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 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 comprise 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.

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 comprise 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: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are provided. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.

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: 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: Embodiments of techniques for autonomous testing of head-of-train (HOT) and/or end-of-train (EOT) devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for autonomous testing of HOT and EOT devices may include the steps of: causing a first device to enter a self-test mode, said first device being either an HOT device or an EOT device mounted to a first railway vehicle; transmitting, from said first device, a test signal to elicit one or more response signals from at least one second device within a communication range of said first device, each of said at least one second device being either an HOT device or an EOT device different from said first device; detecting, by said first device, said one or more response signals, if any; and determining a first operating condition concerning said first device based at least in part on the detection of said one or more response signals.

Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage devices. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of a mechanical tool for railcar maintenance are disclosed, which are most suitable for handling heavy components during undercarriage operations. In one particular embodiment, the tool may include: a cantilever beam having a first end and a second end with a support element disposed between these two ends for pivotally attaching the cantilever beam to a supporting device; a first attachment element configured to grip a first railcar component; a safety latch mechanism, at the first end, for securing the first attachment element, including when the first railcar component is gripped by the first attachment element, and for preventing disengagement of the first attachment element unless the cantilever beam is in a substantially level position; and a weight element adjustably disposed between the support element and the second end as a counterbalance.

Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.

Abstract: The present invention describes an automatic hose connector for a railway car, comprising a coupler head adapted to mate with the corresponding coupler head of another railway car. The coupler head is comprised of concave and convex male and female coupling means, and each said coupling means includes an airway for joining with the corresponding airway of the coupler head of another railway car. Finally, there is at least one internal channel joining the male and female coupling means airways.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a staircase device adapted to fit a bed of a truck, or other similar vehicle. The staircase provides a mechanism for facilitating the loading and unloading of items onto and off a bed of a truck. An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vehicle staircase device comprising a first lower platform having a first length and a first width, the first lower platform having a hitch connector adapted to connect to a vehicle; a second platform having a second length and a second width, wherein the first lower platform and the second platform are substantially parallel; and a staircase structure connecting the first lower platform and the second platform.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to boxcar, railcar, tractor trailer, ocean vessel, or other type shipping container, doors. Specifically, a top-mounted, sliding door is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A sliding wheel detector apparatus automatically detects a sliding wheel condition of a wheel of a passing train. The apparatus includes means for parsing the cars (and trucks thereof) and segregating the same into brake valve groupings. The apparatus also includes means for determining a ratio between a wheel being evaluated and the rest of the wheels in a brake valve group. A sliding wheel will be much cooler than a properly braking wheel, and a ratio threshold is selected to detect this difference in temperature and produce an alarm.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identifying a feature of a railway and deploying equipment for servicing same by image processing range data pertaining to the railway feature. The method includes identifying a feature of a railway, wherein the identifying involves processing an image corresponding to ranges to the feature. The apparatus includes a vision system for determining a range to a feature of the railway and means for positioning equipment relative to, for servicing, the feature, based on the range.

Abstract: A railroad switch stand is provided for operating a railroad switch between two positions. The switch stand comprises a connecting rod connected to an operating mechanism for causing reciprocation of the connecting rod, and a handle connected to the operating mechanism for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between two operative positions. The handle has an open framework having an external configuration which is generally triangular in shape, with the apex of the triangle disposed at the inner end of the handle part where it is connected to a stub portion of the handle. With this configuration, the outer end of the handle presents a portion extending upwardly which can be easily grasped by a railroad personnel when it is desired to throw a switch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining the gage and/or wear of railroad tracks in which optical scanning techniques are used in conjuction with a programmable computer for determining the gage and/or wear of the rails.

Abstract: A universal directional reference for trailing locomotives and railroad cars employs a two wire mating connector for each end of the car or locomotive, each wire having a male contact at one end and a female contact at the opposite end and in a sense opposite to the other wire. A positive polarity established on one conductor having its male contact at the leading end of the controlling locomotive causes the same polarity to appear on the female contact at the rear end of said locomotive which is connected to the male contact of the next car or locomotive thereby sustaining the pattern throughout the train. Reverse orientation of any trailing unit automatically swaps the internal polarity of its trainline wires to compensate for the otherwise reverse direction of travel.