Abstract:
A snow removal system wherein snow removers located in remote locations can be monitored and controlled at a computing device. Data collected by sensors on the snow removal unit or data collected from a secondary source can be used to control the operation of the snow removers. In one embodiment, data regarding whether it is snowing at a particular location can be collected by moister sensors on the snow removal device and verified by on-line contemporaneous weather reports corresponding to the same location.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/700,545, filed Jan. 31, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,693,623 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/763,713, filed Jan. 31, 2006, and Ser. No. 60/844,866, filed Sep. 15, 2006. The above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to railroad snow removal systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a monitoring and control system for a network of snow removal devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     During the winter it is not uncommon for snow and ice to accumulate on and around railroad tracks. To maintain optimal track performance it is desirable to keep certain areas of the track free of snow and ice year round. For example, it is particularly desirable to keep the areas where tracks cross each other (frogs) and where tracks merge or split (switches) free of snow and ice. Though the system of the present disclosure will be described herein primarily with reference to railroad track switches, the description is not meant to be limiting. It should be appreciated that the system is applicable to other applications as well. 
     Railroad track switches are used to divert a train from one train track to another train track. The railroad switches typically include a pair of rails that move from a first position to a second position. The switches typically include moving parts that are exposed to the environment. Snow and ice build-up on the switch can cause the switch to malfunction. 
     A number of different types of railroad track switch snow removers are known. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,997 to Reichle et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,391,425 to Keep, Jr.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,161 to Upright. The railroad track switch snow remover often includes a blower that blows heated air or ambient air across the switch. Though some heaters and blowers of the snow removing devices are electric powered, most are gas powered, as they are typically located in remote locations. Sometimes the snow removers include temperature and moisture sensors so that an operator at a remote location can determine when to turn the devices on or off. Some devices are programmed to automatically turn themselves on or off depending on the reading from the sensors. 
     A problem with the existing systems is that malfunctioning device can be difficult to identify. In some cases, the devices are turned on when it is not snowing or turned off when it is snowing. In the first case, fuel is wasted, and in the second, the switch may malfunction due to undesirable snow accumulation in the tracks. Moreover, existing switch snow removal control systems are not configured to collect, store, and/or report data regarding performance and other conditions of the device. A system that can be used to effectively monitor and control snow removal devices located in remote locations is desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a system for controlling and monitoring snow removal devices. According to one embodiment, the snow removal devices include sensors for measuring data, and a processor remotely transmits the measured data to a base station. In some embodiments the measured data is environmental data that can be accessed by an operator remotely on a handheld device or at a computer terminal operably connected to the snow removal devices. In such an embodiment, the operator can monitor the device and choose to override the automated operation of the snow removal devices. 
     According to another embodiment, the geographic location of each snow removal device is stored in a memory location on the device or at the base station, and the base station is configured to query the weather conditions at the stored geographic location. 
     In one embodiment, the measured data is compared with the queried data. If the measured data is within a certain predetermined acceptable range compared to the queried weather data, the snow removal device is characterized as being operational. However, if the sensor reading is outside of a predetermined range the operator is alerted. In an alternative embodiment the query data is processed to determine whether the snow removal device that corresponds with the particular geographic location should be on or off. The base station then determines whether the snow removal device is in fact on or off. If there is a discrepancy, the base station automatically notifies an operator. 
     In another embodiment the queried and measured data relate to the operational conditions of the device rather than environmental conditions. For example, the data may relate to the amount of fuel consumed by the device or amount of fuel remaining in the device. The measured data can be compared with data stored on a database that can be accessed by the base station. If a discrepancy is detected, the operator is alerted. 
     According to another embodiment the user can monitor and control the device via a computer or a handheld wireless computing device. The data is represented graphically to the operator via icons on a map, and the devices can be controlled by the user remotely. 
