Abstract: A control system includes a communication device onboard a vehicle system approaching or entering an airflow restricted area along a route and one or more processors. The communication device configured to receive status messages that contain data parameters representative of ambient conditions within the airflow restricted area. The processors are configured to monitor the ambient conditions and determine different power output upper limits that a trail propulsion vehicle of the vehicle system can generate within the airflow restricted area based on the ambient conditions and different power outputs generated by a lead propulsion vehicle of the vehicle system. The processors further configured to communicate instructions to control the lead propulsion vehicle within the airflow restricted area to generate the power output of the different power outputs that results in the greatest total available power output of the vehicle system as the vehicle system travels within the airflow restricted area.

Abstract: A de-centralized operational indicator system comprises a communication module and an output module. The communication module includes a vehicle interface that communicates with electronics of a materials handling vehicle. The communication module also includes an information system interface, and a controller that is connected to the vehicle interface and the information system interface. The output module is coupled to the information system interface of the communication module, and includes a first output device, and a second output device. The first output device is oriented in a first direction that is detectable by an operator of the materials handling vehicle when the operator is within an operating compartment of the materials handling vehicle. The second output device is oriented in a second direction that is detectable outside of materials handling vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems relate to establishing a communication link with a wayside device, determining whether or not to at least one of update or configure the wayside device in dependence upon at least one update parameter, and when it is determined to update or configure the wayside device, updating or configuring the wayside device from a remote location.

Abstract: A system for communicating a dataset may include at least a first and a second communication line. The system may also include a first transceiver configured to communicate a first data signal indicative of the dataset over the first communication line and a second transceiver configured to communicate a second data signal indicative of the dataset over the second communication line. The system may also include a processor. The processor may be configured to receive the first data signal and the second data signal and compare the first data signal and the second data signal to determine whether the first data signal or the second data signal comprises a more accurate signal. The processor may also be configured to determine the dataset based upon the more accurate signal.

Abstract: A system and method for determining dynamically changing distributions of vehicles in a vehicle system are disclosed. The system and method determine handling parameters of the vehicle system. The handling parameters are determined for different distributions of the vehicles among different groups at different potential change points along a route. The system and method also determine whether to change the distributions at potential change points based on the handling parameters. Based on determining that the distributions are to change, a selected sequence of changes to the distributions is determined at one or more of the potential change points along the route. Change indices are generated based on the selected sequence. The change indices designate times and/or the one or more potential change points at which the distributions changes. The vehicles included in a common group have common designated operational settings while the vehicles are in the common group.

Abstract: A method for determining a slack condition of a vehicle system includes determining when each of first and second vehicles reaches a designated location along a route. The method also includes communicating a response message from the second vehicle to the first vehicle responsive to the second vehicle reaching the designated location, calculating a separation distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on a time delay between a first time when the first vehicle reached the designated location and a second time when the second vehicle reached the designated location, and determining a slack condition of the vehicle system based on the separation distance. The slack condition is representative of an amount of slack in the vehicle system between the first and second vehicles.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying trackside conditions in safety critical railroad applications by reporting the status of trackside signals and switches to a remote train control system. The system comprises at least one sensor for providing trackside conditions electrically connected to a circuit for providing trackside conditions to a railroad, said sensor being powered by voltage applied to the circuit such that the sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged. The system and method further comprises a method and system which is failsafe and which enables the control system to independently verify signals from each sensor.

Abstract: An Engineer's View (EV) wireless video system for powered and unpowered model railroad engines is disclosed. The invention uses commercially available wireless spy cameras, powered by a custom power supply circuit which is compatible with either DC or DCC track systems. The present invention is compatible with all commercial model railroad gauge diesel engines including HO and N Gauge or may be factory installed. The EV system demonstrates a remarkably stable and realistic image of a model railroad layout. Moreover, the present invention may also provide a stable source of power to the engine where stalling could occur at points of track defects.

Abstract: In a railway signalling system which transmits a control order to an on-board signalling system by a trackside signalling system, the on-board signalling system being mounted on a train running on a line and the control order being compliant with a signalling system of the line, the present invention allows the train to run through into lines with different signalling systems using a single on-board signalling system. When the train enters a line with a different signalling system from a current line, the on-board signalling system installs a train control application program compliant with the signalling system of the entering line. Then, the on-board signalling system executes the train control application program, allowing the train to be controlled on the entering line according to a control order created by the trackside signalling system of the entering line.

