Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for industrial equipment diagnostics are disclosed. Specifically, a bus controller operatively connected to a processor is physically connected to two or more controller area network (CAN) buses, wherein each CAN bus operates according to a different protocol. The bus controller is configured to control the rate at which messages are received on certain buses by adjusting parameters such as a baud rate and sample rate. The bus controller is further configured to filter or mask certain CAN bus messages based on identifiers within the messages. The bus controller is operatively connected to a remote processing system for processing the CAN bus messages from their raw data format into a useable format. The remote processing system performs diagnostic analysis on the processed CAN bus messages, and furthermore performs predictive analytics on the processed CAN bus messages to identify patterns or discrete events indicative of future system failures.

Abstract: Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for controlling remote equipment in a network. A switch heater control system includes a weather modeling function. The system periodically obtains weather data according to a predetermined time interval. Based on the closest weather data set, the weather modeling function generates a hyperlocal forecast associated with each switch heater location. The system includes an active snowfall mode and a maintenance mode that controls heating based on an estimate of local snow depth, adjusted for wind conditions and passing trains. When the hyperlocal forecast indicates heating is required, the system calculates a melt duration, starts a timer, and transmits a start signal to the switch heater.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method in which one or more processing devices perform operations may include obtaining a field image of a railcar collected from a field camera system and applying a machine-learning algorithm to the field image to generate a machine-learning algorithm output. The method may also include performing a post-processing operation on the machine-learning algorithm output to generate a filtered machine-learning algorithm output. Further, the method may include detecting a defect of the railcar using the filtered machine-learning algorithm output.

Abstract: Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for controlling remote equipment in a network. A switch heater control system includes a weather modeling function. The system periodically obtains weather data according to a predetermined time interval. Based on the closest weather data set, the weather modeling function generates a hyperlocal forecast associated with each switch heater location. The system includes an active snowfall mode and a maintenance mode that controls heating based on an estimate of local snow depth, adjusted for wind conditions and passing trains. When the hyperlocal forecast indicates heating is required, the system calculates a melt duration, starts a timer, and transmits a start signal to the switch heater.

Abstract: Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for training a predictive model to detect objects in digital images, such as detecting whether a cotter key is present or absent in a digital photograph of a rail car coupler. The training system includes curating a plurality of training datasets, each including a number of raw images, together with a number of adjusted, augmented, and duplicate images. The predictive model includes a localization algorithm and an ensemble of models for classification. The localization algorithm is a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) which identifies a region of interest. One of more of the deep CNN classification models generates a plurality of candidate regions associated with each region of interest, thereby generating a large number of additional regions useful for training. In use, the trained predictive model is part of a detection and notification system that processes new images from the field and broadcasts a notice when an anomaly is detected.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method in which one or more processing devices perform operations may include obtaining a field image of a railcar collected from a field camera system and applying a machine-learning algorithm to the field image to generate a machine-learning algorithm output. The method may also include performing a post-processing operation on the machine-learning algorithm output to generate a filtered machine-learning algorithm output. Further, the method may include detecting a defect of the railcar using the filtered machine-learning algorithm output.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented for securing a railroad tie atop a support. In one implementation, a unitary length of metal rod is made into a clip that includes a vertical leg, a horizontal leg, and a resilient hook-shaped portion having a hook point. The hook-shaped portion is made so that the clip is biased toward a seated position, with the hook point positioned beneath part of the support. During installation, the vertical leg is placed through a hole in the railroad tie, driven downward until the resilient hook-shaped portion collapses into a compressed position, and driven further until the hook point moves beyond a free edge of the support and expands into the seated position. The clip secures the railroad tie without any additional parts and without requiring a worker to labor beneath the support.

Abstract: Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for controlling remote equipment in a network. A switch heater control system includes a weather modeling function. The system periodically obtains weather data according to a predetermined time interval. Based on the closest weather data set, the weather modeling function generates a hyperlocal forecast associated with each switch heater location. The system includes an active snowfall mode and a maintenance mode that controls heating based on an estimate of local snow depth, adjusted for wind conditions and passing trains. When the hyperlocal forecast indicates heating is required, the system calculates a melt duration, starts a timer, and transmits a start signal to the switch heater.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for testing one or more multiple-unit (MU) conductors on a locomotive using a first and second test unit together with a portable display unit having a wireless transceiver for communicating with the test units. The portable display may include a panel of LED indicators corresponding to the MU conductors to be tested and a user interface in the form of a display screen. The system may be used for running both test procedures and monitoring procedures. The wireless portable display unit allows a single technician to run the procedures and review information from both test units without using long and heavy MU jumper cables.

Abstract: A system and method for testing and maintaining a power assembly of a locomotive diesel engine. In one embodiment of the invention, the testing apparatus comprises: a first test position for securing a strongback of a power assembly; a second test position for securing a cylinder head of the power assembly; and a third test position for securing a cylinder liner. In another embodiment of the invention, the testing method comprises: securing a power assembly to a first test position; removing a cylinder head from the power assembly; securing the cylinder head to a second test position; removing a cylinder liner from the strongback assembly; placing the cylinder liner into the third test position; cleaning the cylinder liner; testing the cylinder head for possible leakage; and re-assembling the power assembly cylinder head passes the leakage tests.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tool and method for removing sweeper bristles from a railway track broom are disclosed. An exemplary tool may include a tube member for insertion into a sweeper bristle gripped onto a nipple element, wherein two or more slits split a front portion of the tube member into flexible prongs each having outward-facing gripping elements near its tip. A plunger element, located inside the tube member, can be propelled forward into a front end of the tube member to cause the flexible prongs to substantially expand at least part of the front portion of the tube member, thereby loosening the sweeper bristle's grip on the nipple element. A hydraulic assembly coupling the plunger element to a hydraulic pressure source is controlled by a trigger mechanism to supply hydraulic pressure to propel the plunger element.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment of the invention a cooling system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, comprising an engine; an intercooler for receiving combustion air from a turbocharger, the intercooler comprising an air-to-liquid heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the combustion air and a liquid coolant; an intercooler radiator; at least one engine coolant radiator; an expansion tank; an oil cooler; and at least one pump, wherein the dedicated fan is controlled by a temperature switch or controller and wherein the at least one engine coolant radiator and the intercooler radiator are located on opposite sides of the engine.

