Trains Patents (Class 105/1.4)
  • Patent number: 11845475
    Abstract: A locomotive consist including a pair of fuel-electric locomotives, each having a prime mover engine and a power transmission system including a main generator and traction motors coupled to driving wheels, a high voltage electrical connection operable in an on state or an off state, and a computer controller. The pair of fuel-electric locomotives is configured to selectively cooperate to operate in three different operating modes as controlled by the computer controller: (1) a prime mover mode, (2) a mother/slug mode, and a mother/inoperative mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Knoxville Locomotive Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete Claussen, Scott Gatewood
  • Patent number: 11845476
    Abstract: A locomotive consist including a pair of fuel-electric locomotives, each having a prime mover engine and a power transmission system including a main generator and traction motors coupled to driving wheels, a high voltage electrical connection operable in an on state or an off state, and a computer controller. The pair of fuel-electric locomotives is configured to selectively cooperate to operate in three different operating modes as controlled by the computer controller: (1) a prime mover mode, (2) a mother/slug mode, and a mother/inoperative mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Knoxville Locomotive Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete Claussen, Scott Gatewood
  • Patent number: 11535281
    Abstract: A drive system for a rail vehicle includes at least one drive motor and at least one cooling apparatus for cooling the at least one drive motor and/or other components of the drive system, in particular a current converter. The drive system is constructed and intended to use kinetic energy of the rail vehicle for operation of the cooling apparatus. A rail vehicle having the drive system and methods for the forward movement of a rail vehicle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventor: Olaf Koerner
  • Patent number: 10788327
    Abstract: An apparatus includes input circuitry and processor circuitry. The input circuitry is configured to receive, from a camera attached to a vehicle, a plurality of images as the vehicle travels along the track. The processor circuitry is configured to, for at least one of the plurality of captured images, perform feature recognition on the image, to assign an indicator to at least one recognised feature in the image indicative of a suitability of the at least one recognised feature for adjusting the position of the vehicle on the map. The processor circuitry is configured to, for each recognised feature in the image with the indicator, adjust the position of the vehicle on the map when the recognised feature is represented in the map of the track, and add a representation of the recognised feature to the map when the recognised feature is not represented in the map of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Paul Hawkins, Luke Dodd
  • Patent number: 10611385
    Abstract: A rail vehicle (1), a method of producing and method of driving the rail vehicle (1) which comprises at least one car body (2). The car body (2) comprises two car body ends (3, 4) the end region of which is supported on a respective wheel unit (5, 6). At least one wheel unit (5, 6) is designed to be driven. The rail vehicle comprises a drive arrangement comprising a transformer unit (7), a traction motor unit (9) and a power converter unit (8). The primary transformer unit (7) and primary power converter unit (8) are arranged adjacent the first wheel unit (5). The primary transformer unit (7) and the primary power converter unit (8) are connected to the second wheel unit (6) such that a traction motor unit (9), of the second wheel unit (6), can be driven by the primary transformer unit and the primary power converter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: STADLER RAIL AG
    Inventor: Daniel Forrer
  • Patent number: 9580090
    Abstract: A control system is provided for improving the handling of a powered system traveling along a route. The powered system includes a first and second powered vehicle respectively positioned in two consists, which are separated by at least one non-powered vehicle. The control system includes a controller configured to determine at least one slack location along the powered system. The slack location represents a force separation in the powered system between two respective regions, which include a compression region subject to a compression force and a tension region subject to a tension force. The controller is coupled to a respective engine of a powered vehicle, and the controller adjusts an output of the engine to control a rate of change of the at least one slack location along the powered system. Additionally, a method is provided for improving the handling of a powered system traveling along a route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Patent number: 9387863
    Abstract: A rail vehicle system includes a set of cars for transporting passengers. The set has two end cars, at least one driveless central car and at least one central car constructed as a traction car having at least one drive unit. In order to achieve greater flexibility in assembling a rail vehicle system, in particular with regard to improved scalability of traction power, the traction car includes a power supply unit for the drive unit and has at least one voltage transformation unit and a power converter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Edzard Luebben, Martin Offer, Juergen Schlaht, Joerg Schneider
  • Patent number: 9283860
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical charging system for energy accumulators or railway vehicles, comprising position-finding means (A1, A2, A3, A4) of a vehicle (1), at least one electrical energy capturing element (2), identification and positioning means (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6) for identifying and positioning the vehicle (1), and at least one electrical changing zone (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4), such that by means of associating the identification and positioning means (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6) with respective position-finding means (A1, A2, A3, A4), the presence and configuration of the vehicle (1) is determined, and an area covered by said vehicle (1) corresponding with the electrical charging zones (Z1, Z2, Z3,Z4) to be electrified is defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: CONSTRUCCIONES Y AUXILIAR DE FERROCARRILES, S.A.
