Abstract: A method of serialization including establishing a parameter along a length of the train between a node on one of the cars and one end of the train. The presence of the parameter at each node is determined and the parameter is removed. The sequence is repeated for each node on the train. Finally, serialization of the cars is determined as a function of the number of determined presences of the parameter for each node. The parameter can be established by providing at the individual node, one at a time, an electric load across an electric line running through the length of the train and measuring an electrical property, either current or voltage, at each node. To determine the orientation of a car, each node include two subnodes. The operability of each node is determined by counting the presence and then the absence of a parameter along the whole train.

Abstract: A method of serialization including establishing a parameter along a length of the train between a node on one of the cars and one end of the train. The presence of the parameter at each node is determined and the parameter is removed. The sequence is repeated for each node on the train. Finally, serialization of the cars is determined as a function of the number of determined presences of the parameter for each node. The parameter can be established by providing at the individual node, one at a time, an electric load across an electric line running through the length of the train and measuring an electrical property, either current or voltage, at each node. To determine the orientation of a car, each node include two subnodes. The operability of each node is determined by counting the presence and then the absence of a parameter along the whole train.

Abstract: A computerized electro-pneumatic braking system that includes a train monitoring system. Preferably, the braking system control device is installed on all vehicles on the train. When braking is initiated, the system applies the brakes instantaneously and simultaneously to all the vehicles on the train, bringing the train to a stop quickly. Sensors on the system's control device also monitor operating conditions of each vehicle and report the results to the master controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing energization or powering of an electric trainline until a test signal transmitted through the train is verified by the locomotive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for parallel processing "live" and pre-recorded "reference" fingerprint data for comparison purposes. An array sensor images a selected portion of a live fingerprint and video means produce corresponding digital live image data. The pre-recorded, multi-pixel reference data and the image data are scanned relative to one another via recirculating First-in-First-Out (FIFO) buffer memories and row and column shift means. Exclusive OR (XOR), summation and accumulation circuitry simultaneously compare the reference and image data over a plurality of correlation cycles and compute a correlation value for each correlation cycle. A microprocessor determines the best correlation value of the reference and image data from a tabular store of correlation values for each correlation cycle relative to a PASS/FAIL threshold.