Patents Assigned to New York Air Brake Corporation
  • Method of optimizing train operation and training
    Patent number: 6622068
    Abstract: A method of optimizing train operation and training in a moving train includes determining the train's conditions and calculating a desired response to the present conditions of the train to achieve a goal. The engineer's response is determined and the train's conditions resulting from the engineer's response is determined and may be displayed on the train. The desired response, for example brake and propulsion settings, may be displayed after determining the engineer's response. The engineer is qualified from the comparison of the engineer's response to the desired response to the condition. Access to the locomotive controls may be controlled using a user identification and determining the qualification level of the user. The qualification level can be updated based on the training session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Hawthorne
  • Method of optimizing train operation and training
    Patent number: 6587764
    Abstract: A method of optimizing train operation includes determining conditions of location, track profile and train forces of the train. Next, a set of preliminary train restraint operating parameters are determined from the determined conditions. Also, at least one of a set of preliminary train optimizable operating parameters to minimize train forces, to maximize fuel efficiency and to minimize time to destination is determined. The determined set of preliminary train operating parameters are weighted and combined. Optimized train operating parameters are determined from the weighted and combined preliminary train operating parameters. Engineering train and access is also performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen K. Nickles, Michael J. Hawthorne, John E. Haley
  • Trainline communication controller assembly
    Patent number: 6582031
    Abstract: A trainline communication controller for placement on a rail car or locomotive of a train in order form a network having a housing with a front plate assembly which includes a plurality of external electrical receptacles. A plurality of circuits, including surface connectors, are positioned in the housing. A printed circuit board including connector smating directly with the surface connectors of the circuits and where in the receptacles are mounted on the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Gary S. Newton, Abraham Long, Jr., Anthony W. Lumbis
  • Method of optimizing train operation and training
    Publication number: 20030105561
    Abstract: A method of optimizing train operation includes determining conditions of location, track profile and train forces of the train. Next, a set of preliminary train restraint operating parameters are determined from the determined conditions. Also, at least one of a set of preliminary train optimizable operating parameters to minimize train forces, to maximize fuel efficiency and to minimize time to destination is determined. The determined set of preliminary train operating parameters are weighted and combined. Optimized train operating parameters are determined from the weighted and combined preliminary train operating parameters. Engineering train and access is also performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen K. Nickles, Michael J. Hawthorne, John E. Haley
  • Helical choke for brake valves
    Patent number: 6565063
    Abstract: A choke for a brake control valve coming within the physical space limitation by forming a helical choke path. The choke includes a body having a passage and a plug in a passage. The helical path is created between and defined by the passage and the plug to form the choke. The length the passage is less an inch and the length of the plug is less than 0.25 inches. The body includes the first portion having an external thread and a stem portion. A filter is mounted on the stem portion. The first portion is mounted in a threaded opening in a first wall of the valve. The filter extends into an opening in a second wall of the valve and a cap mounted in the second opening contacts the filter and holds it secure on the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald O. Newton, William B. McCurdy, Jr.