    Inventors: Pedro Estevez Irizar, Aitor Gastanares Etxezarreta, Jose Manuel Nicolas Silva, Victor Vigil Varela
  • Patent number: 9205847
    Abstract: A railcar includes a chassis, a front end frame, a control cab for a train operator and an energy absorbing crash structure. The chassis has a cab end and a rear end. The front end frame is connected to the cab end of the chassis. The front end frame has a pair of corner posts and a collision post structure. Each one of the pair of corner posts is located at a different corner of the chassis at the cab end. The collision post structure is located between the pair of corner posts. The control cab has a control cab floor and is located proximate the cab end. A crash energy management module, located ahead of the front end frame, includes a plurality of energy absorbers and a crash shield. The plurality of energy absorbers is attached to the front end frame. There is a left energy absorber located on a left portion of the chassis and a right energy absorber located on a right portion of the chassis. The crash shield is attached substantially vertically and laterally to the plurality of energy absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Koudolo, Virgilio Hilario, Gilles Hérard, André Gagnon
  • Publication number: 20150053110
    Abstract: A system for determining locomotive position in a consist including a first locomotive, a second locomotive, and one or more additional locomotives has a processor configured to determine first measurements taken starting from the first locomotive and capable of quantifying distances between the first locomotive and the second locomotive and the first locomotive and the one or more additional locomotives. The processor is also configured to determine second measurements taken starting from the second locomotive and capable of quantifying distances between the second locomotive and the first locomotive and the second locomotive and the one or more additional locomotives. The processor is further configured to combine the first measurements and the second measurements into a combined data set and, determine a locomotive consist order based on the combined data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Alan FANARA, Warren Douglas BURNETT
  • Patent number: 8925465
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a tender car for a consist. The tender car may have a frame, a truck configured to support the frame, and a fuel tank mounted to the frame. The tender car may also have a wheel rotatably connected to the truck, and a motor operatively connected to the wheel and configured to drive the wheel. The tender car may further have a power supply configured to power the motor when the tender car is decoupled from the consist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Gamache Foege
  • Publication number: 20140346287
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a vehicle. In one example, a vehicle comprises a first fuel tank configured to store a first fuel, and a second fuel tank configured to store a second fuel, both the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank disposed in the vehicle, a multi fuel engine disposed in the vehicle, the multi fuel engine configured to combust the first fuel and the second fuel, a fuel injection system configured to inject the first fuel into the multi fuel engine, and a conduit configured to route the second fuel from the second fuel tank to the multi fuel engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald Gene Billig, Taral Shah
  • Publication number: 20140345491
    Abstract: A railway vehicle brake system includes at least two relay valves in electrical communication with one another and in fluid communication with a brake pipe, at least two friction brake units in fluid communication with each relay valve, and at least one electric brake unit in electrical communication with each relay valve. Upon a failure of one of the electric brake units, the relay valve in communication with the failed electric brake unit sends a signal to at least one other relay valve to provide pressurized fluid to the at least two friction brake units in fluid communication with the at least one other relay valve. The at least two relay valves may include integrated electric relay valves. The at least two friction brake units may include disc brake units. Each relay valve may be positioned between and in fluid communication with the brake pipe and a main reservoir pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Norman Scharpf, Maria H. Koon, Glyn A. Finch, JR., Paolo Poli
  • Publication number: 20140338558
    Abstract: A rail vehicle system includes a set of cars for transporting passengers. The set has two end cars, at least one driveless central car and at least one central car constructed as a traction car having at least one drive unit. In order to achieve greater flexibility in assembling a rail vehicle system, in particular with regard to improved scalability of traction power, the traction car includes a power supply unit for the drive unit and has at least one voltage transformation unit and a power converter unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Edzard Luebben, Martin Offer, Jurgen Schlaht, Joerg Schneider
  • Patent number: 8807045