     A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to an individual feature or to a combination of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a flow chart of a method of monitoring and controlling railroad switch snow removal devices in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart of an alternative method of monitoring and controlling railroad switch snow removal devices in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts the network including a plurality of railroad switch snow removal devices according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram of a snow removal control unit according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a user interface according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of a fuel tank monitoring system according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of several possible scenarios that are used to describe the operations of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a screen shot that displays a summary of the operating conditions of related snow melters according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a screen shot that displays the detailed operating conditions of a selected snow melter according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a screen shot that displays the control modes and on/off parameters of a selected snow melter according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a screen shot that displays user rights to snow melters according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a screen shot that displays fault notifications of snow melters according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a screen shot that displays the location and identification of snow melters according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the network according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the network shown if  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring primarily to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a method of monitoring railroad switch snow removal devices  200  is shown. The first step includes identifying  10  a device and checking if the device  200  (shown schematically in  FIG. 4 ) is on or off. In some embodiments the geographic location is stored at the base station  202  corresponding to a particular device identification number. In another embodiment the geographic location is stored at a memory location  301  at snow removal device  200 . The geographic location can be any number of references. In some embodiments, the geographic location is identified as specific geographic coordinates (e.g., longitude and latitude), while in other embodiments the geographic location is identified as a particular zip code. For example, referring to  FIG. 13 , the snow melter is shown associated with a serial number, name, zip code, latitude, longitude, region, division, subdivision, and mile post. In some embodiments the above information is recorded and tracked by a provider upon installation of the snow removal devices. 
     Next, the base station  202  collects  20  weather data from a secondary source  204  that corresponds to the particular identified geographic location. Some exemplary secondary sources for weather data include: www.weather.com, www.cnn.com/weather/, and www.wunderground.com. Once the weather data is queried, the base station  202  determines  30  whether the device  200  should be on or off and checks  40  for any discrepancy. For example, if the secondary source indicates heavy snow at the particular geographic location, then the device should be on. In contrast, if the secondary source indicates that it is warm and sunny at the particular geographic location, the device should probably be turned off. If a discrepancy is detected, an operator  206  is alerted  50  so that the operator can investigate the discrepancy. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , an alternative method of monitoring and controlling railroad switch snow removal devices  200  is shown. The first step includes measuring 100 operating and environmental conditions. This step, for example, may include the step of measuring the ambient temperature, the ambient moisture content, and the available fuel. The next step is processing the data  112  by comparing  120  the measured data to a predetermined set of criteria. This step can include comparing the data with a predetermined set of criteria saved in a local memory location  301  to determine if snow is falling and if the device has enough fuel to run properly. In some embodiments this step is accomplished locally by the processor  300  that is located at the snow removal device  200 . In some embodiments, depending on the rate of snowfall, the ambient temperature, and the available fuel, the snow removal device  200  may automatically turn on or off as appropriate to ensure that snow and ice do not accumulate on the rails  402  of the switch  400 . In some embodiments the temperature of the heating or lack thereof is determined based on the measured criteria. For example, if the snow is determined to be dry and light, the heater  302  of the snow removal device  200  may be left off to conserve fuel and only the blower  304  will be turned on. 
     Referring primarily to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , in some embodiments if the measured values are outside of a predetermined set of values an alert is transmitted  116  to the base station  202 . In some embodiments the base station  202  is configured to translate the received signal and determine, for example, whether a particular sensor  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312  has malfunctioned or if the device is out of fuel. When an alert is sent, an operator  206  can view the alert remotely when connected to the base station  202 . In some embodiments the base station  202  is configured to page the operator  206  whenever a certain type of alert is received. For example, the base station  202  may be programmed to page the operator  206  when a snow removal device  200  has run out of fuel and snow is falling at that particular location. Such an alert enables an operator  206  to anticipate the failure of the particular switch  400  and make alternative arrangements as necessary. 
