Abstract: Location mapping and navigation user interfaces may be generated and presented via mobile computing devices. A mobile device may detect its location and orientation using internal systems, and may capture image data using a device camera. The mobile device also may retrieve map information from a map server corresponding to the current location of the device. Using the image data captured at the device, the current location data, and the corresponding local map information, the mobile device may determine or update a current orientation reading for the device. Location errors and updated location data also may be determined for the device, and a map user interface may be generated and displayed on the mobile device using the updated device orientation and/or location data.

Abstract: Technology is described for an anode including a substrate, a target, and an anode shield. The substrate including a substrate material includes a first portion with a first cross-sectional dimension, and a second portion with a second cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension. The target includes a target material attached to a first surface of the first portion of the substrate. The anode shield includes a shield material attached to a second surface of the second portion of the substrate, and the substrate material differs from the target material and the shield material.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving probability distribution function (PDF) data corresponding to bit-error-rate (BER) data for each of a plurality of data blocks within a qualified set of NVRAMS, collecting non-exhaustive bit-error-rate data for each of the data blocks on a tested NVRAM to produce non-exhaustive test data for each of the data blocks, determining a plurality of stable data blocks on the tested NVRAM based on the non-exhaustive test data and the probability distribution function data for each of the data blocks, determining, from the non-exhaustive test data, an inferior data block for the stable data blocks on the tested NVRAM, collecting exhaustive bit-error-rate data on the inferior data block to produce exhaustive test data for the tested NVRAM, and routing the tested NVRAM according to the exhaustive test data. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An X-ray assembly may include a vacuum wall, an anode, and a cathode. The vacuum wall may define a vacuum enclosure and may include an X-ray window. The anode may be located within the vacuum enclosure. The anode may include a target area. The cathode may be located within the vacuum enclosure. The cathode may generate an electron stream to travel to a focus area located at the target area of the anode. The cathode may be positioned such that the electron stream travels along an oblique path relative a virtual line positioned so as to intersect a center of the focus area and a center of the X-ray window.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes devices and methods relating to anode assemblies and/or X-ray assemblies. In some aspects, a method of forming an X-ray assembly may include providing an anode base formed of a first material and including a first end. The method may include depositing a second material different from the first material over a first surface of the anode base to form a coated portion of the anode base. The coated portion may be configured such that some backscattered electrons do not travel beyond the coated portion.

Abstract: In an aspect, a track maintenance vehicle includes a body, a work head, and a controller. The work head performs track maintenance and is coupled to the body. The controller is configured to operate the vehicle in an autonomous mode. In another aspect, an anchor adjustor includes first and second jaws and an actuator. The jaws pivot about a single axis. The actuator causes the jaws to rotate about the axis. In another aspect, an anchor adjustor assembly includes a first pair of jaws, a second pair of jaws and an actuator. The first and second pairs of jaws open and close about a rail in a track. The actuator causes the closed first pair of jaws to translate towards the closed second pair of jaws along a longitudinal direction of the rail.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving probability distribution function (PDF) data corresponding to bit-error-rate (BER) data for each of a plurality of data blocks within a qualified set of NVRAMS, collecting non-exhaustive bit-error-rate data for each of the data blocks on a tested NVRAM to produce non-exhaustive test data for each of the data blocks, determining a plurality of stable data blocks on the tested NVRAM based on the non-exhaustive test data and the probability distribution function data for each of the data blocks, determining, from the non-exhaustive test data, an inferior data block for the stable data blocks on the tested NVRAM, collecting exhaustive bit-error-rate data on the inferior data block to produce exhaustive test data for the tested NVRAM, and routing the tested NVRAM according to the exhaustive test data. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes devices and methods relating to anode assemblies and/or X-ray assemblies. In some aspects, a method of forming an X-ray assembly may include providing an anode base formed of a first material and including a first end. The method may include depositing a second material different from the first material over a first surface of the anode base to form a coated portion of the anode base. The coated portion may be configured such that some backscattered electrons do not travel beyond the coated portion.

Abstract: In an aspect, a track maintenance vehicle includes a body, a work head, and a controller. The work head performs track maintenance and is coupled to the body. The controller is configured to operate the vehicle in an autonomous mode. In another aspect, an anchor adjustor includes first and second jaws and an actuator. The jaws pivot about a single axis. The actuator causes the jaws to rotate about the axis. In another aspect, an anchor adjustor assembly includes a first pair of jaws, a second pair of jaws and an actuator. The first and second pairs of jaws open and close about a rail in a track. The actuator causes the closed first pair of jaws to translate towards the closed second pair of jaws along a longitudinal direction of the rail.

Abstract: In an aspect, a track maintenance vehicle includes a body, a work head, and a controller. The work head performs track maintenance and is coupled to the body. The controller is configured to operate the vehicle in an autonomous mode. In another aspect, an anchor adjustor includes first and second jaws and an actuator. The jaws pivot about a single axis. The actuator causes the jaws to rotate about the axis. In another aspect, an anchor adjustor assembly includes a first pair of jaws, a second pair of jaws and an actuator. The first and second pairs of jaws open and close about a rail in a track. The actuator causes the closed first pair of jaws to translate towards the closed second pair of jaws along a longitudinal direction of the rail.

