Abstract: A cable support is provided having a support member and a plurality of rungs. The support member has a center portion and two downward portions that generally define an interior area of the channel. The rungs have a lower retaining section and an upper cable retaining section and are made from a resilient nonconductive material for being detachably secured to the support member.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for optimizing locomotive assignments on a railroad network. The locomotives are assigned to power and signaling classes, based on equipment installed within each locomotive. An objective function is set forth that considers the cost of moving extra power in the network, the penalties incurred for late train departures due to the failure to assign an appropriately-equipped locomotive and the cost of train operation. Various constraints are set forth that must be taken into consideration when optimizing the objective function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether a railroad locomotive is configured with the correct software versions. The version numbers for software on board the vehicle are periodically determined by an on-board monitoring system. This information is later transmitted to a remote monitoring and diagnostic center, where the actual software version numbers are compared to the expected software versions. If there is a mismatch, personnel at the remote monitoring and diagnostic center are alerted to resolve the mismatch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying and transmitting time critical or high priority files from an on-board monitor aboard a vehicle. During operation of the vehicle, the on-board monitor collects and stores operational parametric information in the form of data files. The data files are transmitted to a remote site on a periodic basis or in response to certain predetermined conditions above the vehicle. To reduce the latency and delay times with transmitting the high priority files, those files are merged and transmitted before the transmission of relatively lower priority data files.

Abstract: A method for determining the ideal fuel usage value of a locomotive or other off-highway vehicle is disclosed. The time spent in each of a plurality of operating modes is determined and applied to an algorithm for calculating the ideal fuel usage associated with that operating mode. The individual values calculated for each operating mode are summed in accord with the operating modes experienced during a given train run. The sum value represents the ideal fuel usage quantity for the train run.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting diesel engine overspeed conditions (and thereby prevent engine damage) caused by the ingestion of lubricating oil from the turbocharger, or other source, into the diesel engine cylinders. In response to the development of an overspeed condition, the dynamic brake grids are coupled to the output of the main alternator to absorb the excess energy caused by the overspeed condition. Alternatively, non-combustible gases can be injected into the combustion system to limit the overspeed condition.

Abstract: A process and system for populating a database of repair codes used by respective diagnostic tools to identify repairs of respective machines is provided. The process allows for collecting a list of available repair codes. The process further allows for executing expert analysis upon the collected list so as to determine compatibility of the respective repair codes with the diagnostic tools. A customizing step allows for customizing the list of repair codes based upon the executed expert analysis, and a storing step allows for storing the customized list of repair codes in the database of repair codes.

Abstract: A system for detecting conditions indicative of substandard performance of cylinders in a diesel engine includes an engine control unit disposed in operable communication with the engine and a computer disposed in informational communication with the engine control unit. The engine control unit is in operable communication with the engine through a communication element. The system measures the required fuel with all cylinders operating and enables a recommendation to be made with respect to corrective or maintenance measures that should be undertaken with respect to the cylinder. A method for utilizing the system includes comparing fuel requirements of the engine operating under power of all cylinders and under the successive arrest of each of the cylinders. The process is repeated until each cylinder is individually removed and all of the data can be compiled and considered to determine the performance of each individual cylinder.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method for detecting a potentially locked axle on a vehicle propelled by an AC motor. The method includes conducting a speed test by estimating axle speed and comparing estimated axle speed to measured vehicle speed. The existence of a potential locked axle condition is determined based on the comparing of estimated axle speed to measured vehicle speed. Additional tests are disclosed for determining a potential locked axle condition and a sensor fault condition.

Abstract: A transponder-based distributed power train control system using a plurality of transponders located between the track rails or along the track wayside for setting the control functions, for example the brake or throttle controls of the remote power units in a train. Each remote power unit includes a transponder reader and the transponder return signal provides a pointer into a look-up table. The look-up table value represents the control setting for the remote power unit for the read transponder.

Abstract: A railroad locomotive includes traction motors for propelling the locomotive, and an isolation switch disposed in signal communication with at least one of the traction motors for isolating a faulting motor from the other traction motors.

