Patent ID: 7388483
Filing Date: 2008-06-17
Classification: B61L

Abstract:
1. A wireless position sensing device for monitoring railyard equipment status, the device comprising: a gravity sensing mechanism for sensing an angular displacement with respect to a substantially vertical line, and for generating a displacement signal upon sensing a change in angular displacement exceeding approximately 40 degrees, wherein the gravity sensing mechanism comprises a containment tube having a first end and a second end, a permanent magnet having a mass and being suspended by a spring affixed proximate to the first end, and a wire coil wound about a portion of the containment tube, the mass of the permanent magnet being selected such that, if the containment tube is in a substantially vertical position with the first end substantially above the second end, then the magnet is suspended below the wire coil; a processing mechanism, operatively coupled to the gravity sensing mechanism, for receiving the displacement signal; and a radio frequency transmitter, responsive to the processing mechanism, for transmitting a data signal indicative of said angular displacement; wherein the processing mechanism is programmed to activate the radio frequency transmitter upon receipt of the displacement signal; and wherein the gravity sensing mechanism is affixed, attached, or mechanically coupled to railyard equipment comprising at least one of a manually operated rail switch or a safety indicator.