Abstract: The monorail system of the present invention contains a monorail and a system controller that has a first radio frequency ethernet communications device. Location markers are attached to the monorail. A vehicle is positioned to move on the monorail. The vehicle contains a motor drive system that moves the vehicle on the monorail. A remote controller is interconnected to the motor drive system, and the remote controller controls movement of the vehicle and receives information from the system controller. A reader connected to the remote controller senses the location markers attached to the monorail. A second radio frequency ethernet communications device is provided and is connected to the remote controller. The radio frequency ethernet communications device wirelessly communicates with the first radio frequency ethernet communications device on the system controller to create a wireless ethernet network containing at least the system controller and the remote controller.

Abstract: At least one individual car that can be identified individually is contained in the consist. The configuration of an actually observed consist is determined and checked to see whether it matches relevant information data sets. If there is an exact match with one information data set, the latter is assigned to the consist. If there are multiple matches or no matches, the information data set associated with the consist is determined by identification of the individual car.

Abstract: A scheduling system and method for moving plural objects through a multipath system described as a freight railway scheduling system. The achievable movement plan can be used to assist in the control of, or to automatically control, the movement of trains through the system.

Abstract: An automatic switching system integrated into freight cars includes a microcomputer for controlling the automatic system and regulating the shunting speed, a rotary pulse generator for determining the shunting distance and freight car speed, distance sensors for detecting the distance to and difference in speed relative to cars in front, an automatic coupling, a brake system for controlling the speed of the freight cars in the shunting zone and precise target braking on the sorting tracks and a data transmission devices for information exchange with a superordinated control station. The automatic switching system integrated into the freight cars makes it possible to decouple the freight cars by remote control, to precisely control the shunting speed, to maintain a minimum distance between the sections for safe setting of the switches, to automatically reduce speed by braking and re-coupling on the sorting tracks as well as to conduct a remote-monitored freight car diagnosis and brake test.

Abstract: A method of serialization including providing a parameter which varies along the length of the train and transmitting a synchronization signal along the length of the train to the local nodes at each car. The parameter is measured at each node with respect to the occurrence of the synchronization signal at the node. Serialization of the cars is then performed as a function of the measured parameters. One method is to provide the parameters by transmitting a serial signal which propagates through the train at a slower rate than the synchronization signal and then measuring the difference in time between the receipt of the synchronization and the serial signal at each node. A second method of implementation is to create a pressure gradient in the brake pipe along the length of the train. The brake pipe pressure or flow rate is read at each node upon receipt of the synchronization signal. As a third alternative, an electric load is provided at each node in parallel to a trainline running through the train.

Abstract: A scheduling system and method for moving plural objects through a multipath system described as a freight railway scheduling system. The achievable movement plan can be used to assist in the control of, or to automatically control, the movement of trains through the system.

Abstract: A transportation system and method of operation are disclosed wherein a network of nodes, such as railway stations, are defined between which relays, such as freight trains, are operated at a selected cue frequency to thereby provide regular and predetermined service to each node within the system. The system also includes a procedure for interchanging blocks, such as freight cars, which comprise the relays upon arrival at and for departure at the respective nodes. Scheduling of operating crews for return to their respective node of origin during a normal shift period is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular control system for a railroad classification yard is described. The control system can automatically perform those functions necessary to control the various elements of a railroad classification yard to enable the train of cars to be switched from a hump track to one of a plurality of bowl tracks in accordance with the destination for the car. The control system comprises a number of subsystems including a hump control system (HUMPCON), an operator communications subsystem (OPCOM), a switching control subsystem (MASC), a retarder control subsystem (MARC), a multidrop communications system (MDCOM), a crest monitor subsystem (CMON) and a distance to couple subsystem (MADTC). Some of the subsystems are implemented as singular modules (HCON, OPCOM, CMON). Other subsystems include multiple modules (MARC, MASC, MDCOM). Each module in each subsystem is comprised of a single microprocessor and related peripheral circuits.

Abstract: An automatic message announcement system for trains in the railroad station premises, including a train tracking circuit which tracks the location of approaching train, a trains information memory which stores information concerning each train, an edition circuit which combines the train information read out from said train information memory and a series of message patterns which include portions to be completed and which edits the message patterns to produce a series of short messages arranged sequentially according of their priority order to the content, an announcement message selection circuit which determines up to which short message among those arranged sequentially according to said priority order should be announced, in accordance with the location of the train at the time the announcement starts, and an automatic announcement system which includes a voice memory containing addressable voice segments for annoucing the message determined above.