  • Brake assembly, system and method
    Patent number: 6561595
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake assembly for a vehicle having an air spring wherein a brake signal operates a brake cylinder of the vehicle. A proportioning valve, having its load responsive element disabled and being responsive to the brake signal, provides a proportioned brake signal to the brake cylinder. A switch, responsive to an air spring pressure signal selectively connects the brake signal to the brake cylinder. The present invention further relates to a method for retrofitting a brake system by disabling the load sensing element of a proportioning valve and inserting a switch in parallel with the proportioning valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Vaughn
  • ECP empty/load trainline setting method
    Publication number: 20030047992
    Abstract: A method of controlling the empty/load setting on cars having electropneumatic brakes. A first signal is set to an empty/load status. The first signal and a second signal is transmitted to the cars. The cars set their empty/load status to the status and in response to the receipt of both signals. The cars transmit their empty/load status, and the empty/load status of the cars is received and displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, Dale R. Stevens, James R. Truglio
  • Mounting block assembly for electrical interconnection between rail cars
    Publication number: 20030038102
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rail car mounting block assembly for electrical interconnections between railway cars. The assembly comprises a housing having a threaded opening therethrough adapted to receive an electrical plug and electrical cable. The assembly has a securing mechanism for attaching the housing to a rail car and the housing has a receiving means for receiving a connector of a lanyard. The invention further provides for a lanyard having a plurality of loops for encompassing an electrical cable having electrical connectors at both ends. The lanyard also has connectors at both ends with one of the connectors attaching to one of the cable's electrical connectors and the other connector attaching to the receiving means of the housing. The invention further provides for a combination of the lanyard and the electrical cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kip P. Flint, Johnny L. Burch, Gene A. Timourou
  • Parking brake for a rail vehicle
    Publication number: 20030024774
    Abstract: The present invention is a parking brake for a rail vehicle having a brake cylinder and a piston in the brake cylinder responsive to forces to apply and release the brakes on the vehicle. The parking brake further includes at least one off-center connecting rod extending though an opening in the brake cylinder and connected to the piston through that opening. The parking brake also includes a force multiplier supported by the brake cylinder and connected to the at least one off-center connecting rod. Further included is an actuator connected to the force multiplier for driving the force multiplier to provide the force to move the at least one rod and the piston to move the brakes to an apply position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Howard E. Huber, Jeffrey F. Sauter, Zdzislaw Samulak, Lyle Jantzi, Jerry Peck, Steven R. Newton
  • METHOD OF DETERMINING MAXIMUM SERVICE BRAKE REDUCTION
    Publication number: 20030009274
    Abstract: A method of and a system for determining a maximum brake pipe service reduction in the brake system of a train having a pneumatic brake on each car connected to a brake pipe which is controlled by a brake pipe controller. The method includes determining the status of the brake system throughout the train and determining a maximum brake pipe reduction for the brake pipe controller, using the status of the brake system, above which further reduction will not result in further brake application in the train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund R. Peterson, Michael J. Hawthorne
  • Brake assembly, system and method
    Publication number: 20030001431
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake assembly for a vehicle having an air spring wherein a brake signal operates a brake cylinder of the vehicle. A proportioning valve, having its load responsive element disabled and being responsive to the brake signal, provides a proportioned brake signal to the brake cylinder. A switch, responsive to an air spring pressure signal selectively connects the brake signal to the brake cylinder. The present invention further relates to a method for retrofitting a brake system by disabling the load sensing element of a proportioning valve and inserting a switch in parallel with the proportioning valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Vaughn
  • Method of determining maximum service brake reduction
    Patent number: 6487488
    Abstract: A method of and a system for determining a maximum brake pipe service reduction in the brake system of a train having a pneumatic brake on each car connected to a brake pipe which is controlled by a brake pipe controller. The method includes determining the status of the brake system throughout the train and determining a maximum brake pipe reduction for the brake pipe controller, using the status of the brake system, above which further reduction will not result in further brake application in the train. The determined maximum brake pipe reduction is displayed by itself or in combination with the brake pipe reduction produced by the brake pipe controller and/or used for automatic control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund R. Peterson, Jr., Michael J. Hawthorne
  • Entering and exiting ECP mode for an integrated ECP/EAB system
    Patent number: 6484085