    Abstract: A transportation apparatus configured to travel on rails and having an induced freezing rail system includes: a transportation vehicle having a support unit configured to support a frame from the rails; and a freezing rail system comprising freezing rails positioned on a ground surface corresponding to the support unit of the transportation vehicle, the freezing rails having a refrigerant and cooling devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Young-Ho Kim, Je-Hoon Yun
  • Publication number: 20140217258
    Abstract: The invention relates to a movement system that is associated with a wrapping machine for wrapping a load with a film including at least one operating unit for performing operations on the load or on the film. The system includes shuttles that are movable for supporting and moving the operating units along a path at least between an operating position in which the operating units can perform operations on the load or on the film or can interact with the wrapping machine, and a inactive position in which the operating units are outside a working zone of the wrapping machine in order not to interfere with the operation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: AETNA GROUP, S.P.A.
    Inventors: Mauro Cere', Mirko Casalboni
  • Publication number: 20140174316
    Abstract: A brake control system for a consist having multiple cars is disclosed. The brake control system may include a conduit configured to direct a compressed fluid to the multiple cars, and a plurality of brakes, including at least one brake located at each of the multiple cars. The brake control system may further include a plurality of valves, including at least one valve located at each of the multiple cars and fluidly connected between the conduit and the at least one brake, and a main controller. The main controller may be configured to transmit a signal indicative of desired braking to each of the plurality of valves, causing substantially simultaneous activation of the plurality of brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: EMD
    Inventors: Dale Alexander Brown, Harinder Singh Lamba
  • Patent number: 8751074
    Abstract: A hoist trolley assembly includes first and second hoist trolleys, electric motors to drive the trolleys and a control system. The control system receives a preliminary speed reference for the trolleys and forms a final speed reference for the first hoist trolley by using initial data including the preliminary speed reference. The control system is adapted to use a hoist trolley coefficient Krb that is calculated by k rb = T A_nom T B_nom · v B_nom v A_nom · m TB + m LB m TA + m LA , wherein TA—nom=the rated torque of the electric motor of the first hoist trolley, TB—nom=the rated torque of the electric motor of the second hoist trolley, vA—nom=nominal speed of the first hoist trolley, vB—nom=nominal speed of the second hoist trolley, mTA=dead weight of the first hoist trolley, mTB=dead weight of the second hoist trolley mLA=load of the first hoist trolley, and mLB=load of the second hoist trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Konecranes PLC
    Inventor: Mikko Porma
  • Publication number: 20140116283
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a coupling system for a train consist. The coupling system may include a first conduit associated with a locomotive of the train consist, a second conduit associated with a tender car of the train consist, and a fluid coupling connecting the first and second conduits. The coupling system may also include a first mechanical coupler associated with the locomotive and a second mechanical coupler associated with the tender car and configured to engage and lock with the first mechanical coupler. The coupling system may further include a locking device driven by fluid passing through the fluid coupling that is configured to inhibit disengagement of the first mechanical coupler and the second mechanical coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Wayne Steffen, Aaron Gamache Foege
  • Publication number: 20140060377
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a rail vehicle. In one example, a rail vehicle includes a first engine positioned in a central location of the rail vehicle, the first engine configured to combust at least one of a first fuel or a second fuel. The rail vehicle further includes a fuel tank positioned in place of an operator cab, the fuel tank configured to store the second fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald Gene Billig, Taral Shah
  • Publication number: 20140033943
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a fuel distribution system for a consist. The fuel distribution system may have a first locomotive, a second locomotive, and a tender car. The fuel distribution system may also have at least one pump located onboard the tender car, and at least one fluid conduit attached to the at least one pump. The at least one fluid conduit may be configured to deliver gaseous fuel from the tender car to the first and second locomotives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Aaron Gamache FOEGE, Edward John Cryer
  • Publication number: 20140033944
