Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080201028 | METHOD AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE CODE FOR UNCOUPLING POWER CONTROL OF A DISTRIBUTED POWERED SYSTEM FROM COUPLED POWER SETTINGS - 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. | 08-21-2008 |
20080269967 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING TRACK FEATURES AND CONTROLLING A RAILROAD TRAIN RESPONSIVE THERETO - 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. | 10-30-2008 |
20080288131 | METHOD OF ENTRY AND EXIT OF A REMOTE CONTROL MODE OF A LOCOMOTIVE BRAKE SYSTEM - 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. | 11-20-2008 |
20090069961 | CHANGE OVER VALVE FOR A TRANSITION SYSTEM - 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. | 03-12-2009 |
20090099715 | Method and Apparatus for Control and Safe Braking in Personal Rapid Transit Systems with Linear Induction Motors - 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. | 04-16-2009 |
20090125170 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING A BRAKING SCHEDULE OF A POWERED SYSTEM TRAVELING ALONG A ROUTE - 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. | 05-14-2009 |
20090210106 | LOCOMOTIVE AIR/VACUUM CONTROL SYSTEM - 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. | 08-20-2009 |
20090216395 | System and Method for Identifying a Condition of an Upcoming Feature in a Track Network - 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. | 08-27-2009 |
20090234523 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A QUALITY OF A LOCATION ESTIMATION OF A POWERED SYSTEM - 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. | 09-17-2009 |
20090254232 | Vehicle and Method for Drive Control in a Vehicle - 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. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254233 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE OPERATION INCORPORATING QUICK CLEARING FUNCTION - 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. | 10-08-2009 |
20090276108 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING IMAGES OF WAYSIDE EQUIPMENT ADJACENT TO A ROUTE - 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. | 11-05-2009 |
20090326747 | Method And System For The Activation Of A Freewheeling Axle In Order To Maintain A Braking Force - 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. | 12-31-2009 |
20100023190 | TRIP OPTIMIZER METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE CODE FOR OPERATING A RAILROAD TRAIN TO MINIMIZE WHEEL AND TRACK WEAR - 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. | 01-28-2010 |
20100049384 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR OPERATING A DISTRIBUTED POWER TRAIN - 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. | 02-25-2010 |
20100094489 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING A PENALTY PERIOD FOR A DISTRIBUTED POWER TRAIN - A system is provided for reducing a penalty period for a distributed power train. The distributed power train includes a braking system that switches into an application state upon commencement of the penalty period. The braking system includes a fluid carrying brake pipe which connects a first locomotive and a remote locomotive. The system includes a sensor positioned within the distributed power train, which measures a parameter related to the operation of the braking system. A control processor is positioned within the first locomotive, and is coupled to the sensor. Subsequent to the commencement of the penalty period, the control processor monitors the measured parameter and switches the braking system from the application state into a release state to reduce the penalty period, based on the measured parameter falling within a predetermined safety range. Additionally, a method is provided for reducing a penalty period for a distributed power train. | 04-15-2010 |
20100131130 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING RESISTANCE PARAMETERS AND WEIGHT OF A TRAIN - A computer readable storage medium has a sequence of instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to acquire a plurality of actual train speed measurements from at least one sensor during a journey and acquire a train power parameter corresponding to each of the plurality of actual train speed measurements. The sequence of instructions further causes the processor to estimate a plurality of resistance parameters from the plurality of actual train speed measurements and the corresponding train power parameters. | 05-27-2010 |
20100145557 | Model train control - A wireless DCC model railroad throttle comprises a throttle program operable on a portable data processing device to display a graphical user interface and communicate a user's control inputs to a layout controlling interface managing communication with a digitally controlled model railroad layout. | 06-10-2010 |
20100152934 | REMOTE CONTROL BRAKE SYSTEM AND MANIFOLD - A locomotive brake system includes a plurality of electronic air brake controllers for controlling at least a train brake pipe and a locomotive brake pipe interconnected by a communication network. A communication port and a system controller are connected to the network. The system controller controls the configuration of the electronic air brake controllers for standard mode and remote mode of the brake system and assembling EAB network signals for communication between a remote locomotive controller to be connected to the communication port and the electronic air brake controllers. | 06-17-2010 |
20100168940 | POSITION CONTROL SYSTEM - A method for determining slippage of at least one wheel of at least one vehicle having a motor and a processor that communicates velocity commands to the motor for varying a velocity of the vehicle is presented. The method includes determining an actual velocity of the vehicle over regular intervals; comparing, over regular intervals, the actual velocity of the vehicle to the expected velocity from the magnitude of the velocity commands to determine whether there is slip of the wheel of the vehicle; and reducing the magnitude of the velocity commands to equal approximately the actual velocity of the vehicle where there is slip of the wheel. A system and circuit carrying out the method are also presented. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168941 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE CONTROL OF LOCOMOTIVES - The present invention is directed to the remote control of locomotives, and more particularly to various methods and apparatus employed in implementing systems for such remote control. Contemplated in the present invention are systems and methods for not only reliable remote-control communications, but also the use of repeaters and communications servers to assure reliable, centralized communication between locomotives and operator control units. In another embodiment, there is described a reliable distributed communication mode using an uncorrelated time sequence that does not interfere with a time division multiple access network. Differentiation between the centralized mode and the distributed mode is accomplished by assessing whether a locomotive and control unit is within a rail yard's infrastructure. Moreover, reliability is assured using a coordination server that dynamically routes packets between multiple satellite RCL repeaters based on received signal strength. Lastly, the present invention further contemplates the use of an out-of-band transmission to upgrade and test operator control units, thereby allowing for field maintenance and software upgrades. | 07-01-2010 |
20100198434 | TRACK BRAKE CONTROLLER - A track brake control system for providing braking of a railway vehicle is disclosed. The control system operates upon receipt of an emergency braking command. The control system includes a member for receiving deceleration information from one or more sensing devices. The control system further includes member for comparing the deceleration information with a reference value or reference profile. Further, the control system includes at feast one regulating device for continuously adjusting a braking demand signal to a track brake so as to cause deceleration of the railway vehicle based on the this comparison. | 08-05-2010 |
20100211238 | PUBLIC HIGHWAY SYSTEM - The public highway system includes automated, elevated single lane throughways having wide and narrow gauge rail track arranged in various combinations. A control system regulates spacing of bimodal vehicles while maintaining a uniform speed for all vehicles on the system. The bimodal vehicles perform as conventional automobiles on conventional roadways and as fully automated safe high speed vehicles on elevated single lane, single speed, high-density electric rail guideways using static vertical switching accomplished by operation of variable gauge rail wheels on the vehicle to engage with or disengage from a wide gauge track portion wider than the bimodal vehicles. Vehicles enter/leave the mainline on the narrower gauge track. The wider gauge is for passing over off-ramps or in switching systems. A single lane can handle 15,800 veh/hr including mixed use such as mail, freight, mass transit in captive driverless vehicles with exclusive off-ramps to federal, commercial, industrial and public terminals. | 08-19-2010 |
20100235022 | CONTROL OF THROTTLE AND BRAKING ACTIONS AT INDIVIDUAL DISTRIBUTED POWER LOCOMOTIVES IN A RAILROAD TRAIN - A method for controlling first ( | 09-16-2010 |
20100241296 | System and Method for Controlling Braking of a Train - A method of controlling braking of a train that includes obtaining in an on-board computer of the train a brake propagation delay time (T | 09-23-2010 |