Abstract: Data representative of a train consist (the train consist comprising a plurality of locomotives and a plurality of cars) and data representative of a route for the train consist can be processed by a processor to automatically determine which locomotives in the train consist should be powered on and which locomotives in the train consist should be shut down for each segment of the route. The processor can make these determinations based on an analysis of the train consist data and the route data with respect to a plurality of considerations that affect train efficiency. Recommendations for locomotive startups and shutdowns in accordance with such automated determinations can then be presented to the train crew for the crew to use during train operations. It is believed that when train crews are in compliance with such recommendations, significant improvements in efficiency, particularly with respect to fuel consumption, can be achieved.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a communication system for a consist having a locomotive and a tender car. The communication system may have a locomotive access point configured to be located onboard the locomotive, a locomotive controller connected to the locomotive access point, a tender car access point configured to be located onboard the tender car, and a tender car controller connected to the tender car access point. The communication system may also have at least one network component configured to be located onboard the locomotive or the tender car and connected with a corresponding one of the locomotive and tender car access points, and a communication coupling extending between the locomotive and tender car access points. The locomotive and tender car controllers may be configured to selectively affect operation of the locomotive and tender car, respectively, based on operational information obtained via the at least one network component.

Abstract: A method includes identifying power outputs to be provided by propulsion-generating vehicles of a vehicle system for different locations along a route and calculating handling parameters of the vehicle system at the locations along the route. The handling parameters are representative of at least one of coupler forces, coupler energies, relative vehicle velocities, or natural forces exerted on the vehicle system. The method also includes determining asynchronous operational settings for the propulsion-generating vehicles at the locations. The asynchronous operational settings represent different operational settings that cause the propulsion-generating vehicles to provide at least the power outputs at the locations while changing the handling parameters of the vehicle system to designated values at the locations.

Abstract: A rail vehicle control communication system includes a vehicle management device capable of being coupled with a conductive pathway extending along a track and of forming an instruction to control an operation of a rail vehicle travelling along the track, the vehicle management device transmitting the instruction to the rail vehicle through the conductive pathway; and an on-board communication device capable of being coupled with the rail vehicle, the on-board communication device configured to receive the instruction communicated through the conductive pathway from the vehicle management device, the on-board communication device configured to change the operation of the rail vehicle based on the instruction.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating a dataset in a consist, the dataset having a critical data portion. The system includes a first transceiver configured to communicate a first data signal indicative of at least the critical data portion of the dataset over a first communication line, and a second transceiver configured to communicate a second data signal indicative of at least the critical data portion of the dataset over a second communication line. The system includes a processor configured to receive the first data signal and the second data signal, to compare the first data signal with the second data signal to determine whether the first data signal or the second data signal includes a more accurate signal, and to determine at least the critical data portion of the dataset based upon the more accurate signal. The critical data portion is associated with the operability of the consist.

Abstract: A method for preventing rollback of a rail vehicle from a stopped condition, includes receiving a first signal indicative of the rail vehicle's location, and, in response to the first signal, selecting from a lookup table one of a first plurality of pre-determined values of a braking parameter and selecting from the lookup table one of a second plurality of pre-determined values of a tractive effort parameter. In response to an order for movement, the method includes applying brakes of the rail vehicle, according to the selected value of the braking parameter; establishing tractive effort of the rail vehicle, according to the selected value of the tractive effort parameter; and, then, releasing the brakes of the rail vehicle to establish motion of the rail vehicle from the stopped condition.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first element for identifying planned applications of tractive effort and braking effort for a railway vehicle while traversing a track segment. The apparatus includes a second element for determining a slack condition of the railway vehicle at one or more locations on the track segment in advance of the railway vehicle traversing the track segment based on the planned applications of tractive effort and braking effort. The apparatus includes a third element for redetermining the slack condition at the one or more locations based on at least one deviation from the planned applications of tractive effort and braking effort.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a locomotive assembly having a locomotive and an auxiliary power unit is disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes at least one locomotive having a power bus, a primary engine-generator set electrically coupled to the power bus, and a locomotive controller programmed to control the primary engine-generator set. The locomotive assembly also includes an auxiliary power unit having an auxiliary engine-generator set electrically coupled to a locomotive power bus, and a first auxiliary controller. The auxiliary controller is programmed to receive a command signal from the locomotive controller indicating a desired amount of power, and control the auxiliary engine-generator set of the auxiliary power unit to produce the desired amount of power.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a powered system including an engine operating on a plurality of fuel types. The method includes generating operational input signals from operational input devices, and generating a respective configuration signal indicative of a particular location of the powered system along a predetermined course comprising a mission. Additionally, based on the operational input signals, the configuration signal, and a respective engine emission profile for each of said configuration signal, the method includes generating control signals to a plurality of end use devices of the powered system to limit one or more of the total engine emissions of the fuel types, the total fuel efficiency of the fuel types, the total output power of the engine, a time of arrival of the powered system along the predetermined course, and/or a combination thereof.

