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:
Jun. 17, 2008
Filed:
Dec. 23, 2005
Kenneth Brakeley Welles, Scotia, NY (US);
Rahul Bhotika, Niskayuna, NY (US);
David Michael Davenport, Niskayuna, NY (US);
John Erik Hershey, Ballston Lake, NY (US);
Robert James Mitchell, Waterford, NY (US);
Emad Andarawis Andarawis, Ballston Lake, NY (US);
Kenneth Brakeley Welles, Scotia, NY (US);
Rahul Bhotika, Niskayuna, NY (US);
David Michael Davenport, Niskayuna, NY (US);
John Erik Hershey, Ballston Lake, NY (US);
Robert James Mitchell, Waterford, NY (US);
Emad Andarawis Andarawis, Ballston Lake, NY (US);
General Electric Company, Niskayuna, NY (US);
Abstract
A wireless position sensing device is provided for monitoring railyard equipment status. The device comprises a gravity sensing mechanism for sensing an angular displacement with respect to a substantially vertical line, and for generating a displacement signal upon sensing a change in angular displacement exceeding approximately 40 degrees. A processing mechanism, operatively coupled to the gravity sensing mechanism, receives the displacement signal. A radio frequency transmitter, responsive to the processing mechanism, transmits a data signal indicative of the angular displacement. The processing mechanism is programmed to activate the radio frequency transmitter upon receipt of the displacement signal. The gravity sensing mechanism is affixed, attached, or mechanically coupled to railyard equipment comprising at least one of a manually operated rail switch or a safety indicator.