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:
Jul. 29, 1997
Filed:
Jan. 11, 1996
Dale R Stevens, Adams Center, NY (US);
Anthony W Lumbis, Watertown, NY (US);
Clifford G Smyrl, St. Paul, MN (US);
Douglas G Knight, New Brighton, MN (US);
New York Air Brake Corporation, Watertown, NY (US);
Abstract
A method of serialization including providing a parameter which varies along the length of the train and transmitting a synchronization signal along the length of the train to the local nodes at each car. The parameter is measured at each node with respect to the occurrence of the synchronization signal at the node. Serialization of the cars is then performed as a function of the measured parameters. One method is to provide the parameters by transmitting a serial signal which propagates through the train at a slower rate than the synchronization signal and then measuring the difference in time between the receipt of the synchronization and the serial signal at each node. A second method of implementation is to create a pressure gradient in the brake pipe along the length of the train. The brake pipe pressure or flow rate is read at each node upon receipt of the synchronization signal. As a third alternative, an electric load is provided at each node in parallel to a trainline running through the train. The current or voltage of the trainline at each node is then measured upon receipt of the synchronization signal.