Harris Corporation

Ge Harris Railway Electronics, Inc.

General Electric Company

William Leonard Matheson

Paul M Julich

Thu V Vu

Michael S Crone

M Scott Wills

Douglas A Thomae

Charles L Zahm

Alan L Polivka

Russell U Whitfield

David Monroe Bell

Ernest L Peek

Wayne Basta

James R Egnot

Anthony J Guarino

Carl Otto Grube

Fred A Ford

Jeffrey K Baker

Barbara S Furtney

Kevin M Clyne

Robert E Heggestad

Charles F Gipson

John Buford Mocharnuk

The present invention, in one aspect, is a method for determining motion and/or location parameters of a locomotive. One method embodiment includes steps of phase locking a pair of receivers having antennas at different locations on a locomotive to reference signals received from a set of satellites, determining a set of phase differences between the reference signals received at the antennas, and determining at least one of an accurate heading, heading rate, attitude, and attitude rate of the locomotive using the set of phase differences between the reference signals.

Methods and apparatus for measuring navigational parameters of a locomotive

A scheduling system and method for moving plural objects through a multipath system described as a freight railway scheduling system. The scheduling system utilizes a cost reactive resource scheduler to minimize resource exception while at the same time minimizing the global costs associated with the solution. The achievable movement plan can be used to assist in the control of, or to automatically control, the movement of trains through the system.

System and method for scheduling and train control

Automatic train control system and method

Scheduling system and method

Resource schedule for scheduling rail way train resources

A method for identifying and determining the position of rolling stock within a railyard using a system that includes an AEI reader, a plurality of elevated electronic imaging devices and a tracking computer. The rolling stock includes a plurality of railcars and a plurality of locomotives. The method includes recording an identification pattern for each piece of rolling stock as each piece enters the railyard, compiling tracking data of the rolling stock as the rolling stock moves within the railyard using the respective identification patterns, and mapping the position of each piece of rolling stock as the rolling stock moves within the railyard.

Yard tracking system

A census surveying system may include a residence position collection apparatus to be carried by a vehicle. The residence position collection apparatus may include a range finder for determining nearby residence positions as the vehicle advances along a path of vehicle travel over an area for the census. The census surveying system may also include a processor for downloading and processing the residence positions from the residence position collection apparatus.

Apparatus for census surveying and related methods

A method is provided for controlling movement of a plurality of vehicles over a guideway partitioned into a plurality of guideway blocks. The method uses a control system including an onboard computer (OBC) located on board each vehicle, at least one server for communicating with the OBCs, and a vehicle tracking system. The method including the steps of determining a composite block status for all guideway blocks, broadcasting the composite block status to the OBCs, and controlling movement of each vehicle based on the composite block status.

Method for advanced communication-based vehicle control

A path determination device is configured to receive measured heading and distance information; determine heading corrections, distance corrections, and residuals utilizing a Kalman filter assuming a selected, known path was taken; and to determine a probability that the selected, known path actually was taken utilizing the determined residuals. The additional information utilized by the Kalman filters provides a more robust measurement indication of whether a particular path is taken than mere measurements and correlations of path curvature.

Methods and apparatus for determining that a train has changed paths

A system and method for dynamically controlling the operation of a plurality of unmanned freight trains operating over a predetermined track layout. The method includes generating a movement plan that provides for the operation of the freight trains over several alternative routes within the track layout. A wireless communication system is used to transmit speed and braking commands to the freight trains. Commands for the wayside resources are transmitted, using wireless communications, as necessary to carry out the movement plan.

System and method for automatic train operation

A method for determining the location of a vehicle whose movement is constrained to a route whose location is fixed and known, such as a train. An initial estimate of location is made based upon information contained in a route database based on distance traveled from a reset point. The accuracy of the estimated vehicle location is improved through use of just two global positioning satellites.

Application of GPS to a railroad navigation system using two satellites

A system and method for controlling the movement of plural freight trains through a multiple route railway system with improved efficiency and safety. Freight train movements are precisely monitored and orchestrated in accordance with a dynamic schedule that is determined through an evaluation of delivery requirements, coordination among all trains, speed restrictions and the effects of the track topography and train consist on train response to brake and power application.

A scheduling system and method for moving plural objects through a multipath system described as a freight railway scheduling system. The achievable movement plan can be used to assist in the control of, or to automatically control, the movement of trains through the system.

Growing community of inventors

Palm Bay, FL, United States of America

William Leonard Matheson