Railway Vehicle Patents (Class 701/19)
  • Patent number: 12044785
    Abstract: System includes one or more processors configured to receive location data from a device communication unit and from at least a first communication unit and a second communication unit that are positioned relative to a vehicle. The location data includes a device spatial location of the device communication unit, a first spatial location of the first communication unit, and a second spatial location of the second communication unit. The one or more processors are further configured to determine a vehicle spatial location of a designated point of the vehicle. The one or more processors are further configured to generate a virtual model. The virtual model, when used by a positioning system to locate the vehicle, indicates the vehicle spatial location relative to an estimated location of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Brett Trombo-Somerville
  • Patent number: 12046825
    Abstract: An antenna arrangement for the mobile communication of a rail vehicle and a rail vehicle with an antenna arrangement of the type. The antenna arrangement has at least two transmitting antennas and at least two receiving antennas. The transmitting antennas are spatially grouped in a transmitting group and the receiving antennas are spatially grouped in a receiving group. The distances between the transmitting antennas and between the receiving antennas is smaller than the overall distance between the transmitting group and the receiving group. The antennas can thereby be arranged in a much more space-saving fashion on the vehicles because large distances have to be provided only between the groups, not between the antennas within the groups. Where the space needed is low, interference-free operation of the antennas is thus advantageously possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Kaiser
  • Patent number: 12037034
    Abstract: A method and system for managing guided vehicle traffic over a railway network include a first ATS system regulating guided vehicle traffic over a first regulation domain and a second ATS system regulating guided vehicle traffic over a second regulation domain. The first and second regulation domains have a common boundary. The first ATS system sends, to the second ATS system, configuration and circulation data for a part of the first regulation domain, for regulating guided vehicle traffic on the part according to a set of regulation data from the second ATS system. The second ATS system determines, from received configuration and circulation data, regulation data for an extended regulation domain including the second regulation domain and the part and for sending to the first ATS system the set of regulation data regulating the guided vehicle traffic on the part of the regulation domain of the first ATS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility SAS
    Inventors: Marius Traian Indre, Thierry Bouchet
  • Patent number: 12030541
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method and a system for state feedback predictive control of a high-speed train based on a forecast error. The method comprises: obtaining a speed prediction model of a high-speed train y ^ k + p = C ? A p ? x k + ? i = 1 p ? C ? A i - 1 ? B ? u k + p - i ; predicting speeds of the train at times k and k+p according to the speed prediction model; obtaining an actual speed output value of the train; determining a speed prediction error at time k according to the prediction speed of the train and the actual speed output value of the train; correcting a prediction speed of the train at time k+p, according to the speed prediction error, to obtain a corrected prediction speed of the train; calculating a control force uk of the train according to uk=??1(p)[yk+pr?yk?Kxk+?k]; and applying a control force to the train based on the control force uk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignees: East China Jiaotong University, CRSC Research & Design Institute Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui Yang, Ling Liu, Yating Fu, Yinghe Tong, Zhongqi Li, Junfeng Cui
  • Patent number: 12017692
    Abstract: The system 100 can include: a railroad integration system, a motion planner, a vehicle controller, an optional user interface (UI), an optional fleet management system, and an optional track data system. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to facilitate vehicle control and/or manage authority within a rail network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Parallel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Dunn, Benjamin Stuart Stabler, Marc Greenbaum, Babatunde Ogunfemi
  • Patent number: 12020148
    Abstract: A control system is for a railway yard with railroad tracks. The control system may include RCLs and sets of railcars on the railroad tracks. The control system may include railyard sensors configured to generate railyard sensor data of the railroad tracks, and a server in communication with the RCLs and the railyard sensors. The server may be configured to generate a database associated with the sets of railcars based upon the railyard sensor data. The database may have, for each railcar, a railcar type value, a railcar logo image, and a vehicle classification value. The server may be configured to selectively control the RCLs to position the sets of railcars within the railroad tracks based upon the railyard sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: ITS Technologies & Logistics, LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Mills, Matthew Michael McDermott, Jorge Perez Rincon, Carson Rentz, Edwin Victor Gendron, Jr., Dakota Jarrard Sanders
  • Patent number: 12017691
    Abstract: In example embodiments, techniques are provided for using machine learning to predict railroad track geometry exceedances to enable proactive maintenance. A machine learning model of a rail operational analytics application may be trained to directly output a probability of future railroad track geometry exceedances for each portion of track of a railroad. Training may be performed using all available railroad track data, and the task of selecting which data is relevant to predicting probability of railroad track geometry exceedances may be devolved to the machine learning model. Further, assumptions about the specific railroad and data characteristics may be avoided, providing the machine learning model flexibility, and allowing for dynamic changes in the problem formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Bentley Systems, Incorporated
