Abstract: A clamp for securing apparatus such as end-of-train equipment to a railroad coupler head includes a first finger member that is mounted to pivot about a pivot pin in scissors-like manner between a fixed second and third finger member affixed to a housing, a threaded rod and cooperating piston for pivoting the first finger member away from the fixed second and third finger members, a rail member for abutting against an outside surface of the coupler head, and a crank and handle for tightening the grip of the first, second and third fingers on the inner surfaces of the core hole when the crank is rotated.

Abstract: A hazard alert device for aircraft prioritizes various alerts according to predefined criteria. The device enables more optional alerting of hazardous conditions than a system of separate independent and discrete devices.

Abstract: In response to an inquiry by an unsophisticated Subscriber over a nonsecure network, a Provider returns a public key and retains the corresponding private key. The Subscriber encrypts a password using the public key, which is decrypted by the Provider. The password is then used to securely transfer to the Subscriber a key determined by the Provider, thereby enabling the Subscriber to decrypt messages encrypted by the Provider and transmitted over the nonsecure network. This password dependent secure transmission of a key to an unsophisticated Subscriber may be accomplished by several methods, including hashing, key lookup, Wizard protocol, and Warlock procedure. In each method the password is used by the Subscriber and the Provider in correlated operations ending in secure receipt by the Subscriber of a key determined by the Provider.

Abstract: The vital driver utilizes rectification and subsequent synchronized inverting of the rectified power, which is then fed to a transformer. Failed operation, which permits current having a DC component to reach the load transformer, causes an increase in the current which is sensed by a current sensor. The high current can be detected by a fuse. Some embodiments use primary modules having a rectifier section with sufficient power to run a number of secondary units, each powering an individual load. The synchronizing inverter can utilize optically coupled solid state switches.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a display unit includes phototransistors for detecting light emitted from a plurality of selectively energizable light-emitting diode (LED) segments in an energized state and for generating a voltage which is representative of the light emitted from the LED segments in the energized state. A glass filter filters ambient light from the phototransistors and passes the light emitted from the LED segments in the energized state. A comparator for each of the LED segments generates a comparison signal, with the comparison signal being representative of a comparison between a predetermined reference voltage and the voltage for each of the LED segments. A conditional power supply conditionally energizes the LED segments in response to an energizing signal. A routine of a central processing unit generates display data.

Abstract: A motion detector for detecting movement of a rail based vehicle and the direction of that movement is provided. The motion detector can be integral with or attachable to an end-of-train unit and can include a single axis accelerometer mounted at an angle from the rails for detecting acceleration in both the lateral and vertical directions. A systems controller, which can include an analyzer, can be provided to receive and analyze output from the accelerometer to determine a motion state and a direction. A power controller can be provided for supplying power to the accelerometer on an intermittent basis to conserve power. A calibration unit can be provided to both initially calibrate and to subsequently recalibrate the accelerometer after a stopped motion state is detected. Additionally, an input/output port and an output driver for conditioning the signal for output to the end-of-train unit can be provided.

Abstract: In the synthesis of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa), a mixture of R-245fa and the impurity 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (R-1233zd) is purified and R-1233zd is removed from the mixture by contacting the mixture with 1-5 mols of chlorine for each mol of R-1233zd in the presence of ultraviolet light having a wavelength between about 300 to 400 nm which provides at least 0.02 watts-hour/kg of the mixture, the R-1233zd being reduced to below 10 wt. ppm or lower, as it is converted to 1,2,2-trichloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropane (R-233) or other propane which contains more chlorine and which has a higher boiling point than R-245fa and can be separated easily from R-245fa, the photochlorination being effected in a manner such that at least about 96 wt. % of the starting amount of R-245fa is maintained in the mixture.

Abstract: A low speed high pressure ration turbocharger incorporates a compressor impeller having impeller blades for a first stage of compression mounted on a first side of the wheel and impeller blades for a second stage of compression mounted on a second side of the wheel. Driving the dual sided compressor impeller on a common shaft from the turbine wheel allows reduction in rotational speeds while increasing compression ratio of the turbine. The scroll inlet and outlet volute for the second stage inducer are integrated with the compressor housing or other portions of the turbocharger case for compact packaging.

Abstract: A railway switch circuit controller has a housing enclosing a laterally movable platform with a first and second target affixed thereupon. A first and second proximity sensor within the housing is positioned to detect the first and second target, respectively, such that the proximity sensor upon detection of the respective target may provide a signal. The platform is connected to a point detector connecting rod of a railway switch, thereby to be movable relative to the movement of the point detector connecting rod. In a first preferred embodiment, the platform may be cooperatively engaged with a rotational drive shaft that is connected to the point detector connecting rod, thereby to move laterally when the drive shaft is rotated by lateral movement of the rod. In the first preferred embodiment, the first and second proximity sensor may be fixed within the housing and the first and second target may be adjustable laterally within the platform towards and away from the other target, respectively.

Abstract: Two-wire signal transmitter and method in which a very low-level Alternating Circuit (AC) input signal sensed at a remote circuit at a first end of a signal path is added to a low-level Direct Current (DC) bias signal provided by a local circuit that is located at a second end of the signal path. In a preferred embodiment, the remote circuit is electrically coupled to and powered by the local circuit through a two-wire path interconnection, typically a shielded twisted-pair cable. The DC bias signal has sufficient level to overcome minimum ratings of electrical contacts, thereby to pass the sensed very low-level AC input signal reliably through the poor electrical contacts that are used, for instance, for connecting electronic circuits that run the length of a railway train.

