Abstract: A method is described for operation of a magnetic levitation railway which contains vehicles with a plurality of supporting magnets (20a . . . 20j) and supporting runners (26) associated with them. In the event of a malfunction, the braking of the vehicle with the drive and braking systems switched off is brought about or assisted until a preselected destination stopping point is reached solely in that, even before the destination stopping point is reached, at least one of the supporting magnets (for example 20f, 20g) is switched off, and the magnetic levitation vehicle is placed on the track path (3) by means of the associated supporting runner (26), and is brought to rest at the destination stopping point by making use of the friction forces that occur as a result. The invention also relates to a magnetic levitation vehicle operated in this way.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention for conducting a distributed power train operation, comprises a controller at the remote unit for issuing commands to control the operation of the remote unit on a track, and responsive to a communication loss between the lead unit and the remote unit. A memory, accessible by the controller, comprises data relative to a track profile including a plurality of geographical coordinates of the track and data relative to one or more throttle positions or braking operations for the remote unit that are associated with the geographical coordinates. The controller receives data relative to geographical coordinates of the remote unit and upon a detection of the communication loss, the controller compares the geographical coordinates of the remote unit to the track profile geographical coordinates and issues one more commands associated with the operation of the remote unit.

Abstract: A distributed power train (10) communications system for sending and receiving signals between a lead locomotive (14) and remote locomotives (12A/12B/12C) in the train (10). A lead (14) initiated message is received by at least the remote locomotive (12A/12B) nearest to the lead unit (14). The receiving remote unit (12A/12B) retransmits the message for receiving by the next remote unit (12C) in the train. Thus the message leapfrogs down the train from the lead unit (14) to the remote units (12A/12B/12C). When the last remote unit (the nth remote unit) (12C) receives the message, the last remote (12C) transmits a status or other response message to the lead unit's message. The status message is received at the (n-1)th remote unit (12A/12B), which appends its status message and transmits the combined status messages toward the lead unit (14).

Abstract: A wireless runway incursion system is disclosed. The wireless runway incursion system method may include a runway traffic management unit that manages aircraft traffic on and around an airport's runways, a plurality of wireless relay devices located between the runway access points and the runway traffic management unit that relay wireless signals to the runway traffic management unit, and a plurality of wireless runway incursion sensors that are located in proximity of at least one airport runway that detect metallic objects. If a metallic object is detected, the wireless runway incursion sensors that detect the metallic object send signals to the runway traffic management unit, the wireless signal being an indication that the metallic object is one of entering the runway and leaving the runway.

Abstract: A system for controlling a railroad train over a segment of track. The system comprises a first element for determining a location of the train on the segment of track; a second element for providing track characterization information for the segment of track; the track characterization information related to physical conditions of the segment of track; and a processor for controlling applied tractive forces and braking forces of the train responsive to the location of the train and the track characterization information to reduce at least one of wheel wear and/or track wear during operation of the train over the segment of track.

Abstract: A method of processing and displaying train performance including analyzing train data received from the train or train simulator real time or from a data storage and preparing display data of the results of the analysis. Computer graphic images are created from the display data; and the computer graphic images are provided for display. A display may be a drive with the display data and displayed portions of the display data may be selected to be created into computer graphic images. The computer graphic images may be transmitted over the internet or stored on a portable store and ultimately displayed on a video player. The computer graphic images may be viewed and edited or enhanced.

Abstract: A system is provided for regulating the speed of a rail vehicle traveling along a track. The track has a pair of rails. The system includes a temperature sensor positioned on an external surface of the rail vehicle. The temperature sensor measures a temperature of one of the rails. The system further includes a controller coupled to the temperature sensor. The controller receives data of the measured temperature, and regulates the speed of the rail vehicle based upon the measured temperature data. A method and computer readable media are also provided for regulating the speed of a rail vehicle traveling along a track.

Abstract: In a brake system for a train, which has a plurality of axles, at least one freewheeling axle is activated for determining the position of the train and the remaining axles are activated as non-freewheeling axles for braking the train. In the event of failure of a brake which is provided on a non-freewheeling axle, a previously freewheeling axle is activated as a non-freewheeling axle and the non-freewheeling axle which has a failed brake is activated as a freewheeling axle for determining the position of the train.

