Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the physical state of a longitudinal element (IO) of a railway-type rail, the method having a step of detecting mechanical waves moving along the longitudinal element (IO), in particular due to the passing of a train, by means of an array of mechanical wave sensors placed along and in contact with the longitudinal element, the array having at least one first pair (A) of sensors each positioned at one end of a first portion (IOa) of the longitudinal element (IO), and a step of processing the signals emitted by the sensors in the array of sensors, the processing step having the determination of at least one first interfered signal determined from signals provided by the sensors in the first pair (A) of sensors over a first predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for detecting a current leak in a traction power rail. Magnetic or electrical properties of the rail are measured. The measurements are performed using a rail instrument that senses the properties around the rail at various times while the instrument is being moved down the rail, such as using a cart or train. The rail instrument may be a flux concentrator or open Rogowski coil. The locations of the rail, about which the readings are taken by the rail instrument, may be determined and correlated with the measurements themselves. The method may comprise measuring the magnetic field of the rail along a length of the rail, and identifying a leak based on differences between the magnetic field measurements. The system may comprise a cart comprising the rail instrument and a location instrument.

Abstract: A system includes a route examining system and an off-board failsafe controller. The route examining system is configured to examine a route on which a first vehicle system is moving and to generate an inspection signal based on the route examination. The inspection signal indicates a status of a segment of the route as damaged or undamaged. The off-board failsafe controller is configured to receive the inspection signal from the route examining system. Responsive to a lack of receipt of the inspection signal within a designated time period which indicates communication loss with the route examining system, the failsafe controller is configured to generate a warning signal for communication to a second vehicle system. The warning signal is generated to direct the second vehicle system to (i) avoid traveling over the route segment or (ii) travel over the route segment or another route segment at a reduced speed.

Abstract: A system 10 and associated method for detecting a material discontinuity in a magnetisable article 12 has a sensor unit 16 which includes a magnet 18 and at least one magnetic field coupling sensor S. The magnet 18 is supported a distance above the rail 12 so that the lines of magnetic flux 22 loop through the rail 12. The magnetic field of the magnet 18 causes the surface 14 of the rail 12 directly below the magnet 18 to become polarised opposite to the facing pole of the magnet 18 and the regions distant from the magnet 18 to become inversely polarised. The coupling sensor S is placed and held at a fixed position relative to and in the active magnetic field of the magnet 18. The coupling sensor S measures the flux coupling between the rail 12 and the magnet 18.

Abstract: Systems for examining a route inject one or more electrical examination signals into a conductive route from onboard a vehicle system traveling along the route, detect one or more electrical characteristics of the route based on the one or more electrical examination signals, and detect a break in conductivity of the route responsive to the one or more electrical characteristics decreasing by more than a designated drop threshold for a time period within a designated drop time period. Feature vectors may be determined for the electrical characteristics and compared to one or more patterns in order to distinguish between breaks in the conductivity of the route and other causes for changes in the electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a rail end in a rail of a railway track includes a support structure mountable to a component of a rail vehicle. At least one magnetic field generator is carried by the support structure to generate a remanent magnetic field in the rail. A sensor arrangement is carried by the support structure in spaced relationship to the magnetic field generator to detect magnetic flux leakage associated with the remanent magnetic field. The sensor arrangement includes at least one pair of longitudinally spaced sensors, each sensor generating a measured signal based on the magnetic flux leakage detected by that sensor. A signal processing module is responsive to the measured signals to calculate a differential signal from the measured signals of the sensors of the at least one pair of sensors. The differential signal is indicative of the presence of a rail end in the rail.

Abstract: This invention utilizes two sensing technologies in combination with or in isolation of an automated inspection vehicle to conduct inspections of internal rail flaws in steel railroad track. A vehicle equipped with X-radiation sensing is used as a secondary method to assess the deviations in magnetic fields that are sensed by a primary sensor consisting of a single or multiple magnetometers. The magnetometers sense changes in magnetic field that are correlated to the flaws inside the steel rail. The combination of technologies improves the probability to detect railroad flaws and offers the ability to accurately track and monitor flaws.

