Abstract: A system to facilitate reducing false train stops includes an infrared bearing scanner that is coupled to a processing unit. The processing unit is programmed to receive inputs from the infrared bearing scanner, generate a bearing profile for each bearing passing the Hot Box Detection System, assign a classification to each bearing profile, determine a quantity of bearing profiles assigned to each classification, and generate a maintenance alert if the quantity of bearings assigned to at least one classification exceeds a predetermined threshold. A method of reducing false trains stops is also described herein.

Abstract: A system to facilitate reducing false train stops includes an infrared sensor that is coupled to a processing unit. The processing unit is programmed to receive inputs from the sensor, generate a bearing profile using the received inputs, classify the bearing profile as at least one of a typical bearing profile and an atypical bearing profile, and if the bearing profile is classified as a typical bearing profile, analyze the typical bearing profile to determine if at least a portion of the typical bearing profile meets the alarm criteria. A method of reducing train stops and generating maintenance alerts are also described herein.

Abstract: In a railroad track system that provides for communications through a track rail without insulated joints between a specific transmitter and a specific receiver when a plurality of transmitters and a plurality of receivers are communicating using the track rail, a method including emitting a unique signal from the specific transmitter during a specific time. The unique signal is transmitted through a railway rail, which is without an insulated joint between successive rails and is the medium through which the unique signal travels, wherein the unique signal is detectable but not readable by the plurality of receiver. The specific receiver is activated to read the unique signal during the specific time.