Abstract: A device for conducting rail car inspections including an inspection module, an imaging module, a scanner module, a location module, a printer module and a communication module.

Abstract: A device for conducting rail car inspections including an inspection module, an imaging module, a scanner module, a location module, a printer module and a communication module.

Abstract: A device for conducting rail car inspections including an inspection module, an imaging module, a scanner module, a location module, a printer module and a communication module.

Abstract: A system and method for planning and monitoring rail yard processes and performance including compiling historical information, real time status display of rail yard activity, the development of parameters and metrics to evaluate rail yard performance, collection of rail yard status from various sensors, and the planning and assigning of work tasks for enhanced productivity and car processing capability.

Abstract: A device for conducting rail car inspections including an inspection module, an imaging module, a scanner module, a location module, a printer module and a communication module.

Abstract: A rail break or vehicle detection system includes a plurality of voltage sources, each coupled to one of the plurality of zones. A plurality of resistors are provided, each coupled in series with one of the plurality of voltage sources. A plurality of current sensors are provided, each coupled to one of the plurality of resistors and adapted to measure a first set of values and second set of values indicative of current flowing through the resistor. At least one control unit is adapted to receive input from the plurality of current sensors and to compare a difference between the second set of values and the first set of values to a predetermined threshold limit to detect presence of a rail vehicle on the block. The control unit is further adapted to switch a polarity of each voltage source.

Abstract: A wireless position sensing device is provided for monitoring railyard equipment status. The device comprises a gravity sensing mechanism for sensing an angular displacement with respect to a substantially vertical line, and for generating a displacement signal upon sensing a change in angular displacement exceeding approximately 40 degrees. A processing mechanism, operatively coupled to the gravity sensing mechanism, receives the displacement signal. A radio frequency transmitter, responsive to the processing mechanism, transmits a data signal indicative of the angular displacement. The processing mechanism is programmed to activate the radio frequency transmitter upon receipt of the displacement signal. The gravity sensing mechanism is affixed, attached, or mechanically coupled to railyard equipment comprising at least one of a manually operated rail switch or a safety indicator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring trains in a railyard. These methods and systems detect an incoming train entering a geographic area defined by a railyard, store an entry time indicative of a time at which the incoming train entering the railyard was detected, detect the incoming train coming to a stop in a subyard of the railyard, store a stop time indicative of a time at which the incoming train came to a stop in the receiving subyard, calculate an incoming train latency time by subtracting the entry time from the stop time, and store the incoming train latency time as an incoming train latency time record.

Abstract: A method for tracking assets within a rail yard, the method comprising: creating a track layout database for the rail yard, the track layout database providing a map of rail tracks and switches within the rail yard, wherein the track layout database includes machine readable data identifying discrete locations of the rail tracks and switches of the rail yard, each discrete location corresponding to a geographical position of a portion of a rail track or switch; associating rail yard processing steps with portions of the track layout database; receiving a geographical position signal corresponding to an asset within the rail yard; comparing the geographical position signal to the machine readable data of the track layout database in order to identify the location of the asset within the map; and presenting a graphical representation of the location of the asset on the map along with the yard process steps associated with the track section occupied by the asset, wherein the geographical position signal is recei

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating whether a coupler of a locomotive is in a coupled or uncoupled state is provided. The apparatus comprising: a sensor positioned on a portion of the coupler, wherein the sensor provides a real-time signal indicative of either a coupled or an uncoupled state of a coupler, wherein the signal is transmitted wirelessly by a transmitter in operable communication with the sensor. The method comprising: providing a signal indicative of the presence or proximity of a second coupler to the first coupler, the signal being provided by a sensor configured to provide the signal as the state of the coupler has changed; transmitting the signal wirelessly to a controller; processing the signal with a control algorithm resident upon the controller; and providing visually perceivable indication of the position of the coupler.

Abstract: An optical article for being transformed from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality is provided. The optical article includes a convertible element disposed in or proximate to the optical article and being responsive to an external stimulus. The convertible element for irreversibly altering the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality upon interaction with the external stimulus.

