Patents by Inventor Dale R. Stevens

Dale R. Stevens has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11097754
    Abstract: A system that allows an electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) railcar to be optionally selected as the ECP End of Train (EOT) device when that car is positioned at the end of a train regardless of its physical orientation. This eliminates the requirement to use and install a traditional End of Train (EOT) device at the end of an ECP train while maintaining the same train integrity monitoring functionality that is typically provided for train brake-in-two detection and closed cut-out cock detection. The system also eliminates the requirement for a dedicated EOT device at the end of the train for ECP “RUN” Mode operation, and allows any ECP car to function normally as part of the train or act as the EOT device when selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: New York Air Brake LLC
    Inventors: Samuel D. Graham, John W. LaDuc, Brendan Wade Crowley, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, David M. Socha, Roger B. Lewis, Evan M. Hall
  • Publication number: 20200247439
    Abstract: A system that allows an electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) railcar to be optionally selected as the ECP End of Train (EOT) device when that car is positioned at the end of a train regardless of its physical orientation. This eliminates the requirement to use and install a traditional End of Train (EOT) device at the end of an ECP train while maintaining the same train integrity monitoring functionality that is typically provided for train brake-in-two detection and closed cut-out cock detection. The system also eliminates the requirement for a dedicated EOT device at the end of the train for ECP “RUN” Mode operation, and allows any ECP car to function normally as part of the train or act as the EOT device when selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: New York Air Brake LLC
    Inventors: Samuel D. Graham, John W. LaDuc, Brendan Wade Crowley, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, David M. Socha, Roger B. Lewis, Evan M. Hall
  • Patent number: 8696071
    Abstract: An end of train device for an electrically controlled pneumatic brake system includes a radio transceiver, a brake pipe sensor, a brake pipe valve, a manual switch and a first controller controlling the radio transceiver and the valve. It also includes a wire transceiver for wire communication over a train line and a second controller connected to and controlling the wire transceiver. The first and second controllers are connected to each other and control the radio transceiver to be active when the wire transceiver is active. Two batteries are provided with an improved power management circuit to individually charge the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Dale R. Stevens, Anthony W. Lumbis, Alexander G. Perry
  • Patent number: 8483894
    Abstract: The present method operates an electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake system that includes a system controller and a plurality of ECP devices on a train, in a semi-active mode between an active mode and an in active mode. The method includes setting the system controller to the semi-active mode if the ECP brake command is release; and setting the released ECP devices to the inactive state by the system controller when entering the semi-active mode. The ECP devices are set to an active state and to apply the brake by the system controller in response to an ECP brake command of apply. The ECP devices are reset to release and then to the inactive state by the system controller in response to an ECP brake command of release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, John W. Laduc, Dale R. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8346413
    Abstract: The present interface system includes a controller monitoring pressure on a locomotive brake pipe port, controlling pressure on a train brake pipe port in response to the pressure on a locomotive brake pipe port, providing ECP commands on an ECP trainline via a train electrical terminal in response to the pressure on the locomotive brake pipe port, and providing electrical power on the ECP trainline via an train electrical trainline terminal from the locomotive electrical trainline terminal. A transceiver is connected to the controller for wireless communication with the controller. A wireless display unit communicates via the transceiver with the controller and displays information from the controller to the operator remote from the interface system and provides inputs from the operator to the controller. The system also includes a three position change over valve. An event recorder and a GPS system may be connected to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Storms, Richard Matusiak, John LaDuc, Bryan McLaughlin, Gary S. Newton, Dale R. Stevens, Jon M. Marra
  • Publication number: 20110153124
    Abstract: The present interface system includes a controller monitoring pressure on a locomotive brake pipe port, controlling pressure on a train brake pipe port in response to the pressure on a locomotive brake pipe port, providing ECP commands on an ECP trainline via a train electrical terminal in response to the pressure on the locomotive brake pipe port, and providing electrical power on the ECP trainline via an train electrical trainline terminal from the locomotive electrical trainline terminal. A transceiver is connected to the controller for wireless communication with the controller. A wireless display unit communicates via the transceiver with the controller and displays information from the controller to the operator remote from the interface system and provides inputs from the operator to the controller. The system also includes a three position change over valve. An event recorder and a GPS system may be connected to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Storms, Richard Matusiak, John LaDuc, Bryan McLaughlin, Gary S. Newton, Dale R. Stevens, Jon M. Marra