Abstract: Designs of a tool for seating engine pistons and related methods are disclosed. For example, a tool may comprise a mount element, coupled to a support element, with at least one sleeve shaped to slide onto one or more studs on an EMD engine block. The tool may also comprise a locator element, coupled to the mount element, having a guiding ring positioned relative to the at least one sleeve. The tool may further comprise a cantilever beam pivotally coupled to the support element. The tool may additionally comprise a push rod inserted through the guiding ring and coupled to the cantilever beam, such that a pivoting motion of the cantilever beam causes a linear movement of the push rod through the guiding ring. An attachment element, located on one end of the push rod, may be adapted to attach to a piston of the EMD engine.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a supply of compressed air on a locomotive. In one embodiment of the invention a compressed air system for a railroad locomotive comprises: a first air compressor; a second air compressor; a layover heater for maintaining the temperature of engine coolant; and a control system, wherein the first air compressor, the second air compressor, the layover heater, and the control package can be powered by at least one of the following power sources: an onboard electrical power source; or an offboard power source, wherein the layover heater can utilize heat generated by the first air compressor and the second air compressor to maintain the temperature of engine coolant, and wherein the control system operating the compressed air system utilizes a first logic when the power source is the onboard electrical power source and a second logic when the power source is the off board power source.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for bypassing an aftercooler are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the bypass valve system may include a turbocharger, an air temperature sensor, an aftercooler, a three-way bypass valve, an aftercooler conduit, a bypass conduit, a pipe fitting, an engine, a radiator, an expansion tank, a pump, a bypass control system and a locomotive control system. The temperature of the charge air is measured and sent to the bypass control system. The locomotive control system sends engine throttle conditions, such as engine notch position, to bypass control system. Bypass control system determines whether to circulate coolant through the aftercooler or bypass the aftercooler based on the temperature measurements and the engine throttle conditions. Bypass control system then sends a signal to the bypass valve to either to circulate coolant through the aftercooler or bypass the aftercooler through the conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of innovative designs and use of switch rods are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, a method of preventing derailment of a train traveling through a previously run-through railroad switch may include installing a railroad switch rod assembly to couple a switch point of a railroad switch with a railroad switch stand. The method may also include configuring a locking mechanism in the railroad switch rod assembly such that, upon a railway vehicle trailing the railroad switch in a first direction, the locking mechanism maintains the railroad switch in a condition that accommodates safe movement of the railway vehicle through the railroad switch in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A system and method for determining rail terminal capacity needs. In one embodiment, terminal railcar inventory is determined periodically throughout a specific time interval based on terminal traffic data. Train traffic data is accessed and indexed into discrete time periods, such as daily and hourly intervals. Dwell occupancy indexes are created with periodic intervals, and assigned dwell occupancy values based on said dwell occupancy definitions and traffic data. The railcar inventory of the train terminal at any particular time may then be determined by cross-tabulating the occupancy dwell values, and applying business rules. The number and size of tracks needed to accommodate a rail terminal may be determined by assigning blocks of railcars to terminal tracks. Using the railcar inventory, a list of railcar blocks, railcar block sizes, railcar block classifications, and track classifications is created.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for bypassing an aftercooler are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the bypass valve system may include a turbocharger, an air temperature sensor, an aftercooler, a three-way bypass valve, an aftercooler conduit, a bypass conduit, a pipe fitting, an engine, a radiator, an expansion tank, a pump, a bypass control system and a locomotive control system. The temperature of the charge air is measured and sent to the bypass control system. The locomotive control system sends engine throttle conditions, such as engine notch position, to bypass control system. Bypass control system determines whether to circulate coolant through the aftercooler or bypass the aftercooler based on the temperature measurements and the engine throttle conditions. Bypass control system then sends a signal to the bypass valve to either to circulate coolant through the aftercooler or bypass the aftercooler through the conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to improved designs of railroad spikes and improved methods of manufacturing the same. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for manufacturing a railroad spike may have the steps of: preparing a metal blank having a substantially circular cross-section; subjecting the metal blank to at least one cold heading process and at least one cold extrusion process to form a railroad spike having (a) a circular head with a fillet at its bottom side that is angled to engage a railroad tie plate or rail base and (b) a non-threaded shank with a substantially square cross-section and a chiseled tip; and coating the railroad spike with an anti-corrosion material.

Abstract: A system and method for testing and maintaining a power assembly of a locomotive diesel engine. In one embodiment of the invention, the testing apparatus comprises: a first test position for securing a strongback of a power assembly; a second test position for securing a cylinder head of the power assembly; and a third test position for securing a cylinder liner. In another embodiment of the invention, the testing method comprises: securing a power assembly to a first test position; removing a cylinder head from the power assembly; securing the cylinder head to a second test position; removing a cylinder liner from the strongback assembly; placing the cylinder liner into the third test position; cleaning the cylinder liner; testing the cylinder head for possible leakage; and re-assembling the power assembly cylinder head passes the leakage tests.