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WO2009089195A1 - Procédé et système d'automatisation du calibrage d'un circuit de voie - Google Patents

Procédé et système d'automatisation du calibrage d'un circuit de voie Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009089195A1
WO2009089195A1 PCT/US2009/030175 US2009030175W WO2009089195A1 WO 2009089195 A1 WO2009089195 A1 WO 2009089195A1 US 2009030175 W US2009030175 W US 2009030175W WO 2009089195 A1 WO2009089195 A1 WO 2009089195A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
processing unit
voltage
current signal
magnitude
track section
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2009/030175
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Tom Otsubo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
General Electric Co
Original Assignee
General Electric Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by General Electric Co filed Critical General Electric Co
Priority to CA2711422A priority Critical patent/CA2711422A1/fr
Priority to BRPI0905666A priority patent/BRPI0905666B8/pt
Priority to AU2009204324A priority patent/AU2009204324B2/en
Publication of WO2009089195A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009089195A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Priority to ZA2010/05280A priority patent/ZA201005280B/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L1/00—Devices along the route controlled by interaction with the vehicle or train
    • B61L1/18—Railway track circuits
    • B61L1/181—Details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L1/00—Devices along the route controlled by interaction with the vehicle or train
    • B61L1/20—Safety arrangements for preventing or indicating malfunction of the device, e.g. by leakage current, by lightning

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to railroad systems, and more specifically, to methods and system of automatically calibrating track circuits.
  • a rail track circuit typically is used to detect whether a train is present on a track section. Such circuit also can be used to detect broken rails within the track section and/or can be used to transmit signal aspect information through the rails.
  • a typical track circuit includes rails in electrical series with a signal transmitter and a signal receiver. The signal transmitter applies a voltage, sometimes referred to as a transmit voltage, to the rails. As a result, a current signal, sometimes referred to as a receive current, is transmitted through the rails. The receive current is detected by the receiver.
  • the wheels of the railcars act as a shunt between the rails and form a shunt path.
  • the shunt path creates an electrical short between the rails at the location of the train, and such short path effectively prevents the receive current from being received/detected by the signal receiver.
  • ballast resistance of the track circuit Over time, environmental conditions and rail conditions can change. These changing conditions impact ballast resistance of the track circuit. Generally, leakage paths occur through the ballast, and the leakage resistance of such paths varies due to the changing conditions. The varying leakage resistance impacts the receive current.
  • the track circuit therefore is configured, or calibrated, to operate over a range of ballast resistance.
  • the track circuit may require re-calibration.
  • Known calibration techniques involve positioning human "maintainers" with two-way radios at the transmitter and receiver.
  • the maintainer at the transmitter communicates data related to the applied voltage to the maintainer at the receiver.
  • the receiver maintainer then informs the transmitter maintainer of the current signal received at the receiver. Adjustments are made to both the transmitter and receiver so that the track circuit operates as desired over the ballast resistance range.
  • Another known calibration technique is for a single human maintainer to perform track circuit calibration by traveling between transmitter and receiver sites (i.e., locations) to make each adjustment. As such, the process of manually calibrating the track circuit settings may be costly, inefficient and/or time-consuming.
  • a method for calibrating a track circuit includes a transmit processing unit, a receive processing unit, and a plurality of rails coupled in series to form a track section having a first end and a second end.
  • the transmit processing unit is coupled to the track section adjacent the first end.
  • the receive processing unit is coupled to the track section adjacent the second end.
  • the method includes operating the transmit processing unit so that a first voltage is applied to the track section, operating the receive processing unit to detect a first current signal, and if a parameter of the first current signal is not within a predetermined range (meaning a designated range within a wider set of possible parameter values), then communicating with the transmit processing unit so that the transmit processing unit automatically applies a second voltage to the track section, the second voltage having a different magnitude than a magnitude of the first voltage.
  • a predetermined range meaning a designated range within a wider set of possible parameter values
  • a track circuit in a further aspect, includes a remote system, a transmit processing unit, and a receive processing unit.
  • the remote system is configured to be in communication with at least one of the transmit processing unit and the receive processing unit.
  • the track circuit further includes a plurality of rails coupled in series to form a track section having a first end and a second end.
  • the transmit processing unit is coupled to the track section adjacent the first end.
  • the receive processing unit is coupled to the track section adjacent the second end.
  • the transmit processing unit is configured to apply a first voltage to the track section during operation.
  • the receive processing unit is configured to detect a first current signal during operation.