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 transporting system for transporting metal coils, for example hot coils, may include a multi-track rail system; a number of driverless transporting carriages, which can be moved on the rail system by means of a drive device and are equipped with an on-board communication device; a locating device, with which up-to-the-moment locational information can be determined for each transporting carriage located on the rail system; and a central control device, to which the locational information of each transporting carriage can be fed, wherein a communication link, which at least in certain sections is formed without any lines, can be established between the control device and the communication device.

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: The present disclosure is directed to a power control system for a consist. The consist may include a plurality of locomotives, each locomotive having an engine. The power control system may include a plurality of locomotive controllers. Each locomotive controller may be associated with one of the engines and configured to monitor temperature and power conditions of the associated engine. The power control system may also include a central controller adapted to receive temperature and power conditions from each locomotive controller and to determine desired power levels for each engine in the consist based on the received temperature and power conditions of the plurality of locomotives.

Abstract: A method of verifying clearance of a rail crossing includes: (a) detecting the presence of a train near the crossing, the train being equipped with a locomotive control unit; (b) in response to detection of the train near the crossing, generating a unique code; (c) capturing an image of the crossing; (d) transmitting the unique code along with the image to a remote operator control unit; (e) using the locomotive control unit, waiting for a response from the operator control unit containing the unique code; and (f) if the response containing the unique code is received by the locomotive control unit, permitting further operation of the train and, if the unique code is not received by the locomotive control unit, carrying out an automatic response which prevents movement of the train through the crossing.

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 track-bound vehicle has a first and a second car coupled to one another and at least one sensor device for monitoring a region between the two coupled cars. In order to allow particularly reliable monitoring of the region between the two coupled cars, the at least one sensor device is an optical sensor system having at least one optical transmitter on the side of the first car directed at the region to be monitored and at least one optical receiver on the side of the second car. The sensor is implemented for outputting a detection signal if the light path between the at least one optical transmitter and the at least one optical receiver is interrupted.

Abstract: A rail vehicle control communication system includes a vehicle management device capable of being coupled with a conductive pathway extending along a track and of forming an instruction to control an operation of a rail vehicle travelling along the track, the vehicle management device transmitting the instruction to the rail vehicle through the conductive pathway; and an on-board communication device capable of being coupled with the rail vehicle, the on-board communication device configured to receive the instruction communicated through the conductive pathway from the vehicle management device, the on-board communication device configured to change the operation of the rail vehicle based on the instruction.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving a balance between engine fuel economy and exhaust emissions in an off-highway vehicle. One example method includes adjusting an engine injection timing based on an ambient NOx level estimated by a NOx sensor in the engine intake. Another example method includes adjusting a trip plan with a time in notch duty cycle based on a deviation from the time in notch duty cycle from a reference duty cycle.

Abstract: A fuel efficiency improvement device for use on each of a plurality of locomotives in a consist includes a processor configured to transmit an initialization message including an identifier and power and fuel consumption rate information for the locomotive on which it is installed to all other locomotives in the consist. One of the devices is chosen to act as a lead device. The lead device is responsible for determining alternative throttle notch settings for each of the locomotives based on the power and fuel consumption rate information in the initialization message. The lead device may be chosen on the basis of identifiers in the initialization messages such as serial numbers. The alternative throttle settings may be determined using greedy value and maximum power calculations.

Abstract: A configurable diesel powered system is provided for controlling engine emissions of a diesel-fueled power generating unit. The diesel-fueled power generating unit includes an engine operating on at least one fuel type. The system includes a plurality of operational input devices coupled with a processor to generate operational input signals to the processor. A plurality of end use devices include fuel tanks for each respective fuel type and are controlled by the processor to control the engine emissions. A configuration input device in communication with the processor generates a respective configuration signal for each particular location along the predetermined course comprising a mission.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: A fuel efficiency improvement device for use on each of a plurality of locomotives in a consist includes a processor configured to transmit an initialization message including an identifier and power and fuel consumption rate information for the locomotive on which it is installed to all other locomotives in the consist. One of the devices is chosen to act as a lead device. The lead device is responsible for determining alternative throttle notch settings for each of the locomotives based on the power and fuel consumption rate information in the initialization message. The lead device may be chosen on the basis of identifiers in the initialization messages such as serial numbers. The alternative throttle settings may be determined using greedy value and maximum power calculations.

Abstract: A control system is provided for improving the handling of a powered system traveling along a route. The powered system includes a first and second powered vehicle respectively positioned in two consists, which are separated by at least one non-powered vehicle. The control system includes a controller configured to determine at least one slack location along the powered system. The slack location represents a force separation in the powered system between two respective regions, which include a compression region subject to a compression force and a tension region subject to a tension force. The controller is coupled to a respective engine of a powered vehicle, and the controller adjusts an output of the engine to control a rate of change of the at least one slack location along the powered system. Additionally, a method is provided for improving the handling of a powered system traveling along a route.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a railway system, the railway system comprising a lead vehicle consist, a non-lead vehicle consist and railcars, the apparatus including a first element for determining a slack condition of railway system segments, wherein the segments are delineated by nodes, and a control element configured to control an application of tractive effort or braking effort of the lead vehicle consist or the non-lead vehicle consist.

