Abstract: An electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) overlay control valve can selective switch between a conventional pneumatic mode and an ECP mode. In ECP mode, the overlay control valve shunts the brake cylinder pressure of the pneumatic control valve which allows a relay valve to build or exhaust pressure in the brake cylinder in response to an electronically controlled apply/release circuit. In conventional pneumatic mode, the overlay control valve disconnects the relay valve and allows a conventional pneumatic control valve to control the pressurization and exhausting of the brake cylinder.

Abstract: An intelligent, on-board, train brake safety monitoring and fault action system is disclosed. The system compares measured dynamic train brake performance using on-board train control system, such as a LEADER® system. Using the measured dynamic train brake performance, the brake monitoring system can determine whether the train is capable of stopping within a particular required distance, such as a stop distance set by a positive train control system in which the train is participating. The ongoing ability to meet external braking criteria, such as compliance with positive train control stop distances, may be used to extend the interval between any mandated train brake inspections and tests.

Abstract: A system that can automatically control the emissions of each locomotive in a consist to reduce overall train emissions. An emissions module determines the amount of emissions emitted by a train. An emissions control module commands the locomotive, via the train control system, to operate in a predetermined state to achieve a particular amount of emissions. A location module can track the location of the locomotive of the train relative geographic locations having emission regulations so that the emissions control module can command appropriate changes in the locomotive to reduce emissions.

Abstract: A combined dirt collector and cutout cock (CDC & COC) device for a rail car control to prevent unintentional re-pressurization of the control valve and rail car braking system. The device has an inlet configured for interconnection to an air supply, an outlet configured for interconnection to a control valve of a rail car, a valve moveable between a first position where an inlet is connected to an outlet and a second position where the inlet is isolated from the outlet, and a control valve vent positioned downstream of the valve and configured to open in response to the valve being moved into the second position. The valve may include a ball having a first passageway for selectively connecting and disconnecting the inlet from the outlet and a second passageway formed therethrough that is positioned to interconnect the outlet with the vent when the valve is in the second position.

Abstract: A system that determines state of a locomotive and transmits the occurrence of any predetermined events to an off-board system. The onboard subsystem includes an event detection module programmed to receive data defining the state of a locomotive to determine whether the received state of the locomotive comprises an event as well as a transmission module programmed to transmit to an off-board subsystem data defining a status. An onboard database have reference variable values is used to compare the existing state of the locomotive to predetermined events. If an event is determined to have occurred, the occurrence of the event is transmitted to the off-board system.

Abstract: A railway vehicle parking brake that can provide the appropriate tension to the braking system using a motor, a brake chain drum interconnected to the motor to take up or release a brake chain, a load arm deflects in response to tension in the brake chain, and a switch that is closed by the load arm when it deflects. A movable sheave interconnects the brake chain and the load arm and is positioned between the brake chain drum and a fixed sheave over which the brake chain is looped. A control method considers the position of the first switch to determine whether to the motor off when applying the brakes and the amount of current being drawn by the motor to determine whether to the motor off because of a system failure.

Abstract: A compressor deicing system having an intercooler deicer valve and an after cooler deicer valve for selectively open and closing the first stage unloader and the second stage unloader so that high temperature air will deice the intercooler and aftercooler. When the first stage unloader is closed and the second stage unloader is open, the first stage temperatures will increase and the resulting high-temperature first stage air will thaw any ice accumulated in the intercooler. When the first stage unloader is open and the second stage unloader is closed, the second stage temperatures will increase and the resulting high-temperature second stage air will thaw any ice accumulated in the aftercooler.

Abstract: An automatic parking brake for a truck mounted brake cylinder. The automatic parking brake includes rod that is interconnected to a piston of the brake cylinder and can prevent the piston from returning to the brakes releases position. The rod is controlled by locking nut that will rotate if the rod moves axially through the locking nut and a locking sleeve that is moveable between a locked position, where the locking sleeve engages the locking nut and prevents from the nut from rotating, and a released position, where the locking sleeve is disengages from the locking nut and the locking nut is free to rotate. A spring provides a force biasing the locking nut into the locked position, and brake pipe pressure biases the locking sleeve into the released position.

Abstract: A brake cylinder maintaining system that combines a brake cylinder maintaining check valve and a quick service limiting valve into a single unit to have lower hysteresis, and thus more precise BCM regulation pressure and a smaller pressure offset. The check valve and quick service valve are coupled to provide a single system having multiple valve seats for selective communication between quick service pressure and brake cylinder pressure on one hand, and between a brake cylinder maintaining pressure and brake cylinder pressure on the other hand.

Abstract: A system for optimizing the control of a train that includes an interface for receiving data representing a set of operational parameters for a train that will traverse a predetermined route. A server is interconnected to the interface and programmed to generate a plurality of scenarios using the same set of operational parameters but different control parameters. A simulator is programmed to perform a simulation of the operation of the train as described by the operation parameters and control parameters. The server is programmed to review the results of the simulation and score how closely the simulations achieved one or more performance metrics, thereby identifying which control parameters should be used by the train and allowing the control parameters to be transmitted to the train.

