Abstract: A positive train control system and method comprises a plurality of RFID devices embedded in a track way and having data representing location stored therein, and an RFID reader/detector mounted on a train for reading the location data from the embedded RFID devices. The location data is processed on the train and/or at a central facility for determining whether the train location and/or time is consistent with a train routing order. Messages, alerts and/or warnings may be generated for an alert device and/or for automated response, e.g., via a train control system.

Abstract: A personnel tracking and monitoring system and method comprises sets of monitoring devices each including: an electronic device having a unique identifier, a locating device, wireless communication devices communicating via a plurality of protocols, and an imaging device and a biologic monitor device communicating image and biologic data to the electronic device. The unique identifier, the location data and time data are associated with image data and with biologic data and are transmitted wirelessly via portable relay devices to one or more monitoring stations which store same in a database. Data stored in the data base is compared with predetermined criteria and if any predetermined criteria is exceeded, an indication thereof is communicated to the monitoring stations and/or to the electronic device to which such indication relates.

Abstract: A train control unit may comprise a probe attached to a first rail of a track way, and a sensor device attached to a second rail of the track way configured to determine the position of the probe, whereby the position of the first rail relative to the second rail may be determined. The train control unit is preferably independent of equipment controlling the position of the first and second rails. Some embodiments of the train control unit may be employed as a track monitor, a switch monitor and/or a wayside monitor.

Abstract: A positive train control system and method may comprise one or more switch monitors and/or one or more track monitors providing sensor data relative to one or more switches and/or one or more tracks, respectively, determining whether there is an anomaly of a switch or track, and when there is, providing a message, alert and/or warning, and/or initiating a train control action. Determination of an anomaly may be preformed on a train or at a remote location, e.g., a central facility.

Abstract: A positive train control may comprise a plurality of different sensors coupled to a processor that determines whether there is an anomaly of a track way, and if there is, provides an alert and/or a train control action. The plural sensors may include a visual imager, an infrared imager, a radar, a doppler radar, a laser sensor, a laser ranging device, an acoustic sensor, and/or an acoustic ranging device. Data from the plural sensors is geo-tagged and time tagged. Some embodiments of the train control employ track monitors, switch monitors and/or wayside monitors, and some employ locating devices such as GPS and inertial devices.

Abstract: A biometric registration and/or verification system and method may comprise: a biometric sensor for capturing biometric data; a data entry device, a computer processor for receiving captured biometric data and entered data; and a database storing records thereof. The identifying biometric data may be related to the entered data in the database record. The biometric data is tested for satisfying a predetermined quality standard before being utilized, e.g., stored in the database record and/or compared.

Abstract: Protective headgear for use in dangerous and/or hazardous locations may comprise: a headgear shell; a locator device on the headgear shell for providing location data; a motion sensor on the headgear shell for providing motion data; a memory on the headgear shell and having a unique identifier stored therein and configured to store the location data and the motion data; a transmitter-receiver for transmitting the location data, the motion data and the unique identifier to a remote database and for receiving notification data therefrom; and a user interface responsive to the received notification data to provide a visual notification or an audible notification or a physical notification or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for a product exchange for plural producers may comprise: configuring an electronic device to provide geo-tagged and time stamped image data, receiving registration data from a producer, receiving facility data and product data, and storing the received data in a relational database separate from the electronic device, and repeating the foregoing for a plurality of producers. The method may further comprise receiving registration data and qualifying data from a buyer who is provided product data and may make an offer therefor, or may comprise receiving a request for a supply, equipment or educational material and facilitating the ordering and delivery thereof.

Abstract: A personnel tracking and monitoring system and method comprises sets of monitoring devices each including: an electronic device having a unique identifier, a locating device, wireless communication devices communicating via a plurality of protocols, and an imaging device and a biologic monitor device communicating image and biologic data to the electronic device. The unique identifier, the location data and time data are associated with image data and with biologic data and are transmitted wirelessly via portable relay devices to one or more monitoring stations which store same in a database. Data stored in the data base is compared with predetermined criteria and if any predetermined criteria is exceeded, an indication thereof is communicated to the monitoring stations and/or to the electronic device to which such indication relates.

Abstract: A system and method employing geo-tagging and/or biometric identification is employed for registration and management of a mass gathering event. Electronic devices are configured for capturing data and geo-tagging the captured data using the geographic position of the electronic device. Data relating thereto and related data concerning persons and/or locations and/or other things are associated with a unique identifier and are stored in a relational database from when they may be retrieved and processed for generating a response or other follow up which can be communicated to an electronic device. Responses are communicated to the electronic device that captured the data relating to the particular group of registrants or to an electronic device using its geographic location.

