A sensor system having a current interface includes a supply and current interface, an electronic control unit and an enhanced initialization sensor. The supply and current interface is configured to receive a supply voltage. The electronic control unit is coupled to the supply and current interface. The enhanced initialization sensor is coupled to the supply and current interface. The enhanced initialization sensor is configured to initialize the supply and current interface at a suitable current level to mitigate erroneous information.

A sensor system having a current interface includes a supply and current interface, an electronic control unit and an enhanced initialization sensor. The supply and current interface is configured to receive a supply voltage. The electronic control unit is coupled to the supply and current interface. The enhanced initialization sensor is coupled to the supply and current interface. The enhanced initialization sensor is configured to initialize the supply and current interface at a suitable current level to mitigate erroneous information.

The vehicle control apparatus gives a control current to the electromagnetic control valve at a start of energization of the electromagnetic control valve as a start current value smaller by a first determined amount than an open/closed state change-over reference current value which is necessary for changing over a state of the electromagnetic valve and after the start of energization of the electromagnetic control valve, the control current gradually increases with a smaller increase inclination than an increase inclination of an increase control of the control current which gives priority to a control responsibility of the electromagnetic control valve and finishes a gradual increase of the control current applying to the electromagnetic control valve, when the control current exceeds a finish current value which is larger than the open/closed state change-over reference current value.

The vehicle control apparatus gives a control current to the electromagnetic control valve at a start of energization of the electromagnetic control valve as a start current value smaller by a first determined amount than an open/closed state change-over reference current value which is necessary for changing over a state of the electromagnetic valve and after the start of energization of the electromagnetic control valve, the control current gradually increases with a smaller increase inclination than an increase inclination of an increase control of the control current which gives priority to a control responsibility of the electromagnetic control valve and finishes a gradual increase of the control current applying to the electromagnetic control valve, when the control current exceeds a finish current value which is larger than the open/closed state change-over reference current value.

Methods and systems for steering-based oscillatory braking are described herein. A method may involve making a determination, by a computing device, to reduce a speed of a vehicle. The vehicle may include a pair of wheels. The method may further involve providing instructions to turn the pair of wheels of the vehicle in an oscillatory manner, such that each wheel of the pair of wheels is turned in substantially the same direction and turning of the pair of wheels oscillates each wheel of the pair of wheels between given directions about a direction of travel of the vehicle so as to reduce the speed of the vehicle.

Methods and systems for steering-based oscillatory braking are described herein. A method may involve making a determination, by a computing device, to reduce a speed of a vehicle. The vehicle may include a pair of wheels. The method may further involve providing instructions to turn the pair of wheels of the vehicle in an oscillatory manner, such that each wheel of the pair of wheels is turned in substantially the same direction and turning of the pair of wheels oscillates each wheel of the pair of wheels between given directions about a direction of travel of the vehicle so as to reduce the speed of the vehicle.

A pressure equalization valve arrangement for a rail brake system includes a hold valve and a membrane vent valve each having a control chamber. The hold valve and vent valve are piloted by a respective solenoid valve. A further solenoid valve is connected to the control chamber of the vent valve to allow the pressure across the vent valve membrane to be equalized with the brake cylinder pressure to decrease the pressure difference across the membrane. This results in an improved vent time.

A brake control valve arrangement for controlling application of a braking force includes an electro-pneumatic brake control valve block including a hold valve and a vent valve (PRESSURE CONTROLLER), a main regulator valve (RELAY VALVE) and an emergency and a variable load control pressure regulator. The valve block has an inlet for a brake supply pressure, and an outlet in pneumatic connection with a brake cylinder. A pilot pressure into the main regulator valve from the variable load control pressure regulator is controlled by a remote release solenoid valve (CONTROL CHAMBER VENT MAGNET VALVE). The remote release solenoid valve adapted to vent brake cylinder pressure to atmosphere when de-energized thereby enabling release of the wheel braking force via the main regulator valve.

Methods and systems are provided for controlling braking for a trailer that is connected to a vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment, a trailer includes a connector, a parking brake, an actuator, and a processor. The connector is configured to connect the trailer to a vehicle. The parking brake is disposed onboard the trailer. The actuator is coupled to the parking brake. The processor is configured to cause the actuator to engage the parking brake in accordance with engagement instructions provided from the vehicle to the trailer.

A locomotive air brake control system that responds to penalty braking requests from external systems by applying a varying amount of train brake level based on monitored and calculated parameters in order to enforce a defined train condition. The system may include a minimum acceptable train braking, a condition to be achieved to prevent further application of train brakes, and a maximum train brake level to be applied in response to the request. Alternatively, the system may apply braking in stepped levels according defined thresholds for a train behavior variable of interest such as speed or deceleration. The system may be configured to incrementally apply and release train brakes during the adaptive penalty, and may also adjust the level of braking according to calculated braking capacity of the train.