Head of train device

Abstract

An automated terminal test system and performs a terminal test of brake equipment on a train. The system includes a test control box connected to a head of train locomotive and accessible from outside of such locomotive. Linked to such brake equipment, the test control box has a control for activating the test control box, applying and releasing the brakes, and charging and venting such brake pipe. The system also includes an end of train transceiver device connected to such brake pipe on a last railcar of such train. The end of train transceiver device monitors pressure within such brake pipe on such last railcar, senses movement of such last railcar, and communicates signals representative of such pressure monitored and such movement sensed. The system further includes a head of train transceiver device linked to such brake equipment and connected to such brake pipe on such locomotive. The head of train transceiver device monitors pressure within such brake pipe on such locomotive and transmits to such brake equipment the resulting head of train brake pipe pressure. The head of train transceiver device also relays to such brake equipment such last railcar brake pipe pressure data and such last railcar motion data both received from the end of train transceiver device. Through appropriate manipulation of the control, a railyard worker can apply and release the brake automatically and charge and vent such brake pipe automatically from outside such cab of such locomotive during such terminal test.