     Still referring primarily to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , in the depicted embodiment the base station  202  measures  100  data from the snow removal devices  200  according to a maintenance check schedule. In some embodiments the collection of data is accomplished by configuring the snow removal devices  200  to periodically or continuously transmit measured data back to the base station  202 . In other embodiments, the base station  202  is configured to query data from the snow removal devices  200  at certain times or on command. The base station  202  also collects  118  a comparable set of data from a secondary source  204 . It should be appreciated that the step of collecting data from a secondary source can occur before, after, or simultaneously with the step of collecting data from the devices  200 . The secondary source  204  in some embodiments includes real time weather information. In other embodiments the secondary source includes maintenance records, such as the last time the snow removal devices  200  were refueled. Subsequently, the data collected from the snow removal devices  200  is compared with the data collected from the secondary sources  204 . If the datum from the snow removal devices  200  and the secondary sources  204  are outside of an acceptable range, an alert is triggered at the base station. 
     An alert may indicate, for example, that the snow removal device  200  is apparently low on fuel, even though the secondary source  204  maintenance records indicate that the snow removal device  200  was recently refueled. Once alerted to the discrepancy, the operator can investigate the issue further to determine if the snow removal device  200  is leaking, if the secondary source  204  maintenance records are inaccurate, or if the fuel sensor is inaccurate. If the operator  206  decides that the measured value is inaccurate, the operator  206  can reset (e.g., recalibrate)  122  the sensor or otherwise dismiss  126  the alert. In some embodiments the recalibration can be accomplished remotely, and in other embodiments the recalibration is accomplished via the user interface  314  located locally on the snow removal device  200 . In such embodiments the device  200  includes a receiver in addition to the transmitter  612 . 
     Alternatively, an alert may indicate, for example, that the measured temperature is substantially different than the temperature collected from the secondary weather data source that corresponds to the particular geographic location, which is measured and stored in a memory location. Once alerted of the discrepancy, the operator  206  may choose to override  124  the automatic on off control of the snow removal device  200  if appropriate, or otherwise dismiss  126  the alert. In such embodiments the device  200  includes a receiver in addition to the transmitter  612 . An operator  206  can check other nearby sensors or other secondary sources to determine whether the measured data or the queried data is more likely accurate. 
     Finally, the base station  202  can be configured to store  128  all the dates and times that the measured data from each snow removal device  200  was checked against data from a secondary source  204 . In some embodiments the next date and time that the measured data from that particular snow removal device  200  is check against data from a secondary source  204  is dependent on when the last check occurred and the outcome of the last check. In some embodiments, a number of different types of measured data is stored at the base station for maintenance purposes. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 5 , according to one embodiment of the invention the data transmitted and processed at the base station can be accessed via an internet webpage. The data can in some embodiments be graphically represented via icons  401 ,  403 ,  404 ,  406 , and  408  along tracks  410  on a map displayed on a computer screen  414 . The user can check the operational parameters and the measured data by clicking on the icon that corresponds with the snow removal device  200  of interest. In some embodiments an alert is indicated on the map by a flashing icon or an icon that turns a particular color, such as orange or red. In other embodiments, the color of the icon  401 ,  403 ,  404 ,  406 , and  408  corresponds with whether the particular corresponding snow removal device  200  is on or off or is full or low on fuel. 
     According to some embodiments the data can be accessed by the operator  206  wirelessly on a handheld device  500 . In such an embodiment the operator can be in transit to service a particular snow removal device  200  and access real time data regarding the snow removal devices  200  in the field. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment is shown where fuel tank related data is measured to determine if the tank  600  is expected to be operational. To be operational the tank  600  must be able to supply fuel to the burner  604 . In the depicted embodiment the supplied fuel  618  is in gas form (e.g., propane or natural gas). To enable larger amounts of fuel  602  to be stored within the tank  600 , the fuel  602  in the depicted embodiment is pressurized so that most of the fuel  602  in the tank  600  is in liquid form. Fuel must change phase from liquid to gas to be effectively used. Accordingly, the mere fact that the tank  600  is not empty does not necessarily mean that the tank  600  is expected to be operational. Since whether a particular liquid will change into a gas is dependent on the temperature of the liquid and the pressure in the tank  600 , the temperature of the fuel  602  within the tank  600  and the pressure within the tank  600  factor into whether the tank  600  is operational (the colder a liquid is, the less likely the liquid will vaporize at a given pressure). In view of the above, as compared to only knowing the amount of fuel  602  in the tank  600 , also knowing the temperature of the fuel  602 , and the pressure within the tank  600  enables one to more accurately predict whether the tank  600  is operational. 
