US5334878A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inverter control for third rail head end power
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1993-04-13
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Granted: 1994-08-02
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Expires: 2013-04-13
Abstract
Abstract A system provides dual power producing capability to a diesel locomotive. The diesel engine drives the power generating system on the locomotive when the locomotive is operating under normal conditions. An inverter is provided to drive the power generating system on the locomotive and for supplying auxiliary and head end power when the locomotive is operating on third rail power and the engine is de-energized.
Inventors
- 👤 Laurence D. Vanek
- 👤 Robert G. McGrath
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 21:42
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60L; B60L1/00; B60L50/00; B60L50/10; B60L2200/00; B60L2200/26; F; F02; F02B; F02B3/00; F02B3/06; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
An electrical system for providing dual power producing capability to a locomotive having a power generating system including a main alternator, the electrical system comprising: (a) an engine for driving the power generating system of the locomotive when operating under normal conditions; and (b) conversion means for driving the power generating system of the locomotive when operating on third rail power.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
61 words
An electrical system for providing dual power producing capability to a locomotive having a power generating system including a main alternator, the electrical system comprising: (a) an engine for driving the power generating system of the locomotive when operating under normal conditions; and (b) conversion means for driving the power generating system of the locomotive when operating on third rail power.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrical system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the conversion means comprises an inverter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrical system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the alternator is adapted to crank the engine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electrical system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a line filter for reducing noise on the third rail.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said engine comprises a diesel engine.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of providing dual power producing capability to an engine-driven locomotive having a power generating system including a main alternator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) driving the power generating system of the locomotive from said engine when operating under normal conditions; and (b) causing the main alternator to drive the power generating system of the locomotive when operating on third rail power with the engine shut down.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of providing dual power producing capability to an engine-driven locomotive having a power generating system including a main alternator, the method comprising the steps of: (a) driving the power generating system of the locomotive from said engine when operating under normal conditions; and (b) causing the main alternator to drive the power generating system of the locomotive when operating on third rail power with the engine shut down.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the step of causing the main alternator to drive the power generating system of the locomotive comprises the step of supplying the third rail power to the main alternator through an inverter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 further comprising the step of providing a line filter for reducing noise on the third rail.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said engine comprises a diesel engine.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
76 words
An electrical system for providing uninterrupted transfer of power to a locomotive from an engine power source to a third rail power source, the locomotive having a power generating system, the electrical system comprising: a main alternator; an inverter for causing the main alternator to drive the power generating system of the locomotive when operating on the third rail power source; and means for powering up the inverter and simultaneously powering down the engine power source.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
76 words
An electrical system for providing uninterrupted transfer of power to a locomotive from an engine power source to a third rail power source, the locomotive having a power generating system, the electrical system comprising: a main alternator; an inverter for causing the main alternator to drive the power generating system of the locomotive when operating on the third rail power source; and means for powering up the inverter and simultaneously powering down the engine power source.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electrical system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the engine of said engine power source comprises a diesel engine.
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) | 1997-08-01 | 1998-01-31 | 1998-08-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-01 | 2002-01-31 | 2002-08-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-01 | 2006-01-31 | 2006-08-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |