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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Railroads

Wireless Processing Unit

Provides Essential Features for FRA Safety and Fuel Conservation Initiatives:

Wireless crew control of car set-out and pick-up from the safety of the locomotive cab Fuel efficiency monitoring and reporting while locomotive is operating in revenue service Graphic display of...

Remote-Controlled Cut-Lever

The cut-lever mechanically unlocks the coupler allowing separation of cars from the locomotive or from the other cars. 

Goals: Increase crew safety by eliminating the need for manual operation of cut-lever Retain normal, manual cut-lever operations capability...

Remote-Controlled Angle Cock

The angle cock, one on each end of all cars and locomotives, connects the train line air between cars. Remote operation from the side of one car or the locomotive cab is envisioned. 

 

 

 

 

 

Goals...

On-Board Monitoring and Control System (OBMCS)

Features: OBMCS uses Controller Area Network (CAN) technology to achieve a modular architecture in which sensors and actuators can easily be integrated into the system in a "Plug and Play" fashion Sensors and actuators in the OBMCS are interconnected on a CAN bus communication network...

Damage Assessment and Improved Inspection Systems

Under the FRA regulations, tank car owners are required to employ periodic structural integrity inspections including tank shell thickness tests and inspections of tank car welds. By limiting the required inspection to known areas of crack initiation, RSPA and FRA expect an increase in the...

Crash Energy Management Projects

Crash Energy Management The purpose of this project is to develop design data to improve the crashworthiness of passenger vehicles. A series of analyses and tests, involving different collision scenarios, are used to verify computer models and evaluate the possible changes of cab and car...

Conventional Equipment Projects

Current Projects:

A series of full-scale quasi-static and dynamic tests are planned on conventional equipment of various designs to establish the baseline level of performance to loading conditions established based on a review of historical accident consequences or active field...

Advanced Tri-Coupler

Opportunity/Problem: 

The development of the Advanced Tri-Coupler was in response to the need for a knuckle coupler capable of performing both an air (for brake lines) and electrical (required for ECP brake systems) connection, as the process for coupling and uncoupling cars can be both...

Advanced Components

Sponsored by the Federal Railroad Administration, the Advanced Concept Train (ACT) is a demonstration train showcasing technologies to improve safety of switching operations and efficiency of train operations. The train consists of five test cars, which include an intermodal well car, a garbage...

Rolling Stock Overview

Research efforts in the Rolling Stock Equipment and Components Program area focus on the development and improvement of equipment defect detection and control. Both wayside and on-board detection and control systems offer diverse platforms for such research and demonstration. Early defect...