Abstract: A temperature detection system for railway applications is provided. The system may include at least one infrared (IR) sensing element configured to detect IR signals emitted by a rail or a railcar, and a controller in communication with the at least one IR sensing element. The controller may be configured to receive the IR signals from the at least one IR sensing element, extract IR data corresponding to at least one of a rail and an undercarriage of the railcar from the IR signals, and generate a characteristic thermal profile of at least one of an ambient temperature and a rail temperature based on the IR data.

Abstract: A method for forming a smooth interface between a weld cap and an adjacent base metal utilizing ultrasonic impact treatment. The method improves the geometric profile of a weld while imparting a compressive residual stress layer on the weld metal and base metal thereby alleviating the tensile residual stresses imparted to the metals during welding. The contouring process does not remove material, as in grinding, but plastically deforms the surface being treated producing a densified surface, in turn providing a smooth weld cap and base metal surface finish without the loss of base or weld metal thickness.

Abstract: An event recorder playback system for a plurality of locomotives in a consist is described, including a processor configured to receive and save a first dataset and a second dataset associated with operation of a first locomotive and a second locomotive, respectively, in the consist. The processor may determine, using the processor, a point of synchronization of the first dataset and the second dataset with respect to time, and align the first dataset and the second dataset using the point of synchronization. The event recorder playback system may be further configured to output the first dataset and the second dataset on an output device. The output is aligned with respect to time.

Abstract: An expansion module is disclosed for use in a communication network. The expansion module may include a housing, an input interface connected to the housing and configured to externally connect with at least one analog device, and an output interface connected to the housing and configured to externally connect with the communication network. The expansion module may also include at least one processor located in the housing and configured to receive analog signals from the input interface, to convert the analog signals to digital signals, and to direct the digital signals to the output interface. The expansion module may also include at least one sensor located in the housing and configured to generate digital signals indicative of a performance parameter associated with a fluid in communication with the housing.

Abstract: A cabin monitoring system is disclosed for use with a machine having an operator cabin. The cabin monitoring system may have a scanner oriented inward to capture images inside the operator cabin, and a controller in communication with the scanner. The controller may be configured to determine a change in conditions inside the operator cabin, and to selectively affect operation of the scanner based on the change in conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting a condition associated with a wheel bearing on a train car. The method may include detecting a size and a location of the wheel bearing. The method may also include detecting a temperature associated with the wheel bearing based at least in part on the size and the location of the wheel bearing. The method may further include determining a wheel bearing condition based on the detected temperature.

Abstract: A memory module is disclosed. The memory module may have an enclosure having a slot in a wall of the enclosure. The memory module may also have a device disposed within the enclosure. The memory module may further have a thermal cutoff disposed in the slot. The thermal cutoff may have a first end attached to the device. The thermal cutoff may also have a second end attached to a wire configured to electrically connect to the device. The thermal cutoff may disconnect the wire from the device when subjected to a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes enabling a user of event recorder playback software to select a past time segment of recorded locomotive event data. The method includes presenting recorded video data recorded by one or more cameras on the locomotive during the past time segment, presenting recorded GPS map data indicative of the geographical position of the locomotive during the past time segment, and presenting recorded locomotive operational data recorded during the past time segment. The presentations of recorded video data, recorded GPS map data, and recorded locomotive operational data are synchronized based on a common attribute associated with all of the recorded data. Implementation of a select animation process to one or more of the presentations of recorded data results in the simultaneous implementation of the same select animation process to another of the presentations of recorded data.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing an IR sensor of train undercarriage temperatures is disclosed. The IR sensor may be used to obtain infrared IR emission data by sensing a wheel or a wheel bearing of a rail vehicle. The test apparatus may comprise a heat emitter for supplying IR emissions at a reference temperature to the IR sensor. A support may support the heat emitter at a position spaced from the passage of the rail vehicle and in an orientation for directing the IR emissions at the IR sensor.

