Abstract: A system may include a data acquisition hub connected to databases and sensors associated with locomotives, systems, or components of a train and configured to acquire real-time and historical configuration, structural, and operational data in association with inputs derived from real time and historical contextual data relating to a plurality of trains. The system may include a virtual system modeling engine configured to receive results of a non-destructive evaluation of a train component, simulate in-train forces, determine a predicted time of failure for the train component based on an evaluation of stresses that have already been applied to the component and expected future stresses, and implement repair, replacement, or operational protocols for the train component before or at a repair facility that will be reached by the train ahead of a predetermined minimum threshold time period before the predicted time of failure.

Abstract: A train control system uses artificial intelligence for maintaining synchronization between centralized and distributed train control models. A machine learning engine receives training data from a data acquisition hub, a first set of output control commands from a centralized virtual system modeling engine, and a second set of output control commands from a distributed virtual system modeling engine. The machine learning engine compares the first set of output control commands and the second set of output control commands, and trains a learning system using the training data to enable the machine learning engine to safely mitigate any difference between the first and second sets of output control commands using a learning function including at least one learning parameter.

Abstract: A direct fixation track rail fastener includes a fastener body having a top plate, a frame, and an overmolded jacket. A first and a second lateral positioner are positioned in positioner bores extending through the fastener body, and each includes an eccentric. The eccentrics include axially extending external teeth interlocked with axially extending slots within the positioner bores. In an aspect, the eccentrics are dual eccentrics each including tooth and slot interlocking arrangements with another eccentric or the frame.

Abstract: A rail clip assembly includes a rail clip, and a toe insulator having a pad with a diagonally oriented rail contact face, and an open-sided pocket receiving a toe end of a rail clip. The toe insulator includes a snap lock, structured to adjust between a locked configuration trapping a locating projection of the toe insulator in a bore in the rail clip, and an unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A train control system uses artificial intelligence for maintaining synchronization between centralized and distributed train control models. A machine learning engine receives training data from a data acquisition hub, a first set of output control commands from a centralized virtual system modeling engine, and a second set of output control commands from a distributed virtual system modeling engine. The machine learning engine compares the first set of output control commands and the second set of output control commands, and trains a learning system using the training data to enable the machine learning engine to safely mitigate any difference between the first and second sets of output control commands using a learning function including at least one learning parameter.

Abstract: A train control system uses sensory inputs related to operational parameters of a train for automatically scoring or classifying particular train driving strategies implemented by a machine learning model for a particular train operating on a predefined route or route segment. The train control system includes one or more predefined rules related to one or more of a first set of the operational parameters, wherein each of the rules defines a Boolean, true or false classification based on whether a particular train driving strategy results in one or more of the first set of operational parameters complying with the rule. One or more comparative key performance indicators are related to one or more of a second set of operational parameters, and are used to rank the particular train driving strategy for the predefined route or route segment relative to a different train driving strategy for the same or comparable route or route segment.

Abstract: A track rail fastening system includes a direct fixation fastener assembly having a direct fixation fastener, and a laterally elongated support block. Fastener holes for receiving fastener-clamping fasteners, and fastener holes for receiving bracket-clamping fasteners, are formed in the support block. The respective sets of fastener holes are arranged in different anchor patterns. Fastener-clamping fasteners are received in one of the sets of fastener holes and claim direct fixation fastener to the support block. Bracket-clamping fasteners clamp a third-rail support bracket to the support block, and are received in one of the sets of fastener holes. The third-rail support bracket is cantilevered to the support block.

Abstract: A train control system uses machine learning for implementing handovers between centralized and distributed train control models. A machine learning engine receives training data from a data acquisition hub, receives a centralized train control model from a centralized virtual system modeling engine, and receives an edge-based train control model from an edge-based virtual system modeling engine. The machine learning engine trains a learning system using the training data to enable the machine learning engine to predict when a locomotive of the train will enter a geo-fence where communication between the edge-based computer processing system and the centralized computer processing system will be inhibited.

Abstract: An SCR after-treatment system for a locomotive engine includes an enclosure defining an exhaust flow path from an inlet to an outlet, the inlet being flexibly connected to an exhaust outlet of the engine, an injector located in the inlet and configured to provide an aerosolized reductant into the exhaust flow path, a mixing tube extending from the inlet into the enclosure towards a back wall of the enclosure; a plurality of catalyst cells extending parallel to the mixing tube; the exhaust flow path traveling through the plurality of catalyst cells between the mixing tube and the outlet, and a side channel located between the mixing tube and the plurality of catalyst cells. The enclosure is configured to create low back pressure and an even distribution of the exhaust flow path across the plurality of catalyst cells.

Abstract: A spring anchor assembly for fastening track rail includes a spring anchor having a hook end, a tail end, and a middle section. An insulator is fitted upon the spring anchor and includes a plurality of rib walls extending fore and aft between a first outer insulator wall and a second outer insulator wall. The outer insulator walls form downward depending wall sections extending, respectively, from termination locations of the rib walls to the lower peripheral edges. A channel is formed between the wall sections and receives the middle section, contacted by the plurality of rib walls at the termination locations. The insulator insulates the spring anchor to limit leaking electrical currents from the track rail to ground.

