Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a wireless communication device and a controller that controls operation of the wireless communication device. The controller directs the wireless communication device to switch between operating in an off-board communication mode and operating in an onboard communication mode. The wireless communication device communicates a remote data signal with an off-board location while the wireless communication device is operating in the off-board communication mode and the wireless communication device communicates a local data signal between vehicles of the vehicle system while the wireless communication device is operating in the onboard communication mode.

Abstract: A control system including one or more processors that may determine vehicle locations of one or more vehicles and states of charge of vehicle energy storage devices onboard the one or more vehicles. The control system may include an energy chassis having a fuel source holding a supply of fuel, an energy converter to convert at least a portion of the supply of the fuel from the fuel source into electric energy, and a communication device to communicate with the processors. The processors may direct which of the one or more vehicles are to couple with and be powered by the electric energy of the energy chassis based on one or more of: the vehicle locations, the states of charge of the vehicle energy storage devices, an amount of the supply of the fuel of the energy chassis, and a chassis location of the energy chassis.

Abstract: A control system and method determine an energy demand associated with delivery of cargo in a trip. The energy demand represents how much electric energy is needed to move cargo vehicles that carry the cargo through the trip. Locations of energy tenders and states of charge of the energy tenders are determined. A schedule for the cargo vehicles to deliver the cargo to a delivery location within a delivery time slot is determined. This schedule is determined based on the energy demand, the locations of the energy tenders, and the states of charge of the energy tenders. The system and method direct which of the energy tenders that the cargo vehicles are to couple with, be powered by, and move with for powering the cargo along routes to the delivery location of the trip within the designated time slot.

Abstract: A system and method includes a first control system having one or more processors onboard a lead vehicle of a vehicle system that includes the lead vehicle and a remote vehicle. The second control system automatically restricts movement of the vehicle system based on a location of the vehicle system. The processors detect a signal instance of an operator actuating an input device, and communicate a vehicle information request message to the second control system. The second control system communicates a list of vehicle identifiers, that includes a vehicle identifier associated with the remote vehicle, to the processors. The processors communicate a wireless linking message, including a request to establish a communication link, to the remote vehicle based on the vehicle identifier associated with the remote vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors, a communication device, and a positive train control (PTC) system. The one or more processors and communication device are onboard a lead vehicle of a vehicle system that includes the lead vehicle and a first remote vehicle. The PTC system is configured to restrict movement of the vehicle system based on a location of the vehicle system. The PTC system communicates a list of vehicle identifiers to the one or more processors. The communication device communicates a wireless linking message, which includes a vehicle identifier associated with the first remote vehicle, to the first remote vehicle. The communication device establishes a communication link between the lead vehicle and the first remote vehicle responsive to receipt of the wireless linking message at the first remote vehicle. The one or more processors remotely control movement of the first remote vehicle via the communication link.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a detection circuit having a first and second sensor. The first sensor is configured to measure a rotational speed of a first wheel. The second sensor is coupled to a vehicle chassis and configured to measure a position over time of the vehicle chassis. The system further includes a controller circuit configured to determine a shock frequency based on the position of the vehicle chassis. The controller circuit is further configured to determine a condition (e.g., an anomalous condition) of the first wheel based on the shock frequency and the rotational speed, and may be further configured for vehicle control based on the determined condition.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a detection circuit having a first and second sensor. The first sensor is configured to measure a rotational speed of a first wheel. The second sensor is coupled to a vehicle chassis and configured to measure a position over time of the vehicle chassis. The system further includes a controller circuit configured to determine a shock frequency based on the position of the vehicle chassis. The controller circuit is further configured to determine a condition (e.g., an anomalous condition) of the first wheel based on the shock frequency and the rotational speed, and may be further configured for vehicle control based on the determined condition.

Abstract: A system includes a location unit to direct one or more distributions of electrical signals through different conductive pathways of conductive pathways to plural components of an electric system. The location unit receives a modified version of one or more of the electric signals that is modified by passage through one or more of the conductive pathways. The location unit determines a location of an electric fault based on a position where the modified version is measured in its passage through one or more conductive pathways. A coupling unit couples the location unit to the electrical system. A method includes distributing plural electrical signals through different conductive pathways to several components of an electric system, receiving a modified version of one or more electric signals, and determining a location of an electric fault in the electric system based on a position where the modified version is measured in its passage.

Abstract: Systems are provided to determine a location of an electrical fault in an electrical system of a vehicle. A test apparatus can include a control unit and a plurality of scan circuits. The control unit is configured to electrically couple the plurality of scan circuits to the electrical system and trigger the plurality of scan circuits to pass electrical signals to the electrical system. Each scan circuit is configured to detect a presence of an electrical fault in the electrical system based on an electrical signal passed. Each scan circuit provides information indicative of a location of the electrical fault in the electrical system, when detected, to the control unit.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a wireless communication device and a controller that controls operation of the wireless communication device. The controller directs the wireless communication device to switch between operating in an off-board communication mode and operating in an onboard communication mode. The wireless communication device communicates a remote data signal with an off-board location while the wireless communication device is operating in the off-board communication mode and the wireless communication device communicates a local data signal between vehicles of the vehicle system while the wireless communication device is operating in the onboard communication mode.