Abstract: A diesel engine including a technique for limiting the fuel value injected into each cylinder so that overfueling does not occur. A fuel value limit is calculated based on ambient temperature and pressure, fuel temperature, fuel heating value and the conditions of the fuel pump and injector. This fuel value limit is compared to the actual fuel value commanded and if the limit is greater than the fuel value commanded, then the engine operation is derated. Alternatively, if the fuel value is below the calculated limit, then the engine can accept the fuel value without affecting its operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing locomotives is provided. The apparatus includes an on-board tracking system including a locomotive interface, a computer, a GPS receiver, and a communicator, the computer programmed to determine a position of the locomotive and to transmit the position via the communicator, the computer further programmed to obtain locomotive discretes and to transmit the locomotive discretes via the communicator.

Abstract: An on-board monitor for a railroad locomotive is disclosed. The on-board monitor interfaces with the controller subsystems of the locomotive to collect parametric performance data. The specific data to be collected and the collection intervals are defined at a remote service center and transmitted to the on-board monitor. The on-board monitor also includes the capability to collect additional data or collect data more frequently in response to the results of certain triggering events.

Abstract: A method for generating signals for input to a vital “AND” gate includes generating a plurality of independent signals for input to the “AND” gate and checking that each of the signals has a frequency and duty cycle within predetermined ranges. Upon a determination that one of the signals exhibits an inactive state or has a frequency or duty cycle outside the predetermined ranges, generation of another of the signals is stopped. This method eliminates a need for physical filters where the input signals are generated independently by computer subsystems.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling movement of a plurality of vehicles over a guideway partitioned into a plurality of guideway blocks. The method uses a control system including an onboard computer (OBC) located on board each vehicle, at least one server for communicating with the OBCs, and a vehicle tracking system. The method including the steps of determining a composite block status for all guideway blocks, broadcasting the composite block status to the OBCs, and controlling movement of each vehicle based on the composite block status.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to identifying locomotive consists within train consists, and determining the order of the locomotives within the identified locomotive consists. By identifying locomotive consists and the order of locomotives within such consists, a railroad can better manage it locomotive fleet. In one exemplary embodiment, an on-board tracking system for being mounted to each locomotive of a train includes locomotive interfaces for interfacing with other systems of the particular locomotive, and a computer coupled to receive inputs from the interface, and a GPS receiver and a satellite communicator (transceiver) coupled to the computer. Generally, the onboard tracking systems determine the absolute position of the locomotive on which it is mounted and additionally, obtain information regarding specific locomotive interfaces that relate to the operational state of the locomotive.

Abstract: A system for detecting a failure of a speed sensor on a locomotive propelled by an AC traction motor is disclosed. The system includes a locomotive including a processor for executing a detection method. The method comprises conducting an evaluation of symptoms exhibited by a speed sensor. A health value representative of health of the speed sensor is generated and modified as a function of an evaluation, and as a result from the modification of the health value, a modified health value is generated. A motor control methodology responsive to the modified health value is selected.

Abstract: A method to facilitate reducing delays in braking applications in a train using a system. The system includes at least one computer for executing brake control functions of the train and a brake pipe that extends along a length of the train for supplying air for brake operations. The train includes a lead locomotive, at least one remote locomotive, and at least one railcar. The method includes sensing a change in airflow in the brake pipe, determining whether the change in air flow is desired, sensing brake pipe pressure, and filtering undesired fluctuations in brake pipe pressure during brake applications based on the determination of whether a change in airflow is desired.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying or determining degradation in performance of an engine cooling subsystem having an electric motor for powering a fan in a locomotive is provided. The method allows for monitoring a signal indicative of an electrical imbalance in one or more phases in the fan motor of the cooling subsystem, and for adjusting the value of the monitored signal for deviations from an estimated nominal phase signal value due to predetermined external variables so as to generate an adjusted phase signal value. The method further allows for comparing the value of the adjusted phase signal value against the nominal phase signal value to determine the performance of the cooling subsystem.