20100262321 | System, Method and Computer Software Code for Optimizing Train Operations Considering Rail Car Parameters - A method for improving train performance, the method including determining a rail car parameter for at least one rail car to be included in a train, and creating a train trip plan based on the rail car parameter in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the train. | 10-14-2010 |
20100280683 | TRAIN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE - It is an object to provide a train information management system that performs high-order priority processing of brake commands without using a relay, and that achieves improved redundancy, enables high-speed processing, and achieves high reliability with a simple configuration. For that, by performing high-order priority processing of brake notches that are created by an ATC system, an automatic train stop, and a manual braking device without using a relay, but by performing comparison processing based on logic by a train information management system, the improved redundancy, the high-speed processing, and the high reliability are achieved. | 11-04-2010 |
20100299007 | Method & apparatus for hybrid train control device - A method and an apparatus for an on-board train control device are provided, and are based on converting speed codes received from wayside cab-signaling devices into movement authority limits. The device determines the train location independent of the wayside train detection system, and generates and enforces stopping profiles based on said movement authority limits. | 11-25-2010 |
20100305788 | METHOD FOR ADAPTING AT LEAST ONE PARAMETER IN A CONTROLLED SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a method for adapting at least one parameter in a controlled system of a vehicle, wherein at least some of the possible positions of the vehicle within a road network that can be traveled by the vehicle are associated with at least one position-related boundary condition of the road network. The at least one parameter in the controlled system of the vehicle is adapted during travel as a function of the current position of the vehicle based on the position-related boundary conditions that are present there. | 12-02-2010 |
20100318247 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGULATING SPEED, POWER OR POSITION OF A POWERED VEHICLE - A system for regulating the speed, position and/or power of a powered vehicle, which is traveling on a track system according to a planned trip. The system comprises a database having data relative to the planned trip including a plurality of elapsed travel times associated with a planned speed, position and power. One or more controllers provide data including data relative to an operating speed, position and power of the vehicle during the trip and an operating time at which the vehicle is traveling at the operating speed, power or position. A regulator may adjust the operating parameter of the vehicle if the difference between the vehicle operating data and planned trip data exceeds a predetermined threshold speed. | 12-16-2010 |
20100324761 | ELECTRIC TRAIN CONTROL APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an electric train control apparatus having a plurality of electric motors and a plurality of inverters configured to control electric motors, independently of one another, including shaft speed calculating units respectively, and configured to calculate shaft speeds of electric motors, reference speed calculating unit configured to calculate a reference speed from shaft speeds of electric motors, acceleration detection control units configured to calculate torque reduction values from rates at which shaft speeds calculated, slip speed control units configured to reduce torques in accordance with a difference between shaft speeds of electric motors, state monitoring units configured to monitor states of detecting shaft speeds and output state signals, and changeover unit configured to switch control of inverters, between control performed by acceleration detection control units and control performed by slip speed control units, in accordance with state signals received from state monitoring units. | 12-23-2010 |
20100332058 | VITAL SPEED PROFILE TO CONTROL A TRAIN MOVING ALONG A TRACK - A speed profile for an entire train trip includes a maximum allowable speed at each point of the entire trip, taking into account the ability of the train to comply with speed reductions encountered during the trip. The speed profile includes a braking curve that gradually reduces from a higher speed to a lower speed starting at a point at which the train must begin braking in order to be traveling at the lower speed when the train reaches the point at which the lower speed limit begins. The speed profile is generated on multiple wayside computers, cross checked, and then vitally transmitted to an onboard locomotive control system. The onboard control system includes redundant speed sensors with redundant vital circuits, and also includes redundant speed comparators to ensure that the train doesn't exceed the speed profile. A GPS receiver may be used for greater reliability. | 12-30-2010 |
20110029167 | TRAIN SLIDE CONTROL DEVICE AND TRAIN SLIDE CONTROL METHOD - A train slide control device and a train slide control method capable of further improving the precision of slide control are achieved. The train slide control device comprises: an electromagnetic valve unit; a relay valve that outputs a pressure of the brake cylinder; and a slide controller that includes: a velocity-difference detecting unit that detects a velocity difference of each wheel based on a velocity signal; a deceleration calculating unit that calculates a deceleration of a train based on the velocity signal; a sliding-amount determining unit that determines a sliding-amount of each wheel based on the velocity difference and deceleration; and a brake-cylinder-pressure calculating unit that calculates a pressure control signal for controlling a pressure of the brake cylinder based on: the sliding-amount; a brake command for obtaining a predetermined deceleration; and a signal that indicates the pressure of the compressed air and a pressure of the brake cylinder. | 02-03-2011 |
20110046827 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SPEED IN AUTOMATIC TRAIN OPERATION - The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for controlling speed in an automatic train operation, capable of estimating and controlling a speed at which a train should run at each position where the train will run in order to satisfy a restrictive speed profile and to make passengers comfortable by observing acceleration limit and jerk limit in case of accelerating or decelerating the train. | 02-24-2011 |
20110093144 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING DATA IN A TRAIN HAVING ONE OR MORE LOCOMOTIVE CONSISTS - A system for communicating data in a train is provided. The system includes at least one respective router transceiver unit positioned in each of at least two rail vehicles of the train. Each router transceiver unit is coupled to a trainline that extends between the rail vehicles. The trainline is an existing cable bus used in the train for transferring propulsion control data between the rail vehicles that controls at least one of tractive effort or braking effort of the rail vehicles. The router transceiver units are configured to communicate network data over the trainline. In one embodiment, the trainline is an Electrically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) trainline and the propulsion control data is ECP brake data used to control operations of brakes in the train. | 04-21-2011 |
20110118914 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INDEPENDENT CONTROL OF VEHICLE - Methods and systems are provided for controlling movement of a train including a plurality of locomotives along a route. In one example, the method comprises, generating a first plan profile, the first plan profile including synchronous settings for the locomotives over a route, and generating a second plan profile based on the first plan profile, the second plan profile including independent settings for the locomotives over at least one region within the route. The method may further comprise, operating the locomotives based in the first and/or second plan profiles. In another example, the method comprises, generating a plan profile with fully independent settings for the locomotives over the entire route, the fully independent settings based on cost function coefficients of each locomotive. | 05-19-2011 |
20110125350 | Method and System for Merge Control in an Automated Vehicle System - Disclosed is a method of controlling merging of a plurality of streams of vehicles in an automated vehicle system. The method comprises: Defining a merge control zone associated with a merge point, the merge control zone defining at least respective sections of the upstream tracks leading to the merge point; detecting a vehicle entering the merge control zone on a first one of the upstream tracks; allocating a passage time to the vehicle, the passage time being indicative of a time at which the vehicle is scheduled to pass the merge point; wherein allocating the passage time is based on a merge priority assigned to the vehicle according to a predetermined set of merge priority rules; controlling a speed of the vehicle responsive to the allocated passage time. | 05-26-2011 |
