Abstract: A method of controlling a neutral section operation of a train (14) including a lead locomotive (16) and at least one remote locomotive (12) in communication with the lead locomotive. The locomotives are electrically powered from respective electrical connections to a catenary (22) having at least one neutral section (26). The method includes sensing when a lead locomotive is proximate the neutral section of the catenary. The lead locomotive then commands the remote locomotive to perform a neutral section operation when the lead locomotive has traveled a distance equal to a distance (20) between the lead locomotive and the remote locomotive. The lead locomotive determines when to issue a neutral section command based on a speed of the lead locomotive and an elapsed time from when the lead locomotive senses its location proximate the neutral section.

Abstract: A method and system for coordinating the transfer of control of a remotely controlled locomotive is disclosed. The generation and assignment of command authority between remote controllers is accomplished by signal transfer between the remote controllers themselves, in contrast to a system that requires the use of a slave controller to determine, assign, and/or transfer command authority. In an exemplary embodiment, a transfer request is transmitted from a first control unit to a second control unit, the first control unit initially having a command authority. An acceptance of the transfer request is transmitted from the second control unit to the first control unit, and a confirmation of transfer is transmitted from the first control unit to the second control unit. Following the transmission of the confirmation of transfer from the first control unit to the second control unit, the second control unit assumes the command authority from the first control unit.

Abstract: A method and system for coordinating the transfer of control of a remotely controlled locomotive is disclosed. The generation and assignment of command authority between remote controllers is accomplished by signal transfer between the remote controllers themselves, in contrast to a system that requires the use of a slave controller to determine, assign, and/or transfer command authority. In an exemplary embodiment, a transfer request is transmitted from a first control unit to a second control unit, the first control unit initially having a command authority. An acceptance of the transfer request is transmitted from the second control unit to the first control unit, and a confirmation of transfer is transmitted from the first control unit to the second control unit. Following the transmission of the confirmation of transfer from the first control unit to the second control unit, the second control unit assumes the command authority from the first control unit.

Abstract: A remote control system and method for the remote control operation of a locomotive in the performance of a car-kicking sequence comprising a control unit, a remote control unit and a processor in communication with the locomotive onboard operating system. An operator interface of the operator control unit includes an input mechanism for inputting a command associated with at least one predetermined car-kicking sequence. The operator control unit generates a signal to the onboard operator's system indicative of the instruction to perform the car-kicking sequence. The processor is able to access a set of stored instructions for performing the car-kicking sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that will locate the center of a circle in a single operation by positioning two points of registration at the edge of the circle relative to a third point of registration previously set at the edge of the circle where these points are held in accurate spatial relationship to each other and a fourth point of registration that in turn, indicates the center of the circle. By allowing precise registration and novel operation, this invention provides a simpler, more accurate means to locate the center of a circle that precludes the need to make extraneous marks on the circle being measured.