Patents by Inventor Scott M. Branka

Scott M. Branka has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150225002
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a railway inspection system is shown. The system includes: an unmanned self-propelled vehicle, a sensor, a position system and a control system. The unmanned self-propelled vehicle is adapted to travel on a railway track ahead of the train and has a sensor configured to detect an adverse railway condition. The positioning system is configured to determine the position of the self-propelled vehicle. The control system in communication with the sensor and the train; wherein the control system communicates the adverse railway condition to the train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Scott M. Branka, Ray T. Kelleher
  • Publication number: 20150166086
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a display system for a locomotive is shown. The display systems includes: a windshield, a substantially transparent operator display panel, and a controller. The windshield is configured to facilitate an operator view of a railway track. The substantially transparent operator display panel is operatively coupled to the windshield and adapted to allow an operator to view the railway track. The control system is in communication with the operator display panel within an operator work station and configured to generate an image associated with control of the locomotive. The control system is in communication with the operator display panel within an operator work station and configured to output the image onto the operator display panel to enable a simultaneous view of the image and the operator view of the railway track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIESEL, INC.
    Inventor: Scott M. Branka
  • Patent number: 7072747
    Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a train (T) for passage of the train through a tunnel. The train has a plurality of locomotives (L1-Ln) pulling the train. The position of the lead locomotive relative to the tunnel entrance is determined, as is the amount of time before the train enters the tunnel. Each locomotive is separately configured for passage through the tunnel as a function of performance characteristics of the locomotive and the locomotive's current operating status, as the train approaches the tunnel. Once the train enters the tunnel, the performance characteristics of each locomotive are continually monitored. The performance requirements for one or more of the locomotives are then dynamically changed as a function of conditions within the tunnel and the current performance characteristics of each locomotive. This is done to maintain a sufficient combined performance capability from the locomotives to move the train through the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Armbruster, Wolfgang Daum, Scott M. Branka, Carl Iszkula, Brian Lawry