US4718271A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Locomotive line tester
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1986-12-01
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Granted: 1988-01-12
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Expires: 2006-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A portable device, used in the field, for checking various functions of a locomotive control system between service intervals. The device has a standard Association of American Railroads (AAR) terminal configuration which can be mated with the control cable of the locomotive under test. The locomotive controls are selectively operated and the device is equipped with LEDs which give a go/no-go indication of the proper operation of the various controls including control of the one through eight throttle positions, dynamic braking and the sander.
Inventors
- 👤 John L. Garland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:28
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/005; G01R31/008; G01R31/50; G01R31/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A portable line testing apparatus for testing the control system of a locomotive, which control system provides control of dynamic braking, traction sanding, and throttle positions of the locomotive, wherein cable connectors are provided at one end of a lead locomotive and at each end of successive locomotives operating under control of the lead locomotive to link the lead locomotive control system to the several locomotives to be controlled, and wherein the control cable connectors have pins for carrying the various control signals, said apparatus comprising: a housing; a display board, connected to said housing; a coupler having a first end connected to said housing and including pin holes on a second end opposite said first end, said pin holes corresponding to the pins of the control cable; means in said housing for connecting the various control pins from a cable coupler to the display board; indicating means on said display board for indicating the status of the various control signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A portable line testing apparatus for testing the control system of a locomotive, which control system provides control of dynamic braking, traction sanding, and throttle positions of the locomotive, wherein cable connectors are provided at one end of a lead locomotive and at each end of successive locomotives operating under control of the lead locomotive to link the lead locomotive control system to the several locomotives to be controlled, and wherein the control cable connectors have pins for carrying the various control signals, said apparatus comprising: a housing; a display board, connected to said housing; a coupler having a first end connected to said housing and including pin holes on a second end opposite said first end, said pin holes corresponding to the pins of the control cable; means in said housing for connecting the various control pins from a cable coupler to the display board; indicating means on said display board for indicating the status of the various control signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a rubber boot connected to said coupler on said second end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said indicating means on said display board includes eight light-emitting diodes for indicating the correct operation of the controls for eight throttle positions, a light-emitting diode for indicating proper operation of the sanding control, and first and second braking indicator light-emitting diodes and a light bulb for indicating proper operation of the dynamic braking controls.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
131 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said connecting means includes: a plurality of coupling circuits, each coupling circuit having an input connected with a respective pin which carries a throttle control signal, wherein different combinations of throttle control signals indicate different throttle positions, each of said coupling circuits providing an output signal in response to the throttle control signal at the respective pin; decoder means for receiving said output signals from said coupling circuits and including a plurality of output lines, each output line corresponding to an individual throttle position, said decoder means providing a decoder output signal on an output line corresponding to the selected throttle position; means connected with said output lines of said decoder for driving light-emitting diodes, each output line having a corresponding light-emitting diode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said connecting means further includes a resistor connected in series with each of said light-emitting diodes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 4, and further including voltage regulator means for powering the line testing device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
131 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said connecting means includes: a plurality of coupling circuits, each coupling circuit having an input connected with a respective pin which carries a throttle control signal, wherein different combinations of throttle control signals indicate different throttle positions, each of said coupling circuits providing an output signal in response to the throttle control signal at the respective pin; decoder means for receiving said output signals from said coupling circuits and including a plurality of output lines, each output line corresponding to an individual throttle position, said decoder means providing a decoder output signal on an output line corresponding to the selected throttle position; means connected with said output lines of said decoder for driving light-emitting diodes, each output line having a corresponding light-emitting diode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said connecting means further includes a resistor connected in series with each of said light-emitting diodes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, and further including voltage regulator means for powering the line testing device.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
SU767903A1
Cited
US4656586A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-01-11 | 1991-07-13 | 1992-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-11 | 1995-07-13 | 1996-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-11 | 1999-07-13 | 2000-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |