Abstract: Apparatus and systems drive an infant carrier through space while providing soothing acceleration and/or sonic components. Infant-soothing swaying and vibrating mechanisms help to calm an upset infant and/or help the infant to fall asleep. Embodiments described herein include infant carriers capable of self-locomotion and/or platforms capable of self-locomotion with snap-in fasteners to accept an infant carrier. In some embodiments, a platform with an attached infant carrier travels along a track or monorail. In some embodiments, an infant carrier with wheels may be pulled by a toy providing the locomotion. Some embodiments incorporate a device controller with biofeedback mechanisms to adaptively pinpoint characteristics of soothing motions and sounds appropriate to a selected soothing task for a particular infant in a particular emotional state.

Abstract: Drive mechanism including a traction portion, a drive-receiving portion and a driven portion. The traction portion encircles and is rotatable about an axis. The drive-receiving portion encircles the axis and is fixed to rotate with the traction portion. The driven portion engages the drive-receiving portion to drive the traction portion to rotate. The traction portion is moveable relative to the driven portion to a plurality of positions along the axis. At least one of the drive-receiving portion and the driven portion has a length along which it is engageable by the other of the drive-receiving portion and the driven portion such that the drive-receiving portion and the driven portion co-operate to drive the traction portion at its plurality of positions along the axis.

Abstract: On-board model railroad speaker enclosure designs are presented that allow maximum sized speakers, improve impedance matching of sound to the outside of the locomotive, and isolate back and front speaker waves while maintaining the standard horizontal drive-train in model train locomotives.

Abstract: A railway vehicular power converter adapted to be fixed beneath a floor of a railway vehicle has a power conversion unit, a housing, and a plurality of L-shaped securing members provided at upper end parts of an outer surface of the housing for fixing beneath the floor of the railway vehicle. The plurality of securing members is reinforced by reinforcing members provided inside the housing and attached behind the surface of the housing where the securing members are disposed. Each of the reinforcing members has a C-channel having a length substantially the same as a length of the housing in a shorter direction thereof, and has two edges in the shorter direction bent at least once.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant for a railway locomotive is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power plant comprises two prime movers operating independently of one another. The waste energy of one prime mover is used as the energy source of the other prime mover. The shaft work of each prime mover is connected to a common load. The shaft work of the first prime mover is directly connected to the load, whereas the shaft work of the second prime mover is selectively coupled or decoupled to the load using a clutch.

Abstract: A self propelled propulsion device suitable for pushing, pulling or articulating other tools or equipment around bends within a pipe. The device comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being coupled to the second part by articulating means. The device also comprises a hydraulic system and a control unit. The hydraulic system is operable to returnably separate the first and second part of the device from each other. The hydraulic system further comprises a plurality of pipeline engaging means positioned along an exterior surface of the device which are operable by the hydraulic system to be engagable with the interior surface of the pipeline. The control unit is in communication with the hydraulic system to control the movement of the pipeline engaging means and the first and second parts such that the device is moveable within the pipeline.

Abstract: A self propelled autonomous pipeline tool for use in straight pipe comprising a first part and a second part, a hydraulic system comprising at least one hydraulic piston and means for operating the piston, and a control unit. The hydraulic system is operable to returnably separate the first and second part of the device from each other. The hydraulic system further comprises a plurality of pipeline engaging means positioned along an exterior surface of the device which are operable by the hydraulic system to be engagable with the interior surface of the pipeline. The control unit is in communication with the hydraulic system to control the movement of the pipeline engaging means and the first and second parts such that the pipeline tool is moveable within a straight pipeline. The pipeline tool further comprises a communications module which enables the pipeline tool to utilize ELF communications.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a locomotive, in part, from serviceable used parts from one or more other locomotives. The principal part that is used in this new locomotive configuration is a single, used locomotive truck assembly. The various embodiments and configurations of the present invention are directed generally to a purpose-built locomotive that incorporates parts from other locomotives in a unique way. The present invention can be summarized as a method creating a simple locomotive that is well adapted to switching and spotting functions that shares commonality with other larger locomotives both in terms of components and design. Because this new piece equipment is built in part from a plentiful supply of under-valued surplus components, it will be economical to construct and maintain. The locomotive may also include a self-elevating system so that the truck assembly can be accessed or removed rapidly for maintenance or repairs.

Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a drive controller for providing required drive power for moving the rail vehicle forward. The drive controller is connected to a limiter module for limiting a drive power that can be demanded by a human-machine interface and the limiter module determines a maximum value for the drive power that can be demanded depending on running data of the rail vehicle.

Abstract: A slab handling device for facilitating movement of slabs around a facility is presented. The slab handling device includes a base frame disposed horizontally in parallel to a floor surface, wherein a first end of the base frame comprises a projection extending from the base frame. The base frame hosts a second frame disposed vertically on the base frame to form a viewing side and a stacking side. Pluralities of side wheels are coupled to the base frame, wherein the diameter of the plurality of track wheels is greater than the diameter of the plurality of side wheels. A first set of end stoppers are disposed on the base frame and configured to hold a slab in position on the viewing side and a second set of end stoppers are disposed on the base frame and configured to hold multiple slabs in place on the stacking side.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a locomotive, in part, from serviceable used parts from one or more other locomotives. The principal part that is used in this new locomotive configuration is a single, used locomotive truck assembly. The various embodiments and configurations of the present invention are directed generally to a purpose-built locomotive that incorporates parts from other locomotives in a unique way. The present invention can be summarized as a method creating a simple locomotive that is well adapted to switching and spotting functions that shares commonality with other larger locomotives both in terms of components and design. Because this new piece equipment is built in part from a plentiful supply of under-valued surplus components, it will be economical to construct and maintain. The locomotive may also include a self-elevating system so that the truck assembly can be accessed or removed rapidly for maintenance or repairs.

Abstract: A locomotive includes an engine compartment having two sidewall structures and inboard and rear end structures defining an engine enclosure. A top hatch cover a top opening of the enclosure, which houses an engine. A removable cap being generally box-shaped extends across a portion of the top opening adjacent the top hatch and also across a portion of each of the two sidewall structures. An engine pit opening is exposed when removable cap is removed. The engine pit opening is sufficiently large to accommodate lifting the engine out of the enclosure. The engine pit opening is partially defined by two side edges extending parallel to the centerline along sidewall structures, each of the two side edges being disposed at a clearance height that is lower than an overall height of the engine compartment.

Abstract: A supplemental cooling system for a mobile machine having a combustion engine fueled by a liquefied fuel gas is provided wherein the supplemental cooling system is activated when, or in anticipation of, the combustion engine encountering abnormal and/or temporary ambient conditions requiring supplemental cooling and wherein the supplemental cooling is provided by heat transfer from said liquefied fuel gas to a coolant fluid.

Abstract: A method of identifying an anomalous orientation definition condition of a remote locomotive (12) of a train includes monitoring an operating condition of the remote locomotive of the train, the remote locomotive configured to operate according to a defined orientation with respect to a lead locomotive of the train. The method also includes identifying an operating condition of the remote locomotive indicative of the remote locomotive operating contrary to an operating condition of the lead locomotive.

Abstract: A method is provided including determining a first power level required from a diesel powered system. The first power level corresponds to a first proportion of a maximum power. The method also includes determining an emission output for a mission based on the first power level. The method further includes determining a second power level corresponding to a second proportion of the maximum power, wherein alternate use of the second power level and at least one of the first power level or a third power level results in a lower emission output for the mission, with the overall resulting power being proximate the minimum power required. The method also includes automatically controlling operation of the diesel powered system by using the second power level alternately with at least one of the first power level or the third power level.

