Abstract:
A method for identifying a location of a wheel of a rail vehicle includes producing a first signal representative of a potential difference between leads electrically coupled with a wheel gate transducer and modifying the first signal that is received over a first channel to produce a second signal over a second channel, where the second signal differs from the first signal. The method further includes monitoring the first and second signals over the first and second channels to identify the location of the wheel relative to the wheel gate transducer.
Abstract:
A method is provided for determining whether an output signal from a magnetic railway wheel detector is produced by the actual passage of a wheel over the transducer. The output signal is compared with an amplitude threshold value and the time period between the zero crossing point and the time at which the signal attains amplitude threshold is compared with a time threshold level. The thresholds are set as a function of the speed of the train. Unless the thresholds are exceeded the output signal is disregarded.
Abstract:
A variable permeability magnetic object detection device including an electromagnetic sensing coil; a core disposed in the electromagnetic sensing coil having a first permeability when the core is magnetically saturated and a second different permeability when the core is magnetically unsaturated; a magnetic member proximate the electromagnetic sensing coil for providing a magnetic field in the core for operating the core in a magnetically saturated state without a magnetic object to be detected present in the area proximate the electromagnetic sensing coil, interacting with the magnetic field, and for operating the core in a magnetically unsaturated state with the magnetic object to be detected present in the area proximate the magnetic sensing coil, interacting with the field; and a detector responsive to said electromagnetic sensing coil to detect the presence of a magnetic object.
Abstract:
A decoding method includes extracting a preselected number of bits from a bitstream to be decoded, accessing a table entry of a table using an index generated in response to the extracted bit, and if a first value in the table entry indicates a second value in the table entry comprises a decoded result, retrieving the decoded result.
Abstract:
An adjustable scanning range is provided for vehicle-activated measuring equipment of the type which includes receiver coils positioned on opposite sides of a transmitter such that voltages induced in the received coils from the transmitter are altered as the vehicle passes, the measuring occurring through the application of the induced voltages to a comparison circuit. Altering the input(s) to the comparison circuit by a constant voltage value allows the scanning range to be adjusted.
Abstract:
Magnetic fields of electrical operating components of electric-traction-motor powered vehicles, especially diesel electric and all-electric railway locomotives, are sensed as the vehicles pass given locations along their respective paths of travel, and the signals so obtained are processed to yield perceptible outputs, such as oscillograph charts or computer printouts, indicative of performance and any maintenance work that must be done for maximum utilization of available energy. In instances in which speed of the vehicle is a significant factor, that information is ascertained and utilized in the processing of the signals derived from sensing the magnetic fields. The apparatus comprises one or more magnetic field sensors, such as standard relay coils, strategically located with respect to the path of travel of the vehicle, and information processing equipment adapted to receive signals from the sensors and speed information, if significant, and to provide a perceptible output indicative of performance and any maintenance work required.
Abstract:
This device detects the proximity of magnetic objects, and comprises a permanent magnet associated with a spaced reed relay which has its contact normally held in an actuated position by the flux from the magnet. Such contact is released when flux from the magnet is diverted to a different path by the presence of a magnetic body; but restoration of normal flux from permanent magnet does not actuate the contact. A coil surrounding the reed relay contact is energized from a repeater relay when the reed contact is released. Thus, oscillation occurs during the detection of an object but stops during the absence of such object. Relay means is provided to be responsive to the steady state condition of the repeater relay, but to be unresponsive to an oscillatory condition. Such relay means, when responsive to the steady state of the reed relay contact, also provides a slight holding effect in addition to the normal flux from the permanent magnet to render the reed relay contact less responsive to the diversion of flux from the permanent magnet; but, when the reed relay contact is once released, such holding effect is removed so that the oscillatory condition is steadily maintained until the magnetic object is removed and the diversion of flux is stopped. This provides a positive acting and a sensitive proximity detector for relatively high speed operation.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for operation of a railway branch line, which has line devices, in particular points, signals, axle counters, beacons and/or approach signaling devices, for specific functions. At least one first line device can be operated in an active mode and in a power-saving mode. In order to simplify the switching from the power-saving mode to the active mode, the active mode of the first line device is activated by a second line device when a rail vehicle moves over the second line device, possibly after a predetermined delay time has elapsed.