Patent US4713663A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4713663A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Guided vehicle control process and apparatus
Assignee: Thales SA
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Filing: 1985-11-27
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Granted: 1987-12-15
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Expires: 2005-11-27
Abstract
Abstract The apparatus according to the invention relates to a guided vehicle control process and apparatus which comprises passive beacons, as well as radars permitting the detection thereof. The presence or absence of a beacon permits the automatic control of a train, e.g. with a view to automating the driving thereof. The apparatus according to the invention uses retrodirectional beacons and/or beacons inducing a polarization rotation of the radiation received. The use of retrodirectional beacons induces a change of frequency by Doppler effect of the reflected radiation. The change of the Doppler frequency and/or the polarization rotation of the radiation improves the signal-clutter ratio and/or the separation of the transmission and reception channels.
Inventors
- 👤 Serge Drabowitch
- 👤 Michel Baril
- 👤 Guy Le Parquier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 05:05
CPC Classifications
B; B61; B61L; B61L3/00; B61L3/02; B61L3/08; B61L3/12; B61L3/125
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
An apparatus for the control of guided vehicles, comprising: a plurality of electromagnetic wave reflecting beacons fixed to a track on which said guided vehicles travel wherein said beacons are arranged on said track in such a manner as to provide an indication of speed control of said guided vehicles; and means for detecting said beacons, said means being fixed to the vehicle wherein said means for detecting includes a transmitting antenna, whose radiation axis has a non-zero angle θ with the plane perpendicular to the speed vector of the vehicle; control circuit means connected to said means for detecting said beacons in order to control said guided vehicle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
109 words
An apparatus for the control of guided vehicles, comprising: a plurality of electromagnetic wave reflecting beacons fixed to a track on which said guided vehicles travel wherein said beacons are arranged on said track in such a manner as to provide an indication of speed control of said guided vehicles; and means for detecting said beacons, said means being fixed to the vehicle wherein said means for detecting includes a transmitting antenna, whose radiation axis has a non-zero angle θ with the plane perpendicular to the speed vector of the vehicle; control circuit means connected to said means for detecting said beacons in order to control said guided vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the beacons are retrodirectional.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a hybrid ring ensures decoupling between transmission and reception.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic wave transmitting - receiving device has a single antenna for transmission and reception.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the beacon comprises a device which rotates the polarization.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the beacons have nettings of parallel metal wires.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the beacons comprise dihedrons.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the beacon detection device has a continuous transmission radar.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a demodulator, whereof a first input receives the signals intercepted by the antenna and a second input receives the transmission signals taken by a coupler.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit has a microprocessor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a clock connected to the control circuit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the beacon detection device has a threshold amplifier.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 12, comprising a NOT gate connected to the output of the threshold amplifier.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-12-14 | 1991-06-15 | 1991-12-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-12-14 | 1995-06-15 | 1995-12-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-12-14 | 1999-06-15 | 1999-12-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |