Abstract: A system for automatically generating trajectories of an object includes a trajectory generation module comprising a visual control algorithm and a processor configured via computer executable instructions to receive raw three dimensional (3-D) sensor data of an object, create a 3-D model of the object based on the raw 3-D sensor data, extract object features relating to a shape and/or surface from the 3-D model of the object, and generate trajectories based on the object features of the 3-D model of the object.

Abstract: A system 10 and associated method for detecting a material discontinuity in a magnetisable article 12 has a sensor unit 16 which includes a magnet 18 and at least one magnetic field coupling sensor S. The magnet 18 is supported a distance above the rail 12 so that the lines of magnetic flux 22 loop through the rail 12. The magnetic field of the magnet 18 causes the surface 14 of the rail 12 directly below the magnet 18 to become polarised opposite to the facing pole of the magnet 18 and the regions distant from the magnet 18 to become inversely polarised. The coupling sensor S is placed and held at a fixed position relative to and in the active magnetic field of the magnet 18. The coupling sensor S measures the flux coupling between the rail 12 and the magnet 18.

Abstract: At least one monitoring element may be configured to sense a current drawn by equipment being monitored from at least one power source and produce a monitoring signature representing the sensed current. At least one sensor may be configured to output a detection signal in response to a change in a monitored condition. At least one circuit element may be placed in series between the at least one power source and the equipment being monitored. The at least one circuit element may be configured to couple the at least one power source and the equipment being monitored by default and decouple the at least one power source from the equipment being monitored in response to receiving the detection signal. The monitoring signature may include a feature representing the change in the monitored condition in response to the at least one circuit element decoupling the at least one power source from the equipment being monitored.

Abstract: A switch for a point machine, point machine having said switch, and a method for operating said point machine. The switch opening and closing a circuit providing current to the motor of the point machine. The switch having an elastic element, such as a spring, to create “snap-action” to open and close the circuit. Operation of the motor compressing the spring to open the circuit and cut-off power to the motor when the point machine has completed movement of a point.

Abstract: A monitoring and warning system is provided that measures a track displacement as an indication of an operational condition of railway tracks and a rail track structure. The system comprises a sensor and a device coupled to the sensor. In response to a physical measurement of a vertical displacement of a railway track in a down direction by the sensor, the device is configured to provide a warning signal indicative of a possible future failure of the railway track or the rail track structure for proactive track maintenance purposes.