  • the receive processing unit is configured to communicate with the transmit processing unit such that the transmit processing unit automatically applies a second voltage to the track section.
  • the second voltage has a different magnitude than a magnitude of the first voltage.
  • a track circuit in another aspect, includes a transmit processing unit, a receive processing unit, and a plurality of rails coupled in series to form a track section having a first end and a second end.
  • the transmit processing unit is coupled to the track section adjacent the first end.
  • the receive processing unit is coupled to the track section adjacent the second end.
  • the transmit processing unit is configured to apply a first voltage to the track section during operation, and the receive processing unit is configured to detect a first current signal during operation. If a parameter of the first current signal is not within a predetermined range, then the receive processing unit is configured to communicate with the transmit processing unit such that the transmit processing unit automatically applies a second voltage to the track section.
  • the second voltage has a different magnitude than a magnitude of the first voltage.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a track circuit, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a flowchart depicting a method of calibrating the track circuit shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a flowchart depicting a method of calibrating the track circuit 100 shown in Figure 1 from a remote location, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of at least one track circuit 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Track circuit 100 enables automatic evaluation and calibration of a section of the railroad track.
  • Track circuit 100 includes a plurality of rails 12 and 14 coupled in series to form a track section
  • Track section 101 having a first end 16 and a second end 18.
  • Track section 101 may include a plurality of ties (not shown) coupling rails 12 and 14 together.
  • the ties are laid in the ground and substantially covered with ballast (e.g., small stones) to hold the ties in place.
  • ballast e.g., small stones
  • Track circuit 100 therefore is configured, or calibrated, to operate over a range of ballast resistance, as will be discussed in more detail below.
  • Track circuit 100 further includes a transmit processing unit 103 and a receive processing unit 105.
  • transmit processing unit 103 is coupled to adjacent track section first end 16, and receive processing unit 105 is coupled to adjacent track section second end 18.
  • Transmit processing unit 103 is configured to apply a first voltage across track section 101 during operation.
  • transmit processing unit 103 may be configured to apply a voltage across track section 101 at end 16, thereby generating a current in a direction shown in Figure 1 (that is, assuming a positive voltage relative to the second end 18, the current signal is from left to right in Figure 1).
  • Receive processing unit 105 is configured detect a first current through, for example, track section 101 at end 18.
  • unit 103 has similar components and similar functionality to unit 105, and unit 105 has similar components and similar functionality to unit 103.
  • transmit processing unit 103 includes at least one energy source 110 and at least one receiver 116
  • receive processing unit 105 includes at least one energy source 112 and at least one receiver 114.
  • each unit 103 and unit 105 includes at least one program and at least one arithmetic logic unit.
  • each unit 103 and unit 105 does not include at least one arithmetic logic unit.
  • each unit 103 and 105 of a coded track circuit includes arithmetic logic units
  • each unit 103 and 105 of a non-coded track circuit does not include arithmetic logic units.
  • non-coded track circuit units have only an on or off current detection. With an on or off current detections, the on or off transmit voltage needs to be high enough to allow current detection.
  • a suitable memory device 206 in one embodiment is an electrically erasable programmable read only member (EEPROM).
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read only member
  • other types of memory could be utilized, such as simple read only memory (ROM), or programmable read only member (PROM), or, if the ability to reprogram the ROM is desirable, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), which are conventionally erased by exposure to ultraviolet light, or FLASH memory.
  • Track circuit 100 may be calibrated, operated, and monitored from a remote location.
  • transmit and receive processing units 103 and 105 are configured to communicate with a remote system 40 via a wireless network 42.
  • the remote system 40 may be, for example, a dispatch center, a rail vehicle, a device carried by an operator or track maintenance personnel, or the like.
  • communication between the remote system 40 and units 103 and 105 is based on a client-server relationship (over the wireless network 42 or otherwise) using established protocols such as, but not limited to, the Internet Protocol (IP).
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • communication between the remote system 40 and units 103 and 105 may include any suitable means that enables track circuit 100 to function as described herein.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart 198 depicting a method of calibrating at least a portion of track circuit 100.
  • each unit 103 and 105 is selectively operable between a calibration mode and an operational mode.
  • a railroad operator i.e., a human "maintainer" selects local calibration mode 199 to begin 201 calibration of track section 101.
  • unit 103 is configured to apply 202 a voltage 203 across track section 101, and unit 105 is configured to detect 205 a current signal 204 flowing through track section 101.
