Abstract: What is disclosed is a mobile railway car monitoring system. The mobile railway car monitoring system includes a plurality of sensor nodes coupled to an undercarriage portion of a railway car, and a control node coupled to the railway car. Each of the plurality of sensor nodes is configured to monitor the undercarriage portion of the railway car when in motion and transmit information about the undercarriage portion to the control node. The control node is configured to receive the information about the undercarriage portion, process the information to determine a fault condition for the undercarriage portion, and wirelessly report the fault condition to a collection system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ground transportation systems, and more particularly to a fixed guideway transportation system that achieves a superior ratio of benefits per cost, is lower in net present cost and thus more easily justified for lower density corridors, and can provide passenger carrying capacities appropriate for higher density corridors serviced by mass rapid transit systems today. According to certain aspects, the present invention provides a methodology for limiting the rise in headway as the vehicle speed increases. This innovation further allows systems to achieve shorter time separations between vehicles traveling at high speeds, thus significantly improving the utility of fixed guideway infrastructure.

Abstract: A message that contains train on-track information and reservation information of a train detection section and direction information and reservation information of a switch is circulated among a train detector, switch machine, signal device controller and a route indicating device. Via a signaling message, the train detector transmits the train detection result to the signal device controller and the route indicating device, the switch machine can transmit switch condition to the signal device controller, the route indicating device transmits route reservation to the switch machine and the signal device controller. Based on the transmitted train detection result, switch condition and route reservation condition, the signal device controller transmits travel permission or travel non-permission for the assigned route to a train.

Abstract: A multi-level system for management of a railway system and its operational components in which the railway system has a first level configured to optimize an operation within the first level that includes first level operational parameters which define operational characteristics and data of the first level, and a second level configured to optimize an operation within the second level that includes second level operational parameters which define the operational characteristic and data of the second level. The first level provides the second level with the first level operational parameters, and the second level provides the first level with the second level operational parameters, such that optimizing the operation within the first level and optimizing the operation within the second level are each a function of optimizing a system optimization parameter. The levels can include a railroad infrastructure level, a track network level, a train level, a consist level and a locomotive level.

Abstract: A control system for a rail vehicle system including a lead powered unit and a remote powered unit is provided. The system includes a user interface, a master isolation module and a slave controller. The user interface is disposed in the lead powered unit and is configured to receive an isolation command to turn on or off the remote powered unit. The master isolation module is configured to receive the isolation command from the user interface and to communicate an instruction based on the isolation command. The slave controller is configured to receive the instruction from the master isolation module. The slave controller causes the remote powered unit to supply tractive force to propel the rail vehicle system when the instruction directs the slave controller to turn on the remote powered unit. The slave controller causes the remote powered unit to withhold the tractive force when the instruction directs the slave controller to turn off the remote powered unit.

Abstract: In order to minimize a calculation load and surely obtain a maximum adhesion torque, estimated adhesion torques are always stored, an maximum value is obtained from the stored plural estimated adhesion torques immediately before slip/skid is detected when detecting the slip/skid, and the maximum value is set as a maximum adhesion torque. The maximum adhesion torque immediately before the slip/skid is detected is compared with a value of the estimated adhesion torque when the slip/skid is detected. When the calculated value exceeds a threshold value, it is determined as a condition where an adhesion coefficient drastically drops, and a suppression/return ratio of the torque is switched to a lower value than that under a condition where the adhesion coefficient does not drastically drop. The value of the torque at the time of suppression or return is set to a smaller value to surely suppress the slip/skid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely controlling a rail vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a remote operator control system includes a communication link to send and receive rail vehicle information, an operator interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to send, through the communication link, a request to establish communication with a positive train control system on-board a selected rail vehicle based on an operating condition. In response to receiving confirmation of communication with the positive train control system, the control is configured to receive positive train control information for the selected rail vehicle through the communication link, and display the positive train control information for the selected rail vehicle on the operator interface.

Abstract: A method of identifying an anomalous orientation definition condition of a remote locomotive (12) of a train includes monitoring an operating condition of the remote locomotive of the train, the remote locomotive configured to operate according to a defined orientation with respect to a lead locomotive of the train. The method also includes identifying an operating condition of the remote locomotive indicative of the remote locomotive operating contrary to an operating condition of the lead locomotive.