    Inventors: Marc-André Gardner, Marc-André Lapointe, Lucas Flett, Simon Savary, Andrew Smith
  • Patent number: 12017149
    Abstract: Sets of magnet assemblies coupled to the undercarriage of an amusement kart are provided. Each of the magnet assemblies can include: a suspension component coupled to the undercarriage; magnetic material coupled to the suspension component; and a rotating component coupled to the suspension component. Other sets of magnet assemblies can include a skid component coupled to the suspension component. Amusement park attractions are provided that can include: an amusement kart having one or more magnet assemblies coupled to an undercarriage of the amusement kart; and a track comprising iron plating sufficient to magnetically engage the one or more magnet assemblies. Amusement karts are also provided that can include: a frame supported by front and rear wheels; and complimentary side rails extending along both sides of the frame and between the front and rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Inventor: Brandon Paul
  • Patent number: 12012135
    Abstract: A vehicle warning system and method receive an information notification from a first vehicle system at a second vehicle system. The information notification includes traversal information associated with a position of the first vehicle system and/or an identifier associated with the first vehicle system. The information notification also including a warning that indicates of the second vehicle system is moving too close to the first vehicle system and/or the first vehicle system and the second vehicle system are headed toward an intersection. A decision is made as to whether a response should be sent based on the information notification and sending the response based on the information notification to the first vehicle system. The response includes a command to slow down or stop to avoid a collision with the first vehicle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Abrosimov, Daniel McGee
  • Patent number: 12012134
    Abstract: A method and a system (30) for inspecting and/or mapping a railway track (18). The method comprises: acquiring geo-referenced rail geometry data associated with geometries of two rails (20) of the track along the section; acquiring geo-referenced 3D point cloud data, which includes point data corresponding to the two rails and surroundings of the track along the section; deriving track profiles of the track from the geo-referenced 3D point cloud data and the geo-referenced rail geometry data; and comparing the track profiles and generating enhanced geo-referenced rail geometry data and/or enhanced geo-referenced 3D point cloud data based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Fugro Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Luke William Moth, Martinus Pieter Kodde, Sander Christiaan Florisson, Adrianus Franciscus Wilhelmus Berkers
  • Patent number: 12007787
    Abstract: A vehicle control system and method receive vehicle makeup information from multiple vehicles in a multi-vehicle system. The vehicle makeup information represents one or more characteristics of the vehicles. The vehicle makeup information is received at a controlling vehicle of the vehicles in the multi-vehicle system that controls movement of the multi-vehicle system. The controlling vehicle also receives locations from location-determining devices respectively onboard the vehicles in the multi-vehicle system. The controlling vehicle controls operation of the multi-vehicle system using a combination of the vehicle makeup information received from the vehicles and the locations of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Abrosimov, Osman Burak Onal, Brian Kurz
  • Patent number: 12005944
    Abstract: For diagnosing a railroad switch with a point machine, a first and a second time series of a sensor signal of the point machine are received. Moreover, changes in the first and the second time series are detected indicating changes of operational conditions of the point machine. Furthermore, an event point of a respective change in the first and in the second time series is allocated to a respective component of the railroad switch or of the point machine based on a simulation modelling the respective component. Then for a respective component: event points allocated to that respective component are identified, the sensor signal at a first identified event point in the first time series is compared with the sensor signal at a second identified event point in the second time series, and depending on the comparison a component-specific fault information and an identification of the respective component are output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
    Inventors: Mohamed Khalil, Stefan Boschert, Ioannis Kouroudis
  • Patent number: 11999416
    Abstract: A steering control device for a vehicle with an aerial work platform 1 in the embodiment a traveling body capable of traveling with a steering wheel, a work platform 30 provided thereon, a steering dial 42, which is biased to be located at a neutral position in a non-operation status, a steering angle detector 62, a steering cylinder 17, and a controller 50 for controlling an operation of the steering cylinder 17. The controller 50 controls the steering cylinder 17 so that a steering angle of the steering wheel becomes a target steering angle corresponding to a steering position of the steering operation tool. As far as a steering angle of the steering wheel detected by the steering angle detector is kept within a predetermined angle range including a neutral steering angle, the steering control unit make a steering control to stop the steering actuator and to maintain the present steering angle of the steering wheel when the steering operation tool returns to the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AICHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motoaki Suda, Kotaro Terada
  • Patent number: 11999398
    Abstract: A method of installing/verifying positive train control components begins by entering component details into a data entry screen (e.g., a component type; serial number; name of the installer; train line name; a location description). A rough installation location is determined, and the component is installed. A GPS receiver determines the exact location of the installed component, which is entered with the component details. Photographs of the installed component are attached thereto. An installation icon for the installed component is overlaid on a digital map at the determined GPS location. Toggling the installation icon causes displaying of the data. An inspector physically verifies the entered details and GPS location of the installed component using a verification screen, and a third-party GPS receiver. When the two GPS obtained positions are within a threshold amount, and the details are correct, the inspector toggles a radio button confirming the data, which is otherwise corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Inventor: Daniel Kerning
  • Patent number: 11999267
    Abstract: A power line system is provided for efficiently using excess electrical energy produced by electric vehicles in a generation mode. A power line detector on the vehicle senses the power line to determine if voltage ripples are present before supplying excess electrical energy from the vehicle to the power line. First voltage ripples are generated on the line by a substation providing power to the power line. Second voltage ripples are also generated on the power line by a ripple generator to allow excess energy from the vehicle to be supplied to the power line in order to charge an energy storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Adam Ruszczyk, Rafal Jackowicz, Nicolae Stefan Preda
  • Patent number: 11995841
    Abstract: A method and system for conducting a non-contact survey of an overhead crane runway system using a survey apparatus that is alternately located in the crane bay or on a crane bridge girder. Disclosed more particularly are a method and system for testing an overhead crane runway beam 3D alignment or an overhead crane runway rail 3D alignment using a 3D laser scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Falk PLI Engineering & Surveying, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O. Falk, Sagar Deshpande, Zhengwei Davis Zhang, Nathan Plooster
  • Patent number: 11993298
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a moving block train operation control method and system based on train autonomous positioning, where the method is centered on a train-mounted device, autonomous positioning and integrity checking are implemented for the train-mounted device through satellites, and a movement authority and a target distance curve are calculated according to a real-time position, speed, and line state of a preceding train and in combination with train-to-train communication train safety protection technology, thereby achieving moving block. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the advantages that line use efficiency, system work efficiency and operation efficiency are improved, a quantity of railside devices is reduced, and system construction and maintenance costs are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: CASCO SIGNAL LTD.
    Inventors: Yajing Zhang, Qingbiao Xu, Xianliang Xu, Tao Wang, Zhixin Chen, Jiqing Na, Liang Guo
  • Patent number: 11987276
    Abstract: A monitoring system is provided that may include a sensor configured to detect at least one characteristic related to at least one axle of a first vehicle. The monitoring system may also include a controller having one or more processors in communication with the sensor. The one or more processors may be configured to restrict movement of the first vehicle based at least in part on the at least one characteristic related to the at least one vehicle axle, and vary movement of a second vehicle based at least in part on the at least one characteristic related to the at least one vehicle axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: IP Transportation Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Janmejay Tripathy
  • Patent number: 11981361
    Abstract: An automation system, an operating method for an automation system, and a computer program product enable communication between assemblies of an automation system connected to each other via a back panel bus, wherein the assemblies can exchange data with each other directly, without sending the data via a master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: SELECTRON SYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Schöni
  • Patent number: 11981363
    Abstract: The method S100 can include: determining a remote operation request S110; optionally determining a priority of the remote operation request S120; providing vehicle data to a remote operator S130; responding to the remote operation request S140; and optionally training a model based on the response S150. However, the method S100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method S100 functions to facilitate remote assistance of a vehicle operating within a rail network (e.g., operation of unmanned vehicles within restricted track regions). Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to facilitate remote validation/verification of vehicle operations and/or rail infrastructure status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Parallel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Dunn, Marc Greenbaum
  • Patent number: 11981362
    Abstract: A method for determining an actual geometry of a track by a track inspection vehicle which is movable on the track, wherein reference points positioned in a lateral environment of the track are automatically recorded by a non-contacting recording system arranged on the track inspection vehicle and their respective actual distance from the track is determined. A three-dimensional trajectory of the track is recorded by an inertial measuring system arranged on the track inspection vehicle, wherein the trajectory is divided by a computing unit into trajectory sections each having a section starting point related to a first reference point and a section end point related to a second reference point, wherein a virtual longitudinal chord is defined for each trajectory section in relation to the assigned reference points, and wherein actual distances between the trajectory and the respectively defined longitudinal chord are calculated for each trajectory section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TRACK MACHINES CONNECTED GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventors: Florian Auer, David Buchbauer, Martin BĂ¼rger, Bernhard Metzger, Fabian Hinterberger
