Abstract: Examples of techniques for anomaly detection in a grade crossing prediction system are disclosed. Aspects include receiving a training data set comprising a plurality of labelled time series of signal values from a track circuit in a grade crossing predictor system, removing one or more non-unique values from each labelled time series of signal values in the plurality of labelled time series of signal values, extracting a plurality of features from the plurality of labelled time series of signal values, the plurality of features comprising: a number of signal values for each labeled time series of signal values in the plurality of labelled time series of signal values that are larger than a first threshold and a standard deviation for each labelled time series of signal values in the plurality of labelled time series of signal values, and training a machine learning algorithm utilizing the plurality of features.

Abstract: A system and method includes an autonomous agent having a communication interface that enables the autonomous agent to communicate with a plurality of infrastructure sensing devices; a plurality of distinct health monitors that monitor distinct operational aspects of the autonomous agent; an autonomous state machine that computes a plurality of allowed operating states of the autonomous agent based on inputs from the plurality of distinct health monitors; a plurality of distinct autonomous controllers that generate a plurality of distinct autonomous control instructions; and an arbiter of autonomous control instructions that: collects, as a first input, the plurality of autonomous control instructions generated by each of the plurality of distinct autonomous controllers; collects, as a second input, data relating to the plurality of allowed operating state of the autonomous agent; and selectively enables only a subset of the autonomous control instructions to pass to driving components of the autonomous agent

Abstract: A system for operating an autonomous agent with incomplete environmental information can include and/or interface an autonomous operating system and an autonomous agent. A method for operating an autonomous agent with incomplete environmental information includes any or all of: receiving a set of inputs; determining a set of known objects in the ego vehicle's environment; determining a set of blind regions in the ego vehicle's environment; and inserting a set of virtual objects into the set of blind regions; selecting a set of virtual objects based on the set of blind regions; operating the autonomous agent based on the set of virtual objects; and/or any other suitable processes.

Abstract: A crossing gate mechanism includes an enclosure housing multiple components including a control unit configured to operate the crossing gate mechanism and associated crossing gate arm, wherein the enclosure comprises a base and a cover, the cover being moveable between multiple positions including an open position and a closed position, and a cover detection device configured to detect a position of the cover.

Abstract: A grade crossing control system includes a controller that receives start and end inputs corresponding to a train traversing an outer approach, determines the difference in time between the start and end inputs, and uses the difference in time to determine a delay period by which activation of a grade crossing warning system will be delayed following detection of the train by a track occupancy circuit in an inner approach in order to compensate for slow moving trains. The start and end inputs for the outer approach may be supplied in different ways including a separate track occupancy circuit for the outer approach, by train detection devices unconnected to the track at the start and end of the outer approach, or by overlapping track occupancy circuits positioned at the start of the outer and inner approaches.

Abstract: A method of implementing an autonomous electric-powered trailer during a towing operation includes sourcing, via the one or more computers, one or more streams of sensing data from one or more sensing sources during a towing event involving an autonomous electric-powered (AEP) trailer and a towing entity, generating, via a towing-assist control algorithm, a plurality of towing-assistance instructions based on an input of the one or more streams of sensing data; operating, via one or more electric motors, each wheel of the AEP trailer at a target propulsion based on the plurality of towing-assistance instructions, wherein the operating of the each wheel enables the AEP trailer to autonomously assist the towing entity during the towing event.

Abstract: A method for conditional operation of an autonomous agent includes: collecting a set of inputs; processing the set of inputs; determining a set of policies for the agent; evaluating the set of policies; and operating the ego agent. A system for conditional operation of an autonomous agent includes a set of computing subsystems (equivalently referred to herein as a set of computers) and/or processing subsystems (equivalently referred to herein as a set of processors), which function to implement any or all of the processes of the method.

Abstract: An inductive charger where the charging surface or coil is separated from the drive or control electronics is described.

Abstract: A system and method in which various sensors collect and/or generate data that are analyzed to provide automated transit features. In the automatic capacity management feature, a transit operator is alerted of potential capacity issues in advance to enable the operator to handle the situation before a station or a vehicle reaches its capacity limit. The automatic trip planning feature allows a passenger to dynamically plan the fastest route to a destination according to real time data and historical data trends. The automatic fraud detection feature alerts a fare inspector to a ticket fraud or other fraudulent activity at a specific transit station or on a specific transit vehicle. The automatic vehicle routing feature dynamically routes autonomous transit vehicles to stations, notifies transit vehicle drivers to stop at a particular station, and/or notifies transit operators to route a vehicle to a particular station based on current and historical demand from passengers.

Abstract: A method for autonomously tethering an autonomous electric powered trailer to a tethering partner includes identifying a target tethering partner for the autonomous electric powered (AEP) trailer, detecting a likely n-dimensional position of a tethering nexus of the target tethering partner based on an assessment of sensor data; computing, a set of automated tethering instructions based on the likely n-dimensional position of the tethering nexus; and autonomously tethering, via the one or more computers, a coupler of the AEP trailer to the tethering nexus based on executing the set of automated tethering instructions.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus (100) includes a connector assembly (110) with a first connecting member (120), a second connecting member (130) and a connecting link (140), the first and second connecting members (120, 130) configured to be pivot-mounted at first ends (122, 132) to a first stationary component (200), and a pneumatic supporting member (150) is coupled to the first and second connecting members (120, 130) via the connecting link (140). The connector assembly (110) and the pneumatic supporting member (150) are configured to perform a lifting motion, wherein, when performing the lifting motion, the first and second connecting members (120, 130) transition from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) and the pneumatic supporting member (150) transitions from an extended position (EP) to a compressed position (CP).

