Progress Rail Services Corporation Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160103083 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING WHEEL BEARING CONDITION - The present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting a condition associated with a wheel bearing on a train car. The method may include detecting a size and a location of the wheel bearing. The method may also include detecting a temperature associated with the wheel bearing based at least in part on the size and the location of the wheel bearing. The method may further include determining a wheel bearing condition based on the detected temperature. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101792 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING WHEEL CONDITION - The present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting a condition associated with a wheel on a train car. The method may include detecting a position of the wheel. The method may also include detecting a position of a rail on which the wheel travels. The method may further include comparing the position of the wheel relative to the position of the rail, and determining a wheel condition based on the comparison. | 04-14-2016 |
20160101789 | ENTRANCE SYSTEM FOR SHORT NOSE OF LOCOMOTIVE - An entrance system for providing access to a short nose of a locomotive is provided. The entrance system includes a door assembly coupled to a wall. The door assembly further includes a panel having predetermined shape, and a plurality of vents on a surface of the panel. The door assembly further includes a frame encasing the panel and a first lock in member coupled to the frame. The frame has a hinged connection to the wall. The entrance system includes a second locking member coupled to the wall. The first locking member and the second locking member are adapted to prevent a rotation of the door assembly around the hinged connection under locking condition of the entrance system. The entrance system further includes a cover flush mounted with a floor of the cabin and at least a portion of the cover extends beneath the frame. | 04-14-2016 |
20160091396 | Method and System for Data Redundancy Storage - A computer-implemented method includes a first controller configured to receive and record operational data associated with operation of a locomotive, process, via a processor, the operational data, and determine, using the processor, a data storage plan for the operational data. The data storage plan can dynamically change based on the operational data. The system may be further configured to store the operational data with a second controller associated with a second locomotive according to the data storage plan. | 03-31-2016 |
20160090111 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EVENT RECORDER PLAYBACK - An event recorder playback system for a plurality of locomotives in a consist is described, including a processor configured to receive and save a first dataset and a second dataset associated with operation of a first locomotive and a second locomotive, respectively, in the consist. The processor may determine, using the processor, a point of synchronization of the first dataset and the second dataset with respect to time, and align the first dataset and the second dataset using the point of synchronization. The event recorder playback system may be further configured to output the first dataset and the second dataset on an output device. The output is aligned with respect to time. | 03-31-2016 |
20160084184 | EXHAUST SYSTEM HAVING AFTERTREATMENT REGENERATION CYCLE CONTROL - An exhaust system for an engine is provided that may have an exhaust passage configured to direct exhaust from the engine to the atmosphere. The exhaust system may also have an aftertreatment component disposed within the exhaust passage, a throttle configured to generate a throttle position signal indicative of a throttle position of the engine, and a temperature sensor configured to generate a temperature signal indicative of the exhaust temperature. The exhaust system may also have a controller in communication with the engine, the throttle, the sensor, and the aftertreatment component, configured to monitor the temperature signal and track a total duration for which the temperature signal is less than a threshold temperature. The controller may also be configured to initiate a load increase on the engine to raise a temperature of exhaust exiting the engine when the total duration is greater than a threshold duration. The threshold temperature and the threshold duration vary during operation of the engine, and are determined by the controller based on one or more inputs including at least the throttle position. | 03-24-2016 |
20160047165 | LADDER FOR MAST ASSEMBLY - A ladder for a mast assembly is provided. The ladder includes a frame assembly having a pair of side rails and a plurality of rungs. The ladder also includes a sub-assembly affixed to an interior facing side of the frame assembly. The sub-assembly includes a platform provided at a bottom section of the sub-assembly. The sub-assembly also includes a plurality of support rails provided at a top section of the sub-assembly. A first end of each of the support rails is pivotably coupled to the frame assembly. A second end of each of the support rails is configured to contact with the mast assembly when the ladder is in a deployed position with respect to the mast assembly. The frame assembly and the at least one sub-assembly is collapsible against the mast assembly. | 02-18-2016 |
