Abstract: An onboard electrical junction box. The onboard electrical junction box comprises an auto-change-over switch adapted to acquire: a first state wherein power is supplied to the electrical system from a power rail via at least one onboard power collector device; and a second state wherein power is supplied to the electrical system from a removable shore power source, wherein during operation in the second state, the at least one onboard power collector device is isolated from the power supplied by the removable shore power source. The onboard electrical junction box also comprises a switch control module in electrical communication with the auto-change-over switch for causing the auto-change-over switch to acquire the second state upon detection that: the removable shore power source has established an electrical connection with the onboard electrical junction box; and the electrical system of the vehicle is receiving power below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A train registry system is overlaid upon an existing automatic train protection system and operates simultaneously with the automatic train protection system to collect redundant information that may be utilized in the event that the automatic train protection system computer and backup computer must be restarted or in the event a vehicle no longer communicates with the automatic train protection system computer. The train registry is comprised of a plurality of transponders mounted upon train vehicles and transponder readers mounted at wayside locations to extract information from vehicles and forward the information to the wayside computer.

Abstract: A method for determining a characteristic of at least one position parameter, in particular of a disruption in the position parameter, of a track for a vehicle, in which detection values of at least one detection parameter affected by the position parameter are detected on a vehicle driving along a section of the track, and wherein the at least one position parameter for the track section is determined from the detection values. The current value of the position parameter is determined from the detection values as a function of the model data of a previously determined vehicle model of the vehicle, wherein a relationship between the position parameter and the at least one detection parameter affected by the position parameter is generated by way of the vehicle model.

Abstract: A method for power optimization in a vehicle/train, using time reserves which are included when planning a schedule, is proposed. In order to achieve a power-saving travel mode with the aid of an optimization algorithm, the presence of a number of completely or partially autonomous drive systems is taken into account, the separate functions of efficiency or power loss of each drive system being taken into consideration.

Abstract: A train registry system is overlaid upon an existing automatic train protection system and operates simultaneously with the automatic train protection system to collect redundant information that may be utilized in the event that the automatic train protection system computer and backup computer must be restarted or in the event a vehicle no longer communicates with the automatic train protection system computer. The train registry is comprised of a plurality of transponders mounted upon train vehicles and transponder readers mounted at wayside locations to extract information from vehicles and forward the information to the wayside computer.

Abstract: A method for power optimization in a vehicle/train is proposed, using time reserves which are included when planning a schedule, an overall route to be traveled between a starting stop and a destination stop being subdivided into a number of steps. In order to achieve a power-saving travel mode, with the aid of an optimization algorithm, the kinetic energy of the vehicle and the time are used as state variables in a vehicle model. The changes in the state variables are considered with respect to the distance in each step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail vehicle, including a wagon body and a suspension system having a running gear supporting the wagon body. A sensor device and a control device are provided. The sensor device capturing an actual value of at least one status variable being representative of a spatial relationship between a first reference part of the sensor device associated to a part of the running gear and a second reference part of the sensor device associated to the wagon body. The control device performs a malfunction analysis using the actual value of the status variable, the malfunction analysis assessing fulfillment of at least one predetermined malfunction criterion. The control device provides a malfunction signal if the malfunction analysis reveals that the malfunction criterion is fulfilled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail vehicle, including a wagon body and a suspension system having a running gear supporting the wagon body. A sensor device and a control device are provided. The sensor device capturing an actual value of at least one status variable being representative of a spatial relationship between a first reference part of the sensor device associated to a part of the running gear and a second reference part of the sensor device associated to the wagon body. The control device performs a malfunction analysis using the actual value of the status variable, the malfunction analysis assessing fulfillment of at least one predetermined malfunction criterion. The control device provides a malfunction signal if the malfunction analysis reveals that the malfunction criterion is fulfilled.

Abstract: A system for determining number of cars within a train consist includes one or more cars, at least one automatic train controller (ATC) for the one or more cars, and a train line spanning the consist. Each car comprises a frequency generator and a frequency modifier. Each frequency modifier in each of the one or more cars is adapted to receive an input signal at an input frequency and generate an output signal at an output frequency different from the input frequency. A frequency generator in at least one of the cars provides a predetermined input signal at a predetermined input frequency to the frequency modifier in the at least one car when the at least one car is designated as a lead car and at least one frequency modifier in at least one of the one or more cars provides its output signal to the train line.

Abstract: A system for determining number of cars within a train consist includes one or more cars, at least one automatic train controller (ATC) for the one or more cars, and a train line spanning the consist. Each car comprises a frequency generator and a frequency modifier. Each frequency modifier in each of the one or more cars is adapted to receive an input signal at an input frequency and generate an output signal at an output frequency different from the input frequency. A frequency generator in at least one of the cars provides a predetermined input signal at a predetermined input frequency to the frequency modifier in the at least one car when the at least one car is designated as a lead car and at least one frequency modifier in at least one of the one or more cars provides its output signal to the train line.

Abstract: A method for controlling an active running gear of a rail vehicle including at least one first wheel unit with two wheels, wherein by means of at least one first actuator, which acts between the first wheel unit and a vehicle structure supported thereon by means of a first primary spring mechanisms, the turning angle of the first wheel unit about a vertical running gear axis relative to the vehicle structure is adjusted, in a first frequency range, as a function of the actual curvature of the track and/or the turning angle of the first wheel unit about a vertical running gear axis relative to the vehicle structure is adjusted, in a second frequency range, such that transversal movements at least of the first wheel unit, caused by track outlay disturbances or by a sinusoidal course, are counteracted.

