A smart lamp system and method for monitoring a status of LEDs. The system can provide LED status monitoring using a logic controller communicating with at least one strip of LEDs. The system can utilize the logic controller to assign a unique identifier (ID) to the at least one strip of LEDs based on a physical position of a plurality of dual-inline package (DIP) switches incorporated within a smart lamp housing. The system can provide a hardware architecture to interface the logic controller with a power-line communication (PLC) transceiver. The system can establish a communication protocol between the PLC transceiver and a PLC receiver to efficiently communicate the statuses of the LEDs. The logic controller can generate a payload including a binary representation of the unique ID of the smart lamp and the statuses of the LEDs and transmit the payload to the PLC transceiver.
H05B 45/58 - Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDsCircuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to LED lifeProtective circuits involving end of life detection of LEDs
B61L 5/18 - Light signalsMechanisms associated therewith, e.g. blinders
G01R 31/26 - Testing of individual semiconductor devices
H05B 45/46 - Details of LED load circuits with an active control inside an LED matrix having LEDs disposed in parallel lines
H05B 45/52 - Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDsCircuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to LED lifeProtective circuits in a parallel array of LEDs
H05B 45/54 - Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDsCircuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to LED lifeProtective circuits in a series array of LEDs
H05B 47/185 - Controlling the light source by remote control via power line carrier transmission
Methods and systems for determining a status of hardware devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of device event data associated with a hardware device may be analyzed to determine the performance of the hardware device during operations of each device event. A status of the hardware device may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the hardware device during operations of each device event. In embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship between real-world measurements and expected (e.g., predicted or desired) results for each device event associated with the hardware device. In embodiments, the status of the hardware device may be used to ensure corrective actions on the hardware device (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the hardware device, send a control signal to the hardware device to deactivate, etc.).
Methods and systems for determining a status of detectors in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of car event data associated with a detector may be analyzed to determine the performance of the detector during operations of each car event. A status of the detector may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the detector during operations of each car event. In embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship (e.g., a deviation relationship) between real-world speeds measured during the car events and predicted speeds expected during the car events for each car event associated with the detector. In embodiments, the status of the detector may be used to ensure corrective actions on the detector (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the detector, send a control signal to the detector to deactivate, etc.).
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or trains
G07C 5/04 - Registering or indicating driving, working, idle, or waiting time only using counting means or digital clocks
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
5.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND VALIDATING STATUS OF RETARDER DEVICES
Methods and systems for determining a status of retarder devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of car event data associated with a retarder may be analyzed to determine the ability of the retarder to efficiently remove energy from cuts traveling over the retarder throughout the length of the retarder. A status of the retarder may be determined from analysis of the ability of the retarder to efficiently remove energy from cuts traveling over the retarder throughout the length of the retarder. In embodiments, the status of the retarder may be used to ensure corrective actions on the retarder (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the retarder, send a control signal to the retarder to deactivate, etc.).
Methods and systems for determining a status of switch devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of switch event data associated with a switch may be analyzed to determine the performance of the switch during operations of each switch event. A status of the switch may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the switch during operations of each switch event. In embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship (e.g., a deviation relationship) between real-world measurements during the switch events and expected measurements during the switch events for each switch event associated with the switch. In embodiments, the status of the switch may be used to ensure corrective action is taken on the switch (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the switch, send a control signal to the switch to deactivate, etc.).
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
B61L 17/02 - Details, e.g. indicating degree of track filling
Methods and systems for automatically tuning control parameters for operations of a classification yard. In embodiments, production predictions for car events at a segment is made using current tuning coefficients. Analysis on real-world measurements associated with the car events is used to obtain a set of candidate tuning coefficients. Backoffice predictions for the car events are made using the candidate tuning coefficients. The production predictions and the backoffice predictions are compared against the real-world measurements. If the backoffice predictions are found to better approximate the real-world measurements at the segment or device, the candidate tuning coefficients are accepted and the current tuning coefficients for the segment or device are replaced by the candidate tuning coefficients. In this manner, the present disclosure provides a system with functionality that allows the system to automatically adjust the tuning coefficients to real-world conditions.
Methods and systems for determining a status of detectors in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of car event data associated with a detector may be analyzed to determine the performance of the detector during operations of each car event. A status of the detector may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the detector during operations of each car event. Tn embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship (e.g., a deviation relationship) between real-world speeds measured during the car events and predicted speeds expected during the car events for each car event associated with the detector. In embodiments, the status of the detector may be used to ensure corrective actions on the detector (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the detector, send a control signal to the detector to deactivate, etc.).
B61L 17/00 - Switching systems for classification yards
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
Methods and systems for managing operations of a classification yard. In embodiments a release speed, coupling speed, and/or a predicted speed at one or more points of a route along which a cut is being routed is determined. A set of event messages of events that occurred during the traveling of the cut is generated. Real-world measurements associated with an actual speed of the cut at the one or more points of the route are obtained. Coefficients associated with the predicted speed of the cut at the one or more points are autotuned based on the real-world measurements, a status of one or more devices used to route the cut is determined based, at least in part, on thresholding analysis applied to the real-world measurements, and the set of event messages is stored in an event log for subsequent replaying in a graphical user interface (GUI).
Methods and systems for automatically tuning control parameters for operations of a classification yard. In embodiments, production predictions for car events at a segment is made using current tuning coefficients. Analysis on real-world measurements associated with the car events is used to obtain a set of candidate tuning coefficients. Backoffice predictions for the car events are made using the candidate tuning coefficients. The production predictions and the backoffice predictions are compared against the real-world measurements. If the backoffice predictions are found to better approximate the real-world measurements at the segment or device, the candidate tuning coefficients are accepted and the current tuning coefficients for the segment or device are replaced by the candidate tuning coefficients. In this manner, the present disclosure provides a system with functionality that allows the system to automatically adjust the tuning coefficients to real-world conditions.
Methods and systems for visualizing event data associated with operations of a classification yard and replaying the visualized event data in a graphical user interface. In embodiments, graphical representation of the classification yard, including its components (e.g., devices and track segments) is generated. A set of event messages is extracted from an event log, and analyzed to determine a component associated with each event message. A visual representation is generated for each event message in the set of event messages and overlaid onto the graphical representation of the component to which the event message is associated. The overlaid visual representations are replayed in a sequence according to timestamps of the visualized event messages.
Methods and systems providing predictive models for estimating tuning coefficients for automatically tuning operations of a classification yard. In embodiments, a set of predictions for car events at a segment or device may be generated using a current set of tuning coefficients for the segment or device. Real-world data related to the car events at the segment or device may be compiled, and a set of candidate tuning coefficients may be generated for the segment or device based on application of a predictive model to the real-world data. The segment or device may be automatically tuned based on a comparison of the set of candidate tuning coefficients and current set of tuning coefficients to the real-world data to determine which of the set of candidate tuning coefficients and the current set of tuning coefficients yields more accurate results for cuts passing the segment or device.
