Plural output electric train control station

Claim 2

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply an AC controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal, said controllable drive circuit comprising means for controlling respective positive and negative peak voltages provided by said output connection; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction set.

Claim 3

The control station of claim 1 wherein said controllable drive circuit includes a pulse-width-modulated convertor and wherein said first control signal is a pulse-width-modulation signal.

Claim 4

The control station of claim 1 wherein said data processor generates said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to generate said AC controlled electrical signal superimposed on a DC controlled electrical signal.

Claim 5

The control station of claim 1 wherein said instruction set includes instructions for causing said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to generate a sequence of controlled electrical signals including a plurality of AC electrical signals and DC electrical signals.

Claim 6

The control station of claim 4 wherein the number of said plurality of AC electrical signals and DC electrical signals exceeds a number of command signals initiating said data processor to cause said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to generate said sequence of controlled electrical signals.

Claim 7

The control station of claim 1 wherein said command signal represents a number defining a particular sequence of said controlled electrical signals, and wherein said data processor is responsive to said defining number to cause said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to generate said particular sequence of AC controlled electrical signals.

Claim 8

The control station of claim 1 wherein said instruction set includes instructions for causing said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to limit said controlled electrical signals to a predetermined maximum voltage.

Claim 9

The control station of claim 7 further comprising a voltage sensing arrangement coupled to said output connection and to said data processor for communicating to said data processor a representation of the voltage of said controlled electrical signal.

Claim 10

The control station of claim 1 wherein said instruction set includes instructions for causing said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to limit said controlled electrical signals to a predetermined maximum current.

Claim 11

The control station of claim 1 wherein said instruction set includes instructions for causing said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to limit said controlled electrical signals to a predetermined maximum power.

Claim 12

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction set; and wherein said data processor generates said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to generate an AC controlled electrical signal.

Claim 13

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction set; and wherein said data processor generates said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to generate an AC controlled electrical signal.

Claim 14

The control station of claim 11 wherein said data processor generates said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to generate a DC controlled electrical signal superimposed on said AC controlled electrical signal.

Claim 15

The control station 11 wherein said data processor generates said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to generate said AC controlled electrical signal superimposed on said DC controlled electrical signal.

Claim 16

The control station 11 wherein said data processor generates said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to generate said AC controlled electrical signal superimposed on said DC controlled electrical signal.

Claim 17

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction set, wherein said instruction set includes instructions for causing said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to limit said controlled electrical signals to a predetermined maximum current; and a sensing arrangement coupled to said output connection and to said data processor for communicating to said data processor a representation of the current of said controlled electrical signal.

Claim 18

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction set, wherein said instruction set includes instructions for causing said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to limit said controlled electrical signals to a predetermined maximum current; and a sensing arrangement coupled to said output connection and to said data processor for communicating to said data processor a representation of the current of said controlled electrical signal.

Claim 19

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction, wherein said instruction set includes instructions for causing said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to limit said controlled electrical signals to a predetermined maximum power; and a sensing arrangement coupled to said output connection and to said data processor for communicating to said data processor a representation of the voltage and of the current of said controlled electrical signal.

Claim 20

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction, wherein said instruction set includes instructions for causing said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to limit said controlled electrical signals to a predetermined maximum power; and a sensing arrangement coupled to said output connection and to said data processor for communicating to said data processor a representation of the voltage and of the current of said controlled electrical signal.

Claim 21

The control station of claim 15 wherein said control station further comprises: a second input connection adapted to receive said electrical power from said source of electrical power; a second output connection adapted to supply a second electrical signal; a second drive circuit coupled between said second input connection and said second output connection for generating said second electrical signal.

Claim 22

The control station of claim 16 wherein said second electrical signal is a second controlled electrical signal and wherein said second drive circuit is a controllable drive circuit for generating said second controlled electrical signal in response to a second control signal.

Claim 23

The control station of claim 17 wherein said instruction set includes instructions for detecting whether said output connection and said second output connection are connected together.

Claim 24

The control station of claim 17 wherein said instruction set includes instructions for changing said first control signal in a predetermined manner to control said controllable drive circuit to change the magnitude of said controlled electrical signal.

