Electronic equalizing reservoir controller with pneumatic penalty override and reduction limiting

Abstract

A control system which allows electro-pneumatic control of an equalizing reservoir with the capacity to create penalty applications in a purely pneumatic manner. A controller for the equalizing reservoir includes an electro-pneumatic source of pressure or atmosphere responsive to an electrical equalizing pressure control signal and a pilot valve selectively connecting the electro-pneumatic source or atmosphere to the equalizing reservoir in response to pressure in a pilot port of the first pilot valve. A magnetic valve is provided having a first input connected to a second source of pressure, a second input connected to atmosphere and an output connected to the pilot port of the first pilot valve. At least one penalty valve is connected to the pilot input of the first pilot valve and is responsive to a penalty signal to connect the pilot input to atmosphere. A fourth valve has a first input connected to the second input of the first pilot valve and an output connected to a third source of pressure lower than pressure in the equalizing reservoir prior to a penalty signal. The fourth valve connects its first input to its output in response to a penalty signal. A method of initializing the electro-pneumatic source of pressure or atmosphere responsive to an electrical equalizing pressure control signal

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . A controller for an equalizing reservoir of a rail brake system which includes a brake pipe controlled by a relay valve in response to pressure in the equalizing reservoir, the controller comprising:
 an electro-pneumatic source of pressure or atmosphere responsive to an electrical equalizing pressure control signal;   a first pilot valve selectively connecting the electro-pneumatic source of pressure or atmosphere at a first input or connecting a second input to the equalizing reservoir in response to pressure in a pilot port of the first pilot valve;   a first magnetic valve having a first input connected to a second source of pressure, a second input connected to atmosphere and an output connected to the pilot port of the first pilot valve;   a penalty valve connected to the pilot port of the first pilot valve and responsive to a penalty signal to connect the pilot port to atmosphere;   a second magnetic valve having a first input connected to the second input of the first pilot valve and an output connected to a third source of pressure lower than pressure in the equalizing reservoir, the second magnetic valve connecting the fourth valve's first input to the fourth valve's output when deactivated in response to a penalty signal.   
   
   
       16 . The controller according to  claim 15 , wherein the third source of pressure is a second reservoir. 
   
   
       17 . The controller according to  claim 15 , wherein the third source of pressure is atmosphere. 
   
   
       18 . The controller according to  claim 15 , wherein the penalty valve and the second magnetic valve are responsive to at least one of an electric penalty signal and a pneumatic penalty signal. 
   
   
       19 . The controller according to  claim 15 , including a pair of controls that must be active at the same time to energize the second magnetic valve. 
   
   
       20 . The controller according to  claim 15 , wherein the electro-pneumatic source of pressure or atmosphere includes a pressure transducer to measure the pressure in the equalizing reservoir and a closed loop system to control the pressure of the equalizing reservoir to the electrical equalizing pressure control signal. 
   
   
       21 . The controller according to  claim 20 , wherein the electrical equalizing pressure control signal is initially set to the measured equalizing reservoir pressure after a penalty before activating the closed loop system. 
   
   
       22 . The controller according to  claim 20  wherein the pressure transducer is connected to the first input of the first pilot valve. 
   
   
       23 . The controller according to  claim 15 , including a pressure transducer connected to the pilot port of the first pilot valve and used for one of control of the first magnetic valve and an indication of an open to atmosphere penalty valve.