20150371243 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PARTS FORECASTING - Systems and methods are disclosed for forecasting future sales of a part. The system includes at least one processor configured with instructions to collect historical sales data of the part, collect historical telematics data from one or more machines including the part, and collect historical econometric data relevant to the part. The at least one processor also generates a group of candidate predictors from the historical telematics data and the historical econometric data, select predictors from the group of candidate predictors, and establish a forecasting model representing a relationship between the selected predictors and the historical sales data of the part. The at least one processor forecasts future sales of the part by using the established forecasting model. | 12-24-2015 |
20150345370 | COOLING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A MOBILE MACHINE - A cooling control system is provided for a mobile machine having an engine. The cooling control system may have a circuit fluidly connected to the engine, and a heat exchanger configured to dissipate heat from coolant in the circuit. The cooling control system may also have a fan disposed proximate the heat exchanger, a thermostat configured to selectively allow coolant through the heat exchanger, and a locating device configured to generate a location signal indicative of a location of the mobile machine. The cooling control system may further have a pressure sensor configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a barometric pressure in proximity to the mobile machine, and a controller in communication with the fan, the thermostat, the locating device, and the pressure sensor. The controller may be configured to selectively activate the fan and cause the thermostat to move to an increased cooling position when the location signal indicates the mobile machine is within a threshold area of a geological feature known to increase a temperature of the engine, and to selectively activate the fan and cause the thermostat to move based on the pressure signal when the location signal from the locating device is unavailable. | 12-03-2015 |
20150329123 | WALKWAY SYSTEMS FOR LOCOMOTIVES - A walkway system for adaptation to a pre-existing base structure of a locomotive car body is disclosed. The walkway system includes a first side panel, a second side panel, a base section, and a cover panel. The base section is structured and arranged to overlay the pre-existing walkway of the locomotive car body and is connected to the first side panel and the second side panel. The first side panel, the second side panel, and the base section define at least one passageway. The cover panel is structured and arranged to removably engage with the first and second side panels. The cover panel encloses the passageway when the cover panel is engaged with the first and second side panels. The passageway is accessible when the cover panel is selectively removed. | 11-19-2015 |
20150218830 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING PLATFORM - A platform is disclosed. The platform includes a body having at least one piece. The platform also includes an indent portion formed at an attachment face of the body of the platform. The indent portion is configured to at least partly surround the mast. The platform further includes a coupling mechanism provided on at least a portion of the body. The coupling mechanism is configured to selectively allow the platform to be attached to and detached from the mast without removal of the mast. | 08-06-2015 |
20150204024 | RAILWAY HAVING VIBRATION-DAMPENED DETECTOR TIE - A detector tie is provided for use in a railway. The detector tie may have a tie base, and a detector operatively coupled to the tie base. The detector tie may also have a vibration damper connected to a least one of the tie base and the detector. The vibration damper may be configured to protect the at least one detector from vibrations induced within the railway. | 07-23-2015 |
20150195483 | EVENT RECORDER PLAYBACK WITH INTEGRATED GPS MAPPING - A computer-implemented method includes enabling a user of event recorder playback software to select a past time segment of recorded locomotive event data. The method includes presenting recorded video data recorded by one or more cameras on the locomotive during the past time segment, presenting recorded GPS map data indicative of the geographical position of the locomotive during the past time segment, and presenting recorded locomotive operational data recorded during the past time segment. The presentations of recorded video data, recorded GPS map data, and recorded locomotive operational data are synchronized based on a common attribute associated with all of the recorded data. Implementation of a select animation process to one or more of the presentations of recorded data results in the simultaneous implementation of the same select animation process to another of the presentations of recorded data. | 07-09-2015 |
20150160275 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING POWER CONSUMPTION OF AN LED LAMP - A system is provided for monitoring power consumption of a light emitting diode (LED) lamp. The system includes a first sensor, a second sensor and a processor. The first sensor is associated with a voltage level. The second sensor is associated with a current level light emitting diode and a monitoring module. Further, the processor is configured to receive a voltage signal from the first sensor and a current level signal from the second sensor and determine a power level consumption of the LED lamp. | 06-11-2015 |