Abstract: An adaptive inspection carriage for inspecting the rails of a railroad by one or more detectors supported by the carriage. The carriage includes a frame having a generally rectangular configuration with oppositely disposed side members and transverse members. The side members may be in an operative position extending parallel to a respective rail to be inspected. The transverse members may be in an operative position extending in a direction transverse to the rails. Each transverse member may be connected at one end with a side member by means of a swivel coupling having one swivel axis perpendicular to the plane of the generally rectangular frame and another swivel axis parallel to the side member, and connected at the other end to another side member by a swivel coupling having one swivel axis perpendicular to the plane of the rectangular frame and no swivel axis parallel to the second side member.

Abstract: A system includes a route examining system on a non-propulsion-generating vehicle at a trailing end of a leading vehicle system. The route examining system examines a route on which the leading vehicle system is moving to determine whether the route is damaged. The system also includes an off-board failsafe controller that communicates with the route examining system. The off-board failsafe controller sends a warning signal to the trailing vehicle system responsive to receiving a notification signal from the route examining system indicating detection of damage to the route. The off-board failsafe controller also sends the warning signal to the trailing vehicle system responsive to losing communication with the route examining system. The warning signal directs the trailing vehicle system to automatically change movement of the trailing vehicle system responsive to the detection of damage to the route and/or the off-board failsafe controller losing communication with the route examining system.

Abstract: The system and method involve a permanent magnetization induction process for ferromagnetic structures, carried out to the saturation point to overwhelm the intrinsic magnetic fields in the structures. The permanent magnetization to overwhelm the intrinsic magnetization eliminates the effect of intrinsic fields for subsequent measurements. The permanent magnetization along a hollow structure yields two residual magnetic field components: axial and circumferential. The circumferential component varies as a function of depth. Thus, an analysis system can analyze defects and the depth of those defects by detecting the direction of the magnetic flux leakage around the defects. This can further be performed at a distance from the structures.

Abstract: Systems for examining a route inject one or more electrical examination signals into a conductive route from onboard a vehicle system traveling along the route, detect one or more electrical characteristics of the route based on the one or more electrical examination signals, and detect a break in conductivity of the route responsive to the one or more electrical characteristics decreasing by more than a designated drop threshold for a time period within a designated drop time period. Feature vectors may be determined for the electrical characteristics and compared to one or more patterns in order to distinguish between breaks in the conductivity of the route and other causes for changes in the electrical characteristics.

Abstract: Method for the video inspection of a pantograph (100) along an overhead contact line, including the steps of: detecting passage of the pantograph (100) in a plurality of monitoring stations (2); in each monitoring station (2), in response to the detection of the passage of the pantograph (100), illuminating a first overhead zone in which a portion of the pantograph (100) passes; in each monitoring station (2), during the step of illuminating the first overhead zone, acquiring images of the first overhead zone by way of at least one pair of stereo video cameras (5a, 5b); calculating the disparity between the images acquired; reconstructing a three-dimensional model of the portion of the pantograph (100).

Abstract: A route examining system includes first and second detection units and an identification unit. The first and second detection units are configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle system traveling along a route having plural conductive tracks. The first and second detection units are disposed at spaced apart locations along a length of the vehicle system. The first and second detection units are configured to monitor one or more electrical characteristics of the conductive tracks in response to an examination signal being electrically injected into at least one of the conductive tracks. The identification unit includes one or more processors configured to determine that a section of the route includes an electrical short responsive to the one or more electrical characteristics monitored by the first and second detection units indicating that the examination signal is received by only one of the first and second detection units.

Abstract: An off-highway vehicle has a front chassis portion, a rear chassis portion, a front ground drive system and a rear ground drive system. The front chassis portion has a front axle assembly having a front axle housing and a front axle shaft carrying a front wheel hub. The rear chassis portion has a rear axle assembly including a rear axle housing and a rear axle shaft carrying a rear wheel hub. The front ground drive system includes a front drive wheel mounted to the front wheel hub, a front idler wheel mounted to the front axle housing via a front drive frame member in front of the front drive wheel. The rear ground drive system has a rear drive wheel mounted to the rear wheel hub, a rear idler wheel mounted to the rear axle housing via a rear frame member behind the rear drive wheel.

