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        Current Projects
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                Advanced Devices Train & Test Bed (ADT&TB)
    

    
    
          **Opportunity/Problem:**

Switching operation safety can be improved considering that approximately 2,700 reportable lost time injuries occur each year, along with a few fatalities, as a result of switching-related duties.

**Description:**

The ADT&TB project facilitates field testing of various advanced devices such as the Electrical Power Supply System (EPSS), the Advanced Tri-Coupler, Electrically Driven Hand Brake (EDHB), Remote Controlled Angle Cock, and Remote Controlled Cut Lever. Those devices can be operated either on the side of the rail car or remotely via a wireless network of a locomotive onboard system.

**Objective(s):**

Test the advanced devices to determine their functionality and durability in a revenue service like environment
	Conduct remote testing of the advanced devices with the wireless network**Rail Impact:**

Increases crew safety by eliminating the need to manually operate devices such as cut levers and angle cocks
	Reliably bring electrical power to freight vehicles for use in safety improvement applications
	Increase safety in railroad operations and reduce costs as a result of automationAn EPSS-equipped Test Train.An EPSS-equipped Test Train.A Tri-Coupler.A Tri-Coupler.A Remote Controlled Angle Cock.A Remote Controlled Angle Cock.
              
      
    
          Last updated: Tuesday, October 22, 2019 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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