  • the track section 101 is calibrated in a substantially similar matter to the method described herein; however, unit 105 is configured to apply 202 voltage 203 across track section 101, and unit 103 is configured to detect a current signal 204 flowing through track section 101.
  • At least one unit 103 and/or unit 105 includes memory device 206 for at least temporarily storing various voltage and current parameters and a predetermined current threshold range.
  • the transmit voltage may be approximately 2 volts while the receive current parameter may be approximately 1.5 amps and the threshold range may be set at approximately 0.5 amps.
  • the predetermined current threshold range 223 may be input as a suggested threshold by the maintainer. In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined current threshold range 223 is approximately 0.5-6.0 amps. In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined current threshold range 223 is preprogrammed within unit 105.
  • unit 105 is configured to adjust 208 the range 223 based upon the changing ballast condition. For example, if the track circuit is set up by the maintainer when the ballast leakage is low (i.e., good conduction down the rail), then the transmit voltage may be set to approximately 1 volt and the receive current may be approximately 2 amps. For example, if a train is detected in the track circuit, the train shorts the rails in the track circuit causing a small amount of current to be received at unit 105 (i.e. receiver). As such, the threshold could be set to approximately 0.6 amps such that if the receive current is below 0.6 amps, the track circuit will declare that a train is on the track circuit.
  • ballast leakage increases (i.e., low conduction down the rail)
  • the receive current will be less due to the ballast leakage. Therefore, if the receive current drops below 0.6 amps at unit 105 (i.e., receiver), a train is "detected" on the track circuit due to the ballast conditions even though no train actually occupies the track.
  • range 223 is adjusted based upon the changing ballast conditions. Once current threshold range 223 has been adjusted based upon the ballast conditions, unit 105 is configured to apply 212 the magnitude of range 223 and the parameters of signal 204 across track section 101, and unit 103 is configured to detect 214 the magnitude of range 223 and signal 204 flowing through track section 101.
  • At least one of unit 103 and/or unit 105 also includes a logic module 220 including a function block 222.
  • Function block 222 within unit 103 is configured to compare 216 at least one parameter of a detected current signal to the current threshold range 223.
  • unit 103 After comparison of a parameter of current signal 204 to current threshold range 223, if a parameter of current signal 204 is not within the range, then unit 103 is configured to automatically adjust 225 voltage 203 and unit 103 is configured to apply a second voltage across track section 101.
  • the second voltage has a different magnitude than the first voltage 203, and the method, described herein, repeats until a predetermined parameter of current signal 204 is within the range 223.
  • unit 105 is configured to communicate with unit 103 such that unit 103 maintains the magnitude of first voltage signal 203. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, if current signal 204 is within range 223, then unit 105 is configured to communicate with unit 103 such that unit 103 records first voltage signal 203 parameters, first current signal 204 parameters, and current threshold range 223 parameters.
  • a timing mechanism (not shown) is coupled to each unit 103 and 105.
  • the timing mechanism may be part of software/computer code as executed by a processor in the unit 103, 105.
  • the timing mechanism is configured to switch each respective unit 103 and 105 to the operational mode after a predetermined time to prevent units 103 and 105 from remaining in calibration mode 199.
  • unit 103 and/or 105 would switch from calibration mode 199 to the operational mode after approximately 1 minute of inactivity in calibration mode 199.
  • the default for switching out of calibration mode 199 may be to a safe default value or to the pre-determined values.
  • the maintainer may return each unit 103 and/or 105 to the operational mode.
  • at least one unit 103 and/or 105 may be coupled to an output display (not shown) such that various stored parameters may be output to the display.
  • the maintainer sets transmit processing unit 103 to local calibration mode 199 to begin 201 automatic calibration of track section 101.
  • unit 103 applies 202 a first voltage signal 203 (e.g., test pulses) across track section 101.
  • signal 203 is transmitted from unit 103 as a predefined pulse pattern, a message, and/or any other communication media that enables track circuit 100 to function as described herein.
  • the unit 105 detects 205 the first current signal 204. In the exemplary embodiment, unit 105 at least temporarily stores the parameters of signal 203 and range 223 in memory device 206. In the exemplary embodiment, unit 105 may adjust 208 the range 223 based upon changing ballast conditions.