  • Patent number: 11970194
    Abstract: A terminal device includes a plurality of processing devices, each of which includes: a database; a state managing unit that manages data stored in the database; a request managing unit that determines data to request from an external system and an order in which the data is to be requested from the external system based on a management state of the data in the state managing unit, a management state of data in a state managing unit of another processing device, and a type of predetermined event requiring data in a case where the predetermined event has occurred, the request managing unit being capable of requesting data from the external system on the basis of the order; and an obtainment managing unit that manages a state of obtainment of data from the external system, and a request managing unit of a predetermined processor requests data from the external system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mototsugu Kozaki, Masafumi Yamada, Yoko Itado
  • Patent number: 11966231
    Abstract: In a case of changing the traveling speed of a transport vehicle, in order for the traveling speed of the transport vehicle to reach a target speed at a target position that is on a downstream side in the travel path relative to the current position of the transport vehicle, a control unit generates reference speed commands in accordance with a traveling speed time change pattern according to which the travel acceleration changes in a stepwise manner, generates a moving average command obtained using the moving average of the reference speed commands in a set period, and controls travel operations of a travel unit based on the moving average command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Otsuka
  • Patent number: 11964683
    Abstract: A train control device including a control logic generation unit that uses an environmental model defined by the number of a plurality of closed sections constituting a track included in a predetermined control target region, a connection configuration of the closed sections, and the number of trains present on the track, a state of the environmental model being changed discretely according to a combination of a position of one control target train that is the train to be controlled, positions of zero or more other trains, and the presence or absence of reservation for each of the closed sections, and generates a control logic that is a logic for transitioning the state of the environmental model depending on the state of the environmental model so as to satisfy a predetermined condition, and a regeneration instruction unit that instructs the control logic generation unit to regenerate the control logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takanobu Handa, Noritaka Yanai, Atsuyoshi Saimen
  • Patent number: 11958517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent train operation adjustment system and method based on real-time passenger flow. The system includes a real-time passenger flow counting module, a real-time passenger flow and transport capacity matching module, and an intelligent train operation adjustment module, the real-time passenger flow counting module counts current real-time passenger flow and inputs the current real-time passenger flow into the real-time passenger flow and transport capacity matching module, the real-time passenger flow and transport capacity matching module matches a current passenger flow demand with a current transport capacity of a line, and the intelligent train operation adjustment module adjusts a working diagram in real time based on the real-time passenger flow and an operation result of the matching module, and adds or removes a train and arranges a path plan for the train with reference to a dispatching plan and device information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: CASCO SIGNAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaoyong Wang
  • Patent number: 11958515
    Abstract: A method for identifying properties of rail-guided vehicles uses an axle counter to detect vehicle measurement data as the vehicle crosses. The measurement data are analyzed in a computer and speed and distances between vehicle axles are ascertained. A property of the vehicle is ascertained in a computer based on the ascertained speed and distances between axles. A checking step ascertains a pattern of normal distances between axles in that a normal distance between axles calculated by considering a predefined normal speed is assigned to each ascertained distance between axles, and by considering their order, the normal distances between axles merge to form the pattern. The pattern is compared with reference patterns, and upon identified conformity of the pattern and reference pattern, a type linked to the reference pattern is assigned to the vehicle as a property. An apparatus and computer program determining properties of vehicles are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Braband
  • Patent number: 11956577
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to managing data transmission from a plurality of telemetry devices onboard one or more trains. The plurality of telemetry devices comprises a first telemetry device and one or more second telemetry devices in a vicinity of the first telemetry device at an instant of time. The first telemetry device is configured to detect presence of the one or more second telemetry devices, and to initiate a negotiation process for identifying a designated telemetry device from the one or more second telemetry devices. During the negotiation process, status data associated with the telemetry devices are aggregated. The aggregated status data is further processed to identify a designated telemetry device from among the telemetry devices. The designated telemetry device performs actions for managing data transmission from the telemetry devices based on the aggregated status data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility, Inc.