Abstract: A detection system comprising a plurality of magnetic field generators and a plurality of magnetic field detectors located adjacent to a detection area, and a control system arranged to generate magnetic field using the generators, and, for each of the generators, to make measurements of the magnetic field generated using each of the detectors, and processing means arranged to process the measurements to generate a data set characterising the detection area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for examining a route inject one or more electrical examination signals into a conductive route from onboard a vehicle system traveling along the route, detect one or more electrical characteristics of the route based on the one or more electrical examination signals, apply a filter to the one or more electrical characteristics, and detect a break in conductivity of the route responsive to the one or more electrical characteristics decreasing by more than a designated drop threshold for a time period within a designated drop time period. Feature vectors may be determined for the electrical characteristics and compared to one or more patterns in order to distinguish between breaks in the conductivity of the route and other causes for changes in the electrical characteristics.

Abstract: Systems for examining a route inject one or more electrical examination signals into a conductive route from onboard a vehicle system traveling along the route, detect one or more electrical characteristics of the route based on the one or more electrical examination signals, and detect a break in conductivity of the route responsive to the one or more electrical characteristics decreasing by more than a designated drop threshold for a time period within a designated drop time period. Feature vectors may be determined for the electrical characteristics and compared to one or more patterns in order to distinguish between breaks in the conductivity of the route and other causes for changes in the electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A system includes a signal system controller electrically connected to a first track section of a first rail of a track system, and electrically connected to a second track section of the first rail, in which the first track section is separated from the second track section by a first rail insulated joint. The signal system controller is configured to transmit a test signal on the first track section and configured to receive the test signal on the second track section to test the first rail insulated joint between the first track section and the second track section.

Abstract: A system includes first and second application devices, a control unit, and at least one processor. The first and second application devices are configured to be at least one of conductively or inductively coupled with one of the conductive tracks. The control unit is configured to control the first and second application devices in order to electrically inject a first examination signal into the conductive tracks via the first application device and a second examination signal into the conductive tracks via the second application device. The at least one processor is configured to monitor one or more electrical characteristics of the first and second conductive tracks in response to the first and second examination signals being injected into the conductive tracks; and to identify a type of fault based upon the one or more electrical characteristics of the first and second conductive tracks.

Abstract: A route examination system and method automatically detect (with an identification unit onboard a vehicle having one or more processors) a location of a break in conductivity of a first route during movement of the vehicle along the first route. The system and method also identify (with the identification unit) one or more of a location of the vehicle on the first route or the first route from among several different routes based at least in part on the location of the break in the conductivity of the first route that is detected.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator device has a coil unit (28, 58) enclosing a first yoke section (16, 56) of a stationary yoke unit (10, 54), an armature unit (14, 64) movably guided relative to the yoke unit (10, 54), by energization to interact with a positioning partner on the output side of the armature unit (14, 64) and permanent magnetic agents (22, 36, 68) coupled into a magnetic flux circuit of the yoke unit (10, 54) wherein de-energization of the coil unit (28, 58) a permanent magnetic flux circuit through the yoke unit (10, 54) and a section of the armature unit (14, 64) that is free of permanent magnetic flux and energization displaces the permanent magnetic flux, out of the section, wherein the armature unit (14), by spring force is pre-loaded in a direction opposed to permanent magnetic retaining force of the armature unit (14, 64) and the positioning partner is a combustion engine unit.

