Union Switch & Signal, Inc.

Michael E Colbaugh

Raymond C Franke

Theo C Giras

C Franklin Boyle

Benjamin A Giovannelli

Dick J Kolkman

Two-wire signal transmitter and method in which a very low-level Alternating Circuit (AC) input signal sensed at a remote circuit at a first end of a signal path is added to a low-level Direct Current (DC) bias signal provided by a local circuit that is located at a second end of the signal path. In a preferred embodiment, the remote circuit is electrically coupled to and powered by the local circuit through a two-wire path interconnection, typically a shielded twisted-pair cable. The DC bias signal has sufficient level to overcome minimum ratings of electrical contacts, thereby to pass the sensed very low-level AC input signal reliably through the poor electrical contacts that are used, for instance, for connecting electronic circuits that run the length of a railway train. In a preferred embodiment, the use of a unity gain current amplifier as a part of the remote circuit reduces the signal degrading effects of long signal paths, but does not amplify the AC input signal, thereby retaining known pre-determined railroad vitality requirements. An output signal is provided that is an AC coupled, isolated, non-amplified representation of the AC input signal. An alternate preferred embodiment utilizes no active amplifier as a part of the remote circuit, thereby providing a signal transmitter and method that is less complex, has lower cost, requires smaller packaging, and has somewhat better long-term reliability than the preferred embodiment utilizing the active amplifier in the remote circuit.

Two-wire signal transmitter and method for maintaining integrity of

A hazard predictor that processes both rail and superstructure measurements to predict some potentially hazardous conditions on a railway structure. Measurement is collected in real time with the aid of fiber optic sensor based linear array mesh, and processed with a neural network. Sensors placed under the rail and sensors placed laterally of the rail provide data collection in real time both during occupied and unoccupied periods. In some embodiments the measurement data is compressed into two signatures which can be represented as two vectors. The collinearity of the vectors and the angle between the vectors are utilized to interpret the data as to track conditions. The angle between the descriptors can be used to predict the severity of degradation of the structure. The predictor can be used to manage maintenance of the structure and interface with existing railway signalling equipment to provide traffic management.

Railway structure hazard predictor

A railway track circuit system utilizing an optical sensor which emits a vehicle detection light signal when a railway vehicle is present in a track section. A reference light signal is also generated by a light emission source. A detector in optical communication with the optical sensor receives the vehicle detection light signal. Information contained in the vehicle detection light signal is interpreted by a processor to detect the railway vehicle. In presently preferred embodiments, the sensor may comprise an elongated optical fiber conductor extending along the track section or a plurality of cascaded localized sensors. The sensor may generally also be utilized as a communication medium to pass communication data between opposite ends of the track section. Depending on the exigencies of the particular application, the sensor may be located within the track section in a number of ways.

Railway coded track circuit apparatus and method utilizing fiber optic

A railway vehicle cab signalling system providing electrical signals to operate an aspect display unit or the like located on-board a railway vehicle based upon the track circuit signals typically used to operate wayside indicators. A sensor detects the track circuit current as it passes through at least one wheel and axle set on the vehicle. A processor receives an output signal from the sensor and produces a signal to operate the aspect display unit.

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Levelgreen, PA, United States of America

Michael E Colbaugh