  • Publication number: 20110112706
    Abstract: The present method operates an electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake system that includes a system controller and a plurality of ECP devices on a train, in a semi-active mode between an active mode and an in active mode. The method includes setting the system controller to the semi-active mode if the ECP brake command is release; and setting the released ECP devices to the inactive state by the system controller when entering the semi-active mode. The ECP devices are set to an active state and to apply the brake by the system controller in response to an ECP brake command of apply. The ECP devices are reset to release and then to the inactive state by the system controller in response to an ECP brake command of release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jon M. MARRA, John W. Laduc, Dale R. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7673568
    Abstract: A train is connected to provide wired distribution power (WDP) using at least one standard locomotive consist. The train includes a first locomotive separated from a second locomotive by a plurality of cars; and a communication train line connected to the locomotive and cars and extending through the train. Each of the locomotives has a propulsion system, a propulsion controller to control the propulsion system in response to one of operator propulsion signal and multi-unit (MU) propulsion signal, and a MU communication line and connector for communicating control signals, including the MU propulsion signal, with an adjacent locomotive. At least the first locomotive is connected to the communication train line of an adjacent car by the multi-unit connector of the first locomotive to one of receive and transmit the MU propulsion signals via the communication train line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, Bryan M. McLaughlin, James R. Truglio, Dale R. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20080149781
    Abstract: An end of train device for an electrically controlled pneumatic brake system includes a radio transceiver, a brake pipe sensor, a brake pipe valve, a manual switch and a first controller controlling the radio transceiver and the valve. It also includes a wire transceiver for wire communication over a train line and a second controller connected to and controlling the wire transceiver. The first and second controllers are connected to each other and control the radio transceiver to be active when the wire transceiver is active. Two batteries are provided with an improved power management circuit to individually charge the batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Dale R. Stevens, Anthony W. Lumbis, Alexander G. Perry
  • Publication number: 20080053331
    Abstract: A train is connected to provide wired distribution power (WDP) using at least one standard locomotive consist. The train includes a first locomotive separated from a second locomotive by a plurality of cars; and a communication train line connected to the locomotive and cars and extending through the train. Each of the locomotives has a propulsion system, a propulsion controller to control the propulsion system in response to one of operator propulsion signal and multi-unit (MU) propulsion signal, and a MU communication line and connector for communicating control signals, including the MU propulsion signal, with an adjacent locomotive. At least the first locomotive is connected to the communication train line of an adjacent car by the multi-unit connector of the first locomotive to one of receive and transmit the MU propulsion signals via the communication train line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, Bryan M. McLaughlin, James R. Truglio, Dale R. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7073753
    Abstract: An integrated train control system (FIGS. 1 and 6) is a combination of systems including: EP-60 (FIG. 2) CCBII (FIG. 3), Wired DP (FIG. 4), and LEADER (FIG. 5). The integrated train control system (FIG. 6) includes a master controller (MMI) cooperating with features of EP-60, CCBII, LEADER, and Wired DP to control car control devices (CCD) through ITC network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: New York Airbrake Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, Jon M. Marra, Stephen K. Nickles, Michael J. Hawthorne
  • Patent number: 7029076
    Abstract: An integration train brake system including a single brake controller providing locomotive and train brake commands. An electropneumatic controller is connected to the brake controller, the train brake pipe and the locomotive brake pipe A trainline controller is connected to the electrical network A locomotive computer is connected to a display A processor module connects the brake controller's commands to the trainline controller, and connects the trainline controller to the electropneumatic controller and the locomotive computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, Jon M. Marra, John J. Allen