Abstract: A route examining system includes first and second application devices, a control unit, first and second detection units, and an identification unit. The first and second application devices are disposed onboard a vehicle traveling along a route having conductive tracks. The control unit controls injection of a first examination signal into the conductive tracks via the first application device and injection of a second examination signal into the conductive tracks via the second application device. The first and second detection units monitor electrical characteristics of the route in response to the first and second examination signals being injected into the conductive tracks. The identification unit examines the electrical characteristics of the conductive tracks in order to determine whether a section of the route is potentially damaged based on the electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A system includes at least one application device, a control unit, and at least one processor. The at least one application device is conductively or inductively coupled with at least one of a first conductive track or a second conductive track. The control unit is configured to control supply of electric current from a power source to the at least one application device to electrically inject at least one examination signal into the conductive tracks. The at least one processor is configured to monitor the one or more electrical characteristics of at least one of the first or second conductive tracks, and to identify a construction feature of the route based on the one or more electrical characteristics, wherein the construction feature corresponds to a man-made aspect of the route.

Abstract: A method of magnetic crack depth prediction for a magnetisable component of a first geometry comprising determining a measure of remnant magnetic flux leakage for a section of the component and, converting the remnant magnetic flux leakage to a predicted crack depth for that section of the component using an empirically determined relationship between remnant magnetic flux leakage and crack depth for a previously tested in service component of the first geometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a means of enabling inspection of engineering components, such as rails used in the railway industry. A rail inspection device comprises a sensor (24) and a compliant spacer (26). The compliant spacer (26) has an inner surface and outer surface. The sensor (24) is urged against the inner surface of the spacer (26) and, when in use, the outer surface of the spacer (26) is in contact with the rail under inspection.

Abstract: This invention will provide a quick and safe method to inspect the condition of a pantograph and associated contacts to insure that appropriate contact is maintained and that a light rail car operates with maximum efficiency. Cameras that are capable of operating in low levels of lighting will capture visual images of the pantograph and contacts and relay that information to a remote location for appropriate action. The data concerning the condition of the pantograph may be stored for forensic purposes and routine corrective action.

Abstract: A tool and method for inspecting a track having a first rail and a second rail. The tool has a first mounting device which is attached to a first rail of the track. A cord attached to the mounting device is tensioned and positioning the cord in a proper position, allowing an inspector to measure a first distance between a defined point on the cord and the first rail or the second rail to determine if anomalies are present in the track.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with a railroad dragging equipment detecting (DED) system that detects objects hanging from and dragged beneath a train as the train travels along rails of a railroad track. A generator supplies a first signal and is coupled to a magnetic amplifier coil to form a magnetically variable impedance circuit. The magnetic amplifier coil is responsive to the first signal to create a circuit impedance in series with a detection circuit. A magnet is mechanically connected to the cam/follower system and is positioned near the magnetic amplifier core for varying a circuit impedance of the detection circuit. A detection circuit generates a second signal as a function of variations in circuit impedance. A controller is responsive to the second signal for activating an alarm when the magnet moves relative to the magnetic amplifier coil.

Abstract: In a railway line, thermally-induced stresses are a factor for both rail breaks and rail buckling. These stresses are in the longitudinal direction. A nondestructive measuring technique enables the residual stress in a rail to be determined, and hence the thermally-induced stress. An electromagnetic probe is used to measure the stresses in the rail web in the vertical direction, and in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The residual stress in the longitudinal direction can be deduced from the measured stress in the vertical direction; hence the thermally-induced stress can be determined.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gage sensing system having sensor heads positioned over each rail of a railroad track that measures both rail gage and height distance above the rails of a railroad track. Each sensor head includes an array of electromagnetic field generating coils and an array of electromagnetic field sensors positioned above each rail so as to extend substantially across the rail surface. A method of measuring gage distance is also provided in which lateral EM field output signal indicative of an edge surface of a rail is sensed.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning individuals for illicit objects include the ability to scan a wheeled user transport device and an individual being transported thereby for metallic objects and to determine whether an illicit object may be present, without activating an alarm for the user transport device while detecting illicit objects on the individual.