G06Q 10/0637 - Strategic management or analysis, e.g. setting a goal or target of an organisationPlanning actions based on goalsAnalysis or evaluation of effectiveness of goals
G06Q 10/047 - Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
G06Q 50/40 - Business processes related to the transportation industry
15.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RAILROAD TRACK GEOMETRY MEASUREMENT
Methods and systems for detecting and measuring physical conditions of a railroad track based on image-based distance measurements are provided. In embodiments, at least one object associated with a condition of a railroad track is detected in at least one image. A first point and a second point on the at least one object is detected. A pixel distance between the first point and the second point is measured, and a physical distance-based measurement of the condition of the railroad track is determined, using a conversion model, based on the pixel distance between the first point and the second point. An alert is generated when the physical distance-based measurement of the condition of the railroad track exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Methods and systems for managing operations of a classification yard. In embodiments a release speed, coupling speed, and/or a predicted speed at one or more points of a route along which a cut is being routed is determined. A set of event messages of events that occurred during the traveling of the cut is generated. Real-world measurements associated with an actual speed of the cut at the one or more points of the route are obtained. Coefficients associated with the predicted speed of the cut at the one or more points are autotuned based on the real- world measurements, a status of one or more devices used to route the cut is determined based, at least in part, on thresholding analysis applied to the real-world measurements, and the set of event messages is stored in an event log for subsequent replaying in a graphical user interface (GUI).
Methods and systems for visualizing event data associated with operations of a classification yard and replaying the visualized event data in a graphical user interface. In embodiments, graphical representation of the classification yard, including its components (e.g., devices and track segments) is generated. A set of event messages is extracted from an event log, and analyzed to determine a component associated with each event message. A visual representation is generated for each event message in the set of event messages and overlaid onto the graphical representation of the component to which the event message is associated. The overlaid visual representations are replayed in a sequence according to timestamps of the visualized event messages.
Methods and systems for determining a status of hardware devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of device event data associated with a hardware device may be analyzed to determine the performance of the hardware device during operations of each device event. A status of the hardware device may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the hardware device during operations of each device event. In embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship between real-world measurements and expected (e.g., predicted or desired) results for each device event associated with the hardware device. In embodiments, the status of the hardware device may be used to ensure corrective actions on the hardware device (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the hardware device, send a control signal to the hardware device to deactivate, etc.).
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
B61L 17/00 - Switching systems for classification yards
19.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND VALIDATING STATUS OF RETARDER DEVICES
Methods and systems for determining a status of retarder devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of car event data associated with a retarder may be analyzed to determine the ability of the retarder to efficiently remove energy from cuts traveling over the retarder throughout the length of the retarder. A status of the retarder may be determined from analysis of the ability of the retarder to efficiently remove energy from cuts traveling over the retarder throughout the length of the retarder. In embodiments, the status of the retarder may be used to ensure corrective actions on the retarder (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the retarder, send a control signal to the retarder to deactivate, etc.).
B61L 17/02 - Details, e.g. indicating degree of track filling
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
20.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR ESTIMATING TUNING COEFFICIENTS OF A CLASSIFICATION YARD
Methods and systems providing predictive models for estimating tuning coefficients for automatically tuning operations of a classification yard. In embodiments, a set of predictions for car events at a segment or device may be generated using a current set of tuning coefficients for the segment or device. Real-world data related to the car events at the segment or device may be compiled, and a set of candidate tuning coefficients may be generated for the segment or device based on application of a predictive model to the real-world data. The segment or device may be automatically tuned based on a comparison of the set of candidate tuning coefficients and current set of tuning coefficients to the real-world data to determine which of the set of candidate tuning coefficients and the current set of tuning coefficients yields more accurate results for cuts passing the segment or device.
Methods and systems for determining a status of switch devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of switch event data associated with a switch may be analyzed to determine the performance of the switch during operations of each switch event. A status of the switch may be determined from the analysis of the performance of the switch during operations of each switch event. In embodiments, the analysis may include thresholding analysis that may be configured to determine a relationship (e.g., a deviation relationship) between real-world measurements during the switch events and expected measurements during the switch events for each switch event associated with the switch. In embodiments, the status of the switch may be used to ensure corrective action is taken on the switch (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the switch, send a control signal to the switch to deactivate, etc.).
B61L 17/02 - Details, e.g. indicating degree of track filling
B61L 25/06 - Indicating or recording the setting of track apparatus, e.g. of points, of signals
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
B61L 5/10 - Locking mechanisms for pointsMeans for indicating the setting of points
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving first Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data associated with a railroad environment, extracting an asset from the first LiDAR data associated with the railroad environment, and superimposing the asset into a spatial model. The method also includes receiving a field indication associated with a modification to the railroad environment and modifying the spatial model in response to receiving the field indication associated with the modification to the railroad environment. The method further includes receiving second LiDAR data associated with the railroad environment and comparing the second LiDAR data to the modified spatial model.
Systems and techniques for generating track geometry data (TGD) for railroad track analysis. In embodiments, rail profile data for each of the rails of a track may be obtained at regular intervals as a vehicle carrying the system traverses the track. The rail profile data may be validated, and reference points on the profiles of each of the rails corresponding to specific geometric features of the rails may be identified. The rail profile data may be filtered and processed to generate track geometry data. The track geometry data may include data for a plurality of data channels. The track geometry data may be transmitted to a backend system receives for further processing to determine rail defects, and to generate notifications and alerts based on the determined defects. The system utilizes machine learning algorithms and models for defect detection and validation.
Systems and techniques for railway track monitoring and defect detection. In embodiments, a system captures and processes rail profile data for detecting defects on a railroad track. An on-board rail profile capture system, mounted to a railroad vehicle, captures rail profile data at regular intervals as the vehicle traverses the track. The system includes profile capture sensors and an inertial measurement unit to capture rates and angles of the vehicle's orientation. A main computer receives the rail profile data and generates track geometry data. A backend rail profile processing system receives the track geometry data, processes it to determine rail defects, and generates notifications and alerts based on the determined defects. The system utilizes machine learning algorithms and models for defect detection and validation.
Systems and techniques for analyzing track geometry data (TGD) for railroad track analysis. In embodiments, a system captures and processes rail profile data for detecting defects on a railroad track. An on-board rail profile capture system, mounted to a railroad vehicle, captures rail profile data at regular intervals as the vehicle traverses the track. A main computer receives the rail profile data and generates track geometry data. A backend rail profile processing system receives the TGD, validates the TGD, analyzes the validated TGD to determine rail defects, validates the rail defects to determine whether they are real defects or false positives, and generates notifications and alerts based on the validated defects. The system utilizes machine learning algorithms and models for defect detection and validation.
A drill jig apparatus configured to be coupled to a locomotive bedplate is presented. The apparatus can include a first member and a second member. The first member can be configured to attach a drill to provide stability while drilling, and the second member can be operably coupled to a locomotive, such as to an engine and bedplate of a locomotive. An engine dowel drilling system is also presented, which can include a drill jig member and a bushing member, and the members can be operably coupled with one another. A method of drilling holes in a locomotive bedplate can include using a drill jig and a bushing to facilitate drilling, and the drill jig can be a conductor-side jig or an engineer-side jig. A kit is also presented for engine dowel installation that can standardize dowels and dowel holes.