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 system is provided for processing images of wayside equipment adjacent to a route. The system includes a video camera configured to collect visible spectral data of the wayside equipment. The video camera is positioned on an external surface of a powered system traveling along the route. Additionally, the system includes a controller coupled to the video camera, where the controller is configured to process the visible spectral data, and is further configured to transmit a signal based upon processing the visible spectral data. Additionally, a method and computer readable media are provided for processing images of wayside equipment adjacent to a route.

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 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 and system for compensating for wheel wear uses position and/or speed information from an independent positioning system to measure some distance over which the train has traveled. Wheel rotation information is also collected over the distance. The wheel rotation information and distance and/or speed information are then used to determine the size of the train wheels. The method is performed periodically to correct for changes in wheel size over time due to wear so that the wheel rotation information can be used to determine train position and speed in the event of a positioning system failure.

Abstract: A system is provided for regulating the speed of a rail vehicle traveling along a track. The track has a pair of rails. The system includes a temperature sensor positioned on an external surface of the rail vehicle. The temperature sensor measures a temperature of one of the rails. The system further includes a controller coupled to the temperature sensor. The controller receives data of the measured temperature, and regulates the speed of the rail vehicle based upon the measured temperature data. A method and computer readable media are also provided for regulating the speed of a rail vehicle traveling along a track.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining a quality of a location estimation of a powered system at a location. The system includes a first sensor configured to measure a first parameter of the powered system at the location. The system further includes a second sensor configured to measure a second parameter of the powered system at the location. The system further includes a second controller configured to determine the location estimation of the powered system and the quality of the location estimation, based upon a first location of the powered system based on the first parameter, and a second location of the powered system based on the second parameter of the powered system. A method is also provided for determining a quality of a location estimation of a powered system at a location.

Abstract: A system for improving fuel efficiency of a railroad train located on a railroad train having a locomotive consist including one or more railroad locomotives, said system including a position-determining device, a track profile database including terrain and contour data about a railroad track, and a processor including an algorithm to calculate a load of said train and a feed forward algorithm to determine an acceleration rate and/or a deceleration rate of said train based on said calculated load and forth coming terrain and contour of a railroad track, wherein said change in condition of the track is determined on-board the locomotive consist and the locomotive consist power setting is adjusted to optimize locomotive consist fuel consumption based on the calculated load of the train as the train is proximate to the change in track condition.

Abstract: A system for identifying at least one condition of at least one upcoming feature of at least one track in a track network. The system includes a positioning system for determining an estimated train position on a track within the track network, and at least one database including track data and feature data. A computer (i) obtains the determined estimated train position on at least one track from the positioning system; and (ii) for the at least one track, identifies at least one condition for at least one upcoming feature based at least in part upon the track data and the feature data in the at least one database. The feature data is dynamically updated while the train is traversing the track in the track network. A method and apparatus for identifying a condition of an upcoming feature are also provided.

Abstract: The present locomotive brake control system includes a vacuum relay valve responsive to air brake apply and release signals on the air brake pipe to provide vacuum brake apply and release signals on a vacuum brake pipe. A locomotive brake controller is responsive to the brake apply and release signals on the air brake pipe to control the brake cylinder to apply and release the locomotive brakes in an air mode, and is responsive to the brake apply and release signals on the vacuum brake pipe sensed by a transducer to control the brake cylinder to apply and release the locomotive brakes in a vacuum mode.

Abstract: A vital proximity detection mechanism and method for reliably determining and communicating the position of a railroad switch point relative to a normal fixed track and a reverse fixed track, wherein the mechanism includes substantial component redundancy and fault-checking features and otherwise meets promulgated safety standards for vital componentry. The mechanism includes an RF transmitter and remote status indicator unit to allow for remote adjustments of proximity sensors while monitoring the effects of such adjustments.

Abstract: An automated transportation system includes a plurality of vehicles adapted to travel along a pathway, and a monitoring system located within each vehicle and adapted to monitor a location and a speed between an associated vehicle and the pathway. The automated transportation system also includes a transmitter located within each vehicle and adapted to transmit a signal that includes data on the location and the speed monitored, and a receiver located within each vehicle and adapted to receive the signal from each of the other vehicles. The automated transportation system further includes a controller located within each vehicle and adapted to interpret the signal received by the receiver and control the associated vehicle to provide proper spacing between the remaining vehicles to avoid collisions therebetween and maximize throughput of the vehicles along the pathway.

