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:
Sep. 07, 2010
Filed:
Jul. 31, 2002
Robert C. Aiken, Ii, Greenville, PA (US);
Richard Evans, Masury, OH (US);
Carl L. Verholek, Sharpsville, PA (US);
William Ducklin, Hermitage, PA (US);
Steve Mcdonald, Hubbard, OH (US);
Dana Conner, Valencia, PA (US);
Scott Lordo, Hermitage, PA (US);
Curt Bellotti, Transfer, PA (US);
Robert Rader, Greenville, PA (US);
Robert C. Aiken, II, Greenville, PA (US);
Richard Evans, Masury, OH (US);
Carl L. Verholek, Sharpsville, PA (US);
William Ducklin, Hermitage, PA (US);
Steve McDonald, Hubbard, OH (US);
Dana Conner, Valencia, PA (US);
Scott Lordo, Hermitage, PA (US);
Curt Bellotti, Transfer, PA (US);
Robert Rader, Greenville, PA (US);
Cattron-Theimeg, Inc., Sharpesville, PA (US);
Abstract
A system and method for remotely controlling an increased number of subsystems having an onboard locomotive control unit (LCU) and two associated operator control units (OCUs) on a single wireless channel. A time slot is assigned to each subsystem for making two-way transmissions to control the locomotive. A signal from an external timing source synchronizes each subsystem to minimize interference between transmissions from different subsystems. Time slots are assigned manually or automatically over a wireless network or by the LCU after monitoring the channel. The LCU automatically selects the direct or repeater transmission path depending upon whether or not it receives polling message responses from its associated OCUs. A GPS receiver in each subsystem receives the synchronization signal and provides geographic positioning data so the LCU can determine when to execute predefined, position-based commands. The secondary OCU may be turned off and rejoined to the subsystem without ceasing operation.