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an energy recovery system for a mobile machine. The system may have a tank configured to store a liquid fuel for combustion within a main engine located on the locomotive, and a fuel delivery circuit connecting the tank to the main engine. The system may also have an auxiliary engine, and a boil-off circuit connecting the tank to the auxiliary engine. The system may also have an accumulator fluidly connected to the boil-off circuit between the tank and the auxiliary engine and configured to store gaseous fuel formed in the tank, and a carbon adsorbent disposed within the accumulator and configured to adsorb the gaseous fuel. The auxiliary engine may be configured to selectively generate a suction force to withdraw gaseous fuel adsorbed onto the carbon adsorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Aaron Gamache Foege
  • Publication number: 20140033941
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an energy recovery system for a mobile machine. The mobile machine may include a locomotive and a tender car. The recovery system may include a tank located on the tender car. The tank may be configured to store a liquid fuel for combustion within a main engine located on the locomotive. The recovery system may also include a fuel delivery circuit connecting the tank to the main engine, and an auxiliary engine located on the locomotive. The auxiliary engine may be selectively connectable to receive gaseous fuel formed in the tank. The energy recovery system may also include a boil-off circuit connecting the tank to the auxiliary engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Aaron Gamache Foege, Joshua Wayne Steffen
  • Publication number: 20140033942
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a tender car for a consist. The tender car may have a frame, a truck configured to support the frame, and a fuel tank mounted to the frame. The tender car may also have a wheel rotatably connected to the truck, and a motor operatively connected to the wheel and configured to drive the wheel. The tender car may further have a power supply configured to power the motor when the tender car is decoupled from the consist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Aaron Gamache FOEGE
  • Publication number: 20130319563
    Abstract: A communication system is disclosed for use with a train consist. The consist communication system may have a first fluid conduit, a first coupling connected to the first fluid conduit, a first cover connected to the first coupling and configured to close an end of the first fluid conduit, and at least a first cable disposed within the first fluid conduit. The system may also have a second fluid conduit substantially identical to the first fluid conduit, a second coupling substantially identical to the first coupling, fixedly connected to the second fluid conduit, and connectable to the first coupling, and a second cover connected to the second coupling and configured to close an end of the second fluid conduit. At least a second cable may be disposed within the second fluid conduit in communication with the at least a first cable through the first and second covers. The first and second fluid conduits may be pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Dale A. BROWN
  • Patent number: 8568934
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing system for inerting a gas volume. A first exhaust gas that is provided by a fuel cell, and a second exhaust gas that is provided by a hydrogen reformer, can be mixed to form an inert gas mixture. The mixture can be fed into the gas volume for inerting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz-Detlef Naeve, Juergen Friedrich Haastert, Lars Frahm
  • Patent number: 8483892
    Abstract: A method for limiting the angle between the longitudinal axes of car bodies of a multi-part rail vehicle connected to each other via a joint, wherein each car body is supported on only one bogie. The angle is actively influenced by an electrically controlled activation member connected to the joint, until the angle assumes a setpoint value. The setpoint value is determined from the pivot angles (relative angles) of the bogies relative to the associated car bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anton Gaile, Thomas Nickl, Friedrich Vemmer
  • Publication number: 20130167752
    Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Gibson V. Barbee, Gerhard A. Thelen, Robert S. Runyon, Derick Vander Klippe
  • Publication number: 20130153714
    Abstract: Non-Stop Commute is a revolutionized railway travel, which make full use of current railway construction, get rid of locomotive, simply run with enhanced multiple units. It can increase the traffic flow to double or more and save all the waiting time for passengers at waypoint stops. It only brakes those stop unit(s) in need rather than the whole moving train. And it only accelerates those ready to go unit(s) the similar way. The moving trains run at an efficient speed and never need to stop in normal operation. Any train unit movement is synchronized by location and timing for best safety. The system simulation software is ready online to download and simple demo video is available as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Jack Qu, Jackson Qu
  • Publication number: 20130118373
