초록 ▼

Method and apparatus for monitoring brake performance and updating information relating to brake performance while a train is in motion. A computer on the train is provided with inputs for grade information, axle speed, brakepipe pressure, and locomotive tractive effort. During brake applications wh

Method and apparatus for monitoring brake performance and updating information relating to brake performance while a train is in motion. A computer on the train is provided with inputs for grade information, axle speed, brakepipe pressure, and locomotive tractive effort. During brake applications when the train is in motion, calculations are made by the computer to update parameters which relate to braking performance, and to generate signals representing those parameters.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A method for providing improved control of brakes on railway vehicles disposed in a train drawn by at least one operating locomotive, said method comprising:(a) communicating signals indicative of grade information to an onboard computer disposed on such train, said step of communic

[ I claim:] [1.] A method for providing improved control of brakes on railway vehicles disposed in a train drawn by at least one operating locomotive, said method comprising:(a) communicating signals indicative of grade information to an onboard computer disposed on such train, said step of communicating signals indicative of grade information including the step of utilizing a track grade database and signals indicative of train position in relation to such track grade database from a rail navigation system;(b) providing said onboard computer with signals indicative of axle speed from at least one of such vehicles of such train;(c) providing said onboard computer with signals indicative of brakepipe pressure;(d) providing said onboard computer with signals indicative of tractive effort from such at least one operating locomotive; and(e) providing said onboard computer with signals defining computer programs to utilize said signals obtained in steps (a) through (d) above to generate signals indicating at least one braking efficiency parameter of such train, thereby providing said improved control of such brakes.