Abstract: A traveling system for mobile bodies includes a control device for controlling traveling operation of a first and a second mobile bodies based on detection information provided by a relative distance detecting device mounted on only one of the first and second mobile bodies for detecting a distance to the other of the first and second mobile bodies, a first distance detecting device for detecting a distance between the first mobile body and a first reference position, and a second distance detecting device for detecting a distance between the second mobile body and a second reference position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrodynamically braking a rail vehicle that is provided with a drive unit (6). According to the inventive method, acceleration (a1st) of said rail vehicle is regulated according to the speed (v) thereof.

Abstract: An optimization system is provided for a braking schedule of a powered system traveling along a route. The braking schedule is based on at least one predetermined characteristic of the powered system and is configured to be enacted in a braking region along the route. The optimization system includes a sensor configured to measure a parameter related to the operation of the powered system. Additionally, the system includes a processor coupled to the sensor, to receive parameter data. The processor compares the measured parameter with an expected parameter, which is based on the at least one predetermined characteristic of the powered system. The processor adjusts the at least one predetermined characteristic based on the comparison, and adjusts the braking schedule based on the adjustment to the at least one predetermined characteristic. A method is also provided for optimizing a braking schedule of a powered system traveling along a route.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a railroad train having a locomotive consist comprising one or more railroad locomotives to improve locomotive consist fuel efficiency, the method including calculating on-board the locomotive consist a load of the train being moved by the locomotive consist based on measuring the movement of the train in response to locomotive consist power settings, determining on-board the locomotive consist a current location of the train, identifying on-board the locomotive consist a change in condition of the track prior to the train reaching the change in track condition, and adjusting on-board the locomotive consist the locomotive consist power setting to optimize locomotive consist fuel consumption based on the calculated load of the train as the train is proximate to the change in track condition.

Abstract: A remote control system and method for the remote control operation of a locomotive in the performance of a car-kicking sequence comprises a portable control unit operable from a location off-board of the locomotive. The portable control unit includes an operator interface allowing an operator to initiate, with a single step, a predetermined sequence of locomotive operations for automatically performing a car-kicking procedure and generating a signal responsive to the single step for transmission to the locomotive. The system also includes a memory for storing a set of instructions corresponding to the predetermined sequence. An onboard slave control unit, interfaced with an operating system on the locomotive, receives the signal and automatically controls movement of the locomotive according to the set of instructions.

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: The invention relates to a method for controlling train formation in marshalling yards. The control method according to the invention optimises the performance of a marshalling yard by a learning effect based on feed-back. The intervals of time between gravity humps are selected very long on commencement of use of the control system, and data are collected by the gravity humps. A computer determines from the time intervals that occur in these gravity humps in the critical zones of the marshalling yard whether the time interval between push-offs on the hump in the yard may or may not be reduced. The advantage of such a self-learning system is that it requires a much smaller number of programs than conventional systems, which are based on rigid algorithms and the measurement of many factors, and which still remain rigid despite all efforts to record all the influences. The maintenance cost is also considerably reduced.

Abstract: The present interface system includes a controller monitoring pressure on a locomotive brake pipe port, controlling pressure on a train brake pipe port in response to the pressure on a locomotive brake pipe port, providing ECP commands on an ECP trainline via a train electrical terminal in response to the pressure on the locomotive brake pipe port, and providing electrical power on the ECP trainline via an train electrical trainline terminal from the locomotive electrical trainline terminal. The system includes a three position change over valve. The system also includes a wireless display unit which communicates via a transceiver with the controller and displays information from the controller to the operator remote from the interface system.

Abstract: An electric vehicle drive control device includes a first electric motor and a second electric motor; a differential device that includes first, second and third rotational elements, wherein the first rotational element is connected with the first electric motor, the second rotational element is connected with the second electric motor, and the third rotational elements is connected with the engine; a transmission that is connected with the second electric motor via a transmission shaft, and that shifts a speed of a rotation transferred from the transmission shaft; and a controller that: judges whether an engine start request for starting the engine is generated and whether a downshift request is generated; and starts, if the engine start request and the downshift request are generated, one of an engine start control and a downshift control when the other of the engine start control and the downshift control is executed.