B23B 35/00 - Methods for boring or drilling, or for working essentially requiring the use of boring or drilling machinesUse of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods
B23B 41/12 - Boring or drilling machines or devices specially adapted for particular workAccessories specially adapted therefor for forming working surfaces of cylinders, of bearings, e.g. in heads of driving rods, or of other engine parts
30.
ON-BOARD THERMAL TRACK MISALIGNMENT DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR
An on-board thermal track misalignment detection system method therefor is presented. The system can use on-board locomotive sensors attached to an end-of-train device to detect (on the edge), signs and symptoms of thermal misalignments of the track. Once detected an alert can be transmitted to prevent potential derailments. The system can also include a forward-facing and rearward-facing imaging sensors (e.g., camera, LiDAR sensor, etc). The system can wirelessly communicate (e.g., via radio) with a leading locomotive to ensure proper air pressure and location. The system can be powered by an on-board battery and/or air pressure device. Advantageously, the system can calculate whether any rail deviation is significant (e.g., via one or more threshold values). The system can also leverage image processing functionality, executed by one or more processors) to find the centerline and the distance between the tracks.
A system and method for strategic track and maintenance planning (STAMP) that can provide an organizational and adaptive infrastructure configured to facilitate railroad asset management and capital planning is presented. The system can provide a railroad asset inspector with relevant data for an assigned inspection segment. Location-based functionality can acquire a device's precise location and provide only the data necessary for the inspection of a particular railroad asset by providing step-by-step input prompting based upon the device location. The system provides adaptive thresholding of asset-related criteria to determine whether and when asset maintenance should occur. The system can acquire inspection data for one or more railroad assets, apply a data optimization algorithm to the inspection data, analyze railroad asset-related data (including historical data), and generate an optimized capital plan with a schedule for railroad asset maintenance and replacement.
A Railroad Snapshot and Playback System and Method is disclosed that can provide a messaging/communication infrastructure configured to generate and route current train related messages for multi-region train routing plans. The types of railroad data being tracked can be organized into one or more domains. A method for railroad snapshot playback can include receiving a plurality of events related to train movements in the rail system; creating a first snapshot that can include the plurality of the events, wherein a number of events in the first snapshot can be based on a snapshot increment; receiving a playback request for a playback state of the rail system; pulling a snapshot and events received after the snapshot based on the playback request; building a state of the rail system using the pulled snapshot and the pulled events; operating controls of the rail system based on the state of the rail system.
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
33.
AUTOMATED POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL EVENT DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS ENGINE AND METHOD THEREFOR
A system and method for automating workflow and performing root cause analysis for enforcement events is presented. The system can enable accurate detection of an enforcement event and identifies the root cause of such events. The system can provide a user with an interface to monitor the enforcement event by collecting a list of data characterizing the enforcement event, as well as analyze the data to evaluate what is the root cause of the enforcement event. The system can extract critical information from train system logs of the train using an extraction model to generate a window of activity providing an analysis model with a comprehensive scope to analyze the enforcement event. The system can give the user robust and accurate information of the root cause of the enforcement event.
A railroad infrastructure communication network is presented. The network can include a plurality of infrastructure nodes distributed proximate a railroad track, such as near railroad equipment and/or assets. Infrastructure nodes can be configured to receive data from equipment sensor and/or assets and transmit such data via the network. Infrastructure nodes can further generate alert and/or alert packets based on such received data. Infrastructure nodes can self-define in a network infrastructure depending on configured connection types, and can for example, serve as repeater nodes (to promulgate a transmission to additional infrastructure nodes) and/or collector nodes (to collect data for a centralized server node). A server node can be configured to receive data and/or packet from infrastructure nodes and generate requests for additional systems, personnel, etc. to address such requests. The network can limit the data transmission size and leverage distributed processing capabilities to enable transmissions over long ranges, such as by reducing the bandwidth required to transmit packets.
B61K 9/08 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61L 27/40 - Handling position reports or trackside vehicle data
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
A system and method for automating railroad maintenance for a tie gang using electronic tie marking (ETM) configured to optimize railroad asset maintenance. The system enables the automating of an adaptive maintenance process for the asset that is being maintainanced. The system can identify a railroad asset scheduled for maintenance using various forms of inspection including real-time kinematic (RTK)-corrected GPS data, radar signal processing data, and real-time imaging. The system also provides for the acquisition and upload of asset pictures for verification and analysis of a railroad asset. The system can identify a next location to perform maintenance and can calculate an optimum path based on sensor input incorporating machine-specific and environmental characteristics. The system further can provide a customizable user interface to identify, track, and process information related to maintenance of the railroad asset.
B61K 9/08 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or trains
E01B 29/02 - Transporting, laying, removing, or renewing lengths of assembled track, assembled switches, or assembled crossings
E01B 29/10 - Transporting, laying, removing, or renewing sleepers under, or from under, installed rails for inserting or removing sleepers
E01B 29/26 - Fixing or removing detachable fastening means or accessories thereofPre-assembling track components by detachable fastening means the fastening means being spikes
E01B 29/32 - Installing or removing track components, not covered by the preceding groups, e.g. sole-plates, rail anchors
E01B 35/00 - Applications of measuring apparatus or devices for track-building purposes
36.
INTELLIGENT REAL-TIME INFORMATION INGESTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
According to some embodiments, a method by a computing system includes accessing a plurality of images captured by an imaging device. The imaging device and the computing system are coupled to a vehicle that moves within an intermodal container yard. The method further includes determining, by analyzing the plurality of images using a machine-learning module, that a shipping container is depicted within at least one of the plurality of images. The method further includes determining, using a map of the intermodal container yard, a parking location of the shipping container. The method further includes electronically communicating, in response to determining that the shipping container is depicted within at least one of the plurality of images, a message comprising data about the shipping container. The data includes the determined parking location of the shipping container and one or more identification markings of the shipping container.
According to some embodiments, a method for visualizing inventory of an intermodal container yard includes accessing a unit inventory stored in an inventory database. The unit inventory includes information about a plurality of shipping containers physically located in the intermodal container yard. The method further includes providing one or more instructions to display, on an electronic display of a user computing system, a graphical user interface comprising a three-dimensional representation of the intermodal container yard. The method further includes updating, in real time, the three-dimensional representation of the intermodal container yard based on the information about the plurality of shipping containers in the unit inventory. The method further includes providing one or more instructions to display in the graphical user interface, in response to a user selection of a particular visual representation of a particular shipping container, metadata about the particular shipping container.
A wedge driver and method therefor is presented. A wedge driver can be operably coupled to different ends of a link joiner to drive a wedge therebetween to form a single link. The wedge driver can also drive the wedge out of the link joiner. The present disclosure provides the benefit of allowing the safe and effective removal of the link joiner by preventing violent or forceful decoupling of a link joiner. The wedge driver can include a trunk, a first prong, a second prong, a bolt, and a driver. The driver can be spring enabled, such that the driver can recede into the trunk as the bolt egresses the trunk. A bolt of the wedge driver can push a driver out of the trunk to axially drive the wedge into (or out of) a link joiner without rotating the wedge.
