초록 ▼

A self-propelled remotely controlled satellite car precedes a train along train tracks. The satellite car is remotely controlled to travel a predetermined distance ahead of the train. The satellite car is equipped with a sensor array which measures a variety of different parameters such as sound lev

A self-propelled remotely controlled satellite car precedes a train along train tracks. The satellite car is remotely controlled to travel a predetermined distance ahead of the train. The satellite car is equipped with a sensor array which measures a variety of different parameters such as sound level, temperature, the presence of noxious gases, moisture, orientation with respect to the direction of the force of gravity and vibration level. The satellite car may be equipped with a television camera. Information gathered by the satellite car is transmitted back to the train to enable the train engineer to be apprised of conditions existing on the tracks ahead of the train in order to have time to react to potential hazards. Position indicators disposed along the tracks transmit position information to the satellite car to permit the satellite car to correlate measured information with expected information. The satellite car and the train may be linked by infrared, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic transmitters and receivers. Actuators operatively connected to a chair on board the train may vibrate the chair in accordance with vibration levels detected on the satellite car to alert a human seated in the chair of vibration levels soon to be encountered by the train.

대표청구항 ▼

A system for surveying railway tracks disposed a distance away from a train adapted for travelling rectilinearly along said tracks, said system including: a satellite car also adapted for travelling rectilinearly along said tracks, said satellite car including: drive means for propelling said satell

A system for surveying railway tracks disposed a distance away from a train adapted for travelling rectilinearly along said tracks, said system including: a satellite car also adapted for travelling rectilinearly along said tracks, said satellite car including: drive means for propelling said satellite car along said tracks; control means, adapted to receive control signals transmitted by said train and operatively connected to said drive means, for maintaining said satellite car a predetermined distance from said train; audio detecting means for detecting the level of sound energy produced by the travel of said satellite car over said tracks; and first transmitting means for transmitting information to said train, said information comprising at least said detected sound energy level to said train; second transmitting means, disposed on said train, for transmitting said control signals to said control means; receiving means disposed on said train for receiving said information transmitted by said first transmitting means; and display means disposed on said train for displaying said received information.