Abstract: A locomotive communication system includes a wireless communication device and a controller that controls operation of the wireless communication device. The controller directs the wireless communication device to switch between operating in an off-board communication mode and operating in an onboard communication mode. The wireless communication device communicates a remote data signal with an off-board location while the wireless communication device is operating in the off-board communication mode and the wireless communication device communicates a local data signal between the propulsion-generating vehicles of the vehicle system while the wireless communication device is operating in the onboard communication mode.

Abstract: A control system and method determine an energy demand associated with delivery of cargo in a trip. The energy demand represents how much electric energy is needed to move cargo vehicles that carry the cargo through the trip. Locations of energy tenders and states of charge of the energy tenders are determined. A schedule for the cargo vehicles to deliver the cargo to a delivery location within a delivery time slot is determined. This schedule is determined based on the energy demand, the locations of the energy tenders, and the states of charge of the energy tenders. The system and method direct which of the energy tenders that the cargo vehicles are to couple with, be powered by, and move with for powering the cargo along routes to the delivery location of the trip within the designated time slot.

Abstract: A control system and method determine an energy demand associated with delivery of cargo in a trip. The energy demand represents how much electric energy is needed to move cargo vehicles that carry the cargo through the trip. Locations of energy tenders and states of charge of the energy tenders are determined. A schedule for the cargo vehicles to deliver the cargo to a delivery location within a delivery time slot is determined. This schedule is determined based on the energy demand, the locations of the energy tenders, and the states of charge of the energy tenders. The system and method direct which of the energy tenders that the cargo vehicles are to couple with, be powered by, and move with for powering the cargo along routes to the delivery location of the trip within the designated time slot.

Abstract: Systems are provided to determine a location of an electrical fault in an electrical system of a vehicle. A test apparatus can include a control unit and a plurality of scan circuits. The control unit is configured to electrically couple the plurality of scan circuits to the electrical system and trigger the plurality of scan circuits to pass electrical signals to the electrical system. Each scan circuit is configured to detect a presence of an electrical fault in the electrical system based on an electrical signal passed. Each scan circuit provides information indicative of a location of the electrical fault in the electrical system, when detected, to the control unit.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a detection circuit having a first and second sensor. The first sensor is configured to measure a rotational speed of a first wheel. The second sensor is coupled to a vehicle chassis and configured to measure a position over time of the vehicle chassis. The system further includes a controller circuit configured to determine a shock frequency based on the position of the vehicle chassis. The controller circuit is further configured to determine a condition (e.g., an anomalous condition) of the first wheel based on the shock frequency and the rotational speed, and may be further configured for vehicle control based on the determined condition.

Abstract: A control system and method determine an energy demand associated with delivery of cargo in a trip. The energy demand represents how much electric energy is needed to move cargo vehicles that carry the cargo through the trip. Locations of energy tenders and states of charge of the energy tenders are determined. A schedule for the cargo vehicles to deliver the cargo to a delivery location within a delivery time slot is determined. This schedule is determined based on the energy demand, the locations of the energy tenders, and the states of charge of the energy tenders. The system and method direct which of the energy tenders that the cargo vehicles are to couple with, be powered by, and move with for powering the cargo along routes to the delivery location of the trip within the designated time slot.

Abstract: Systems are provided to determine a location of an electrical fault in an electrical system of a vehicle. A test apparatus can include a control unit and a plurality of scan circuits. The control unit is configured to electrically couple the plurality of scan circuits to the electrical system and trigger the plurality of scan circuits to pass electrical signals to the electrical system. Each scan circuit is configured to detect a presence of an electrical fault in the electrical system based on an electrical signal passed. Each scan circuit provides information indicative of a location of the electrical fault in the electrical system, when detected, to the control unit.

Abstract: A control system and method determine an energy demand associated with delivery of cargo in a trip. The energy demand represents how much electric energy is needed to move cargo vehicles that carry the cargo through the trip. Locations of energy tenders and states of charge of the energy tenders are determined. A schedule for the cargo vehicles to deliver the cargo to a delivery location within a delivery time slot is determined. This schedule is determined based on the energy demand, the locations of the energy tenders, and the states of charge of the energy tenders. The system and method direct which of the energy tenders that the cargo vehicles are to couple with, be powered by, and move with for powering the cargo along routes to the delivery location of the trip within the designated time slot.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a detection circuit having a first and second sensor. The first sensor is configured to measure a rotational speed of a first wheel. The second sensor is coupled to a vehicle chassis and configured to measure a position over time of the vehicle chassis. The system further includes a controller circuit configured to determine a shock frequency based on the position of the vehicle chassis. The controller circuit is further configured to determine a condition (e.g., an anomalous condition) of the first wheel based on the shock frequency and the rotational speed, and may be further configured for vehicle control based on the determined condition.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors, a communication device, and a positive train control (PTC) system. The one or more processors and communication device are onboard a lead vehicle of a vehicle system that includes the lead vehicle and a first remote vehicle. The PTC system is configured to restrict movement of the vehicle system based on a location of the vehicle system. The PTC system communicates a list of vehicle identifiers to the one or more processors. The communication device communicates a wireless linking message, which includes a vehicle identifier associated with the first remote vehicle, to the first remote vehicle. The communication device establishes a communication link between the lead vehicle and the first remote vehicle responsive to receipt of the wireless linking message at the first remote vehicle. The one or more processors remotely control movement of the first remote vehicle via the communication link.