According to some embodiments, a method by a computing system includes accessing a plurality of images captured by an imaging device. The imaging device and the computing system are coupled to a vehicle that moves within an intermodal container yard. The method further includes determining, by analyzing the plurality of images using a machine-learning module, that a shipping container is depicted within at least one of the plurality of images. The method further includes determining, using a map of the intermodal container yard, a parking location of the shipping container. The method further includes electronically communicating, in response to determining that the shipping container is depicted within at least one of the plurality of images, a message comprising data about the shipping container. The data includes the determined parking location of the shipping container and one or more identification markings of the shipping container.
According to some embodiments, a method for visualizing inventory of an intermodal container yard includes accessing a unit inventory stored in an inventory database. The unit inventory includes information about a plurality of shipping containers physically located in the intermodal container yard. The method further includes providing one or more instructions to display, on an electronic display of a user computing system, a graphical user interface comprising a three-dimensional representation of the intermodal container yard. The method further includes updating, in real time, the three-dimensional representation of the intermodal container yard based on the information about the plurality of shipping containers in the unit inventory. The method further includes providing one or more instructions to display in the graphical user interface, in response to a user selection of a particular visual representation of a particular shipping container, metadata about the particular shipping container.
A method for switching railcars at a railroad yard includes accessing a list of selected railcars for an outgoing train. The method further includes generating a plurality of train consists that each comply with a set of train rules. The method further includes displaying indications of the generated train consists and their associated number of railyard switch moves on an electronic display. The method further includes receiving a user selection of a desired train consist from the plurality of displayed train consists. The method further includes generating a plurality of switch lists according to the desired train consist and a current inventory of railcars in the railyard. The switch lists include instructions about how to form the desired train consist in the railyard. The method further includes displaying the plurality of switch lists on the electronic display.
An apparatus for applying a terminal end of a cable (165) includes a base plate (120) having a threaded rod support (131), and a threaded rod (135) inserted through an aperture of the threaded rod support. The apparatus further includes an anchor (125) coupled to the base plate and configured to couple a terminal end body (150) of a cable to the apparatus, and a cinch trolly (130) slidebly coupled to the base plate via a groove (132). The cinch trolly includes a protrusion (138) configured to couple a cable pulling clamp (170) to the cinch trolly, and one or more threaded nuts (137) configured to threadably couple the cinch trolly to the threaded rod. The cinch trolly is configured to move along the groove away from the anchor when the threaded rod is rotated, thereby pulling the cable away from the anchor via the cable pulling clamp and thereby cinching the cable and a wedge within the terminal end body.
F16G 11/04 - Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objectsCaps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes with wedging action, e.g. friction clamps of grommet-thimble type
F16G 11/12 - Connections or attachments, e.g. turnbuckles, adapted for straining of cables, ropes or wire
F16G 11/14 - Devices or coupling-pieces designed for easy formation of adjustable loops, e.g. choker hooksHooks or eyes with integral parts designed to facilitate quick attachment to cables or ropes at any point, e.g. by forming loops
B60M 1/28 - Manufacturing or repairing trolley lines
B66B 7/08 - Arrangements of ropes or cables for connection to the cars or cages, e.g. couplings
An apparatus for applying a terminal end of a cable includes a base plate having a threaded rod support, and a threaded rod inserted through an aperture of the threaded rod support. The apparatus further includes an anchor coupled to the base plate and configured to couple a terminal end body of a cable to the apparatus, and a cinch trolly slidebly coupled to the base plate via a groove. The cinch trolly includes a protrusion configured to couple a cable pulling clamp to the cinch trolly, and one or more threaded nuts configured to threadably couple the cinch trolly to the threaded rod. The cinch trolly is configured to move along the groove away from the anchor when the threaded rod is rotated, thereby pulling the cable away from the anchor via the cable pulling clamp and thereby cinching the cable and a wedge within the terminal end body.
F16G 11/04 - Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objectsCaps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes with wedging action, e.g. friction clamps of grommet-thimble type
F16G 11/06 - Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objectsCaps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes with laterally-arranged screws
45.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIRTUAL APPROACH SIGNAL RESTRICTION UPGRADE
A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or train for signalling purposes
B61L 23/34 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for indicating the distance between vehicles or trains by the transmission of signals therebetween
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an image generated by a camera associated with a vehicle. The image includes a point of interest (POI) associated with a physical object. The method also includes determining a number of pixels from the POI of the image to an edge of the image. The edge of the image represents a location of the camera. The method further includes determining an offset distance from the POI to a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit associated with the vehicle using the number of pixels.
G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
G01S 19/45 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement
A method for switching railcars at a railroad yard: includes accessing a list, of selected railcars for an outgoing train. The method further includes generating a plurality of train consists that each comply with a set of train rules. The method further includes displaying indications of the generated train consists and their associated, number of railyard switch moves on an electronic display. The method further includes receiving a user selection of a desired train consist from the plurality of displayed train consists. The method birther includes generating a plurality of switch lists according to the desired train consist and a current inventory of railcars in the railyard. The switch lists include instructions about how to form the desired train consist in the railyard. The method further includes displaying the plurality of switch lists on the electronic display.
Systems and techniques for optimizing hub resources and maximizing hub throughput based on dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a first flow of units arriving to the hub from customers to be loaded into departing trains is represented as a consolidation stream, and a second flow of units arriving to the hub via arriving trains to be unloaded and delivered customers is represented as a deconsolidation stream. A time-space network is generated for each of the consolidation and deconsolidation streams, and included in a DSRO model. Each stage of the streams is represented as a node of the corresponding time-space network in the DSRO model, which also models resource interdependence between the streams. An operating schedule based on the DSRO model optimizes the resources over a planning horizon to ensure they are allocated to both streams fairly so as to maximize the unit flow during operations.
G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
49.
QUANTUM DE MÉXICO A J.B. HUNT, BNSF AND GMXT SERVICE
Methods and systems for providing mechanisms for automated inventory control are provided. In embodiments, an operational workflow for providing automated inventory control includes automated data collection and automated image data analysis. The automated data collection includes capturing image data for a storage facility by a capturing device (e.g., an unmanned aerial system (UAS)). The automated image data analysis includes functionality to detect objects (e.g., containers, trailers, empty slots, and/or other objects) appearing in the image data (e.g., using a machine learning (ML) model), to identify the objects in the image data (e.g., using the ML model), to inspect the objects (e.g., including determining a condition and/or location of the objects) based on the collected image data and metadata associated with the image capturing device and correlated to the image data (e.g., using an advance mathematical rule-based analysis), and/or to generate results that may be used by an inventory management system.
