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 locomotive 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: A method for identifying locomotive consists within train consists determines an order and orientation of the locomotives within the identified locomotive consists. An on-board tracking system is mounted to each locomotive and includes locomotive interfaces for interfacing with other systems of the particular locomotive, a computer for receiving inputs from the interface, a GPS receiver, and a satellite communicator (transceiver). As locomotives provide location and discrete information from the field, a central data processing facility receives the raw locomotive data. The data center processes the locomotive data and determines locomotive consists.

Abstract: A dragger detects objects dragging beneath a train as the train travels along a track. The dragger includes at least one stationary impact element and a detection circuit including at least one sensor coupled with impact element for sensing the force of the impacts between the objects and the impact element. A method for detecting objects dragging beneath a train involves positioning the stationary impact element along the track in a fixed position intersecting the path of movement of the objects. The method also involves sensing the force of each impact and generating an output signal if the magnitude of any impact is greater than a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A diesel engine, having a plurality of individually controllable fuel injected cylinders, is operated in a skip firing mode to reduce smoke emissions during low power operation. The system senses certain identified engine operating parameters and when these parameters exceed predetermined thresholds for a predetermined time, then the skip firing is implemented. In another embodiment, it is possible to implement several different skip firing patterns dependent upon engine performance. Upon implementation of skip firing, the engine timing angle is reset by a fixed angle and a multiplication factor is included in the speed loop integrator to ensure that the appropriate fuel volume value is injected into each cylinder immediately upon initiation of skip firing. Skip firing is then disabled when another set of predetermined conditions is satisfied.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid system provides electrical power to a load and includes a fluid motor, a generator, an energy storage device and a controller. The system supplies fluid to the fluid motor, which provides a generator with power producing a voltage used to supply power to a load and provide energy to the energy storage device. The controller selects which of various sources within the system provides fluid to the fluid motor based on the operating mode of the system. When fluid supplied to the fluid motor is discontinued, the energy storage device discharges providing power to the load.

Abstract: A system for determining a locomotive within a railyard includes a base station, a base station receiver that receives location data pertaining to the base station location, a mobile receiver that receives location data pertaining to the location of locomotive, and a computer. The mobile receiver utilizes data from a group of satellites that are a subset of the satellite constellation used to obtain base station location data. The computer tracks base station location data and computes a position error for the base station. The computer applies the error to a locomotive estimated position resulting in an accurate locomotive location.

Abstract: A process and system for developing an algorithm for predicting failures in a system, such as a locomotive, having a plurality of subsystems is provided. The process allows for conducting a failure mode analysis for a respective subsystem so as to identify target failure modes of the subsystem and/or collecting expert data relative to the respective subsystem. The process includes a step for identifying, based on the identified failure modes and/or the collected expert data, one or more signals to be monitored for measuring performance of the respective subsystem. A generating step allows for generating, based on the monitored signals, a predicting signal indicative of the presence of the identified target failure modes in the respective subsystem.

Abstract: A train control system includes a plurality of control subsystems for installation in respective locomotives. At least one of the control subsystems is configurable as a lead control subsystem, and at least one other control subsystem is configurable as a remote control subsystem. Each control subsystem preferably comprises a radio transceiver, a first processor connected to the radio transceiver for communicating with at least one other control subsystem, an electronic brake valve connected to the first processor, and an electro-pneumatic controller connected to the first processor and the electronic brake valve, for interfacing to the air brake system of the train. The first processor preferably comprises a locomotive computer interface for performing both distributed power and electronic air brake functions in cooperation with the locomotive control computer. The distributed power functions may comprise at least one of tractive effort and dynamic braking functions.

Abstract: A system and method for using a relatively high voltage power source on a locomotive to power a windshield wiper system that is capable of operating at variable and interval delay speeds comprising a first DC electric motor, a second DC electric motor, a controller operatively connected for enabling operation thereof, and a convertor power supply connected to the relatively high voltage power source where the convertor has a dynamic response characteristic emulating the electric power characteristics of a conventional vehicle battery whereby the convertor can be rated for supplying nominal motor current but can supply relatively high currents to the first DC motor to allow the motor to overcome stalled conditions

Abstract: A method of cooling a locomotive engine wherein the temperature of the coolant flowing into the engine is controlled in response to the temperature of the lube oil flowing out of the engine so that the difference between these two temperatures is limited to a predetermined value in order to limit the differential expansion between parts within the engine. The predetermined value may be a function of the lube oil temperature, and it may have an absolute maximum value. In the event that the temperature difference exceeds a predetermined value, the power output of the engine may be reduced as a function of the length of time that the temperature difference limit has been exceeded. The rate of change in coolant temperature may be limited during periods of decreasing lube oil temperature in order to limit the duty cycle demand on coolant system components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for interfacing railway controllers with light units, such as LED light unit arrays, to shunt and/or disable test signals not traditionally intended to test non-incandescent light unit arrays.

