Patents by Inventor Vishal Badyal

Vishal Badyal 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: 20250182016
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for optimizing hub resources and maximizing hub throughput based on dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a first flow of units arriving to the hub from customers to be loaded into departing trains is represented as a consolidation stream, and a second flow of units arriving to the hub via arriving trains to be unloaded and delivered customers is represented as a deconsolidation stream. A time-space network is generated for each of the consolidation and deconsolidation streams, and included in a DSRO model. Each stage of the streams is represented as a node of the corresponding time-space network in the DSRO model, which also models resource interdependence between the streams. An operating schedule based on the DSRO model optimizes the resources over a planning horizon to ensure they are allocated to both streams fairly so as to maximize the unit flow during operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2025
    Publication date: June 5, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Paul Kuhn, Vishal Badyal, April Y. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20250145193
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for intelligently diffusing units across parking lot resources of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a unit diffusion manager intelligently diffuses or spreads units across the parking spots of a parking lot resource to which the units may be assigned based on unit characteristics to maximize unit throughput within the hub. The unit characteristics of a unit include a unit-train assignment identifying the outbound train to which the unit may be assigned, a train-track assignment of the outbound train identifying the production track to which the outbound train is assigned for loading the units onto the outbound train, an identification of the customer to which the unit belongs, and/or other characteristics that may be relevant to the movement of the unit within the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn, April Y. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20250148382
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for enhancing the efficiency and utility of chassis pools within a hub by providing functionality for dynamic classification of chassis pools associated with the hub. In embodiments, the dynamic classification of chassis pools may be used for optimizing the utilization of chassis resources of the hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, the functionality of a system implemented in accordance with the present disclosure for dynamic classification of chassis pools associated with a hub may include determining and/or setting a configuration for one or more dynamic chassis pool classifications that may include rulesets, guidelines, performance metrics, constraint, requirements, etc., and/or other information related to the management and operations of the chassis pools associated with the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn, April Y. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20250145191
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for optimizing utilization of parking lots of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, an optimized operating schedule over a planning horizon may be obtained, including predictions of units arriving at the hub through a consolidation stream and/or a deconsolidation stream during each time increment of the planning horizon. In embodiments, a unit is received at the hub during a first time increment of the planning horizon of the optimized operating schedule, a dwell time of the unit over the planning horizon ids determined, the unit is classified based on the dwell time of the unit over the planning horizon, and the unit is assigned to a parking lot associated with the hub based on the classification of the unit and a prediction of units to be processed during remaining time increments of the planning horizon after the first time increment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn, April Y. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20250145196
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for optimizing ramp operations of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, inbound and outbound trains scheduled to arrive at or depart from a hub over a planning horizon are identified. A set of candidate track-train assignment sequences involving the inbound and outbound trains and production tracks of the hub facility is generated. Infeasible candidate track-train assignment sequences are eliminated from the set. A cost associated with each remaining candidate track-train assignment sequence over the planning horizon is determined based on one or more effort matrices. An optimized track-train assignment sequence is selected from the set of candidate track-train assignment sequences based on the determined cost. A control signal is automatically sent to a controller to cause execution of the optimized track-train assignment sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn, April Y. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20250145192
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for optimizing utilization of chassis of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a chassis optimization system optimizes utilization of chassis resources in a hub based on a unit traffic prediction in an optimized operating schedule, where the unit traffic prediction includes a prediction of containers and chassis to arrive at the hub at each time increment of a planning horizon. The chassis optimization system optimizes the utilization of chassis resources by managing capacity constraints associated with the chassis resource capacity in the hub over the planning horizon to optimize the use of the chassis resource capacity to maximize unit throughput through the hub based on the unit traffic prediction and the chassis resources capacity, and by managing the chassis resource capacity surplus/deficit cycles over the planning horizon to maximize the unit throughput over the planning horizon based on the unit traffic prediction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn, April Y. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20250145195
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for optimizing utilization of hostlers of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a dual-stream optimization model is utilized, incorporating a consolidated time-space network and a deconsolidated time-space network spanning a planning horizon. The model identifies hostler operations and pairs them based on proximity criteria, forming operation pairs that lead to higher unit throughput within the hub. An optimized hostler operation schedule is generated for implementation during the planning horizon. The system also includes a feature for automatically transmitting a control signal to a hostler control system to direct a hostler to execute the paired operations in accordance with the pairing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn, April Y. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20250145194
