Abstract: A job aid system and method determine conditions in which a vehicle system is operating or will operate during movement of the vehicle system along one or more routes. A context-sensitive action checklist is selected or generated based on one or more of the conditions. Input from the operator of the vehicle system is received in response to one or more action items in the context-sensitive action checklist that is presented to the operator. An alertness level of the operator is determined based on the input that is received from the operator. One or more alerting actions can be implemented to increase the alertness level of the operator.

Abstract: A system includes a drive system having one or more traction motors coupled in driving relationship to a plurality of wheels of a vehicle system. The traction motors are configured to provide both motive power for the vehicle system in a propel mode of operation and retarding effort to brake the vehicle system in a braking mode of operation. The system further includes a parking brake for maintaining a static position of the vehicle system when in an engaged state, and a controller configured to detect when the parking brake is in the engaged state. The controller is further configured to control at least one of the one or more traction motors to provide a braking effort to resist movement of the vehicle system when the parking brake is in the engaged state.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-rollaway device includes a first switch responsive to the presence and absence of an operator at a predetermined location in the vehicle for controlling the on/off state of parking brake of the vehicle in the form of either a servo controlled parking brake or a fluid controlled parking brake. The device can also include a speed control responsive to a speed of the vehicle for controlling the on/off state of the parking brake as a function of the speed of the vehicle. The device can also include a second switch operative for controlling the response of the parking brake to the state of the first switch.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for changing a motor vehicle in an autonomous travel mode to a safe state when the driver of the motor vehicle is not able to monitor the autonomous travel mode and to assume control of the motor vehicle. The vehicle driver is warned using warning signals of increasing intensity; other road users in the area surrounding the motor vehicle are warned using optical and/or acoustic signals; the motor vehicle is braked and/or accelerated repeatedly such that parts of the body of the vehicle driver noticeably move in the direction of travel owing to inertia (the braking and/or acceleration being so brief that the travel speed of the motor vehicle changes relatively little); and the motor vehicle is brought to a standstill or is kept at a standstill by automatic braking in order to change the vehicle to a safe state.

Abstract: A method for operating a train having at least one locomotive vehicle, the method including controlling operation of the train via a first crew member located on-board the locomotive unit, providing information that may be required for operation of the train to a second crew member located remote from the first crew member, and using the information to enable the second crew member to assist the first crew member in the controlling of the train.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing a penalty period for a distributed power train. The distributed power train includes a braking system that switches into an application state upon commencement of the penalty period. The braking system includes a fluid carrying brake pipe which connects a first locomotive and a remote locomotive. The system includes a sensor positioned within the distributed power train, which measures a parameter related to the operation of the braking system. A control processor is positioned within the first locomotive, and is coupled to the sensor. Subsequent to the commencement of the penalty period, the control processor monitors the measured parameter and switches the braking system from the application state into a release state to reduce the penalty period, based on the measured parameter falling within a predetermined safety range. Additionally, a method is provided for reducing a penalty period for a distributed power train.

Abstract: A braking system, including a brake control arrangement in operational communication with a braking arrangement for braking a vehicle, and a penalty power source to deliver current or power to the brake control arrangement through a brake interface circuit. The brake interface circuit includes a main positive current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal, and a main negative current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal. Upon opening of either of the main positive current switch or the main negative current switch, the braking arrangement will automatically brake the vehicle as controlled by the brake control arrangement.

Abstract: A brake system is provided for minimizing brake pulsation feedback caused by surface variations of a brake system corner component. The brake system includes at least one sensing device configured to measure a pressure pulse caused by the surface variation of a brake system corner component. A controller module is in communication with the at least one sensing device and a hydraulic brake circuit. The controller module is configured to receive an output from the at least one sensing device and to adjust line pressure in the hydraulic brake circuit to substantially minimize brake pulsation feedback.

