Abstract: A method detects the presence of a vehicle on a railway track using a sensing processor monitoring a sensing system for detecting vibration into ground installed along the railway track. The sensing system includes a detection module for detecting a vehicle on the railway track. The method includes an initialization step which includes the sub-steps of emitting a first signal to be received by the sensing processor through the sensing system, sending a first message to the sensing processor, monitoring the sensing system, and configuring the detection module in function of the received first signal and configuration data received in the first message. The configuration data can include location of the initialization device, intensity/magnitude of the first signal, emission time of the first signal, and/or type of object corresponding to the first signal.

Abstract: A system for retarding the speed of a railcar comprises a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on the wheel of a railcar, and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar; a hydraulic circuit provided with a pump arrangement for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; and a control circuit coupled to the hydraulic circuit for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to move the brake between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: A retarder control valve assembly and system for controlling speed of rail cars, utilizes cartridge valves carried in a manifold body including piping and pilot control apparatus, but no wearing surfaces, dynamic seals, or moving parts. The cartridge valves are replaceable without replumbing, and include all moving valve elements and dynamic seals. The valves each include a piston controlled poppet carried on a spool movable within a cartridge body to open and close the valve and supported to withstand high side loads. The pressure sensing and feedback to the retarder system controller is at the manifold, in a pressure spike attenuating circuit having a phase modulating capability to mimic retarder pressure remotely.

Abstract: Systems for retarding the speed of a railcar comprise: a brake; a hydraulic actuator moving the brake between a closed position in which the brake applies braking pressure on a wheel of the railcar and an open position in which the brake does not apply braking pressure on the wheel of the rail car; a hydraulic circuit comprising a first manifold and a second manifold; a pump configured to pump hydraulic fluid into at least one of the first manifold and the second manifold; and a logic element controlling pressure of the fluid in the first manifold such that when the wheel enters the brake and forces the brake towards the open position. The logic element reacts to maintain a selected pressure in the first manifold, thus causing a selected braking pressure to be applied by the brake on the wheel of the railcar.

Abstract: In a method for operating a switching hump yard, at least one value for an entry speed into a first retarder is ascertained for the respective cuts in the form of rolling cars or car groups for the first retarder on the basis of a target release speed from the first retarder. At least one value for a release speed from a second retarder that lies uphill relative to the first retarder is determined for the second retarder on the basis of the ascertained at least one value for the entry speed into the first retarder. The second retarder is controlled taking into account the determined at least one value for the release speed. I also describe a control device for controlling a hump yard.

Abstract: A method for operating a switching hump yard, wherein in a first operating mode a lower master retarder is controlled in such a manner that cuts in the form of descending cars or groups of cars reach a classification track retarder of a classification track at a speed that is lower than a first threshold, a switch is made from the first operating mode into a second operating mode if a target for a cut is found in or in front of the classification track retarder of the classification track, and in the second operating mode the master retarder is controlled in such a manner that the cut reaches the determined target in or in front of the classification track retarder at a speed that is lower than a second threshold. We also describe a controller for controlling such a switching hump yard.

Abstract: Operative monitoring of track brakes involves passing an electric current through a winding of a brake magnet, measuring the electric current and comparing the temporal progression of the measured current with a saved temporal progression of a reference current. Comparison is achieved by calculating the difference between the measured current and the reference current. The difference between measured current and reference current may be temporally integrated and compared with a threshold value. To determine a magnetic coupling between track brake and track, a calculation may be made as to whether the measured current has local minima and/or local maxima during the activation of the track brake, only the temporal progression of the measured current as the current increases being subjected to a comparison with the reference current. The current may be activated in pulses, with the comparison of the measured current and the reference current being restarted with each pulse.

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: Systems and methods for retarding the speed of a railcar are provided. A supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided to a piston cylinder to actuate the cylinder and thereby move a brake into a closed position in which the brake will apply a predetermined braking pressure to a wheel of the railcar. An accumulator accumulates fluid from the circuit when the wheel forces the brake out of the closed position and supplies accumulated fluid back to the circuit as the brake moves back into the closed position to thereby maintain a substantially constant braking pressure on the wheel as it moves through the retarder.

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: Methods and apparatus for decelerating a train are provided. The method including: disposing a movable surface configured to be moved by the train as the train passes the movable surface; and converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface by the train to thereby decelerate the train. The apparatus including a railway upon which a train travels. The railway including: a movable surface extending in a direction of the train's travel; and potential energy storage device operatively connected to the movable surface for converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby slowing the train.

