Abstract: A method for switching railcars at a railroad yard includes accessing a list of selected railcars for an outgoing train. The method further includes generating a plurality of train consists that each comply with a set of train rules. The method further includes displaying indications of the generated train consists and their associated number of railyard switch moves on an electronic display. The method further includes receiving a user selection of a desired train consist from the plurality of displayed train consists. The method further includes generating a plurality of switch lists according to the desired train consist and a current inventory of railcars in the railyard. The switch lists include instructions about how to form the desired train consist in the railyard. The method further includes displaying the plurality of switch lists on the electronic display.

Abstract: An article sorting facility includes a plurality of storage members each configured to store one or more articles, a plurality of article transport vehicles each capable of traveling in at least a portion of a preset travel lane with one or more support members on board, each support member being configured to support one or more articles; a plurality of work areas each configured to allow work to be performed to transfer articles between one or more storage members and at least one of the one or more support members on board an article transport vehicle in the travel lane, wherein each of the work areas is located adjacent to one or more storage members and to the travel lane, wherein the plurality of work areas are arranged one adjacent to another along the travel lane, and wherein two or more article transport vehicles are in the travel lane simultaneously to travel in a line.

Abstract: A railway facility with high throughput loop track includes a series of adjacent parallel staging tracks connected to a main line to receive and depart trains, arranged in a path so that trains transverse around the railway facility. A balloon loop track, which includes a loading or unloading facility, is connected to the staging tracks loops and reverses the direction of the train so that upon completion of loading or unloading a train can depart or be re-staged without requiring repositioning or turning of locomotives. Staging tracks are included for staging both arriving and departing trains. In alternative embodiments transload tracks and at-grade access roads allow storage and retrieval of cargo to interior space within the staging tracks, and an escape track allows expedited exit of trains from the balloon loop track.

Abstract: An object is to enable wireless communication between a portable terminal and on-board devices, and enable wireless connection to a train composition to be subjected to maintenance even in the presence of a plurality of train compositions. A control transmission device is mounted on a train and includes: a port connectable by wire to a maintenance communication device that is an external terminal; a train composition number notification unit that provides notification of a train composition number of the train; and a wireless network ID reception unit that receives a wireless network ID for constructing a wireless network. The wireless network ID received by the wireless network ID reception unit is generated based on the train composition number provided by the train composition number notification unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the automated inspection of geometric parameters of railway wheels rolling on a track by artificial vision techniques. The present invention uses a structured light source (10) that illuminates a line of light (12) upon a fraction of the surface of revolution (3) of a wheel (1), a CCD camera (20), which captures an image (21) of the illuminated area, and a data processing system that records, digitalizes, geometrically corrects and reconstructs information of the surface of revolution (3) that is not recorded in the image (21), in order to obtain a numeric description of the complete transverse section of the wheel (1) represented by a reconstructed profilogram (500) for calculating the geometric parameters of the wheel (1).

Abstract: A method is described for the installation of slab tracks in tunnels, in particular tracks on a slab of concrete, with the optimized design and execution characteristics, and substantially increased performance compared to the normal known methods. The method includes a succession of phases executed in order, with the help of an auxiliary track, Consisting of the design of the construction section, the construction of the railway yards, assembly of the auxiliary track from the evacuation platform, execution of the foundation base, assembly of the track in slabs, transitions from slab track—ballast track, and placement of long bars and welding.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a gas actuated retarder system for railway cars to control the rolling speed of a railway car along a first and second running rails of a track section. The retarder system includes a plurality of steel ties positioned substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second running rails of a track section. A plurality of gas bladder mounts are positions between the running rails of the gas actuated retarder system. Coupled to each of the gas bladder mounts are air bladders with one air bladder on a side of the centerline of the gas actuated retarder system. Inflating and deflating the gas bladder selectively controls the amount of speed reduction of the railcar.

Abstract: A system for forecasting the outbound workload in a switchyard. The system has a processing entity for which receives information on railcar traffic for handling by the switchyard, wherein the railcar traffic includes railcars that are yet to be switched into classification tracks of the switchyard. For every departure train of two or more departure trains, the processing entity applies logic rules to the information to compute a forecast of railcar traffic that will be available to the departure train for transport out of the switchyard. An output releases data derived from the forecast of railcar traffic, describing the traffic available for each train of the two or more departure trains.

Abstract: A system for transferring railroad cars from incoming receiving tracks to classification tracks for building outgoing trains includes a plurality of incoming receiving tracks, a plurality of outgoing classification tracks and one or more transfer tables for moving railroad cars from the incoming receiving tracks to designated outgoing classification tracks. Each transfer table has a plurality of track segments. Incoming railroad cars are received on a plurality of incoming receiving tracks. A first car is uncoupled from a following second car on each of the receiving tracks having cars. The uncoupled first car is moved from the incoming receiving track onto a corresponding track segment on the transfer table. The transfer table is moved to align a selected track segment with an appropriate classification track for the corresponding railroad car. The transfer table is moved and aligned with appropriate classification tracks until each railroad car has been transferred to the appropriate classification track.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the location of rolling stock within a controlled area of a railway system is provided. The system includes a plurality of axle counters within the controlled area, wherein the axle counts are associated with a global sequence identifier. A central controller processes the axle counts and associated global sequence identifier in conjunction with a list of rolling stock entering the controlled area to provide a real time map of the location of each piece of rolling stock within the controlled area.

