Patents Assigned to BNSF Railway Company
  • Patent number: 12380132
    Abstract: A system and method for managing data lifecycles that can provide an adaptable data management system configured to optimize the lifecycles of data and the reliability of databases. The system can provide data management systems with the ability to attach, detach, and drop segments of data based on key partitions of the data objects to optimize database utilization. By including the key partitions to the data objects, the database including the data objects can now perform data management operations based on the key partitions. The system, based on the key partitions, can identify a location of the data object to attach row entries, detach row entries from the existing tables, and delete the detached row entries from the database altogether. The system can operate on any relational database management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Robert McKinley Collins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12373465
    Abstract: A system and method for managing data lifecycles that can provide an adaptable data management system configured to optimize the lifecycles of data and the reliability of databases. The system can provide data management systems with the ability to attach, detach, and drop segments of data based on key partitions of the data objects to optimize database utilization. By including the key partitions to the data objects, the database including the data objects can now perform data management operations based on the key partitions. The system, based on the key partitions, can identify a location of the data object to attach row entries, detach row entries from the existing tables, and delete the detached row entries from the database altogether. The system can operate on any relational database management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Robert McKinley Collins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12376212
    Abstract: A smart lamp system and method for monitoring a status of LEDs. The system can provide LED status monitoring using a logic controller communicating with at least one strip of LEDs. The system can utilize the logic controller to assign a unique identifier (ID) to the at least one strip of LEDs based on a physical position of a plurality of dual-inline package (DIP) switches incorporated within a smart lamp housing. The system can provide a hardware architecture to interface the logic controller with a power-line communication (PLC) transceiver. The system can establish a communication protocol between the PLC transceiver and a PLC receiver to efficiently communicate the statuses of the LEDs. The logic controller can generate a payload including a binary representation of the unique ID of the smart lamp and the statuses of the LEDs and transmit the payload to the PLC transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Ross Martin Sterling
  • Patent number: 12373932
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a roadway by comparing captured images to image inconsistencies caused by lost or unnecessary motion and for minimizing lost or unnecessary motion of an axle of a vehicle and filtering erroneous pulses of an electrical signal to generate a trigger signal to capture images is presented. The system enables the minimization of image artifacts causing distortion in an image. The system can take images of a target, compute an object pixel size of the image to ensure calibration of longitudinal measurements, and calibrate the rotary encoder with the camera of the machine vision system. The system can enable calibration of the locomotive components in the field to compensate for the misalignment of the machine vision system and provide safe travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Darrell R. Krueger, Corey D. Wills
  • Patent number: 12373930
    Abstract: Methods and systems for filtering a trigger signal from an encoder for triggering an image capturing device. In embodiments, a trigger signal may be received as an input signal from an encoder including a sequence of pulses for triggering the image capturing device. In embodiments, an average pulse frequency of the trigger signal over a period of time may be determined based on sampling a number of pulses in the trigger signal over the period of time, and frequency restrictions may be applied to the average pulse frequency to generate a trigger frequency. In embodiments, an output frequency may be determined based on the trigger frequency, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal having a frequency based on the output frequency may be determined for triggering the image capturing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Corey D. Wills
  • Patent number: 12367570
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and measuring physical conditions of a railroad track based on image-based distance measurements are provided. In embodiments, at least one object associated with a condition of a railroad track is detected in at least one image. A first point and a second point on the at least one object is detected. A pixel distance between the first point and the second point is measured, and a physical distance-based measurement of the condition of the railroad track is determined, using a conversion model, based on the pixel distance between the first point and the second point. An alert is generated when the physical distance-based measurement of the condition of the railroad track exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Kanyon W. Loyd
  • Patent number: 12358541
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving first Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data associated with a railroad environment, extracting an asset from the first LiDAR data associated with the railroad environment, and superimposing the asset into a spatial model. The method also includes receiving a field indication associated with a modification to the railroad environment and modifying the spatial model in response to receiving the field indication associated with the modification to the railroad environment. The method further includes receiving second LiDAR data associated with the railroad environment and comparing the second LiDAR data to the modified spatial model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Philip Gerald Davis, Ross Aaron Springer, Devin Scott Wagner, Jacob Scott Ford
  • Patent number: 12358543
    Abstract: A method for assigning train blocks at a railroad merchandise yard includes determining, using a first optimization model and outbound train schedule data, a first list of train block assignments for a planning horizon. The method further includes determining whether an unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is greater than zero. The method further includes displaying the first list of train block assignments generated by the first optimization model on an electronic display in response to determining that the unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is not greater than zero. The method further includes, in response to determining that the unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is greater than zero: determining and then displaying on the electronic display a second list of train block assignments for the planning horizon using a second optimization model and the outbound train schedule data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Avnish Kishor Malde, Paul Kuhn, Chad Lawrence, Nathaniel W. Merry, Shane Reffett, Patrick J. Sbrocca, Timothy J. Worrell
  • Patent number: 12358375
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining, by an auxiliary power controller, a first selection of one or more power input sources from a plurality of power input sources. The method also includes determining, by the auxiliary power controller, a first selection of one or more power consuming devices from a plurality of power consuming devices. The method further includes managing, by the auxiliary power controller, transfer of auxiliary power from the first selection of the one or more power input sources to the first selection of the one or more power consuming devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Michael Cleveland, James Taylor
  • Publication number: 20250224018