Abstract: An optical article for being transformed from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality is provided. The optical article includes an electro-chromic structure having layers of an electro-chromic material being responsive to an electrical stimulus, and an electrolyte layer interposed between the layers of the electro-chromic material. The electro-chromic structure may alter the optical article from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality upon interaction with the electrical stimulus.

Abstract: An optical article that can transform from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality is provided. The optical article includes a radio frequency circuitry coupled to the optical article for interacting with a signal, wherein said signal comprises a thermal signal, an electrical signal, or both, and a convertible material in operative association with the radio frequency circuitry for altering the functionality of the optical article from the pre-activated state to the activated state upon interaction with the thermal energy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a wireless sensor, such as an RFID tag, that includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate, and an environmentally sensitive sensor material disposed over at least a portion of said substrate. Other embodiments an RFID tag and at least one antibody coupled to the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a substrate, circuitry disposed on the substrate, and an antenna coupled to the substrate. The at least one antibody is capable of affecting the signals emanating from the RFID tag. Further embodiments include a detection system that includes a reader. Yet other embodiments include a method for detecting specific analytes. The method includes providing an RFID tag which emanates a first signal having a first frequency, and enabling the RFID tag to emanate a second signal having a second frequency upon attraction of a specific analyte to the RFID tag.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a wireless sensor, such as an RFID tag, that includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate, and an environmentally sensitive sensor material disposed over at least a portion of said substrate. Other embodiments an RFID tag and at least one antibody coupled to the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a substrate, circuitry disposed on the substrate, and an antenna coupled to the substrate. The at least one antibody is capable of affecting the signals emanating from the RFID tag. Further embodiments include a detection system that includes a reader. Yet other embodiments include a method for detecting specific analytes. The method includes providing an RFID tag which emanates a first signal having a first frequency, and enabling the REID tag to emanate a second signal having a second frequency upon attraction of a specific analyte to the RFID tag.

Abstract: A low cost frequency shift keying communications system for communication between utility meters within a local area network and for communication with a central database. Transmitters coupled to the utility meters transmit utility meter data measurements over power lines to at least one power line receiver associated with another utility meter within the local area network. The power line receiver communicates the data measurements from each utility meter to the central database via telephone or radio frequency transmitter.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system that tracks distorted signals in a digital system is disclosed. The method may include receiving an input signal having a first input value when a distorted signal is input to the digital system and has a second input value when a non-distorted signal is input to the digital system, and outputting a signal having a first output value to indicate that a corresponding output signal from the digital system is distorted and has a second output value to indicate that a corresponding output signal from the digital system is not distorted.

Abstract: An electrical power generation system comprises a variable capacitor and a power source. The electrical power generation system is configured to generate electric power via movements of the rail. The power source is used in the form of a generator to prime the variable capacitor that effectively multiplies the priming energy of the power source by extracting energy from the passing vehicle. By alternately priming the variable capacitor using charge from the power source and discharging it at a later time in a cyclic manner to change the capacitance, a significantly large amount of electrical energy is produced due to change in capacitance than from the power source itself.

Abstract: A physiological parameter monitoring system and method is described. The system includes a plurality of sensors configured to obtain from a subject at least one observable voltage containing two or more signals. The system also includes a data manager and a data auxiliary device. The data manager is in communication with the plurality of sensors and is configured to assemble and format data obtained by the plurality of sensors. The data manager is configured to isolate one of the two or more signals. The method includes placing a plurality of sensors in communication with a subject, transmitting data from the plurality of sensors to a data manager, and isolating a desired voltage signal from the plurality of voltage signals.

Abstract: System and method for self powered wayside railway signaling and sensing. The system includes a power scavenging module and a power utilizing module. The power scavenging module is configured to convert an excitation of a rail into electrical power. The power utilizing module is powered by the electrical power and is configured to detect a predetermined characteristic in relation to the rail, a train moving on the rail or an environment of the railroad and to communicate data in relation to the predetermined characteristic.