Abstract: A method of transitioning a locomotive brake control system between a remote operated locomotive RCL mode and an electronic air brake EAB mode includes initializing the system in the EAB mode; and determining a value of an RCL enable. Transitioning from the EAB mode to the RCL mode includes a) determining if the system is ready to be transitioned to the RCL mode if the RCL enable is high, and b) transitioning the system to the RCL mode if the system is ready for transition and the RCL enable is high. Transitioning from the RCL mode to the EAB mode includes a) determining if the system is ready to be transitioned to the EAB mode if the RCL enable is low, and b) transitioning the system to the EAB mode if the system is ready for the transition to the EAB mode and the RCL enable is low.

Abstract: A method of speed forecasting a train over a track including determining location of the train on the track, the speed of the train and brake and throttle setting of the train. Speeds and suggested throttle and brake settings for spaced points along the track are calculated based on the determinations. The calculated speeds and throttle and brake setting are displayed for the spaced points along the track.

Abstract: A method for determining a control parameter of a railway system vehicle or a portion thereof, the method including producing a terrain profile representing a parameter of the railway system or a portion thereof, producing a representation of the vehicle or a portion thereof, and using the terrain profile and representation to derive the control parameter for the vehicle or the portion thereof.

Abstract: A railroad locomotive includes a naturally aspirated reciprocating internal combustion engine driving a traction generator. A speed control system and load regulator provide an output signal which is operated upon and modified by a controller in response to the barometric pressure at which the locomotive is being operated.

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: Detectable anti-collision automatic braking device for stopping traffic accident is invented installing for/in engine/motor-vehicles, automobiles, cars, trucks, buses, vans, trains, high speed trains, underground trains, tanks, motorcycles, airplanes, ships, helicopters, submarines and all moving transportations to apply braking automatically by itself against obstacle to stop collision averting traffic accident during transportation running and as well for adapting in use Automatic traffic stop lamp device of a security system equipping on traffic signal or in area nearby, its beam will flash at lighting zone limit on red at a position to focus on to react the function of Detectable anti-collision automatic braking devices of all front motor-vehicles, transportations that approach to stop without surpassing limit zone.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for controlling desiccant regeneration in air dryer equipment for a railroad locomotive. The method allows calculating an amount of air conditioned by the air dryer equipment over a period of time. The method further allows storing predefined criteria for initiating desiccant regeneration in the air dryer equipment. The calculated amount of air conditioned by the air dryer equipment is correlated relative to the predefined criteria, and upon the calculated amount of air conditioned by the air dryer equipment meeting the predefined criteria, desiccant regeneration is initiated in the air dryer equipment.

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: Provided is an operator warning system for use in connection with a locomotive having a horn system with a horn activation actuator and a horn device for producing a noise. The operator warning system includes an onboard computer system with a database having grade crossing data and locomotive data thereon. The onboard computer system is in communication with the horn system. The operator warning system also includes a warning device for providing an audio, visual and/or tactile indicator to an operator of the locomotive based upon the grade crossing data, locomotive data and/or actuation condition of the horn activation actuator. A method for improving locomotive operator vigilance is also provided.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining a mismatch between a model for a powered system and the actual behavior of the powered system. The system includes a coupler positioned between adjacent cars of the powered system. The coupler is positioned in a stretched slack state or a bunched slack state based upon the separation of the adjacent cars. The system further includes a controller positioned within the powered system. The controller is configured to determine a mismatch of the model. A method is also provided for determining a mismatch between a model for a powered system and the actual behavior of the powered system.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting a route to be authorized by a dispatcher for a vehicle to travel on a route network comprises a computer system that has a database having stored data relative to interconnecting route segments that make up the route network. Data relative to the origination location and the destination location is input into the computer system. The processor accesses the database and generates a predicted route with an origination location and destination location.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system includes a prime mover system, a driving system, an energy storage system, a regenerative braking system, and a control system usable to control operation of the prime mover, driving, energy storage, and regenerative braking systems. The control system receives inputs of geographic location, speed, and terrain features, and manages energy discharge and charge operations.