Abstract: A control system which allows electro-pneumatic control of an equalizing reservoir with the capacity to create penalty applications in a purely pneumatic manner. A controller for the equalizing reservoir includes an electro-pneumatic source of pressure or atmosphere responsive to an electrical equalizing pressure control signal and a pilot valve selectively connecting the electro-pneumatic source or atmosphere to the equalizing reservoir in response to pressure in a pilot port of the first pilot valve. A magnetic valve is provided having a first input connected to a second source of pressure, a second input connected to atmosphere and an output connected to the pilot port of the first pilot valve. At least one penalty valve is connected to the pilot input of the first pilot valve and is responsive to a penalty signal to connect the pilot input to atmosphere.

Abstract: An automatically engageable and releasable brake apparatus adaptable to be attached to a wheelchair is provided, including a connection mechanism adapted to be positioned on a rear frame portion of the wheelchair frame, a seat actuation member adapted to be positioned on the wheelchair seat, a brake actuating member coupled to the connection mechanism and in fluid communication with the seat actuation member defining a closed fluid system therewith, and a brake member coupled to the brake actuating member and adapted to contact a ground surface on which the wheelchair is located. Occupational ingress into the wheelchair causes fluid to flow from the seat actuation member to the brake actuating member, which causes the brake member to move from a first position in substantial contact with the ground surface on which the wheelchair is located to a second position spaced a distance above the ground surface.

Abstract: An emergency brake lever system for a recreational vehicle with a lever-actuated braking mechanism for precluding movement of the recreational vehicle upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a tether for wearing by a rider of the recreational vehicle. A release mechanism is coupled to the braking mechanism and the tether for actuating the braking mechanism upon the rider inadvertently falling off of the recreational vehicle.

Abstract: A split lever emergency brake system for a recreational vehicle with a lever-actuated braking mechanism for precluding movement of the recreational vehicle upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a tether for wearing by a rider of the recreational vehicle. A release mechanism is coupled to the braking mechanism and the tether for actuating the braking mechanism upon the rider inadvertently falling off of the recreational vehicle.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus that applies and releases the brakes of a rail vehicle generally according to changes in pressure occurring within a straight air pipe incorporates a penalty brake circuit. The brake apparatus includes a controlling device for initiating changes of pressure within the straight air pipe. The brake apparatus also includes a first mechanism for providing a service brake control pressure in accordance with a command for service braking and a second mechanism for providing an emergency brake control pressure in accordance with a command for emergency braking. The brake control apparatus further includes a standard check valve for conveying to a standard load valve the higher of the service and emergency brake control pressures received from the first and second mechanisms. The standard load valve effects operation of the brake apparatus in response to whichever of the brake control pressures is received from the standard check valve.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus that applies and releases the brakes of a rail vehicle incorporates a penalty brake scheme. The brake apparatus includes a first mechanism for providing a service brake control pressure in accordance with a command for service braking and a second mechanism for providing an emergency brake control pressure in accordance with a command for emergency braking. The brake apparatus also includes a standard check valve for conveying to a standard load valve the higher of the service and emergency control pressures received from the first and second mechanisms. The standard load valve operates the brake apparatus in response to whichever of the control pressures is received from the standard check valve. The penalty brake scheme comprises a penalty check valve and a third mechanism for providing a penalty brake control pressure in response to a command for penalty braking. The penalty check valve connects between the first and third mechanisms and the standard check valve.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus that applies and releases the brakes of a rail vehicle incorporates a penalty brake design. The brake apparatus includes a first mechanism for providing a service brake control pressure in accordance with a command for service braking and a second mechanism for providing an emergency brake control pressure in accordance with a command for emergency braking. The brake apparatus also includes a standard check valve for conveying to a standard load valve the higher of the service and emergency control pressures received from the first and second mechanisms. The standard load valve provides in response to whichever of the brake control pressures is received from the standard check valve a first brake cylinder control pressure that is proportional to weight borne by the rail vehicle. The brake apparatus further includes a relay valve that operates the brake apparatus in response to the first control pressure received from the standard load valve.