Abstract: A method for operating a rail vehicle includes coasting point determination for a route section. Upon reaching that point, vehicle traction is deactivated and coasting occurs over at least part of the remaining route to a route section end. Coasting points are stored for the route section and assigned a fixed distance and fixed travel time to the section end. Upon passing the route section, continuous evaluation is performed whether a currently recorded distance to the section end is shorter than the fixed distance to the route section end for one coasting point according to a first condition, and whether a current travel time to the section end is longer than or equal to the fixed travel time to the section end according to a second condition. Possible traction deactivation is signaled when fulfilling both conditions. If not fulfilled, another stored coasting point is evaluated for fulfillment of the conditions.

Abstract: A railroad monitoring apparatus includes first and second diverse vital processing units, first and second current sensors configured to measure the current being provided to one or more signaling elements of an item of wayside signaling equipment, and means for measuring voltage levels being supplied to each of the signaling elements. The first processing unit receives a first current measurement from the first current sensor and the measured voltage levels, and the second vital processing unit receives a second current measurement from the second current sensor and the measured voltage levels. The vital processing units are each programmed to determine based on one or more of the first current measurement, the second current measurement and the measured voltage levels: (i) the state of the item of railroad wayside signaling equipment, (ii) failures within the item of railroad wayside signaling equipment, and (iii) failures within the monitoring apparatus itself.

Abstract: A method for checking the function of an engine system having an internal combustion engine includes: (a) ascertaining a first charge adaptation value for acting on a manipulated variable for setting an air supply to the internal combustion engine, and ascertaining a first mixture adaptation value for acting on a manipulated variable for setting a fuel supply at a predefined first operating point of the internal combustion engine, in each case with the aid of a predefined adaptation method; and (b) establishing that an error is present in the engine system when at least one of the offset adaptation values is outside a particular predefined adaptation value range.

Abstract: A speed profile for an entire train trip includes a maximum allowable speed at each point of the entire trip, taking into account the ability of the train to comply with speed reductions encountered during the trip. The speed profile includes a braking curve that gradually reduces from a higher speed to a lower speed starting at a point at which the train must begin braking in order to be traveling at the lower speed when the train reaches the point at which the lower speed limit begins. The speed profile is generated on multiple wayside computers, cross checked, and then vitally transmitted to an onboard locomotive control system. The onboard control system includes redundant speed sensors with redundant vital circuits, and also includes redundant speed comparators to ensure that the train doesn't exceed the speed profile. A GPS receiver may be used for greater reliability.

Abstract: A data conversion system for a vehicle includes an interface gateway device that is configured to be communicatively coupled with a data acquisition module and a client module. The data acquisition module obtains a value of a data parameter related to operation of the vehicle and communicates the value to the interface gateway device in a first message provided in a first format. The interface gateway device is configured to convert the first format of the first message into a different, second format to form a second message and to communicate the second message to the client module. The client module uses the second message to perform a function for the vehicle.

Abstract: A user interface includes a visual display with suggested speed control throttle and/or brake settings display portion, a speedometer display portion and a distance to target guide portion. The display provides intuitive feedback information helpful for train operator decisions on how and when to change train speed control throttle and/or brake settings. In some embodiments of the present invention the interface suggests brake and/or throttle settings for reducing train speed. The distance to target guide portion includes an analog target display that grows in size as the train approaches a target point speed change or stop position. The speedometer includes analog speed scale, speed indicator needle and a suggested target speed indicator display portions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling movement of a train including a plurality of locomotives along a route. In one example, the method comprises, generating a first plan profile, the first plan profile including synchronous settings for the locomotives over a route, and generating a second plan profile based on the first plan profile, the second plan profile including independent settings for the locomotives over at least one region within the route. The method may further comprise, operating the locomotives based in the first and/or second plan profiles. In another example, the method comprises, generating a plan profile with fully independent settings for the locomotives over the entire route, the fully independent settings based on cost function coefficients of each locomotive.

Abstract: The present method operates an electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake system that includes a system controller and a plurality of ECP devices on a train, in a semi-active mode between an active mode and an in active mode. The method includes setting the system controller to the semi-active mode if the ECP brake command is release; and setting the released ECP devices to the inactive state by the system controller when entering the semi-active mode. The ECP devices are set to an active state and to apply the brake by the system controller in response to an ECP brake command of apply. The ECP devices are reset to release and then to the inactive state by the system controller in response to an ECP brake command of release.

Abstract: New and useful system, components and methods are provided for a transportation system in which one or more vehicles are moved between at least a pair of stations along a guideway that extends between the pair of stations. The vehicle is propelled along the guideway while one or more signals are transmitted that can be used for controlling the speed of the vehicle and the spacing between the vehicle and other vehicles on the guideway. A digital signal that decodes into a sync signal component and a spacing signal component is transmitted along the guideway, where the difference between the period of the sync and spacing signal components determines the predetermined speed of the vehicles moving along the guideway.