Abstract: In an aspect, a track maintenance vehicle includes a body, a work head, and a controller. The work head performs track maintenance and is coupled to the body. The controller is configured to operate the vehicle in an autonomous mode. In another aspect, an anchor adjustor includes first and second jaws and an actuator. The jaws pivot about a single axis. The actuator causes the jaws to rotate about the axis. In another aspect, an anchor adjustor assembly includes a first pair of jaws, a second pair of jaws and an actuator. The first and second pairs of jaws open and close about a rail in a track. The actuator causes the closed first pair of jaws to translate towards the closed second pair of jaws along a longitudinal direction of the rail.

Abstract: A drone vehicle for performing maintenance on a railway system is provided. A drone vehicle control system is structured to utilize tie position data to position a drone vehicle workhead over at least a portion of a respective tie. The drone vehicle control system is further structured to actuate the drone vehicle workhead. The drone vehicle may be controlled by a drone vehicle control system linked, preferably by wireless communications, to a lead vehicle and a lead vehicle control system. The lead vehicle control system and the drone vehicle control system are structured to communicate with each other, with the lead vehicle control system providing the tie position data to the drone vehicle control system.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus and method for applying a force to rails of a track is disclosed. The apparatus has a device with at least one first weight and at least one second weight rotatably mounted about a horizontal shaft which has an axis which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails. A power source is provided to drive the rotation of the at least one first weight and the at least one second weight at different revolutions per second. The rotation of the at least one first weight and the at least one second weight creates a vertical force which has a larger downward component as compared to an upward component of the vertical force.

Abstract: An anchor spreader apparatus and method for moving rail anchors, the anchor spreader apparatus has a mounting member, a rail clamp assembly and an anchor-engaging assembly. With the rail clamp assembly properly clamped to the rail, the anchor spreader apparatus is maintained in a proper and controlled position relative to the anchor as the anchor-engaging assembly is rotatably moved relative to the rail clamp assembly. The anchor spreader apparatus may be paired with a spike-pulling apparatus, whereby the anchor spreader apparatus and the spike-pulling apparatus simultaneously move the rail anchor and pull respective spikes.

Abstract: A drone vehicle for performing maintenance on a railway system is provided. A drone vehicle control system is structured to utilize tie position data to position a drone vehicle workhead over at least a portion of a respective tie. The drone vehicle control system is further structured to actuate the drone vehicle workhead. The drone vehicle may be controlled by a drone vehicle control system linked, preferably by wireless communications, to a lead vehicle and a lead vehicle control system. The lead vehicle control system and the drone vehicle control system are structured to communicate with each other, with the lead vehicle control system providing the tie position data to the drone vehicle control system.

Abstract: A dual tamper vehicle is provided. The dual tamper vehicle has a single articulated frame assembly having two sets of tampers. The articulated frame assembly is, essentially, a bifurcated vehicle having a forward, first vehicle and a trailing, second vehicle joined by a primary coupling having three axes of rotation. The primary coupling having three axes of rotation allows the two vehicles to roll, pitch, and yaw relative to each other thereby allowing the single, long rail bifurcated vehicle to travel over a railroad.

Abstract: An anchor spreader apparatus and method for moving rail anchors, the anchor spreader apparatus has a mounting member, a rail clamp assembly and an anchor-engaging assembly. With the rail clamp assembly properly clamped to the rail, the anchor spreader apparatus is maintained in a proper and controlled position relative to the anchor as the anchor-engaging assembly is rotatably moved relative to the rail clamp assembly. The anchor spreader apparatus may be paired with a spike-pulling apparatus, whereby the anchor spreader apparatus and the spike-pulling apparatus simultaneously move the rail anchor and pull respective spikes.

Abstract: A vision inspection system and method for use with a railcar includes a vision device adapted to provide an image of each rail component. An image recognition component analyzes the images taken by the vision device to determine the type and condition of each rail component as the vehicle is traveling on the railroad track. A control system communicates with the vision device and the image recognition component. The control system causes workheads of the vehicle to engage respective rail components based on the input received from the vision inspection system. A method for determining the relative distance between the rail components includes comparing the position of the respective rail components of a first image to the position of the respective rail components of a second image to determine the distance between the respective components and distance the railcar has moved.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus and method for applying a force to rails of a track is disclosed. The apparatus has a device with at least one first weight and at least one second weight rotatably mounted about a horizontal shaft which has an axis which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails. A power source is provided to drive the rotation of the at least one first weight and the at least one second weight at different revolutions per second. The rotation of the at least one first weight and the at least one second weight creates a vertical force which has a larger downward component as compared to an upward component of the vertical force.

Abstract: A drone vehicle for performing maintenance on a railway system is provided. A drone vehicle control system is structured to utilize tie position data to position a drone vehicle workhead over at least a portion of a respective tie. The drone vehicle control system is further structured to actuate the drone vehicle workhead. The drone vehicle may be controlled by a drone vehicle control system linked, preferably by wireless communications, to a lead vehicle and a lead vehicle control system. The lead vehicle control system and the drone vehicle control system are structured to communicate with each other, with the lead vehicle control system providing the tie position data to the drone vehicle control system.