Ansaldo Sts Usa, Inc.

Union Switch & Signal, Inc.

Robert Dennis Pascoe

Chinnarao Mokkapati

Brian Michael Nypaver

Sheldon G Willis

Eric Dale Cutright

William Stover Rhea

A method of adjusting one or more of braking parameters used in a braking function to control braking of a train includes determining an adjustment factor based on a joint stopping distance probability distribution, the joint stopping distance probability distribution representing the composite effect on stopping distance of a plurality of predetermined train characteristic parameters, each of the predetermined train characteristic parameters being variable, and applying the adjustment factor to each of the one or more of braking parameters. Also, a method of adjusting braking parameters that includes determining an adjustment factor based on a nominal value, a worst case limit value and a best case limit value of each of a plurality of predetermined train characteristic parameters, each of the predetermined train characteristic parameters being variable, and applying the adjustment factor to each of the one or more of braking parameters.

Method for adjusting braking parameters of a train to account for train characteristic parameter variations

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), a brake build-up time (T) and a maximum brake rate (&#x3b1;) for the train, and controlling braking of the train in the on-board computer by generating one or more braking signals for the train using T, T and &#x3b1;. Also, a methods of determining for a train a profile velocity to a target position of a selected target, selecting a most restrictive target from among a plurality of targets for a train, and determining a plurality of braking parameters for a train having a train consist, wherein the parameters include a brake propagation delay time (T), a brake build-up time (T) and a maximum brake rate (&#x3b1;).

System and method for controlling braking of a train

A system includes a global positioning system receiver to determine position of a railroad vehicle, a predetermined track map of possible coordinates of the vehicle, motion sensors providing a positive bias error to determine change in location of the vehicle, an acceleration sensor to determine acceleration of the vehicle, and a processor to vitally determine the location and the location uncertainty of the vehicle on the track map. The processor verifies one motion sensor with another motion sensor, determines a slip or slide condition of the vehicle from one of the motion sensors, determines speed and position of the vehicle from the acceleration sensor during the slip or slide condition, verifies the position of the vehicle from the global positioning system receiver based upon the track map, and corrects the positive bias error of the motion sensors using the position of the vehicle from the global positioning system receiver.

Vital system for determining location and location uncertainty of a railroad vehicle with respect to a predetermined track map using a global positioning system and other diverse sensors

A passive detection system for a levitated vehicle includes track circuits. Each track circuit includes a detection loop having a cable with a first end, a length and a second end. The track circuit also includes a transmitter electrically connected to the first end of the cable and adapted to source a current to the detection loop, and a receiver electrically connected to the second end of the cable and adapted to sense the current from the detection loop. An inductor core includes two openings adapted to receive the length of the cable and two openings adapted to avoid the first and second ends of the cable. The inductor core is adapted to change the sensed current of the receiver, in order to detect a presence of the levitated vehicle at the detection loop. A member is adapted to support the inductor core from the vehicle.

Passive detection system for levitated vehicle or levitated vehicle system

A virtual block system is provided in which a section of track is represented by a zone having a plurality of virtual track circuits. Communication between wayside and the vehicle is established within the zone, and may be used to provide the initial position of the vehicle to the carborne equipment. The carborne equipment can then calculate and up-date its position within the zone by using its initial position and sensor information relative to its movement within the zone. The actual position within the zone can be transmitted from the vehicle to the wayside equipment. The wayside equipment converts the actual position within the zone to a virtual track circuit occupancy. The wayside equipment may also use the train length to calculate one or more virtual blocks as being occupied. The wayside unit outputs the occupancy status, occupied or unoccupied, to the wayside interlocking equipment. The wayside equipment generates profile data which can be transmitted to the vehicle.

Growing community of inventors

Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Robert Dennis Pascoe