Abstract: The Personal Mass Transit (PMT) system utilizes a removable vehicle conveyance apparatus and method for conveying transit vehicle car-pods and their contents from one transit station to another autonomously. Vehicle conveyance apparatus are stored off-line in storage silos and other areas awaiting on-demand transit system instruction to pickup vehicles at loading points and convey them to different stations as requested by occupants or pre-programmed instructions. The PMT system further utilizes a number of transmitter-receivers nodes and control computers to manage all aspects of operation of the transportation system. Any number of different types of PMT vehicles could ride the transit system when equipped with the correct coupling points and remain under the maximum combined curb weight of any particular area or type of transit track in order to be transported on the PMT system.

Abstract: An equipment recovery system for high risk environments such as high wall mine shafts has a vehicle that rides on a track including applications where a push-beam conveyor may serve as the track. The vehicle has a guide to keep it on the track and a hitch for attaching a recovery cable. The vehicle is remotely operated from outside the mine, has a power train for moving the vehicle, an implement for performing tasks, and carries an onboard power source and electrical control boxes to power and control the vehicle and implement. The vehicle may communicate with an outside operator station via an Ethernet cable and may employ and Ethernet extender for that purpose. The vehicle may have a camera to transmit video images. The vehicle may be operated from a high wall miner control center or from an operator station on a self propelled support vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A hydraulic energy storage system (comprising a hydraulic pump/motor, a high pressure hydraulic accumulator, a low pressure hydraulic accumulator/reservoir, and interconnecting hydraulic lines) is incorporated into a EV, HEV, or PHEV to provide hydraulic regenerative braking and propulsive assistance for the vehicle. Implementation of the low cost and long-lasting hydraulic energy storage system in the vehicle, together with the electric energy storage system (comprising a motor/generator and battery pack) of the vehicle, allows significantly reduced demands and higher operating efficiencies for the battery pack, thereby facilitating a more cost-effective, efficient and/or durable overall energy storage system for the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of operating a locomotive including a set of electrical traction motors, a fuel cell power module for generating electrical current for the traction motors, an air system for providing an air mass to the fuel cell power module, and a cooling system for cooling the fuel cell power module. When an amount of power is requested from the power module, a required current and a stoic set point for the power module are determined. From the required current, the stoic set point, and numerical factors characterizing the power module, an air mass flow set point is determined for producing the requested amount of power. A compressor set point including speed and torque set points of a compressor motor are determined for the air system to produce the air mass flow corresponding to the requested amount of power.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a vehicle with an engine system and a power dissipation system. One example method includes, during directing airflow from an airflow generating device to cool a component of the power dissipation system, and directing the airflow from the airflow generating device to cool a component of the engine system.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a supply of compressed air on a locomotive. In one embodiment of the invention a compressed air system for a railroad locomotive comprises: a first air compressor; a second air compressor; a layover heater for maintaining the temperature of engine coolant; and a control system, wherein the first air compressor, the second air compressor, the layover heater, and the control package can be powered by at least one of the following power sources: an onboard electrical power source; or an offboard power source, wherein the layover heater can utilize heat generated by the first air compressor and the second air compressor to maintain the temperature of engine coolant, and wherein the control system operating the compressed air system utilizes a first logic when the power source is the onboard electrical power source and a second logic when the power source is the off board power source.

Abstract: A hydraulic energy storage system (comprising a hydraulic pump/motor, a high pressure hydraulic accumulator, a low pressure hydraulic accumulator/reservoir, and interconnecting hydraulic lines) is incorporated into a EV, HEV, or PHEV to provide hydraulic regenerative braking and propulsive assistance for the vehicle. Implementation of the low cost and long-lasting hydraulic energy storage system in the vehicle, together with the electric energy storage system (comprising a motor/generator and battery pack) of the vehicle, allows significantly reduced demands and higher operating efficiencies for the battery pack, thereby facilitating a more cost-effective, efficient and/or durable overall energy storage system for the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive motor for transverse mounting in a running gear of a rail vehicle with a motor housing (105.2) and a motor shaft (105.1), wherein the motor shaft (105.1) in the mounted state is oriented in a transverse direction of the running gear (103) and the motor housing (105.2) extends over a housing width in the transverse direction of the running gear (103). The motor housing (105.2), on its underside, has a flattened region (105.3), wherein the flattened region (105.3) extends over at least 50% of the housing width and the flattened region (105.3) in at least one peripheral region forms an edge (105.4, 105.5) running in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A power module enclosure for a machine is disclosed. The power module enclosure may have a first frame with a first side removably attached to a base platform of the machine at an engine location, a second side removable attached to the base platform opposite the first side, and a third side disposed between and fixedly connected to the first and second sides along a length direction of the first and second sides. The power module enclosure may also have a plurality of doors pivotally connected to at least one of the first and second sides to close off the at least one of the first and second sides, and an aftertreatment module connected to the third side to close off the third side.