20110160943 | REGULATOR - A regulator includes a regulation computing section for computing and outputting an operation signal allow a process value from a controlled target to agree with a target value, and an output limiting section for restricting the operation signal from the regulation computing section for output to the controlled target. The output limiting section includes a function for outputting a limit deviation signal indicative of the degree of deviation from a predetermined limit. The regulator also includes an over-integration computing section for calculating a previous over-integration signal corresponding to a previous over-integration occurred during a previous control cycle on the basis of the speed-type integration regulating signal delivered by the regulation computing section and the limit deviation signal. The regulation computing section includes a function for allowing the previous over-integration signal to eliminate the previous over-integration by correcting an integral stored in itself. | 06-30-2011 |
20110270475 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OPERATIONS OF A VEHICLE CONSIST BASED ON LOCATION DATA - Systems and methods are described for monitoring different conditions that are simultaneously or concurrently experienced by different vehicles in the same consist and using the monitored conditions to locally change operations of one or more of the vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, operations data related to one or more vehicles of the consist is acquired from one or more of plural different locations in the consist. The operations data and location data related to where the operations data is acquired are communicated to a first vehicle of the consist. Command data is formed based on the operations data and the location data. The command data directs at least one of the vehicles in the consist to change one or more operations of the at least one of the vehicles. The command data is transmitted to one or more of the vehicles of the consist. | 11-03-2011 |
20120029740 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING SPEED - A method and a corresponding device enable monitoring the speed of rail vehicles. In order to enable a reduction and simplification of the required system components and a speed monitoring that is not only intermittent, it is provided that the rail vehicle emits a signal, the propagation time of which is evaluated on the track side with regard to the speed. The evaluated signal is transmitted back to the rail vehicle. | 02-02-2012 |
20120035791 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A RAILWAY VEHICLE - The invention relates to a method for controlling a railway vehicle having a double drive system, wherein each drive system comprises an internal combustion engine and a transmission unit, wherein a target drive torque (M(SL)) is provided as a power requirement by means of a drive lever, wherein an actual drive torque (M(IST)) of the railway vehicle is determined and a drive torque deviation is calculated from the target drive torque (M(SL)) and the actual drive torque (M(IST)). The method further comprises determining a prediction drive type (AAP), and a target drive type (AA(SL)) in the sense of a single or double drive, a target operating point (BP(SL)), and a target transmission stage (US(SL)) are set for the transmission units, based on the drive torque deviation and the prediction drive type (AAP), by means of a traction manager ( | 02-09-2012 |
20120065818 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A RAIL VEHICLE - A method for operating a rail vehicle includes coasting point determination for a route section. Upon reaching that point, vehicle traction is deactivated and coasting occurs over at least part of the remaining route to a route section end. Coasting points are stored for the route section and assigned a fixed distance and fixed travel time to the section end. Upon passing the route section, continuous evaluation is performed whether a currently recorded distance to the section end is shorter than the fixed distance to the route section end for one coasting point according to a first condition, and whether a current travel time to the section end is longer than or equal to the fixed travel time to the section end according to a second condition. Possible traction deactivation is signaled when fulfilling both conditions. If not fulfilled, another stored coasting point is evaluated for fulfillment of the conditions. | 03-15-2012 |
20120116617 | TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for providing traction control on a wheeled vehicle involves receiving a speed reference signal. A variance in wheel size between a first and at least one other wheel of the vehicle is determined. Lastly, a drive control signal operable to control power to each of the first and at least one other wheel is output, the drive control signal being based on the speed reference signal and determined variance in wheel size and operable to provide that a tractive force exerted by each of the wheels on a corresponding surface during traction and/or braking is substantially similar. | 05-10-2012 |
20120130568 | DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR A RAIL VEHICLE CONSIST AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING DATA WITH A RAIL VEHICLE CONSIST - A data communication system for a rail vehicle consist includes a data reading device and a processing module. The data reading device is disposed on the consist and is configured to interrogate and read data from a tangible and non-transitory medium that is spaced apart from the data reading device. The processing module is disposed on the rail vehicle consist and is communicatively coupled with the data reading device. The processing module receives the data from the data reading device and uses the data in connection with one or more operations of the rail vehicle consist. A method for communicating data with a rail vehicle consist includes interrogating and reading data from a tangible and non-transitory medium using an electronic reading device while the medium is spaced apart from the reading device and using the data in connection with one or more operations of the rail vehicle consist based on the data. | 05-24-2012 |
20120166025 | AUTOMATIC TRAIN CONTROL DEVICE AND TRAIN CONTROL METHOD - An automatic train control device including a ground control device that computes a target stop position of a train, and in-vehicle control devices that receive the target stop position transmitted from the ground control device and compute speed control patterns to control the speed of the trains, respectively. On a route, a radio-equipped train that wirelessly transmits train ID•train position to the ground control device and a radio-unequipped train coexist. The ground control device manages on-rail information acquired from each track circuit, the train ID•train position, a train ID, and a train type in association with each other, calculates stop track circuit information, and calculates the target stop position for the radio-equipped train. | 06-28-2012 |
20120173055 | Train Control System - According to one embodiment, a train control system for a train is disclosed, the control system includes a speed detection unit configured to detect the train speed, a position detecting unit configured to detect position information of the train, a signal aspect speed receiver to receive signal aspect speed information from outside the train, an automatic train operation (ATO) unit that is configured to output a first throttle notch command to drive the train between stations and to stop the train at a target position, a specification notch pattern output unit configured to selectively output a second throttle notch control command. The signal aspect speed information includes a speed limit for a location. The first output throttle notch command is based, at least in part, on the signal aspect speed information. | 07-05-2012 |
20120173056 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY DETERMINING A FORCE APPLIED THROUGH A RAIL VEHICLE AXLE - A system is provided for dynamically determining a force applied through a plurality of axles in a rail vehicle configured to travel along a rail track in a travel direction. The rail vehicle includes a plurality of wheels received by the plurality of axles. The system includes a controller configured to determine a respective dynamic weight shift of the plurality of wheels on the rail track based upon a dynamic factor of the rail vehicle as the rail vehicle travels along the rail track. | 07-05-2012 |
20120179310 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE OPERATION INCORPORATING QUICK CLEARING FUNCTION - 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. | 07-12-2012 |
20120197466 | OPERATION SUPPORT DEVICE AND AUTOMATIC OPERATION DEVICE - A next station state estimating unit estimates a preceding train position from information about a stop track circuit of a current train and from a signal aspect table. It estimates the time, at which the preceding train exits the next station and brake pattern before the station is canceled, from information about the preceding train position, from information about the occupied track circuit on which the current train is present and related information between track circuits and a station and information about occupied duration of the station, which are retained in a track database, and from a history of the preceding train position retained in a history retaining unit. The time estimated is sent to a driver's cab by a communication unit. | 08-02-2012 |
20120221181 | Block module for model train layout control - A Block Module for controlling a model railroad layout, the layout being subdivided into a plurality of block districts with each block district represented by one or more of the Block Modules, is a programmable processor having inputs for receiving serial data in a loop from other Block Modules and transmitting the serial data to other Block Modules, as well as inputs for receiving data from elements in the layout and information from other Block Modules and outputs for controlling elements in the layout and communication with other Block Modules. One of the Block Modules in the loop is designated as a Master Block Control Module, and the Block Modules respond to commands transmitted from the Master Block Control Module, to commands manually entered at the block district level, and to communications from related Block Modules to control the layout on a distributed basis. | 08-30-2012 |