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a terminal end of a cable includes a base plate having a threaded rod support, and a threaded rod inserted through an aperture of the threaded rod support. The apparatus further includes an anchor coupled to the base plate and configured to couple a terminal end body of a cable to the apparatus, and a cinch trolly slidebly coupled to the base plate via a groove. The cinch trolly includes a protrusion configured to couple a cable pulling clamp to the cinch trolly, and one or more threaded nuts configured to threadably couple the cinch trolly to the threaded rod. The cinch trolly is configured to move along the groove away from the anchor when the threaded rod is rotated, thereby pulling the cable away from the anchor via the cable pulling clamp and thereby cinching the cable and a wedge within the terminal end body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: July 10, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Warren D. Forbes, Edward W. Lippold
  • Patent number: 12351219
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Publication number: 20250218028
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an image generated by a camera associated with a vehicle. The image includes a point of interest (POI) associated with a physical object. The method also includes determining a number of pixels from the POI of the image to an edge of the image. The edge of the image represents a location of the camera. The method further includes determining an offset distance from the POI to a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit associated with the vehicle using the number of pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2025
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Saniei, Xiaoyan Si, Siva Prasad Vysyaraju
  • Publication number: 20250214633
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2025
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Patent number: 12337397
    Abstract: A drill jig apparatus configured to be coupled to a locomotive bedplate is presented. The apparatus can include a first member and a second member. The first member can be configured to attach a drill to provide stability while drilling, and the second member can be operably coupled to a locomotive, such as to an engine and bedplate of a locomotive. An engine dowel drilling system is also presented, which can include a drill jig member and a bushing member, and the members can be operably coupled with one another. A method of drilling holes in a locomotive bedplate can include using a drill jig and a bushing to facilitate drilling, and the drill jig can be a conductor-side jig or an engineer-side jig. A kit is also presented for engine dowel installation that can standardize dowels and dowel holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Larry C. Valentine, Ryan L. Kimberlin, Mike E. Teaford
  • Publication number: 20250182016
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for optimizing hub resources and maximizing hub throughput based on dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a first flow of units arriving to the hub from customers to be loaded into departing trains is represented as a consolidation stream, and a second flow of units arriving to the hub via arriving trains to be unloaded and delivered customers is represented as a deconsolidation stream. A time-space network is generated for each of the consolidation and deconsolidation streams, and included in a DSRO model. Each stage of the streams is represented as a node of the corresponding time-space network in the DSRO model, which also models resource interdependence between the streams. An operating schedule based on the DSRO model optimizes the resources over a planning horizon to ensure they are allocated to both streams fairly so as to maximize the unit flow during operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2025
    Publication date: June 5, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Paul Kuhn, Vishal Badyal, April Y. Kuo
  • Patent number: 12319327
    Abstract: A system and method for strategic track and maintenance planning (STAMP) that can provide an organizational and adaptive infrastructure configured to facilitate railroad asset management and capital planning is presented. The system can provide a railroad asset inspector with relevant data for an assigned inspection segment. Location-based functionality can acquire a device's precise location and provide only the data necessary for the inspection of a particular railroad asset by providing step-by-step input prompting based upon the device location. The system provides adaptive thresholding of asset-related criteria to determine whether and when asset maintenance should occur. The system can acquire inspection data for one or more railroad assets, apply a data optimization algorithm to the inspection data, analyze railroad asset-related data (including historical data), and generate an optimized capital plan with a schedule for railroad asset maintenance and replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Michael James Brick, Samuel Minton, Christopher Neil Pickard, Phillip Hunt, Benjamin Klein, Francis Showry Polisetty
  • Patent number: 12311988
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Sapp, Mitchell W. Beard, Michael E. Ramolt
  • Patent number: 12311987
    Abstract: A Railroad Snapshot and Playback System and Method is disclosed that can provide a messaging/communication infrastructure configured to generate and route current train related messages for multi-region train routing plans. The types of railroad data being tracked can be organized into one or more domains. A method for railroad snapshot playback can include receiving a plurality of events related to train movements in the rail system; creating a first snapshot that can include the plurality of the events, wherein a number of events in the first snapshot can be based on a snapshot increment; receiving a playback request for a playback state of the rail system; pulling a snapshot and events received after the snapshot based on the playback request; building a state of the rail system using the pulled snapshot and the pulled events; operating controls of the rail system based on the state of the rail system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: John Valentino, Len Gagne
  • Publication number: 20250166380
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing mechanisms for automated inventory control are provided. In embodiments, an operational workflow for providing automated inventory control includes automated data collection and automated image data analysis. The automated data collection includes capturing image data for a storage facility by a capturing device (e.g., an unmanned aerial system (UAS)). The automated image data analysis includes functionality to detect objects (e.g., containers, trailers, empty slots, and/or other objects) appearing in the image data (e.g., using a machine learning (ML) model), to identify the objects in the image data (e.g., using the ML model), to inspect the objects (e.g., including determining a condition and/or location of the objects) based on the collected image data and metadata associated with the image capturing device and correlated to the image data (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Dryer, Zachery Bettis, Bryan Gabric, Michael I. Ibanez, Yasha Hajizeinalibiouki
  • Publication number: 20250153750
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method includes accessing track geometry data for a railroad track. The track geometry data includes historical measurements for a plurality of types of surface conditions of the railroad track over a period of time. The method further includes determining, by analyzing the track geometry data for a particular type of surface condition, a plurality of measurements that exceed a predetermined value. The method further includes identifying, by clustering the plurality of measurements that exceed the predetermined value, a particular track location on the railroad track as a progressive defect location. The method further includes determining, using a remaining useful life model and the track geometry data for the particular type of surface condition at the progressive defect location, a future time when the particular type of surface condition at the progressive defect location will exceed a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Ranjan Dash, John D. Martin, Adam L. Miller, Keshav Subramaniam, Charity M. Duran, Srilakshmi Tayi, Yasha Hajizeinalibiouki