Methods and apparatus for very close following train movement

A method for increasing efficiency of operation of trains wherein two successive trains in the sequence include a preceding train and a following train and any separation distance in excess of a minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train constitutes an excess distance, said method comprising:

• operating a plurality of trains as a moving sequence;
• determining current positions of the two successive trains using a positioning system;
• using the positions and speeds of the two successive trains to determine the minimum safe distance and any excess distance between the two trains;
• varying speed of the following train based on the minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train;
• and
• regulating distances between the trains to eliminate distances in excess of the minimum safe distance between the trains.

A method for increasing efficiency of operation of trains wherein two successive trains in the sequence include a preceding train and a following train and any separation distance in excess of a minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train constitutes an excess distance, said method comprising:

• operating a plurality of trains as a moving sequence;
• reporting current position and speed of the preceding train to the following train;
• using positions and speeds of the two successive trains to determine the minimum safe distance, based on a safe braking distance and a guard distance, and any excess distance between the two trains;
• varying speed of the following train based on the minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train;
• and
• regulating distances between the trains to eliminate distances in excess of the minimum safe distance between the trains.

A method for increasing efficiency of operation of trains wherein two successive trains in the sequence include a preceding train and a following train and any separation distance in excess of a minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train constitutes an excess distance, said method comprising:

• operating a plurality of trains as a moving sequence;
• reporting current position and speed of the following train to the preceding train;
• using the report to determine a time for a next report by the preceding train for transmission to the following train;
• using positions and speeds of the two successive trains to determine the minimum safe distance and any excess distance between the two trains;
• varying speed of the following train based on the minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train;
• and
• regulating distances between the trains to eliminate distances in excess of the minimum safe distance between the trains.

A method for increasing efficiency of operation of trains wherein two successive trains in the sequence include a preceding train and a following train and any separation distance in excess of a minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train constitutes an excess distance, said method comprising:

• operating a plurality of trains as a moving sequence;
• using position and speed of the following train to determine a distribution of weight of the following train;
• using positions and speeds of the two successive trains to determine the minimum safe distance and any excess distance between the two trains;
• varying speed of the following train based on the minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train;
• and
• regulating distances between the trains to eliminate distances in excess of the minimum safe distance between the trains.

A method for estimating distributed weight of a moving train including at least one car, the at least one car including a locomotive, said method comprising the steps of:

• at various times, using measurements of train tractive effort, speed and acceleration to estimate a plurality of frictional and aerodynamic forces affecting the train;
• at various times, relating the estimated forces to one another to obtain a matrix equation expressing the forces in terms of car weight and train weight;
• and
• solving the matrix equation to determine car weight and train weight.

A train operating system for operating a convoy of trains, wherein two successive trains in the convoy include a preceding train and a following train, said train operating system comprising:

• for each train, a processor configured to interface with speed controls of the train and determine a distance between two successive trains based on speeds and positions of the two successive trains;
• a communications system configured to interface with each said processor;
• and
• a positioning system configured to interface with each said processor;
• said train operating system configured to:
• determine a minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train using distributed weight of one of the trains;
• vary speed of the following train based on a minimum safe distance;
• and
• eliminate distances in excess of safe minimum distances between the trains.

A train operating system for operating a convoy of trains, wherein two successive trains in the convoy include a preceding train and a following train, said train operating system comprising:

• for each train, a processor configured to interface with speed controls of the train, determine a distance between two successive trains based on speeds and positions of the two successive trains, and determine a minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train based on a safe braking distance and a guard distance;
• a communications system configured to interface with each said processor;
• and
• a positioning system configured to interface with each said processor;
• said train operating system configured to:
• vary speed of the following train based on a minimum safe distance;
• and
• eliminate distances in excess of safe minimum distances between the trains.

A train operating system for operating a convoy of trains, wherein two successive trains in the convoy include a preceding train and a following train, said train operating system comprising:

• for each train, a processor configured to interface with speed controls of the train and determine a distance between two successive trains based on speeds and positions of the two successive trains;
• a communications system configured to interface with each said processor;
• and
• a positioning system configured to interface with each said processor;
• said train operating system configured to:
• vary speed of the following train based on a minimum safe distance between the following train and the preceding train;
• vary speed to eliminate an excess distance between the following train and the preceding train;
• and
• eliminate distances in excess of safe minimum distances between the trains.

A train operating system for operating a convoy of trains, said train operating system comprising:

• for each train, a processor configured to interface with speed controls of the train and determine a distance between two successive trains based on speeds and positions of the two successive trains;
• a communications system configured to interface with each said processor and report train current positions and speeds to each said processor;
• and
• a positioning system configured to interface with each said processor, said train operating system configured to eliminate distances in excess of safe minimum distances between the trains.