A train consist for freight transportation includes a first or lead locomotive and at least one second or trail, adjacent locomotive directly connected with one another, followed by a plurality of cars or wagons. Each of the locomotives has an Electronically Controlled Pneumatic Brake System (ECPBS), a brake handle installed in the driver's cab providing electric signals to control the ECPBSs upon train operator's commands, and a communication layer used to transmit various signals between the two or more adjacent locomotives of the consist. The electrical signals generated by the brake handle in the lead locomotive are extended to at least the first trail locomotive through the communication layer in order to control the ECPBS in the trail locomotive, providing full train brake redundancy, allowing non-degraded train operation even in case of an unrecoverable failure of the brake control system in the lead locomotive.

A train consist for freight transportation includes a first or lead locomotive and at least one second or trail, adjacent locomotive directly connected with one another, followed by a plurality of cars or wagons. Each of the locomotives has an Electronically Controlled Pneumatic Brake System (ECPBS), a brake handle installed in the driver's cab providing electric signals to control the ECPBSs upon train operator's commands, and a communication layer used to transmit various signals between the two or more adjacent locomotives of the consist. The electrical signals generated by the brake handle in the lead locomotive are extended to at least the first trail locomotive through the communication layer in order to control the ECPBS in the trail locomotive, providing full train brake redundancy, allowing non-degraded train operation even in case of an unrecoverable failure of the brake control system in the lead locomotive.

The invention relates to a control mechanism (105) configured to equip a rail system and including a casing (106) from which a control rod (109) projects, configured to be mechanically and securely connected to a control cable (107) actuatable at a distance from or in proximity to the casing, a plate (115) mechanically connected to the casing and from which the control rod projects, and a locking/unlocking device (135) positioned in a recess (124) provided in the plate and having a stable position, the control mechanism being configured so that, when the control cable is mechanically connected to the control rod, the locking/unlocking device is elastically moved away from its stable position to allow the partial introduction of the control cable in the plate as far as a position in which the control cable is mechanically and securely connected to the control rod.

The invention relates to a control mechanism (105) configured to equip a rail system and including a casing (106) from which a control rod (109) projects, configured to be mechanically and securely connected to a control cable (107) actuatable at a distance from or in proximity to the casing, a plate (115) mechanically connected to the casing and from which the control rod projects, and a locking/unlocking device (135) positioned in a recess (124) provided in the plate and having a stable position, the control mechanism being configured so that, when the control cable is mechanically connected to the control rod, the locking/unlocking device is elastically moved away from its stable position to allow the partial introduction of the control cable in the plate as far as a position in which the control cable is mechanically and securely connected to the control rod.

A system includes a machine assembly, an imaging sensor, an encoder, and one or more processors. The machine assembly is movable to actuate a brake lever of a vehicle in order to open a valve of an air brake system of the vehicle. The imaging sensor acquires perception information of a working environment that includes the brake lever. The encoder detects a displaced position of the machine assembly relative to a reference position of the machine assembly. The one or more processors detect a position of the brake lever relative to the machine assembly based on the acquired perception information and the detected displacement of the arm. The one or more processors generate a motion trajectory for the machine assembly that provides a path to the brake lever. The one or more processors drive movement of the machine assembly along the motion trajectory towards the brake lever.

A system includes a machine assembly, an imaging sensor, an encoder, and one or more processors. The machine assembly is movable to actuate a brake lever of a vehicle in order to open a valve of an air brake system of the vehicle. The imaging sensor acquires perception information of a working environment that includes the brake lever. The encoder detects a displaced position of the machine assembly relative to a reference position of the machine assembly. The one or more processors detect a position of the brake lever relative to the machine assembly based on the acquired perception information and the detected displacement of the arm. The one or more processors generate a motion trajectory for the machine assembly that provides a path to the brake lever. The one or more processors drive movement of the machine assembly along the motion trajectory towards the brake lever.

A device for monitoring the status of a railcar handbrake having a hand operated handle, which device has a load bearing member configured to be inserted in the linkage of a railcar handbrake system so that the force applied to the brake system passes through the load bearing member. A strain gauge mounted on the load bearing member measures the strain. The information from the strain gauge is indicative of the force applied by the handbrake to the brake and is used to determine the status of the handbrake. Means for determining motion of the railcar is also provided. In one form, if it is determined that the brake is on and the railcar is in motion, information, such as an alarm, is transmitted. A system and method of monitoring a railcar handbrake are also provided.

A device for monitoring the status of a railcar handbrake having a hand operated handle, which device has a load bearing member configured to be inserted in the linkage of a railcar handbrake system so that the force applied to the brake system passes through the load bearing member. A strain gauge mounted on the load bearing member measures the strain. The information from the strain gauge is indicative of the force applied by the handbrake to the brake and is used to determine the status of the handbrake. Means for determining motion of the railcar is also provided. In one form, if it is determined that the brake is on and the railcar is in motion, information, such as an alarm, is transmitted. A system and method of monitoring a railcar handbrake are also provided.

A system for monitoring operation of a railcar having one or more sensing units, mounted on the railcar, for monitoring operating parameters and or conditions of the railcar, and a communication management unit, in wireless communication with the sensing units, wherein the system can make a determination of an alarm condition based on data collected the sensing units. A temperature sensor device for use in such a system is also provided.

An unlocking system for at least one brake of a bogie includes an unlocking device configured for being attached to at least one cable connected to the at least one brake, and a support that includes a shaft forming a first axis of rotation. The unlocking device is rotatable with respect to the support about the first axis of rotation between a rest position and at least one unlocking position. The unlocking device is configured for exerting a traction on the at least one cable. The unlocking system can be produced at least partially by additive manufacturing.