G01S 19/45 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
G06V 10/70 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning
G06V 20/17 - Terrestrial scenes taken from planes or by drones
G06V 20/40 - ScenesScene-specific elements in video content
H04N 5/77 - Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus between a recording apparatus and a television camera
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
52.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING RAILROAD TRACK SURFACE DEGRADATION
According to some embodiments, a method includes accessing track geometry data for a railroad track. The track geometry data includes historical measurements for a plurality of types of surface conditions of the railroad track over a period of time. The method further includes determining, by analyzing the track geometry data for a particular type of surface condition, a plurality of measurements that exceed a predetermined value. The method further includes identifying, by clustering the plurality of measurements that exceed the predetermined value, a particular track location on the railroad track as a progressive defect location. The method further includes determining, using a remaining useful life model and the track geometry data for the particular type of surface condition at the progressive defect location, a future time when the particular type of surface condition at the progressive defect location will exceed a predetermined limit.
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61K 9/08 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way
An articulated support fixture for a wind turbine blade includes a base frame with first and second bearing slide areas and first and second bearing blocks disposed to slide thereabout, each bearing block including a laterally oriented bearing. A fixture mount with a laterally oriented axle engages the laterally oriented bearings enabling the fixture mount to articulate about the lateral axle. The first and second bearing slide areas are configured to enable the first and second bearing blocks, together with the fixture mount, to slide along a generally longitudinal path, and to enable rotation of the fixture mount about a vertical axis as the first and second bearing blocks cooperatively slide upon the first and second bearing slide areas. A wind turbine blade interface is attached to the fixture mount, to enable engagement with, and support of, the wind turbine blade.
According to some embodiments, a method includes accessing track geometry data for a railroad track. The track geometry data includes historical measurements for a plurality of types of surface conditions of the railroad track over a period of time. The method further includes determining, by analyzing the track geometry data for a particular type of surface condition, a plurality of measurements that exceed a predetermined value. The method further includes identifying, by clustering the plurality of measurements that exceed the predetermined value, a particular track location on the railroad track as a progressive defect location. The method further includes determining, using a remaining useful life model and the track geometry data for the particular type of surface condition at the progressive defect location, a future time when the particular type of surface condition at the progressive defect location will exceed a predetermined limit.
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G06Q 10/1093 - Calendar-based scheduling for persons or groups
G06Q 10/20 - Administration of product repair or maintenance
55.
INTERMODAL INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS
According to some embodiments, a method includes accessing yard check data received from a plurality of sources. The yard check data includes a unit identification number of a particular shipping container of a plurality of shipping containers, a location of the particular shipping container within a container yard, and a confidence level. The method farther includes storing the unit identification number and the location of the particular shipping container in a unit inventory of an inventory database. The method further includes comparing the confidence level of the particular message to a confidence threshold for the particular source. The method further includes electronically communicating, across a communications network, the unit identification number and the location of the particular shipping container for storage in a production database when the confidence level of the particular.message exceeds the confidence threshold for the particular source.
Systems and techniques for optimizing utilization of chassis of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a chassis optimization system optimizes utilization of chassis resources in a hub based on a unit traffic prediction in an optimized operating schedule, where the unit traffic prediction includes a prediction of containers and chassis to arrive at the hub at each time increment of a planning horizon. The chassis optimization system optimizes the utilization of chassis resources by managing capacity constraints associated with the chassis resource capacity in the hub over the planning horizon to optimize the use of the chassis resource capacity to maximize unit throughput through the hub based on the unit traffic prediction and the chassis resources capacity, and by managing the chassis resource capacity surplus/deficit cycles over the planning horizon to maximize the unit throughput over the planning horizon based on the unit traffic prediction.
B61L 27/16 - Trackside optimisation of vehicle or train operation
B61L 27/04 - Automatic systems, e.g. controlled by trainChange-over to manual control
60.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTELLIGENTLY DIFFUSING UNIT STORAGE ACROSS PARKING LOT RESOURCES TO MAXIMIZE UNIT THROUGHPUT IN A HUB BASED ON A DUAL-STREAM RESOURCE OPTIMIZATION
Systems and techniques for intelligently diffusing units across parking lot resources of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a unit diffusion manager intelligently diffuses or spreads units across the parking spots of a parking lot resource to which the units may be assigned based on unit characteristics to maximize unit throughput within the hub. The unit characteristics of a unit include a unit-train assignment identifying the outbound train to which the unit may be assigned, a train-track assignment of the outbound train identifying the production track to which the outbound train is assigned for loading the units onto the outbound train, an identification of the customer to which the unit belongs, and/or other characteristics that may be relevant to the movement of the unit within the hub.
B61L 27/16 - Trackside optimisation of vehicle or train operation
B61L 25/06 - Indicating or recording the setting of track apparatus, e.g. of points, of signals
61.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING HOSTLER-AIDED MULTI-HOP OPERATIONS TO REPAIR DEVIATIONS IN EXECUTION OF OPTIMIZED OPERATING SCHEDULES ASSOCIATED WITH A HUB
Systems and techniques for intelligently repairing deviations in the execution of an optimized operating schedule associated with a hub. In embodiments, intelligently repairing deviations in the execution of an optimized operating schedule associated with a hub may include managing hostler-aided multi-hop operations that may be configured to repair the impact of mis-located units within the hub by optimizing the use of hostler resources during execution of the optimized operating schedule to insert multihop operations configured to move or transport the mis-located units from suboptimal locations to optimal locations into hostler route operations, which may improve or reoptimize the unit throughput within the hub over the planning horizon of the optimized operating schedule. In embodiments, an optimal location includes a location that leads to a higher unit throughput for the hub when the unit is located therein than when the unit is located in the current mis-location.
Systems and techniques for optimizing ramp operations of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, inbound and outbound trains scheduled to arrive at or depart from a hub over a planning horizon are identified. A set of candidate track-train assignment sequences involving the inbound and outbound trains and production tracks of the hub facility is generated. Infeasible candidate track-train assignment sequences are eliminated from the set. A cost associated with each remaining candidate track-train assignment sequence over the planning horizon is determined based on one or more effort matrices. An optimized track-train assignment sequence is selected from the set of candidate track-train assignment sequences based on the determined cost. A control signal is automatically sent to a controller to cause execution of the optimized track-train assignment sequence.
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by an object reconstruction module, a first image and a second image. The first image includes a first region of an object and the second image comprises a second region of the object. The method also includes identifying, by the object reconstruction module, a transitional image. The transitional image includes the first region of the object and the second region of the object. The method further includes determining, by the object reconstruction module, that the first region of the object in the transitional image and the first region of the object in the first image are equivalent regions and generating, by the object reconstruction module, a reconstruction of the object using the first image and the transitional image. The reconstruction of the object includes the first region of the object and the second region of the object and excludes equivalent regions.
Systems and techniques for optimizing hub resources and maximizing hub throughput based on dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO), In embodiments, a first flow of unite arriving to the hub from, customers to be loaded into departing trains is represented as a consolidation stream, and a second flow of unite arriving to the hub via arriving trains to be unloaded, and delivered customers is represented as a deconsolidation stream. A time-space network is generated for each of the consolidation and deconsolidation streams, and included in a DSRO model. Each stage of the streams is represented as a node of the corresponding time-space network in the DSRO model, which also models resource interdependence between the streams. An operating schedule based on the DSRO model optimizes the resources over a planning horizon to ensure they are allocated to both streams fairly so as to maximize the unit flow during operations.
