Abstract: A system and a method automatically detect whether a vehicle entering a track section of a railway network is shorter than a predefined length. The method includes detecting at a time T0 an entry of the vehicle on a first track subsection. From the time T0, the occupancy states of at least a first subsection and a third subsection are determined in dependence on the time. The occupancy state is either “occupied” or “free”. The occupancy states for at least first and third subsections is reported to an evaluation unit at least until the occupancy state of the first subsection is “free”. The reported occupancy states determined for the at least first and third subsections are processed by the evaluation unit, and from a temporal evolution of the occupancy states of the first and third subsections, it is determined whether the entering vehicle is shorter than the predefined length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device for measuring vertical rail measurements under service to record and report excessive vertical rail movement to prevent a train from derailing. The device may be pivoting with a tilt sensor and light-weight. The device may include a microprocessor, sensors, and a display. The device may be installed on the rail. The device may sense an approaching train, automatically turn on the device, and measure the real-time vertical displacement and the maximum/minimum vertical movement of the rail while the train is operating over the rail at all speeds.

Abstract: A method and a system for checking the correct rail position of a guide member of a guided vehicle. The system is based on the use of an electrical switch designed to cooperate with a guide member of the vehicle guided by at least one guide rail. The switch has two states, respectively a first state and a second state. In one of the states the electrical switch is open and in the other state the electrical switch is closed. The switch is mounted on a load-bearing structure such that it is able to interact with the guide member. The switch is able to switch from the first state to the second state by interacting with at least one part of the guide member.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method of detecting an object beneath a train. The method may include receiving a first signal indicative of a speed of the train, receiving a second signal indicative of a three generated by impact of the object with an impact element, and selecting a threshold value based on the speed of the train. The method may also include processing the second signal in accordance with a first procedure if the first signal indicates a speed of the train less than the threshold level, and processing the second signal in accordance with a second procedure different from the first procedure if the first signal is equal to or greater than the threshold level.

Abstract: In order to measure a speed of a vehicle having an antenna and travelling on a track formed by two rails, first and second discontinuities are detected. The first discontinuity is detected in a current or voltage of a signal generated by an antenna when the vehicle passes a first tuning block of an electric joint. The second discontinuity is detected in a current or voltage of a signal generated by the antenna when the vehicle passes a second tuning block of the electric joint. The detected discontinuities are used to measure the speed of the vehicle travelling on a track divided in track sections separated by electric joints. Each electric joint includes two tuning blocks and a predetermined length of a track section, wherein each of the tuning blocks allows power coupling between adjacent track sections.

Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and apparatti generally define inventions that detect and alert train crews of a potentially unsafe condition caused by equipment hanging below any portion of the train. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The container comprises a cylindrical member 20 which constitutes the side wall member, a bottom member 30 which is in contact with the bottom plane of the cylindrical member 20 and which constitutes the bottom part, and an engaged fixing part 35 for engaging the cylindrical member 20 with the bottom member 30; the cylindrical member 20 and the bottom member 30 sandwiches the carrier tape T from one side T1 of the carrier tape T and from the other side T2 of the carrier tape T, respectively, such that one of the plural thing section samples P1 may be disposed inside the cylindrical member 20. Accordingly, without cutting a sequence of tapes carrying thereon the thin section samples of biomedical tissues, each of the thin section samples of the biomedical tissues can be individually processed with different chemicals depending on the required observation for various types of biomedical tissues.

Abstract: A train detection mechanism for detecting the presence of a train on a section of track, the track section including first and second rails 1, 2 and delimited by first and second ends thereof, includes current injector for injecting current into the first rail at the first end of the section and current receiver for receiving current from the second rail at the first end of the section, and a shunt 3 connected between the first and second rails at the second end of the section, characterized in that the shunt includes a switch 4 for controlling current flow through the shunt, the switch being operable by the passage of a train.

Abstract: A system for detecting and classifying a wheel of a rail vehicle traveling on a railway track includes a plurality of wheel detectors coupled to one rail of the railway track and configured to detect presence of the wheel and to generate signals representative thereof. A processing system is coupled to the wheel detectors and configured to receive and process the signals. The processing system is configured to classify the wheel based on a speed independent classification value calculated based on the signals from the wheel detectors.