Abstract: A break in a rail, where two rails (12, 13) extend parallel to each other along a railway line, is detected by connecting the two rails together electrically with two electrical connections (16, 18) at opposite ends of a section of the line, causing electrical currents to flow in parallel along the two rails from a current source (22), and detecting (24) the currents flowing in each of the rails (12, 13). From the two values of current one can find it there is a break in one of the rails (12, 13). The currents may be measured in one of the connections (16). The current source (22) may be DC or low frequency AC, or a coded pulse sequence.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting transverse cracks beneath horizontal cracks in the rail way track. As a transporter moves over rail, a saturation magnetic field is generated into and across the rail head using a toroidal-shaped DC saturation magnet located a predetermined distance above the rail head. Any transverse cracks in the rail head are detected with a low frequency eddy current probe mounted centrally between the opposing pole ends of the DC magnet and over the rail head. A force is applied to the low frequency eddy current probe to hold the probe towards the rail head as the transporter moves on the rail so as to follow the wear pattern of the rail head and to minimize lift-off. A second sensor is used to sense the presence of non-relevant indications that falsely indicate possible transverse cracks by the low frequency eddy current probe.

Abstract: A method is for identifying risks as a result of stray currents which flow to ground from a rail which returns a traction current in a track with a DC power supply. In accordance with a first embodiment, in which the voltage between the rail and ground is measured and an increased risk as a result of stray currents is indicated if there is a discrepancy from a voltage reference value, provision is made for the voltage to be measured at a plurality of measurement points along the track and for the measurements to be evaluated in an evaluation center. In accordance with a second embodiment, provision is made for activating a short-circuiter to connect a parallel path to the rail for returning the traction current. The current level in the parallel path is then measured and an increased risk as a result of stray currents is indicated if there is a discrepancy from a current-level reference value.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gage sensing system having sensor heads positioned over each rail of a railroad track that measures both rail gage and height distance above the rails of a railroad track. Each sensor head includes an array of electromagnetic field generating coils and an array of electromagnetic field sensors positioned above each rail so as to extend substantially across the rail surface. A method of measuring gage distance is also provided in which lateral EM field output signal indicative of an edge surface of a rail is sensed.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided for use in conjunction with a rail inspection system having a detection carriage with a plurality of sensor units configured to sense discontinuities in a rail of a railroad track as the detector carriage travels along the railroad track. The system includes a data processing and recording computer connectable to the plurality of sensor units for receiving sensor data therefrom. At least one processor card may be included in the data processing and recording computer that includes at least one data object builder configured for building data objects using the sensor data from the plurality of sensor units. The at least one processor card may also include device for synchronizing the data objects with respect to location along the rail. The system may further include a defect detection module in the data processing and recording computer.

Abstract: The rails (10) or switch components are scanned with one or more eddy-current inspection probe(s) (20) and the measured signal of the probe(s) is plotted as a function of position. The probe(s) (20) is/are seated on a measuring head, which is guided along the rail (10). A GPS unit (26) equipped with a gyro module (32) is used as the position-signal generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed magnetic detection of surface fatigue cracks in railway rails. The magnetic material of the rail is magnetized by touch magnetization using a permanent magnet (31), leaving a remanent magnetic field. A sensor head (30, 50) having a plurality of Hall effect sensors (32) senses stray flux generated in the vicinity of surface fatigue in the rail head by the remanent magnetic field. The sensor head (30, 50) may incorporate a proximity sensor (60) to compensate for variations in sensor height. The apparatus may be mounted on a conventional track recording vehicle (TRV) for use in routinely monitoring the surface fatigue severities in rail along a railway.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting transverse cracks beneath horizontal cracks in the rail way track. As a transporter moves over rail, a saturation magnetic field is generated into and across the rail head using a toroidal-shaped DC saturation magnet located a predetermined distance above the rail head. Any transverse cracks in the rail head are detected with a low frequency eddy current probe mounted centrally between the opposing pole ends of the DC magnet and over the rail head. A force is applied to the low frequency eddy current probe to hold the probe towards the rail head as the transporter moves on the rail so as to follow the wear pattern of the rail head and to minimize lift-off. A second sensor is used to sense the presence of non-relevant indications that falsely indicate possible transverse cracks by the low frequency eddy current probe.

