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 system and method for detecting buckled rail and for predicting a risk for rail buckling is disclosed. The method may comprise receiving data from a camera mounted on locomotive traveling on the railroad track. The data may include images of the buckled rail and dimensions of the buckled rail when the camera detects the buckled rail. The data may further include images of the ballast and condition of the ballast. The method may further comprise receiving data from a thermal camera mounted to the locomotive indicating the temperature of the rails. The method may further comprise transmitting an alarm signal to a display interface of a remote unit if the dimensions of the buckled rail meet a predetermined threshold, and predicting a risk for rail buckling based at least on the temperature of the rails and the condition of the ballast.

Abstract: A machine learning system for maintaining distributed computer control systems for a train may include a data acquisition hub communicatively connected to a plurality of sensors configured to acquire real-time configuration data from one or more of the computer control systems. The machine learning system may also include an analytics server communicatively connected to the data acquisition hub. The analytics server may include a virtual system modeling engine configured to model an actual train control system comprising the distributed computer control systems, a virtual system model database configured to store one or more virtual system models of the distributed computer control systems, wherein each of the one or more virtual system models includes preset configuration settings for the distributed computer control systems, and a machine learning engine configured to monitor the real-time configuration data and the preset configuration settings.

Abstract: A train control system using machine learning for development of train control strategies includes a machine learning engine. The machine learning engine receives training data from a data acquisition hub, including a plurality of first input conditions and a plurality of first response maneuvers associated with the first input conditions. The machine learning engine trains a learning system using the training data to generate a second response maneuver based on a second input condition 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 nozzle assembly for a fuel injector includes an injector housing having a casing and a stack within the casing, an outlet check movable within a nozzle cavity in the injector housing, and having a stop positioned within a stop cavity. A clearance is formed between the outlet check and the injector housing and fluidly connects a spring cavity to a stop cavity, and an anti-cavitation vent is formed in the stack and fluidly connects the spring cavity to a low pressure space. The anti-cavitation vent limits pressure changes in the spring cavity during fuel injection such that production of cavitation bubbles in the spring cavity is limited.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a fuel injector includes an injector housing having a casing and a stack within the casing, an outlet check movable within a nozzle cavity in the injector housing, and having a stop positioned within a stop cavity. A clearance is formed between the outlet check and the injector housing and fluidly connects a spring cavity to a stop cavity, and an anti-cavitation vent is formed in the stack and fluidly connects the spring cavity to a low pressure space. The anti-cavitation vent limits pressure changes in the spring cavity during fuel injection such that production of cavitation bubbles in the spring cavity is limited.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a fuel injector includes a nozzle body and a needle tip positioned within the nozzle body. The needle check includes a terminal end surface positioned in spaced, facing relation to a sac surface of the nozzle body, to form a sac cavity. The terminal end surface and sac surface each have spherical shapes, and are centered about a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body. Structures of the terminal end surface and the sac surface are such that a clearance between them is nowhere less than along a line segment between centers of the terminal end surface and the sac surface, the sac cavity has a reduced volume, and wall thickness at the nozzle tip is sufficient for improved fracture resistance.

Abstract: A device attached to a railcar of a train is provided. The device comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver to transmit and receive a RF signal. The device includes a RF modem configured to convert the received RF signal into a low frequency (LF) analog signal. The device includes a digital signal processor to process the LF signal. The digital signal processor includes a phase detector, a loop filter, and a digitally controlled oscillator. The phase detector compares the LF signal and a reference signal to generate an error signal. The phase detector also determines a state of the digital signal processor, the state being one of a lock state or an out of lock state. Further, the phase detector detects an event that the RF signal is lost and generate a loss signal. The loop filter filters the error signal and generates an error control signal. The digitally controlled oscillator generates the reference signal based on the error control signal, the state, and the loss signal.

