In one embodiment, a propulsion system includes roaming vehicles including a reaction plate installed on a bottom of each of the roaming vehicles, a surface stator matrix installed with a running surface for the roaming vehicles and including single sided linear induction motors (SSLIMs). Each of the SSLIMs include two windings installed orthogonally to one another. The propulsion system also includes motor drives configured to electrically couple to the SSLIMs via a switching panel, and a control system configured to receive information related to the roaming vehicles, receive a desired motion profile for the roaming vehicles across the surface stator matrix, determine which of the SSLIMs to activate and a performance of the SSLIMs based on the desired motion profile, the information, or some combination thereof, and send control signals to the motor drives to control the SSLIMs to produce the motion profile.

A method and system secure remote video transmissions for the remote control of a vehicle. The system secures the remote transmission of an image via a photosensitive receiver of a camera capable of remotely displaying the image. The system contains an optical securing information generator capable of generating optical securing information and an optical module capable of optically superimposing a securing image including the optical securing information and the image of the object to form a secured optical image for acting on the photosensitive receiver capable of generating a video signal. The system couples a device for remotely receiving the video signal from the video system to a device for processing the video signal. The video signal processing device is capable of detecting, reading and extracting optical securing information in the video signal of the secured optical image. The system has a display device for displaying the optical securing information.

A system includes one or more processors configured to communicatively link a first operator control unit (OCU) disposed off-board a vehicle system with a vehicle control system (VCS) disposed onboard the vehicle system. The vehicle system is formed from first and second vehicles. The VCS is configured to remotely control movement of the second vehicle from the first vehicle, wherein the one or more processors configured to receive a control signal communicated from the first OCU to a communication device that is onboard the first vehicle. The control signal dictates a change in movement operational setting of the second vehicle. The one or more processors configured to direct the communication device to communicate the control signal from the first vehicle to the second vehicle via the VCS, wherein movement of the second vehicle is automatically changed responsive to communicating the control signal from the first vehicle to the second vehicle.

The present invention includes an on-board control apparatus that generates train position information using ground coil position information and train speed information and outputs the train position information, and a ground control apparatus that receives the train position information outputted by the on-board control apparatus, identifies a position of a train using the train position information and stored track information, generates train control data having a size corresponding to the identified position of the train, and outputs the train control data toward the train.

The present invention includes an on-board control apparatus that generates train position information using ground coil position information and train speed information and outputs the train position information, and a ground control apparatus that receives the train position information outputted by the on-board control apparatus, identifies a position of a train using the train position information and stored track information, generates train control data having a size corresponding to the identified position of the train, and outputs the train control data toward the train.

Systems and methods are provided for train operation control and enforcement. A train control system for controlling operations of a train may include a train-mounted control unit deployed in the train, and a plurality of fixed control nodes deployed on or in close proximity to a track traversed by the train. Each of the train-mounted control unit and fixed control nodes includes a corresponding communication subsystem that includes transponders and communication circuits, configured for communicating signals. The train-mounted control unit is configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the plurality of fixed control nodes, with the signals including ultra-wideband (UWB) signals and with at least some of the signals carrying data pertinent to controlling operations of the train; and to determine control information relating to controlling operations of the train based on received UWB signals originating from one or more fixed control nodes.

An economical information transmission system for rail transport includes a transmitter having a known transmission power for communication between a track section and a rail vehicle. A receiver has at least one first adjustable receive level threshold, with which a maximum distance between the transmitter and the receiver can be defined in a particular application, within which the receiver is able to receive with respect to the transmitter. An information transmission method is also provided.

An economical information transmission system for rail transport includes a transmitter having a known transmission power for communication between a track section and a rail vehicle. A receiver has at least one first adjustable receive level threshold, with which a maximum distance between the transmitter and the receiver can be defined in a particular application, within which the receiver is able to receive with respect to the transmitter. An information transmission method is also provided.

According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of systems, methods and devices related to operator control unit base VOIP communication. In an exemplary embodiment, an operator control unit based VOIP communication system includes an operator control unit in wireless communication with a locomotive control unit coupled to a locomotive to control operation of the locomotive. The operator control unit includes a first wireless interface to transmit one or more commands to the locomotive control unit, and an auxiliary wireless interface. The system also includes a microphone in communication with the operator control unit. The operator control unit is configured to receive voice signals from the microphone, and to transmit voice data corresponding to the received voice signals via the auxiliary wireless interface. The voice data is transmitted by the auxiliary wireless interface though a railyard infrastructure wireless network using a voice over internet protocol (VOIP).

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to support structures for transportation systems. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a self-supporting arch assembly. The self-supporting arch assembly can be configured to support one or more devices in a transportation system, such as an antenna assembly configured to communicate with a train. In other embodiments, the support structure can comprise a hinged mast assembly comprising a hinge assembly and mast coupled to the hinge assembly. A device, such as an antenna assembly can be disposed at a distal portion of the mast.