Abstract: A train control system for controlling trains traveling in a track network including tracks with signals associated therewith. The system includes an on-board track database, a positioning system and an on-board control system. The on-board control system receives position data and automatically brakes the train prior to encountering an upcoming signal based upon specified data points. The train is not automatically braked if certain conditions are met. A method for controlling a train traveling in a track network is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable computational device for protecting at least one worker. The device is configured to send a protection request for allocation of a protection zone for at least one worker. The device is also configured to receive confirmation that the protection zone has been allocated. In one embodiment, the device is configured to both monitor the location of the worker relative to the protection zone and determine whether a hazard is co-incident with the protection zone.

Abstract: A track brake control system for providing braking of a railway vehicle operates upon receipt of an emergency braking command. The control system includes a member for receiving deceleration information from one or more sensing devices. The control system further includes a member for comparing the deceleration information with a reference value or reference profile. Further, the control system includes at least one regulating device for continuously adjusting a braking demand signal to a track brake so as to cause deceleration of the railway vehicle based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for improving train performance, the method including determining a rail car parameter for at least one rail car to be included in a train, and creating a train trip plan based on the rail car parameter in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the train.

Abstract: A train control system that does not allow running by erroneously receiving a signal of a further preceding train toward the front, nor permits a following train approaching another train beyond an allowable range.

Abstract: A method for operating a locomotive is provided. The method includes coupling a processor within the locomotive to monitor at least one of an operating parameter and an equipment operation. The method also includes determining a status of a locomotive pre-trip or departure test using the processor and operating an interlock based on the status of the pre-trip or departure test, wherein the interlock is configured to regulate an operating speed of the locomotive.

Abstract: Systems are provided for efficiently managing the effects of a change to a transportation system's state. One example system comprises a plurality of distributed data input and data output terminals, the distributed data input terminal configured to automatically generate data related to a first aspect of transportation system operation, at least one of a distributed database and a synchronized database configured to store data, a plurality of distributed computational engines configured to receive data from at least one database, and based on the data received, automatically manage operations of a second, different aspect of the transportation system operations, and a communications network linking the data input terminals, the data output terminals, the databases, and the computational engines, wherein the change to the transportation system's state is initiated by the data generated at the distributed input terminals.

Abstract: A system and method which may include on each locomotive a propulsion system and a braking system; a transceiver for communication between the locomotives; and sensors for sensing operational conditions on the locomotive. A processor receives the sensed operation conditions, communicates information including the sensed operational conditions to the other locomotive, determines a propulsion or braking value or command based on the sensed operational conditions, pre-selected criteria and the information received from the other locomotive, and outputs the propulsion or braking value or command.

Abstract: A train slide control device and a train slide control method capable of further improving the precision of slide control are achieved. The train slide control device comprises: an electromagnetic valve unit; a relay valve that outputs a pressure of the brake cylinder; and a slide controller that includes: a velocity-difference detecting unit that detects a velocity difference of each wheel based on a velocity signal; a deceleration calculating unit that calculates a deceleration of a train based on the velocity signal; a sliding-amount determining unit that determines a sliding-amount of each wheel based on the velocity difference and deceleration; and a brake-cylinder-pressure calculating unit that calculates a pressure control signal for controlling a pressure of the brake cylinder based on: the sliding-amount; a brake command for obtaining a predetermined deceleration; and a signal that indicates the pressure of the compressed air and a pressure of the brake cylinder.

Abstract: A control method for an aerodynamic brake device which can reduce a speed of a vehicle efficiently without affecting riding comfort or a vehicle is provided. A control method for an aerodynamic brake device includes at least aerodynamic brake plates provided in the front in the advancing direction of a railway vehicle from a center part of vehicles, driving portions and a brake controller for controlling advancing operations of the aerodynamic brake plates, and a speedometer for detecting a speed of the railway vehicle. The aerodynamic brake device controls the advancing operations of the aerodynamic brake plates in accordance with the speed of the railway vehicle by the speedometer.

Abstract: A system is provided for operating a railway network including a first railway vehicle during a trip along track segments. The system includes a first element for determining travel parameters of the first railway vehicle, a second element for determining travel parameters of a second railway vehicle relative to the track segments to be traversed by the first vehicle during the trip, a processor for receiving information from the first and the second elements and for determining a relationship between occupation of a track segment by the second vehicle and later occupation of the same track segment by the first vehicle and an algorithm embodied within the processor having access to the information to create a trip plan that determines a speed trajectory for the first vehicle. The speed trajectory is responsive to the relationship and further in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the first vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a control unit that is configured to be disposed on-board a first vehicle that moves along a route of a transportation network having a vehicle yard. The control unit also is configured to receive, from off-board the first vehicle, an updated time of entry into the vehicle yard for the approaching vehicle and to change a speed of the first vehicle in response to the updated time of entry. A method includes receiving an updated time of entry into a vehicle yard at a first vehicle that is moving along a route of a transportation network that includes the vehicle yard and changing a speed of the first vehicle in response to the updated time of entry. The updated time is received from off-board the first vehicle.