    Abstract: A hoist trolley assembly includes first and second hoist trolleys, electric motors to drive the trolleys and a control system. The control system receives a preliminary speed reference for the trolleys and forms a final speed reference for the first hoist trolley by using initial data including the preliminary speed reference. The control system is adapted to use a hoist trolley coefficient Krb that is calculated by k rb = T A_nom T B_nom · v B_nom v A_nom · m TB + m LB m TA + m LA , wherein TA—nom=the rated torque of the electric motor of the first hoist trolley, TB—nom=the rated torque of the electric motor of the second hoist trolley, vA—nom=nominal speed of the first hoist trolley, vB—nom=nominal speed of the second hoist trolley, mTA=dead weight of the first hoist trolley, mTB=dead weight of the second hoist trolley mLA=load of the first hoist trolley, and mLB=load of the second hoist trolley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: KONECRANES PLC
    Inventor: Mikko Porma
  • Publication number: 20130101738
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting silicon wafers in a horizontal transporting direction into a printing device has two transporting units, which each have a traversing device and a holding means thereon. At least two transporting units each with a holding means are provided, wherein the traversing devices of said units run next to each other along the transporting direction. The holding means are each formed and arranged in such a way that an unloaded holding means has space to pass by a holding means loaded with a silicon wafer. The traversing devices are rails and the holding means are carriages mounted thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SCHMID TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Jurgen Sollner, Thomas Sauter, Jens Munkel, Christian Buchner
  • Publication number: 20120216703
    Abstract: A coach body for a multiple-unit railway vehicle is provided. The coach body includes two bogies at each end. The coach body has a length of at least 27.5 m and side walls of the coach body are designed such that, a maximum outside width in the longitudinal center of the coach being 2.86 m at the height of seat rests, an inside width of at least 2.6 m is achieved for the greatest part of the coach length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Jens Cuylen, Roger Gansekow, Edzard Lübben, Martin Offer, Andreas Schaefer-Enkeler
  • Publication number: 20120192757
    Abstract: A brake system for braking a rail vehicle has an actuator, which is equipped for installation in its totality in a bogie of the rail vehicle and provided with a braking force F so as to create a braking movement of at least one pressing part, and an energy storage device which is connected to the actuator via a supply line. A brake controller supplies control signals for controlling the brake system, which enables secure braking of the rail vehicle. The actuator has a control connection, which is connected to the brake controller for receiving the control signals via a data line, wherein the control connection is connected to a logic unit of the actuator that is configured to set the braking force F in dependence on the control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AG
    Inventors: Toni Schiffers, Manfred Wiesand
  • Publication number: 20120024188
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rail car body having a roof, side walls, and a floor for supporting a series of vehicles in end to end relation longitudinally within the body so that they can be transported in a train. The rail car body includes an adjustable deck mounted within the body to support a second series of vehicles also in end to end relation. The adjustable deck has adjustable supports for vertically adjustment between at least two vertical positions in the body. The rail car body also includes a removable intermediate deck for supporting a third series of vehicles in end to end relation within the body. The removable intermediate deck is removably mounted on wheels (of a cart) and can be rolled longitudinally into and out of the rail car body. Thus, the rail car can be used in a two tier configuration or a three tier configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Union Pacific Railroad Company
    Inventor: Joseph C. Budnick
  • Patent number: 8074576
    Abstract: A commuter train ferry system includes a train engine. A plurality of boxcars is joinable to each other and to the train engine to form the commuter train ferry. Each of the boxcars includes a plurality of decks for transporting a plurality of vehicles and their occupants during a commuter trip. At least one ramp includes a plurality of driving surfaces for accessing the plurality of decks for loading and unloading the vehicles and their occupants from the boxcars where the occupants of the vehicles load and unload the vehicles from the boxcars and remain within the vehicles for at least a part of the commuter trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Anwar Farooq
  • Publication number: 20110271467
    Abstract: A multiple track railroad system for use with two adjacent sets of parallel continuous tracks with the tracks having a distance therebetween and each set of tracks including two continuous rails having a distance therebetween. The railroad system includes an engine for pulling a train that has a set of wheels riding on at least two of the rails, and the engine has a width equal to at least one set of the tracks. The railroad system also includes at least one rail car connected to and propelled by the engine, wherein the rail car spans and extends beyond the outer rails of both sets of tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Publication number: 20110079166
