Abstract: A locomotive (10) is operable in two or more distinct configurations, with the change in configuration being response to a configuration input signal (35). A locomotive configuration is represented by the set of end use device control signals (13) that are generated by the locomotive control systems (22) in response to the respective set of operational input values (27). For a given set of operational input values, a first set of end use device control signals is generated when a configuration input has a first value, and a second set of end use device control signals is generated when a configuration input has a second value. The configuration input variable is responsive to an emission profile associated with the locomotive location. A value of a locomotive emission parameter corresponding to the emission profile is monitored and saved in a storage device (e.g., 104).

Abstract: A method and system for an automatic engine stop and start system in a locomotive that includes deactivating the automatic engine stop system in response to receiving an instruction to prevent the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive without otherwise disabling the continued operation of the automatic engine stop system. The invention is also an apparatus for controlling a locomotive equipped with an automatic engine stop system. The apparatus includes a receiving interface for receiving a deactivation command from the automatic engine stop system. The apparatus also includes an input device for receiving an instruction to override the received deactivation command. The apparatus further includes a transmitting interface coupled to the input device for transmitting a control command.

Abstract: A method and system for an automatic engine stop and start system in a locomotive that includes deactivating the automatic engine stop system in response to receiving an instruction to prevent the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive without otherwise disabling the continued operation of the automatic engine stop system. The invention is also an apparatus for controlling a locomotive equipped with an automatic engine stop system. The apparatus includes a receiving interface for receiving a deactivation command from the automatic engine stop system. The apparatus also includes an input device for receiving an instruction to override the received deactivation command. The apparatus further includes a transmitting interface coupled to the input device for transmitting a control command.

Abstract: A locomotive monitoring system defines several mutually exclusive operating states for a locomotive. The amount of time the locomotive operates in each state is preferably determined and recorded. This recorded information can then be evaluated with a view towards improving locomotive operations. For example, a plurality of mutually exclusive idle states can be defined and monitored to determine how long a locomotive idles under certain conditions instead of automatically shutting down for the purpose of conserving fuel. In this manner, the sources of lost fuel savings can be readily identified, quantified and addressed. An event log is also provided for chronicling certain operating events of interest over time, such as those relating to the starting, stopping and/or idling of the locomotive's engine.

Abstract: An automatic start/stop system for locomotive engines which takes into account operator needs and concerns by enabling operators to locally prevent automatic shutdowns of their locomotives without disabling their AESS systems. Thus, operators can maintain their lead (and/or other) units running (i.e., for peace of mind, climate control, etc.) without prohibiting other locomotives in consist from automatically shutting down. The system preferably includes an inhibit switch located in each locomotive control cabin which, when actuated by an operator, prevents that locomotive (and only that locomotive) from automatically shutting down within a predefined duration of time. Techniques for reminding and prompting an operator to enable an AESS system include sounding an alarm, displaying and recording fault data, and inhibiting motoring of the locomotive when the AESS system is disabled and the operator calls for braking or motoring capability.

Abstract: A locomotive monitoring system defines several mutually exclusive operating states for a locomotive. The amount of time the locomotive operates in each state is preferably determined and recorded. This recorded information can then be evaluated with a view towards improving locomotive operations. For example, a plurality of mutually exclusive idle states can be defined and monitored to determine how long a locomotive idles under certain conditions instead of automatically shutting down for the purpose of conserving fuel. In this manner, the sources of lost fuel savings can be readily identified, quantified and addressed. An event log is also provided for chronicling certain operating events of interest over time, such as those relating to the starting, stopping and/or idling of the locomotive's engine.

Abstract: An automatic start/stop system for locomotive engines which takes into account operator needs and concerns by enabling operators to locally prevent automatic shutdowns of their locomotives without disabling their AESS systems. Thus, operators can maintain their lead (and/or other) units running (i.e., for peace of mind, climate control, etc.) without prohibiting other locomotives in consist from automatically shutting down. The system preferably includes an inhibit switch located in each locomotive control cabin which, when actuated by an operator, prevents that locomotive (and only that locomotive) from automatically shutting down within a predefined duration of time. Techniques for reminding and prompting an operator to enable an AESS system include sounding an alarm, displaying and recording fault data, and inhibiting motoring of the locomotive when the AESS system is disabled and the operator calls for braking or motoring capability.