Abstract: A light is dimmed by pulsing it at a selected duty cycle. By pulsing, the light can be dimmed without being turned off completely which reduces wear on the filament. The circuit is designed for flashing a pair of ditch lights on a railroad locomotive. The lights are alternately illuminated at full voltage and dimmed by pulsing. The flashing sequence can be activated when the locomotive is travelling below a selected speed or when the horn is sounded. The duration of the flashing sequence is controlled by a timer. The pulsing circuit can be used to effectively reduce a voltage without voltage dropping resistors.

Abstract: A light is dimmed by pulsing it at a selected duty cycle. By pulsing, the light can be dimmed without being turned off completely which reduces wear on the filament. The circuit is designed for flashing a pair of ditch lights on a railroad locomotive. The lights are alternately illuminated at full voltage and dimmed by pulsing. The flashing sequence can be activated when the locomotive is travelling below a selected speed or when the horn is sounded. The duration of the flashing sequence is controlled by a timer. The pulsing circuit can be used to effectively reduce a voltage without voltage dropping resistors.

Abstract: Heaters are used to simulate wheel bearings at specified temperatures. Two heaters are mounted on each side of a railroad test car. The heaters are mounted on the sprung carriage of the car to reduce vibration of the hardware and avoid interfering with wheel trucks on the car. Ambient temperature sensors are similarly mounted. Wire brushes are mounted below the heaters and sensors to activate magnetic wheel flange sensors. The heaters are controlled by a system which is integrated with a hot wheel simulator system.

Abstract: A simulator is provided for verifying the proper operation of railroad rolling stock hot wheel detectors. The simulator includes heaters mounted on trucks of a railroad car, between the wheels and within the profile of the thickness of the wheels. Shock mounts, spring mounts and safety cables are used. An electromagnet is mounted on the heater to trip a sensor to activate the detector and a sensor on the car is used to determine the ambient temperature. Each heater includes a heater temperature sensor and is maintained at a constant temperature above ambient to approximate the thermal radiation of a hot wheel. Each heater is adjusted to direct heat horizontally outwardly from the truck to permit a hot wheel detector adjacent to and outside of the rail to detect a hot wheel. The car has two trucks with one heater on each side of each truck. One heater on each side simulates a temperature approximately equal to a hot wheel.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and recording the movement of aircraft and their external characteristics and paths during and after landing and take-off from an airport runway detects malfunctions, pilot error, equipment failure or other evidence that might assist in determining the cause of a crash or other malfunction. The system includes a plurality of video cameras located adjacent to the runway, a video recording device for saving information from the cameras, and video transmission means connecting the cameras to the recording device.

Abstract: A lubricant level monitor for gear covers of locomotives uses a vacuum probe tube to determine if the lubricant is below a predetermined level. The vacuum is only activated if the locomotive has been at rest for a predetermined period of time, so that the lubricant has time to settle. The monitor employs a minimal amount of electrical devices and uses pneumatic logic wherever possible insure trouble-free operation. The monitor eliminates the requirement of inspection personnel going beneath the locomotive, and it eliminates the need for the locomotive to be arbitrarily pit-inspected every two weeks for a lubricant level check.

Abstract: The self-contained diagnostic system is provided for a stroboscopic light circuit. The diagnostic system includes a plurality of signal lights, preferably LEDs, connected at various locations in the circuit to provide a visual indication of the faulty portion of the circuit in the event that the circuit does not operate properly. The system provides a quick and easy method for determining the location of a malfunction of a stroboscopic light without the necessity of replacing the entire light system or the use of diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: A device for gauging the air pressure in a train-line at a hose coupling thereon having a pair of mated connectors containing resilient gaskets on the ends of the hoses in sealing engagement with each other includes an air pressure gauge, a ring-like member supporting the gauge therein, and means for sampling the air pressure in the train-line mounted on the ring-like member and providing fluid communication between the train-line and the gauge. A handle is attached to the ring-like member and is operable by applying a force thereon to position a distal portion of the sampling means in the train-line without stressing the air pressure gauge.

Abstract: A weighing system has a load-bearing member attached to and supported by support means. A plurality of center-loaded type load cells are fixed on the load bearing member. A plurality of load rods are provided, each load rod extending across one of the load cells. Each load rod has a centering recess therein. A load supporting member is supported on the load rods. The load supporting member is capable of lateral movement with respect to the load bearing member. The centering recess of the load rod tends to urge the load supporting member to its original position. The weighing system is disclosed for use in a sheave block weighing assembly. The weighing system provides a self-centering arrangement which permits lateral movement without the necessity of movable load cells and without the use of check rods or flexure plates which could result in weighing inaccuracies.

Abstract: A sheave basket weighing system is disclosed for use in a material handling apparatus. The weighing system comprises a sheave basket with three bending beam load cells fixed on the sheave basket to provide a three-point support system. One of the load cells is preferably positioned intermediate to the other two load cells. A ladle hanger assembly is supported on top of the load cells. The weighing system provides a stable three-point support which can withstand side loading without the necessity of movable load cells and without the use of check rods, which could result in weighing inaccuracies.

Abstract: A medical patient weighing scale is disclosed which comprises an elongated, flat, rigid pan, a plurality of thin, electronic bending beam load cells mounted in the pan, and a rigid, elongated, flat cover freely supported on the load cells. The cover is of sufficient size to support a patient in a supine position. The weighing scale is extremely thin, and may be conveniently mounted or stored when not in use. Accurate weight measurements are provided almost instantaneously on a digital display on the cover.

Abstract: A visual warning system for a locomotive is disclosed which includes a signal unit mounted on the locomotive and connected by sensing means to an audible warning device on the locomotive, such as a horn. The visual warning signal unit is thus actuated whenever the horn is sounded. The signal unit comprises a stroboscopic-type lamp assembly and flashing circuitry with a coating of phosphorescent material surrounding the lamp to extend the perceived duration of each flash of the lamp. The system may also include a delay for maintaining the flashing of the visual warning signal unit after the horn has been deactuated.