    Abstract: A useful system for our transportation needs must be in concert with the ecological and economical needs of the future. The vehicle concept considers all the constrains imposed by battery materials, oil and electric energy availability and production capacity, electric grid power capability and will make transportation cheaper faster and more robust than the current system. The multi-feature vehicle is modular in design separating and placing optimally the functional modules so that many variations are easily possible allowing the range, carrying capacity and multi-modal transportation to be optimized. The multi modal transportation feature is a surrogate for the lack of battery capacity to cover the individual needs for transportation avoiding the need for large capital cost for large batteries and their maintenance. The vehicle may serve as backup power source during blackouts and uses own modular compactable solar energy harvesting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Liviu Popa-Simil
  • Publication number: 20110079167
    Abstract: A highway vehicle towing system includes a light railroad track embedded in a highway and capable of transmitting electricity from a power supply plant, and a towing tractor movable along the light railroad track to tow a car. The owing tractor has multiple pairs of metal wheels movably supported on the light railroad track, a motor, electrical wires connecting the metal wheels to the motor for transmitting electricity from the light railroad track to the motor, a transmission shaft coupled to and rotatable by the motor, and a differential mechanism coupled between the transmission shaft and the metal wheels for enabling the metal wheels to be rotated along the light railroad track by the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Yi-Shan Yao
  • Publication number: 20110072999
    Abstract: An intermodal transportation system having interconnected railcars adapted for transporting interconnected freight trailers where the freight trailers remain connected while being transported on the railcars. Individual trailers are assembled into trailer assemblies at an assembly area. Trailers containing freight are assembled into trailer assembles using specialized dollies. A preferred embodiment includes using a self-powered dolly having tires and mounting a fifth-wheel pickup plate and a ring coupler for engaging the kingpin of a trailer. Multiple dolly-trailer assemblies are connected together to form a trailer assembly. A self-powered movable ramp is positioned at an end of the railcar assembly and a tractor pulls the trailer assembly onto a railcar assembly by driving up a self-powered movable ramp and across the top of the railcars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Donald D. Banwart
  • Patent number: 7880414
    Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
  • Publication number: 20100282122
    Abstract: Quasi-autonomous system of energy storage and electrical motorization that can be installed on carrying axles or bogies of railway cars or road trailers to provide a tractive effort or electrical braking without an external power supply and assemblies, convoys and trains. The recharging energy of the energy storage system is principally obtained from regenerative braking and generated by the inertia of the convoy or by the traction of the convoy motor coach; the stored energy is returned as tractive effort when necessary. The system has a controller independent of all external control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Serge Mai
  • Publication number: 20100175579
    Abstract: An energy storage car for a locomotive includes a hydraulic energy storage system designed to capture and reuse energy normally lost in dynamic braking The energy storage car is preferably configured to provide functions sufficient to replace one of multiple locomotives used to pull a freight train. Braking and other methods for improved efficiency of such trains are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: David H. Read
  • Patent number: 6827023
    Abstract: A system which operates a digitally controlled model railroad transmitting a first command from a first client program to a resident external controlling interface through a first communications transport. A second command is transmitted from a second client program to the resident external controlling interface through a second communications transport. The first command and the second command are received by the resident external controlling interface which queues the first and second commands. The resident external controlling interface sends third and fourth commands representative of the first and second commands, respectively, to a digital command station for execution on the digitally controlled model railroad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew A. Katzer
  • Patent number: 6772698
