General Electric Company

Gerald Hess, Jr

Ajith Kuttannair Kumar

Daniel F Wolf

Jan Alan Nagle

Shuo Chen

Wolfgang Daum

Tom Otsubo

Jeffrey A Twichel

John Erik Hershey

Glenn Robert Shaffer

Daniel Malachi Ballesty

Jeffrey James Kisak

Stephen Matthew Pelkowski

Craig Alan Stull

Gerald Douglas Rose

Bradley Charles Hendrickson

Misty McCrea Chambers

John Gregory Zimmerman

Andrew David Caple

Randall Slomski

John Louis Caporale, Jr

Jason G White

Robert Allen Coker

Systems are provided for efficiently managing the effects of a change to a transportation system's state. One example system comprises a plurality of distributed data input and data output terminals, the distributed data input terminal configured to automatically generate data related to a first aspect of transportation system operation, at least one of a distributed database and a synchronized database configured to store data, a plurality of distributed computational engines configured to receive data from at least one database, and based on the data received, automatically manage operations of a second, different aspect of the transportation system operations, and a communications network linking the data input terminals, the data output terminals, the databases, and the computational engines, wherein the change to the transportation system's state is initiated by the data generated at the distributed input terminals.

Digital railroad system

A method for mapping a railroad track is provided. The method includes defining a plurality of track segments that form the railroad track and determining coordinates of each track segment. The method also includes storing the coordinates of each track segment in a database as map segments and linking the map segments stored in the database to create a multi-dimensional railroad track map.

Methods and systems for mapping railroad tracks

The invention includes a system and method for managing an operation of a locomotive as a function of a location of the locomotive. The system comprises a location unit for determining the location of the locomotive and a control unit for controlling an operation of the locomotive as a function of the determined location. In another embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for receiving a security authorization input from an operator of the locomotive, comparing the received operator security authorization input to a security authorization parameter, and restricting an operation of the locomotive when the received operator security authorization input does not match the security authorization parameter. In yet another embodiment, the invention includes a system and method of sending a control command from a remote system, receiving the control command at the locomotive, and controlling an operation of the locomotive responsive to the received control command. In still another embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for controlling an operation of the locomotive as a function of the location of the locomotive, a monitored emission parameter and an emission characteristic.

Locomotive control system and method

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

Control system for optimizing the operation of two or more locomotives of a consist

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

System and method for managing two or more locomotives of a consist

A method and system for an automatic engine stop and start system in a locomotive that includes deactivating the automatic engine stop system in response to receiving an instruction to prevent the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive without otherwise disabling the continued operation of the automatic engine stop system. The invention is also an apparatus for controlling a locomotive equipped with an automatic engine stop system. The apparatus includes a receiving interface for receiving a deactivation command from the automatic engine stop system. The apparatus also includes an input device for receiving an instruction to override the received deactivation command. The apparatus further includes a transmitting interface coupled to the input device for transmitting a control command. The transmitted control command is a command other than the received deactivation command such that the control command at least delays the automatic engine stop system from automatically shutting down the locomotive.

Automatic start/stop system and method for locomotive engines

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

Control and method for optimizing the operation of two or more locomotives of a consist

A locomotive monitoring system defines several mutually exclusive operating states for a locomotive. The amount of time the locomotive operates in each state is preferably determined and recorded. This recorded information can then be evaluated with a view towards improving locomotive operations. For example, a plurality of mutually exclusive idle states can be defined and monitored to determine how long a locomotive idles under certain conditions instead of automatically shutting down for the purpose of conserving fuel. In this manner, the sources of lost fuel savings can be readily identified, quantified and addressed. An event log is also provided for chronicling certain operating events of interest over time, such as those relating to the starting, stopping and/or idling of the locomotive's engine.

System and method for monitoring locomotive operation

An automatic start/stop system for locomotive engines which takes into account operator needs and concerns by enabling operators to locally prevent automatic shutdowns of their locomotives without disabling their AESS systems. Thus, operators can maintain their lead (and/or other) units running (i.e., for peace of mind, climate control, etc.) without prohibiting other locomotives in consist from automatically shutting down. The system preferably includes an inhibit switch located in each locomotive control cabin which, when actuated by an operator, prevents that locomotive (and only that locomotive) from automatically shutting down within a predefined duration of time. Techniques for reminding and prompting an operator to enable an AESS system include sounding an alarm, displaying and recording fault data, and inhibiting motoring of the locomotive when the AESS system is disabled and the operator calls for braking or motoring capability.

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Erie, PA, United States of America

Gerald Hess, Jr