    Abstract: A method of transitioning between the pneumatic and electric modes of an integrated pneumatic/electro-pneumatic train brake system which includes a brake control having a common operator brake controller. Initially, the control applies the brakes in response to the operator brake controller in the present mode. The control enables the next mode upon request from the operator and applies the brakes in the next mode to match the applied brakes in the present mode. Once the present mode brake is released, the control and system switch to the next mode. Other brake controllers monitor the network and automatically switches modes based on the status of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, Dale R. Stevens, James R. Truglio, John W. LaDuc, Roger B. Lewis, Kip P. Flint
  • Method of determining train and track characteristics using navigational data
    Patent number: 6480766
    Abstract: A method using the position data being determined on the train to determine characteristics of the train and/or the track. This is achieved by providing position determining devices at two or more spaced locations along the train. The position of the two locations are determined by the position determining devices. A processor determines the difference between the two locations from the positions determined by the position determining devices and determines the characteristics of the train from the determined difference between the two locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Hawthorne, Stephen K. Nickles, John E. Haley
  • Car control device assembly
    Patent number: 6472769
    Abstract: A car control device includes a pneumatic manifold with a plurality of fluid ports integrally formed in a housing. The configuration of the manifold and ports enables fluid communication with a brake valve, and a control valve module. The car control device also includes a functional control module in electric communication with a power management module, the control valve module, and the network. Each of the power management module, and the control valve module, the functional control module, and a battery assembly are all positioned to separately accessible within a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Abraham Long, Jr., William B. McCurdy, Jr., Gary S. Newton, Ronald O. Newton, Steven R. Newton
  • Entering and exiting ECP mode for an integrated ECP/EAB system
    Publication number: 20020147538
    Abstract: A method of transitioning between the pneumatic and electric modes of an integrated pneumatic/electro-pneumatic train brake system which includes a brake control having a common operator brake controller. Initially, the control applies the brakes in response to the operator brake controller in the present mode. The control enables the next mode upon request from the operator and applies the brakes in the next mode to match the applied brakes in the present mode. Once the present mode brake is released, the control and system switch to the next mode. Other brake controllers monitor the network and automatically switches modes based on the status of the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, Dale R. Stevens, James R. Truglio, John W. LaDuc, Roger B. Lewis, Kip P. Flint
  • Conventional brake pipe continuity test
    Publication number: 20020139181
    Abstract: The method includes reducing pressure of a charged brake pipe to a predetermined pressure value. The brake pipe is then charged only from the head end unit. Each intermediate brake pipe monitoring and charging device sequentially reports on the network a pressure which is an increase if the brake pipe is continuous between it and the head end unit. Subsequent to receipt of a report of an increased pressure on the network from an intermediate unit, the head end unit commands that intermediate unit to participate in charging the brake pipe. The head end unit determines the brake pipe continuity from the pressure increases reported by the intermediate units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Marra, Dale R. Stevens, Kevin B. Root, Roger B. Lewis, John W. LaDuc, Patrick S. Lacombe
  • Electropneumatic brake control valve
    Patent number: 6457782
    Abstract: An electropneumatic brake control valve unit capable of operating at the interface of the emergency brake portion or the service brake portion of a standard brake control valve as a retrofit unit or operating as a stand alone electropneumatic unit. The unit includes electric valves responsive to electrical signals and sensed brake pipe pressures to operate pneumatic valves to control the brake cylinder. The pneumatic valves are also operable independent of the electric control valves so as to allow braking with the electrical controls off or disabled. The unit can operate in combination with a complete brake control valve or with either or none of its emergency and service portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Truglio, Bryan M. McLaughlin
  • Fluid parking brake for a rail vehicle air brake cylinder
    Patent number: 6431329
    Abstract: A fluid parking brake for a rail vehicle having a brake cylinder with a first piston responsive to fluid signals to apply and release the brakes on the vehicle. The parking brake includes a housing having a second piston in the housing and which is coupled to the first piston. An apply port in the housing receives a pressure signal to move the second piston to an apply position. A locking clutch is provided for locking the second piston in the applied position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Howard E. Huber, Jr., Robert L. Neulieb
  • Portable single car test device
    Patent number: 6425282
    Abstract: A single car tester including a housing having a hanger to mount the housing to a car coupler or ladder of the car. Various configurations of valves and sensors are described to perform a single car test. The controller includes a program for uniquely performing the required tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Vaughn