Abstract: A solution for further automating the identification, processing, and/or routing of rail vehicles is provided. Each individual rail vehicle in a series of rail vehicles is identified and measurement data is acquired for the rail vehicle. The measurement data is analyzed and the rail vehicle is automatically routed based on the analysis. The rail vehicle can be routed to an outbound track based on a destination, to a maintenance shop for repair, and/or to a local track for repair and/or re-measurement. The solution can further incorporate expert systems and data mining to reduce the number of rail vehicles that are unnecessarily routed for repair and/or inadvertently allowed to pass with one or more unsafe conditions.

Abstract: A system for transferring railroad cars from incoming receiving tracks to classification tracks for building outgoing trains is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of incoming receiving tracks, a plurality of outgoing classification tracks and one or more transfer tables for moving railroad cars from the incoming receiving tracks to designated outgoing classification tracks. Each transfer table has a plurality of track segments. Also disclosed is a method for transferring railroad cars from incoming receiving tracks to classification tracks for building outgoing trains is disclosed. Incoming railroad cars are received on a plurality of incoming receiving tracks. A first car is uncoupled from a following second car on each of the receiving tracks having cars. The uncoupled first car is moved from the incoming receiving track onto a corresponding track segment on the transfer table.

Abstract: A system for forecasting the outbound workload in a switchyard. The system has a processing entity for which receives information on railcar traffic for handling by the switchyard, wherein the railcar traffic includes railcars that are yet to be switched into classification tracks of the switchyard. For every departure train of two or more departure trains, the processing entity applies logic rules to the information to compute a forecast of railcar traffic that will be available to the departure train for transport out of the switchyard. An output releases data derived from the forecast of railcar traffic, describing the traffic available for each train of the two or more departure trains.

Abstract: As embodied and broadly described herein the invention includes a system for computing a preferred sequence in which cars in a switching queue of a railway switchyard are to be sequentially switched to classification tracks. The system has a processing entity for determining within a given set of cars at least two possible sequences in which the cars in the set can be switched and applying logic rules for identifying among the sequences a preferred sequence. The system also has an output for releasing data describing the preferred sequence.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: An intermodal transportation system having interconnected railcars adapted for transporting interconnected freight trailers where the freight trailers remain connected while being transported on the railcars. Individual trailers are assembled into trailer assemblies at an assembly area. Trailers containing freight are assembled into trailer assembles using specialized dollies. A preferred embodiment includes using a self-powered dolly having tires and mounting a fifth-wheel pickup plate and a ring coupler for engaging the kingpin of a trailer. Multiple dolly-trailer assemblies are connected together to form a trailer assembly. A self-powered movable ramp is positioned at an end of the railcar assembly and a tractor pulls the trailer assembly onto a railcar assembly by driving up a self-powered movable ramp and across the top of the railcars.

Abstract: This is a device by which certain areas of classification yards and railcar systems may be monitored via video capture in order to detect certain occupants in a particular area. This would ensure greater rail yard safety in terms of personal property and also minimize the risk of personal injury to a worker or the general population.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a computer-aided rail yard plan for the movement of plural railcars through a rail yard, the rail yard having tracks that are used as receiving tracks, classification tracks and departure tracks and the plural railcars arriving on inbound trains and departing on outbound trains, the plural railcars required to undergo a sequence of tasks to move through the rail yard, the yard plan providing (a) a schedule for receiving trains, (b) a schedule for inspecting cars on receiving tracks, (c) a schedule for humping cars from receiving tracks into classification tracks, (d) a schedule for pulling trains onto departure tracks, (e) a schedule for testing trains, and (f) a schedule for departing trains.

Abstract: A scheduling system and method for moving plural objects through a system described as a freight railway scheduling system. The scheduling system utilizes a cost reactive resource scheduler to minimize resource exception while at the same time minimizing the global costs associated with the solution. The achievable movement plan can be used to assist in the control of, or to automatically control, the movement of trains through the system. Train location reports used in the automatic updating of the movement plans are selectively disabled for individual trains as a function of the activity scheduled for that train.

Abstract: The new system of components involves improved efficiency of business operations for railroad, semi-tractor trailer, and shipping and storage containers. The new divided compartment multiple subunit rolling or knob door climate controlled shipping and storage cars, break down containers, and light weight aluminum containers and cars interconnect manufacturer's facilities with staging warehouses with storage, and transportation yards and retail/wholesale manufacturers and service related businesses. Stacked interchangeable components allow quick erection for immediate demand unit usage and quick conversion from railroad to highway mode without unloading of standardized cubicle containers and cars to improve operating efficiency. The new usages and locations of hook holes for lifting components allows car and frame usage in locations with crane or forklift availability. The new storage units allow for small or larger load transportation at lower cost.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact and portable reconditioning station that avails all of the tools and materials that a technician needs for reconditioning a wheel. Additionally, the station enables the technician to rotate and index the wheel by depression of a footpedal to leave his hands free to manipulate the various tools that are used during the reconditioning process. The reconditioning station is easily transportable in its compact stowed configuration and is quickly deployable at the jobsite.

