Method and apparatus for determining the operating speed of a ra

Details Method and apparatus for determining the operating speed of a ra Method and apparatus for determining the operating speed of a ra

1993-12-20

1995-11-21

Chilcot, Richard

Measuring and testing

Speed, velocity, or acceleration

Magnetic speed measuring or mechanical speed measuring with...

324173, G01P 322

Patent

active

054676541

ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides a generally contactless method and apparatus for producing a speed reference for a rail vehicle which amenable to retrofit applications. The invention utilizes a laser source to direct a laser beam on a portion of the wheel and axle assembly of the rail vehicle. In presently preferred embodiments, the laser beam is directed on a tread or flange section of the vehicle wheel. The laser beam is believed to excite the molecules on the surface of the wheel in such a way that magnetic susceptibility is significantly increased. The increased magnetic susceptibility facilitates encoding of a magnetic signal by a magnetic encoding head. This magnetic signal may then be received after further rotation of the wheel by an angularly displaced magnetic receiving head. Processing circuitry is electrically connected to the magnetic encoding head and the magnetic receiving head to derive the speed reference based on the angular velocity and dimensions of the wheel. An erasing head may also be provided to remove the magnetic signal after detection by the receiving head.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3800139 (1974-03-01), Clark
patent: 4126047 (1978-11-01), Sethares et al.
patent: 4248085 (1981-02-01), Coulthard
patent: 4297548 (1981-10-01), Little
patent: 4563646 (1986-06-01), Desormiere
patent: 4847555 (1989-07-01), Stammer et al.
patent: 5121054 (1992-06-01), Phillips et al.
P. RSE-15A8 of a Railway Signal Equipment Catalog distributed by Union Switch & Signal Inc., 5800 Corporate Drive, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15237, the Assignee of the present invention. The page bears a date of Apr. 1976.

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