The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 17, 2021
Filed:
Feb. 14, 2020
Daniel W. Plonk, Atlanta, GA (US);
Mike Vawter, Dearborn, MI (US);
Greg Temple, Hammond, IN (US);
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION, Norfolk, VA (US);
Abstract
Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for controlling remote equipment in a network. A switch heater control system includes a weather modeling function. The system periodically obtains weather data according to a predetermined time interval. Based on the closest weather data set, the weather modeling function generates a hyperlocal forecast associated with each switch heater location. The system includes an active snowfall mode and a maintenance mode that controls heating based on an estimate of local snow depth, adjusted for wind conditions and passing trains. When the hyperlocal forecast indicates heating is required, the system calculates a melt duration, starts a timer, and transmits a start signal to the switch heater.