Abstract: A rail-based system is disclosed for moving materials and is applicable to a number of industries. The invention describes a system of automated self-powered rail cars operating independently to transport material such as ore from a work face in a mine or cargo from a marine port to a major transportation hub.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling train speed are disclosed, the method including receiving an operation data, estimating a future train speed subsequent to a predetermined time of the train, using the operation data and dynamics model of a train, calculating a TTSLC {Time-To-Speed-Limit Crossing, a time when the train exceeds an ATP (Automatic Train Protection) speed limit}, and outputting a deceleration command by determining an additional braking force, in a case the TTSLC is smaller than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle, including two controllable electrical drives, which are capable of being operated in mutual dependence, the rotational speed and the torque of a first drive, in particular a master drive.

Abstract: A method for mapping a railroad track is provided. The method includes defining a plurality of track segments that form the railroad track and determining coordinates of each track segment. The method also includes storing the coordinates of each track segment in a database as map segments and linking the map segments stored in the database to create a multi-dimensional railroad track map.

Abstract: A route defect detection system for a powered system, the route defect detection system including a control system connected to the powered system for application of tractive effort, and a processor to determine an unplanned change in the application of tractive effort and/or otherwise associated with the tractive effort of the powered system. Based on the unplanned change, the processor determines a type of defect encountered along a mission route. A method and computer software code stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor are also disclosed for a powered system to detect a defect along a mission route.

Abstract: A portable mounting assembly is provided comprising a mounting disc comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching the mounting disc to an axle bearing on a vehicle such as a locomotive, for determining speed; and a stabilizer bar attached at a first end to the mounting disc and at a second end to an outrigger comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching to a stationary component of the vehicle. A method of providing speed control to a portable remote control system for a locomotive is also provided. A method of overriding a speed control mode operated by a portable remote control system for a locomotive is also provided.

Abstract: A transit system has an elevated controlled roadway system, a plurality of powered transport vehicles with steerable front wheels having a common width dimension, and both manual controls and an on-board computer (OBC) system for control on the elevated roadway, a master computer system communicating with the OBCs, enabled thereby to determine location of transport vehicles and to control velocity of the transport vehicles, and outwardly-angled guide curbs along opposite sides of the roadway surface, and spaced apart at a dimension larger than the common width dimension. The front wheels of the transport vehicles, by virtue of the angle of the guide curbs, provide a region of contact to vehicle wheels only at a relatively thin line near the outside diameter of each wheel, and wherein the guide curbs or the front wheels at the region of contact, or both, are surfaced with a low-friction material.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling movement of a train comprises one or more sensors positioned relative to a railroad track for detecting the presence of a lead railcar on the track being pushed by a remotely controllable locomotive. The one or more sensors are spaced a distance from a predetermined stop location of a lead railcar and transmit signals when the lead railcar is detected on the track. A programmable controller positioned off-board or wayside receives signals from the one or more sensors and is in radio communication with an onboard operating system of the locomotive. The controller transmits a signal to the locomotive when the lead railcar is detected by a sensor, and in response to the signal the operating system of the locomotive sets a maximum speed setting for the locomotive to travel on the track toward the stop location.

Abstract: A train control device includes a first acquisition unit for acquiring a change history of open block numbers as the number of blocks existing between a present train and a leading train, a setting unit for setting a brake pattern having a starting point coinciding with an end point of a block existing just behind a block occupied by the leading train, and a calculating unit for calculating a time taken for the leading train to come out from the block existing just behind the block occupied by the leading train and for calculating, as a target speed, the highest speed available within a range not conflicting with the brake pattern.

