Abstract:
A two-level alarm monitor for use with a hot box detector system of the type having first and second sensors each associated with a rail of a track is provided. The monitor includes means connected to the outputs of the sensors for obtaining the difference between the output signals of the sensors and for comparing the difference alternately to first and second predetermined levels which may, for example, represent ''''warm'''' and ''''hot'''' differential alarm levels or differential alarm levels for friction and roller bearings. The outputs of the sensors are also alternately compared with third and fourth predetermined levels which could, for example, represent ''''warm'''' and ''''hot'''' absolute alarm levels or absolute alarm levels for friction or roller bearings. The output signals from the comparators are demultiplexed and utilized to generate an alarm signal in the event differential signals or absolute alarm signals exceed associated predetermined levels.
Abstract:
Automatic coded object identification system for reading labels of the type having retroreflective stripes arranged in a vertical array over a wide depth of field to two or more ranges (specifically three in the embodiment described herein). For each vertical scan of the stripes of a lebel by a scanner a set of electrical signals are produced. Each vertical scan also causes one of three processing control signals to be produced in succession. The electrical signals are amplified, shaped, and analyzed to determine if they meet prescribed limits as to pulsewidth measurements for proper label-derived signals. The process control signals control the values of amplification, shaping, and pulse-width measurement limits so that during three successive scans three sets of signals from a label are processed in three different manners. Each of the three process control signals causes the apparatus to optimally process the signals for a label located within a corresponding one of the three ranges. Thus, if a label is within one of the three ranges, the signals produced during one of three scanning operations will be properly processed. When signals are properly processed and found to meet the prescribed limits of pulse-width and other timing criteria, they are stored in a shift register until all the signal data on the label is accumulated. The accumulated data is checked in accordance with pattern recognition and parity checking schemes and if determined to be proper label-derived data it is transmitted to read out apparatus.
Abstract:
An alarm circuit monitor for use with railroad car hot box detection equipment is provided. The monitor, which is connected to hot box detectors adapted to generate signals responsive to the temperature of the bearings on both sides of each axle of a railroad car under consideration, includes a first circuit adapted to trigger an alarm in the event the signal responsive to the operating temperature of either bearing exceeds a threshold level for normally low running temperature bearings and a cancellation circuit to prevent the first circuit from triggering the alarm if the operating temperature of the other bearing also exceeds the low level threshold. A second circuit independent of the first circuit is also connected to the hot box detectors to trigger the alarm in the event the hot box detector signal exceeds a threshold level for normally high running temperature bearings.