Abstract: A biometric registration and/or verification system and method may comprise: a biometric sensor for capturing biometric data; a data entry device, a computer processor for receiving captured biometric data and entered data; and a database storing records thereof. The identifying biometric data may be related to the entered data in the database record. The biometric data is tested for satisfying a predetermined quality standard before being utilized, e.g., stored in the database record and/or compared.

Abstract: A train control unit may comprise a probe attached to a first rail of a track way, and a sensor device attached to a second rail of the track way configured to determine the position of the probe, whereby the position of the first rail relative to the second rail may be determined. The train control unit is preferably independent of equipment controlling the position of the first and second rails. Some embodiments of the train control unit may be employed as a track monitor, a switch monitor and/or a wayside monitor.

Abstract: A positive train control may comprise a plurality of different sensors coupled to a processor that determines whether there is an object on a track way and/or an anomaly of a track way, and if there is, provides an alert and/or a train control action. The plural sensors may include a visual imager, an infrared imager, a radar, a doppler radar, a laser sensor, a laser ranging device, an acoustic sensor, and/or an acoustic ranging device. Data from the plural sensors is geo-tagged and time tagged. Some embodiments of the train control employ track monitors, switch monitors and/or wayside monitors, and some employ locating devices such as GPS and inertial devices.

Abstract: A biometric registration and verification system and method is usable for registration, for verification and/or for participation, and may comprise: a biometric sensor for capturing biometric data; a data entry device, a computer processor for receiving captured biometric data and entered data; and a database storing records thereof. The identifying biometric data may be related to the entered data in the database record. The biometric sensor may capture verification biometric data and the data entry device verification data; and the processor compares the verification biometric data and the received verification data with the identifying biometric data and entered data from the database. If the verification biometric data and the received verification data of the person to be verified corresponds to database identifying biometric data and entered data, then an indication of verification of the person is provided.

Abstract: A system and method employing geo-tagging and/or biometric identification is employed for registration and management of a mass gathering event. Electronic devices are configured for capturing data and geo-tagging the captured data using the geographic position of the electronic device. Data relating thereto and related data concerning persons and/or locations and/or other things are associated with a unique identifier and are stored in a relational database from whence they may be retrieved and processed for generating a response or other follow up which can be communicated to an electronic device. Responses are communicated to the electronic device that captured the data relating to the particular group of registrants or to an electronic device using its geographic location.

Abstract: Protective headgear for use in dangerous and/or hazardous locations may comprise: a headgear shell; a locator device on the headgear shell for providing location data; a motion sensor on the headgear shell for providing motion data; a memory on the headgear shell and having a unique identifier stored therein and configured to store the location data and the motion data; a transmitter-receiver for transmitting the location data, the motion data and the unique identifier to a remote database and for receiving notification data therefrom; and a user interface responsive to the received notification data to provide a visual notification or an audible notification or a physical notification or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A system and method employing geo-tagging and/or biometric identification is employed for registration and management of various events. Electronic devices are configured for capturing images and geo-tagging the captured images using the geographic position of the electronic device. Data relating thereto and related data concerning persons and/or locations and/or other things are associated with a unique identifier and are stored in a relational database from whence they may be retrieved and processed for generating a response or other follow up which can be communicated to an electronic device.

Abstract: A positive train control may comprise a plurality of different sensors coupled to a processor that determines whether there is an object on a track way and/or an anomaly of a track way, and if there is, provides an alert and/or a train control action. The plural sensors may include a visual imager, an infrared imager, a radar, a doppler radar, a laser sensor, a laser ranging device, an acoustic sensor, and/or an acoustic ranging device. Data from the plural sensors is geo-tagged and time tagged. Some embodiments of the train control employ track monitors, switch monitors and/or wayside monitors, and some employ locating devices such as GPS and inertial devices.

Abstract: A system and method employing geo-tagging and/or biometric identification is employed for registration and management of various events. Electronic devices are configured for capturing images and geo-tagging the captured images using the geographic position of the electronic device. Data relating thereto and related data concerning persons and/or locations and/or other things are associated with a unique identifier and are stored in a relational database from whence they may be retrieved and processed for generating a response or other follow up which can be communicated to an electronic device.

Abstract: An RFID system and method utilizes an RFID device, wherein the RFID device senses a thing or condition interior to a closable container at or proximate the RFID device and transmits messages. The messages include information uniquely identifying the RFID device and information relating to the thing or condition sensed at or proximate the RFID device. Information in the received messages relating to the thing or condition sensed at or proximate the RFID device of messages are employed for determining whether the container is closed, is not closed, has been closed, or has been not closed, or any combination thereof, whereby an opening of and/or tampering with the container may be detected. Messages received from the RFID device, as well as an indication of a condition, may be relayed to a remote location.