     According to one embodiment, to accurately estimate whether the tank  600  will be operational under certain conditions, preferably at least the following types of data are measured: the temperature in the tank  600  or the fuel  602  therein, the pressure within the tank  600 , and the level of liquid fuel within the tank  600 . Accordingly, to such an embodiment the system includes a temperature sensor  606 , a pressure sensor  608 , and a fuel level sensor  610 . It should, however, be appreciated that in alternative embodiments sensors measuring different data may be included. It should also be appreciated that alternative embodiments may include more or fewer sensors in part depending on the specific methodology used to analyze the data, which will be discussed in greater detail below. It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments an electric heat non-combustion source may be employed (e.g., electric calrod heater). Such systems could include a system for measuring whether the necessary electric energy exists, similar to the fuel tank monitoring system described above. 
     In the depicted embodiment the sensors are connected to a transmitter  612  that is configured to transmit the measured data to a remote base station  614  or a network server  616  or both. In one embodiment the base station  614  uses equations to calculate whether or not the tank  600  is expected to be operational based on the measured data and known or inputted data. In other embodiments the base station  614  relies on empirical data to make its determination regarding the operability of the tank  600 . In yet other embodiments, a combination of empirical charts and equations are used in the analysis. In embodiments where empirical data is used in the analysis, the empirical data may be stored locally on a remote database and accessible via a network. In the depicted embodiment the empirical data is stored on a remote server  616  and accessible via the internet  620 . Base station  614  can be connected to the transmitter  612  via the cellular telephone network directly, or via a short range wireless communication system such as any of a variety of 802.11 wireless networks (e.g., Wi-MAX or Wi-Fi) or any radio or other wireless or wire communication systems. 
     In some embodiments the base station  614  tracks and stores the measured data to analyze the fuel usage history. For example, in some embodiments the level of fuel in the tank  600  is tracked over a set period of time. Such tracking can be used for many purposes including, for example, determining whether the measured data is likely accurate or inaccurate, or whether the sensors are operable and/or whether the tank  600  is leaking. For example, if the tracked history indicates that the tank  600  was initially full and has been in use for a very short period of time or no time at all but is now empty, the tank  600  may be leaking or the measured data may be inaccurate. In some embodiments the base station  614  is configured to alert the operator when a potential problem is detected. 
