Abstract: An apparatus and method for equipping a locomotive with a modular radio communication system capable of being expanded to incorporate future improvements in radio and data communication electronics. The modular radio communication system provides for the installation of a standardized mounting plate and housing onto the rooftop of the locomotive to reduce the need to make extensive mechanical and electrical modifications to the locomotive when the radio communications system is updated. Sunscreens and vent openings in the standard mounting plate and housing work to reduce the temperature of the internal components of the modular radio communications system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses system and method for analyzing operational parameter data from a malfunctioning locomotive or other large land-based, self-powered transport equipment. The method allows for receiving new operational parameter data comprising a plurality of anomaly definitions from the malfunctioning equipment. The method further allows for selecting a plurality of distinct anomaly definitions from the new operational parameter data. Respective generating steps allow for generating at least one distinct anomaly definition cluster from the plurality of distinct anomaly definitions and for generating a plurality of weighted repair and distinct anomaly definition cluster combinations. An identifying step allows for identifying at least one repair for the at least one distinct anomaly definition cluster using the plurality of weighted repair and distinct anomaly definition cluster combinations.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a vehicle has at least one wireless transmitter in on the vehicle, and in communication with the vehicle computer system. Data representative of operating parameters generated during the operation of the vehicle is downloaded to the transmitter, which transmits the data to a wireless receiver positioned proximal to a path of travel of the vehicle. The receiver is linked to a processor for transmission of the data to the processor for storage and processing if necessary. The system may also include at least one sensor, positioned proximal the path of travel, for detecting a physical phenomenon emanating from at least one vehicle component. The sensor generates a signal, which is transmitted to the processor. The processor is capable of analyzing the signal generating data indicative of operating condition of the vehicle component. The sensor, and/or receiver, mounted to a structure positioned proximal the path of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: Silencing equipment is provided for an air-cooling assembly in a large off-road vehicle having wheels, traction motors for the wheels that operate in a motoring mode to propel the vehicle and a power generating dynamic braking mode, resistor grids for dissipating the dynamic braking power, and a blower for moving cooling air past the grids to cool them. The silencing equipment may include a resistor grid housing 24 and at least one upper inlet 22 for passing cooling air to the interior of the housing. The inlet includes noise-absorbing material. A conduit 28 is provided for directing cooling air from the upper inlet through a transition chamber to reach the blower and at least one resistor grid in the housing. The conduit is lined with noise-absorbing material. A removable cover 30 is provided for the conduit for accessing the air blower in the housing through the transition chamber, whereby servicing of the blower may be performed without removal of the entire upper inlet.

Abstract: Electronically agile optical filtering modules for equalizing light propagation differences in at least two spaced optical beam pathways in the modules. The modules use optical polarization rotation devices that may include acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) devices, liquid crystal devices, and magneto-optic devices. Such devices may be subject to polarization dispersion losses (PDL) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) that may be different for when light travel along different light paths through the device. By redirecting light beams back along a different bi-directional path through the devices which may exhibit non-uniform performance across orthogonal polarizations, PDL and PMD may be reduced.

Abstract: There is disclosed an antenna exhibiting resonance over a broad frequency band or over a plurality of closely-spaced frequency bands, comprising a ground plane, a non-driven element affixed substantially perpendicular to the ground plane, a driven element affixed substantially perpendicular to the ground plane and a horizontal conductor electrically connected between the driven and the non-driven elements and disposed substantially parallel to the ground plane. The non-driven and the driven elements further comprise periodic slow wave structures. The periodic slow wave structures are configured to provide a substantially constant propagation factor with respect to the applied signal frequency, such that the antenna exhibits broad resonance characteristics.

Abstract: Squelch circuit and method useful in frequency-scanned radio receivers are provided. Generally, the squelch circuit includes an audio-removal filter coupled to receive an audio signal. The passband of the audio-removal filter is selected sufficiently high relative to frequency components of the audio signal. An absolute value detector is coupled to the audio-removal filter to supply an output signal having a positive polarity regardless of the polarity of the signal supplied by the audio-removal filter. An integrating filter is coupled to receive the output signal from the absolute value detector and supply an integrated signal. The integrating filter has at least one selectable filter coefficient indicative of the response time of the integrating filter.

Abstract: A diagnosis and repair recommendation system for a railroad locomotive is disclosed. The system uses generalized repair recommendations and instantiates them to a specific repair process for a unique road number locomotive. In addition to repair steps to be executed by the technician, the method and system remotely provides supporting documentation specifically tailored for each step in the repair process. As the repair is being conducted, feedback information is entered by the technician. The repair recommendations and the supporting documents are available to the technician via a remote unit, thereby allowing the technician to access the repair steps and supporting documentation while the repair is in progress.

Abstract: Computerized method and system for training service personnel to service selected equipment. The method allows to provide a database for storing respective training modules for training service personnel to service respective assemblies of selected equipment. The method further identifies the present qualifications of a service personnel available at the service site for servicing the assembly. The method also correlates the present qualifications of the service personnel to predefined qualifications needed to service that assembly to determine whether or not the present qualifications of the service personnel meet the predetermined requirements. In the even the predefined qualifications for servicing the assembly are unmet by the present qualifications of the service provider, the method identifies one or more needed training modules that upon completion by the service personnel would enable the service personnel to meet the predefined qualifications relative to that assembly.