Claim 25

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction; a second input connection adapted to receive said electrical power from said source of electrical power; a second output connection adapted to supply a second electrical signal; a second drive circuit coupled between said second input connection and said second output connection for generating said second electrical signal, wherein said second electrical signal is a second controlled electrical signal and wherein said second drive circuit is a controllable drive circuit for generating said second controlled electrical signal in response to a second control signal; and a transformer coupled to said input connection and to said second input connection for applying said electrical power thereto.

Claim 26

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction; a second input connection adapted to receive said electrical power from said source of electrical power; a second output connection adapted to supply a second electrical signal; a second drive circuit coupled between said second input connection and said second output connection for generating said second electrical signal, wherein said second electrical signal is a second controlled electrical signal and wherein said second drive circuit is a controllable drive circuit for generating said second controlled electrical signal in response to a second control signal; and a transformer coupled to said input connection and to said second input connection for applying said electrical power thereto.

Claim 27

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction; a second input connection adapted to receive said electrical power from said source of electrical power; a second output connection adapted to supply a second electrical signal; a second drive circuit coupled between said second input connection and said second output connection for generating said second electrical signal, wherein said second electrical signal is a second controlled electrical signal and wherein said second drive circuit is a controllable drive circuit for generating said second controlled electrical signal in response to a second control signal; wherein said instruction set includes instructions for detecting whether said output connection and said second output connection are connected together; and wherein said instructions for detecting cause said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to reduce said controlled electrical signal to a voltage of substantially zero volts.

Claim 28

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction; a second input connection adapted to receive said electrical power from said source of electrical power; a second output connection adapted to supply a second electrical signal; a second drive circuit coupled between said second input connection and said second output connection for generating said second electrical signal, wherein said second electrical signal is a second controlled electrical signal and wherein said second drive circuit is a controllable drive circuit for generating said second controlled electrical signal in response to a second control signal; wherein said instruction set includes instructions for detecting whether said output connection and said second output connection are connected together; and wherein said instructions for detecting cause said first control signal to control said controllable drive circuit to reduce said controlled electrical signal to a voltage of substantially zero volts.

Claim 29

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction; a second input connection adapted to receive said electrical power from said source of electrical power; a second output connection adapted to supply a second electrical signal; a second drive circuit coupled between said second input connection and said second output connection for generating said second electrical signal, wherein said second electrical signal is a second controlled electrical signal and wherein said second drive circuit is a controllable drive circuit for generating said second controlled electrical signal in response to a second control signal; wherein said instruction set includes instructions for detecting whether said output connection and said second output connection are connected together; and a voltage sensing arrangement coupled to said output connection and to said data processor for communicating to said data processor a representation of said controlled electrical signal.

Claim 30

An electric train control station comprising: an input connection adapted to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power; an output connection adapted to supply a controlled electrical signal for a track circuit; a controllable drive circuit coupled between said input connection and said output connection for generating said controlled electrical signal responsive to a first control signal; an input device for generating a command signal in response to an operator action; a data processor including a memory device for storing an instruction set, said data processor executing said instruction set and being coupled to said input device and to said controllable drive circuit for generating said first control signal responsive to said command signal and in accordance with said instruction; a second input connection adapted to receive said electrical power from said source of electrical power; a second output connection adapted to supply a second electrical signal; a second drive circuit coupled between said second input connection and said second output connection for generating said second electrical signal, wherein said second electrical signal is a second controlled electrical signal and wherein said second drive circuit is a controllable drive circuit for generating said second controlled electrical signal in response to a second control signal; wherein said instruction set includes instructions for detecting whether said output connection and said second output connection are connected together; and a voltage sensing arrangement coupled to said output connection and to said data processor for communicating to said data processor a representation of said controlled electrical signal.

Claim 31

The control station of claim 22 wherein said instructions for detecting tests said representation of said controlled electrical signal prior to detecting whether said output connection and said second output connection are connected together.

Claim 32

The control station of claim 22 wherein said instruction set includes instructions for changing said first control signal in a predetermined manner to control said controllable drive circuit to change the magnitude of said controlled electrical signal.

Claim 33

The control station of claim 24 wherein said instruction set includes instructions to compare the representation of said controlled electrical signal at a time prior to said changing said first control signal in a predetermined manner to the representation of said controlled electrical signal at a time subsequent to said changing said first control signal in a predetermined manner.