  • Patent number: 7004550
    Abstract: An integration train brake system including a single brake controller providing locomotive and train brake commands. An electropneumatic controller is connected to the brake controller, the train brake pipe and the locomotive brake pipe A trainline controller is connected to the electrical network A locomotive computer is connected to a display A processor module connects the brake controller's commands to the trainline controller, and connects the trainline controller to the electropneumatic controller and the locomotive computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, Jon M. Marra, John J. Allen
  • Patent number: 6980127
    Abstract: Trainline controller including testing of signal quality on a trainline network by commanding each node to transmitter calibration signal. A signal detector is connected to the trainline at a common junction with a head end termination circuit. A stuck-on transmitter is determined by a transmission current drawn by the transceiver is on for a present amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony W. Lumbis, Dale R. Stevens, John N. Versic
  • Patent number: 6972670
    Abstract: A method of determining the configuration of locomotives in wired distributed trains. It includes determining consists of adjacent locomotives in the train. It determines one or more sub-consists of adjacent locomotives, which are controlled separately from a preceding adjacent locomotive within the consist. Locomotives which have an available wired distributed power controller is determined. A common consist indicator is assigned to all adjacent locomotives of a consist if the consist has at least one available wired distributed power controller. A common sub-consist indicator is assigned to all locomotives of a sub-consist if the consist has at least one available wired distributed power controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: John LaDuc, Jon M. Marra, Dale R. Stevens, Joseph Mario Nazareth, Bryan David Cain
  • Patent number: 6950732
    Abstract: An electronic control system (20) for an electropneumatic brake for a rail vehicle having a power trainline (18), comprising a battery (34); a functional control module (30) and a power management module; wherein the functional control module (30) includes a brake controller for the electropneumatic brake, an interface to the power trainline, a transceiver for receiving brake signals, a power supply circuit deriving a power supply from the power trainline (18), and a control management controller for the transceiver and the power supply circuit; and wherein the power management module includes a battery charging circuit connected to the power supply and a power controller for the battery charging circuit and the power supply circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corproation
    Inventors: Anthony W. Lumbis, Dale R. Stevens, John N. Versic
  • Patent number: 6932437
    Abstract: An integration train brake system including a single brake controller providing locomotive and train brake commands. A first control transmits a car brake signal on an electrical network for train brake commands to EP cars. A second control transmits a locomotive brake signal on the locomotive brake pipe for train and locomotive brake commands. The brake system may have a pneumatic mode and an electrical mode. The first control transmits car brake signals on the network in the electrical mode and the second control transmits car brake signals on the train brake pipe for the pneumatic mode. The second control transmits locomotive brake signals on the locomotive brake pipe in either mode. If the train is all electropneumatic, cars and locomotive braking signals are provided on the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, Jon M. Marra, John J. Allen
  • Publication number: 20040207521
    Abstract: Trainline controller including testing of signal quality on a trainline network by commanding each node to transmitter calibration signal. A signal detector is connected to the trainline at a common junction with a head end termination circuit. A stuck-on transmitter is determined by a transmission current drawn by the transceiver is on for a present amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony W. Lumbis, Dale R. Stevens, John N. Versic
  • Patent number: 6759971
    Abstract: Trainline controller including testing of signal quality on a trainline network by commanding each node to transmitter calibration signal. A signal detector is connected to the trainline at a common junction with a head end termination circuit. A stuck-on transmitter is determined by a transmission current drawn by the transceiver is on for a present amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony W. Lumbis, Dale R. Stevens, John N. Versic
  • Publication number: 20040090111
    Abstract: An integration train brake system including a single brake controller providing locomotive and train brake commands. An electropneumatic controller is connected to the brake controller, the train brake pipe and the locomotive brake pipe A trainline controller is connected to the electrical network A locomotive computer is connected to a display A processor module connects the brake controller's commands to the trainline controller, and connects the trainline controller to the electropneumatic controller and the locomotive computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, John M. Marra, John J. Allen