Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a dynamically scalable distributed heterogeneous platform relational database system architecture for collection, management and dissemination of data, wherein the architecture is scalable both in terms of the number of servers making up the distributed database and the topology of the DDB, and wherein database servers may be added or removed without system interruption, and the topology of the DDB can be dynamically morphed.

Abstract: A locomotive brake system includes a brake cylinder with an integrated parking brake; a main reservoir; and a brake system controller for controlling the pressure in the brake cylinder. The brake system uses main reservoir pressure to pressurize the brake cylinder to achieve the parking brake output force using the brake cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a system and methodologies that enable or improve a train operator's ability to detect when his train will or has switched tracks or routes automatically in response to the train switching tracks or route without input from the train operator. Disclosed embodiments enable automatic determination of a route that the train is currently on and the route the train is supposed to switch to and the ability to predict track/route switches before they occur. Thus, the disclosed embodiments are configured to more effectively provide proper driving instructions through the track/route change, instead of merely reacting to the track/route change.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a system and methodologies that provide an optimized train driving strategy using wayside signaling while conforming to the requirements of a wayside track safety system, e.g., the “Automatic Train Protection” (ATP) System.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining valve feeds brake pipe (BP) pressure through a choke to replenish and maintain brake cylinder (BC) pressure up, when the pressure in the brake cylinder drops below its original set pressure. In one embodiment, the brake cylinder maintaining valve may be a differential type valve having an input diaphragm and an output diaphragm having different surface areas.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a dynamically scalable distributed heterogeneous platform relational database system architecture for collection, management and dissemination of data, wherein the architecture is scalable both in terms of the number of servers making up the distributed database and the topology of the DDB, and wherein database servers may be added or removed without system interruption, and the topology of the DDB can be dynamically morphed.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a system and methodologies that enable or improve a train operator's ability to detect when his train will or has switched tracks or routes automatically in response to the train switching tracks or route without input from the train operator. Disclosed embodiments enable automatic determination of a route that the train is currently on and the route the train is supposed to switch to and the ability to predict track/route switches before they occur. Thus, the disclosed embodiments are configured to more effectively provide proper driving instructions through the track/route change, instead of merely reacting to the track/route change.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a system and methodologies that provide an optimized train driving strategy using wayside signaling while conforming to the requirements of a wayside track safety system, e.g., the “Automatic Train Protection” (ATP) System.

Abstract: A brake system includes a brake cylinder having a piston rod and a brake lever connecting the piston rod to a brake beam and a slack adjuster. An actuating lever is connected to the brake beam and the brake cylinder. A trigger of the slack adjuster is connected to the actuating lever. The actuating lever is pivotally and rotationally connected to the brake beam and swivelably connected to the brake cylinder. Also, a piston stoke indictor including an indicia positioned on a support structure of a brake cylinder to be adjacent the end of a portion of a brake piston at its extended position.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining valve feeds brake pipe (BP) pressure through a choke to replenish and maintain brake cylinder (BC) pressure up, when the pressure in the brake cylinder drops below its original set pressure. In one embodiment, the brake cylinder maintaining valve may be a differential type valve having an input diaphragm and an output diaphragm having different surface areas.

Abstract: The dual vent valve includes a housing having brake pipe, emergency input and exhaust ports, and first and second valves. The emergency output port is fluidly connected to the emergency input port. The first valve selectively connects the brake pipe port to the exhaust port by opening the first valve in response to an emergency signal on the brake pipe port. The second valve selectively connects the brake pipe port to the exhaust port by opening the second valve in response to an emergency signal on the emergency input port.

Abstract: In a rail vehicle hand brake having a release activated by a pneumatic cylinder, the present control system includes a manual valve having an output connected to a source of pressure at an input when manually activated. A volume is to be charged by the source of pressure. A choke connects the volume to exhaust. The volume and the choke prolong the time the source of pressure is connected to the pneumatic cylinder after the manual valve is activated.

Abstract: A brake valve diagnostic and reporting system for a pneumatic only brake valve on a rail car which includes a brake pipe transducer for measuring brake pipe pressure; and a brake cylinder transducer for measuring brake cylinder pressure. A processor receives measurements from the transducers, compares the measurements against stored brake performance profiles, determines brake status from the comparison and prepares an event report for preselected brake statuses. A wireless transmitter connected to the processor transmits the report. An energy storage device powers the processor and transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method which may include on each locomotive a propulsion system and a braking system, a transceiver for communication between the locomotives, and sensors for sensing operational conditions on the locomotive. A processor receives the sensed operation conditions, communicates information including the sensed operational conditions to the other locomotive, determines a propulsion or braking value or command based on the sensed operational conditions, pre-selected criteria and the information received from the other locomotive, and outputs the propulsion or braking value or command.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a methodology and architecture for calculating the chainage distance using two Positive Train Control (PTC) system messages (e.g., Train Route and Current Position) provided by the PTC system.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining may include spool valves or poppet valves. When the pressure in the brake cylinder drops below its original set pressure, such a maintaining valve may feed brake pipe (BP) pressure through a choke to replenish and maintain brake cylinder (BC) pressure up to a certain point. If the leak is too great (i.e., to the extent it exceeds the capacity of the choke), the brake cylinder will not be maintained. Such a maintaining valve may be either integrated into the control valve, or it may be mounted remotely to the brake system. If mounted remotely, it may be connected by multiple ways, including through a conventional 4-port access plate.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining may include spool valves or poppet valves. When the pressure in the brake cylinder drops below its original set pressure, such a maintaining valve may feed brake pipe (BP) pressure through a choke to replenish and maintain brake cylinder (BC) pressure up to a certain point. If the leak is too great (i.e., to the extent it exceeds the capacity of the choke), the brake cylinder will not be maintained. Such a maintaining valve may be either integrated into the control valve, or it may be mounted remotely to the brake system. If mounted remotely, it may be connected by multiple ways, including through a conventional 4-port access plate.

Abstract: An end of train device for an electrically controlled pneumatic brake system includes a radio transceiver, a brake pipe sensor, a brake pipe valve, a manual switch and a first controller controlling the radio transceiver and the valve. It also includes a wire transceiver for wire communication over a train line and a second controller connected to and controlling the wire transceiver. The first and second controllers are connected to each other and control the radio transceiver to be active when the wire transceiver is active. Two batteries are provided with an improved power management circuit to individually charge the batteries.

Abstract: A train control system, in particular to a train control system for a train consist using a Distributed Power (DP) technology. This technology refers to the placement and operation of one or more groups of locomotives, which are distributed throughout a train consist including a multiple railcars and multiple locomotives. These locomotives are remotely controlled from the cab in the leading locomotive (i.e., the Lead locomotive (LL)).

Abstract: A train control system, in particular to a train control system for a train consist using a Distributed Power (DP) technology. This technology refers to the placement and operation of one or more groups of locomotives, which are distributed throughout a train consist including a multiple railcars and multiple locomotives. These locomotives are remotely controlled from the cab in the leading locomotive (i.e., the Lead locomotive (LL)).