Abstract: Provided is a computer-implemented method for determining a communication status in a train consist operating in a distributed power system, the train consist including a lead locomotive and a plurality of remote locomotives. The method includes, for each remote locomotive of the plurality of remote locomotives that receives the command message directly from the lead locomotive, setting the message source indicator of the remote locomotive to a first state representative of a direct receipt of the command message, incrementing the message source counter for each response message received by the remote locomotive from other remote locomotives in which the respective message source indicator is set to the first state, generating a response message including a value of the message source indicator and a value of the message source counter, and transmitting the response message. A system and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically communicating an identification signal from a vehicle controller of a vehicle that may include receiving trip data from a dispatch controller based on the identification signal that is communicated. Software of the vehicle controller may be updated at a determined time based on the trip data that is received, and movement of the vehicle may be controlled based on movement allowance signals received by the vehicle controller and used by the software of the vehicle controller during the movement of the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle is permitted to enter into segments of one or more routes.

Abstract: A system may be provided that may include a first battery, and an inverter coupled to the battery. The system may also include a first active filter including a first switch element, second switch element, third switch element, and fourth switch element. Each switch element may be coupled to the first battery or the inverter. The first, second, third, and fourth switch elements may be configured to increase or decrease an applied voltage or current of the first battery.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a request to assume control of a vehicle generated by a candidate operator via a first communication pathway. The method obtains a key from an onboard controller of the vehicle and communicates the key to the candidate operator via a second communication pathway that is different from the first communication pathway. The method determines the candidate operator to be a confirmed operator based at least in part on obtaining the key from the candidate operator via the first communication pathway.

Abstract: A slack adjuster for use with a braking system which has an increased let-out length that enables the use of brake shoes having an increased thickness. The slack adjuster includes a dual spring and canister assembly, an external yoke trigger, or a combination of both the dual spring and canister assembly and the external yoke trigger. A method of retrofitting a truck-mounted brake system is provided, in which the slack adjuster is positioned within the brake system in order to increase the let-out length while maintaining a predetermined spatial envelope within the brake system. The slack adjuster has an increased let-out length enabling the use of thicker brake shoes without requiring modification of the interacting components of the truck mounted brake system since the overall size of the slack adjuster remains the same.

Abstract: A system (e.g., a target activation system for a transportation network) includes one or more processors configured to be operably coupled onboard a vehicle system having one or more vehicles. The processor(s) are further configured to determine an estimated time of arrival of the vehicle system at a first target location associated with a forward route of the vehicle system, determine a gap time between when the vehicle system leaves the first target location and is estimated to arrive at a second target location, and, based at least in part on the estimated time of arrival, a dwell time of the vehicle system at the first target location, the gap time, an allowable speed or acceleration of the vehicle system, and a designated warning time, generate an activation message configured to control at least one device associated with the second target location.

Abstract: A weight profile determination system includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor is disposed along a route and configured to generate a plurality of force measurements of a vehicle system moving on the route relative to the sensor. The force measurements are obtained at different times and correspond to different locations along a length of the vehicle system. The controller is configured to determine a weight profile for the vehicle system based on the force measurements generated by the sensor. The weight profile represents a distribution of weight along the length of the vehicle system. The controller is configured to communicate the weight profile to one or more of the vehicle system or an offboard device for controlling movement of the vehicle system based on the weight profile.

Abstract: A control system includes a first vehicle controller configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicle system moving along route segments and to receive a conditional movement authority that has a condition to be met before the first vehicle system can travel into a designated route segment of the route segments. The first vehicle controller is configured to communicate with a separate, second vehicle system to determine a state of the second vehicle system. The first vehicle controller is configured to determine whether the state of the second vehicle system satisfies the condition of the conditional movement authority. The first vehicle controller also is configured to permit movement of the first vehicle system into the designated route segment responsive to determining that the state of the second vehicle system satisfies the condition of the conditional movement authority.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes an external source sensor onboard a vehicle system that determines headings of the vehicle system. The external source sensor determines the headings using signals received from an off-board, external system. The navigation system also includes a magnetic sensor onboard the vehicle system that measures magnetic fields along different axes at different times. One or more processors determine a combination of the magnetic fields, determine a position translation and/or a magnitude scaling of the combination of the magnetic fields, and modify at least one of the headings based on the position translation and/or the magnitude scaling.

Abstract: A system may be provided that may include an end of vehicle device, and an antenna coupled to an exterior of the end of vehicle device. The antenna may be configured to communicate signals to or from the end of vehicle device, and may include a conductive member configured to communicate the signals to or from the end of vehicle device, and a flexible support member disposed within the conductive member and configured to receive, absorb, and displace force from the conductive member.