Abstract: As embodied and broadly described herein the invention includes a system for computing a preferred sequence in which cars in a switching queue of a railway switchyard are to be sequentially switched to classification tracks. The system has a processing entity for determining within a given set of cars at least two possible sequences in which the cars in the set can be switched and applying logic rules for identifying among the sequences a preferred sequence. The system also has an output for releasing data describing the preferred sequence.

Abstract: A data improvement system, including an initial database, a verification database, and a processing device in communication with the initial database and the verification database. The processing device receives data from the initial database and the verification database, and determines verification data based thereon. A track data improvement system and a track database improvement system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power module for a locomotive is disclosed. The power module may have a frame including a plurality of lifting elements. The plurality of lifting elements may include at least one fork lifting element and at least one frame lifting eye. The power module may further have a generator set supported by the frame.

Abstract: A propulsion system is provided. The system includes: a first propulsion vehicle unit including a first tractive bank having at least one traction motor; a second propulsion vehicle unit including: a second tractive bank having at least one traction motor, a contactor electrically coupling the first propulsion vehicle unit and the second propulsion vehicle unit, and an electrical power modulation device coupled between the first tractive bank and the second tractive bank, the electrical power modulation device having an electrical current threshold that causes the electrical power modulation device to transition to an open state to reduce or prevent transfer of electrical power between the first propulsion unit and the second propulsion unit in response to an electrical current at the electrical power modulation device being above the electrical current threshold.

Abstract: A roof structure for a power module of a locomotive is disclosed. The roof structure may have an upper roof layer and at least a portion of the upper roof layer may have a first set of cooling passages. The roof structure may further have a lower roof layer at least partially positioned below the upper roof layer and at least a portion of the lower roof layer may have a second set of cooling passages. Each of the cooling passages of the first set of cooling passages may not overlap a cooling passage of second set of cooling passages.

Abstract: A cooling system for a hydrogen hybrid locomotive including a set of electric traction motors and a hydrogen fuel cell system for providing electric power for driving the traction motors. The cooling system includes a radiator for extracting heat from cooling fluid circulated through the hydrogen fuel cell system and a circulation system. The circulation system has a pump for moving the cooling fluid through the circulation system, a first circulation path including a radiator output valve for controlling a selected amount of the cooling fluid provided by the pump to a cooling fluid inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell system through the radiator, and a second circulation path including a bypass valve for bypassing a selected amount of the cooling fluid provided by the pump around the radiator and to the cooling fluid inlet of the hydrogen fuel cell system. A fan system provides air flow across the radiator.

Abstract: An improved rail system fuel tender for use with one or more railroad locomotives capable of transporting a plurality of fuel containers suitable for containing pressurized fuel and suitable for directly fueling the one or more locomotives. The improved fuel tender may be powered by the locomotives to increase tractive effort, and the fuel containers may be separately fillable and separately removable from the fuel tender.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a locomotive (or other rail vehicle) owned by a first entity when borrowed and operated by a second entity. The locomotive includes an operating control system having a first mode and a second, different mode of operation, the first mode including settings configured for the first entity, the second mode including settings configured for a second, different entity. The method includes enabling the first mode and disabling the second mode of the operating control system when the locomotive is operated by the first entity, and enabling the second mode and disabling the first mode of the operating control system when the locomotive is operated by the second entity.