     The system disclosed in  FIG. 6 , may also be used by an operator in determining the type of fuel that should be used for a particular application. In some embodiments the conditions, such as the expected ambient temperatures, may make a certain type of fuel preferable. The effectiveness and efficiency of particular fuels can be analyzed at the base station  614  based on the data collected by the sensors  606 ,  608 , and  610 . It should be appreciated that many other analyses can be conducted based on data measured by the sensors and/or data queried from a local or remote server  616 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the process of determining when it is appropriate to alert the operator of a failure or otherwise initiate the process of override, the operations of a failed device is illustrated. It is desirable to avoid false detection of device failures, which are the results of normal error. For example, for a period of time the device might be ON while it is snowing. During this period the operation of the system may be characterized by the upper left quadrant (i.e., the device is ON and the device should be ON). The snow might stop, but for a relatively short period of time the device might still be ON. During this period the operation of the system can be characterized as having moved to the lower left quadrant (i.e., the device is ON and the device should be OFF). During this time period, fuel is being wasted. This might occur because the sensors on the device, or the empirical data, or both, are slightly off. To avoid alerting the operator relating to small discrepancies which in time correct themselves, the system can be set up such that the system must operate in the lower left state for more than an hour before an alert is sent to the operator or a failure is otherwise deemed. On the other hand, the system be might be operating in the upper left quadrant and move to the upper right quadrant. This would occur if snow continue to fall, but the device turns itself off (i.e., the device is OFF and the device should be ON). Since it is important to prevent railroad switch failure, the system might be set to alert an operator or otherwise consider the discrepancy a failure after a relatively shorter period of time, for example, 10 minutes instead of an hour. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 7 , as discussed above the time period for acceptable discrepancies is dependent on the type of discrepancy (i.e., if the device is ON when it should be off versus the device is off when it should be on). Another factor can relate to the context (i.e., what quadrant was the device previously operating in). For example, there may exist reasons to set different acceptable time periods of discrepancies based on whether the device moves into the upper right quadrant from the upper left quadrant or from the lower right quadrant. If the device moves to the lower right quadrant from the upper right quadrant (i.e., it starts from the state where it is OFF and it should be OFF, and moves to the state where it is OFF but should be on), the period of time of acceptable discrepancy might be longer than if the device moves to the same quadrant from the upper left quadrant. The latter occurrence might more likely indicate a failure, whereas the former might more likely indicate normal sensor variations. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-13 , a specific embodiment of an internet based system is described in greater detail below.  FIG. 8  is a screen shot showing a summary of the operating condition of snow melters under the control of a particular user. In the depicted embodiment, the summary of the snow melters can be organized by the user according to region, division, subdivision, mile post, or site group. In the depicted screen shot the designated region is North and the designated division is Twin Cities. Three snow melters fall within this category (i.e., East Wayzata, West Delano, and West Wayzata). The subdivision, mile post, and temperature for each of the three melters are displayed. In addition, the status and whether the melters are running are also displayed. From this screen the user can select any one of the three snow melters for further analysis. 
       FIG. 9  is a screen shot that corresponds with the East Wayzata snow melter shown in  FIG. 8 . In addition to the summary information regarding the snow melter, detailed information relating to the control and operation parameters are displayed. In the depicted screen shot, East Wayzata is not running due to the air temperature, as shown under the machine status column. Other status options include Idle, Running-OK, Not Running-Faulted, Not Running-Timed Out, Not Running-Should Be-Weather, Running-Should Not Be-Weather, and Communication Failure. In the depicted embodiment, action is called (not running due to air temperature) for by the Weather Watcher system, which is driven by the secondary source data. In the depicted embodiment the secondary source data can be used as a check on the local sensors and controls on the snow melter, or it can be used to drive the system. If the local controls and sensors are used to drive the action of the system, the secondary weather data is used as a check and issues alerts when a discrepancy is detected. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 9 , from this view the user can view an array of current status data that includes: fuel tank level, temperature set points, run time data, air temperature, rail temperature, motor voltage, duct pressure, gas pressure, total gas used, motor current, etc. Also, a link is provided to view a snapshot of the site to enable the operator to view the site. The fuel tank level is used to determine if the tank needs to be refilled, and also to calculate whether the tank is operational based on the temperature and other factors. The motor voltage and current are used to determine if the snow melter motor is operational, and also if the motor is running optimally or likely to fail. The duct pressure and gas pressure are used to troubleshoot, and also used to determine if the tank is expected to be operational. In addition, from this view the user clicks on tabs to further investigate the last fault reading, the operational history, and other control settings. 
