US3253254A - Distance measuring system - Google Patents

Distance measuring system Download PDF

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Publication number
US3253254A
US3253254A US257632A US25763263A US3253254A US 3253254 A US3253254 A US 3253254A US 257632 A US257632 A US 257632A US 25763263 A US25763263 A US 25763263A US 3253254 A US3253254 A US 3253254A
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United States
Prior art keywords
vehicle
counting
travelled
input
gate
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Expired - Lifetime
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US257632A
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English (en)
Inventor
Buhler Hansrudi
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.)
Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon AG
Original Assignee
Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon Buhrle AG
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    • 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
    • B61L1/14—Devices for indicating the passing of the end of the vehicle or train

Definitions

  • This invention pertains, in general, to systems and apparatus useful in controlling vehicles; and, in particular, to a system and apparatus for determining the time at which the end of a rail-travelling vehicle passes a certain point on a track.
  • system and apparatus of the present invention is hereinafter described with reference to vehicles which are constrained to travel on rails (which may be conventional double-rail track or a monorail track), it is to be understood that the application of the present system and apparatus is not limited to vehicles constrained to travel on rails.
  • the system and apparatus provided by the present invention are equally applicable and useful in connection with highway-travelling motor vehicles.
  • the engineer is not able to determine when the end of the train has traversed the end of the limited-speed track section, or zone.
  • the engineers view may be obstructed during fog or while the train is traversing a curved section of track.
  • one object of the present invention is to provide a system and apparatus for indicating to the motorman, or engineer, when the end of the train has passed a certain predetermined point on the track section.
  • Another object of the present invention is to promote safety in 'connectionwith rail travel.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide means for accomplishing the aforementioned objects simply, reliably and economically.
  • a measuring device useful in'connection with rail-travelling vehicles, to determine the time at which theend of the train has passed a certain predetermined point on a track section.
  • the subject measuring device is characterized by the use of a counter which is equipped with a preselector.
  • Logic switching circuitry is employed in connection with the counter and preselector for actuating a signal transmitter which starts to operate as soon as the train has travelled a distance corresponding to the length of the train.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the measuring and controlling system according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a multivibrator circuit representative of those employed in the embodiments of the invention illustrated at FIGS. 1 and 5;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an AND gate representative of those employed in the embodiments of the invention illustrated at FIGS. 1 and 5;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an OR gate representative of the one employed in the embodiment of the invention illustrated at FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the measuring and controlling system according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • a switch 1 connected to the input of a monostable multivibrator 2, is intended to be actuated by the motorman or engineer as the front, or head of the train arrives at a point at the beginning of a slow-speed zone section of rail or track.
  • An output a2 from monostable multivibrator 2 is connected to both the input of a counter 3 and to an input of a bistable multivibrator 6.
  • the counter 3 may be of known construction. For example, it may comprise a number of logic switching units to count the distance travelled by the train. At the input E of the counter 3 the necessary driving signals are received.
  • the various counting stages a1, b1 indicate predetermined path distances.
  • a selector switch, or preselector, 4 may be set to the appropriate counting stage a1, b1 which corresponds to the length of the train; the terminals a1, b1 being the output of the counter 3.
  • the selector switch 4, or preselector, is coupled to an input of an AND gate 5 via the input electrical path 11.
  • the output path a5 of the AND gate 5 is connected with an input of the bistable multivibrator 6.
  • the output a6 of the bistable multivibrator 6 is connected to an input of another monostable multivibrator 7, the output a7 of which serves to actuate an optical or acoustical signal transmitter 8.
  • an indicator lamp 9 which is for the purpose of indicating to the motorman, or the engineer, whether the measuring system is operating or not.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a multivibrator circuit.
  • the monostable multivibrator has two transistors 18 and 18. The emitters of these transistors are directly coupled with each other and with the terminal 0. The collector electrodes of the transistors 18 and 18' are coupled with each other, as shown, via the resistors 19, to the negative terminal of a source of potential and 19. Being unsymmetrically coupled, the multivibrator operation is monostable. Normally, the right-hand transistor 18 is conductive, but the transistor 18 can be blocked by introducing a positive voltage pulse at the input terminal 2.
  • transistor 18 When this positive voltage pulse is introduced at the input terminal 2, transistor 18 then becomes conductive, via the feedback coupling represented by the capacitor 20 and the resistor 21. Subsequently, the capacitor 22 becomes charged so that, after a predetermined duration of time, the monostable multivibrator reverts to its normal condition; i.e., the transistor 18' is conductive and the transistor 18 becomes non-conductive.
  • a bistable multivibrator is arranged similarly to the monostable multivibrator shown at FIG. 2.
  • the bistable multivibrator has a symmetrical feedback coupling and, thus, has two stable conditions rather than one stable condition, as in the case of the monostable multivibrator.
  • one input pulse will change the bistable multivibrator from one stable condition to another stable condition; another input pulse being required to change the bistable multivibrator from the second stable condition back to the first stable condition.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an AND gate.
  • Three diodes 25 are coupled in parallel between the terminals e1, e2, e3 and one terminal of the resistor 24, as shown.
  • the motorman, or engineer sets the selector switch 4 on one of the appropriate terminals a1, b1 corresponding to the length of the train.
  • the engineer actuates the switch 1 (closes the switch 1) as soon as the head, or front, of the train emerges from a predetermined point at the section of track at the end of the slow-speed zone.
  • the counter 3 When the outputs a2 and a2 are in such a condition, the counter 3 is reset, thereby starting its counting operation.