Abstract: There are disclosed methods for withdrawal of a bearing from a gate mechanism including a mechanism housing, a carrier assembly, and discrete fasteners. The carrier assembly includes a carrier housing and a carrier bearing. The carrier bearing is supported for rotation within the carrier housing. The carrier housing has a carrier support mating with a receiving bore of the mechanism housing. The carrier housing has multiple flange fasteners aligning with housing fasteners and housing surfaces of the mechanism housing when the carrier housing mates with the receiving bore. Multiple discrete fasteners are removed from a first group of the flange fasteners aligned with the housing fasteners. The carrier assembly is displaced from the mechanism housing in response to inserting the plurality of discrete fasteners to a second group of the plurality of flange fasteners aligned with the plurality of housing surfaces.

Abstract: A system for operating an autonomous agent with incomplete environmental information can include and/or interface an autonomous operating system and an autonomous agent. A method for operating an autonomous agent with incomplete environmental information includes any or all of: receiving a set of inputs; determining a set of known objects in the ego vehicle's environment; determining a set of blind regions in the ego vehicle's environment; and inserting a set of virtual objects into the set of blind regions; selecting a set of virtual objects based on the set of blind regions; operating the autonomous agent based on the set of virtual objects; and/or any other suitable processes.

Abstract: A crossing gate mechanism (300) with a PCB reconfigurable for exit and entrance gate mode, the mechanism including a brake and a brake relay (312) coupled to an electric motor (320), the mechanisms being configured to operate a crossing gate arm of a crossing gate. The mechanism includes a configuration logic circuit (310) connected to the brake relay (312), and a internal power source (316), wherein the configuration logic circuit (310) is configured to operate the brake relay (312) in a entrance gate mode or exit gate mode, wherein the control of the brake relay is inverted in the exit gate mode with respect to the entrance gate mode, and wherein, in the exit mode, the internal power source (316) provides power for operating the brake relay (312).

Abstract: A grade crossing control system (400, 600) includes a track circuit with a grade crossing predictor (GCP) system (40), and at least one auxiliary shunting device (420, 430) connected to the rails (20a, 20b) of the railroad track (20), wherein a railroad vehicle travelling on the railroad track (20) causes a change of impedance when entering the track circuit, wherein the at least one auxiliary shunting device (420, 430) detects a presence of the railroad vehicle travelling on the railroad track (20) and generates an auxiliary change of the impedance of the track circuit, and wherein the GCP system (40) generates grade crossing activation signals in response to the change of the impedance or the auxiliary change of the impedance of the track circuit. The auxiliary shunting device is provided to improve reliability in case of poor shunting.

Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for generating a multi-layered watermark. The watermark incorporating one or more symbols for placement on a document. The method including: positioning a base layer of the watermark at one or more locations on the document; positioning the one or more symbols overtop of at least a portion of the base layer; and positioning a braid layer of the watermark overtop of the ID, the braid layer and the base layer are substantially aligned, the braid layer including a copy of the base layer incorporating a pattern. The pattern can include one or more of discolorations, holes, and sections of increased opacity.

Abstract: A system for measuring motion of a locomotive vehicle includes a speed sensor, a decelerometer and an onboard processing unit. The speed sensor is configured to measure wheel speed of the locomotive vehicle. The decelerometer includes a level-sensitive device configured to measure acceleration or deceleration of the locomotive vehicle as a function of a tilt from a level position. The onboard processing unit computes a current grade traversed by the locomotive vehicle prior to detection of a slip or slide condition based on a first measurement signal from the decelerometer. Upon detection of the slip or slide condition, the onboard processing unit obtains a second measurement signal from the decelerometer and filters out the current grade from the second measurement signal. The onboard processing unit determines an actual acceleration or deceleration of the locomotive vehicle during the slip or slide condition from the filtered second measurement signal from the decelerometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an attachment structure (such as an EOT) to a railroad coupler includes a base, a locking member (J-hook), a bolt and one or more spring elements. The base includes a mounting portion for the attachment structure and a sleeve insertable through the attachment structure. The base, the J-hook and the bolt cooperate such that the J-hook is rotated from an unlocked position to a locked position by torque applied via the bolt head. Consequently, the J-hook shaft is pulled inside the sleeve and the J-hook aligns with a clamp face of the base to clamp a portion of the coupler therebetween. Responsive to the applied torque, the one or more spring elements are compressed to allow mechanical engagement between a first surface and a second surface, producing a mechanical torque opposing the applied torque, which reduces axial forces on the J-hook.

Abstract: An integrated electric pontoon driver system. The drive system may include an electric propulsion system integrated within a pontoon. The electric propulsion system may include an energy storage module configured for storing and supplying electrical power, an onboard charging module configured for managing charging and discharging of the electrical power to and from the energy storage module, and an electric drive module configured for converting the electrical power discharged from the energy storage module to mechanical power operable for propelling the marine vessel through a body of water.

Abstract: A railroad crossing control system (100) includes a constant warning time device (40) with a control unit (50) configured to produce multiple signals, and a wheel sensing system (120) comprising at least one sensor (122) connected to a rail (20a, 20b) of a railroad track (20) at a predetermined position (P), wherein the wheel sensing system (120) detects a presence of railroad vehicle travelling on the railroad track (20) such that the at least one sensor (122) detects wheels of the railroad vehicle using electromagnetic fields, wherein the wheel sensing system (120) provides speed values of the railroad vehicle to the constant warning time device (40), and wherein the constant warning time device (40) produces a constant warning time signal for controlling a railroad crossing warning device in response to receiving the speed values of the wheel sensing system (120).