       FIG. 10  is a screen shot that corresponds with the Controls tab of  FIG. 9 . From this view the user can remotely operate the snow melter. The user can turn on or off the snow melter, adjust the temperature set points, and adjust the run times. In the depicted view the snow melter is configured to turn on continually when the air temperature is less than one degree Fahrenheit. The air temperature set point can also be used to prevent the snow melter from turning on. For example, the system can be configured such that if a sensed temperature is above a certain level, the device does not turn on. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a screen shot of the user assignment page is shown. The user assignment function allows for different levels of access rights to be assigned to different operators. Some operators can be authorized only to view the system, and others can be authorized to edit and modify the system. Moreover, those who are authorized to edit and modify the system may be authorized to edit and modify specific aspects of the system (e.g., gas, run hours, fault counts, and overtemp latch). In the depicted embodiment, all of the operators have full authorization to the system. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a screen shot of the notification setup is shown. The notification function allows for selective notification. Particular types of notification can be sent to particular users via particular means. For example, in the depicted embodiment, Peter Molenda is set to receive notification of fuse  2  faults by email only, whereas Eric Schneider is set to receive fuse  1  faults via cell phone, temperature faults via pager, and fuse  2  faults via email and work phone. In the depicted embodiment, the system administrator is set to receive notification of all of the faults. This system enables the messages to be sent to the person who is responsible for or best suited to dealing with the particular issue.  FIG. 13 , as discussed above, is used to log in the identifying information of each of the snow melters. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a general overview of a particular embodiment of a network according to the present disclosure is included below. The components of the network architecture include: SMC—Snow Melter Controller; RCC—Remote Communications Controller; WEB—Web services and portal hosting; SQL—SQL Server database; RR—Railroad client accessing web portals. 
     The general messaging flow scenarios are summarized below in outline form: 
     1. SMC Initiated
         SMC         RCC   SMC detects a change of operating state (i.e. from off to running) and initiates a conversation with the RCC.   SMC sends a message to the RCC containing the current snow melter operating and configuration parameters.   RCC accepts and acknowledges the message from the SMC.   SMC closes the conversation with the RCC after 1 minute of idle time.   RCC captures the parameter values from the message.   RCC         WEB   RCC initiates a conversation with the WEB.   RCC sends the current snow melter parameters to the WEB.   WEB acknowledges the message from the RCC.   RCC closes the conversation with the WEB immediately.   WEB captures the parameter values from the message.   WEB updates the SQL database with the snow melter parameter values.   WEB         USER   WEB analyzes the snow melter change of state to determine notification requirements.   WEB issues notification messages to railroad clients for new snow melter conditions.       

     2. RCC Initiated
         RCC         SMC   RCC initiates a conversation with the SMC.   RCC sends a message to the SMC containing the command number.   SMC accepts and acknowledges the message from the RCC. Included in the acknowledgement are all SMC parameter values.   RCC closes the conversation with the SMC after 1 minute of idle time.   RCC captures the parameter values from the message.   RCC         WEB   RCC initiates a conversation with the WEB.   RCC sends the current snow melter parameters to the WEB.   WEB acknowledges the message from the RCC.   RCC closes the conversation with the WEB immediately.   WEB captures the parameter values from the message.   WEB updates the SQL database with the snow melter parameter values.   WEB         USER   WEB analyzes the snow melter change of state to determine notification requirements.   WEB issues notification messages to railroad clients for new snow melter conditions.       

     3. WEB Initiated
         WEB         RCC   WEB user presses the “Refresh Values” button on a web page.   WEB initiates a conversation with the RCC.   WEB sends a message to the RCC containing the command number.   RCC accepts and acknowledges the message from the WEB.   RCC         SMC   RCC initiates a conversation with the SMC.   RCC sends a message to the SMC containing the command number.   SMC accepts and acknowledges the message from the RCC. Included in the acknowledgement are all SMC parameter values.   RCC closes the conversation with the SMC after 1 minute of idle time.   RCC captures the parameter values from the message.   RCC         WEB   RCC initiates a conversation with the WEB.   RCC sends the current snow melter parameters to the WEB.   WEB acknowledges the message from the RCC.   RCC closes the conversation with the WEB immediately.   WEB captures the parameter values from the message.   WEB updates the SQL database with the snow melter parameter values.   WEB         USER   WEB analyzes the snow melter change of state to determine notification requirements.   WEB issues notification messages to railroad clients for new snow melter conditions.       

     From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the devices and methods of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.