Abstract: A brush assembly for engaging and conducting electricity to or from a surface is provided. The brush assembly comprises a monolithic, electrically conductive bus block and a bristle holder removably attached to the bus block. The bristle holder is formed as a monolithic block having a plurality of parallel bristle holes formed therethrough. The brush assembly further comprises a plurality of bristle assemblies, each bristle assembly having an elongate, electrically conductive bristle and an electrically conductive bristle cap having a sleeve, the proximal end of the bristle being secured within the sleeve so that the bristle is in electrical communication with the sleeve. At least a portion of the bristle cap of each bristle assembly is removably disposed within an associated bristle hole so that the bristle of each bristle assembly extends through its associated bristle hole and downwardly away from the lower bristle holder surface. Each bristle cap is in electrical communication with the bus block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for implementing magnetostrictive sensor techniques for the nondestructive evaluation of railroad rails. The system includes magnetostrictive sensors specifically designed for application in conjunction with railroad rails and trains that generate guided waves in the railroad rails which travel therethrough in a direction parallel to the surface of the railroad rail. Similarly structured sensors are positioned to detect the guided waves (both incident and reflected) and generate signals representative of the characteristics of the guided waves detected that are reflected from anomalies in the structure such as transverse defects. The sensor structure is longitudinal in nature and generates a guided wave having a wavefront parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor, and which propagates in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sensor. The generated guided waves propagate in the rail within the path of the propagating wave.

Abstract: An electromagnetic system for detecting cracked rail and enhancing traction when necessary, includes wiring coils around wheel axles, and a corresponding power source for supplying power to the coils for producing electromagnetic flux. The produced electromagnetic flux is routed through the wheel axles, wheels and rails in a closed circuit. When a cracked rail is encountered along the route, the circuit will be interrupted or open, resulting in a changed flux pattern. This pattern change is detected by a flux sensor, and the geographic location of the crack in the rail is determined. The electromagnetic system further includes an electromagnetic wheel loading means for generating an attraction to the rails. The generated attraction to the rails increases friction between the wheels and the rails, thereby increasing traction to enable hauling greater loads up steep grades.

Abstract: A rail mounted vehicle speed measuring device includes a first magnetic field generating member and a first magnetic field sensing member positioned at a first measuring location on the vehicle; a second magnetic field generating member and a second magnetic field sensing member positioned at a second measuring location on the vehicle, spaced a fixed distance from the first location in the direction of vehicle movement; wherein the magnetic fields generated by the first and second magnetic field generating member are influenced by the rail to produce first and second signal patterns sensed by the first and second sensing member and varying with movement of the vehicle along the rail; and device is provided for correlating the first and second sensed signal patterns to determine the time displacement between the two sensed signal patterns and the velocity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for detecting gaps to be bridged in a power supply of an electric rail vehicle includes continuously sensing at least one conductor rail for gaps with at least one contact signal transmitter travelling ahead of a plurality of electrically interconnected real current collectors, as seen in the direction of travel of the rail vehicle, with signal information obtained being stored. An instantaneous contact situation between the real current collectors and the conductor rail is determined from the memory contents. Positions of a virtual current collector travelling in advance are formed for each real current collector from the memory contents, with the distances between the contact signal transmitter and the virtual current collectors being such that a necessity to change over the traction power converter into the regenerative braking mode is indicated as soon as all of the virtual current collectors meet a gap in the conductor rail.

Abstract: A technique for measuring the insulation resistance of an insulated rail joint in the presence of leakage ground resistance (ballast resistance), as well as other track run-around paths, without the use of calibrated meters, such technique characterized by the use of a bridge circuit which includes a leg having the insulated joint therein whose resistance is being measured, the other three legs including a resistor of fixed known value and two variable resistors respectively, such that when the variable resistors are varied to obtain simultaneously both (a) the null of the rail, or ballast, current, and (b) ballast in the bridge circuit, the resistance value of the insulated joint is determined.