Abstract: A communication system includes communication units onboard a vehicle system. A first unit receives satellite positioning data and correction data based on phase measurements of satellite signals. A second unit receives the satellite positioning data. One or more processors determine a first geographical position of the first unit based on the position correction data and the satellite positioning data. The processors communicate the position correction data or a copy thereof to the second unit. The processors determine second geographical position data of the second unit based on the position correction data and the satellite positioning data. The one or more processors communicate the second geographical position data that is determined to the first communication unit.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for determining ancillary subdivision/districts may include obtaining route data associated with one or more vehicle network operators operating one or more subdivisions/districts over which the vehicle group may travel, determining an ancillary subdivision/district of the one or more subdivisions/districts that are not included in the route data by any of the one or more vehicle network operators, receiving route data for the vehicle network operator associated with the ancillary subdivision/district, and communicating with one or more wayside interface units in the ancillary subdivision/district based on the route data.

Abstract: An assembly may be provided that may include a valve body having a piston within a piston bore in the valve body, the piston bore including a valve chamber section and a brake pipe section such that a pressure differential between the valve chamber section and the brake pipe section moves the piston within the piston bore. The assembly may also include a slide valve seat coupled to the valve body. The slide valve seat may include a brake pipe port, an additional discharge channel pilot valve port, and at least one exhaust port, and a slide valve coupled to the piston and configured to move along the slide valve seat with the piston. The slide valve may be configured to move between at least a piloting position and an exhaust position to vary an exhaust rate of the brake pipe section and an exhaust rate of the valve chamber section during braking.

Abstract: A drainage system for use with a slack adjuster for a railway brake rigging wherein the slack adjuster includes a main spring housing, a cone nut housing enclosing a critical operating area of the slack adjuster, and an over travel housing. The drainage system includes at least one opening extending through a sidewall portion of the main spring housing. The opening is configured to allow fluid and/or contaminates to drain therethrough to reduce exposure of the critical operating area of the slack adjuster to the fluid and/or contaminants. A seal/splash guard can be provided at the intersection of the main spring housing and the cone nut housing to prevent fluid and contaminants from entering into the cone nut housing.

Abstract: A system and method determine that a vehicle system is beginning rearward movement based on one or more characteristics of the vehicle system that are monitored by a movement sensor. A warning device is controlled to sound a notification to one or more locations off-board the vehicle system. The warning device is prevented from controlling the warning device to generate the notification while the vehicle system is moving in a direction other than the rearward movement. The warning device is permitted to generate the notification responsive to determining that the vehicle system is beginning the rearward movement.

Abstract: A controller is provided that can receive or determine at least one first location associated with at least a first vehicle belonging to a vehicle group; receive or determine at least one second location associated with at least a second vehicle; and determine a route or lane from a plurality of possible routes or lanes on which the vehicle group is located based at least partly on the at least one first location and on the at least one second location.

Abstract: A sealing system for an openable panel on a vehicle includes a channel member disposed on the openable panel and extending along a longitudinal axis and a seal member fastened to the channel member. The channel member includes two side portions extending parallel to each other and a recess defined between the two side portions. A plurality of depressions are defined in the side portions and extend along the longitudinal axis and into the recess. The seal member includes a proximal portion disposed within the recess and a distal portion extending away from the channel member. The proximal portion of the seal member has grooves defined on opposing sides thereof. The plurality of depressions on each side portion of the channel are received in a respective groove on the seal member to fasten the seal member to the channel member.

Abstract: An obstruction detection system receives sensor data from sensor assemblies at different crossings of routes on which vehicles travel. The system determines whether an obstruction is present in one or more of the crossings based on the sensor data. The system wirelessly restricts movement of one or more vehicles responsive to determining that the obstruction is present by wirelessly communicating a notification signal to the one or more vehicles.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a train having a lead locomotive or control car and a rear car in a track network having a plurality of tracks is disclosed. The device may include at least one sensor. The sensor(s) may be disposed with the rear car. The sensor(s) may be configured to generate sensor data associated with at least one of a heading of the rear car of the train or a distance between the rear car of the train and an object in the track network. A communication interface may be configured to transmit the sensor data to at least one receiver. The receiver(s) may provide at least one indication based on the sensor data. A device for use onboard the train, a control system, a method for operating the device(s), and a method for coupling the train to a separate car are also disclosed.

Abstract: A phase module assembly includes a first flat laminated busbar elongated along a first direction, including a positive layer, a negative layer, and a load layer that is configured to be conductively coupled with a load. The first flat laminated busbar is conductively coupled to a second flat laminated busbar extending in a plane that is orthogonal to the first direction. The second flat laminated busbar is conductively coupled with a power source of direct current. The phase module assembly also includes one or more switches conductively coupled with internal terminal connectors of the first flat laminated busbar and configured to convert the direct current into one phase of a multi-phase alternating current, and to output the phase to the load. The phase module assembly also includes one or more capacitors mechanically mounted on and conductively coupled with the second flat laminated busbar.