Abstract: A train is driven by drive stations positioned along a track for frictionally contacting side plates on the train. The drive speed is controlled in response to sensors located at each drive station sensing a position of a wheel and a side plate for confirming a presence of the train. A start command is transmitted from the drive station driving the train to a second drive station downstream when a lead car is within a preselected distance from the second drive station. The drive station at the second drive station is quickly accelerated to a target speed for synchronizing the first drive station with the second drive station. After receiving the train, the second drive station then transmits a stop command to the first drive station for fast decelerating the drive station to a stop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: self-tuning engine control algorithms using inputs from transducers that measure pressure in the engine cylinders, and from an engine crankshaft rotational position sensor; methods of processing the input signals to “self-tune” or learn accurate values for a) pressure transducer voltage offset, b) crank position encoder error and c) engine compression ratio; improved pressure-ratio-based algorithms for calculating cylinder heat release fraction as a function of crank angle.

Abstract: A method generates optimized traffic movement plans. A plan monitor determines a first planning boundary for traffic based upon traffic conditions of a region. A plan generator employs the first planning boundary and repetitively generates first traffic movement plans for the traffic. The plan generator selects one of the first traffic movement plans as a first optimized traffic movement plan, and outputs the same for controlling traffic movement. The plan monitor determines current traffic conditions of the region for a planning window, and updates the first planning boundary to provide a second planning boundary for the traffic based upon the current traffic conditions. The plan generator employs the second planning boundary and repetitively generates second traffic movement plans for the traffic, selects one of the first and second traffic movement plans as a second optimized traffic movement plan, and outputs the same for controlling traffic movement.

Abstract: A method for providing wireless broadband communication to a high-speed movable vehicle, in particular to a high-speed train (2), is described, said method comprising the steps of: Arranging Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) base stations (6) along a route (1) the vehicle (2) moves along, Arranging Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) hot spots (5) along the route (1) between said WIMAX base stations (6), Upon detection of a vehicle speed (vv) above a predefined speed threshold (vth) establishing a communication (10) to said vehicle (2) using said WLAN hot spots, Upon detection of a vehicle speed (vv) below said speed threshold (vth) establishing a communication to said vehicle (2) over said WIMAX base stations (6). Furthermore a communication network to be used to execute the method mentioned above, plus a computer program product causing a computer to perform said method is described.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely enforcing operational protocols is provided. In a remote environment, such as that found with a police environment, voice recognition technology is used to determine the situation and invoke actions according to an appropriate protocol. Actions may be set to be mandatory or discretionary. A secure log is maintained of the actions undertaken. Actions include automatically retrieving data from a remote database, automatically communicating with another unit or headquarters, and automating devices used in the remote environment. Voice recognition technology also extracts data from the user's speech and builds variables used as parameters in performing the actions. Data is returned to the user in either audible or textual form and either played to the user on a speaker or displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A method of programming or designing application logic for a highway-rail grade crossing warning system including the steps of providing a set of templates, each template of the set of templates defining a track circuit application for a grade crossing with different characteristics, selecting a template from the set that best corresponds to the track circuit application at the grade crossing, defining a set of default programming parameters for each template to program the controller, and inputting additional parameters into the controller to define other characteristics of the track circuit application. A visual representation of each template may be provided. This invention is also directed to the set of templates for programming the controller.

Abstract: A robotic system for systematically moving about an area to be covered. The system includes at least one boundary marker (48) located along the outer edge of the area to be covered, a robot (40) with a navigation system (41) that navigates the robot (40) in generally straight, parallel lines from an initial location and turns the robot (40) when the robot (40) encounters one of the boundary markers (48), thereby to systematically move about the area to be covered. The sensor unit (43) senses proximity to one of the at least one boundary marker (48).

Abstract: A control system and method which includes storing the geographic location of the neutral sections along the path onboard the vehicle. A GPS system on the vehicle determines the geographic location of the vehicle. A program of the control system determines the position of the vehicle relative to the position of the neutral section from memory using the GPS to determine the location of the vehicle. Next, it provides a control for maintaining the circuit breaker of the vehicle open as the source collector passes through the neutral section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the sequence of trains during traffic control, whereby a telephone communication between a traffic controller in a traffic control centre and a driver is carried out. In order to increase security during telephone communication, the traffic controller transmits a driving permit to the driver, in addition to a test code which is specific to the driving permit and determined by a traffic control computer, and the driver inputs the driving permit and the test code into a vehicle appliance which calculates the test code according to the same algorithm as the traffic control computer, and compares the calculated test code with the inputted test code. The driving permit is authenticated only if the two codes correspond.