Abstract: A system is provided for reducing a penalty period for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a braking system that switches into an application state upon commencement of the penalty period. The braking system includes a fluid carrying brake pipe which connects a first powered unit and a remote powered unit. The system includes a sensor positioned within the vehicle, which measures a parameter related to the operation of the braking system. A control processor is positioned within the first powered unit, and is coupled to the sensor. Subsequent to the commencement of the penalty period, the control processor monitors the measured parameter and switches the braking system from the application state into a release state to reduce the penalty period, based on the measured parameter falling within a predetermined safety range.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing a penalty period for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a braking system that switches into an application state upon commencement of the penalty period. The braking system includes a fluid carrying brake pipe which connects a first powered unit and a remote powered unit. The system includes a sensor positioned within the vehicle, which measures a parameter related to the operation of the braking system. A control processor is positioned within the first powered unit, and is coupled to the sensor. Subsequent to the commencement of the penalty period, the control processor monitors the measured parameter and switches the braking system from the application state into a release state to reduce the penalty period, based on the measured parameter falling within a predetermined safety range.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing a penalty period for a distributed power train. The distributed power train includes a braking system that switches into an application state upon commencement of the penalty period. The braking system includes a fluid carrying brake pipe which connects a first locomotive and a remote locomotive. The system includes a sensor positioned within the distributed power train, which measures a parameter related to the operation of the braking system. A control processor is positioned within the first locomotive, and is coupled to the sensor. Subsequent to the commencement of the penalty period, the control processor monitors the measured parameter and switches the braking system from the application state into a release state to reduce the penalty period, based on the measured parameter falling within a predetermined safety range. Additionally, a method is provided for reducing a penalty period for a distributed power train.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing a penalty period for a distributed power train. The distributed power train includes a braking system that switches into an application state upon commencement of the penalty period. The braking system includes a fluid carrying brake pipe which connects a first locomotive and a remote locomotive. The system includes a sensor positioned within the distributed power train, which measures a parameter related to the operation of the braking system. A control processor is positioned within the first locomotive, and is coupled to the sensor. Subsequent to the commencement of the penalty period, the control processor monitors the measured parameter and switches the braking system from the application state into a release state to reduce the penalty period, based on the measured parameter falling within a predetermined safety range. Additionally, a method is provided for reducing a penalty period for a distributed power train.

Abstract: A pneumatic braking method and system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a brake cylinder, a reservoir, a latching exhaust valve (LEV) movable between an open position and closed position and fluidly connected between the reservoir and the brake cylinder. The LEV includes a first solenoid having a first pilot fluidly connected to the reservoir and a second solenoid having a second pilot fluidly connected to the reservoir wherein the pilots are configured to be controlled electronically and pneumatically, and are selectable between electronic and pneumatic control based on vehicle operating requirements. The solenoids are configured to be piloted with pneumatic pressure from the reservoir and an electronic controller that includes a release on failure circuit. The release on failure circuit is configured to control the LEV during at least one of a loss of power to the braking system and a failure of the electronic controller.

Abstract: A pneumatic braking method and system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a brake cylinder, a reservoir, a latching exhaust valve (LEV) movable between an open position and closed position and fluidly connected between the reservoir and the brake cylinder. The LEV includes a first solenoid having a first pilot fluidly connected to the reservoir and a second solenoid having a second pilot fluidly connected to the reservoir wherein the pilots are configured to be controlled electronically and pneumatically, said selectable between electronic and pneumatic control based on the vehicle operating requirements. The solenoids are configured to be piloted with pneumatic pressure from the reservoir and an electronic controller that includes a release on failure circuit. The release on failure circuit is configured to control the LEV during at least one of a loss of power to the braking system and a failure of the electronic controller.