A control unit for controlling a rolling stock includes a user interface. The control unit is configured to receive, via the user interface, a plurality of user inputs corresponding to a plurality of users servicing the rolling stock, determine whether at least one user of the plurality of users remains servicing the rolling stock, and if at least one user of the one or more users remains servicing the rolling stock, prevent unauthorized movement of the rolling stock. Other example control units, computer systems including one or more control units, and computer-implemented methods for preventing unauthorized movement of a rolling stock are also disclosed.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light for railways. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may provide a rail worker with one light device to be used for many railway applications. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may have a two-sided light capability and the ability to provide warning and lighting on both a front panel and a back panel of the lantern/multi-functional LED. The lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light may include one or more of the following features: two-sided with extra-bright warning LEDs orientated in rows that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to light-up a work area, multi-color with different flash rates, sensor to allow for orientation position indication and automatic ON/OFF on one side, bottom base magnetic mount, two bright top-mounted LED lights and two side-top LEDs that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to be used as a flash light.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light for railways. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may provide a rail worker with one light device to be used for many railway applications. The lantern/multi-functional LED light may have a two-sided light capability and the ability to provide warning and lighting on both a front panel and a back panel of the lantern/multi-functional LED. The lantern/multi-functional hand-held LED light may include one or more of the following features: two-sided with extra-bright warning LEDs orientated in rows that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to light-up a work area, multi-color with different flash rates, sensor to allow for orientation position indication and automatic ON/OFF on one side, bottom base magnetic mount, two bright top-mounted LED lights and two side-top LEDs that allow the lantern/multi-functional LED light to be used as a flash light.

Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.

Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.

The present invention relates to a smart vest for use by railyard personnel at a railyard. The smart vest utilizes many safety features, such as improved visibility, a real-time camera, an environmental monitor, high-accuracy location tracking, tracking the state of the railyard crew member, real-time communication, and mobile power. Each of these features may be incorporated with the smart vest.

The present invention relates to a smart vest for use by railyard personnel at a railyard. The smart vest utilizes many safety features, such as improved visibility, a real-time camera, an environmental monitor, high-accuracy location tracking, tracking the state of the railyard crew member, real-time communication, and mobile power. Each of these features may be incorporated with the smart vest.

Tools .[.(such as system, apparatus, methodology, etc.).]. may be provided to control traffic over a railway track section, .Iadd.and more particularly, .Iaddend.when a railway worker is working on or near the track section.[.. Move particularly, when traffic over the track section is to be blocked.]., .Iadd.a block is placed to prevent trains from traversing the track section. Further, .Iaddend.a release code is generated and sent to .[.an electronic contact address of the railway worker. Traffic through the track section is blocked until the release code is entered in.]. .Iadd.a user terminal. The block is removed from the track section when the release code is received by .Iaddend.the system.

Tools .[.(such as system, apparatus, methodology, etc.).]. may be provided to control traffic over a railway track section, .Iadd.and more particularly, .Iaddend.when a railway worker is working on or near the track section.[.. Move particularly, when traffic over the track section is to be blocked.]., .Iadd.a block is placed to prevent trains from traversing the track section. Further, .Iaddend.a release code is generated and sent to .[.an electronic contact address of the railway worker. Traffic through the track section is blocked until the release code is entered in.]. .Iadd.a user terminal. The block is removed from the track section when the release code is received by .Iaddend.the system.

A system includes a safety mode activation device disposed onboard a vehicle system and operatively connected to a controller of the vehicle system. The safety mode activation device is configured to receive a status signal indicating a presence of one or more of an operator or an active work marker in a location proximate to the vehicle system. The safety mode activation device is further configured to transmit a lockout signal to the controller to prevent movement of the vehicle system along a route responsive to receiving the status signal.