Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the attenuation of an RF signal caused by a DPF at an unknown or different ambient temperature than the temperature used for DPF sensor calibration is disclosed. The method and apparatus determine the sensor attenuation just prior to determining the DPF attenuation by disconnecting the antennas and determining the attenuation of a loopback path. This sensor attenuation can then be deducted from the attenuation determined for the normal path that includes the attenuation caused by the loopback path, the cables, and the DPF. This method compensates for variation in the attenuation of the sensor caused by changes in ambient temperature of the sensor. Further temperature compensation is be achieved by determining additional factors to account for variations caused by changes in ambient temperature.

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: 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: Methodologies for determining one or more staged topologies for a communication network, communication networks implementing one or more staged topologies, and systems for determining one or more staged topologies for a communication network are provided.

Abstract: Methodologies for determining one or more staged topologies for a communication network, communication networks implementing one or more staged topologies, and systems for determining one or more staged topologies for a communication network are provided.

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: an optical 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 an optical 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: Systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing distribution of media with a scheduled media event. According to one aspect of the invention, a producer transfers selected content at a server in synchronization with a scheduled media event. Consumer sessions poll the server via a network and retrieve the selected content from the server for presentation thereby, whereby the information being presented at the consumers provides a user experience that is also in synchronization with the media event.

Abstract: A system for setting WLAN node operating parameters includes at least one access point (AP) radio and a plurality of nodes in wireless communication with the AP radio according to media access control (MAC) parameters. Each of the plurality of nodes has a quality of service (QoS) threshold for wireless communication with the AP radio that is a function of the MAC parameters and includes a controller configured to provide individualized control of the MAC parameters. The controller is programmed to measure current settings for at least a portion of the MAC parameters for the node, input the current settings for those MAC parameters of the node into a WLAN system model to generate a system model output, and adapt a setting of at least one of the MAC parameters for the node to meet the QoS threshold for the node based on the system model output.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes a plurality of diffraction gratings integrated along the length of an optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber and each grating are together configured to alter either the effective refractive index or grating periodicity of the respective grating at its corresponding location along the fiber in response to at least one desired external stimulus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining network association status includes a first electronic device having a wireless communication system and a proximity system, and a second electronic device having a wireless communication system and a proximity system. The wireless communication systems of the first and second electronic devices have a communication range therebetween greater than an interaction range between the proximity systems of the first and second electronic devices. The proximity system of one of the first and second electronic devices is configured to interact with the proximity system of the other of the first and second electronic devices to determine proximity between the first and second electronic devices. The communication system of the first electronic device is configured to establish an association status communication with the communication system of the second electronic device after the proximity of the first and second electronic devices has been determined.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a network controller configured to manage communication time periods in a wireless network, and a plurality of peripheral devices connected to the network controller through the wireless network. Each peripheral device is associated with a respective contiguous communication time period during which communications between the network controller and the peripheral device are allowed. The network controller is further configured to identify an open communication time period associated with one of the plurality of peripheral devices that has no communication between the network controller and the one of the plurality of peripheral devices and associate another of the plurality of peripheral devices that is associated with a different communication time period with the identified open communication time period.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for analyzing ion mobility data. In one embodiment, a method for analyzing ion mobility spectrometry data is disclosed. The method comprises conducting a number of ion mobility scans on a sample, generating an ion map comprising a first ion line, comparing the first ion line to a standard deviation, wherein the standard deviation is calculated from the system measurement noise, and determining if the sample is a contraband substance.

Abstract: A wireless patient monitoring system forms a Network Around a Patient (NAP) and includes sensor nodes configured to acquire patient data from a patient. A gateway device is in bi-directional wireless communication with the sensor nodes for a plurality of defined communication frames. The gateway device is configured to transmit a beacon message to the sensor nodes at each of a plurality of frequencies. The sensor nodes are further configured to receive the beacon message from the gateway device and transmit the acquired patient data to the gateway device at each of the plurality of frequencies.

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: Methodologies for determining one or more staged topologies for a communication network, communication networks implementing one or more staged topologies, and systems for determining one or more staged topologies for a communication network are provided.

Abstract: Methodologies for determining one or more staged topologies for a communication network, communication networks implementing one or more staged topologies, and systems for determining one or more staged topologies for a communication network are provided.

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: Disclosed herein are methods for analyzing ion mobility data. In one embodiment, a method for analyzing ion mobility spectrometry data is disclosed. The method comprises conducting a number of ion mobility scans on a sample, generating an ion map comprising a first ion line, comparing the first ion line to a standard deviation, wherein the standard deviation is calculated from the system measurement noise, and determining if the sample is a contraband substance.

Abstract: A cervical collar that allows varying mobility to the cervical region with the range of motion or degree of mobility being adjustable and quantifiable. The customizable collar having adjustable and quantifiable mobility allows not only graduated mobility for the patient and consequently progressive strengthening but still protects the injured or diseased cervical segments. The cervical collar may also provide a user-defined and adjustable distraction force that in the medical setting allows physicians or rehabilitating specialists to adjust, graduate and monitor the amount of distraction force being applied to the cervical column. In a home use setting, patients are able to select a comfortable amount of force to counter the weight of the head. In addition to graduated rotation and/or an adjustable distraction force, a minimalist cervical collar configuration is provided that is less obtrusive, less conspicuous, light weight and can be worn in part under clothing.

Abstract: Embodiments include an intelligent railyard monitoring system including a plurality of video devices, a device for interpreting captured images in operable communication with the plurality of video devices, a device controller in operable communication with the device for interpreting captured images wherein the system is capable of analyzing multiple video streams from the video devices to detect, locate, and track one or more targets and wherein the device for interpreting captured images includes a computing device.