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: An end of train (EOT) system includes monitoring equipment with a sensor to monitor a pressure of air in a brake mechanism in a railcar, and a power supply having battery cells and a temperature control system for the battery cells. The temperature control system includes a heat sink in heat transference contact with the battery cells, and an electronically controlled heater for the battery cells. The temperature control system includes a temperature sensor, and a control device coupled with the temperature sensor and the electronically controlled heater to vary an output of the heater based on an output of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A shuttle valve for a control valve coupled to an electronic fuel injector is disclosed. The shuttle valve may include a shuttle valve first end including an armature attachment portion operably coupled to an armature of the control valve and a shuttle valve second end opposite the shuttle valve first end defining a sealing portion of the control valve including an annular sealing surface. A valve guide portion may extend axially along a portion of the shuttle valve between the first and second ends. Furthermore, an engagement surface portion may be defined along the valve guide portion that is slidably engaged with a valve bore. Moreover, the shuttle valve may include a non-engagement surface portion defined along the valve guide portion, wherein the non-engagement surface is a non-continuous surface around a circumference of the valve guide portion and wherein the non-engagement surface is interspersed between portions of the engagement surface.

Abstract: A flat bar elastic rail clip in which the flat bar is turned back on itself so that one portion is longer than the other. The flat bar incorporates an opening in both portions to accommodate a rail spike that is held in the rail tie. This type of spike is usually used in combination with a concrete tie and a guide plate that seats on the rail seat of the tie. The combination of a shaped flat bar clip which is capable of providing both rail clamping and rollover protection configurations in combination with a guide plate and spike.

Abstract: A system for detecting a temperature of a railroad train wheel or bearing includes a thermal line scanner and a processor. The thermal line scanner is positioned to capture a plurality of thermal line scans of the wheel or bearing. The processor is configured to analyze each of the plurality of thermal line scans, identify a selected line of the plurality of thermal line scans, and calculate the temperature of the wheel or the bearing based on the selected line. Thus, the system and method disclosed herein reduce the acquired thermal data first to a single line for one or both of the wheel temperature and bearing temperature and then to single values.

Abstract: An implement system for a machine. The implement system includes a boom, an implement, a roller assembly and a carriage. The boom has a telescopic structure and a first end. The implement is coupled to the first end of the boom. The roller assembly is configured to be coupled to the machine. The carriage is engaged with the roller assembly and is coupled to the boom. The carriage is configured to move linearly along a longitudinal axis of the machine between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A low maintenance rail seat has recess in the concrete tie and an abrasion plate that covers the floor of the recess and its sides parallel to the rail base. The abrasion plate includes ribs which seat in additional recesses in the tie to retard longitudinal movement. The anti-abrasion assembly preferably has four flanges which wrap around the top of concrete tie to prevent dust particles from entering and abrading the concrete rail seat. These flanges also wrap around the support shoulder for additional resistance to longitudinal movement. The components are designed to provide 8.5? of lateral support along the side of the rail base while the traditional e clip fastener provides only 3? of lateral support. The interlock feature between the anti-abrasion assembly and the concrete tie also minimizes relative movement between abrasion plate and concrete tie, which results in less concrete surface abrasion.

Abstract: An end of train (EOT) system includes monitoring equipment with a sensor to monitor a pressure of air in a brake mechanism in a railcar, and a power supply having battery cells and a temperature control system for the battery cells. The temperature control system includes a heat sink in heat transference contact with the battery cells, and an electronically controlled heater for the battery cells. The temperature control system includes a temperature sensor, and a control device coupled with the temperature sensor and the electronically controlled heater to vary an output of the heater based on an output of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A device attached to a railcar of a train is provided. The device comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver to transmit and receive a RF signal. The device includes a RF modem configured to convert the received RF signal into a low frequency (LF) analog signal. The device includes a digital signal processor to process the LF signal. The digital signal processor includes a phase detector, a loop filter, and a digitally controlled oscillator. The phase detector compares the LF signal and a reference signal to generate an error signal. The phase detector also determines a state of the digital signal processor, the state being one of a lock state or an out of lock state. Further, the phase detector detects an event that the RF signal is lost and generate a loss signal. The loop filter filters the error signal and generates an error control signal. The digitally controlled oscillator generates the reference signal based on the error control signal, the state, and the loss signal.

Abstract: A fastening mechanism for coupling track rail to a substrate includes a fastener body formed by a metallic base and an overmolded non-metallic coating. Metallic pillars are coupled with the fastener body, and define bores for receiving anchors held fast within a substrate. The coating encases the metallic base and extends peripherally around the metallic pillars to position vibration-attenuating non-metallic material between the metallic base and the metallic pillars.