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for intelligently repairing deviations in the execution of an optimized operating schedule associated with a hub. In embodiments, intelligently repairing deviations in the execution of an optimized operating schedule associated with a hub may include managing hostler-aided multi-hop operations that may be configured to repair the impact of mis-located units within the hub by optimizing the use of hostler resources during execution of the optimized operating schedule to insert multihop operations configured to move or transport the mis-located units from suboptimal locations to optimal locations into hostler route operations, which may improve or reoptimize the unit throughput within the hub over the planning horizon of the optimized operating schedule. In embodiments, an optimal location includes a location that leads to a higher unit throughput for the hub when the unit is located therein than when the unit is located in the current mis-location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn, April Y. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20250145190
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for adaptively classifying parking lots associated with a hub. In embodiments, adaptively classifying parking lots associated with a hub may include classifying the physical parking lots of the hub into one or more logical parking lots, in which each logical parking lot may have a parking lot classification. In embodiments, the configuration of each logical parking lot (e.g., the classification, layout, size, etc.) may be based on various factors, which may include factors associated with the physical parking lots, factors associated with the hub, environmental factors, cyclical factors, seasonal factors, unit traffic through the hub, proximity of the parking lots to productions tracks, ease of access to the parking lots, direction of traffic flow within the hub, etc. In embodiments, the logical parking lots may represent a logical or virtual classification of the physical parking lots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn, April Y. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20250145197
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for optimizing ramp operations of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO) through an intelligent graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI dynamically visualizes an optimized ramp operations schedule, enabling operators to interact with and adjust the schedule of inbound and outbound trains. Re-optimization features adapt to changes made by the operator, maintaining efficient hub operations. The GUI's intelligent decision-making capabilities consider complex resource interdependencies and the cascading effects of schedule adjustments. Enhanced operational efficiency is achieved by providing alerts and notifications for deviations from the optimized plan, facilitating swift action. User-driven optimization offers operators the flexibility to select from multiple optimization options or maintain the original schedule. This intelligent GUI integration with the ramp operations optimization system advances intermodal hub management, driving efficiency and responsiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn, April Y. Kuo
  • Patent number: 12269520
    Abstract: A method for switching railcars at a railroad yard includes accessing a list of selected railcars for an outgoing train. The method further includes generating a plurality of train consists that each comply with a set of train rules. The method further includes displaying indications of the generated train consists and their associated number of railyard switch moves on an electronic display. The method further includes receiving a user selection of a desired train consist from the plurality of displayed train consists. The method further includes generating a plurality of switch lists according to the desired train consist and a current inventory of railcars in the railyard. The switch lists include instructions about how to form the desired train consist in the railyard. The method further includes displaying the plurality of switch lists on the electronic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Simmons, April Y. Kuo, Kevin N. Crook, Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn
  • Patent number: 12217199
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for optimizing hub resources and maximizing hub throughput based on dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a first flow of units arriving to the hub from customers to be loaded into departing trains is represented as a consolidation stream, and a second flow of units arriving to the hub via arriving trains to be unloaded and delivered customers is represented as a deconsolidation stream. A time-space network is generated for each of the consolidation and deconsolidation streams, and included in a DSRO model. Each stage of the streams is represented as a node of the corresponding time-space network in the DSRO model, which also models resource interdependence between the streams. An operating schedule based on the DSRO model optimizes the resources over a planning horizon to ensure they are allocated to both streams fairly so as to maximize the unit flow during operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn, April Y. Kuo
  • Patent number: 11970195
    Abstract: A method for switching railcars at a railroad yard includes accessing a list of selected railcars for an outgoing train. The method further includes generating a plurality of train consists that each comply with a set of train rules. The method further includes displaying indications of the generated train consists and their associated number of railyard switch moves on an electronic display. The method further includes receiving a user selection of a desired train consist from the plurality of displayed train consists. The method further includes generating a plurality of switch lists according to the desired train consist and a current inventory of railcars in the railyard. The switch lists include instructions about how to form the desired train consist in the railyard. The method further includes displaying the plurality of switch lists on the electronic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Simmons, April Y. Kuo, Kevin N. Crook, Dasaradh R. Mallampati, Vishal Badyal, Paul Kuhn