20150131696 | Device for Testing a Sensor of Train Undercarriage Temperatures - A test apparatus for testing an IR sensor of train undercarriage temperatures is disclosed. The IR sensor may be used to obtain infrared IR emission data by sensing a wheel or a wheel bearing of a rail vehicle. The test apparatus may comprise a heat emitter for supplying IR emissions at a reference temperature to the IR sensor. A support may support the heat emitter at a position spaced from the passage of the rail vehicle and in an orientation for directing the IR emissions at the IR sensor. | 05-14-2015 |
20150033975 | ADZER MACHINE HAVING FAILSAFE HEAD ASSEMBLY - A head assembly is provided for use with adzer machine. The head assembly may have a lift frame, and a cutting head rotationally connected to the lift frame. The head assembly may also have a skid, and a single-acting hydraulic cylinder connecting the skid to the lift frame. The head assembly may further have a spring connecting the skid to the lift frame. | 02-05-2015 |
20150021444 | INTEGRATED TIME-STAMPED EVENT RECORDER - An event recorder includes an outer case, and a first memory module including a first amount of data storage capacity contained within the outer case. The first memory module is configured to receive and store multiple types of data including at least two of: video data; audio data; locomotive data indicative of one or more locomotive operating parameters, locomotive control signals, and locomotive performance characteristics; engine operating parameter data; exhaust characteristics data; electrical data; and positive train control data. A controller contained within the outer case may be configured to associate a universal time stamp with each of the multiple types of data stored in the first memory module. An inner, crash-hardened case may be contained within the outer case, containing a second memory module including a second amount of data storage capacity that is smaller than the first amount. The controller may be further configured to periodically transfer a portion of the time-stamped data stored in the first memory module to the second memory module. | 01-22-2015 |
20140346780 | CONNECTION ASSEMBLY FOR A POWER SYSTEM - A connection assembly for a power system is disclosed. The connection assembly may have a housing configured to be connected to a stationary portion of a generator and a bearing operatively connected to the housing. The connection assembly may also have a shaft supported by the bearing and configured to be connected to a rotor of the generator. The connection assembly may additionally have an adapter coupled to the housing and configured to be connected to an engine. The shaft may extend through an opening in the housing and an opening in the adapter to connect with a crankshaft of the engine. | 11-27-2014 |
20140345067 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING PORTIONS OF A LOADING RAMP - A system for aligning outer edges of upper surfaces of ramp portions of a loading ramp. The system may include a plurality of sensors configured to provide signals indicative of whether the outer edges of upper surfaces of adjacent ramp portions are aligned. The system may also include a plurality of actuators configured to raise and lower at least one of the outer edges of an upper surface of a ramp portion. The system may also include a controller configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors, determine whether the outer edges of upper surfaces of adjacent ramp portions are aligned, and provide signals to the actuators to affect movement thereof causing the outer edges of the upper surfaces of the adjacent ramp portions to be aligned. | 11-27-2014 |
20140331890 | BALLAST FOR LOCOMOTIVES - A ballast is configured to be selectively coupled to a chassis of a locomotive based on an anticipated change in axle load capacity of a rail. The ballast includes a container, a lid, and a catch plate. The container includes one or more sides and is configured to store a heavy mass of material therein. The lid is disposed on one of a bottom and lateral sides of the container. The catch plate is spaced apart and rigidly attached to the container to define a pocket therebetween. The pockets are configured to allow one or more lifting implements to be inserted such that the container may be hoisted and selectively coupled to the chassis. | 11-13-2014 |
20140321501 | HOT BEARING DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for identifying a hot bearing. A processor may be configured for receiving a plurality of infrared (IR) signals emitted by a bearing as the bearing passes through a view window being monitored by one or more IR sensing elements positioned to receive IR radiation emitted from a target area of the bearing. The processor may extract IR data from IR signals emitted from an area within the target area of the bearing defined by a narrow window extending along a longitudinal axis for a length corresponding to substantially an entire length of the bearing. The processor may also establish a characteristic thermal profile from the extracted IR data, the characteristic thermal profile exhibiting identifiable boundaries of an area of interest on the bearing. The processor may compare temperatures of the bearing within the area of interest to a threshold, and produce an alarm signal if temperatures of the bearing within the area of interest exceed the threshold. | 10-30-2014 |
20140318632 | DUAL CAPACITY FLUID TANK ASSEMBLY - A fluid tank assembly is provided for use with a mobile machine. The fluid tank assembly may have a tank with a lower surface, an upper surface located opposite the lower surface, and at least one side surface joining the lower and upper surfaces. The tank may also have a first opening disposed within the upper surface at a first elevation, and a second opening disposed within the upper surface at a second elevation. The fluid tank assembly may further have a float valve interchangeably mountable within the first and second openings, and a plug interchangeably mountable within the first and second openings. The fluid tank assembly may also have a fill port mounted within one of the upper surface and the at least one side surface and fluidly connected to the float valve. Movement of the float valve may function to open and close the fill port. | 10-30-2014 |
