New York Air Brake Corporation

Fm Industries, Inc.

Stephen K Nickles

Michael J Hawthorne

John E Haley

Bryan M McLaughlin

Dale L Sherwood

Dale R Stevens

Kevin B Root

Jon M Marra

Marshall G Beck

C Mackay Foster

Bolanle Onodipe

O Elwyn Seay

Bryan M Mclaughlin

A method of speed forecasting a train over a track including determining location of the train on the track, the speed of the train and brake and throttle setting of the train. Speeds and suggested throttle and brake settings for spaced points along the track are calculated based on the determinations. The calculated speeds and throttle and brake setting are displayed for the spaced points along the track.

Method of forecasting train speed

A method of transferring files between a computer on board a train and a remote station including determining if the remote station is within range of the train and establishing wireless communication between the onboard computer and the remote station. Next, the computer determines whether there are files to be transferred, and if so, transfers the file. If the remote station has updates to be transferred to the train, such updates are transferred to the onboard computer. Files and updates are also transferred between remote stations and between remote stations and a home base station. A method of adjusting a simulator includes inputting data from the train onto a simulator. The simulator is operated with the data and the simulator automatically adjusts the parameters of the simulator until the data of the simulator matches the data from the train. The data can then be process and analyzed.

Method of transferring files and analysis of train operational data

An integrated train control system (FIGS.and) is a combination of systems including: EP-60 (FIG.) CCBII (FIG.), Wired DP (FIG.), and LEADER (FIG.). The integrated train control system (FIG.) includes a master controller (MMI) cooperating with features of EP-60, CCBII, LEADER, and Wired DP to control car control devices (CCD) through ITC network.

Integrated train control

A method of optimizing train operation includes determining conditions of location, track profile and train forces of the train. Next, a set of preliminary train restraint operating parameters are determined from the determined conditions. Also, at least one of a set of preliminary train optimizable operating parameters to minimize train forces, to maximize fuel efficiency and to minimize time to destination is determined. The determined set of preliminary train operating parameters are weighted and combined. Optimized train operating parameters are determined from the weighted and combined preliminary train operating parameters. Engineering train and access is also performed.

Method of optimizing train operation and training

A method using the position data being determined on the train to determine characteristics of the train and/or the track. This is achieved by providing position determining devices at two or more spaced locations along the train. The position of the two locations are determined by the position determining devices. A processor determines the difference between the two locations from the positions determined by the position determining devices and determines the characteristics of the train from the determined difference between the two locations.

Method of determining train and track characteristics using navigational data

This is a method of analyzing train handling by setting a standard for the run, collecting train operating or handling data from the run and determining operating constraints during the run which are not included in the standard run. The determination of operating constraints during a run also includes determining differences between the operating constraints during the run of those included in the standard. The train handling data is compared to the standard and the comparison is adjusted for the operating constraints. The adjustment of the comparison includes nullifying any deviation of the handling data from the standard resulting from the operating constraints. A report is created from the standard and the handling data correlating the energy usage for specific categories. These categories include one or more of pneumatic braking, dynamic braking and track topology. The report further includes energy adjustments for the operating constraints determined during the run.

Train handling techniques and analysis

A method of and a system for minimizing undesirable brake release in the brake system of a train having a pneumatic brake on each car connected to a brake pipe which is controlled by a brake pipe controller. The method includes determining the status of the brake system throughout the train and determining a minimal brake pipe reduction for the brake pipe controller, using the status of the brake system. The determined minimal brake pipe reduction is displayed by itself or in combination with the brake pipe reduction produced by the brake pipe controller.

Method of minimizing undesirable brake release

A railcar cushioning device for absorbing impact between railcars is provided having a hydraulic cylinder containing hydraulic fluid. A piston locates within the cylinder and is movable relative to the cylinder between an extended position and a contracted position in response to draft and buff forces. First and second sensors are provided with the piston and cylinder for detecting movement of the piston and cylinder substantially between the contracted and extended positions. By means of a suitable logic circuit or microprocessor, the period of time that it takes for the piston and cylinder to move between the contracted and extended positions can be monitored to determine if the period of time is less than a preselected amount thus indicating that the cushioning unit has failed. A counter may also be provided to count the number of times that the cushioning unit has failed. After the number of failures reaches a selected number, an output may be provided by means or a readout display or transponder indicating that the cushioning unit has failed.

Growing community of inventors

Burleson, TX, United States of America

Stephen K Nickles