  • a counter signal from the counter 3 arrives at the appropriate output terminal a1, [)1 to which the preselector switch 4 has been set. From the preselector switch 4 the output signal is conducted, via the electrical path 11, to an input of the AND gate 5. From the output a5 of the AND gate 5 the signal is translated to an input of the bistable multivibrator 6. Accordingly, the bistable multivibrator 6 tilts into the condition such that (16:0 and a6: 1, which condition causes a positive voltage impulse and, therefore, results in the monostable multivibrator 7 being tilted.
  • the signal transmitter 8 When the monostable multivibrator is thus tilted, the signal transmitter 8 responds, or is actuated, while the indicator lamp 9 is extinguished. Accordingly, the train can now be accelerated since the end of the train has passed or emerged from the end of a slow-speed zone.
  • the signal transmitter 8 may be reset in any suitable manner well known to those familiar with the art.
  • FIG. 5 a system according to that shown in FIG. 5 is advantageous.
  • additional circuit elements have been added to the system shown in FIG. 1 to achieve the system shown in FIG. 5.
  • a second switch 12 another monostable multivibrator 13 and the AND gate 14
  • a deadman switch 15 another monostable multivibrator 16 and another OR gate 17.
  • .It is customary in vehicles operated by a single motorman, or engineer, to reset a safety device and the counter 3 when certain control apparatus is actuated during the operation of the vehicle, such as, for-example, a brake valve, a foot pedal, etc.
  • certain control apparatus such as, for-example, a brake valve, a foot pedal, etc.
  • the contact 12 is closed and the impulse emanating from the monostable multivibrator 13 arrives via the AND gate 14 and the OR gate 17 at the counter 3 which is reset so that the control functions can be initiated.
  • a deadman contact 15 is closed. Accordingly, an impulse from the monostable multivibrator 16 resets the counter 3 and the vehicle may be brought to a stop after a predetermined amount of time by a device (not shown) such as a clutch, brake, etc.
  • a distance measuring system for indicating when a vehicle has travelled a predetermined distance, comprising: a first monostable multivibrator including an input terminal and an output terminal; a switch serially connected with the input terminal of said first monostable multivibrator; a counter including an input terminal and a plurality of output terminals, the output terminal of said first monostable multivibrator being coupled with the input of'said counter; an AND gate including two input terminals and an output terminal; a selector switch for coupling any one of the plurality of output terminals of said counter with an input of said AND gate; a bistable multivibrator having two input terminals and an output terminal, the output terminal of said first monostable multivibrator being coupled with one input terminal of said bistable multivibrator, the output terminal of said AND gate being coupled with the other input terminal of said bistable multivibrator; a second monostable multivibrator having an input terminal and an output terminal,
  • the output terminal of said bistable multivibrator being coupled with the input terminal of said second monostable multivibrator; circuit means interconnecting the output terminal of said bistable multivibrator with the other input terminal of said AND gate; and, indicator means connected with the output terminal of said second monostable multivibrator.
  • each of the plurality of outputterminals of said counter provides a different output signal representative of different distances travelled :by the vehicle, each different distance corresponding to a different length of vehicle.
  • additional safety means comprising: an OR gate including plural input terminals and an output terminal, said OR gate being interposed between said first monostable multivibrator and said counter, the output terminal of said first monostable multivibrator being coupled with one input terminal of said OR gate and with one input terminal of said bistable multivibrator, the output terminal of said OR gate being coupled with the input terminal of said counter; a third monostable multivibrator operable by a deadman switch to provide an output signal to another input terminal of said OR gate.
  • a completely vehicle-carried distance measuring system for indicating when the vehicle has travelled a certain distance, said system comprising, in combination, counting means receiving input signals representing increments of distance travelled by the vehicle, and providing output signals in counting stages each corresponding to a different certain distance travelled by the vehicle; second means selectively connectable to any one of said counting stages in accordance with a selected certain distance to he travelled by a vehicle; third means selectively actuable for starting said counting means; fourth means operable, responsive to actuation of said third means and to the output signal of said counting means, to provide another output signal; and fifth means operable, responsive to receipt of such other output signal from said fourth means, to indicate that the vehicle has travelled said selected certain distance corresponding to the distance set selectively by connection of said second means to a counting stage of said counting means.
  • a completely vehicle-carried distance measuring equipment for railroad rolling stock for determining the instant the tail end of the rolling stock passes a predetermined point along the path of travel of the rolling stock, said equipment comprising, in combination, a counter operable to receive input signals each representing an increment of distance travelled by the vehicle and to deliver output signals in counting stages each corresponding to different certain distance travelled by the vehicle; a distance selector switch selectively connectable to a selected one of said counting stages in accordance with the length of the rolling stock; signaling means; logic switching elements operatively associated with said counter, said selector switch and said signaling means to actuate said signaling means to indicate the instant the tail end of the rolling stock passes said predetermined point; and switch means operable by the driver of the rolling stock, when the head end of the rolling stock passes said predetermined point, to activate said measuring equipment; the driver having previously operated said distance selector switch to a position corresponding to the length of the rolling stock.
  • said logic switching elements comprising a first mono-stable multi-vibrator; a bistable multi-vibrator; a second monostable multi-vibrator; said first mono-stable multi-vibrator having an output connected to said counter and to said bistable multi-vibrator; said first bistable multi-vibrator having an output connected to said second mono-stable multi-vibrator; said second mono-stable m-ulti-vibrator having an output connected to said signaling means to actuate the same; an indicating lamp connected to said bistable multi-vibrator; and an AND gate having a first input connected to said bistable multi-vibrator and a second input connected to said distance selector switch.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Distances Traversed On The Ground (AREA)
  • Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
US257632A 1962-02-23 1963-02-11 Distance measuring system Expired - Lifetime US3253254A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH229162A CH392604A (de) 1962-02-23 1962-02-23 Messeinrichtung für Triebfahrzeuge