Abstract: A control system for use with an electronically-controlled automatic transmission provides for accurate determination of a full stop of a vehicle. The control system includes a device for computing the vehicle speed on the basis of a signal from a vehicle speed sensor, a device for determining whether or not the brake pedal is depressed, a device for computing deceleration from a first predetermined vehicle speed to a second predetermined, extremely low vehicle speed when the brake has been determined to be depressed, and a device for determining an estimated vehicle stop time starting with detection of the extremely low vehicle speed and ending with full stop of the vehicle, the estimated vehicle stop time corresponding to the above-computed deceleration.

Abstract: A dismount brake device (1) is tethered by a cable (4) to a snowmobile rider (3). Pulling on the cable (4) displaces a trigger (17) which frees a piston (34). The piston (34) is biased by a main spring (39) to decrease the volume of a chamber (11) containing hydraulic fluid and which is interconnected to the brake line (13). A plunger (36) extends from the head of the piston (34) and seals a port (40) leading to the master cylinder (42). As the volume of the chamber (11) continues to decrease, the pressure in the brake line (13) reaches a value that will activate the brakes and stop rotation of snowmobile track (47). Activation of the brake handle (46) resets the device (1) for further use. An alternate embodiment (48) utilizes a solenoid (50) instead of the tether (4) to physically move a modified trigger (56) when a switch senses that the seat (64) of the snowmobile (2) is unoccupied.

Abstract: The present invention features an improved technique for slowing and stopping a vehicle having an electric service motor, a mechanical parking brake, and a deadman's switch for engaging the mechanical brake. The method of the invention improves the efficiency of the braking procedure. The braking method initially determines if the deadman's switch is engaged. If it is, then the electric service motor is plugged at a predetermined minimum plug rate until the vehicle slows to a specified velocity. When the specified velocity is reached, the plugging operation is terminated. The mechanical brake is then engaged to slow the vehicle to a halt. When the vehicle comes to a halt, the parking brake remains engaged. The invention also improves safety by increasing the controlled rate of plugging to a maximum value in the event that the deadman's switch is off.

Abstract: A penalty brake control system for a railway vehicle equipped with a straight air-type brake valve device is arranged so that failure of the vehicle operator to indicate his alertness and/or well-being by maintaining a foot valve pedal depressed results in an automatic penalty brake application. Pressure in a volume reservoir exhausts through a whistle to evoke a warning of an impending penalty brake application any time the foot valve pedal is released. When the volume reservoir pressure drops below a first predetermined value, an interlock pilot valve is operated to connect the volume reservoir pressure to exhaust at the brake valve device. A penalty pilot valve subject to volume reservoir pressure initiates a penalty brake application when the volume reservoir pressure drops below a second predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An automatic brake actuator for motor vehicles which operates to activate the vehicle brakes at a predetermined rate and at a predetermined amount of force in predetermined conditions. In a particular embodiment, the brake actuator is controlled by an electrical control system which includes a switch in the driver's seat that automatically senses the weight of the driver when seated. The brake actuator may be connected to the vehicle's vacuum brake system and may be combined therewith by means of a unique electrically operated air control valve that is inserted in the vacuum brake air path. An additional electrically operated constraining air valve may be provided which insures that the brake actuator is activated gradually at (a predetermined rate) in order to avoid sudden hazardous stopping of the vehicle. The brake actuator control may include access to other vehicle functions such as theft alarm, etc. to prevent unwanted operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a parking brake system for automotive or delivery type vehicles, golf carts, etc. that applies the emergency or parking brake automatically after the engine is turned off or if other pre-determined conditions are met, such as, but not limited to, the driver leaving the seat or hydraulic brake failure.Several other pre-determined conditions can be integrated into the system to stop or retard the release of the parking brake such as door not properly closed, seat belt not properly in use, etc.An electronic time delay pack can be incorporated with a seat switch to allow for driver bounce on rough terrain.A one-way check valve is connected between the intake manifold and the actuator. This check valve opens fully when the engine is running and allows the vacuum to compress the actuator and release the parking brake. The check valve closes when the engine is turned off and the check valve retards the sudden return of atmospheric pressure to the actuator, thus preventing lock-up at speed.