Abstract: A hydrogen hybrid locomotive including a set of batteries for driving a plurality of electric traction motors for moving the locomotive along a set of railroad rails and a fuel cell power plant for charging the set of batteries and driving the electric traction motors. The fuel cell power plant includes at least one fuel cell power module for generating electrical current by reacting hydrogen fuel and oxygen from intake air, the amount of electrical current being proportional to an air mass flow of the intake air. An air system selectively provides an air mass flow to the fuel cell module to generate an amount of electrical current required for corresponding operating conditions of the locomotive. A cooling system cools the at least one fuel cell power module in response to the amount of current being generated.

Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a drive controller for providing required drive power for moving the rail vehicle forward. The drive controller is connected to a limiter module for limiting a drive power that can be demanded by a human-machine interface and the limiter module determines a maximum value for the drive power that can be demanded depending on running data of the rail vehicle.

Abstract: A cooling system for a hydrogen hybrid locomotive having a set of electric traction motors and a hydrogen fuel cell system for providing electric power for driving the traction motors includes a radiator for extracting heat from cooling fluid circulated through the hydrogen fuel cell system by a circulation system. The circulation system includes a bypass valve for bypassing a selected amount of the cooling fluid around the radiator and a radiator output valve for controlling an amount of the cooling fluid passed to the hydrogen fuel cell system from the radiator. A fan system provides air flow across the radiator. A control system selectively sets a position of the radiator output valve and a position of the bypass valve and selectively controls a speed of the fan, as required to control cooling of the hydrogen fuel cell system.

Abstract: A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a model pantograph. The operation of the pantograph is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. An upper articulating portion of the pantograph is mounting to the model vehicle using a breakaway assembly. The upper articulating portion may also be coupled to a drive motor via an elastic coupling permitting elastic movement of the upper portion independently of the drive motor.

Abstract: A railroad locomotive includes a naturally aspirated reciprocating internal combustion engine driving a traction generator. A speed control system and load regulator provide an output signal which is operated upon and modified by a controller in response to the barometric pressure at which the locomotive is being operated.

Abstract: A railroad locomotive includes a naturally-aspirated reciprocating internal combustion engine, and a traction generator driven by the engine. A throttle position sensor produces a signal corresponding to the throttle position selected by the locomotive's operator. A load regulator receives a speed signal derived from the throttle position signal and outputs an excitation signal for the traction generator which is modified by a controller in response to air availability so that engine speed and load are controlled independently of the selected throttle position, so as to limit the exhaust smoke output of the engine.

Abstract: A hydrogen hybrid locomotive including traction motors for moving the locomotive along a set of tracks, a set of batteries for providing electrical power to the traction motors, a hydrogen fuel cell power plant for charging the set of batteries, an air system having a variable speed compressor for providing air flow to the power plant, and a DC to DC converter for managing power distribution from the hydrogen fuel cell power plant to the batteries. A controller determines an amount of current required from the power plant to produce a selected amount of power, determines a stoic operating setpoint for the power plant based on the current required, sets the speed of a compressor within the air system to provide a selected amount of air flow to the power plant for the determined stoic operating setpoint, determines from a resulting actual air flow to the power module available power, and sets an operating setpoint of the DC to DC converter from the determined an available power.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for generating electrical energy and/or charging a system electrical energy storage device in a vehicle, such as a locomotive. The vehicle includes at least one airflow device coupled to an electric machine. In one example, the method includes, generating electrical energy at the electric machine, said machine being driven by an ambient air flow interacting with the airflow device; and delivering at least some of the harnessed energy to an electrical component of the locomotive. The harnessed energy may be delivered to an electrical load, or delivered to the system electrical energy storage device to charge the device, or combinations thereof.

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.