  • unit 105 adjusts 208 the range 223 based upon the changing ballast condition. For example, if the track circuit is set up by the maintainer when the ballast leakage is low (i.e., good conduction down the rail), then the transmit voltage may be set to approximately 1 volt and the receive current may be approximately 2 amps. For example, if a train is detected in the track circuit, the train shorts the rails in the track circuit causing a small amount of current to be received at unit 105 (i.e., receiver). As such, the threshold could be set to approximately 0.6 amps such that if the receive current is below 0.6 amps, the track circuit will declare that a train is on the track circuit.
  • range 223 is adjusted based upon the changing ballast conditions. Once current threshold range 223 has been adjusted based upon the ballast conditions, unit 105 applies 212 the magnitude of range 223 and the parameters of signal 204 across track section 101, and unit 103 detects 214 the magnitude of range 223 and signal 204 flowing through track section 101.
  • Function block 222 within unit 103 compares 216 at least one parameter of signal 204 to the current threshold range 223.
  • unit 103 automatically adjusts 225 first voltage 203 to a second voltage.
  • second voltage has a different magnitude than first voltage signal 203.
  • Unit 103 then applies 202 the second voltage across track section 101.
  • unit 105 detects a second current signal, and the method repeats until a predetermined parameter of the current signal is within the range.
  • the second current signal relates to the second voltage, in that the second current signal is a function of the second voltage and the electrical characteristics, e.g., impedance, of the track section 101.
  • unit 103 maintains the magnitude of first voltage signal 203. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, if current signal 204 is within range 223, then unit 103 records 218 first voltage signal 203 parameters, first current signal 204 parameters, and current threshold range 223 parameters. Calibration of track section 101 is complete 219 when the various parameters have been recorded by unit 103.
  • the timing mechanism switches each respective unit 103 and 105 to the operational mode after a predetermined time to prevent units 103 and 105 from remaining in calibration mode 199.
  • unit 103 and/or 105 would switch from calibration mode 199 to the operational mode after approximate IyI minute of inactivity in calibration mode 199.
  • the default for switching out of calibration mode 199 may be to a safe default value or to the pre-determined values.
  • the maintainer may return each unit 103 and/or 105 to the operational mode.
  • at least one unit 103 and/or 105 may be coupled to an output display (not shown) such that various stored parameters may be output to the display.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart 300 depicting a method of calibrating at least a portion of track circuit 100 from a remote location.
  • each unit 103 and 105 is selectively operable between a calibration mode 301 and an operational mode.
  • track circuit 100 may be calibrated, operated, and monitored from a remote location using a remote system 40 configured to apply a signal to at least one of unit 103 and/or unit 105.
  • transmit and receive processing units 103 and 105 are configured to communicate with the remote system 40 via a wireless network 42.
  • a railroad operator i.e., a human "maintainer" selects remote calibration mode 301 to begin calibration of track section 101.
  • the remote system 40 is configured to apply (e.g., transmit) 299 an initiation signal to unit 103 instructing unit 103 to operate in calibration mode 301, and unit 103 is configured to detect 302 the initiation signal from the remote system.
  • unit 103 is configured to apply 307 a start-up signal 304 across track section 101.
  • Unit 105 is configured to detect signal 304 and is configured to begin 309 automatic calibration of track section 101.
  • unit 105 is configured to apply 313 a voltage signal 305 across track section 101
  • unit 103 is configured to detect 312 a current signal 306 flowing through track section 101.
  • the remote system is configured to apply a signal to track section 101 instructing unit 105 to operate in calibration mode 301. As such, the track section 101 is calibrated in a substantially similar matter to the method described herein.
  • At least one of unit 103 and/or unit 105 includes a memory device 206 for at least temporarily storing various parameters and a current threshold range.
  • the current threshold range 303 may be input into unit 103 as a suggested threshold by the maintainer.
  • the current threshold range 303 is pre-programmed within unit 103.
  • unit 103 is configured to adjust the range 303 based upon changing ballast conditions. For example, if the track circuit is set up by the maintainer when the ballast leakage is low (i.e., good conduction down the rail), then the transmit voltage may be set to approximately 1 volt and the receive current may be approximately 2 amps.
  • the threshold could be set to approximately 0.6 amps such that if the receive current is below 0.6 amps, the track circuit will declare that a train is on the track circuit.
  • the ballast leakage increases (i.e., low conduction down the rail)
  • the receive current will be less due to the ballast leakage. Therefore, if the receive current drops below 0.6 amps at the receiver unit, a train is "detected" on the track circuit due to the ballast conditions even though no train actually occupies the track.
  • range 303 is adjusted based upon the changing ballast conditions.