Abstract: A pneumatic vigilance monitoring system which requires an engineer of a moving train to cycle an acknowledging valve within a predetermined time after the sounding of a warning whistle. The system includes a pair of parallel control circuits each having a first choke and reservoir and a second reservoir and choke connected to the acknowledging valve. A double check valve connects the second reservoirs to the warning whistle as well as to a piloted three-way valve which normally causes a brake application valve to release the brake and which causes the brake application to initiate a penalty brake application if the locomotive engineer fails to periodically cycle the acknowledging valve.

Abstract: A vigilance safety control arrangement for periodically checking the attentiveness of a trainman. The arrangement includes a pair of capacitive charging circuits connectable to a source of voltage and a pair of resistive-capacitive discharging circuits connectable to an application and indication relay. An electrical toggle switch for periodically connecting one of the pair of capacitive charging circuits to the voltage source and one of the pair of capacitive discharging circuits to the application and indication relay for causing a magnet valve to maintain the brakes of the train in their released position.

Abstract: A brake and transmission control system for a vehicle having a hydraulically controlled power shift transmission and a spring applied hydraulically released parking brake. Both the transmission control and the brake are interconnected hydraulically with the operator's seat whereby when the operator leaves the seat the transmission is automatically shifted to neutral and the parking brake is automatically applied.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle is disclosed which is in the form of a battery-operated lift truck having a drive unit including an electric motor and a brake and having a hydraulically operated power steering system controlled from a steering wheel on a vertically movable platform. A pump of the power steering system is operated by an electric motor which is energized through a deadman switch on the operator's platform. The brake of the drive unit is spring-biased toward an engaged condition and is released by a hydraulic cylinder supplied with fluid from the power steering pump, the brake being released by the hydraulic back pressure of the power steering system.

Abstract: A safety-brake control system for a vehicle for the automatic actuation of the parking-brake valve to the brake-applied position comprising a lever arm connected at one end to the actuator of the valve and at the other end to a flexible connector element which in turn is connected to the moving arm of a solenoid. Energization of the solenoid pulls the flexible connector element to move the lever arm to actuate the valve to the brake-applied position. The valve thereafter can be actuated to the brake-released position by manual movement of the valve actuator.

Abstract: A condition-responsive or safety switch regulates the energizing of a first relay having two contacts that are open when non-energized. The first contact is connected to a contact switch of a differential pressure switch and regulates an energizing circuit for a second relay through a holding contact of the second relay. The second contact of the first relay is in series with a pressure switch and connected into an energizing circuit for the second relay in such a manner that a contact of the second relay when open in the deenergized state regulates a control circuit for a brake solenoid valve. The brake solenoid valve is in a connection betwen the control input and control output of an operator's brake valve. Pressure regulating apparatus is connected to the control output and apparatus for controlling pressure in the air line is connected to the control input.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic automatic seat brake system which is effective to automatically set the hydraulic service brakes and shut down the engine of an industrial vehicle whenever the operator's seat is unoccupied. In order to release the brakes after the seat is reoccupied, the operator must turn on the engine ignition circuit and close a separate brake release switch. The system is charged immediately upon starting the engine by means of an engine-driven pump before other hydraulic components can be operated, and the charge is maintained when the engine is shut down by means of an accumulator. According to one aspect of the invention the hydraulic pressure on the service brakes is automatically released when a mechanical handbrake is set. According to another aspect of the invention means are provided to allow the engine to keep running when the operator's seat is unoccupied, provided that the vehicle transmission is in a neutral condition.