Abstract: A train system that includes a plurality of coupled train units. Each train unit includes a controller VOBC configured to independently determine the location of each VOBC, and a configuration of the train system by comprising a plurality of inputs, a plurality of train lines spanning each train unit and coupled with the controllers at the plurality of inputs and configured to transmit two communication signals between a front end and a rear end of the train system, and a plurality of sets of relay devices connected in series along the plurality of train lines, and each set of relay devices corresponding to each input of the plurality of inputs, and configured to transmit the two communication signals between the front end and the rear end of the train system.

Abstract: A system and method provide the capability to dynamically measure the diameter of a train wheel. An onboard sensor signals detection and loss of detection of a proximity plate having a predetermined length and placed along a direction of travel of the train. A signal generator generates a signal indicating the number of revolutions of the wheel. Based on the sensor signals indicating detection and loss of detection of the proximity plate, the length of the proximity plate, and the corresponding number of wheel revolutions, a controller automatically calculates the wheel diameter.

Abstract: A system and method provide vital shutdown of a remote slave unit linked by a fiber optic connection to a local, checked redundant master unit with two paired computers. Each computer sends a life signal to an associated local vital supervision card (VSC) and copper to fiber converter (C/F converter) for transmission via fiber to a corresponding fiber to copper converter (F/C converter) on the slave unit, then to a corresponding remote VSC. Each local VSC controls power to a corresponding second local VSC-associated C/F converter, and each remote VSC controls power to a corresponding second remote VSC F/C converter. A VSC detecting an incorrect life signal signature removes power to the corresponding controlled converter and, optionally, to a respective local or remote I/O rack, thereby shutting down the slave unit.

Abstract: A vehicle management system for automatic vehicles running on a guideway independent of wayside signals or interlocking devices includes intelligent on-board controllers on each vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle. The on-board controllers communicate with each other as well as individual wayside devices and a data storage system to identify available assets needed to move along the guideway and to reserve these assets for their associated vehicle.

Abstract: A locator loop control system includes a guideway configured to define a travel path of a vehicle. The locator loop control system further includes a locator loop located along the guideway, the locator loop configured to exchange information with a vital on-board controller (VOBC) on-board the vehicle. The locator loop control system further includes a first proximity plate located along the guideway, the first proximity plate spaced a first distance along the guideway from the locator loop, and a wayside controller configured to communicate with the locator loop.

Abstract: A train system that includes a plurality of train units including a first train unit and second train unit coupled together. Each first and second train unit includes a controller configured to detect a change in train configuration of the train units, and comprising a plurality of inputs; train integrity signal lines spanning each train unit and coupled with the controller at the plurality of inputs and configured to transmit signals between a front end and a rear end of the train system, the signals indicating a status of train integrity of the train system; and a plurality of relays in communication with the controller, and configured to indicate a coupling or non-coupling status of each train unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the information about a guideway-guided vehicle having a masking component, the guideway-guided vehicle configured to follow a path of a guideway, comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, method of making, and use thereof are disclosed. The RFID system comprises a first RFID transponder for transmitting, across the path, first RFID transponder specific information. An RFID reader comprises a first antenna for receiving the first RFID transponder specific information. The first RFID transponder and the first antenna are fixed relative to the path and on opposite sides of the path. The RFID reader is configured to substantially continuously monitor the first transponder specific information. The presence of the masking component of the guideway-guided vehicle between the first RFID transponder and the first antenna masks the substantially continuous monitoring of the first RFID transponder specific information.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle in a guideway network including a centralized control system configured to generate a first set of instructions. The control system further includes at least one de-centralized control system configured to generate a second set of instructions. The control system further includes an on-board controller configured to receive the first set of instructions and the second set of instructions during a same time period. The on-board controller is configured to receive the first set of instructions using a first communication technique. The on-board controller is configured to receive the second set of instructions via a second communication technique diverse from the first communication technique. If a discrepancy exists, the on-board controller is configured to execute a least restrictive of the first or second set of instructions. The control system is capable of seamlessly transferring control between the two control systems.