20140318410 | LOCOMOTIVE WITH VARIABLE POWER MODULES - A locomotive includes a plurality of axles and a plurality of pairs of wheels, each pair of wheels being connected to one of said axles. The locomotive also includes a plurality of traction motors, each traction motor operably attached to at least one of the axles. The locomotive includes a power system including at least one power module, the power system being configured to provide power to the traction motors. The locomotive includes a controller configured to receive a control signal indicative of a locomotive powering mode and determine a number of power modules operably connected to the power system and, based on the number of power modules operably connected to the power system and the control signal, send a command signal to the power system for operating the power system. | 10-30-2014 |
20140311715 | RADIATOR FAN ASSEMBLY - A radiator fan for a locomotive is provided. The radiator fan includes a fan housing. The radiator fan further includes at least one bracket secured to the fan housing. The radiator fan is adapted to be installed and removed from a side of the locomotive by engagement with the at least one bracket. | 10-23-2014 |
20140267724 | RECORDING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE - A recording system may include a camera configured to record images including a first image and a storage device configured to store the images. The recording system may include a controller configured to identify at least one vertical line contained in the first image and determine whether the first image is indicative of a probable event area based on the identification of the at least one vertical line. The controller may be configured to command the camera to record the images at a first quality if the first image is indicative of a probable event area. The controller may also be configured to command the camera to record images at a second quality if the first image is not indicative of a probable event area. The images recorded at the second quality occupy less memory in the storage device than the images recorded at the first quality. | 09-18-2014 |
20140239127 | EMERGENCY OVERRIDE SYSTEM - An emergency override system for a machine is disclosed. The emergency override system may have an input device configured to generate a stop signal. The emergency override system may also have a receiver configured to receive the stop signal. The emergency override system may further have a controller in communication with the receiver and connectable to a signal pin, which is configured to indicate a travel direction of the machine. The controller may be configured to stop a travel of the machine by applying a threshold voltage to the signal pin, when the receiver has received the stop signal. | 08-28-2014 |
20140169398 | TEMPERATURE DETECTOR HAVING DIFFERENT TYPES OF INDEPENDENT SENSORS - The present disclosure is directed to a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of a component. The temperature detector may receive a first signal indicative of the temperature of the component, with the first signal being received from a first type of temperature sensor. The temperature detector may further receive a second signal indicative of the temperature of the component, with the second signal being received from a second type of temperature sensor different from the first type of temperature sensor. The temperature detector may combine the first and second signals to generate an output indicative of the temperature of the component. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166885 | MULTI-BEAM DETECTOR RETROFITTED FROM SINGLE-BEAM DETECTOR - The present disclosure is directed to a method of retrofitting an existing single-beam infrared scanner assembly for detecting the temperature of an object. The method may include removing optics and optoeleetronic components contained within an existing housing of the single-beam infrared scanner assembly. The optics and optoelectronic components of the single-beam infrared scanner assembly may be replaced with optics and optoelectronic components for a multi-beam infrared scanner assembly. The replacement optics and optoelectronic components for the multi-beam infrared scanner assembly may be installed in the existing housing of the single-beam infrared scanner assembly. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165717 | PRECIPITATION DETECTOR FOR RAILROAD APPLICATIONS - A method for detecting precipitation is disclosed. The method may include receiving a signal from a sensing module positioned in the vicinity of a railroad track, the signal being indicative of a capacitive dielectric property of a form of precipitation that has accumulated in the vicinity of the railroad track. The method may further include processing the signal from the sensing module to determine the type of precipitation that has accumulated in the vicinity of the railroad track as a function of the indicated capacitive dielectric property. The method may still further include sending a signal indicative of a recommended action based on the type of precipitation. | 06-19-2014 |
