Systems and methods for monitoring and validating status of retarder devices

Abstract

Methods and systems for determining a status of retarder devices in a classification yard. In particular embodiments, a set of car event data associated with a retarder may be analyzed to determine the ability of the retarder to efficiently remove energy from cuts traveling over the retarder throughout the length of the retarder. A status of the retarder may be determined from analysis of the ability of the retarder to efficiently remove energy from cuts traveling over the retarder throughout the length of the retarder. In embodiments, the status of the retarder may be used to ensure corrective actions on the retarder (e.g., deploy maintenance personnel, report the status of the retarder, send a control signal to the retarder to deactivate, etc.).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.