Abstract: A system is provided for segregating an energy storage system from at least one of at least one air pipe and at least one electric cable of a hybrid energy vehicle. The energy storage system includes at least one energy storage device and at least one hybrid cable. The system includes a pair of first regions proximately positioned below a respective pair of walkways extending along opposing sides of the vehicle, and a second region positioned between the pair of first regions. The energy storage system and at least one of the at least one air pipe and at least one electric cable are respectively positioned within one of the pair of first regions and the second region to segregate the energy storage system from at least one of the at least one air pipe and at least one electric cable of the hybrid energy vehicle.

Abstract: A communications system for use in transmitting data in a railroad system is provided. The communications system includes a track circuit having a plurality of rails configured to transmit an electrical signal thereon, a first processor communicatively coupled to the track circuit via a first locomotive on said track circuit, and a trackside communications station operable to output cab signaling data, wherein the trackside communications station includes a second processor communicatively coupled to the track circuit. The first processor is programmed to compare a received data signal to a pre-stored database, and generate a response based on the comparison. The second processor is programmed to generate a corrected signal using the generated response.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for swapping functionality of a lead unit and an end-of-train remote unit on a distributed power railroad train. The communications system comprises a swap function that executes through a plurality of process steps to swap the functionality of the lead unit and the end-of-train remote unit. The train operating conditions must first be determined to ensure that the swap function can be executed. The communications system is placed in an idle mode and brakes and safety locks applied to ensure against train movement. Each remote locomotive in the train is commanded to a transition stage and reconfigured to receive commands and messages from the new lead unit. Once the train operator has relocated from the old lead unit to the new lead unit, the old lead unit transitions to remote status and the new lead unit commands an end to the transition period.

Abstract: A trainline integrity locomotive test device is provided that is configured to provide conventionally provided End-Of-Train (EOT) functionality required for a single locomotive test as well as functionality necessary for troubleshooting electrical problems in trainline electrical conductors, wherein the trainline integrity locomotive test device includes a reduced number of components in comparison with a conventional EOT device. Additionally, the test device is provided in more compact, durable and robust form relative to conventional EOT devices. As part of the transmission of trainline integrity data from the test device to the Head-End-Unit, a communications heartbeat signal is substituted for brake pipe pressure conventionally detected by EOT devices, so as to provide an indication of data communication reliability.

Abstract: A locomotive engine comprising an increased efficiency relative to conventional locomotive engines is disclosed. The locomotive engine may comprise components having an increased efficiency relative to conventional components and/or may comprise a system for operating the engine components more efficiently relative to systems for operating the components of conventional locomotive engines. Further, the locomotive engine may comprise modular components that can be readily installed or removed from the locomotive engine.

Abstract: A train is connected to provide wired distribution power (WDP) using at least one standard locomotive consist. The train includes a first locomotive separated from a second locomotive by a plurality of cars; and a communication train line connected to the locomotive and cars and extending through the train. Each of the locomotives has a propulsion system, a propulsion controller to control the propulsion system in response to one of operator propulsion signal and multi-unit (MU) propulsion signal, and a MU communication line and connector for communicating control signals, including the MU propulsion signal, with an adjacent locomotive. At least the first locomotive is connected to the communication train line of an adjacent car by the multi-unit connector of the first locomotive to one of receive and transmit the MU propulsion signals via the communication train line.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-engine locomotive includes at least one converter to convert mechanical energy outputted by the engines to Direct Current (DC) electrical energy, a traction motor, and a DC bus connected to the engines, converter, and traction motor. The engines are configured to provide a power-per-length and/or power density that is greater than the power-per-length and/or power density of a single-engine locomotive having a power rating approximately the same as the cumulative power rating of the engines in the multi-engine locomotive.

Abstract: There is provided a differential propulsion mechanism including two or more concentric and mutually counter-rotating first wheels (4, 6, 8, 10), mutually reacting and balancing the torque of a motor drive (20) interacting with the wheels. The motor drive has a stator attached to one of the first wheels to power a first wheel over a first track (12, 14, 16, 18), a rotor coupled to a mechanical link, at least indirectly connecting the rotor with a second of the two or more first wheels to power the second wheel over a second track, and a concentric connecting device affixed for coupling a payload thereto or for coupling the mechanism itself to another device.