Abstract: A portable mounting assembly is provided comprising a mounting disc comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching the mounting disc to an axle bearing on a vehicle such as a locomotive, for determining speed; and a stabilizer bar attached at a first end to the mounting disc and at a second end to an outrigger comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching to a stationary component of the vehicle. A method of providing speed control to a portable remote control system for a locomotive is also provided. A method of overriding a speed control mode operated by a portable remote control system for a locomotive is also provided.

Abstract: A system is provided for powering a locomotive. The system comprises a plurality of traction motor assemblies, each assembly comprising an armature and a field; a first power source connected in series to each armature; and in specific circumstances, a second power source connected across the fields. A method of controlling traction power in a locomotive is also provided, the method comprising: identifying which of a plurality of traction motor armatures in the locomotive has a highest current reading; and ramping a traction motor field current to equal the highest current reading for the traction motor armatures.

Abstract: To avoid a locomotive from travelling with a disabled sanding system, a method and system are provided for ensuring that the sanding system is not disabled if a primary speed reference used to detect the locomotive's speed is faulty. The method comprises determining a first speed measurement from a primary speed source; if the first speed measurement is below a setpoint, determining a second speed measurement from a secondary speed source; and if the second speed measurement is below the setpoint, disabling the automated and/or emergency initiated sanding control system on the locomotive.

Abstract: By taking a pressure reading at a particular port on a multiple-unit braking valve, e.g. the MU-2-A valve, and comparing such a reading to a main reservoir pressure, one can identify whether the locomotive in which the valve is situated is in trailing mode or leading mode. In particular, it was found that the pressure on port 63 of the MU-2-A valve is indicative of which mode the locomotive is in since port 63 is exhausted to atmosphere in lead mode whereas it is at or near the pressure in the main reservoir which is readily distinguishable from atmosphere.

Abstract: By taking a pressure reading at a particular port on a multiple-unit braking valve, e.g. the MU-2-A valve, and comparing such a reading to a main reservoir pressure, one can identify whether the locomotive in which the valve is situated is in trailing mode or leading mode. In particular, it was found that the pressure on port 63 of the MU-2-A valve is indicative of which mode the locomotive is in since port 63 is exhausted to atmosphere in lead mode whereas it is at or near the pressure in the main reservoir which is readily distinguishable from atmosphere.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method of monitoring an asset including an independent component, the method including: receiving at an electronic device data related to operation of an asset, the data including utilization data of an independent component of the asset; interpreting, using a processor, the utilization to determine an utilization or operational characteristic of the asset; performing, using a processor, analysis of the utilization or operational characteristic in view of a stored target to produce a performance output; filtering, using a processor, to improve accuracy; and providing a report that includes the operational characteristic and/or utilization output; wherein utilization data of the independent component is generated by detecting the engine status of a prime mover of the asset; detecting a position of the independent component; wherein the independent component provides work functionality independent of the engine status.

Abstract: A portable mounting assembly is provided comprising a mounting disc comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching the mounting disc to an axle bearing on a vehicle such as a locomotive, for determining speed; and a stabilizer bar attached at a first end to the mounting disc and at a second end to an outrigger comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching to a stationary component of the vehicle. A method of providing speed control to a portable remote control system for a locomotive is also provided. A method of overriding a speed control mode operated by a portable remote control system for a locomotive is also provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for asset operation information services is described. In one example embodiment, the method can comprise receiving data related to operation of an asset, the data including positional data and at least one machine operational data, interpreting the positional data with the machine operational data to accurately determine an operational characteristic of the machine, performing analysis of the operational characteristic in view of a stored target to produce a performance output, and providing a report that includes the operational characteristic and the performance output.

Abstract: By taking a pressure reading at a particular port on a multiple-unit braking valve, e.g. the MU-2-A valve, and comparing such a reading to a main reservoir pressure, one can identify whether the locomotive in which the valve is situated is in trailing mode or leading mode. In particular, it was found that the pressure on port 63 of the MU-2-A valve is indicative of which mode the locomotive is in since port 63 is exhausted to atmosphere in lead mode whereas it is at or near the pressure in the main reservoir which is readily distinguishable from atmosphere.

Abstract: A system is provided for powering a locomotive. The system comprises a plurality of traction motor assemblies, each assembly comprising an armature and a field; a first power source connected in series to each armature; and in specific circumstances, a second power source connected across the fields. A method of controlling traction power in a locomotive is also provided, the method comprising: identifying which of a plurality of traction motor armatures in the locomotive has a highest current reading; and ramping a traction motor field current to equal the highest current reading for the traction motor armatures.

Abstract: A consist controller is provided that enables an operator to take advantage of all horsepower combinations for locomotives in a consist. The consist controller provides a fractional increase option and a fractional decrease option that enables the operator to increase or decrease horsepower output with finer adjustments. In a preferred implementation, the fractional increases and decreases are used in conjunction with a fuel optimization routine such that the target setpoint, from which a range of horsepower values is computed, can be increased or decreased in steps that are less than a full notch increase or decrease.

Abstract: An electronic load regulation system for a locomotive may comprise a solid state replacement for existing electro-mechanical load regulators that are used to adjust the excitation current in the field windings of the locomotive's generator. A pressure sensor may include a first chamber and a second chamber, each chamber having a pressure switch. The pressure sensor may be installed in place of a prior art vane motor and may connect to the existing governor hydraulic output. The pressure switches send status data to an electronic load regulator circuit that may replace a prior art rheostat. The electronic load regulator may increase or decrease the excitation current depending upon the status data received from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An electronic load regulation system for a locomotive may comprise a solid state replacement for existing electro-mechanical load regulators that are used to adjust the excitation current in the field windings of the locomotive's generator. A pressure sensor may include a first chamber and a second chamber, each chamber having a pressure switch. The pressure sensor may be installed in place of a prior art vane motor and may connect to the existing governor hydraulic output. The pressure switches send status data to an electronic load regulator circuit that may replace a prior art rheostat. The electronic load regulator may increase or decrease the excitation current depending upon the status data received from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Method and system of overriding a locomotive engine governor oil pressure sensor protective device, which involves closing a normally open solenoid valve which is placed between a locomotive engine and a governor oil pressure sensor, the solenoid valve being operably connected to an automatic shutdown and restart system, the closing of the valve maintaining the existing engine oil pressure on the governor oil pressure sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically starting an EMD locomotive engine.