Abstract: An automation system for train maintenance that performs operations related to train maintenance without human intervention is provided. The automation system for train maintenance comprises a refuse reservoir (10), a sewage tank (20), a water tank (30), and expanders (41, 42, 51, 61). In this automation system, when a railway vehicle is parked, the expanders (41, 42, 51, 61) are expanded to lift connectors (45, 54, 64) toward the railway vehicle for connection to the refuse reservoir (10), sewage tank (20), and water tank (30). In this automation system, discharge of refuse, removal of sewage, and feeding of water are automatically performed. Upon completion of these operations, the expanders (41, 42, 51, 61) are contracted so that the connectors (44, 45, 54, 55, 64, 65) are stored in waiting locations (48, 58). Therefore, use of this automation system for train maintenance allows automatic train maintenance without human intervention.

Abstract: In a railroad locomotive having a plurality of systems which collectively are used for locomotive operations, a method of self-healing a system of the plurality of systems comprising monitoring operational conditions of the system, detecting at least one of a pending and a current failure, determining a self-healing procedure to correct the failure, and applying the self-healing procedure comprising at least one of a safe mode technique, a redundancy technique, and an automatic configuration technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for repairing, cleaning, painting, or otherwise maintaining railcars within a railcar maintenance facility. Specifically, the present invention relates to a process for maintaining railcars within a facility wherein the facility has an inbound track, an outbound track, and a plurality of maintenance stations for moving a railcar in and out of the facility and for repairing, cleaning, or painting the same. Further, the railcar repair process allows for efficient movement of railcars through the facility by queuing the railcars at strategic locations within the railcar facility.

Abstract: The on site maintenance system for metal railcar wheels enables the user to establish a portable, stationary guide rail system about a remotely located railcar and then through use of a traversing guide rail system and lathe assembly grind the many wheels of a railcar with minimal time. The traversing guide rail system rollingly traverses upon side guide rails of the stationary guide rail system and is clamped to existing rails in a desired position. Likewise, the lathe system rollingly traverses upon the cross-wise guide rails of the traversing guide rail system. The lathe system then additionally provides three axes movement for fine-tune positioning of the lathe bit to achieve a desired grind profile of the metal railcar wheel. The wheel being ground is driven by a drive powered by the railcar or may be driven by an external drive and motor connected to the exterior hub of the wheel.

Abstract: A high capacity, multiple-stage railway car switching yard connects together two or more subyards. Each subyard has a fully open arrival/departure end and may have a continuously descending gradient throughout the entire length of its classification tracks. The subyards are positioned opposite one another, so classification tracks of one subyard can serve as receiving tracks for another subyard. Escape tracks are interconnected between the two subyards to provide a higher capacity and more efficiency and flexibility than a single yard by itself.

Abstract: Facilities for repairing, cleaning, painting, or other maintaining railcars are provided. The facilities include an inbound railway, a plurality of queue areas, a railcar transfer apparatus, and a plurality of repair stations. The facility may be utilized to move a railcar in and out of the facility to repair, clean, or paint the same. Further, railcar repair facility allows for the efficient movement of railcars through the facility by queuing the railcars at strategic locations within the railcar facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for managing the repairing, cleaning, painting, or otherwise maintaining of railcars within a railcar maintenance facility. Specifically, the present invention relates to a railcar maintenance management system and method for maintaining railcars within a facility wherein the facility has an inbound track, an outbound track, and a plurality of maintenance stations for moving a railcar in and out of the facility and for repairing, cleaning, or painting the same. Further, the railcar maintenance management system and method allows for efficient movement of railcars through the facility by queueing the railcars at strategic locations within the railcar facility.

Abstract: A high capacity, multiple-stage railway car switching yard connects together two or more subyards. Each subyard has a fully open arrival/departure end and may have a continuously descending gradient throughout the entire length of its classification tracks. The subyards are positioned opposite one another, so classification tracks of one subyard can serve as receiving tracks for another subyard. Escape tracks are interconnected between the two subyards to provide a higher capacity and more efficiency and flexibility than a single yard by itself.

Abstract: A new method of sorting railroad cars in yards is presented, whereby outbound trains are built in proper standing order for departure directly on classification tracks, using a continuously sustainable multi-stage sorting process. During this process, cars are easily separated based on priority or according to their delivery time commitments, so connections of cars needing to go on a specific train can be protected. During second stage sorting operations, railcars may be inspected or repaired while they await outbound connections on classification tracks, effectively utilizing otherwise idle time and resulting in considerable savings in time required for railcars to pass through the yard. The need for a separate departure yard, along with the bottleneck “flat” switching operation at the departure end of the classification yard, is also eliminated.