According to some embodiments, a method includes accessing yard check data received from a plurality of sources. The yard check data includes a unit identification number of a particular shipping container of a plurality of shipping containers, a location of the particular shipping container within a container yard, and a confidence level. The method further includes storing the unit identification number and the location of the particular shipping container in a unit inventory of an inventory database. The method further includes comparing the confidence level of the particular message to a confidence threshold for the particular source. The method further includes electronically communicating, across a communications network, the unit identification number and the location of the particular shipping container for storage in a production database when the confidence level of the particular message exceeds the confidence threshold for the particular source.
Systems and techniques for optimizing utilization of parking lots of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, an optimized operating schedule over a planning horizon may be obtained, including predictions of units arriving at the hub through a consolidation stream and/or a deconsolidation stream during each time increment of the planning horizon. In embodiments, a unit is received at the hub during a first time increment of the planning horizon of the optimized operating schedule, a dwell time of the unit over the planning horizon ids determined, the unit is classified based on the dwell time of the unit over the planning horizon, and the unit is assigned to a parking lot associated with the hub based on the classification of the unit and a prediction of units to be processed during remaining time increments of the planning horizon after the first time increment.
Systems and techniques for optimizing utilization of hostlers of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a dual-stream optimization model is utilized, incorporating a consolidated time-space network and a deconsolidated time-space network spanning a planning horizon. The model identifies hostler operations and pairs them based on proximity criteria, forming operation pairs that lead to higher unit throughput within the hub. An optimized hostler operation schedule is generated for implementation during the planning horizon. The system also includes a feature for automatically transmitting a control signal to a hostler control system to direct a hostler to execute the paired operations in accordance with the pairing.
Systems and techniques for optimizing ramp operations of a hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO) through an intelligent graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI dynamically visualizes an optimized ramp operations schedule, enabling operators to interact with and adjust the schedule of inbound and outbound trains. Re-optimization features adapt to changes made by the operator, maintaining efficient hub operations. The GUI's intelligent decision-making capabilities consider complex resource interdependencies and the cascading effects of schedule adjustments. Enhanced operational efficiency is achieved by providing alerts and notifications for deviations from the optimized plan, facilitating swift action. User-driven optimization offers operators the flexibility to select from multiple optimization options or maintain the original schedule. This intelligent GUI integration with the ramp operations optimization system advances intermodal hub management, driving efficiency and responsiveness.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC CLASSIFICATION OF CHASSIS POOLS FOR OPTIMIZING UTILIZATION OF CHASSIS RESOURCES OF A HUB BASED ON A DUAL-STREAM RESOURCE OPTIMIZATION
Systems and techniques for enhancing the efficiency and utility of chassis pools within a hub by providing functionality for dynamic classification of chassis pools associated with the hub. In embodiments, the dynamic classification of chassis pools may be used for optimizing the utilization of chassis resources of the hub based on a dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, the functionality of a system implemented in accordance with the present disclosure for dynamic classification of chassis pools associated with a hub may include determining and/or setting a configuration for one or more dynamic chassis pool classifications that may include rulesets, guidelines, performance metrics, constraint, requirements, etc., and/or other information related to the management and operations of the chassis pools associated with the hub. A chassis optimization system may use the configured one or more dynamic chassis pool classifications to optimize the utilization of the chassis during operations of the hub.
Systems and techniques for adaptively classifying parking lots associated with a hub. In embodiments, adaptively classifying parking lots associated with a hub may include classifying the physical parking lots of the hub into one or more logical parking lots, in which each logical parking lot may have a parking lot classification. In embodiments, the configuration of each logical parking lot (e.g., the classification, layout, size, etc.) may be based on various factors, which may include factors associated with the physical parking lots, factors associated with the hub, environmental factors, cyclical factors, seasonal factors, unit traffic through the hub, proximity of the parking lots to productions tracks, ease of access to the parking lots, direction of traffic flow within the hub, etc. In embodiments, the logical parking lots may represent a logical or virtual classification of the physical parking lots.
A method for switching railcars at a railroad yard includes accessing a list of selected railcars for an outgoing train. The method further includes generating a plurality of train consists that each comply with a set of train rules. The method further includes displaying indications of the generated train consists and their associated number of railyard switch moves on an electronic display. The method further includes receiving a user selection of a desired train consist from the plurality of displayed train consists. The method further includes generating a plurality of switch lists according to the desired train consist and a current inventory of railcars in the railyard. The switch lists include instructions about how to form the desired train consist in the railyard. The method further includes displaying the plurality of switch lists on the electronic display.
A system for enhancing personnel safety on a railroad track is presented. The system can receive data from sensors and/or a PTC system to determine positions of clients/worker and/or vehicles, and further utilize such data to determine if a vehicle is within a certain proximity of the client/worker location. The system can further generate geofences around clients/vehicles to and determine when such geofences intersect one another. Additionally, the present disclosure can assign severity levels and generate alerts with the assigned severity levels, and such severity levels can indicate how close a vehicle is to a particular location. It is an object of the invention to provide a system for generating alerts to notify personnel when they much retreat to a place of safety.
B61L 23/34 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for indicating the distance between vehicles or trains by the transmission of signals therebetween
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or train for signalling purposes
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or trains
H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
A crane-less locked axle cradle system configured to lift a rail vehicle wheel off a rail and transport the lifted wheel along a rail is presented. The present disclosure discloses a system that can lift the locked-axle wheel off the rail with no crane thereby allowing the train with a locked axle to be transported off the mainline in a shorter period of time. A cradle system can have two parts (male and female members with wedges and rail wheels) that can be mated with each other around a rail wheel. As the male and female members are pulled together, locked wheel engagers can couple with different portions of the locked-axle wheel, causing the locked-axle wheel to lift off the rail given the gradient of the wedge or rotation of the wheel. In another embodiment, the wheel lifting can be assisted by an air bag, hydraulic cylinder, jack, or other.
An apparatus, system, and method for temporary fluid commodity transfer stations. A fluid commodity transfer structure can include a base member, a casing, and a fluid commodity transfer system. The fluid commodity transfer system can be configured to dispense a commodity for transloading from opposite sides of the fluid commodity transfer structure. A modular fueling station system can include one or more receptacles operably coupled to a fluid commodity transfer structure to allow a fluid commodity transfer system to utilize each receptacle as a fuel reservoir. The fluid commodity transfer structure can be loaded onto an intermodal transport vehicle, unloaded at a location, deposited at the location, and be operably coupled with one or more receptacles and/or other fluid commodity transfer structures to provide fueling infrastructure for fleet vehicles or allow for the commercial transfer of fluid from one receptable to another as a mobile fluid transfer system.
