The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 15, 2025
Filed:
May. 23, 2024
Bnsf Railway Company, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Avnish Kishor Malde, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Paul Kuhn, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Chad Lawrence, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Nathaniel W. Merry, Kansas City, MO (US);
Shane Reffett, Abingdon, IL (US);
Patrick J. Sbrocca, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Timothy J. Worrell, Monmouth, IL (US);
BNSF Railway Company, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Abstract
A method for assigning train blocks at a railroad merchandise yard includes determining, using a first optimization model and outbound train schedule data, a first list of train block assignments for a planning horizon. The method further includes determining whether an unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is greater than zero. The method further includes displaying the first list of train block assignments generated by the first optimization model on an electronic display in response to determining that the unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is not greater than zero. The method further includes, in response to determining that the unassigned train block volume from the first optimization model is greater than zero: determining and then displaying on the electronic display a second list of train block assignments for the planning horizon using a second optimization model and the outbound train schedule data.