spot information signal when the corresponding block section signal is in the stop aspect and for transmitting to said first signal transmitting ground unit a cancellation signal when the corresponding block section signal is in the caution or go aspect; at least two further signal transmitting ground units positioned at intervals between each first signal transmitting ground unit and the corresponding block section signal; further signal transmitting means coupled between each block section signal and the corresponding further signal transmitting ground units for transmitting to said further signal transmitting ground units further successive spot information signals corresponding to the respective positions of said further signal transmitting ground units when the corresponding block section signal is in the stop aspect and for transmitting to said further signal transmitting ground units a cancellation signal when the corresponding block section signal is in the caution or go aspect; and a cancellation signal transmitting ground unit positioned adjacent each block section signal for transmitting a cancellation signal to said train unit and still further signal transmitting means coupled between each block section signal and the corresponding cancellation signal ground unit for transmitting to said cancellation signal ground unit a cancellation signal when the corresponding block section signal is in the caution or go aspect.