    Inventor: Harsh Piparsaniya
  • Patent number: 11952028
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for achieving vital ultra-wideband (UWB) based train control. Train-mounted units and wayside units that incorporate at least two separate and independent radios are used to obtain independent and separate ranging measurements in trains based on communications between the train-mounted units and wayside units. The communications includes communication of ultra-wideband (UWB) based signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Carlson, John Albert Plutt, Jr., Kurt Gunther
  • Patent number: 11952026
    Abstract: A transport vehicle system includes a track, transport vehicles, placement units to deliver or receive articles, and area controllers that each receive a conveyance instruction from a host controller and control a transport vehicle in a jurisdiction area to execute various instructions. The area controller, in response to receiving from the host controller a conveyance instruction destined for one special placement unit belonging to a jurisdiction area, transmits to another area controller a movement instruction to control an empty transport vehicle to move toward the jurisdiction area, and also controls an empty transport vehicle that has become available in the jurisdiction area after transmission of the movement instruction to execute the conveyance instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazumi Harasaki
  • Patent number: 11952027
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a train identification system and method, and a train safety inspection system and method. The train identification system includes: a remote detection component, configured to acquire overall feature information of an inspected train through remote monitoring; and an identification device, configured to determine at least one of a type and a traveling situation of the inspected train according to the acquired overall feature information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yanwei Xu, Weifeng Yu, Yu Hu, Shangmin Sun
  • Patent number: 11946906
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a damaged region determination system of the embodiment includes a plurality of sensors, a position locator, and a determiner. The plurality of sensors detects elastic waves generated in a target object related to a railway which is a determination target of a damaged region. The position locator locates positions of sources of a plurality of elastic waves based on the plurality of elastic waves detected by each of the plurality of sensors. The determiner determines the damaged region in the target object based on the positions of the sources of the plurality of elastic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshiki Takayasu, Takashi Usui, Kazuo Watabe, Atsuro Oonishi, Hiroshi Takahashi, Takamitsu Sunaoshi
  • Patent number: 11938978
    Abstract: A grade crossing control system includes a track circuit with a grade crossing predictor (GCP) system coupled to rails of a railroad track at a grade crossing, wherein a railroad vehicle travelling on the railroad track causes a change of impedance when entering the track circuit, and wherein the GCP system generates grade crossing activation signals in response to the change of the impedance of the track circuit, wherein, for detecting the change of impedance, the GCP system includes a first transmitter transmitting a first signal over the track circuit and a first receiver detecting a first response signal, a second transmitter transmitting a second signal over the track circuit and a second receiver detecting a second response signal, wherein the first transmitter and the first receiver are preprogrammed to a first frequency, and wherein the second transmitter and the second receiver are preprogrammed to a second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Holger Schmidt, Richard Bamfield
  • Patent number: 11928009
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include detecting an error alert from a target computer system. In response to detecting the error alert, performance data is then retrieved from the target computer system. A gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural network is used to generate a prediction of a root cause of the error alert based on the performance data. The weights of a reset gate of the GRU neural network are adjusted based on received feedback of the prediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chun Qi Ji, Qiang Li, Jing Sun, Zong Nan Jin, He Jun
  • Patent number: 11930417
    Abstract: A travel system includes a travelling carriage that travels on a predetermined track, access points including first APs that wirelessly communicate with the travelling carriage and second APs that wirelessly communicate with the travelling carriage in a communication slot different from a communication slot of the first APs, and a controller that, via any one of the access points, receives from the travelling carriage position information indicating the current position of the travelling carriage, and transmits to the traveling carriage a travel instruction to control travel of the travelling carriage. The travelling carriage includes a wireless interface that wirelessly communicates with one of the first APs, and wirelessly communicates with one of the second APs when wireless communication with the one of the first APs is not possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wataru Kitamura, Tetsuya Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 11914402
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to dynamic power curve throttling. In an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for enabling dynamic throttling of an engine includes graphically displaying a graph of a linear throttle line for the engine including an idle speed in revolutions per minute (RPM) and one or more operating speeds in revolutions per minute; using a graphical user interface to alter the linear throttling line into a non-linear dynamic throttling line; and generating a table based on the non-linear dynamic throttling line, the table including dynamic throttle increments that vary based on RPM and that are usable by a controller for dynamic throttling of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Cattron North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Allen Davis, James Leighton Staggs, John Edward Geertsema, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11912508
    Abstract: In order to specify a method for controlling a transport unit (TE) of a transport device (1) in the form of a long-stator linear motor, said method allowing safe transport of an object (O) without exposing the object (O) to critical movement limit values, the invention provides that a movement profile of the transport unit (TE) is established at least in sections along the transport path (2) depending on a relative movement profile of a relative point (PR) connected to the transport unit (TE) and spaced at a distance from a reference point (PT) of the transport unit (TE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: B&R INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Huber, Benjamin Reichenwallner
  • Patent number: 11904913
    Abstract: A Head-of-Train device suitable for mounting inside a cab of a train is disclosed. The Head-of-Train device includes a memory and a processing unit communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processing unit is configured to execute one or more instructions in the memory to synthesize an audio message based on status associated with at least one equipment onboard the train. The Head-of Train device further includes an audio output device configured to output the audio message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility, Inc.