Abstract: In response to an inquiry by an unsophisticated Subscriber over a nonsecure network, a Provider returns a public key and retains the corresponding private key. The Subscriber encrypts a password using the public key, which is decrypted by the Provider. The password is then used to securely transfer to the Subscriber a key determined by the Provider, thereby enabling the Subscriber to decrypt messages encrypted by the Provider and transmitted over the nonsecure network. This password dependent secure transmission of a key to an unsophisticated Subscriber may be accomplished by several methods, including hashing, key lookup, and Wizard protocol. In each method the password is used by the Subscriber and the Provider in correlated operations ending in secure receipt by the Subscriber of a key determined by the Provider.

Abstract: A speed display device for focusing a motorist's attention on the vehicle's speed, includes a screen which will digitally display thereon the vehicle's radar measured speed in either a first steady state at one color or in a flashing state at a second color. An internal microprocessor compares a preset threshold speed with the vehicle's measured speed. If the measured vehicle's speed is not greater than the threshold speed, the measured speed is screen displayed by energization of a first set of amber lights in a pattern according to the measured speed. If the measured speed is above the threshold speed, a second set of red flashing lights is energized in an accentuated pattern according to the measured speed. The device focuses the motorist's attention on the vehicle speed per se, particularly when above the threshold limit.

Abstract: An electronic control system for regulating the amount of torque applied by a starter/generator to a gas turbine engine during startup. The control system senses engine speed, compares the engine's actual acceleration with a predetermined acceleration, and adjusts the torque to the engine so that the engine accelerates along the predetermined schedule. The predetermined schedule is a function of the engine's speed or time, inlet conditions and oil temperature.

Abstract: A system for supervising and controlling the movement of a railway vehicle is provided, wherein a plurality of wayside controller units are each distributed to a plurality of wayside controller locations by a multi-access carrier, such as a fiber LAN or IEEE 802.3 Ethernet, for instance, such that supervisory and control operations may be communicated between each of the wayside controller units with a multi-access protocol on the multi-access carrier. The present invention replaces the use of a serial-link protocol for point-to-point communication with a multi-access protocol on a multi-access carrier. In a preferred embodiment, a computer-based control system may be connected through the multi-access carrier, so that communication is achieved solely with multi-access protocols.

Abstract: A digital signal processor (DSP) traffic radar utilizing pulses from the patrol vehicle's electronic speedometer to steer the DSP's search of Doppler return information for the patrol vehicle's radar return signal, to improve target identification and minimize inaccuracies. In moving mode, when the patrol vehicle comes to a stop, no pulses are received by the DSP and therefore the patrol speed is set to zero, eliminating false association with other moving targets.

Abstract: An integrated bearing system with journal and thrust bearings is incorporated in a single unit centrally pinned to the bearing housing and having integral thrust surface and journal surface lubrication grooves in combination with turbine and compressor wheel thrust surfaces. The bearing employs a first aperture substantially equidistant from the ends to engage the locating pin to prevent rotation of the bearing within the bearing case bore, while allowing the bearing to be free to symmetrically wobble within the bearing case bore.

Abstract: A motion detector for detecting movement of a rail based vehicle and the direction of that movement is provided. The motion detector can be integral with or attachable to an end-of-train unit and can include a single axis accelerometer mounted at an angle from the rails for detecting acceleration in both the lateral and vertical directions. A systems controller, which can include an analyzer, can be provided to receive and analyze output from the accelerometer to determine a motion state and a direction. A power controller can be provided for supplying power to the accelerometer on an intermittent basis to conserve power. A calibration unit can be provided to both initially calibrate and to subsequently recalibrate the accelerometer after a stopped motion state is detected. Additionally, an input/output port and an output driver for conditioning the signal for output to the end-of-train unit can be provided.

Abstract: A turbocharger is provided with an integral exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) chamber and valve contained within the turbine housing casting in conjunction with a conventional exhaust gas bypass or wastegate system. An exhaust gas back pressure control valve is also provided integral to the exhaust gas outlet for EGR flow control.

Abstract: A device is provided for sensing a condition of a non-rotating pneumatic tire preferably of the type used on an automobile wherein the tire is mounted on a tire rim. The device comprises a housing, a band for mounting the housing to the tire rim, a sensor for monitoring the condition within the tire, circuitry operatively connected to the sensor for generating radio signals indicative of the tire condition, a power supply operatively connected to the circuitry, an externally controlled switch, and a receiver for receiving the radio signals. The externally controlled switch is manually or electromagnetically operable to cause the condition sensor to generate radio signals when the pneumatic tire is stationary. A method of mathematically cross-linking data and identification information is provided to ensure data integrity. Also, the system includes a data logging capability for storing time series tire condition information for use as a historical log of tire use.

Abstract: A programmable device driver and system thereof are provided for segregating functions and hardware in a railway signaling environment. The device driver includes a central processor with a memory and a timebase which is programmable to perform a function. The central processor may be detachable from the device driver. The central processor may be encapsulated in resin or potted to provide resistance to the environment. The device driver may be provided with voltage and current sensing inputs, a power input connected to a power conditioning circuit, one or more outputs, a conditional power supply, and mounting brackets. Each input may be provided with surge protection. The device driver may be provided with terminals for the inputs and outputs or pigtail leads for increased moisture resistance. The device driver also may be provided with a serial port for communicating with other programmable device drivers, a multifunction central processor, or other external device.