Honeywell G.m.b.h.

Randy Wallace Lokken

Thomas R Jicha

A remotely operated rail car status monitor and control system including a plurality of handbrake status and release monitors (HSRMs), each of which is mounted to an individual rail car of a train, and a handheld data terminal (HDT). The HSRMs are self-contained electronic sensing and control devices capable of short range radio frequency (RF) communication with the HDT, and are mounted to rail car handbrakes configured for remote release. Each HSRM is programmed with a unique ID code which corresponds to the rail car's identifier. The HSRMs monitor and record the operational state of systems on the rail car such as the handbrake, load weight and refrigerator car temperature. Operating characteristics of the train such slid wheel events and handling impacts can be monitored and stored. Systems of the rail car such as the handbrake can also be released or otherwise controlled. The HDT is a self-contained portable electronic device by which an operator can effectively and conveniently communicate with individual HSRMs by using their unique ID codes. Using the HDT an operator can retrieve information on the current operational state of the rail car handbrake and other systems, and information on the train operating characteristics. The handbrake and other systems can also be remotely released or otherwise actuated through use of the HDT. Information retrieved by the HDT can be stored and displayed on the device or downloaded to a computer.

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Minnetonka, MN, United States of America

Randy Wallace Lokken