Abstract: Automatic control of the temperature of the inlet air being supplied to the engine (12) of a locomotive (10) in order to optimize the performance of the engine (12) under a variety of ambient air temperatures and pressures. One or more valves (38) is utilized to control the flow of warm air from the engine compartment (14) into the air inlet path (20). The position of valve (38) is controlled by controller (42) in response to at least one of an ambient air temperature signal TA, an ambient atmospheric pressure signal PA, and an inlet air temperature signal TI. The temperature of the air flowing through the warm air flow path 28 may be controlled by selecting from among a plurality of possible inlets (30, 32, 50). By varying the volume and temperature of the air flowing through the warm air flow path (28), the temperature and density of the air supplied at the engine inlet (18) may be moderated across a broad range of ambient air temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling fuel injection timing in an engine operable in a selected one of a plurality of engine notch positions are provided. The system includes a module for determining whether a fuel value indicative of a fuel quantity to be delivered to the engine is within a predetermined fuel value range for the selected one of the plurality of notches. The system further includes a module for setting a predetermined fuel injection timing value that uniquely corresponds to the selected one of the plurality of notches upon verification that the fuel value is within the predetermined fuel value range.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying a plurality of critical faults in machines is provided. The method allows for collecting from a predetermined plurality of the machines respective machine data indicative of each fault logged over a predetermined period of time. Respective identifying steps allow for identifying in the collected machine data respective faults most frequently occurring relative to one another and for identifying in the most frequently occurring faults, respective faults that, relative to one another, affect a higher number of machines. A classifying step allows for classifying the faults identified in the last-recited identifying step based on an expected level of machine degradation associated with the identified faults, and a storing step allows for storing any faults classified as likely to result in an imminent machine mission failure in a predetermined database of critical faults.

Abstract: A diesel locomotive engine (10) having a combustion chamber (30) formed into the cylinder head (16) to have a diameter (D2) greater than the diameter (D1) of the cylinder liner (14). A piston (20) is disposed for reciprocating motion in the cylinder. The piston has a top wall (36) with a convex surface to form a generally ring-shaped combustion volume. A fuel injection nozzle (28) directs a flow of fuel into the combustion chamber in a direction generally along a radius of the generally ring-shaped combustion volume at a pressure of more than 1800 bar in one embodiment. A cooling passage (42) is formed in the cylinder head to remove heat energy, thereby reducing the production of the oxides of nitrogen during engine operation.

Abstract: This invention is for a method and/or solution for treatment of Golden Pine Syndrome. The mixture ideally is a diluted acidic solution that contains 3% to 6% iron (iron sulfate) by weight, 1% to 4% by weight of zinc (zinc sulfate), 0.1 to 4.0% manganese (in the form of manganese sulfate or oxide) and 10% or less of sulfuric acid. The remaining solution by weight is water. This solution is derived from waste pickle liquor disposed from a ferrous galvanizing process.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve having a cam disposed near an opening of a fuel passage. The cam is operable to be rotated about a shaft by the action of a float. As a fluid level in a tank changes, the cam rotates from an open position remote from the opening to a closed position (as illustrated) proximate the opening. A gap remains between the cam and the opening, thereby allowing the fluid level to be drawn down to the bottom of opening. Float has a generally wedge shaped cross-section to minimize the effect of wave action in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus (11) for controlling the peak pressure in the combustion chamber (46) of a turbo-charged diesel locomotive engine (12). A pressure relief valve (56) is disposed in the compressor discharge downstream of the turbo-charger (18). The relief valve (56) is operable to release a selected amount (58) of the compressed air (24) produced by the compressor section (20) of turbo-charger (18). The actuation of valve (56) may be a function of the pressure of the compressed air (24), and/or a manifold air temperature signal (52) and a fuel injection timing signal (40). An actuator (60) attached to valve (56) is responsive to a valve position signal (62) generated by a controller (38) having the appropriate inputs and programmed logic capability.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting malfunctions in a power inverter having one or more legs connected between first and second voltage buses is provided. Each leg has respective first and second controllable switches coupled in series to one another. The method allows for applying predetermined respective voltages at the first and second buses. The method further allows for selectively actuating the first and second switches between respective conductive or non-conductive states.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of an engine during a bog condition is provided. The method allows for monitoring values of a commanded engine RPM signal and of an actual engine RPM signal. The method further allows for determining whether the difference between respective values of the commanded engine RPM signal and the actual engine RPM signal exceeds a predetermined threshold RPM value. An inflection determining step allows for continuing to monitor values of the actual engine RPM signal to determine an inflection RPM point. A varying step allows for controllably varying the commanded engine RPM signal from a predetermined point about the inflection RPM point towards a desired commanded speed value.

Abstract: A method and system for determining degradation of fuel pump performance in a locomotive having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method allows for monitoring a signal indicative of a fuel value delivered by the fuel pump and for adjusting the value of the monitored signal for deviations from an estimated nominal fuel value due to external variables to generate an adjusted fuel value. The method further allows for comparing the value of the adjusted fuel value against the nominal fuel value to determine the performance of the pump.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a turbocharged compression-ignition engine having an intercooling system that uses a predetermined coolant fluid is provided. The engine is configured to receive a predetermined combustion-supporting fluid into a plurality of cylinders through a respective intake manifold. The method allows for detecting a full or high load engine condition using the amount of fuel injected into a cylinder per cylinder cycle and/or throttle notch position. The method also allows for sensing a predetermined parameter indicative of a respective ambient condition. The method further allows for selecting a desired value of a predetermined operational parameter that influences peak pressures developed within the cylinders. The desired value being selected based on the value of the parameter indicative of the ambient condition. A comparing step allows for comparing an actual value of the operational parameter against the desired value of that operational parameter.

Abstract: A woodwind instrument reed maintenance device that extends the life of a used reed by removing the tip of the reed by burning. The device achieves extended life, and a brighter or a more projected sound from a used reed due to the cauterization of the woody longitudinal fibers called vascular bundles, running vertically the entire length of the reed. The device holds the reed securely and is designed to retain the burned tip at the precise angles or arc of the cut of the tip so as to maintain a working relationship with the woodwind mouthpiece. In addition, the top portion utilizes an angled tip to not only secure the reed in the device, but to prevent back burn to playable areas of the reed surfaces.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a compression ignition engine in railroad locomotives and other land or marine-based large propulsion or power generation equipment operable in a selected one of a plurality of engine throttle notches is provided. Each throttle notch is indicative of a respective load condition of the engine. The engine has an intercooling system using a predetermined cooling fluid and the engine is configured to receive a predetermined combustion-supporting fluid (e.g., air) into a plurality of cylinders through respective intake manifolds. The method allows for sensing the selected throttle notch, and for selectively actuating the intercooling system to adjust a predetermined operational parameter (e.g., intake manifold air temperature) based on the sensed throttle notch and/or environmental conditions.