A computing device communicatively coupled to a light assembly that is coupled to a railroad track and that is operable to emit light in a plurality of different colors, determines a current train state of a plurality of different train states at a first location. In response to determining that the current train state is a first train state of the plurality of different train states, the computing device causes the light assembly to emit a first color of the plurality of different colors emittable by the light assembly.

A computing device communicatively coupled to a light assembly that is coupled to a railroad track and that is operable to emit light in a plurality of different colors, determines a current train state of a plurality of different train states at a first location. In response to determining that the current train state is a first train state of the plurality of different train states, the computing device causes the light assembly to emit a first color of the plurality of different colors emittable by the light assembly.

A method and an apparatus for a train control installation are disclosed, and are based on the absolute permissive block concept. The train control installation employs a plurality of generic absolute block signal units (ABSU), wherein each signal unit includes means for detecting the crossing of a train passed a discrete point, means for exchanging data with adjacent ABSUs, means for generating and communicating a movement authority limit to a train, means for generating and displaying a signal indication, and means for enforcing a stop aspect. The train control installation can be used in conjunction with a communication based train control (CBTC) system to provide a degraded mode of operation without impacting the availability and the reliability of the CBTC system. Further, the train control installation has a self-healing feature to maintain train service during an ABSU failure.

A train control system determines whether deterioration in performance of a sensor for obstacle detection is temporary and allowable from the viewpoint of ensuring safety of train travel or is not negligible from the viewpoint of safety. The train control system has sensors, and an on-board control device that includes a database in that records ground installation objects existing along a travel path of a train, positions of the ground installation objects, and weights set for the ground installation objects. When the sensors detect a ground installation object, the on-board control device collates the detected ground installation object with those recorded in the database, determines that a ground installation object that exists in the database but cannot be detected by the sensors is an undetected ground installation object, calculates a weight for the undetected ground installation object based on information of the database, and determines whether the sensors are abnormal.

A cable car and a cable car network with cable car stations and cable car vehicles movable with a haulage rope between the cable car stations includes a cable car control unit for controlling the cable car, wherein a maximum electrical energy consumption of the cable car is predetermined; an energy detection unit configured for determining an electrical energy consumption of the cable car; and wherein the cable car control unit is configured to control or regulate an electrical energy consumption of at least one electrical consumer of the cable car based at least in part on the determined electrical energy consumption of the cable car such that the maximum electrical energy consumption predetermined for the cable car is not exceeded. Associated methods of operating a cable car or cable car network are also disclosed.

A cargo container loading and unloading system for a transportation system, the cargo container loading and unloading system including a loading zone; and at least one opening connecting the loading zone to a transportation tube of the transportation system.

The derail warning system may include a solar-powered LED indicator for derail or switch. The derail warning system may also include an orientation sensor that automatically turns on depending on the orientation of the derail (up or down), derail metal flag, or switch indicator flag. The derail warning system may bring more visibility with a 360-degree LED that is solar powered and may detect orientation and turn on based on the position of the derail, switch, or flag. The derail warning system may use a unique acceleration sensor or g-sensor that can detect orientation movement and automatically turn on or off and be fully charged to operate day or night. The derail warning system may also include a data-logging microprocessor to determine a time stamp of position and location.

The derail warning system may include a solar-powered LED indicator for derail or switch. The derail warning system may also include an orientation sensor that automatically turns on depending on the orientation of the derail (up or down), derail metal flag, or switch indicator flag. The derail warning system may bring more visibility with a 360-degree LED that is solar powered and may detect orientation and turn on based on the position of the derail, switch, or flag. The derail warning system may use a unique acceleration sensor or g-sensor that can detect orientation movement and automatically turn on or off and be fully charged to operate day or night. The derail warning system may also include a data-logging microprocessor to determine a time stamp of position and location.

A system and method for inspecting a railway track using sensors oriented at an oblique angle relative to a rail vehicle on which the system is traveling. The orientation of the sensors allows for different data to be gathered regarding a particular rail including rail design specifications (gathered based on manufacturer markings detected and analyzed by the system), rail seat abrasion values based on direct measurement of rails from the oblique angle, and other analysis of rail features including joint bars, rail welds, bond wires, rail holes, and broken rails. The use of an air blower, ducts, and one or more air distribution lids over the sensors helps remove debris from blocking the sensors and structured light generators.

A system and method for inspecting a railway track using sensors oriented at an oblique angle relative to a rail vehicle on which the system is traveling. The orientation of the sensors allows for different data to be gathered regarding a particular rail including rail design specifications (gathered based on manufacturer markings detected and analyzed by the system), rail seat abrasion values based on direct measurement of rails from the oblique angle, and other analysis of rail features including joint bars, rail welds, bond wires, rail holes, and broken rails. The use of an air blower, ducts, and one or more air distribution lids over the sensors helps remove debris from blocking the sensors and structured light generators.