Abstract :
An earthquake may cripple the two newest links in Japan´s Shinkansen electric-train system, but sensors installed 20 kilometers apart in power substations along the Pacific Coast should prevent the derailment of any trains. Upon detection of a shock wave, two metal parts of a sensor make an electric contact that cuts off the power being fed to the substation. The sensor also sends an electric signal to the rails that activates the brakes on an approaching train, bringing it to a safe stop.