Abstract: The present invention provides a releasable skate retarder for railway cars. The retarder includes a plurality of spring packs including springs which bias shoe carrying beams toward running rails, trapping wheels of a railway car entering the retarder between the shoes and the running rails, and applying a frictional force to the railway car wheels for stopping the railway car and retaining the railway car in the retarder. The retarder is operable in a release mode in which an operating mechanism moves the shoe beams to a release position in which the spring force is released, allowing the railway car to move freely through the retarder. The retarder is operable in a service mode in which the operating mechanism moves the shoe beams outwardly, allowing the insertion of shims which cause the shoes to be repositioned closer to the running rails to compensate for shoe wear.

Abstract: A braking device for a pallet intended to run in a conveying track. The braking device includes a matrix and a braking element. The matrix includes the support service and exterior surface and a recess having various screws and openings. The braking element includes at least two protrusions which are disposed within the grooves of the matrix and project outwardly from the openings of the matrix at various stages of braking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a releasable skate retarder for railway cars. The retarder includes a plurality of spring packs including springs which bias shoe carrying beams toward running rails, trapping wheels of a railway car entering the retarder between the shoes and the running rails, and applying a frictional force to the railway car wheels for stopping the railway car and retaining the railway car in the retarder. The retarder is operable in a release mode in which an operating mechanism moves the shoe beams to a release position in which the spring force is released, allowing the railway car to move freely through the retarder. The retarder is operable in a service mode in which the operating mechanism moves the shoe beams outwardly, allowing the insertion of shims which cause the shoes to be repositioned closer to the running rails to compensate for shoe wear.

Abstract: A hydraulic control and operating system is provided for a railroad car retarder to control the movement of railroad cars in railroad classification yard. The system utilizes a double-acting hydraulic cylinder to operate the retarder mechanism and includes a hydraulic control circuit that provides protection against pressure spikes and high pressure excursions, high and low temperature excursions, low oil levels and oil filter fouling. The above system not only shuts itself down to prevent damage, but provides a warning to maintenance staff that service should be performed long before a need for system shut-down is required. The system includes a central operating panel in the rail yard control center, remote control panel located at the position of the retarder and the system can be connected for operation from a completely remote location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a releasable skate retarder for railway cars. The retarder includes a plurality of spring packs including springs which bias shoe carrying beams toward running rails, trapping wheels of a railway car entering the retarder between the shoes and the running rails, and applying a frictional force to the railway car wheels for stopping the railway car and retaining the railway car in the retarder. The retarder is operable in a release mode in which an operating mechanism moves the shoe beams to a release position in which the spring force is released, allowing the railway car to move freely through the retarder. The retarder is operable in a service mode in which the operating mechanism moves the shoe beams outwardly, allowing the insertion of shims which cause the shoes to be repositioned closer to the running rails to compensate for shoe wear.

Abstract: A railroad track brake in which a piston track brake is shifted out of an active state into an inactive state by a track-brake lowering device with a length of structural section extending along the piston track brake and having drag bars attached thereto while engaging the piston track brake. The active and inactive states are produced without contacting the housing of the piston track brake, and the braking process is free of acceleration forces. The drag bars contact the piston track brake only when it is in an inactive state to prevent acceleration forces.

Abstract: A piston-type rail retarder includes a shock absorber having a cylinder defining a cavity between a pair of end walls. A piston rod extends axially through one of the end walls, and a piston is mounted on the piston rod between the end walls so as to divide the cavity into first and second working chambers containing a damping fluid. A first array of passages extends through the piston and communicates between the first and second chambers, and a sprung valve assembly is provided for obturating the first array of passages in the event of the velocity of the piston rod relative to the cylinder exceeding a predetermined value. The first valve mechanism includes a valve plate and a spring for biasing the valve plate into an open position. An array of restricted orifices extend through the valve plate and communicate directly with the corresponding array of first passages when the valve plate is closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to adjustable stop-wagon retarders with locking function for wagons at high speed and disposal methods thereof, which are suitable for railway marshaling yards or rail lines where it is required to prevent wagons from running away, which are hydraulic equipment of no external energy source to automatically regulate wagon's speed and disposal methods of such equipment. The stop-wagon retarder is characterized in that a uni-directional return unit comprising a sealing valve plate and adjustable throttle valve, and a locking control valve composing of switch valve and positioning unit are mounted in the piston assembly, which make the returning speed and the locking speed for wagon at high speed adjustable, thus the aim of setting the retarder with different control levels and thresholds according to the wagon speed is realized.