Abstract: A computer controlled locomotive brake (CCB) configured for setting and releasing the retainer valves of the railcars of a train. The CCB may initially recharge the brake pipe to a pressure slightly less than the retainer valve release pressure. The CCB may then continue charging to this level until the brake pipe flow, measured at the CCB on the controlling locomotive and the brake pipe pressure on the last car, as measured by an end of train device, indicate that the pressure in the braking system reservoirs are substantively equal to the brake pipe pressure. Once the reservoirs are substantively charged, the CCB may complete the brake release and recharge by recharging the brake pipe pressure to its final charge so that all retainer valves are released and the train has sufficient braking system recharge to safely control movement of the train.

Abstract: A railway air dryer that switches the flow and counter flow of air through each of two desiccant towers in response to the actual humidity of air being dried by the air dryer. The air dryer includes a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor in the outlet air, and a temperature sensor in the inlet air stream to determine when to initiate the regeneration of the desiccant. The air dryer system is generally specified to provide some minimum drying performance, for example 40° C. dew point suppression.

Abstract: A hatch cover lock comprises a front member including a pair of flanges, a rear member positioned between the pair of flanges; a gap defined between front member and the rear member; a clamp defining a J-shaped cross-section in a plane normal to a length thereof, the clamp having one leg thereof disposed in the gap and having another leg thereof disposed parallel to an outer surface of the rear member and at a distance therefrom, a handle, a first pivotal connection between the handle and the front member, a gravity lock, a second pivotal connection between the gravity lock and the handle, and a weld-free connection between the main portion of the rear member and the main portion of the front member.

Abstract: An equalizing reservoir backup system that offers air brake control to the operator when the air brake network has failed or when the computer control equipment of the air brake system has failed. The system includes an equalizing reservoir backup module that is programmed to receive the electrical signals from human machine interface and configuration messages from the computer controlled braking system via the network and to control the train brake pipe via equalizing reservoir control. The equalizing reservoir backup module follows network pressure commands when commanded to do so or transforms handle commands into equalizing pressure when commanded to do so or when communications with the network have been lost. As a result, the backup system can be used when the network has failed or when the computer equipment has failed.

Abstract: An automatic parking brake for a truck mounted brake cylinder. The automatic parking brake includes rod that is interconnected to a piston of the brake cylinder and can prevent the piston from returning to the brakes releases position. The rod is controlled by locking nut that will rotate if the rod moves axially through the locking nut and a locking sleeve that is moveable between a locked position, where the locking sleeve engages the locking nut and prevents from the nut from rotating, and a released position, where the locking sleeve is disengages from the locking nut and the locking nut is free to rotate. A spring provides a force biasing the locking nut into the locked position, and brake pipe pressure biases the locking sleeve into the released position.

Abstract: An intelligent locomotive brake control system which selects and optimizes use of dynamic, independent, and automatic brakes on the locomotive to assure intended brake power, to minimize in-train forces, minimize brake component wear, and to automate standard train brake protocol. The system may be programmed to alter an automatic brake application commanded by a train driver to omit or reduce the amount of the automatic brake application in favor of a dynamic brake application, and independent brake application, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A train control system configured to automatically execute and ensure compliance with all requirements for radio blocking. A radio blocking module of the physical train control system of a lead train retrieves and displays the appropriate clearance points for acceptance by the train driver of the lead train. Once accepted, the clearance points are transmitted to a trailing train for display and acceptance by the train driver of the trailing train. An accepted clearance point is passed to the train control system for use as the next destination point for navigation purposes. The train control system can also electronically log all acts to comply with applicable radio blocking requirements.

Abstract: A predictive maintenance system for determining when an item of equipment on a rail car is due for servicing. A server is configured to receive run data relating to a train and a database is associated with the server to maintain identifying information about the rail car, status information about an item of equipment, the date when the item of equipment will likely be due for servicing, and the current location of the rail car. The service date is calculated from the run data by estimating the amount of wear that likely has occurred based on the run data. The estimated amount of wear may then be used to determine the amount of wear remaining and the date when the equipment will likely reach its lifespan based on estimated use to date and the rate of usage.

Abstract: A computer controlled locomotive brake (CCB) configured for setting and releasing the retainer valves of the railcars of a train. The CCB may initially recharge the brake pipe to a pressure slightly less than the retainer valve release pressure. The CCB may then continue charging to this level until the brake pipe flow, measured at the CCB on the controlling locomotive and the brake pipe pressure on the last car, as measured by an end of train device, indicate that the pressure in the braking system reservoirs are substantively equal to the brake pipe pressure. Once the reservoirs are substantively charged, the CCB may complete the brake release and recharge by recharging the brake pipe pressure to its final charge so that all retainer valves are released and the train has sufficient braking system recharge to safely control movement of the train.

Abstract: A control valve for an automatic parking brake having an inlet for coupling to a source a brake pipe pressure, an outlet for coupling to a control inlet of the automatic parking brake and a pilot for coupling to the source of brake pipe pressure. The control valve is moveable between a first position where the inlet is in communication with the outlet and a second position where the inlet and the outlet are isolated from each other in response to a predetermined amount of brake pipe pressure at the pilot. The control valve includes a spring biasing the control valve into the first position.