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:
Oct. 19, 1999
Filed:
May. 29, 1998
Robert D Dimsa, Elizabeth, PA (US);
Vincent Ferri, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Westinghouse Air Brake Company, Wilmerding, PA (US);
Abstract
In a locomotive braking system, an independent brake control circuit uses second control signal(s) to adjust pressure in a first reservoir. A microprocessor derives the second control signal(s) based on at least a first control signal indicative of brake handle position and first feedback indicative of first reservoir pressure. One pneumatic relay adjusts pressure in a 20 pipe based on first reservoir pressure. An automatic brake control circuit uses third control signal(s) to adjust pressure in a second reservoir. The microprocessor derives the third control signal(s) based on at least second feedback indicative of second reservoir pressure and third feedback indicative of pressure in a 20 pipe. Another pneumatic relay controls pressure in a brake cylinder based on whichever of at least the 20 pipe and the second reservoir delivers a highest pressure. A new system for backup control of the 20 pipe includes the microprocessor and a timer. By monitoring the third feedback, the microprocessor determines when 20 pipe pressure falls outside a predetermined range. When the microprocessor begins to monitor the third feedback, the timer activates for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time expires, the microprocessor uses (A) the third feedback in derivation of the third control signal(s) if 20 pipe pressure falls within range and (B) the first control signal as a substitute for a difference between the first control signal and the third feedback in derivation of the third control signal(s) if 20 pipe pressure falls outside range or fails to be read.