Publications (1)

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US3253254A true US3253254A (en) 1966-05-24

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US257632A Expired - Lifetime US3253254A (en) 1962-02-23 1963-02-11 Distance measuring system

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US (1) US3253254A (de)
CH (1) CH392604A (de)
ES (1) ES285054A1 (de)
GB (1) GB1027507A (de)
NL (1) NL288825A (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3364469A (en) * 1963-12-18 1968-01-16 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Signal ratio alarm system
US3397385A (en) * 1964-07-17 1968-08-13 Alonzo R. Moeller Vehicle course and turn timer apparatus
US3780272A (en) * 1972-10-10 1973-12-18 T Rohner Electronic odometer and comparative rate indicator
US20080195351A1 (en) * 2007-02-12 2008-08-14 Tom Otsubo Method and system for operating a locomotive
WO2024106984A1 (ko) 2022-11-16 2024-05-23 주식회사 엘지화학 고흡수성 수지 및 이의 제조 방법

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8810922D0 (en) * 1988-05-09 1988-06-15 Westinghouse Brake & Signal Railway signalling system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2460597A (en) * 1945-08-04 1949-02-01 Philco Corp Position indication and control system
US2623163A (en) * 1947-11-25 1952-12-23 Westinghouse Air Brake Co Speed responsive apparatus for detecting overspeed
US2702367A (en) * 1947-12-30 1955-02-15 Rca Corp Electronic counter

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2460597A (en) * 1945-08-04 1949-02-01 Philco Corp Position indication and control system
US2623163A (en) * 1947-11-25 1952-12-23 Westinghouse Air Brake Co Speed responsive apparatus for detecting overspeed
US2702367A (en) * 1947-12-30 1955-02-15 Rca Corp Electronic counter

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3364469A (en) * 1963-12-18 1968-01-16 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Signal ratio alarm system
US3397385A (en) * 1964-07-17 1968-08-13 Alonzo R. Moeller Vehicle course and turn timer apparatus
US3780272A (en) * 1972-10-10 1973-12-18 T Rohner Electronic odometer and comparative rate indicator
US20080195351A1 (en) * 2007-02-12 2008-08-14 Tom Otsubo Method and system for operating a locomotive
CN101605685B (zh) * 2007-02-12 2014-06-11 通用电气公司 操作机车的方法和系统
WO2024106984A1 (ko) 2022-11-16 2024-05-23 주식회사 엘지화학 고흡수성 수지 및 이의 제조 방법

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES285054A1 (es) 1963-06-16
NL288825A (de) 1965-03-10
CH392604A (de) 1965-05-31
GB1027507A (en) 1966-04-27

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