Abstract: A system and method for data logging, collection, and analysis techniques. Logging, collection, and analysis of data relating to the condition of a structure, such as a railway rail. Monitoring the neutral temperature of a railway rail.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with a railroad dragging equipment detecting (DED) system that detects objects hanging from and dragged beneath a train as the train travels along rails of a railroad track. A generator supplies a first signal and is coupled to a magnetic amplifier coil to form a magnetically variable impedance circuit. The magnetic amplifier coil is responsive to the first signal to create a circuit impedance in series with a detection circuit. A magnet is mechanically connected to the cam/follower system and is positioned near the magnetic amplifier core for varying a circuit impedance of the detection circuit. A detection circuit generates a second signal as a function of variations in circuit impedance. A controller is responsive to the second signal for activating an alarm when the magnet moves relative to the magnetic amplifier coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling electrical devices such as electric trains using a computer is disclosed. The invention utilizes standard ports that appear on most computers, and works with standard well-known widely commercially available train sets. The invention has customized software and circuitry for managing the speed and direction of one or more motors, and also for controlling the configuration of track turnouts. The invention can also be configured and updated by the user to fit the characteristics of a user's specific layout.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling electrical devices such as electric trains using a computer is disclosed. The invention utilizes standard ports that appear on most computers, and works with standard well-known widely commercially available train sets. The invention has customized software and circuitry for managing the speed and direction of one or more motors, and also for controlling the configuration of track turnouts. The invention can also be configured and updated by the user to fit the characteristics of a user's specific layout.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method of detecting a broken rail in a railway system. The track sensing circuitry of the present invention applies a voltage source at each end of a block of rails and senses the current flowing through the circuitry. The present invention will detect broken rails continuously in a block, even with a train present (except for a break directly beneath the train). Since the rail is continuously checked, the only restriction imposed on train spacing by this track circuit configuration is that only one train can be present in a block at a time.

Abstract: A reliable and consistent electrical contact path between the rails of a section of railroad track established by the shunting effect of the wheels and axles of a train is ensured by applying time-spaced, short duration electrical pulses to the rails at a voltage level sufficient to overcome poor wheel/rail contact. Each of the pulses is produced by a generator that discharges a capacitor across the rails. The narrow pulse width inductively isolates the pulse generator and associated track section from adjacent stretches of track, and the spacing between pulses further avoids interference with other types of electrical track equipment. A detector responsive to the voltage on the rails disables the pulse generator when the received voltage exceeds a threshold and thus indicates that no train wheels are present in the track section. In a grade crossing warning system, once activated the pulse generator and detector assume the role of the island detection circuit and maintain the crossing warning.

Abstract: This invention pertains to model railroads and specifically to the problem of detecting the presence or absence of cars, locomotives, or obstructions which may occupy a particular section of track. Modulated signals of radio frequency are applied to the track via a balanced transformer and detected synchronously. A circuit is provided for nulling the detected signal in the absence of any occupation in such a manner that any change in detected signal represents an item which occupies that track section. The use of radio frequency signals and synchronous detection enables the system to be very sensitive, and to detect objects which do not necessarily form a direct current path across the rails.

Abstract: A measuring stretch along a railway track of a transloading system has an array of switches with respective sensors positioned for engagement by a wheel of a railway carriage. The lateral displacement of the railway carriage wheel is prevented by a guide disposed along the rail at the level of the head at a distance of 30 to 50 mm from the head of the rail. The row of switches can be provided on the opposite side of this rail. The switches synchronize a transloader with the rail vehicle via a computer to which the switches are operatively connected.

Abstract: A model railroad car position indicator includes a sensor receptive to the presence of a model railroad car on a track. Control circuitry determines the location of the car relative to a predetermined position on the track and approves initiation of a model train process if the car is within a range of acceptable positions for initiating the process. A preferred embodiment includes circuitry for determining whether the car velocity is less than a predetermined threshold velocity. In this embodiment, approval of initiation of the model train process is conditioned on both the car position being acceptable and the car velocity being acceptable. An indicator provides feedback to the model train operator for manual initiation of the model train process. Alternatively, the control circuit may automatically initiate the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing the movement of a train around a model railroad track having one or more turn-outs activated by at least two separate arming signals. Each signal is linked to a specified direction of the turn-outs such as straight, curve right, or curve left. The arming signal is sent to all turn-outs on the railroad track but only the turn-out which the train is approaching is toggled to a position corresponding to the arming signal. All turn-outs over which the train is moving at the time the arming signal is sent are disarmed to prevent the train from derailing due to the toggling turn-out. Proximity-selection switches may also be used for slot-car operation or for city or highway vehicles which are part of a model or miniature diorama within the model railroad layout.

Abstract: A hazard predictor that processes both rail and superstructure measurements to predict some potentially hazardous conditions on a railway structure. Measurement is collected in real time with the aid of fiber optic sensor based linear array mesh, and processed with a neural network. Sensors placed under the rail and sensors placed laterally of the rail provide data collection in real time both during occupied and unoccupied periods. In some embodiments the measurement data is compressed into two signatures which can be represented as two vectors. The collinearity of the vectors and the angle between the vectors are utilized to interpret the data as to track conditions. The angle between the descriptors can be used to predict the severity of degradation of the structure. The predictor can be used to manage maintenance of the structure and interface with existing railway signalling equipment to provide traffic management.