20120245770 | TRAIN CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A TARGET SPEED CALCULATION FUNCTION - A train control device includes a first acquisition unit for acquiring a change history of open block numbers as the number of blocks existing between a present train and a leading train, a setting unit for setting a brake pattern having a starting point coinciding with an end point of a block existing just behind a block occupied by the leading train, and a calculating unit for calculating a time taken for the leading train to come out from the block existing just behind the block occupied by the leading train and for calculating, as a target speed, the highest speed available within a range not conflicting with the brake pattern. | 09-27-2012 |
20120259487 | METHOD FOR MONITORING THE STATE OF A BOGIE OF A RAILWAY VEHICLE COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE WHEEL SET - A method for monitoring the state of a bogie of a railway vehicle having at least one wheel set, wherein the wheels of the wheel set are rigidly connected by an axle and have an approximately conical wheel profile, and signals corresponding to a sinusoidal run of the wheel set of the bogie based on the conical wheel profile of the wheels are filtered out of signals provided by sensors disposed on the bogie. The frequency of the sinusoidal run is determined relative to boundary conditions, such as the prevailing vehicle speed, and compared to a save value or range of values for the frequency of the sinusoidal run typical for the prevailing boundary conditions, wherein the deviation of the measured frequency from the saved value or range of values for the frequency is monitored. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259488 | CONTROL OF THROTTLE AND BRAKING ACTIONS AT INDIVIDUAL DISTRIBUTED POWER LOCOMOTIVES IN A RAILROAD TRAIN - A method for controlling first and second locomotives of a railroad, train, the first and the second locomotives separated by at least one railcar. The method comprises determining a location of the first locomotive and a location of the second locomotive, determining an operating condition of the first locomotive and an operating condition of the second locomotive, determining a first control aspect of the first locomotive responsive to the operating condition and the location of the first locomotive, determining a second control aspect of the second locomotive responsive to the operating condition and the location of the second locomotive, and controlling the first and the second locomotives according to the first control aspect and the second control aspect, respectively. | 10-11-2012 |
20120265379 | COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A RAIL VEHICLE - A communication management system for a vehicle includes a control module, a communication module, and a management module. The control module is disposed on-board a lead powered unit of the vehicle. The control module is configured to automatically change propulsion energy settings of a remote powered unit of the vehicle. The communication module transmits instructions to the remote powered unit to automatically change the propulsion energy settings of the remote powered unit. The communication module identifies communication gaps that represent interruption in one or more communication connections between the lead powered unit and the remote powered unit. The management module compares the propulsion energy settings of the lead powered unit and of the remote powered unit during the communication gaps and, based on the propulsion energy settings, prevents the control module from switching from automatic control of the propulsion energy settings of the remote powered unit to manual control. | 10-18-2012 |
20120277940 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES - A method includes determining an operational parameter of a first vehicle traveling with a plurality of vehicles in a transportation network and/or a route in the transportation network, identifying a failure condition of the first vehicle and/or the route based on the operational parameter, obtaining plural different sets of remedial actions that dictate operations to be taken based on the operational parameter, simulating travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network based on implementation of the different sets of remedial actions, determining potential consequences on travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network when the different sets of remedial actions are implemented in the travel that is simulated, and based on the potential consequences, receiving a selection of at least one of the different sets of remedial actions to be implemented in actual travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network. | 11-01-2012 |
20120290157 | CONTROL OF THROTTLE AND BRAKING ACTIONS AT INDIVIDUAL DISTRIBUTED POWER LOCOMOTIVES IN A RAILROAD TRAIN - A method for controlling first and second locomotives of a railroad train, the first and the second locomotives separated by at least one railcar. The method comprises determining a location of the first locomotive and a location of the second locomotive, determining an operating condition of the first locomotive and an operating condition of the second locomotive, determining a first control aspect of the first locomotive responsive to the operating condition and the location of the first locomotive, determining a second control aspect of the second locomotive responsive to the operating condition and the location of the second locomotive, and controlling the first and the second locomotives according to the first control aspect and the second control aspect, respectively. | 11-15-2012 |
20120310453 | METHOD AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE CODE FOR UNCOUPLING POWER CONTROL OF A DISTRIBUTED POWERED SYSTEM FROM COUPLED POWER SETTINGS - 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. | 12-06-2012 |
20130006452 | TRAIN SPEED CONTROL APPARATUS AND TRAIN SPEED CONTROL METHOD - To stop a train at a desired target stop position without outputting excessive brake by outputting an appropriate braking instruction in accordance with a running condition of the train. An on-train computing device causes an acceleration estimating unit to determine the presence/absence of a current acceleration of a train and to estimate the current acceleration based on train-car information obtained from a train-car performance manager unit, and causes a profile calculating unit to generate a braking instruction profile based on a presumption that the train is running at the current acceleration when the train is in an accelerating condition, and to generate the braking instruction profile based on a presumption that there is no acceleration applied to a train car of the train by a propulsion control of the train car itself when the train is in a coasting condition. | 01-03-2013 |
20130018536 | RAIL VEHICLE CONSIST SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODAANM COOPER; JaredAACI MelbourneAAST FLAACO USAAGP COOPER; Jared Melbourne FL USAANM Peltz; DavidAACI MelbourneAAST FLAACO USAAGP Peltz; David Melbourne FL USAANM Ballesty; DanielAACI ErieAAST PAAACO USAAGP Ballesty; Daniel Erie PA USAANM Bremmer; RobertAACI MelbourneAAST FLAACO USAAGP Bremmer; Robert Melbourne FL USAANM Bradshaw; LindseyAACI MelbourneAAST FLAACO USAAGP Bradshaw; Lindsey Melbourne FL USAANM Chen; YiAACI MelbourneAAST FLAACO USAAGP Chen; Yi Melbourne FL US - A system, method and device for controlling a rail vehicle consist configured to traverse a rail system is provided. In one embodiment, the system may include a second module configured to receive environmental data from a first module having one or more sensors, wherein the environmental data is indicative of one or more environmental conditions for a portion of the rail system; wherein the second module is further configured to conduct an assessment of the environmental data in relation to a first control parameter; the second module is further configured to communicate one or more control signals of one of the first control parameter or a different, second control parameter based on the assessment; each of the first and second control parameters relates to controlling tractive effort of the rail vehicle consist over the portion of the rail system; and the second module is further configured to communicate the one or more control signals to a third module for control of the rail vehicle consist. | 01-17-2013 |