Abstract: A method for controlling an active running gear of a rail vehicle including at least one first wheel unit with two wheels, wherein by means of at least one first actuator, which acts between the first wheel unit and a vehicle structure supported thereon by means of a first primary spring mechanism, the turning angle of the first wheel unit about a vertical running gear axis relative to the vehicle structure is adjusted, in a first frequency range, as a function of the actual curvature of the track and/or the turning angle of the first wheel unit about a vertical running gear axis relative to the vehicle structure is adjusted, in a second frequency range, such that transversal movements at least of the first wheel unit, caused by track outlay disturbances or by a sinusoidal course, are counteracted.

Abstract: In a system and method of supplying proper polarity electrical power to positive and negative conductors of a vehicle, first and second pairs of vehicle mounted contacts are electrically connected between positive and negative conductors of a first electrical bus and the positive and negative conductors of the vehicle, respectively. In response to the first pair of contacts moving into a space or gap between the first electrical bus and a second electrical bus, the first pair of contacts is isolated from the positive and negative conductors of the vehicle. In response to the vehicle moving the first pair of contacts into contact with the second electrical bus while the second pair of contacts are electrically connected to the first electrical bus, the first pair of contacts is electrically connected between the negative and positive conductors of the vehicle and negative and positive conductors of the second electrical bus, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light rail vehicle having a predictive diagnostic system for a motor driven automated door (100) to enable condition-based maintenance. The light rail vehicle (110) has an automated door system (112), at least one data acquisition board (114), a data collection program (116), an exponential smoothing algorithm (118), and a neural network (120). The need for maintenance is identified through the collection of various door system (112) parameters, calculating current energy and time consumption from these parameters, and determining the rate of degradation based on current energy and time consumption of the door system (112) as compared with historical energy and time consumption. From the rate of degradation, maintenance can be scheduled as needed.

Abstract: A mass transit vehicle traction motor control system includes an automatic control block for receiving and processing a tachometer signal having a first resonance signal superimposed thereon to produce a rate request signal having a corresponding second resonance signal superimposed thereon. A filter is provided for decreasing an amplitude of the second resonance signal whereupon the rate request signal is isolated therefrom. A communication and control block and a propulsion and control block co-act to process the isolated rate request signal to produce a speed control signal that is configured to cause a traction motor of a mass transit vehicle to provide motive force to the mass transit vehicle at a rate related to the value of the speed control signal.

Abstract: An automated manipulation system is provided for manipulating one or more vehicles in a transit system. The automated manipulation system includes a vehicle control mechanism in communication with a vehicle for receiving, processing and transmitting signals for controlling the operation of the vehicle. The system also includes a central control mechanism in wireless communication with the vehicle control mechanism for receiving, processing and transmitting signals for controlling the vehicle control mechanism and thereby initiating a manipulation operation in the vehicle. The manipulation operation is one of: adding a vehicle to the system; removing a vehicle from the system; coupling a first vehicle to a second vehicle; and uncoupling a first vehicle from a second vehicle. A method of automatically manipulating at least one vehicle in a transit system is also provided.

Abstract: Method for determining the remaining service life of a component of a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, operated on at least one predefined track section of a track network, wherein the remaining service life is determined for a vehicle component of the vehicle mechanically stressed by the interaction between the vehicle and the track section, after a usage interval of the at least one track section, wherein the remaining service life of the vehicle component is determined from a prior loss of service life preset at the beginning of the usage interval for the vehicle component and from a current loss of service life of the vehicle component associated with the usage interval, and wherein the current loss of service life is determined using an actual measured usage of the at least one track section by the vehicle and a relative loss of service life related to the actual usage of the at least one track section, wherein the relative loss of service life has been determined in advance for the at least one

Abstract: A distributed control system for a track network includes a local controller connected to a plurality of switch machines and a central office. The local controller receives from each switch machine a switch position signal and outputs to at least one switch machine a switch control signal related to a desired state of a track switch associated with the at least one switch machine in one of a plurality of positions. The local controller further outputs to the central office a first communication signal including switch position data corresponding to the switch position signal output by the at least one switch machine and receives from the central office, as a function of the first communication signal and a desired movement of one or more vehicles on the track network, a second communication signal which includes switch control data corresponding to the switch control data output to the at least one switch machine.

Abstract: An onboard electrical junction box. The onboard electrical junction box comprises an auto-change-over switch adapted to acquire: a first state wherein power is supplied to the electrical system from a power rail via at least one onboard power collector device; and a second state wherein power is supplied to the electrical system from a removable shore power source, wherein during operation in the second state, the at least one onboard power collector device is isolated from the power supplied by the removable shore power source. The onboard electrical junction box also comprises a switch control module in electrical communication with the auto-change-over switch for causing the auto-change-over switch to acquire the second state upon detection that: the removable shore power source has established an electrical connection with the onboard electrical junction box; and the electrical system of the vehicle is receiving power below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The vehicles (12) of at least one fleet of rail vehicles are provided with on-board sensors (22) and rail vehicle positioning means (23). The rail infrastructure on which the rail vehicles circulate is provided with fixed rail infrastructure sensors (18). The rail infrastructure-related sensor data is merged with the rail vehicle-related sensor data, with location data representative of the location of the rail infrastructure-related sensors and with the rail vehicle position data for generating series of categorized event data representative of the occurrence of categorized events at a given location on the rail infrastructure over time and/or on a given rail vehicle of the fleet over time.