    Abstract: The invention is structured such that an additional low-floor Vehicle C (intermediate vehicle) is inserted between a high-floor Vehicle A (leading vehicle) and a Vehicle B (trailing vehicle). Between Vehicle A and Vehicle C and between Vehicle B and Vehicle C, un-motorized idling carriages (10) and (24) are used for articulation, respectively. Therefore, the articulation structure that is used between the conventional Vehicle A and Vehicle B can be used also between Vehicle A and Vehicle C, and between Vehicle C and Vehicle B. In other words, the underframe structure of the Vehicle C rear half section is the same as the underframe structure of the Vehicle A rear half section and the underframe structure of Vehicle C top end section is the same as the underframe structure of Vehicle B top end section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: The Kinki Sharyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kozo Ueta, Yasuhiro Azuma, Keisuke Yokota, Akihisa Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20030192450
    Abstract: A system and method for improving the travel efficiency of a train that includes decoupling the last car from a moving train, guiding the last car onto an adjacent track and bringing the decoupled car to a stop. The system and method of the present invention may also be used to move a decoupled car from a stopped position to a primary track where the decoupled car may be coupled to a moving train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: John Wood, Jeff Wood, Travis Wood
  • Patent number: 6612245
    Abstract: An energy tender vehicle for use in connection with a hybrid energy locomotive system having an energy storage and regeneration system. The energy storage and regeneration system captures dynamic braking energy, excess motor energy, and externally supplied energy in one or more energy storage subsystems, including a flywheel, a battery, an ultra-capacitor, or a combination of such subsystems. In one form, the energy storage and regeneration system is located in the energy tender vehicle. The energy tender vehicle is optionally equipped with traction motors. In one form, the energy tender is configured to operate without any power connections to the locomotive. An energy management system is responsive to power storage and power transfer parameters, including data indicative of present and future track profile information, to determine present and future electrical energy storage and supply requirements. The energy management system controls the storage and regeneration of energy accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignees: General Electric Company, Carl Rowold
    Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Admir Mesalic
  • Patent number: 6539292
    Abstract: New methods and techniques are presented for utilizing digital information transmitted by a moving device (such as a model locomotive on a model railroad) to allow the moving device to itself influence the way it is controlled and allowing a moving device (such as model locomotive on a model railroad) to itself send specific instructions or cause others to send specific instructions to other devices on the model railroad for the purpose of controlling or influencing their behavior. These methods and techniques can be employed in the control, automation and operation of scale model railroad layouts to permit significant increases in the level of automation that can be utilized on a model railroad and with this increase the illusion of operating a real locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Stanley R. Ames, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6524681
    Abstract: A friction material for a friction facing member useful for transmitting torque includes a backing having a front surface and a rear surface. A plurality of precisely shaped friction composites defining patterned friction coating are attached to the front surface of the backing. The precisely shaped friction composites include a plurality of friction particles dispersed in a binder. In one embodiment, the friction material has an elastic modulus of about 107 dynes/cm2 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David S. Seitz, Elizabeth C. Edblom, Karl T. McKeague
  • Patent number: 6460467
    Abstract: A system which operates a digitally controlled model railroad transmitting a first command from a first client program to a resident external controlling interface through a first communications transport. A second command is transmitted from a second client program to the resident external controlling interface through a second communications transport. The first command and the second command are received by the resident external controlling interface which queues the first and second commands. The resident external controlling interface sends third and fourth commands representative of the first and second commands, respectively, to a digital command station for execution on the digitally controlled model railroad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Matthew A. Katzer
  • Patent number: 6354448
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a train system consisting of vehicles capable of connection in a row, which exhibit lifting devices to permit them to be lifted between a lowered position enabling them to be driven under loading cassettes functioning as load carriers and a raised position enabling the vehicles to be driven on a base with the load supported between designated loading locations on land or on a ship, in conjunction with which connecting devices are so arranged as to connect the vehicles together with one another in pairs. The aforementioned connecting devices are formed by telescopic bars, which are supported in such a way as to be capable of pivoting both vertically and horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Bengt Ramne