초록 ▼

A train throttle and brake control apparatus is provided for use in a train having a master locomotive and one or more slave locomotives remotely located in the train. In a first embodiment, the apparatus includes a train force calculator which approximates train coupler forces based on computations

A train throttle and brake control apparatus is provided for use in a train having a master locomotive and one or more slave locomotives remotely located in the train. In a first embodiment, the apparatus includes a train force calculator which approximates train coupler forces based on computations as a function of the track topography. In a second embodiment, a coupler sensor is provided which senses the forces transmitted by the couplers on the slave locomotives. In either embodiment, a position determining device is included which provides a position signal based on the position of the train. A storage device stores a track database containing track topography information. A controller uses the coupler force computations or measurements, the position information, the track topography information, train consist information, and locomotive control settings to generate slave control signals which are provided to the slave locomotives through a communication device.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A train control apparatus for use in a train having a master locomotive and a slave locomotive, the control apparatus comprising:a position determining device determining a position of the train and providing a position signal based on the train position;a storage device

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A train control apparatus for use in a train having a master locomotive and a slave locomotive, the control apparatus comprising:a position determining device determining a position of the train and providing a position signal based on the train position;a storage device storing a track database containing track topography information and train consist information;a controller coupled to the position determining device and the storage device and generating slave control signals as a function of the track topography information associated with the position of the train indicated by the position signal and a position of the slave locomotive in the train based on the consist information, the controller providing the slave control signals to the slave locomotive for use in controlling throttle and brake settings of the slave locomotive; andcommunication means for providing communication between the controller and the slave locomotive to thereby provide the slave control signals to the slave locomotive for use in controlling throttle and brake settings of the slave locomotive.