20130066490 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERFACING WITH A PORTABLE REMOTE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM ON A LOCOMOTIVE TO ENHANCE SPEED CONTROL AND A SPEED MEASUREMENT DEVICE THEREFOR - A portable mounting assembly is provided comprising a mounting disc comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching the mounting disc to an axle bearing on a vehicle such as a locomotive, for determining speed; and a stabilizer bar attached at a first end to the mounting disc and at a second end to an outrigger comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching to a stationary component of the vehicle. A method of providing speed control to a portable remote control system for a locomotive is also provided. A method of overriding a speed control mode operated by a portable remote control system for a locomotive is also provided. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066491 | Low Friction Safety System for a Personal Vehicle Guideway - A transit system has an elevated controlled roadway system, a plurality of powered transport vehicles with steerable front wheels having a common width dimension, and both manual controls and an on-board computer (OBC) system for control on the elevated roadway, a master computer system communicating with the OBCs, enabled thereby to determine location of transport vehicles and to control velocity of the transport vehicles, and outwardly-angled guide curbs along opposite sides of the roadway surface, and spaced apart at a dimension larger than the common width dimension. The front wheels of the transport vehicles, by virtue of the angle of the guide curbs, provide a region of contact to vehicle wheels only at a relatively thin line near the outside diameter of each wheel, and wherein the guide curbs or the front wheels at the region of contact, or both, are surfaced with a low-friction material. | 03-14-2013 |
20130096741 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TRAIN SPEED - An apparatus and method for controlling train speed are disclosed, the method including receiving an operation data, estimating a future train speed subsequent to a predetermined time of the train, using the operation data and dynamics model of a train, calculating a TTSLC {Time-To-Speed-Limit Crossing, a time when the train exceeds an ATP (Automatic Train Protection) speed limit}, and outputting a deceleration command by determining an additional braking force, in a case the TTSLC is smaller than a predetermined threshold. | 04-18-2013 |
20130116865 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHANGING WHEN A VEHICLE ENTERS A VEHICLE YARD - A system includes a control unit that is configured to be disposed on-board a first vehicle that moves along a route of a transportation network having a vehicle yard. The control unit also is configured to receive, from off-board the first vehicle, an updated time of entry into the vehicle yard for the approaching vehicle and to change a speed of the first vehicle in response to the updated time of entry. A method includes receiving an updated time of entry into a vehicle yard at a first vehicle that is moving along a route of a transportation network that includes the vehicle yard and changing a speed of the first vehicle in response to the updated time of entry. The updated time is received from off-board the first vehicle. | 05-09-2013 |
20130131898 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING A TRAIN TRIP USING SIGNAL INFORMATION - A system is provided for operating a railway network including a first railway vehicle during a trip along track segments. The system includes a first element for determining travel parameters of the first railway vehicle, a second element for determining travel parameters of a second railway vehicle relative to the track segments to be traversed by the first vehicle during the trip, a processor for receiving information from the first and the second elements and for determining a relationship between occupation of a track segment by the second vehicle and later occupation of the same track segment by the first vehicle and an algorithm embodied within the processor having access to the information to create a trip plan that determines a speed trajectory for the first vehicle. The speed trajectory is responsive to the relationship and further in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the first vehicle. | 05-23-2013 |
20130138278 | CONTROL METHOD FOR AERODYNAMIC BRAKE DEVICE - A control method for an aerodynamic brake device which can reduce a speed of a vehicle efficiently without affecting riding comfort or a vehicle is provided. A control method for an aerodynamic brake device includes at least aerodynamic brake plates provided in the front in the advancing direction of a railway vehicle from a center part of vehicles, driving portions and a brake controller for controlling advancing operations of the aerodynamic brake plates, and a speedometer for detecting a speed of the railway vehicle. The aerodynamic brake device controls the advancing operations of the aerodynamic brake plates in accordance with the speed of the railway vehicle by the speedometer. | 05-30-2013 |
20130151041 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A LOCOMOTIVE - A method for operating a locomotive is provided. The method includes coupling a processor within the locomotive to monitor at least one of an operating parameter and an equipment operation. The method also includes determining a status of a locomotive pre-trip or departure test using the processor and operating an interlock based on the status of the pre-trip or departure test, wherein the interlock is configured to regulate an operating speed of the locomotive. | 06-13-2013 |
20130166114 | Worker Protection Method - The present invention relates to a portable computational device for protecting at least one worker. The device is configured to send a protection request for allocation of a protection zone for at least one worker. The device is also configured to receive confirmation that the protection zone has been allocated. In one embodiment, the device is configured to both monitor the location of the worker relative to the protection zone and determine whether a hazard is co-incident with the protection zone. | 06-27-2013 |
20130238176 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC ROLLING STOCK - In order to minimize a calculation load and surely obtain a maximum adhesion torque, estimated adhesion torques are always stored, an maximum value is obtained from the stored plural estimated adhesion torques immediately before slip/skid is detected when detecting the slip/skid, and the maximum value is set as a maximum adhesion torque. The maximum adhesion torque immediately before the slip/skid is detected is compared with a value of the estimated adhesion torque when the slip/skid is detected. When the calculated value exceeds a threshold value, it is determined as a condition where an adhesion coefficient drastically drops, and a suppression/return ratio of the torque is switched to a lower value than that under a condition where the adhesion coefficient does not drastically drop. The value of the torque at the time of suppression or return is set to a smaller value to surely suppress the slip/skid. | 09-12-2013 |
20130311014 | TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM - A train control system, in particular to a train control system for a train consist using a Distributed Power (DP) technology. This technology refers to the placement and operation of one or more groups of locomotives, which are distributed throughout a train consist including a multiple railcars and multiple locomotives. These locomotives are remotely controlled from the cab in the leading locomotive (i.e., the Lead locomotive (LL)). | 11-21-2013 |
20130317676 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING A ROUTE DURING MOVEMENT OF A VEHICLE SYSTEM OVER THE ROUTE - A sensing system includes a leading sensor, a trailing sensor, and a route examining unit. The sensors are coupled to a vehicle system that travels along a route. The leading sensor acquires first inspection data indicative of a condition of the route as the vehicle system travels over the route. The condition may represent the health of the route. The trailing sensor acquires additional, second inspection data that is indicative of the condition to the route subsequent to the leading sensor acquiring the first inspection data. The route examining unit identifies a section of interest in the route based on the first inspection data acquired by the leading sensor. The route examining unit also directs the trailing sensor to acquire the second inspection data within the section of interest in the route when the first inspection data indicates damage to the route in the section of interest. | 11-28-2013 |
20130325224 | TRAIN CONTROL DEVICE - A train control device includes a detector that detects the current location and speed of the train, a clock unit that tracks the current time, a schedule input section by which the schedule data including the scheduled arrival time of the train at each station on the line is input, and a computing unit that computes an operating schedule according to which the train runs at the detected location and the detected speed to the next station, based on a target operation time that is obtained by subtracting the current time from the scheduled arrival time at the next station, operation characteristics of the train and a condition of the line. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325225 | VITAL SPEED PROFILE TO CONTROL A TRAIN MOVING ALONG A TRACK - A speed profile for an entire train trip includes a maximum allowable speed at each point of the entire trip, taking into account the ability of the train to comply with speed reductions encountered during the trip. The speed profile includes a braking curve that gradually reduces from a higher speed to a lower speed starting at a point at which the train must begin braking in order to be traveling at the lower speed when the train reaches the point at which the lower speed limit begins. The speed profile is generated on multiple wayside computers, cross checked, and then vitally transmitted to an onboard locomotive control system. The onboard control system includes redundant speed sensors with redundant vital circuits, and also includes redundant speed comparators to ensure that the train doesn't exceed the speed profile. A GPS receiver may be used for greater reliability. | 12-05-2013 |
