Abstract:
Systems and methods for braking or launching a ride vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a linear induction motor (LIM) installed in a curved portion of a track, a ride vehicle disposed upon the track, one or more reaction plates coupled to a side of the ride vehicle facing the track via a plurality of actuators, one or more sensors configured to monitor an air gap between the one or more reaction plates and the LIM, and a processor configured to determine which of the plurality of actuators to actuate and a desired performance of each of the plurality of actuators based on data received from the one or more sensors to maintain the air gap at a desired level throughout traversal of the curve by the ride vehicle.
Abstract:
A remote data backup system for a locomotive may include a communication unit on-board the locomotive configured to be communicatively coupled with an off-board server. The communication unit may be configured to transmit data to the off-board server and receive at least one of data, commands, and applications from the off-board server. The remote data backup system may also include a central processing module on-board the locomotive comprising a cab electronics system configured to receive and store on-board equipment operational data from outputs of one or more of machine gauges, indicators, sensors, and controls in an on-board memory, process and integrate the received equipment operational data, receive additional equipment operational data and one or more control command signals from the off-board server, and communicate commands based on the equipment operational data and the received control command signals. The system may also perform a self-check upon startup of the locomotive to determine whether equipment operational data is present in the on-board memory, and request a download of previously uploaded data from the off-board server if the self-check determines that no equipment operational data is present in the on-board memory.
Abstract:
A locomotive control system and method of use operable to provide operational control of a locomotive ensuing the detection that the locomotive will enter a railroad switch having the point blades incorrectly positioned. The locomotive control system further includes a point alignment detection sensor being operably coupled to a railroad switch and the point blades thereof. A plurality of track transceivers are mounted adjacent to the railroad switch and extend outward from the railroad switch along the railroad track. At least one engine transceiver is provided and is operably coupled to a locomotive. A controller is included and functions to provide logic and control of the locomotive control system. The method provides monitoring of the point blades of a railroad switch and detection of the movement of an approaching locomotive having entered the detection zone and is operable to prevent movement through the railroad switch if damage will occur thereto.
Abstract:
A signal detection system for use with a signaling system is disclosed, the signal detection system comprising a plurality of electrical terminals including a source terminal and an output terminal, the output terminal being connected to a signaling device. An auxiliary terminal electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of electrical terminals is provided. A current sensor is coupled to the auxiliary terminal for detecting an electrical signal for controlling the signaling device. The current sensor generating an output signal in response to the detection of the electrical signal for controlling the signaling device for monitoring the status of the signaling device. Also disclosed is a method for installing a signal detection system in a wayside signaling system including a signaling device for monitoring a status of the signaling device. An apparatus for connecting a current sensor to a signaling device is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A locomotive control system and method of use operable to provide operational control of a locomotive ensuing the detection that the locomotive will enter a railroad switch having the point blades incorrectly positioned. The locomotive control system further includes a point alignment detection sensor being operably coupled to a railroad switch and the point blades thereof. A plurality of track transceivers are mounted adjacent to the railroad switch and extend outward from the railroad switch along the railroad track. At least one engine transceiver is provided and is operably coupled to a locomotive. A controller is included and functions to provide logic and control of the locomotive control system. The method provides monitoring of the point blades of a railroad switch and detection of the movement of an approaching locomotive having entered the detection zone and is operable to prevent movement through the railroad switch if damage will occur thereto.
Abstract:
The limit information acquisition unit is configured to acquire limit information including speed limit information and the position information corresponding to the speed limit, from a vehicle speed limit unit that is configured to set the speed limits at a plurality of positions in order to achieve a predetermined deceleration completion speed at the speed limit start position. The current position acquisition unit is configured to acquire a current position of the vehicle. The current speed acquisition unit is configured to acquire a current speed of the vehicle. The travel curve generation unit is configured to generate a travel curve which satisfies the speed limit at each position obtained from the limit information according to the acquired limit information, the current position, and the current speed. The speed command unit is configured to generate a speed command according to the generated travel curve and the current position.
Abstract:
A control system including a measurement module configured to receive motor measurements that represent operating parameters of plural traction motors of a common vehicle system as the vehicle system propels along a route. The control system also includes an analysis module configured to compare the motor measurements to an expected measurement. The expected measurement corresponds to a designated motor type. The analysis module is configured to determine that at least one of the traction motors is different from the designated motor type based on comparing the motor measurements to the expected measurement.
Abstract:
An automatic train operation system is presented for use with a train to automatically operate the train. The automatic train operation system is housed on a tender car and connected to a second rail vehicle. The automatic train operation system is connected to the second rail vehicle through end connections. Additionally, the automatic train operation system communicates with the second rail vehicle through the end connections. The end connections are operable to transmit an operation signal between the automatic train operation system and the second rail vehicle. The second rail vehicle completes the operation signal base on an executable command contained within the operation signal and sent from the automatic train operation system.
Abstract:
An inspection system for use with a rail vehicle includes a database containing vehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected. The database may be accessed by rail vehicles with on-board inspection systems so that they may inspect the location of track to be inspected.
Abstract:
A system includes an energy management system configured to be communicatively coupled with a communication system of a vehicle that travels on a trip along a route. The energy management system is configured to be removably coupled with the communication system such that the energy management system is mechanically disengageable from the communication system. The energy management system is further configured to receive data parameters from the communication system and to generate at least one of a trip plan or a control message for the vehicle based on the data parameters. The trip plan and/or the control message dictates tractive and braking efforts of the vehicle during the trip. The energy management system is configured to communicate the trip plan and/or the control message to the communication system for the communication system to implement for controlling movement of the vehicle during the trip.