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:
Mar. 31, 2026
Filed:
Jan. 27, 2023
Bnsf Railway Company, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Scott D. Sapp, Smithville, MO (US);
Mitchell W. Beard, Shawnee, KS (US);
Michael E. Ramolt, Shawnee, KS (US);
BNSF Railway Company, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Abstract
A system and method for providing virtual approach signaling between physical signaling components. The system and method can generate virtual approach signal indicators to increase an efficiency along a segment of track. The system can provide a signal for the locomotive to increase the speed at which the locomotive can travel along the segment of track based on the virtual approach signal indicators, rather than physical signal components. The system can provide enhanced safety along the segment of track by automating the virtual approach signal indicators for the locomotive. The system and method can provide a reduced cost through the efficiency gains along the railway by upgrading the virtual approach signal to an all-clear indication removing any speed restrictions previously binding the locomotive. The system and method can provide a modular signaling ability to enhance a capacity along the segment of track.