Abstract: An apparatus and method for equipping a locomotive with a modular radio communication system capable of being expanded to incorporate future improvements in radio and data communication electronics. The modular radio communication system provides for the installation of a standardized mounting plate and housing onto the rooftop of the locomotive to reduce the need to make extensive mechanical and electrical modifications to the locomotive when the radio communications system is updated. Sunscreens and vent openings in the standard mounting plate and housing work to reduce the temperature of the internal components of the modular radio communications system.

Abstract: An off-board communications system (50) for railway communications to and from a locomotive (10) and a central station (18). A radio (56) utilizes multiple antennas (52, 54) to broadcast a transmission signal (62, 64) over parallel communications paths so to insure that a data sent from a locomotive (10) is complete. In one embodiment, the antennas (52, 54) are selected to broadcast signals as a function of signal magnitude and phase weighting so to optimize transmissions directed at a remotely located receiver (42). In another embodiment, antennas (92, 94) broadcast at different frequencies, and with different modulation and broadcast protocols. A signal divider (74) such as a multiplexer divides the signal prior to transmission, and a signal recombining unit (84) recombines transmitted signals (80, 82) at the receiving site. A performance/availability checker is employed to monitor transmission integrity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for equipping a locomotive with a modular radio communication system capable of being expanded to incorporate future improvements in radio and data communication electronics. The modular radio communication system provides for the installation of a standardized mounting plate and housing onto the rooftop of the locomotive to reduce the need to make extensive mechanical and electrical modifications to the locomotive when the radio communications system is updated. Sunscreens and vent openings in the standard mounting plate and housing work to reduce the temperature of the internal components of the modular radio communications system.

Abstract: An off-board communications system (50) for railway communications to and from a locomotive (10) and a central station (18). A radio (56) utilizes multiple antennas (52, 54) to broadcast a transmission signal (62, 64) over parallel communications paths so to insure that a data sent from a locomotive (10) is complete. In one embodiment, the antennas (52, 54) are selected to broadcast signals as a function of signal magnitude and phase weighting so to optimize transmissions directed at a remotely located receiver (42). In another embodiment, antennas (92, 94) broadcast at different frequencies, and with different modulation and broadcast protocols. A signal divider (74) such as a multiplexer divides the signal prior to transmission, and a signal recombining unit (84) recombines transmitted signals (80, 82) at the receiving site. A performance/availability checker is employed to monitor transmission integrity.

Abstract: A train control system includes a plurality of control subsystems for installation in respective locomotives. At least one of the control subsystems is configurable as a lead control subsystem, and at least one other control subsystem is configurable as a remote control subsystem. Each control subsystem preferably comprises a radio transceiver, a first processor connected to the radio transceiver for communicating with at least one other control subsystem, an electronic brake valve connected to the first processor, and an electro-pneumatic controller connected to the first processor and the electronic brake valve, for interfacing to the air brake system of the train. The first processor preferably comprises a locomotive computer interface for performing both distributed power and electronic air brake functions in cooperation with the locomotive control computer. The distributed power functions may comprise at least one of tractive effort and dynamic braking functions.