    Inventor: Harsh Piparsaniya
  • Patent number: 11904697
    Abstract: A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Hyliion Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Healy, Eric Weber
  • Patent number: 11904918
    Abstract: A computer interlocking system includes: a first sub-system and a second sub-system that have a same structure and function, where the first sub-system and the second sub-system form a double 2-vote-2 architecture, respectively including a main control layer, a network layer, and a communication and execution layer; the network layer being configured to construct a communication network of a sub-system in which the network layer is located; the main control layer and the communication and execution layer in the first sub-system being respectively connected to a communication network of the first sub-system; and the main control layer and the communication and execution layer in the second sub-system being respectively connected to a communication network of the second sub-system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yejun Qin, Tao Yang, Faping Wang
  • Patent number: 11891098
    Abstract: It is imperative that the integrity of a train and its railcars be maintained. A defective part or parts on a train may cause the derailment of the train and its railcars. A derailment often causes serious personal and property damage. The use of artificial intelligence that has been applied to this system will detect possible flaws or defects in the railroad car. A portal through which the train will pass houses cameras and a means of illumination to take high resolution images of the train through the portal. This information is then stored on a software platform. It has a feature which can include a human in the loop process that verifies the accuracy of the information. The solution also transmits detected defect images and information to a remote location for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventors: Dan Smythe, Jeffrey Neccial
  • Patent number: 11893322
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for predicting and comparing wear scenarios in a rail system. The method can include generating and running a contact model of the interaction between a rail and a train car to produce a simulated loading on the rail for a predetermined time period; generating and running a wear model based on the material properties and/or friction modifier properties of the rail using the simulated loading to produce a simulated wear profile of the rail for the predetermined time period; obtaining a grinding profile to be performed on the rail during the predetermined time period; and generating an updated rail profile by modifying the rail profile by the simulated wear profile and the grinding profile. The method can predict and compare crack growth over time, and provide a financial model and comparison of costs and benefits for different maintenance protocols for the rail system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Loram Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ankur Ashtekar, Wesley Thomas, Ashkan Darbani
  • Patent number: 11878725
    Abstract: A system includes a safety mode activation device disposed onboard a vehicle system and operatively connected to a controller of the vehicle system. The safety mode activation device is configured to receive a status signal indicating a presence of one or more of an operator or an active work marker in a location proximate to the vehicle system. The safety mode activation device is further configured to transmit a lockout signal to the controller to prevent movement of the vehicle system along a route responsive to receiving the status signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: James D. Brooks
  • Patent number: 11873018
    Abstract: A system (10, 99) includes a vehicle (11, 111) and a car (1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 14, 16, 18, 26, 27, 28). The vehicle (11, 111) is configured to move, along a route (33) including at least a station (22, 24, 29, 30), without stopping at the station (22, 24, 29, 30). The car (1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 14, 16, 18, 26, 27, 28) is configured to (i) load an object from the station (22, 24, 29, 30) and move for integrating with the vehicle (11, 111), or (ii) detach from the vehicle (11, 111) and stop at the station (22, 24, 29, 30) for unloading the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: DIRECTRAINS LTD.
