Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for detecting and recording rail vehicle events. The system comprises one or more cameras, one or more sensors, non-transient electronic storage, one or more physical computer processors, and/or other components. The one or more cameras may be configured to acquire visual information representing a rail vehicle environment. The one or more sensors may be configured to generate output signals conveying operation information related to operation of the rail vehicle. The non-transient electronic storage may be configured to store electronic information. The one or more physical computer processors may be configured to detect rail vehicle events based on the output signals and facilitate electronic storage of the visual information and the operation information for a period of time that includes the rail vehicle event in the non-transient electronic storage.

Abstract: An on-demand, crowdsourced, roadway stewardship system with video reporting features is disclosed. The invention described herein is comprised of a system that allows users with mobile device cameras to record and report roadway safety incidents, traffic violations, crimes and infrastructure problem. Users are encouraged to become stewards by engaging in the system's rewards program. An on-demand style cloud infrastructure is presented which speeds up video processing and citations. Objects of the invention are to enhance safety and increase public participation in safety.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for detecting and recording rail vehicle events. The system comprises one or more cameras, one or more sensors, non-transient electronic storage, one or more physical computer processors, and/or other components. The one or more cameras may be configured to acquire visual information representing a rail vehicle environment. The one or more sensors may be configured to generate output signals conveying operation information related to operation of the rail vehicle. The non-transient electronic storage may be configured to store electronic information. The one or more physical computer processors may be configured to detect rail vehicle events based on the output signals and facilitate electronic storage of the visual information and the operation information for a period of time that includes the rail vehicle event in the non-transient electronic storage.

Abstract: Provided is an operator warning system for use in connection with a locomotive having a horn system with a horn activation actuator and a horn device for producing a noise. The operator warning system includes an onboard computer system with a database having grade crossing data and locomotive data thereon. The onboard computer system is in communication with the horn system. The operator warning system also includes a warning device for providing an audio, visual and/or tactile indicator to an operator of the locomotive based upon the grade crossing data, locomotive data and/or actuation condition of the horn activation actuator. A method for improving locomotive operator vigilance is also provided.

Abstract: A method for automatic train control in a digitally controlled model railroad system includes detecting a polarity change of a track voltage applied to the track by means of a digitally controlled motor vehicle running on the track. The track voltage being a modulated control voltage which is normally symmetric and asymmetric in galvanically isolated track sections. After each detection of a change of polarity, the voltage level of the control voltage applied to the track is sampled independently for each rail of the track by means of the digitally controlled motor vehicle running on the track. The voltage values sampled for each rail of the track are compared to each other and evaluated with regard to any asymmetry occurring in the amplitude of the track voltage with reference to each rail of the track. Depending on the result of the evaluation, the travel operation of the motor vehicle is influenced that is otherwise controlled by the digital control system.

Abstract: Cubic boron nitride tooling, e.g. for woodworking, is fabricated with the same geometries and machinery as is used for fabricating conventional carbide tooling.

Abstract: A two-piece, compact wireless railroad grade crossing motorist warning device comprising: a transmitter that transmits a non-audible analog radar beacon signal to be installed on a train and a receiver to receive the non-audible analog radar beacon to be installed on a motor vehicle. The receiver warns the motor vehicle operator of the train approaching a nearby railroad highway intersection without substantially increasing the ambient noise level in the surrounding community adjacent to the intersection.

Abstract: A system for controlling a train's approach on a right-of-way to a grade crossing such that a uniform warning time is ensured comprising: a communication based train control scheme including a computer situated on the train; a device for detecting the presence of the train at a first control point on the right-of-way and for determining the train's speed thereat; a device for activating the gate at the grade crossing responsive to the train being at a second control point on the right-of-way wherein the second control point is based on the determined speed such that a uniform warning time is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing warning lamps on the side of railcars where the lamps are powered by and receive information from a power line extending across numerous cars of the train and where the power line also provides power and information to the electronic air brakes disposed on the various railcars.

Abstract: A method and monitoring unit for recording the status of a railroad vehicle prior to a potential accident. In a monitoring unit mounted in or on a railroad vehicle, such as a locomotive, a video camera is provided to continuously view a scene that the railroad vehicle approaches. The monitoring unit continuously monitors the status of an emergency brake of the railroad vehicle and the status of a horn of the railroad vehicle. Video signals from the video camera are continuously stored. A control unit in the monitoring unit detects the application of both the emergency brake and blast of the horn within a predetermined time window. Video signals from the video camera are captured for a predetermined period of time after detecting that the application of the emergency brake and horn blast within the predetermined time window.

Abstract: A transportation safety apparatus and method for the detection of obstacles which lie off the line-of-sight or beyond the field of view of a moving vehicle entails shooting a laser beam through the air from a moving vehicle, capturing the beam and passing it to a fiberoptic relay which transmits a laser pulse to a distant site, and receiving a reflection thereof if the site is clear of obstacles. The pulses are received within about 10-20 microseconds per kilometer of relay length from the time of launching, permitting monitoring of the probe-site in real-time.

Abstract: A transport control apparatus for a plurality of automated guided vehicles traveling a transport path having a confluence junction, a turnout or a crossing is comprised of a conductor of a loop-shaped configuration formed to surround the confluence junction, the turnout or the crossing, a magnetic field generating device provided on each of the plurality of automated guided vehicles and generating a magnetic field having a cycle peculiar to each of the automated guided vehicles, a magnetic field detecting device provided on each of the plurality of automated guided vehicles and detecting a magnetic field, wherein when the magnetic field detecting device of a rear automated guided vehicle detects a magnetic field from the loop-shaped conductor induced by the magnetic field generating device of a front automated guided vehicle, the rear automated guided vehicle is halted.

Abstract: A monorail track switch and method is disclosed wherein the track switch senses the approach of a train and automatically aligns itself to accommodate passage of the train. Circuits are provided to selectively deenergize a movable track section when in nonaligned position and to re-energize the track section when properly aligned. Novel structure and method is also provided for lowering the movable track section onto rollers to facilitate movement and thereafter lifting the track section into horizontal alignment with the train path. Electronic lockout circuits prevent a train from overrunning the switch when the switch is in a nonaligned position.