Abstract: An onboard unit consisting of a tape recorder, and associated data handling components utilized to provide records of vehicular operating information including speed, distance, power level, braking level, traction motor current and other control events. Each quantity is associated with an incremental distance and/or time which is fixed. In the case of a rail guided vehicle, location signals provided by ground mounted markers are also recorded. Summation of incremental distances as determined from each marker provides an exact location. A magnetic tape unit provides both data storage and operations instruction for a microprocessor based system, allowing convenient alteration or variations in unit function without internal modification. Each unit retains a unique non-volatile serial number which is transferred to each tape allowing convenient correlation of recorded tapes to onboard units.

Abstract: The inventive system comprises a magnetic pulse generator mounted on each axle of a railroad car. The outputs from the resulting pulse generators are fed to a detector which compares the speeds of the axles. When wheel slip indicated by a pulse count difference between axles is encountered, the detector operates solenoid-operated dump valves to increase brake pressure on both axles of the slipping axle truck. When axle speed recovers to a non-slipping condition, the dump valves are reset and brake pressure is reduced. The detector circuitry is also able to detect wheel slide thus permitting corrective action. In addition to the above, the system includes provision to prevent synchronous sliding of all axles by sensing the rate of change of count.

Abstract: A tape recorder module vehicle operation data, on-board. The module is removed from the vehicle and data is played back at a ground station. A telecommunication link exists with a remote data processing system for processing the played back data.