20130332012 | Empty-Load Device Feedback Arrangement - An empty-load device feedback arrangement for a train with the railcar having an air brake arrangement with an one air-operable braking assembly, the arrangement including: an empty-load device having: at least one sensor arrangement to sense a load associated with the railcar; a braking assembly input exhibiting a delivered air pressure; a regulation arrangement to regulate air pressure; and a braking assembly output exhibiting a regulated air pressure; and a pressure sensor to: sense the regulated air pressure of the air being delivered to the air-operable braking assembly; and generate a regulated air pressure signal. An air brake arrangement is also disclosed. | 12-12-2013 |
20130338860 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ANTISKID-REGULATED FRICTION BRAKE SYSTEM OF A RAIL VEHICLE - A method for controlling an emergency brake device of a rail vehicle or rail vehicle train consisting of several rail vehicles having axles braked by friction brakes, wherein an emergency braking operation is started by an emergency braking input, including identifying at least one axle having inadmissible brake slip during the emergency braking operation in which inadmissible brake slip occurs outside a predetermined optimal brake slip range; identifying at least one axle having no or admissible brake slip during the emergency braking operation by which axle a larger friction braking force can be transferred than by the at least one axle having inadmissible brake slip; and adjusting the friction braking forces on the at least one axle having no or admissible brake slip such that the adjustment can maintain a deviation of the actual deceleration of the rail vehicle from a target deceleration. | 12-19-2013 |
20140032023 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE - A method for vehicle control comprises determining a braking capability of a braking system of a rail vehicle or other vehicle, and modifying application of at least one mission parameter by a control system of the vehicle based on the determined braking capability. Braking capability may be determined by activating the braking system of the vehicle to apply a braking force on the vehicle, and concurrently, applying a level of tractive effort of the vehicle is sufficient to overcome the braking force. The braking capability is determined based on the level of tractive effort. | 01-30-2014 |
20140046513 | Route Examining System And Method - A route examining system includes an application device, a control unit, a detection unit, and an identification unit. The application device is onboard a first vehicle of a first vehicle system traveling along a route. The control unit controls supply of electric current from a power source to the application device in order to electrically inject an examination signal into the route via the application device. The detection unit is off-board of the first vehicle and monitors electrical characteristics of the route in response to the examination signal being injected into the route. The identification unit is off-board of the first vehicle and examines the one or more electrical characteristics of the route in order to determine whether a section of the route extending between the first vehicle and the detection unit is potentially damaged based on the one or more electrical characteristics. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046514 | ACTUATOR FOR A BRAKE SYSTEM OF A RAIL VEHICLE - An actuator for a brake system of a rail vehicle has a set-value detection unit that outputs a set value or a set value corrected by a reducing signal of an anti-skid control device for a decelerating force or a decelerating torque to a set-value control device. The latter controls the set value to a first output set value. A switch-over device connects an output of the set-value control device to a input of a set-value/force conversion device in a first switching position. In a second switching position, the set-value/force conversion device receives the signal from a fall-back unit. Braking devices convert an actual value of the force into an actual value of the decelerating force or decelerating torque. When impermissible deviations from a fast braking set value in a fast-braking operation are found, the switch-over device switches from the first to the second switching position. | 02-13-2014 |
20140074328 | Traction Control System And Method - A method for providing traction control on a wheeled vehicle involves receiving a speed reference signal. A variance in wheel size between a first and at least one other wheel of the vehicle is determined. Lastly, a drive control signal operable to control power to each of the first and at least one other wheel is output, the drive control signal being based on the speed reference signal and determined variance in wheel size and operable to provide that a tractive force exerted by each of the wheels on a corresponding surface during traction and/or braking is substantially similar. | 03-13-2014 |
20140081488 | METHOD FOR OPERATING RAILBOUND VEHICLES - A method for operating railbound vehicles includes transmitting driving information, between a first railbound vehicle and a second railbound vehicle, relating to the future driving operation of at least one of the two railbound vehicles, and coordinating the future driving operation of the two railbound vehicles on the basis of that driving information transmitted therebetween, in such a manner that braking energy fed back by the first railbound vehicle during a braking operation can be used at least partially by the second railbound vehicle. | 03-20-2014 |
20140088802 | RAILWAY TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPURPOSE DISPLAY - A railway train control system having a multi-purpose display is disclosed. The railway train control system includes a human-machine interface having a first display and a second, display. The first display provides a train control interface that enables a first operator, such as an engineer, to control one or more functions of the train. The second display is a multipurpose display that can switch between a standard mode and an application mode. The second display displays a read-only display of the train control interface in the standard mode and displays applications to enable a second operator, such as a conductor, to complete various tasks in the application mode. | 03-27-2014 |
20140100724 | METHOD & APPARATUS FOR A HYBRID TRAIN CONTROL DEVICE - A method and an apparatus for an on-board train control device are provided, and are based on converting speed codes received from wayside cab-signaling devices into movement authority limits. The device determines the train location independent of the wayside train detection system, and generates and enforces stopping profiles based on said movement authority limits. | 04-10-2014 |
20140107876 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE SYSTEM IN RESPONSE TO A PLAN DEVIATION - A system including a vehicle control module configured to control a vehicle system according to an operating plan. The operating plan designates one or more first tractive operations or braking operations to be implemented by the vehicle system along a trip. The system also includes a planning module for generating a transition plan in response to a deviation from the operating plan. The transition plan designates one or more second tractive operations or braking operations to be implemented by the vehicle system as the vehicle system travels toward an approaching location from a second location where the vehicle system deviates from the operating plan. The planning module is further configured to generate a prospective plan in response to the deviation. The prospective plan to be implemented by the vehicle system when the vehicle system at least one of moves past the approaching location or completes the transition plan. | 04-17-2014 |
20140114508 | Automatic Wireless Network Synchronization of a Physically Connected Locomotive Consist - A system and method for automatically establishing a wireless network between multiple units in a locomotive consist. A leading locomotive may transmit through the MU cable a ping signal to a remote unit that is directly or indirectly connected to the leading locomotive. When the remote unit replies to the ping, the leading locomotive may transmit through the MU cable network setup information to the remote unit. The remote unit may automatically setup its network controls using the data provided by the leading locomotive to communicate with the leading locomotive through a wireless network. | 04-24-2014 |
20140163785 | Apparatus for controlling railcar and methods for detecting synchronous slide/slip - A railcar control apparatus comprises a synchronous slide/slip detector which determines that the axles are synchronously sliding/slipping if an absolute value of axle's speed difference is less than a synchronous slide/slip speed difference threshold and an absolute value of axle's acceleration is greater than a predetermined synchronous slide/slip acceleration threshold. | 06-12-2014 |
20140180510 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TIMETABLE OPTIMIZATION UTILIZING ENERGY CONSUMPTION FACTORS - Systems and methods for synchronizing two or more vehicles operating on an electric transportation line to optimize energy consumption. A controller is provided having a computer memory component storing a set of computer-executable instructions, a list of braking intervals, and a list of acceleration intervals for the vehicles. The controller also has a processing component configured to execute the set of computer-executable instructions to operate on the list of braking intervals and the list of acceleration intervals to minimize an energy consumption of the electric transportation line over a determined period of time by shifting acceleration intervals to synchronize with braking intervals. A dedicated heuristic greedy algorithm and an energy model are implemented in the controller as part of the computer-executable instructions to achieve the improved energy consumption. | 06-26-2014 |