Abstract: The system and method for controlling a consist of at least first and second locomotives having discrete operating modes. The method comprises receiving a control command and determining a power operating mode of the first locomotive and a power operating mode of the second locomotive as a function of the control command and an optimization parameter. The power operating mode of the second locomotive is different as compared to the power operating mode of the first locomotive in at least one mode of operation of the method. The method further comprises controlling the first locomotive responsive to the power operating mode of the first locomotive and controlling the second locomotive responsive to the power operating mode of second locomotive.

Abstract: A system for controlling, a response to an operator, a consist of at least first and second locomotives having discrete operating modes. The system comprises an operator control, a first controller, a second controller, and a communication link. Alternatively, the system and method includes control modules which may be retrofitted to an existing consist control. The power operating modes of the locomotives within a consist are selected to optimize the operation of the consist. The operation of the consist may be optimized for any number of factors including optimizing for braking capacity, as a function of the location, base on a performance parameter which is a function of a performance profile or the location of a crew member.

Abstract: A system for controlling a locomotive, including a plurality of portable communications units, each unit adapted to generate signals conveying commands indicative of functions to be performed by the locomotive. Each unit is also associated with an operational status; the signals generated by each unit have a characteristic dependent on the operational status associated with that unit. Also, the system includes a controller adapted to receive the signals generated by the plurality of portable communications units, to determine the commands conveyed by the received signals and to control the locomotive on the basis of the decoded commands. By making each portable transmitter unit aware of its operational status, battery power can be conserved and airwave congestion reduced by precluding the transmission of commands that are guaranteed to be rejected because of the lack of command authority of an originating unit.

Abstract: A system for controlling, a response to an operator, a consist of at least first and second locomotives having discrete operating modes. The system comprises an operator control, a first controller, a second controller, and a communication link. Alternatively, the system and method includes control modules which may be retrofitted to an existing consist control. The power operating modes of the locomotives within a consist are selected to optimize the operation of the consist. The operation of the consist may be optimized for any number of factors including optimizing for braking capacity, as a function of the location, base on a performance parameter which is a function of a performance profile or the location of a crew member.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling, a response to an operator, a consist of at least first and second locomotives having discrete operating modes. The system and method comprises an operator control, a first controller, a second controller, and a communication link. Alternatively, the system and method includes control modules which may be retrofitted to an existing consist control. The power operating modes of the locomotives within a consist are selected to optimize the operation of the consist. The operation of the consist may be optimized for any number of factors including optimizing for braking capacity, as a function of the location, base on a performance parameter which is a function of a performance profile or the location of a crew member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for the automatic control of a guided vehicle (2) and proposes a new safety concept which, if breakdowns and/or emergencies arise, prevents the vehicle from being stopped in tunnels, on bridges or on pathless terrain. The invention lies in that between preselected stopping regions (11, 12, 13) provided with system for evaluation of passengers and for intervention by rescue services, the vehicle is always operated at such a high speed that even if the driving force fails, travel can still continue from every point of the line on account of its instantaneous momentum at least as far as a preselected subsequent stopping region in the direction of travel, and if a breakdown and/or emergency situation arises the vehicle (2) is brought to a standstill by initiation of automatic train stop or target automatic train stop in this preselected stopping region (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A control method of an electric vehicle in which a frictional contact of rotating or stationary wheels of the electric vehicle to a rail road is recovered again when the wheels are in a slipping condition which is determined by a variable concerning rotation of the wheels exceeding a detection level which is determined by a sum of an instructed vehicle acceleration and a gradient acceleration determined by an inclination of the rail road.

Abstract: A warning system suitable for use with lift trucks, or the like, which routinely transverse hazardous, blind or otherwise dangerous intersections. The system includes a transmitter, which is mounted atop the roll cage of the lift truck, and a receiver which is fixedly mounted within the corresponding zone of the intersection. The transmitter derives its primary power from the vehicle via the vehicle seat switch and radiates a suitable carrier signal through an antenna network which is integral with the transmitter housing. The carrier signal is suitably modulated or encoded by means of a secure modulation format such as FSK. The receiver is disposed at the approximate center of the intersection and includes a carrier and a modulation decoder. The decoded output of the receiver is used to control a visual indicator such as a strobe light. The output of the transmitter is adjusted by way of its antenna network and the receiver sensitivity is further adjusted to establish the desired range limits.