Abstract: A train system that includes a plurality of train units including a first train unit and second train unit coupled together. Each first and second train unit includes a controller configured to detect a change in train configuration of the train units, and comprising a plurality of inputs; train integrity signal lines spanning each train unit and coupled with the controller at the plurality of inputs and configured to transmit signals between a front end and a rear end of the train system, the signals indicating a status of train integrity of the train system; and a plurality of relays in communication with the controller, and configured to indicate a coupling or non-coupling status of each train unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a load in a railway signaling system, the method comprising providing a first autonomous controller connectable to the load and a second autonomous controller which is redundant with the first controller such that there is no single point of failure; operating the first and second controllers in one of two modes. There is an on-line mode wherein both controllers provide power to the load to control the load such that current through the load is shared between the first and second controllers. There is an off-line mode wherein a single controller does not provide power to the load and the other controller continues to operate on-line to control the load, whereby control of the load is uninterrupted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a grade crossing protection system include at least one camera providing surveillance of a grade crossing, the at least one camera coupled to a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes imagery of the grade crossing to a transceiver onboard a train. A display unit onboard the train is provided to allow the train operator to view the grade crossing. A control unit in communication with the transceiver is configured to monitor the received signal and, based upon a determined location of the train relative to the train crossing, issue a command to the train's brake system to reduce the speed of the train, or stop the train, before the train reaches the grade crossing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a railway signaling system for controlling a load. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the system comprises a first autonomous controller and a second autonomous controller which is redundant with the first controller, each controller connectable to the load such that there is no single point of failure. The first and second controllers operable in either an on-line mode wherein both power outputs provide power to the load or an off-line mode wherein a single power output does not provide power to the load. On-line controllers monitor current therethrough. When both controllers are on-line, the current between the two controller is imbalanced up to a threshold limit, if the threshold limit is exceeded by one controller, that controller will go off line, and if the first controller is off-line and the second controller is on-line, the second controller monitors output voltages of the off-line controller to ascertain that the output voltages are zero.

Abstract: A train detection system for detecting a train unit that includes a first transponder interrogator configured to generate one or more request signals for transmission, by a first antenna above a first track location, toward a first fixed transponder at the first track location; a second transponder interrogator configured to generate one or more request signals for transmission, by a second antenna above a second track location, toward a second fixed transponder at the second track location; and a controller communicably connected with the first and second transponder interrogators and configured to verify operation of the train detection system based on receipt of one or more message signals responsive to transmission of the one or more request signals from the first and second transponder interrogators.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a grade crossing protection system include at least one camera providing surveillance of a grade crossing, the at least one camera coupled to a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes imagery of the grade crossing to a transceiver onboard a train. A display unit onboard the train is provided to allow the train operator to view the grade crossing. A control unit in communication with the transceiver is configured to monitor the received signal and, based upon a determined location of the train relative to the train crossing, issue a command to the train's brake system to reduce the speed of the train, or stop the train, before the train reaches the grade crossing.

Abstract: A train system that includes a plurality of coupled train units. Each train unit includes a controller VOBC configured to independently determine the location of each VOBC, and a configuration of the train system by comprising a plurality of inputs, a plurality of train lines spanning each train unit and coupled with the controllers at the plurality of inputs and configured to transmit two communication signals between a front end and a rear end of the train system, and a plurality of sets of relay devices connected in series along the plurality of train lines, and each set of relay devices corresponding to each input of the plurality of inputs, and configured to transmit the two communication signals between the front end and the rear end of the train system.

Abstract: In a radio location system for vehicles moving along a guideway, a transmitter for energizes a transponder beside the guideway. A first detector for detects a response signal from the energized transponder to determine the transponder identification. A second detector detects a positional signal received from the transponder that is decoupled from the first signal and contains precise positional information. In one embodiment, the second detector picks up a crossover signal from a crossover antenna.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a grade crossing protection system include at least one camera providing surveillance of a grade crossing, the at least one camera coupled to a transmitter configured to transmit a signal that includes imagery of the grade crossing to a transceiver onboard a train. A display unit onboard the train is provided to allow the train operator to view the grade crossing. A control unit in communication with the transceiver is configured to monitor the received signal and, based upon a determined location of the train relative to the train crossing, issue a command to the train's brake system to reduce the speed of the train, or stop the train, before the train reaches the grade crossing.

Abstract: A localization system for a vehicle running on a guideway including portions obscured from satellite view has a number of GNSS receivers placed at strategic locations along the guideway in view of navigation satellites. GNSS transmitters retransmit received GNSS signals along an obscured portion of the guideway. Coded targets are placed at known locations along the guideway. A GNSS receiver on the vehicle picks up GNSS signals directly from the navigation satellites or retransmitted from the GNSS transmitters when on an obscured portion of the guideway. A proximity sensor on the vehicle detects the coded targets. An on-board computer synchronizes the location obtained from the GNSS signals with the location obtained from the proximity sensor. The vehicle is thus able to determine its position even in an obscured portion, such as a tunnel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a railway signaling system for controlling a load. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the system comprises a first autonomous controller and a second autonomous controller which is redundant with the first controller, each controller connectable to the load such that there is no single point of failure. The first and second controllers operable in either an on-line mode wherein both power outputs provide power to the load or an off-line mode wherein a single power output does not provide power to the load. On-line controllers monitor current therethrough. When both controllers are on-line, the current between the two controller is imbalanced up to a threshold limit, if the threshold limit is exceeded by one controller, that controller will go off line, and if the first controller is off-line and the second controller is on-line, the second controller monitors output voltages of the off-line controller to ascertain that the output voltages are zero.

Abstract: In a radio location system for vehicles moving along a guideway, a transmitter for energizes a transponder beside the guideway. A first detector for detects a response signal from the energized transponder to determine the transponder identification. A second detector detects a positional signal received from the transponder that is decoupled from the first signal and contains precise positional information. In one embodiment, the second detector picks up a crossover signal from a crossover antenna.