Patents by Inventor Jon M. Marra

Jon M. Marra 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 20040084957
    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 6, 2004
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, Jon M. Marra, John J. Allen
  • Patent number: 6676229
    Abstract: An interface system including locomotive and car electrical trainline terminals, locomotive and car brake pipe ports and a locomotive pressure supply port. A train brake pipe valve controls pressure on the train brake pipe port. A controller monitors pressure on the locomotive brake pipe port and controls the train brake pipe valve in response to pressure on the locomotive brake pipe port. The controller also provides ECP commands on the train electrical terminal in response to pressure on the locomotive brake pipe port and provides electrical power on the train terminal from the locomotive electrical trainline terminal. The car electrical terminal is connected to the ECP trainline for providing ECP commands and power to the ECP equipped train devices. The controller may also control an emergency valve to produce an emergency on the locomotive brake pipe port. A transition valve on the brake pipe port allows bi-directional connection of the interface system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, James R. Truglio, Dale R. Stevens, Bryan M. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 6648422
    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: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, Jon M. Marra
  • Patent number: 6648425
    Abstract: A method of controlling the empty/load setting on cars having electropneumatic brakes. A first signal is set to an empty/load status. The first signal and a second signal is transmitted to the cars. The cars set their empty/load status to the status and in response to the receipt of both signals. The cars transmit their empty/load status, and the empty/load status of the cars is received and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, Dale R. Stevens, James R. Truglio
  • Publication number: 20030183729
    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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, Jon M. Marra, Stephen K. Nickles, Michael J. Hawthorne
  • Publication number: 20030047992
    Abstract: A method of controlling the empty/load setting on cars having electropneumatic brakes. A first signal is set to an empty/load status. The first signal and a second signal is transmitted to the cars. The cars set their empty/load status to the status and in response to the receipt of both signals. The cars transmit their empty/load status, and the empty/load status of the cars is received and displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, Dale R. Stevens, James R. Truglio
  • Patent number: 6484085
    Abstract: A method of transitioning between the pneumatic and electric modes of an integrated pneumatic/electro-pneumatic train brake system which includes a brake control having a common operator brake controller. Initially, the control applies the brakes in response to the operator brake controller in the present mode. The control enables the next mode upon request from the operator and applies the brakes in the next mode to match the applied brakes in the present mode. Once the present mode brake is released, the control and system switch to the next mode. Other brake controllers monitor the network and automatically switches modes based on the status of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, Dale R. Stevens, James R. Truglio, John W. LaDuc, Roger B. Lewis, Kip P. Flint
  • Publication number: 20020147538
    Abstract: A method of transitioning between the pneumatic and electric modes of an integrated pneumatic/electro-pneumatic train brake system which includes a brake control having a common operator brake controller. Initially, the control applies the brakes in response to the operator brake controller in the present mode. The control enables the next mode upon request from the operator and applies the brakes in the next mode to match the applied brakes in the present mode. Once the present mode brake is released, the control and system switch to the next mode. Other brake controllers monitor the network and automatically switches modes based on the status of the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Marra, Dale R. Stevens, James R. Truglio, John W. LaDuc, Roger B. Lewis, Kip P. Flint
  • Publication number: 20020050737
    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: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Root, Bryan M. McLaughlin, Dale R. Stevens, Jon M. Marra