Abstract: The present invention relates to a train control device. The train control device sets an emergency brake pattern and a regular brake pattern as patterns of maximum speed according to the distance to a stopping point, and outputs a braking command when the train speed exceeds the maximum speed. Then, when the maximum speed defined in the regular brake pattern falls below a set speed, the maximum speed of the regular brake pattern is kept constant for a predetermined distance. After that, the maximum speed is gradually reduced toward a stopping point of the emergency brake pattern. This allows a train to make an approach to a fixed stopping position in an automatic train operation even when the fixed stopping position is located farther than a stopping point of the regular brake pattern, and excessive output of an emergency braking command based on the emergency brake pattern can be reduced.

Abstract: In a railway signalling system which transmits a control order to an on-board signalling system by a trackside signalling system, the on-board signalling system being mounted on a train running on a line and the control order being compliant with a signalling system of the line, the present invention allows the train to run through into lines with different signalling systems using a single on-board signalling system. When the train enters a line with a different signalling system from a current line, the on-board signalling system installs a train control application program compliant with the signalling system of the entering line. Then, the on-board signalling system executes the train control application program, allowing the train to be controlled on the entering line according to a control order created by the trackside signalling system of the entering line.

Abstract: A locomotive driver's cab allows a locomotive driver a comparatively long time for observing a route by providing the locomotive driver's cab with a front vision display for displaying rail-vehicle-relevant information in the field of vision of the locomotive driver.

Abstract: A method for preventing rollback of a rail vehicle from a stopped condition, includes receiving a first signal indicative of the rail vehicle's location, and, in response to the first signal, selecting from a lookup table one of a first plurality of pre-determined values of a braking parameter and selecting from the lookup table one of a second plurality of pre-determined values of a tractive effort parameter. In response to an order for movement, the method includes applying brakes of the rail vehicle, according to the selected value of the braking parameter; establishing tractive effort of the rail vehicle, according to the selected value of the tractive effort parameter; and, then, releasing the brakes of the rail vehicle to establish motion of the rail vehicle from the stopped condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating through a rail are provided. In one embodiment, a method for communicating through a rail is provided. The method includes sending an acoustic signal through the rail of a designated section of track. The acoustic signal includes control commands to remotely control operation of a rail vehicle on the designated section of track.

Abstract: A method of operating an automotive production line including the steps of advancing a plurality of self-propelled carriages along a conveyor of the production line. The carriages are continuously advanced at a fixed operational speed and a fixed operational pitch to obtain a fixed processing time at a plurality of work stations along the production line. Any one of the carriages are stopped when a reduced pitch is obtained due to a stoppage of the immediately preceding carriage. The reduced pitch is less than the operational pitch and is preferably the minimum pitch available between the carriages. Stopped carriages are restarted when the reduced pitch returns to the operational pitch due to the restarting of the immediately preceding carriage. Production losses are reduced by continuing operations upstream of a stoppage to form a dynamic online buffer upstream of the stoppage.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving from position to position along coke ovens during the production of coke which is capable of stopping at its target stop position with high accuracy and without deteriorating its operating efficiency. In the mobile apparatus, a travel pattern is stored in a computer for controlling the apparatus depending on a target stop position of the apparatus and its travel direction immediately before its stop. As a result, any stop error due to the particular conditions inherent in each target stop position can be eliminated. The computer may include a program for correcting the travel pattern depending on the stop error if any.

Abstract: A braking distance verification system is disclosed which makes use of a specially designed pulse to voltage converter circuit and a portable computer-based data acquisition system to measure grade, speed, and distance information of any rail vehicle. The preferred embodiment of the device is particularly adapted for mass transit systems. It provides a method and apparatus for physical verification, under actual test conditions, that an adequate braking distance has been provided in each block of a signal block design system. The portable system may be used with any vehicle braking system which provides an electronic wheel tachometer or equivalent, or may utilize a portable doppler radar if tachometer information is not available.

Abstract: A travel control system for trains, especially monorail trains, is disclosed. At each stopping point, there is a stop target mounted adajcent to the rail. The train carries a detector for sensing the stop targets and bringing the train to a stop at such targets. At each stop, there is also provided a controllable signal transmitter, cooperating with a receiver carried by the train. The transmitter/receiver combination has a greater effective transmitting range, in a lengthwise direction, than the stop target and its detector. Accordingly, the normal stop instructions can be overridden by activation of the controllable transmitter, allowing the train to pass through the stopping point without stopping. The controllable transmitter is also useful for restarting a train stopped in the normal course.