20140214248 | TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM - A train control system of the present invention includes: an on-board device | 07-31-2014 |
20140222259 | SPEED PROFILE CREATION DEVICE AND AUTOMATIC TRAIN OPERATION APPARATUS - A speed profile creation device includes: a traveling simulator that creates, from a traveling instruction, a speed profile of allowing the train to travel through a traveling section together with a traveling time and energy consumption amount thereof by using a route condition, train performance, and a traveling condition; a traveling instruction draft creator that creates a plurality of traveling instruction drafts in which a reference speed profile is changed so that the energy consumption amount can decrease though the traveling time is lengthened a little; an optimum speed profile selector that selects an optimum speed profile in which an energy consumption amount reduction effect is maximum among the plurality of traveling instruction drafts; and a reference speed profile updating unit that updates the reference speed profile until the traveling time of the optimum speed profile becomes equivalent to the target traveling time. | 08-07-2014 |
20140288734 | DISTRIBUTED TRAIN INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM - A system and method which may include on each locomotive a propulsion system and a braking system, a transceiver for communication between the locomotives, and sensors for sensing operational conditions on the locomotive. A processor receives the sensed operation conditions, communicates information including the sensed operational conditions to the other locomotive, determines a propulsion or braking value or command based on the sensed operational conditions, pre-selected criteria and the information received from the other locomotive, and outputs the propulsion or braking value or command. | 09-25-2014 |
20140309822 | INTERACTIVE SPEED CONTROL - An embodiment of a rail vehicle may comprise at least one passenger receptacle; a device configured to generate a driving and/or braking force; a transmitting device for transmitting the driving and/or braking force onto a circuit; and at least one actuating device configured to exert a control over at least one of the vehicle's speed and acceleration. The transmitting device has a first engagement element configured for positive engagement with a compatible second engagement element arranged stationarily on the circuit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to provide control signals to the device for generating the driving and/or braking force which are independent or dependent from the control exerted through the at least one actuating device. The control signals, at least intermittently, limit or shut off the control via the at least one actuating device or superimpose on the control via the at least one actuating device. | 10-16-2014 |
20140358339 | System And Method For Controlling De-Rating Of Propulsion-Generating Vehicles In A Vehicle System - A method for de-rating propulsion-generating vehicles in a vehicle system includes identifying a feature of interest in a route and identifying one or more propulsion-generating vehicles as de-rating vehicles that are subject to a handling rule associated with the feature of interest. The handling rule dictates that throttle settings be limited to a reduced range when traveling over the feature of interest. The method further includes, when the de-rating vehicles are traveling along the route and outside of the feature of interest, operating the de-rating vehicles using a larger range of throttle settings and, responsive to approaching and/or traveling over the feature of interest, automatically de-rating at least a subset of the propulsion-generating vehicles in the vehicle system by operating the at least a subset of the propulsion-generating vehicles using the smaller range of throttle settings during travel over the feature of interest. | 12-04-2014 |
20140365049 | INDEPENDENT THROTTLE OPTIMIZATION IN LOCOMOTIVE CONSIST SYSTEMS - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for reducing the total cost of fuel consumed by a locomotives, particularly a locomotive consist including dual fuel locomotives. The systems and methods include generating an alternative throttle settings with the goal of consuming the highest ratio of low cost fuel over high cost fuel instead of only a focus on consuming the least amount of one fuel. | 12-11-2014 |
20140371959 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING EFFECTIVENESS OF A FRICTION MODIFIER ALONG A ROUTE SEGMENT - A method including obtaining creep measurements and tractive/braking measurements from at least one vehicle system at different locations along a route segment while the at least one vehicle system moves through the route segment. The method also includes calculating tribology characteristics of the route segment at the different locations. The tribology characteristics are based on the creep measurements and the tractive/braking measurements from the at least one vehicle system. The tribology characteristics are indicative of a friction coefficient of the route segment at the different locations. The method also includes determining an effectiveness of a friction modifier applied to the route segment based on the tribology characteristics. | 12-18-2014 |
20150051761 | LOCATOR LOOP CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A locator loop control system includes a guideway configured to define a travel path of a vehicle. The locator loop control system further includes a locator loop located along the guideway, the locator loop configured to exchange information with a vital on-board controller (VOBC) on-board the vehicle. The locator loop control system further includes a first proximity plate located along the guideway, the first proximity plate spaced a first distance along the guideway from the locator loop, and a wayside controller configured to communicate with the locator loop. | 02-19-2015 |
20150057853 | METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR STORING FUEL FOR REDUCED USAGE - Various methods and systems are provided for initiating and executing a fuel routine for a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method comprises sending from a controller of a vehicle a fuel request to a fuel tender to reduce a pressure of gaseous fuel on the fuel tender and adjusting one or more vehicle operating parameters to allow consumption of the gaseous fuel at an engine of the vehicle when the pressure of the gaseous fuel is below a threshold supply pressure. | 02-26-2015 |
20150088344 | SIMULATED ISOLATION OF LOCOMOTIVES - A method of controlling one or more locomotives in a consist includes receiving a command and control signal at a controller associated with one of the one or more locomotives, the command and control signal indicative of a desired performance goal for the consist. Operational characteristics of the one locomotive that are factors in achieving the performance goal for the consist are determined. Operational settings for selected ones of the determined operational characteristics for the one locomotive are selectively designated to achieve the performance goal for the consist. Effects of the selectively designated operational settings for the one locomotive may be implemented through the use of control signals to simulate isolation of the one locomotive without physically switching the one locomotive to an isolation mode. | 03-26-2015 |
20150088345 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A QUALITY VALUE OF A LOCATION ESTIMATION OF EQUIPMENT - 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. | 03-26-2015 |
20150120101 | SPEED PROFILE GENERATION APPARATUS AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - A speed profile generation apparatus includes: an input unit that receives train performance, route information, information regarding a landmark, a starting position and ending position of generating a speed profile, and a starting time and target ending time of the speed profile; and a speed profile generator that generates the speed profile based on the information inputted to the input unit, the speed profile switching a traveling mode of a train by taking a position of the landmark as a reference. | 04-30-2015 |
20150134157 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A COMPRESSED-AIR BRAKING DEVICE OF A RAIL VEHICLE IN THE CASE OF AUTOMATIC, QUICK, OR EMERGENCY BRAKING - A method controls a compressed-air braking device of a rail vehicle in the case of automatic, quick, or emergency braking, said compressed-air braking device having a controlled electropneumatic braking device having brake pressure control, an uncontrolled brake pressure control device for producing an uncontrolled brake pressure, and at least one pneumatic brake actuator. In response to a signal to trigger automatic, quick, or emergency braking, the controlled electropneumatic braking device and the uncontrolled brake pressure control device are activated simultaneously and a first value for the brake pressure produced by the controlled electropneumatic braking device or a first value for a pilot control pressure representing the brake pressure and a second value for the brake pressure produced by the uncontrolled brake pressure control device or a second value for a pilot control pressure representing the brake pressure are compared with each other. | 05-14-2015 |
