Abstract: The present method includes determining the locomotive's present location on the track; and determining the present speed of the locomotive. From the present location of the locomotive and the present speed of the locomotive, a horn rule locations on the track for a point of interest is determined; and the operator is alerted to the horn rule location on the track. The horn rule location may include horn start and stop locations and horn free zones.

Abstract: A method of processing and displaying train performance including analyzing train data received from the train or train simulator real time or from a data storage and preparing display data of the results of the analysis. Computer graphic images are created from the display data; and the computer graphic images are provided for display. A display may be a drive with the display data and displayed portions of the display data may be selected to be created into computer graphic images. The computer graphic images may be transmitted over the internet or stored on a portable store and ultimately displayed on a video player. The computer graphic images may be viewed and edited or enhanced.

Abstract: A remote control locomotive simulator including a display and a first input device similar to a remote control locomotive controller to be operated by the operator to provide train signals. A computer drives the display to move a train relative to a track in response to the train signals. A remote control locomotive controller may be an actual remote control locomotive system or may be a virtual remote control locomotive controller where the input device is one or more of a keyboard, a mouse or a touch screen of the computer. Data associated with a simulator session of this device is recorded and made available for real-time or post-processing analysis including visual review of train management using the included computer generated graphics system.

Abstract: A portable train simulator, including a microprocessor, a display and an input device for the microprocessor. A first program drives the display to depict indicia of a control stand and to respond to control inputs from the input device. A second program drives the display to depict a track to be traversed from a data file in response to the control inputs. A virtual control stand is one of the elements that allows the true portability of a train simulator. The system can display and switch between the present operating parameters of the train and/or a history of the operating parameters of the train, as selected by the input device. Thus, the system can switch from playback mode to simulation mode to provide a take-over of recorded conditions to allow an operator to explore alternate methods for managing the train.

Abstract: A portable train simulator, including a microprocessor, a display and an input device for the microprocessor. A first program drives the display to depict indicia of a control stand and to respond to control inputs from the input device. A second program drives the display to depict a track to be traversed from a data file in response to the control inputs. A virtual control stand is one of the elements that allows the true portability of a train simulator. The system can display and switch between the present operating parameters of the train and/or a history of the operating parameters of the train, as selected by the input device. Thus, the system can switch from playback mode to simulation mode to provide a take-over of recorded conditions to allow an operator to explore alternate methods for managing the train.

Abstract: A remote control locomotive simulator including a display and a first input device similar to a remote control locomotive controller to be operated by the operator to provide train signals. A computer drives the display to move a train relative to a track in response to the train signals. A remote control locomotive controller may be an actual remote control locomotive system or may be a virtual remote control locomotive controller where the input device is one or more of a keyboard, a mouse or a touch screen of the computer. Data associated with a simulator session of this device is recorded and made available for real-time or post-processing analysis including visual review of train management using the included computer generated graphics system.

Abstract: A method of and a system for minimizing undesirable brake release in the brake system of a train having a pneumatic brake on each car connected to a brake pipe which is controlled by a brake pipe controller. The method includes determining the status of the brake system throughout the train and determining a minimal brake pipe reduction for the brake pipe controller, using the status of the brake system. The determined minimal brake pipe reduction is displayed by itself or in combination with the brake pipe reduction produced by the brake pipe controller.

Abstract: An improved system for use in drilling a relief well to intersect a target blowout well. A probable location distribution is used to survey the location of the candidate relief wells and the blowout well. Through the use of the relative probable location distribution, the integral probabilities of find, intercept and collision are calculated. A relief well plan is then optimally designed to drill and insure a high integral probability of a find and intercept and a low probability of a collision. The method provided by the present invention allows a relief well to be drilled in a minimum time with minimum risk exposure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically shutting in a producing well whenever the pressure in the well annulus drops below a defined pressure. A valve is positioned in the production tubing above an isolated production formation in the well and is maintained in an open position in response to the defined pressure in the well annulus. When the defined pressure is lost in the well annulus (e.g. due to intersection by a second well being drilled in the proximity of the producing well), the valve will close to shut in the producing well.

Abstract: In a well drilling system, a drill bit is raised or lowered through formations surrounding a borehole in response to the movement of a cable onto and off of a drawworks drum. Magnetic markings are affixed to the drum, and a pair of sensors detect rotational movement of the magnetic markings as the drum rotates to take in or pay out the cable. These sensors provide signals indicating both the direction and magnitude of drum rotation. These signals are digitized and selectively gated to operate a bidirectional counter whose count output is recorded as a function of time to provide a depth recording indicating penetration of the drill bit through the formations surrounding the borehole.

Abstract: In a well drilling system, a drill bit is raised or lowered through formations surrounding a borehole in a response to the movement of a cable onto and off the drawworks drum. Prior to drilling operations, the drilling system is calibrated by lowering the traveling block to its lowest position above the rig floor. At this position, the distance from a predetermined reference point to the traveling block is measured as is the rotational position of the drawworks drum. Cabling is then taken into the drum until one full layering of cable is wound onto the drum. At this time, the distance from the fixed reference point to the new position of the traveling block is measured as is the amount of rotation of the drum required to move the traveling block to this position.