Train management system

Abstract

A system and method for improving the travel efficiency of a train that includes decoupling the last car from a moving train, guiding the last car onto an adjacent track and bringing the decoupled car to a stop. The system and method of the present invention may also be used to move a decoupled car from a stopped position to a primary track where the decoupled car may be coupled to a moving train.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for improving the efficiency of a train along a predetermined path, said method comprising the steps of: 
 decoupling the last car from the train while the train is moving on the predetermined path;    causing said decoupled car to be diverted onto an adjoining predetermined path;    decelerating said decoupled car to a stationary position on said adjacent predetermined path.    
     
     
         2 . The method as defined in  claim 1  further including the steps of: 
 accelerating said decoupled car from said stationary position to a predetermined velocity;  
 coupling said decoupled car to a moving train.  
 
     
     
         3 . The method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said decoupled car is a passenger car.  
     
     
         4 . The method as defined in  claim 2  wherein said decoupled car is a freight car.  
     
     
         5 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said deceleration is controlled by linear induction motors.  
     
     
         6 . The method as defined in  claim 5 , wherein a first portion of said linear induction motor is located on said decoupled car and a second portion of said linear induction motor is located on said predetermined path and said adjoining predetermined path.  
     
     
         7 . The method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said acceleration is controlled by linear induction motors.  
     
     
         8 . The method as defined in  claim 7 , wherein a first portion of said linear induction motor is located on said decoupled car and a second portion of said linear induction motor is located on said predetermined path and said adjoining predetermined path.  
     
     
         9 . A system for controlling the travel of a train along a predetermined path, said system comprising: 
 means for decoupling the last car from a moving train;    means for decelerating said decoupled car;    means for diverting said decoupled car onto said adjoining predetermined path; and    means for stopping said decoupled car on said adjoining predetermined path.    
     
     
         10 . The system as defined in  claim 9  further including: 
 means for moving a decoupled car from a stop;  
 means for guiding said accelerating decoupled car onto said predetermined path from said adjoining predetermined path;  
 means for accelerating said decoupled car to the speed of a moving train; and  
 means for coupling said decoupled car to said moving train.  
 
     
     
         11 . The system as defined in  claim 9 , wherein said means for decelerating, and said means for stopping include linear induction motors.  
     
     
         12 . The system as defined in  claim 10 , wherein said means for moving and said means for accelerating include linear induction motors.