Abstract: A diesel-electric locomotive has two separate engine systems, including a large engine system and a small engine system. The power output from the separate engine systems may be combined to power the locomotive's traction motors. When the locomotive requires low power output for propulsion, only the small engine system is used to power the traction motors. When the locomotive requires higher power output, only the large engine system is used to power the traction motors. When the locomotive requires maximum power output, the small and the large engine system may both be used and their power output combined to power the traction motors. Also, a unique control strategy maintains a smooth delivery of power to the traction motors in the event that one engine shuts down or starts as a result of a change in the commanded power output of the locomotive.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting a condition associated with a wheel on a train car. The method may include detecting a position of the wheel. The method may also include detecting a position of a rail on which the wheel travels. The method may further include comparing the position of the wheel relative to the position of the rail, and determining a wheel condition based on the comparison.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes a first controller configured to receive and record operational data associated with operation of a locomotive, process, via a processor, the operational data, and determine, using the processor, a data storage plan for the operational data. The data storage plan can dynamically change based on the operational data. The system may be further configured to store the operational data with a second controller associated with a second locomotive according to the data storage plan.

Abstract: A rail clip for fastening railway rails to rail ties.

Abstract: A method of making a crawler shoe for a mobile machine having a track assembly is disclosed. The method may include casting a crawler shoe from manganese steel, the crawler shoe having at least one wear surface that engages the track assembly. The method may further include solution treating the crawler shoe to form fully austenitic manganese steel, applying an explosive material to the at least one wear surface, and detonating the explosive material.

Abstract: An entrance system for providing access to a short nose of a locomotive is provided. The entrance system includes a door assembly coupled to a wall. The door assembly further includes a panel having predetermined shape, and a plurality of vents on a surface of the panel. The door assembly further includes a frame encasing the panel and a first lock in member coupled to the frame. The frame has a hinged connection to the wall. The entrance system includes a second locking member coupled to the wall. The first locking member and the second locking member are adapted to prevent a rotation of the door assembly around the hinged connection under locking condition of the entrance system. The entrance system further includes a cover flush mounted with a floor of the cabin and at least a portion of the cover extends beneath the frame.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes a first controller configured to receive and record operational data associated with operation of a locomotive, process, via a processor, the operational data, and determine, using the processor, a data storage plan for the operational data. The data storage plan can dynamically change based on the operational data. The system may be further configured to store the operational data with a second controller associated with a second locomotive according to the data storage plan.

Abstract: An event recorder playback system for a plurality of locomotives in a consist is described, including a processor configured to receive and save a first dataset and a second dataset associated with operation of a first locomotive and a second locomotive, respectively, in the consist. The processor may determine, using the processor, a point of synchronization of the first dataset and the second dataset with respect to time, and align the first dataset and the second dataset using the point of synchronization. The event recorder playback system may be further configured to output the first dataset and the second dataset on an output device. The output is aligned with respect to time.

Abstract: An emergency override system for a machine is disclosed. The emergency override system may have an input device configured to generate a stop signal. The emergency override system may also have a receiver configured to receive the stop signal. The emergency override system may further have a controller in communication with the receiver and connectable to a signal pin, which is configured to indicate a travel direction of the machine. The controller may be configured to stop a travel of the machine by applying a threshold voltage to the signal pin, when the receiver has received the stop signal.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine is provided that may have an exhaust passage configured to direct exhaust from the engine to the atmosphere. The exhaust system may also have an aftertreatment component disposed within the exhaust passage, a throttle configured to generate a throttle position signal indicative of a throttle position of the engine, and a temperature sensor configured to generate a temperature signal indicative of the exhaust temperature. The exhaust system may also have a controller in communication with the engine, the throttle, the sensor, and the aftertreatment component, configured to monitor the temperature signal and track a total duration for which the temperature signal is less than a threshold temperature. The controller may also be configured to initiate a load increase on the engine to raise a temperature of exhaust exiting the engine when the total duration is greater than a threshold duration.

Abstract: A ladder for a mast assembly is provided. The ladder includes a frame assembly having a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs. The ladder also includes a sub-assembly affixed to an interior facing side of the frame assembly. The sub-assembly includes a platform provided at a bottom section of the sub-assembly. The sub-assembly also includes a plurality of support rails provided at a top section of the sub-assembly. A first end of each of the support rails is pivotably coupled to the frame assembly. A second end of each of the support rails is configured to contact with the mast assembly when the ladder is in a deployed position with respect to the mast assembly. The frame assembly and the at least one sub-assembly is collapsible against the mast assembly.