  • unit 105 is configured to apply 316 the magnitude of range 303 and the parameters of signal 305 across track section 101, and unit 103 is configured to detect 318 the magnitude of range 303 and signal 305 flowing through track section 101.
  • At least one of unit 103 and/or unit 105 also includes a logic module 220 including a function block 222.
  • Function block 222 within unit 105 is configured to compare at least one parameter of a detected signal to a threshold range. After comparison of a parameter of current signal 306 to current threshold range 303, if a parameter of current signal 306 is not within the range, then unit 105 is configured to automatically apply a second voltage across track section 101.
  • the second voltage has a different magnitude than the first voltage 305, and the method, described herein, repeats until a predetermined parameter of current signal 306 is within the range 303.
  • unit 105 After comparison of a parameter of current signal 306 to predetermined current threshold range 303, if a parameter of current signal 306 is within the range, then unit 105 maintains the magnitude of first voltage signal 305. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, if current signal 306 is within range 303, then unit 105 communicates with unit 103 such that unit 103 records first voltage signal 305 parameters, first current signal 306 parameters, and current threshold range 303 parameters.
  • a timing mechanism (not shown) is coupled to at least one unit 103 and/or 105.
  • unit 103 records first voltage signal 305 parameters, first current signal 306 parameters, and current threshold range 303 parameters, calibration is substantially complete, and the remote system 40 is configured to apply a signal to the timing mechanism.
  • the signal is configured to switch the timing mechanism from calibration mode 301 to the operational mode to prevent units 103 and 105 from remaining in calibration mode 301.
  • each timing mechanism is configured to switch from calibration mode 301 to the operational mode after a predetermined time to prevent units 103 and 105 from remaining in calibration mode 301.
  • the maintainer may return each unit 103 and/or 105 to the operational mode.
  • at least one unit 103 and/or 105 may be coupled to an output display (not shown) such that various stored parameters may be output to the display.
  • the remote system applies (e.g., transmits) 299 an initiation signal to unit 103 instructing unit 103 to operate in calibration mode 301, and unit 103 detects 302 the initiation signal.
  • unit 103 communicates with unit 105 such that unit 105 applies 307 a start-up signal across track section 101 to begin calibration of track section 101.
  • unit 103 applies 307 a start-up signal 304 to unit 105.
  • Start-up signal 304 instructs unit 105 to begin calibration or re-calibration of track section 101, and unit 105 begins 309 calibration or re- calibration.
  • unit 105 applies 313 first voltage signal 305 across track section 101.
  • signal 305 is applied across track section 101 as a predefined pulse pattern, a message, and/or any other communication media that enables track circuit 100 to function as described herein.
  • unit 103 detects 312 a first current signal 306.
  • unit 103 at least temporarily stores the parameters of current signal 306 in memory device 206.
  • unit 103 automatically adjusts 314 the range 303 based upon the changes in the condition of the ballast described herein above. When a train enters a track circuit, the received current drops suddenly and is, therefore, distinguishable from ballast deterioration which causes the receive current to drop much more slowly.
  • the transmit voltage may be set to approximately 1 volt and the receive current may be approximately 2 amps.
  • the threshold could be set to approximately 0.6 amps such that if the receive current is below 0.6 amps, the track circuit will declare that a train is on the track circuit.
  • the ballast leakage increases (i.e., low conduction down the rail)
  • the receive current will be less due to the ballast leakage.
  • range 303 is adjusted based upon the changing ballast conditions.
  • unit 105 applies 316 the magnitude of the parameters signal 305 across track section 101 such that unit 103 detects 318 the magnitude of the parameters of signal 305.
  • Function block 222 within unit 105 compares 320 at least one parameter of current signal 306 to the current threshold range 303.
  • unit 105 automatically adjusts 321 voltage 305 and applies 313 a second voltage across track section 101.
  • second voltage has a different magnitude than first voltage 305.
  • unit 103 detects a second current signal, and the method repeats until a predetermined parameter of current signal 306 is within the range 303.
  • unit 105 maintains the magnitude of first voltage signal 305. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, if current signal 306 is within range 303, then unit 105 communicates with unit 103 such that unit 103 records 322 first voltage signal 305 parameters, first current signal 306 parameters, and current threshold range 303 parameters within memory device 206.
  • Calibration of track section 101 is complete 324 when the various parameters have been recorded by unit 103.