B67D 7/04 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
B67D 7/36 - Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves
Systems and techniques for optimizing hub resources and maximizing hub throughput based on dual-stream resource optimization (DSRO). In embodiments, a first flow of units arriving to the hub from customers to be loaded into departing trains is represented as a consolidation stream, and a second flow of units arriving to the hub via arriving trains to be unloaded and delivered customers is represented as a deconsolidation stream. A time-space network is generated for each of the consolidation and deconsolidation streams, and included in a DSRO model. Each stage of the streams is represented as a node of the corresponding time-space network in the DSRO model, which also models resource interdependence between the streams. An operating schedule based on the DSRO model optimizes the resources over a planning horizon to ensure they are allocated to both streams fairly so as to maximize the unit flow during operations.
G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project managementEnterprise or organisation planningEnterprise or organisation modelling
G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
78.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIRTUAL BLOCK STICK CIRCUITS
A system and method for virtual block stick circuits is presented. The present disclosure implements specialized algorithms adapted to determine the true status of a virtual block based on multiple inputs from different perspectives. In one embodiment, the system can use the far house perspective of that virtual track segment and the PTC hazard for the near virtual track segment directly adjacent to the near house uses the near house perspective of that virtual track segment. For the middle virtual track segments, the near house perspectives of the middle virtual track segments are held ‘TRUE’ if they are already ‘TRUE’ when the train first enters the block, using stick circuits for the near house perspective of the middle track circuits. The vital application can then indicate the true state of the virtual track segment as occupied (FALSE), to protect the train from trains that follow.
B61L 3/22 - Continuous control along the route using magnetic or electrostatic inductionContinuous control along the route using electromagnetic radiation
A railroad crossing signal test system includes a power source, a timer device configured to provide periodic electrical pulses, and first and second relays. The first relay can be configured to alternately provide the periodic electrical pulses to a left and right light of the railroad crossing signal. The second relay can be configured to alternately change a polarity of a common connection between the left light and the right light of the railroad crossing signal. The test system also includes a first switch configured to test a bell of the railroad crossing signal, a second switch configured to enable flashing of the left light according to the periodic electrical pulses, and a third switch configured to enable flashing of the right light according to the periodic electrical pulses. The system also includes test leads for electrically coupling the test system to test terminals of the railroad crossing signal.
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
A railroad crossing signal test system includes a power source, a timer device configured to provide periodic electrical pulses, and first and second relays. The first relay can be configured to alternately provide the periodic electrical pulses to a left and right light of the railroad crossing signal. The second relay can be configured to alternately change a polarity of a common connection between the left light and the right light of the railroad crossing signal. The test system also includes a first switch configured to test a bell of 'the railroad crossing signal, a second switch configured to enable flashing o f the left light according to the periodic electrical pulses, and a third switch configured to enable flashing of the right light according to the periodic electrical pulses. The system also includes test leads for electrically coupling the test system to test terminals of the railroad crossing signal
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
B61L 29/28 - Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
B61L 29/30 - Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
81.
Grounded Operations Management System and Method Therefor
A grounded operations facilities management system is disclosed that can facilitate communications in grounded operations facilities. Specifically, a method is provided for managing and supervising trucks as they park in truck spots to await freight deposits. Check-in instances reflecting, among other things, the actual truck spot a fleet vehicle is parked in can be retrieved by a client from a server or database in operable communication with the client, and upon instantiation and execution of several processes, the check-in instance can be updated and retrieved/served as needed throughout the system. The system can be managed and controlled via a geofence, such that fleet vehicle operators can only check-in to particular truck spots when located within the geofence.
A system, methods, and apparatus for preventing receptacle overfilling are presented. The system can include a sensor member configured to couple with a receptacle and sense a material level within the receptacle, such as via a sight glass of the receptacle. The system can include a controller in operable communication with the sensor member and configured to instantiate the shutoff of material flow from a material dispensing system if a particular material level is detected by the sensor member. The system can include an intermediate member configured to relay communications between the sensor member and the controller. The intermediate member can be coupled to a fluid line and can further act as a holster for the sensor member, such as by facilitating the coupling of the sensor member to the intermediate member and/or the fluid line.
G01F 23/02 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by gauge glasses or other apparatus involving a window or transparent tube for directly observing the level to be measured or the level of a liquid column in free communication with the main body of the liquid
B67D 7/04 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
B67D 7/12 - Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred operated by movement of delivery hose or nozzle or by devices associated therewith
B67D 7/32 - Arrangements of safety or warning devicesMeans for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
83.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FUEL MONITORING AND SPILL PREVENTION
A system, methods, and apparatus for preventing receptacle overfilling are presented. The system can include a sensor member configured to couple with a receptacle and sense a material level within the receptacle, such as via a sight glass of the receptacle. The system can include a controller in operable communication with the sensor member and configured to instantiate the shutoff of material flow from a material dispensing system if a particular material level is detected by the sensor member. The system can include an intermediate member configured to relay communications between the sensor member and the controller. The intermediate member can be coupled to a fluid line and can further act as a holster for the sensor member, such as by facilitating the coupling of the sensor member to the intermediate member and/or the fluid line.
G01F 23/02 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by gauge glasses or other apparatus involving a window or transparent tube for directly observing the level to be measured or the level of a liquid column in free communication with the main body of the liquid
B67D 7/04 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
B67D 7/12 - Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred operated by movement of delivery hose or nozzle or by devices associated therewith
B67D 7/32 - Arrangements of safety or warning devicesMeans for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
Methods and systems for providing mechanisms for automated inventory control are provided. In embodiments, an operational workflow for providing automated inventory control includes automated data collection and automated image data analysis. The automated data collection includes capturing image data for a storage facility by a capturing device (e.g., an unmanned aerial system (UAS)). The automated image data analysis includes functionality to detect objects (e.g., containers, trailers, empty slots, and/or other objects) appearing in the image data (e.g., using a machine learning (ML) model), to identify the objects in the image data (e.g., using the ML model), to inspect the objects (e.g., including determining a condition and/or location of the objects) based on the collected image data and metadata associated with the image capturing device and correlated to the image data (e.g., using an advance mathematical rule-based analysis), and/or to generate results that may be used by an inventory management system.
G01S 19/45 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
G06V 10/70 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning
G06V 20/17 - Terrestrial scenes taken from planes or by drones
G06V 20/40 - ScenesScene-specific elements in video content
H04N 5/77 - Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus between a recording apparatus and a television camera
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
A removal tool configured for removing an insertable engine component from an engine assembly. In the removal tool may include a coupling device, a drive member, and a lifting member attached to a main shaft. The coupling device is mounted onto a retainer securing an engine component, and the lifting member is positioned against the underside of a flange of the engine component. A rotational force applied against the drive member is transferred to the coupling device and causes the retainer to be unscrewed. As the retainer is unscrewed, this causes a lifting force from the retainer pushing against the coupling device, which causes the lifting member to be pushed upward, and further causing the engine component to be pushed upward and away from the engine assembly. This facilitates removal of the engine component concurrently with the removal of the retainer (e.g., in a single operation).