Abstract: An electronic control system for model railroads incorporates electronics which "arms" all railroad track switch turn-outs (here after referred to as "turn-outs") at once, selects and toggles the state of a specific turnout by the approach of a model train directly after arming, and "disarms" all the turnouts at once when the selected turnout has operated. A variation of this method is also applied to model railroad electric uncoupler track sections or automatic unloader track sections to arm, select, operate and then disarm any desired track section.

Abstract: A system for detecting one or more vehicles, such as a train, on a rail track, includes at least one optical conductor extending near and parallel to the rail track with a light source and light detector coupled thereto. One or more sensors are coupled to the rail track and include the light conductor, which sensors affect the light attenuation in the light conductor locally upon the presence of the vehicle. The sensor includes a free elongated element, which is connected to the mass of the sensor housing via an elastic hinge connection. One end of the element lies against the light conductor running through the sensor housing, which one end subjects the conductor to a microbending in dependence on displacement of the rail.

Abstract: A railway track circuit system utilizing an optical sensor which emits a vehicle detection light signal when a railway vehicle is present in a track section. A reference light signal is also generated by a light emission source. A detector in optical communication with the optical sensor receives the vehicle detection light signal. Information contained in the vehicle detection light signal is interpreted by a processor to detect the railway vehicle. In presently preferred embodiments, the sensor may comprise an elongated optical fiber conductor extending along the track section or a plurality of cascaded localized sensors. The sensor may generally also be utilized as a communication medium to pass communication data between opposite ends of the track section. Depending on the exigencies of the particular application, the sensor may be located within the track section in a number of ways.

Abstract: An improved railroad signal system is described in which a train is allowed to approach a block even if a red light is activated for the block. A white numbered light is activated indicating the maximum permissible speed of the train. The system includes a home clearing relay and a station timing relay which are activated by two separate circuits thereby eliminating a wire loop.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for adjusting the height of a monitor with respect to the rail head of a rail having a first bracket adapted to be connected to the rail and a secured bracket adapted to be connected to the monitor, the brackets are releasably connected to each other by a vertically movable slide arrangement comprising mating surfaces one of them having an elongate recess and the other having a complementary protrusion to prevent relative tilting or canting of the brackets.

Abstract: A portable, reusable derailment signaling device has an elongated base, clamps on each end of the base adapted to affix the base firmly to the pedestals of spaced railroad tracks with the base positioned between the pedestals. Restraining shoulders are located on the base adjacent each end, and a cable is attached at its ends to the restraining shoulders and extends therebetween under substantial tension. One of the restraining shoulders has a movable segment to which the cable end is attached such that derailment force applied to the cable in a generally normal direction to its axis will cause the cable to deflect from its axis and cause the segment to move to actuate a transmission unit on the base that is electrically energizable to emit a radio signal. And an electrical power unit on the base is in electrical communication with the transmission unit and is actuable by movement of the segment to energize the transmission unit to emit a signal.

Abstract: A process for localizing a mobile unit on a railway network, with a system that includes: a sensor (R) in the form of radar having an antenna (A) which is integral to the mobile unit and that cooperates with fixed markers (RP) placed alongside the railway track; a shaping circuit for a signal issued by the sensor; the radar being operative for measuring the distance traveled or the travel time; a database (BD) which contains the description of a graph of which knots or nodes represent the fixed markers and branches represent the railway tracks that connect them; and a circuit (OT) controlled by the shaped signal, connected to the radar and to the database, for determining the position of the mobile unit.

Abstract: A method is described to contactlessly measure the brake temperatures of passing railroad cars, whereby the temperatures of all current practical brake types, for instance shoe and disk brakes at the wheels, but also of separate brake disks, can be measured. The method is characterized by using a known measurement apparatus with optics followed by an infrared sensor, whereby the measurement axis of this apparatus scans the passing wheel at a height 1 to 5 cm above the rail surface, the measurement axis "looking" from the rear-bottom, namely at an anagle alpha to the horizontal of 10.degree. to 22.degree. and at an angle omega of 7.degree. to 18.degree. to a horizontal line which is perpendicular to the rails, on the wheel. The measurement apparatus is controlled by track switch means activating the apparatus as long as the wheel rolls through the measurement axis.

Abstract: A vehicle signal shunt detection apparatus responds to a first signal to establish the presence of a vehicle including a shunt circuit and then responds to a second signal to establish that the shunt circuit is operating to provide a desired predetermined vehicle signal.

Abstract: A system for sensing derailment of a remotely controlled engine including a switch integrated with a dead man control circuit for the engine to automatically stop the engine upon activation of the switch. The switch further includes a deformable copper pipe having a brass rod within the pipe but electrically insulated therefrom. The copper pipe with the brass rod, each having a terminal electrically connected to the circuit, is placed between rails in a rail yard. When the engine derails the wheels of the engine or some other part of the train press the copper pipe in communication with the brass rod thereby activating the switch and shutting down the engine.