Abstract: An monolithic surface mountable antenna. The antenna comprises a ground plane, two dielectric layers separated by a conductive intermediate layer and a plurality of conductive regions on a top surface. Ground vias pass through the dielectric layers and connect one or more of the conductive regions to the ground plane. At least one signal via is connected to one of the plurality of conductive regions.

Abstract: A system (830) and method (800) for diagnosing a malfunctioning machine. A fault event is selected (806) together with sequential operating parameter data (808) from a selectively focused time interval about the fault event for evaluation of a machine (810). The selectively focused time interval may include data occurring just before, just after, or spanning the fault event. Characterizing information such as slope, rate of change, and absolute sign of the data may be derived (809) from the operating parameter data over the selectively focused time interval and used in the diagnosis. The fault event and operating parameter data may be compared to existing cases in a case database (834). A set of rules (817) or candidate anomalies (841) may be executed over the operating parameter data to further improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Abstract: A hand brake system (40) for a rail vehicle providing a hand brake position alarm (76) before a train is moved with a hand brake not fully released. A switch (56) detects the position of a hand brake drive chain (18) to provide a brake engaged signal (60). The weight of the drive chain is supported through a load path that bypasses the switch. A master controller reverser handle position detector (74) provides a reverser handle position signal (72) when the reverser handle is moved out of neutral in preparation for providing power to the locomotive drive motors (15). A relay (70) is used to actuate the multiunit wheel slip indicator (54) and the general alarm bell (52) in every locomotive of the train consist when the brake engaged signal is coincident with the master controller reverser handle position signal. This combination of alarms, which normally indicates a locked axle when the train is above a predetermined speed, is interpreted as a hand brake position alarm when the train is at rest.

Abstract: A high-density power converter that benefits from improved packaging techniques and thermal handling capability is provided. The power converter includes a magnetic core. The converter further includes a printed circuit board providing at least one cutout for receiving a portion of the magnetic core. A circuit is magnetically coupled to the magnetic core. A stopper is configured at an edge of the cutout proximate to the circuit to hold the magnetic core at a predefined distance relative to the circuit, thereby meeting a safety distance requirement between the core and the circuit. Advanced thermal management is provided by way of a heatsink assembly to enhance the thermal-handling capability of the converter.

Abstract: An antenna comprising two monopole elements and a ground plane disposed on a dielectric substrate. The elements are spaced apart to provide spatial diversity and have a shape to provide operation in multiple frequency bands and/or over a wide bandwidth of frequencies.

Abstract: A system for communicating over a plurality of wireless data networks, the system comprising a software defined radio capable of being configured to operate with a plurality of wireless network services; a radio controller for reconfiguring the radio to operate over a wireless data network; a first database containing information about wireless data networks; wireless location technology used to determine a location of the radio; wherein the wireless location technology determines a location of the radio and the controller compares the location with information contained in the first database to determine available wireless data networks.

Abstract: A method for controlling locomotive consists at slow speeds by independently controlling each locomotive is provided. The method comprises controlling the throttle settings and main generator excitation of a control locomotive, independently controlling, from the control locomotive, the throttle setting of each of the controlled locomotives, and compensating for a combined consist tractive effort change induced by a change in the throttle setting of each of the controlled locomotives by adjusting the main generator excitation of at least one of the locomotives to maintain a preset consist speed. The method further includes changing the throttle settings concurrently in the control and controlled locomotives, changing the throttle settings of the controlled locomotives only after the control locomotive reaches a maximum generator excitation, and changing the throttle settings according to a rule base.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically detecting the presence of an obstacle located within a surveillance area associated with a railroad grade crossing. The system includes a transmitter transmitting a signal through the surveillance area and a modulating reflector receiving the transmitted signal. The modulating reflector includes a phase modulator receiving the received signal and generating a phase modulated signal having a characteristic. The modulating reflector transmits the phase modulated signal through the surveillance area that is received by a receiver located to receive the phase modulated signal. The system further includes a processor coupled to the transmitter and to the receiver, the processor being configured to process the received phase modulated signal and to initiate an action as a function of the characteristic in the received phase modulated signal.

Abstract: A waterproof deck includes a deck subflooring supported on joists adjacent a building, a flashing adjacent a building, and a drip edge attached along the edge of a subflooring where the water runs off the deck. An elastomeric waterproofing material covers the subflooring and a strip of T-bar edging is attached along the edge of the subfloor and has a portion extending over the elastomeric waterproofing material and over the drip edge and another portion extending above the subfloor to form a raised edge therealong. Concrete covers the elastomeric waterproofing material and subfloor to the top edge of the T-bar raised edge so that water on the concrete flooring runs off the deck over the T-bar drip edge and drains from beneath the concrete floor over the drip edge to prevent collection of water over the concrete flooring.