B25B 27/14 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same
F02M 61/14 - Arrangements of injectors with respect to enginesMounting of injectors
86.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RAILROAD DIRECTIVE MANAGEMENT
A system for railroad directive management is presented. The system can receive a myriad of data related to a directive, track segments, and/or vehicle events on the track and/or track segments. Vehicle- and/or event-specific data can be compared with one or more thresholds, including force thresholds, temporal thresholds, environmental thresholds, and/or event thresholds to determine whether and what kind of directive modification should be instantiated. Specialized algorithms can be implemented to trace vehicle paths along the track to determine whether directive-related segments are traversed, and specialized clustering algorithms can be utilized to cluster data unique to a particular segment on a per-segment basis. The system can be integrated with existing track infrastructure and can further generate alerts to notify coupled systems and/or personnel of directives and/or modification thereof.
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.
A Railroad Tie Management System is disclosed that can provide an efficient and organized method of inspecting and auditing ties in a rail system. Tie mark files can be retrieved by a client from a server or database in operable communication with the client, and upon instantiation of an inspection process governed by the system, an inspection information table and tie grid can be generated. The tie grid can operable to receive commands from a user, and the inspection information table is operable to automatically increment and decrement fields contained within in response to changes within the tie grid. The tie grid can also be configured to incorporate data from tie scans and serve the data to the client in a useful and user-friendly manner.
A method for assigning train blocks at a railroad merchandise yard includes determining, using a first optimization model and historical train block volume data, a first list of train block assignments for a plurality of train blocks and a plurality of classification tracks of a classification bowl. The method further includes displaying the first list of train block assignments generated by the first optimization model if the volume of the train blocks is not greater than the total available track length of the classification tracks. The method further includes determining and displaying, using a second optimization model and the historical train block volume data, a second list of train block assignments for the plurality of train blocks and the plurality of classification tracks of the classification bowl if the volume of the plurality of train blocks is greater than the total available track length of the plurality of classification tracks.
A system and methods for mobile reporting of railroad operations. The system can estimate a current geographic location of railway assets, defects, and projects based on input from at least a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and a graphical user interface (GUI). The system can display a geographic region of interest and estimate a location of a client device of the user based on geo-coded information. In this way, a network of users can determine a location of the railway assets, defects, and project locations and corresponding updates in real-time.
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving first Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data associated with a railroad environment, extracting an asset from the first LiDAR data associated with the railroad environment, and superimposing the asset into a spatial model. The method also includes receiving a field indication associated with a modification to the railroad environment and modifying the spatial model in response to receiving the field indication associated with the modification to the railroad environment. The method further includes receiving second LiDAR data associated with the railroad environment and comparing the second LiDAR data to the modified spatial model.
A system and methods for mobile reporting of railroad operations. The system can estimate a current geographic location of railway assets, defects, and projects based on input from at least a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and a graphical user interface (GUI). The system can display a geographic region of interest and estimate a location of a client device of the user based on geo-coded information. In this way, a network of users can determine a location of the railway assets, defects, and project locations and corresponding updates in real-time.
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61L 27/10 - Operations, e.g. scheduling or time tables
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
G06Q 10/20 - Administration of product repair or maintenance
G06Q 50/40 - Business processes related to the transportation industry
95.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIRTUAL BLOCK OPERATIONAL STATUS CONTROL WITH LONG BLOCK TIME DELAY
A system and method for virtual block operational status control with long block time delay is presented. The present disclosure can advantageously increase the capacity and safety of the existing railroad track infrastructure used by the railroads by determining whether a virtual block is healthy or unhealthy. The long block mode can provide a coarse granularity on the presence of a train. In virtual block mode, the system can implement a finer granularity so the virtual aspects of the sub blocks can be realized. The present disclosure provides a long block mode that can provide the system an opportunity to analyze the potential tradeoffs between granularity and reliability by determining which mode (virtual block or long block) is best utilized in a given situation. The system can operate by default in long block mode and ignore the virtual block capabilities until absolutely needed.
B61L 23/18 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for controlling traffic in one direction only automatically operated specially adapted for maintaining a safe distance between vehicles or trains depending upon speed and traffic density
B61L 27/40 - Handling position reports or trackside vehicle data
B61L 27/53 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
B61L 23/16 - Track circuits specially adapted for section blocking
A removal tool configured for removing an insertable engine component from an engine assembly. In the removal tool may include a coupling device, a drive member, and a lifting member attached to a main shaft. The coupling device is mounted onto a retainer securing an engine component, and the lifting member is positioned against the underside of a flange of the engine component. A rotational force applied against the drive member is transferred to the coupling device and causes the retainer to be unscrewed. As the retainer is unscrewed, this causes a lifting force from the retainer pushing against the coupling device, which causes the lifting member to be pushed upward, and further causing the engine component to be pushed upward and away from the engine assembly. This facilitates removal of the engine component concurrently with the removal of the retainer (e.g., in a single operation).
B25B 27/00 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for
B25B 27/02 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for connecting objects by press fit or detaching same
A system and method for providing virtual approach signaling between physical signaling components. The system and method can generate virtual approach signal indicators to increase an efficiency along a segment of track. The system can provide a signal for the locomotive to increase the speed at which the locomotive can travel along the segment of track based on the virtual approach signal indicators, rather than physical signal components. The system can provide enhanced safety along the segment of track by automating the virtual approach signal indicators for the locomotive. The system and method can provide a reduced cost through the efficiency gains along the railway by upgrading the virtual approach signal to an all-clear indication removing any speed restrictions previously binding the locomotive. The system and method can provide a modular signaling ability to enhance a capacity along the segment of track.
B61L 3/12 - Devices along the route for controlling devices on the vehicle or train, e.g. to release brake or to operate a warning signal at selected places along the route, e.g. intermittent control controlling electrically using magnetic or electrostatic inductionDevices along the route for controlling devices on the vehicle or train, e.g. to release brake or to operate a warning signal at selected places along the route, e.g. intermittent control controlling electrically using radio waves
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or trains
B61L 27/20 - Trackside control of safe travel of vehicle or train, e.g. braking curve calculation
A system and method for providing virtual approach signaling between physical signaling components. The system and method can generate virtual approach signal indicators to increase an efficiency along a segment of track. The system can provide a signal for the locomotive to increase the speed at which the locomotive can travel along the segment of track based on the virtual approach signal indicators, rather than physical signal components. The system can provide enhanced safety along the segment of track by automating the virtual approach signal indicators for the locomotive. The system and method can provide a reduced cost through the efficiency gains along the railway by upgrading the virtual approach signal to an all-clear indication removing any speed restrictions previously binding the locomotive. The system and method can provide a modular signaling ability to enhance a capacity along the segment of track.
Methods and systems for providing automated asset management are provided. In embodiments, an asset data collector is configured to automatically collect asset data associated with assets in an intermodal facility according to a mission plan. An automated data collection configurator is configured to configure the mission plan based on one or more parameters and to instantiate the asset data collector to initiate collection of the asset data according to the mission plan. An automated asset data analyzer is configured to identify data in which one or more assets appear, to identify the one or more assets detected in the set of data, to inspect, based on the set of data in which the one or more assets are detected, the one or more assets to determine a condition of the one or more assets, and to output the condition of the one or more assets.
A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or train for signalling purposes
B61L 23/34 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for indicating the distance between vehicles or trains by the transmission of signals therebetween