20140118152 | AUTOMATED CALIBRATION METHOD FOR A DRAGGING EQUIPMENT DETECTOR - A method for calibrating a moving object impact detector is disclosed. A controller may receive input indicative of movement of an impact element from a first position to a second position. The controller may also receive an activation signal corresponding to the movement of the impact element. The controller may further receive input indicative of instructions to correlate the activation signal with the movement of the impact element. The controller may selectively set the activation signal as a reference signal for the detector, with the reference signal being indicative of an impact the moving object impact detector is set to detect. | 05-01-2014 |
20140110537 | MULTI-FUNCTION DRAGGER - The present disclosure is directed to a dragger. The dragger may have a plurality of sensors configured to be located adjacent a railroad track. Each of the plurality of sensors may be oriented at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. The dragger may also have a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller may be configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors, determine a parameter based on at least one of the received signals, and detect a fault condition when the parameter exceeds a threshold. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110536 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING DRAGGING EQUIPMENT - The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for characterizing an object protruding beneath a train traveling along a rail. The method may include receiving one or more signals indicative of a detected horizontal force component and a detected vertical force component generated by impact of the object with a stationary impact element. The method may also characterize the object based on the detected horizontal and vertical force components. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110535 | Speed sensitive dragging equipment detector - The disclosure is directed to a method of detecting an object beneath a train. The method may include receiving a first signal indicative of a speed of the train, receiving a second signal indicative of a three generated by impact of the object with an impact element, and selecting a threshold value based on the speed of the train. The method may also include processing the second signal in accordance with a first procedure if the first signal indicates a speed of the train less than the threshold level, and processing the second signal in accordance with a second procedure different from the first procedure if the first signal is equal to or greater than the threshold level. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110534 | FLAT WHEEL DETECTOR WITH MULTIPLE SENSORS - The present disclosure is directed to a flat wheel detector. The flat wheel detector may have a first sensor configured to be located adjacent a rail of a railroad track. The first sensor may be oriented at a first angle relative to a horizontal plane. The flat wheel detector may also have a second sensor configured to be located adjacent the rail. The second sensor may be oriented at a second angle relative to the horizontal plane. In addition, the flat wheel detector may have a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to receive signals from the first and second sensors. The controller may also be configured to detect a flat wheel on a railroad car based on the signals. | 04-24-2014 |
20140088801 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING TRAIN BRAKES - The present disclosure is directed to a method of monitoring the performance of a wheel brake for a wheel on a train car. The method may include detecting a first temperature of the wheel with the wheel brake deactivated. The method may also include activating the wheel brake and detecting a second temperature of the wheel with the wheel brake activated. The method may include determining a wheel brake condition based on at least the first and second temperatures of the wheel. | 03-27-2014 |
20140059786 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING PORTIONS OF A LOADING RAMP - A system for aligning outer edges of upper surfaces of ramp portions of a loading ramp. The system may include a plurality of sensors configured to provide signals indicative of whether the outer edges of upper surfaces of adjacent ramp portions are aligned. The system may also include a plurality of actuators configured to raise and lower at least one of the outer edges of an upper surface of a ramp portion. The system may also include a controller configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors, determine whether the outer edges of upper surfaces of adjacent ramp portions are aligned, and provide signals to the actuators to affect movement thereof causing the outer edges of the upper surfaces of the adjacent ramp portions to be aligned. | 03-06-2014 |
20130094535 | DEVICE FOR TESTING A SENSOR OF TRAIN UNDERCARRIAGE TEMPERATURES - A test apparatus for testing an IR sensor of train undercarriage temperatures is disclosed. The IR sensor may be used to obtain infrared IR emission data by sensing a wheel or a wheel bearing of a rail vehicle. The test apparatus may comprise a heat emitter for supplying IR emissions at a reference temperature to the IR sensor. A support may support the heat emitter at a position spaced from the passage of the rail vehicle and in an orientation for directing the IR emissions at the IR sensor. | 04-18-2013 |
20130032674 | DETECTOR FOR DETECTING TRAIN WHEEL BEARING TEMPERATURE - A detector for detecting a condition of a rail vehicle undercarriage component including a sensor with infrared sensing elements, each of the elements configured to scan regions of a target area of the rail vehicle undercarriage component. The sensor is oriented so that at least one of the elements receives unobstructed infrared emissions from the rail vehicle undercarriage component, and the sensing elements are arranged in a matrix of plurality of arrays. | 02-07-2013 |