Systems and methods for detecting the dynamic train-to-rail shunting performance of a train as it is moving along the rails of a railroad track. The systems and methods use portable equipment temporarily installed at a site where it is desired to test the shunting of one or more trains or the electrical equipment installed at the track. The systems and method use sensor plates and a high speed recording system to simultaneously capture measured train-to-rail shunting characteristics and the positioning of a train's axles and any rail conditions impacting the measurements. The captured information can be used to fine tune the train, the electrical equipment installed at the track and/or to design new devices.

Systems and methods for detecting the dynamic train-to-rail shunting performance of a train as it is moving along the rails of a railroad track. The systems and methods use portable equipment temporarily installed at a site where it is desired to test the shunting of one or more trains or the electrical equipment installed at the track. The systems and method use sensor plates and a high speed recording system to simultaneously capture measured train-to-rail shunting characteristics and the positioning of a train's axles and any rail conditions impacting the measurements. The captured information can be used to fine tune the train, the electrical equipment installed at the track and/or to design new devices.

A linear transport apparatus includes a transport cart, a first roller that rotates about a first rotation shaft extending from the transport cart along a first direction, a second roller that rotates about a second rotation shaft extending from the transport cart and forming an acute angle with the first rotation shaft, and a rail sandwiched between the first and second rollers to extend along a track on which the transport cart moves. The rail includes a first contact portion coming contact with the first roller and restricting movement of the transport cart in a second direction perpendicular to a direction in which the rail extends and the first direction, and a second contact portion that comes into contact with the second roller and is parallel to the second rotation shaft, and the rail includes a portion in which curvature of the track moves is different from another portion.

A linear transport apparatus includes a transport cart, a first roller that rotates about a first rotation shaft extending from the transport cart along a first direction, a second roller that rotates about a second rotation shaft extending from the transport cart and forming an acute angle with the first rotation shaft, and a rail sandwiched between the first and second rollers to extend along a track on which the transport cart moves. The rail includes a first contact portion coming contact with the first roller and restricting movement of the transport cart in a second direction perpendicular to a direction in which the rail extends and the first direction, and a second contact portion that comes into contact with the second roller and is parallel to the second rotation shaft, and the rail includes a portion in which curvature of the track moves is different from another portion.

An improved safety system used to determine the present position of a car riding on railroad tracks that provides data to control signals, such as flashing lights, and crossing gates at railroad grade crossings in order to prevent accidents with vehicles or persons.

An improved safety system used to determine the present position of a car riding on railroad tracks that provides data to control signals, such as flashing lights, and crossing gates at railroad grade crossings in order to prevent accidents with vehicles or persons.

Railway detection system for detecting the presence of a railway vehicle on a railway track section comprising at least two rails, the railway track section comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction of the railway track section, the railway detection system comprising a track circuit system comprising a signal generator electrically coupled to the first end of the railway track section, the signal generator being configured for generating a first track circuit signal to be injected into the railway track section at the first end, wherein the signal generator is adapted to generate a first component of the first track circuit signal comprising at least one DC pulse; generate a second component of the first track circuit signal, and add the first and the second component so as to obtain the first track circuit signal.

Example inductive loop detection systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives image data from a camera of a vehicle and determines a geographic position of the vehicle. Based on the image data and the geographic position of the vehicle, the method determines a location of an inductive loop in a roadway proximate the vehicle. The data associated with the location of the inductive loop is stored in a storage device within the vehicle. For a vehicle, a detectable zone may be determined based on actual or simulated outputs an inductive loop system at various locations relative to the vehicle. While driving, the vehicle is controlled to cause the detectable zone to pass over or stop over a known location of the inductive loop.

Example inductive loop detection systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives image data from a camera of a vehicle and determines a geographic position of the vehicle. Based on the image data and the geographic position of the vehicle, the method determines a location of an inductive loop in a roadway proximate the vehicle. The data associated with the location of the inductive loop is stored in a storage device within the vehicle. For a vehicle, a detectable zone may be determined based on actual or simulated outputs an inductive loop system at various locations relative to the vehicle. While driving, the vehicle is controlled to cause the detectable zone to pass over or stop over a known location of the inductive loop.

A safety method is provided for a railway network that is divided into track sections by track elements, and can be travelled by vehicles in accordance with data from components of a track atlas. The vehicles request steps, from selections of the track elements, for assignment as a travel path element, and in which each of the selected track elements automatically assigns itself as a travel path element for each vehicle that requests the steps for assignment as a travel path element, under predetermined conditions. In order to optimize the loading of the track atlas relating to each vehicle, the data at least of one of the components of the track atlas is stored locally by the track elements in parts relating to the track elements in the form of datasets. A safety system for the railway network implements the safety method.