Abstract: A method for operating a train includes: (a) using a processor carried by the train, creating a trip profile which is computed at so as to substantially optimize an operating parameter of the train which depends on multiple operating variables; (b) operating the train along a route at speeds determined by the trip profile; (c) identifying a target location ahead of the train which cannot be cleared in a desired time if the train operates in accordance with the trip profile; and (d) operating the train at a clearing speed substantially faster than determined by the trip profile until the target location is cleared. A computer program product is provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method for determining an operating threshold boundary within which a controller is permitted to control a powered system, the method including calculating a threshold boundary with at least one of information about at least one of a route and a load encountered by the powered system as a function of at least one of time or distance, a characteristic of the powered system, and a characteristics of the controller, and determining whether the powered system exceeds the threshold boundary.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a train control system for a train is disclosed, the control system includes a speed detection unit configured to detect the train speed, a position detecting unit configured to detect position information of the train, a signal aspect speed receiver to receive signal aspect speed information from outside the train, an automatic train operation (ATO) unit that is configured to output a first throttle notch command to drive the train between stations and to stop the train at a target position, a specification notch pattern output unit configured to selectively output a second throttle notch control command. The signal aspect speed information includes a speed limit for a location. The first output throttle notch command is based, at least in part, on the signal aspect speed information.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a system for operating a railway network comprising a first railway vehicle (400) during a trip along track segments (401/412/420).

Abstract: A system, method and device for controlling a rail vehicle consist configured to traverse a rail system is provided. In one embodiment, the system may include a second module configured to receive environmental data from a first module having one or more sensors, wherein the environmental data is indicative of one or more environmental conditions for a portion of the rail system; wherein the second module is further configured to conduct an assessment of the environmental data in relation to a first control parameter; the second module is further configured to communicate one or more control signals of one of the first control parameter or a different, second control parameter based on the assessment; each of the first and second control parameters relates to controlling tractive effort of the rail vehicle consist over the portion of the rail system; and the second module is further configured to communicate the one or more control signals to a third module for control of the rail vehicle consist.

Abstract: A control system for rail vehicles includes an operator control unit in communication with an on-board transceiver housed in a rail vehicle. The operator control unit includes a selector manually movable to a plurality of pre-determined positions each position corresponding to one of at least the following modes of operation: FORWARD, REVERSE, and COAST, such that for each pre-determined position of the selector, the operator control unit sets the off-board control unit to the corresponding mode of operation.

Abstract: To stop a train at a desired target stop position without outputting excessive brake by outputting an appropriate braking instruction in accordance with a running condition of the train. An on-train computing device causes an acceleration estimating unit to determine the presence/absence of a current acceleration of a train and to estimate the current acceleration based on train-car information obtained from a train-car performance manager unit, and causes a profile calculating unit to generate a braking instruction profile based on a presumption that the train is running at the current acceleration when the train is in an accelerating condition, and to generate the braking instruction profile based on a presumption that there is no acceleration applied to a train car of the train by a propulsion control of the train car itself when the train is in a coasting condition.

Abstract: A speed control system for controlling vehicle speed of one or more vehicles in a personal rapid transit system when the one or more vehicles travel along a track, the personal rapid transit system including a vehicle propulsion system including one or more motors, each motor being adapted to generate a thrust for propelling one of the one or more vehicles. The speed control system includes: a speed regulation subsystem adapted to control the thrust generated by at least one of said motors based on one or more sensor signals received from vehicle position and/or speed sensors, so as to control the speed of the one or more vehicles; and a vehicle control system included in each of said one or more vehicles and adapted to activate, independently from the speed regulation subsystem, an emergency brake mounted on said vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing, in a centralized train control system, the portion of a centralized server application that is considered vital while not reducing the overall vitality of the system.

Abstract: A method for powering a powered system having a first power generating unit where power settings for the first power generating unit are decoupled from power settings for a second power generating unit, the method including developing a power operating plan which is independent of a coupled power setting, and determining a power setting responsive to the power operating plan. A computer software code operable within a processor and configured to reside on a computer readable media for powering a powered system having at least a first power generating unit where power settings for the at least first power generating unit are decoupled from power settings for at least a second power generating unit is further disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling first and second locomotives of a railroad train, the first and the second locomotives separated by at least one railcar. The method comprises determining a location of the first locomotive and a location of the second locomotive, determining an operating condition of the first locomotive and an operating condition of the second locomotive, determining a first control aspect of the first locomotive responsive to the operating condition and the location of the first locomotive, determining a second control aspect of the second locomotive responsive to the operating condition and the location of the second locomotive, and controlling the first and the second locomotives according to the first control aspect and the second control aspect, respectively.

Abstract: A method for controlling a remote controlled locomotive that is part of a train to insure effective braking, the method including calculating an estimated total energy of a train, calculating a threshold representing a predetermined braking capability limit of the locomotive, determining whether the estimated total energy is at least one of approaching and exceeding the threshold, and decreasing a velocity of the train until the threshold is at least one of no longer being approached and is no longer exceeded.