Abstract: A train control system enables rapid, reliable, and verifiable association of a mobile component carried by an operator with at least one of a device, feature, or short range transceiver located on one or more locomotives of one or more consists in a train. The train control system may include a mobile component configured to be carried by an operator from one of the locomotives to another in the one or more consists. The at least one of a device, feature, or short range transceiver and the mobile component may be configured to communicate with each other wirelessly when brought within a threshold distance or less from each other. The mobile component may be configured to exchange a unique identifier with each locomotive automatically or upon an action of the operator when the operator brings the mobile component to within the threshold distance or less of each of the one or more locomotives.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting operation of a train are disclosed. A method may include: receiving one or more infrared images of a brake line of the train; detecting one or more leaks of the brake line based on the one or more infrared images; and adjusting a brake command based on the detected one or more leaks.

Abstract: An SCR after-treatment system for a locomotive engine includes an enclosure defining an exhaust flow path from an inlet to an outlet, the inlet being flexibly connected to an exhaust outlet of the engine, an injector located in the inlet and configured to provide an aerosolized reductant into the exhaust flow path, a mixing tube extending from the inlet into the enclosure towards a back wall of the enclosure; a plurality of catalyst cells extending parallel to the mixing tube; the exhaust flow path traveling through the plurality of catalyst cells between the mixing tube and the outlet, and a side channel located between the mixing tube and the plurality of catalyst cells. The enclosure is configured to create low back pressure and an even distribution of the exhaust flow path across the plurality of catalyst cells.

Abstract: A rail clip assembly includes a rail clip, and a toe insulator having a pad with a diagonally oriented rail contact face, and an open-sided pocket receiving a toe end of a rail clip. The toe insulator includes a snap lock, structured to adjust between a locked configuration trapping a locating projection of the toe insulator in a bore in the rail clip, and an unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A fastening system for track rail includes a track rail fastener positionable upon a pedestal mount, and including a top plate, a frame, and an overmolded jacket. The system further includes a lateral positioner having an eccentric structured to contact a pedestal mount, and a locating pin extending through the fastener body and the eccentric to couple a lateral location of the fastener body to an angular orientation of the eccentric, such that rotating the eccentric varies a lateral location of the fastener body. A frame in the fastener body includes a plurality of vertically extending finger walls for lateral and rotational stability, with the overmolded jacket extending between the finger walls and the top plate.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure a method of hardening an article of manganese steel is shown. The method includes applying an ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT) on a surface of the article of manganese steel, the ultrasonic impact treatment corresponding to operational parameters, the operational parameters may include an operating ultrasonic frequency, mechanical energy, treatment travel speed, applied force, pattern, or coverage percentage, and each of the operational parameters are independently controllable.

Abstract: A fastening system for track rail includes a molded support block, and a direct fixation fastener positioned upon an upper side of the molded support block. The direct fixation fastener includes a metallic frame and a non-metallic overmolded jacket. Clamping fasteners of the fastening system are structured to engage with retention elements integrally molded in a concrete matrix material of the molded support block to clamp the direct fixation fastener to the upper side within a range of lateral positions.

Abstract: A method comprises determining either the coefficient for the equation relating the injection timing distance of a bushing to the angle of rotation of a shaft of an engine, or the desired effective injection stroke reduction; and calculating at least one of the following: the modified injection timing distance by multiplying the desired angle of retardation of the injection timing by the coefficient and adding that product to the original injection timing distance of the bushing, and the modified injection duration distance by subtracting the desired effective injection stroke reduction from the original injection duration distance.

Abstract: A train control system may include a data acquisition hub connected to a database and sensors associated with one or more locomotives, systems, or components of a train and configured to acquire data in association with inputs derived from contextual data relating to a plurality of trains being operated by experienced train engineers under a variety of different conditions and in different geographical areas for use as training data. A machine learning engine of the train control system may receive the training data from the data acquisition hub, encode a modified learning function as a statistical model of desirable train handling behavior, evaluate train handling behavior by comparing to the statistical model, and update a certification of one or more of a train engineer, a semi-autonomous control system, or a fully autonomous control system.

Abstract: A train control system controls the ramp rate at which a train accelerates after braking. A machine learning engine receives training data from a data acquisition hub, including a plurality of input conditions of the train and a plurality of outputs associated with the input conditions. A virtual system modeling engine simulates in-train forces and train operational characteristics using physics-based equations, kinematic or dynamic modeling of behavior of the train or components of the train during operation of the train when the train is accelerating after braking, and inputs derived from stored historical contextual data related to the train. The machine learning engine trains a learning system using the training data to generate an output based on an input using a learning function including at least one learning parameter. The learning parameter is modified as needed to improve the accuracy of the learning function in generating the output.