Abstract: A connection of a tube to a machine includes a plurality of rolled grooves in a region of contact between the collet of a compression fitting and the tube. The grooves reduce the occurrence of fretting of the tube surface while a region of residual compressive stress formed in the tube proximate the bottom of each groove by the rolling process serves to counteract the stress concentration created by the grooves. In one embodiment a single groove formed in a thread pattern extends from above collet to within the area of contact.

Abstract: A multiple outlet centrifugal blower has an impeller that provides both radial and axial airflows that are independent of each other such that an obstruction in one of the airflow does not substantially affect the flow of the other. The blower typically includes a housing having an inlet port, first and second outlet ducts, and an impeller rotatably positioned and supported within the housing. The first outlet duct is configured to receive airflow in a radial direction with respect to the blades of the impeller, and the second outlet duct is configured to receive airflow in an axial direction with respect to the blades of the impeller.

Abstract: A system for determining the status of a railyard includes a locomotive itinerary, a computer configured with a comparator algorithm used to compare a locomotive location to the locomotive itinerary, and at least one manager console configured to communicate with the computer. Railcar information is input to the manager console and communicated to the computer, which generates a locomotive task list from the railcar information. The computer then generates a locomotive itinerary, tracks the location of the locomotive and uses the comparator algorithm to determine the schedule status of the railcar.

Abstract: A railway brake system for a train includes a brake pipe extending along the train, a lead unit controller generating a pneumatic control signal propagated along the brake pipe, and at least one remote unit controller. The remote unit controller preferably includes a brake pipe control valve, such as a relay valve, connected in fluid communication with the brake pipe for selectively charging and exhausting the brake pipe, an air flow rate sensor for sensing air flow into the brake pipe during charging, a brake pipe pressure sensor for sensing brake pipe pressure, and a processor for detecting the pneumatic control signal from the lead unit controller based upon both the air flow rate sensor and the brake pipe pressure sensor. Accordingly, the sensitivity of detection is increased despite delayed operation of the relay valve, and while avoiding false indications. Multiple detection sensitivities may be used.

Abstract: A brake pipe overcharge detection scheme determines when an overcharge situation occurs followed by an interruption of the brake pipe slow pressure reduction process of the brake system assimilation. When the slow pressure reduction process is interrupted, the rail cars may be left in an overcharged state (i.e., the car braking system is charged to a pressure greater than the normal brake pipe pressure). When the brake pipe pressure is set to its normal brake-release value, the pressure of the car braking systems will be greater than the brake pipe pressure. The car braking system will interpret this positive pressure differential as a request to set the car brakes, and will therefore partially apply the car brakes. As a result, additional drag forces will be encountered by the locomotive as it moves the train, which may result in train separations, and overheating of the car brake shoes and wheels may result in cracked wheels and derailments.

Abstract: A path determination device is configured to receive measured heading and distance information; determine heading corrections, distance corrections, and residuals utilizing a Kalman filter assuming a selected, known path was taken; and to determine a probability that the selected, known path actually was taken utilizing the determined residuals. The additional information utilized by the Kalman filters provides a more robust measurement indication of whether a particular path is taken than mere measurements and correlations of path curvature.

Abstract: A method for performing an “AND” operation on two independent inputs in a fail-safe manner includes cascading two charge pumps to output a condition signal representing the “AND'ed” state of the inputs. Each independent input has an active state asserted by a waveform of predetermined frequency and duty cycle, and an inactive fail-safe state asserted by a zero voltage. The method includes supplying power to a first charge pump, supplying power from the first charge pump to a second charge pump, and supplying each of the independent inputs to one of the respective charge pumps. A condition signal is output using an output from the second charge pump. Additionally, the method verifies the correctness of the frequency and duty cycle of each independent input using a cross connection scheme. This method provides a high-power, low-loss, and low-cost electrical circuit for operating devices responding to specific voltages, for example, vital relays.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the direction of locomotive travel while in dynamic braking is disclosed. This direction of travel is derived from current sensors associated with the locomotive traction motors. When in the dynamic braking mode, current flows through the current sensors in a first direction when a train is traveling in the first direction and reverses the direction of flow when the train is traveling in a second direction.