Abstract:
A system for dynamically adjusting a configuration of an intra-train communication network includes an electronic device and a computer-readable storage medium. The computer- readable storage medium has one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the electronic device to receive one or more parameters values associated with a train consist, determine whether a potentially adverse condition that would affect intra-train communication for the train consist is anticipated based on at least a portion of the received parameters, in response to determining that the potentially adverse condition is anticipated, identify one or more updated network parameter settings that will assist in maintaining intra-train communication of the train consist during an occurrence of the potentially adverse condition by executing a machine learning model, and implement the identified one or more updated network parameter settings.
Abstract:
A system and method for monitoring the operating condition of a wheelset on a railcar comprising a sealed unit mounted on or near a wheelset of the railcar for collecting data from the wheelset and performing AI analyses on the collected data to determine the operational condition and predict failure modes for the wheelset. Results are communicated off-railcar wirelessly via one or more of several different methods.
Abstract:
A railway freight car truck is provided with an elastomeric suspension device between the bolster end and the sideframe spring support surface. The elastomeric device is usually of an elongated oval shape. The elastomeric device takes the place of one or more rows of coil springs that comprise the suspension resting on the sideframe support surface. The freight car truck bolster is supported on the coil springs under empty car conditions and both the coil springs and the elastomeric device under fully loaded car conditions.
Abstract:
A bearing assembly comprising a bearing cup having two ends, with a pair of outer raceways formed one adjacent each end of the bearing cup. A pair of bearing cones form a pair of inner raceways. Two rows of tapered roller bearings with each row received between one inner raceway and one outer raceway. A pair of wear rings are provided, each having a first axially inwardly directed end in engagement with an outwardly directed end of a bearing cone. A pair of seals each having a first end fitted into one into one of the bearing cup cylindrical counterbores. Each seal has a second end including a resilient element to form a seal with one of the wear rings. A second end of each wear ring is received in a cylindrical counterbore in each annular backing ring. A circular shroud is located radially outer and adjacent to one seal.
Abstract:
A system for measuring in-train and coupling forces of freight rail cars is provided. The system includes at least four strain sensing elements mounted to the coupler of a railway vehicle. Signals from the strain sensing elements are transmitted to a receiver where they are converted into force readings.
Abstract:
Railyard management system for managing, assembling, disassembling and verifying train consists and monitoring railcars in the railyard. The system provides for the collection of data and the movement of data from lower processing levels to higher processing levels, where an inference engine draws inferences regarding the current state of railcars and train consists within the railyard. The inferences are assigned confidence levels based on the methods and available data used to draw the inferences. The system can be used to track the location and orientation of railcars in the railyard and to verify order and orientation of assets in a train consist
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing bearing seal for use in a roller bearing is provided. A steel coil of a preselected width is fed into a ring rolling machine to form a closed coil ring. The closed coil ring is then welded along the butted joint. The welded closed coil ring is then fed to a series of pre-forming machines wherein the desired profiles of the final bearing seal are formed.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a method of monitoring a mobile railway asset is provided including detecting a strain of a component of a mobile railway asset and gathering data associated with a vibration of the mobile railway asset. The method includes comparing the strain of the component and the data associated with the vibration of the mobile railway asset. The method includes determining a load state of the mobile railway asset based at least in part on the comparison of the strain of the component and the data associated with the vibration of the mobile railway asset.
Abstract:
System and methods for detecting an operational status of a valve or passageway on a railway asset. The methods may comprise: resiliently biasing a magnet in a direction away from a wireless sensor node coupled to the passageway; determining that the passageway is in an open position when the wireless sensor node is neutrally polarized (the data collection device being neutrally polarized when the magnet is distant therefrom); causing the magnet to move in a direction towards the wireless sensor node responsive to a cover of the passageway being closed; and determining that the passageway is in a closed position when the wireless sensor node is magnetically polarized (the wireless sensor node being magnetically polarized when the magnet is proximate thereto).
Abstract:
Systems and methods for railway asset management. The methods comprise: using a virtual reality device to recognize and collect real world information about railway assets located in a railyard; and using the real world information to (i) associate a railway asset to a data collection unit, (ii) provide an individual with an augmented reality experience associated with the railyard and/or (iii) facilitate automated railyard management tasks.