20150142226 | APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING SPEED IN RAILWAY VEHICLES - An apparatus for controlling speed in railway vehicles is disclosed, the apparatus estimates a future train speed and determines a control input (first speed control) configured to control a train speed based on a TTSLC {Time-To-Speed-Limit Crossing, a time taken by a train from a current time to exceed an ATP (Automatic Train Protection) speed profile, which is an ATP speed limit}, and determines a control input (second speed control) configured to control the train speed based on a difference between the ATP speed profile and an actual train speed, whereby the first speed control or the second speed control is selected in response to the TTSLC and outputted to the train. | 05-21-2015 |
20150291188 | CONTROLLER OF A RAIL VEHICLE - An infill balise is arranged upstream of a route component in the direction of travel. The infill balise receives information relating to a state of the route component, and the control of a rail vehicle is carried out by taking into account the state of the route component. Since the infill balise is positioned ahead of the route component, the rail vehicle can still react in good time to the state of the route component and, initiate a braking or an acceleration process. This reduces the delay and increases the safety as well as the efficiency in the railway mode, in particular if the route component lying ahead is located at the start of an area which is controlled by another interlock box. The infill balise is used instead of a block interface. This is advantageous because the implementation of block interfaces is challenging, complicated and costly. | 10-15-2015 |
20150344008 | WEIGHT-INDEPENDENT SAFETY BRAKE - A rail-mounted car may include a braking device disposed at the car, said braking device having a brake, and a brake-control device adapted for closed-loop control over the braking operation. The braking device may have a sensor adapted for measuring braking deceleration of the car. The brake-control device may be configured such that the brake-control device adjusts the braking action of the brake as a function of the measured braking deceleration such that, via a certain braking operation, a predefined braking deceleration is achieved, without a predetermined maximum braking deceleration being exceeded. | 12-03-2015 |
20160009300 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING A ROUTE DURING MOVEMENT OF A VEHICLE SYSTEM OVER THE ROUTE | 01-14-2016 |
20160039439 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for examining a route and/or vehicle system obtain a route parameter and/or a vehicle parameter from discrete examinations of the route and/or the vehicle system. The route parameter is indicative of a health of the route over which the vehicle system travels. The vehicle parameter is indicative of a health of the vehicle system. The discrete examinations of the route and/or the vehicle system are separated from each other by location and/or time. The route parameter and/or the vehicle parameter are examined to determine whether the route and/or the vehicle system is damaged and, responsive to determining that the route and/or the vehicle is damaged, the route and/or the vehicle system are continually monitored, such as by examination equipment onboard the vehicle system. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039440 | Method and apparatus for operating a vehicle, in particular a railroad vehicle - A method for operating a vehicle, in particular a railroad vehicle, having a safety circuit to be actuated by a vehicle driver, the safety circuit initiating at least one emergency action if the vehicle driver actuates the safety circuit uninterruptedly, or not at all, in a predefinable time interval. Provision is made here that a condition of the vehicle driver is sensed by a camera device; and that the at least one emergency action is initiated depending on the condition of the vehicle driver. | 02-11-2016 |
20160046301 | APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A DRIVE DEVICE IN A RAIL VEHICLE - An apparatus for controlling a drive device in a rail vehicle includes a computer unit and a memory unit for storing at least one module of a drive control program. The module is provided for at least one drive control function to be carried out by the computer unit. In order to provide an apparatus of this generic type, by way of which a low level of outlay on construction in respect of implementing control functions can be achieved, the memory unit is used to store at least one module of a brake control program. The module is configured so that at least one brake control function for a brake device of the rail vehicle is carried out by the computer unit. | 02-18-2016 |
20160046308 | POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM AND APPARATUS THEREFOR - A positive train control may comprise a plurality of different sensors coupled to a processor that determines whether there is an object on a track way and/or an anomaly of a track way, and if there is, provides an alert and/or a train control action. The plural sensors may include a visual imager, an infrared imager, a radar, a doppler radar, a laser sensor, a laser ranging device, an acoustic sensor, and/or an acoustic ranging device. Data from the plural sensors is geo-tagged and time tagged. Some embodiments of the train control employ track monitors, switch monitors and/or wayside monitors, and some employ locating devices such as GPS and inertial devices. | 02-18-2016 |
20160075357 | AUTOMATIC TRAIN OPERATION SYSTEM IN RAILWAY VEHICLES - The present disclosure relates to an automatic train operation system in railway vehicles, the system including: a speed profile generation unit configured to generate speed profile information based on limited speed profile inputted from outside; a track database stored with track gradient information and track curvature information for each track segment; a train speed controller configured to control a speed of the train using a current position, a current speed and the speed profile information of the train inputted from outside; and a propulsion system fault diagnosis unit configured to diagnose a fault status of the propulsion system based on the current speed of the train, the track gradient information, the track curvature information and propulsion notch information inputted from the train speed controller, and to calculate a performance depreciation ratio when the propulsion system is faulted and to provide the performance depreciation ratio to the train speed controller. | 03-17-2016 |
20160082987 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VEHICLE SYSTEM CONTROL - A method for controlling a vehicle system includes determining a vehicle reference speed using an off-board-based input speed and an onboard-based input speed. The off-board-based input speed is representative of a moving speed of the vehicle system and is determined from data received from an off-board device. The onboard-based input speed is representative of the moving speed of the vehicle system and is determined from data obtained from an onboard device. The method includes using the vehicle reference speed to at least one of measure wheel creep for one or more wheels of the vehicle system or control at least one of torques applied by or rotational speeds of one or more motors of the vehicle system. | 03-24-2016 |
20160090112 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for controlling a vehicle system control movement of the vehicle system along a route. The vehicle system includes one or more propulsion-generating vehicles. A propulsion-generating helper vehicle is temporarily added to the vehicle system such that the helper vehicle increases one or more of an amount of tractive force or an amount of braking effort generated by the vehicle system. The helper vehicle may be added during movement of the vehicle system. The system and method may add the helper vehicle without de-linking the propulsion-generating vehicles in the vehicle system from each other. The system and method optionally may control movement of the propulsion-generating vehicles and the helper vehicle according to a trip plan that designates operational settings as a function of at least one of time or distance along the route. | 03-31-2016 |
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 |
20160129926 | RUNNING CURVE CREATION DEVICE, RUNNING CURVE CREATION METHOD AND RUNNING CURVE CONTROL PROGRAM - A running curve creation device of an embodiment is a running curve creation device to create a running curve which can make a train having a prescribed vehicle characteristic run between a prescribed departure station and a prescribed arrival station in a prescribed running time with a smaller cumulative energy consumption. A shortest time running curve creation unit creates a shortest time running curve in which the train runs between the stations in a shortest time, based on predetermined vehicle information and ground information of the train, and an energy saving running curve creation unit selects from the shortest time running curve and a plurality of solution candidates corresponding to states of the train at each prescribed elapsed time since the train has departed from the departure station, a solution candidate having the relatively small cumulative energy consumption in the prescribed running time, and creates an energy saving running curve based on the selected solution candidate. | 05-12-2016 |
20160176419 | BRAKE SYSTEM FOR RAIL CARS, BRAKE CONTROL DEVICE FOR RAIL CAR, AND BRAKE CONTROL METHOD FOR RAIL CARS | 06-23-2016 |
20160176421 | Virtual Omnimover | 06-23-2016 |
20160176422 | LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE MONITORING AND STOP BAR OVERRUN SYSTEM | 06-23-2016 |