Abstract:
A train control system comprising a vital brake interface unit that is disposed between the train control processors and the braking system. The brake interface unit ensures that any failure in the control processors or the interface itself is detectable and, when detected, causes the system to fail safely (i.e., the train's brakes are applied). By virtue of the use of redundant circuitry paths, the vital braking interface unit enables real-time verification of system circuitry without actually applying the train's brakes.
Abstract:
A rail yard management system and method that takes advantage of infrastructure installed in rail yards and on train consists to allow the management of the assembly, disassembly and validation of train consists in the rail yard. A train management system and method is also provided.
Abstract:
A ground device includes a control unit, a storage unit, and a ground transmitting and receiving unit. A ground antenna is connected to the ground transmitting and receiving unit. Train information from an on-board device is received by the ground transmitting and receiving unit via the ground antenna, and is then transmitted to the control unit. Meanwhile, information from the control unit is transmitted to the on-board device via the ground transmitting and receiving unit and the on-board antenna. The control unit accumulates the train information on a train in the storage unit, and also transmits, to the on-board device, command information for a device installed in the train.
Abstract:
An automatic train operation system is presented for use with a train to automatically operate the train. The automatic train operation system is housed on a tender car and connected to a second rail vehicle. The automatic train operation system is connected to the second rail vehicle through end connections. Additionally, the automatic train operation system communicates with the second rail vehicle through the end connections. The end connections are operable to transmit an operation signal between the automatic train operation system and the second rail vehicle. The second rail vehicle completes the operation signal base on an executable command contained within the operation signal and sent from the automatic train operation system.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a vehicle system includes determining a vehicle reference speed using an off-board-based input speed and an onboard-based input speed. The off-board-based input speed is representative of a moving speed of the vehicle system and is determined from data received from an off-board device. The onboard-based input speed is representative of the moving speed of the vehicle system and is determined from data obtained from an onboard device. The method includes using the vehicle reference speed to at least one of measure wheel creep for one or more wheels of the vehicle system or control at least one of torques applied by or rotational speeds of one or more motors of the vehicle system.
Abstract:
An on-board device is loaded in a moving vehicle traveling on a track. The on-board device acquires failure data indicating a failure on the track. Based on the failure data, a traveling route is determined in case of the failure. The securement of the traveling route is determined based on station related data that is acquired from a station interface device of a station to which a branch on the route belongs and which indicates data of the branch, and different moving vehicle related data that is acquired from a different moving vehicle competing in at least a part of the traveling route and that indicates data of the different moving vehicle. The traveling of the moving vehicle is determined regarding the secured traveling route based on the different moving vehicle related data.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for braking or launching a ride vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a linear induction motor (LIM) installed in a curved portion of a track, a ride vehicle disposed upon the track, one or more reaction plates coupled to a side of the ride vehicle facing the track via a plurality of actuators, one or more sensors configured to monitor an air gap between the one or more reaction plates and the LIM, and a processor configured to determine which of the plurality of actuators to actuate and a desired performance of each of the plurality of actuators based on data received from the one or more sensors to maintain the air gap at a desired level throughout traversal of the curve by the ride vehicle.
Abstract:
A control system including a measurement module configured to receive motor measurements that represent operating parameters of plural traction motors of a common vehicle system as the vehicle system propels along a route. The control system also includes an analysis module configured to compare the motor measurements to an expected measurement. The expected measurement corresponds to a designated motor type. The analysis module is configured to determine that at least one of the traction motors is different from the designated motor type based on comparing the motor measurements to the expected measurement.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a vehicle system includes determining a vehicle reference speed using an off-board-based input speed and an onboard-based input speed. The off-board-based input speed is representative of a moving speed of the vehicle system and is determined from data received from an off-board device. The onboard-based input speed is representative of the moving speed of the vehicle system and is determined from data obtained from an onboard device. The method includes using the vehicle reference speed to at least one of measure wheel creep for one or more wheels of the vehicle system or control at least one of torques applied by or rotational speeds of one or more motors of the vehicle system.
Abstract:
A sensing system includes a leading sensor, a trailing sensor, and a route examining unit. The leading sensor is onboard a first vehicle of a vehicle system that is traveling along a route. The leading sensor measures first characteristics of the route as the vehicle system moves along the route. The trailing sensor is disposed onboard a second vehicle of the vehicle system. The trailing sensor measures second characteristics of the route as the vehicle system moves along the route. The route examining unit is disposed onboard the vehicle system and receives the first characteristics of the route and the second characteristics of the route to compare the first characteristics with the second characteristics. The route examining unit also identifies a segment of the route as being damaged based on a comparison of the first characteristics with the second characteristics.