    Inventor: Alberto Rodrigo Mandler
  • Patent number: 11866080
    Abstract: A signal aspect enforcement method for a rail vehicle includes determining if vehicle position is unknown. The system determines if rail vehicle speed is less than a line-of-sight threshold speed. The system determines the grade of the rail. A worst-case braking distance of rail vehicle is calculated. The signal aspect is determined using a camera system and a beacon system. The system determines if the signal aspect determined by camera system is same as signal aspect determined by beacon system and, if so, determines the route of rail vehicle and speed limit of rail vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: THALES CANADA INC
    Inventors: Alon Green, Walter Kinio
  • Patent number: 11866075
    Abstract: The position of a rail vehicle that is parked on a track is monitored in a cold movement detection. A vehicle-side device of an automatic train safety system is deactivated when the vehicle is parked. Prior to the deactivation, a first positional value is determined by the automatic train safety system, and independently, a second positional value is determined by another localization system. With the vehicle-side device deactivated, the actual position of the vehicle is monitored by the other localization system. The additional positional values and/or a deviation of the actual position from a target position is transmitted to a track-side device of the train safety system. When the vehicle-side device is activated, the track-side device transmits the actual position of the vehicle to the vehicle-side device. If the vehicle has not moved, the automatic train guidance system can immediately assume the monitoring process starting from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventors: Malte Hammerl, Jacob Johannes Kohlruss
  • Patent number: 11851094
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selection of a control speed for a remote-controlled vehicle based on rulesets applied to control nodes within a viewing window. In embodiments, a viewing window including control nodes, each having a having ruleset defining operating conditions associated therewith, may be determined. The ruleset for a control node may define operating limitations (e.g., speed limitations, orientation limitations, etc.) at the control node. In embodiments, a control speed plan for the viewing window may be generated based on the operating conditions for each control node within the current viewing window based on the limitations associated with each control node. The control speed plan may include an optimal control speed at each control node within the viewing window and a speed profile indicating an acceleration or deceleration curve to be followed through each of the optimal control speeds in the control speed plan when executing the control speed plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Nathaniel W. Merry
  • Patent number: 11842414
    Abstract: A dynamic vending system includes a vending manager and a delivery vehicle. The vending manager is configured to receive and evaluate a plurality of dynamic conditions from the delivery vehicle and to provide instructions including a planned route to the delivery vehicle based on the dynamic conditions. The delivery vehicle includes a plurality of products available for sale, and is configured to execute the instructions including the planned route. The delivery vehicle is further configured to receive requests from consumers to stop along the planned route and to execute a transaction with the consumer for one of the products available for sale. The transaction includes the selection of one of the products available for sale, receipt of payment for the product, and dispensing the selected product to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Faigin, R. William Kneifel, II, Kent A. Deemter, Stuart de Geus, Rick Moreno, David Scrivano, Jaime Pescia, Christopher P. Ilitch
  • Patent number: 11834885
    Abstract: A method detects the wear state of a component of a door drive system of a rail vehicle. The method includes reading a sequence of first motor parameters and second motor parameters, wherein the first motor parameters represent a different physical variable of a motor of the door drive system than the second motor parameters. The method additionally includes checking whether a value which represents the sequence of the first motor parameters satisfies a specified criterion in order to detect the wear state of the component of the door drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Johann Bramauer
  • Patent number: 11828333
    Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods for detecting and/or responding to the temperature of brakes are disclosed. Certain embodiments relate to inhibiting or preventing the overheating of the brakes of such vehicles, such as could occur when a hot runner condition is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ITT Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Stefano Serra, Daniele Donzelli, Mattia Solari, Marco Terranova
  • Patent number: 11814092
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods of increasing functional safety of locomotives. In exemplary embodiments, a locomotive functional safety system is configured to: receive one or more manual control commands from a locomotive control stand and/or a user interface onboard a locomotive; determine whether the one or more manual control commands pass or satisfy one or more predetermined criteria; if the one or more manual control commands pass or satisfy the one or more predetermined criteria, approve the one or more manual control commands and allow the one or more manual control commands to be relayed onward and/or acted upon; and if the one or more manual control commands do not pass or satisfy the one or more predetermined criteria, disapprove the one or more manual control commands and disallow the one or more manual control commands to be relayed onward and/or acted upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cattron North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Jovenall, Jeremy R. Pearson