  • the remote system 40 communicates with at least one of the timing mechanisms (not shown) coupled to unit 103 and/or unit 105 such that the remote system instructs the timing mechanism to switch each respective unit 103 and/or 105 to the operational mode from calibration mode 301 to prevent units 103 and/or 105 from remaining in calibration mode 301.
  • each timing mechanism switches from calibration mode 301 to the operational mode after a predetermined time to prevent units 103 and 105 from remaining in calibration mode 301.
  • the maintainer may return each unit 103 and/or 105 to the operational mode.
  • at least one unit 103 and/or 105 is coupled to an output display (not shown) such that various stored parameters are output to the display.
  • At least one unit 103 and/or 105 may include, but is not limited to including, a microprocessor, microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, an application specific integrated circuit, or any other programmable circuit.
  • processor is not limited to just those integrated circuits referred to in the art as computers, but broadly refers to microprocessors, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, application specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein.
  • the arithmetic logic units, memory units/devices, logic modules, etc. may be separate units, or they may be part of a processor or otherwise interfaced for functioning with a processor.
  • certain processors include a "built in" arithmetic logic unit.
  • the track circuit is characterized as being coupled in electronic data communication to a remote system. This means that the track circuit is in communication with the remote system for the exchange of electronic data there between.
  • embodiments of the present invention are characterized as relating to voltage and current signal magnitude, e.g., recording voltage and current signal magnitude, other voltage/current signal characteristics may be recorded or otherwise instead of magnitude without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the terms “voltage” and “voltage signal,” and “current” and “current signal,” are used interchangeably herein unless otherwise specified, respectively.
  • the above-described embodiments of the invention may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware or any combination or subset thereof, wherein the technical effect is to calibrate a track circuit.
  • Any such resulting program, having computer-readable code means may be embodied or provided within one or more computer-readable media, thereby making a computer program product, i.e., an article of manufacture, according to the discussed embodiments of the invention.
  • the computer readable media may be, for example, but is not limited to, a fixed (hard) drive, diskette, optical disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor memory such as read-only memory (ROM), and/or any transmitting/receiving medium such as the Internet or other communication network or link.
  • the article of manufacture containing the computer code may be made and/or used by executing the code directly from one medium, by copying the code from one medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over a network.
  • Exemplary embodiments of a system and method for automatic calibrating a railroad track circuit are described above in detail.
  • the system and method illustrated are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the system may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. Further, steps described in the method may be utilized independently and separately from other steps described herein.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de calibrage d'un circuit de voie. Le circuit de voie comprend une unité de traitement d'émission, une unité de traitement de réception et une pluralité de rails connectés en série pour former une section de voie ayant une première extrémité et une deuxième extrémité. L'unité de traitement d'émission est connectée à la section de voie voisine de la première extrémité. L'unité de traitement de réception est connectée à la section de voie voisine de la deuxième extrémité. Le procédé comprend l'utilisation de l'unité de traitement d'émission de telle sorte qu'une première tension est appliquée à la section de voie, l'utilisation de l'unité de traitement de réception pour détecter un premier signal de courant et, si un paramètre du premier signal de courant ne se trouve pas dans une plage prédéterminée, la communication avec l'unité de traitement d'émission de telle sorte que l'unité de traitement d'émission applique automatiquement une deuxième tension à la section de voie, ladite deuxième tension ayant une amplitude différente de celle de la première tension.
PCT/US2009/030175 2008-01-08 2009-01-06 Procédé et système d'automatisation du calibrage d'un circuit de voie Ceased WO2009089195A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2711422A CA2711422A1 (fr) 2008-01-08 2009-01-06 Procede et systeme d'automatisation du calibrage d'un circuit de voie
BRPI0905666A BRPI0905666B8 (pt) 2008-01-08 2009-01-06 método para calibrar um circuito de linha férrea e circuito de linha férrea
AU2009204324A AU2009204324B2 (en) 2008-01-08 2009-01-06 Methods and system of automating track circuit calibration
ZA2010/05280A ZA201005280B (en) 2008-01-08 2010-07-23 Methods and systems of automating track circuit calibration

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/970,576 US20090173842A1 (en) 2008-01-08 2008-01-08 Methods and system of automating track circuit calibration
US11/970,576 2008-01-08

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WO2009089195A1 true WO2009089195A1 (fr) 2009-07-16

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US (1) US20090173842A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2009204324B2 (fr)
BR (1) BRPI0905666B8 (fr)
CA (1) CA2711422A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009089195A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA201005280B (fr)

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US20090173842A1 (en) 2009-07-09
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