Abstract: A DC voltage converter apparatus is provided to convert a fluctuating input DC voltage into an isolated and regulated output DC voltage by operation of a first switch device for charging a capacitor through one primary winding of a transformer and a second switch device for discharging the capacitor through a second primary winding of that transformer. A load is energized by an output voltage from a first secondary winding when the first switch is conducting and is energized by an output voltage from a second secondary winding when the second switch is conducting. The first and second switching devices are controlled in response to the voltage change across the capacitor.

Abstract: A spouted bed blender apparatus is disclosed that is suitable for mixing and homogenizing two or more types of nuclear powders in preparation for the subsequent manufacture of nuclear fuel pellets.

Abstract: The speed of a vehicle is controlled in response to a new speed command lower than a previous speed command such that a safe brake speed profile reference is provided for increasing the average speed of the train in relation to the new speed command and before the new speed command controls the vehicle speed. A sensed vehicle acceleration is compared with a known safe acceleration to determine a speed error and a distance error to establish a critical velocity for the vehicle, which is used to provide an open loop brake control to merge the train speed in relation to a provided safe brake profile before the vehicle speed can again be controlled in relation to the new speed command.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transit vehicle speed control apparatus and method operative to control the speed of the vehicle in relation to the lowest one of an input command speed limit and a program stop speed limit by determining the time period required for the vehicle speed to change from a present speed to a predetermined speed band limit in relation to each of the acceleration of the vehicle and the response delay time of the vehicle in accordance with the propulsion motor characteristics and the vehicle mass.

Abstract: A speed control system for a passenger vehicle provides a predetermined brake mode operation to control the vehicle speed when the vehicle speed plus a determined speed offset responsive to a calculated effort request signal is equal to or greater than a desired program stop speed, and then compares the calculated effort request signal with a predetermined value of the effort request signal to control the vehicle speed in response to the calculated effort request signal.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle speed control apparatus operative with a track providing an input speed command having ONE and ZERO information components. Two programmed microprocessors operate through dynamic serial link apparatus for comparing a speed command signal from each information component and for comparing a speed error signal from each information component to provide a vital enablement of the vehicle propulsion motor apparatus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a speed control apparatus and method for a passenger vehicle moving along a track in response to an input command speed, which produces fewer operative changes between the brake mode and the power mode for an improved speed maintaining control of the vehicle.

Abstract: Boiler feedpump net positive suction head (NPSH) control is performed in a heat recovery steam generator including a deaerator inserted between steam turbine condensate and steam boiler. To this effect apparatus is provided responsive to temperature at the output of the deaerator, to fluid flow therefrom, and to temperature at the input of the boiler feedpump for providing a signal representative of the anticipated suction head pressure, and the NPSH margin is derived by comparison with actual pressure to control the pegging valve, or other heat source control to the deaerator.

Abstract: Door control apparatus is provided for opening and closing the passenger doors of a transit vehicle and the cooperating doors of a station, which apparatus includes conductors respectively coupled with a station power supply and the station door motors and extending along the station platform where passengers load and unload relative to the vehicle, such that a shunt connection member carried by the vehicle and coupled with the vehicle door motor is operative to energize the vehicle door motor and the station door motor for operating the passenger doors and the station doors when the vehicle is positioned at the station platform to load and unload passengers in relation to the vehicle.

Abstract: A programmed microprocessor motor control apparatus is provided for a vehicle propulsion motor that is responsive to an input control device to determine the acceleration rate and a predetermined motor voltage curve of the propulsion motor.

Abstract: A door movement control apparatus and method are provided for opening and closing door apparatus with a stepper motor supplied control pulses in response to a command signal indicating the desired movement direction. A table of time delays for the respective control pulses and resulting motor steps provides a desired speed pattern for the door movement. A comparison of the number of motor steps taken with the number of control pulses provided is made to determine when a closing door is obstructed.

Abstract: A voltage converter apparatus is provided to energize a first load and a second load from a power supply connected through an inverter and a coupling transformer, with the transformer having a first secondary winding energizing the first load with first voltage pulses having a variable width determined by the operational frequency of the inverter and having a second secondary winding energizing the second load with second voltage pulses having a variable width determined by a phase controlled switching apparatus responsive to one of the voltage and the current of the second voltage pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a control signal in front of a vehicle moving along a track having an earth ground potential, with the vehicle having first and second low impedance interconnected collector shoes being coupled between a pair of signal rails and provided at respectively the front end and rear end of the vehicle. A first control signal is provided in front of the vehicle to control the desired operation of the vehicle and a second control signal is provided in the rear of the vehicle to control an undesired operation of the vehicle. An impedance member is provided, in a first conductive circuit on the vehicle or in a second conductive circuit associated with the track, to prevent the second control signal in front of the train from having a threshold level high enough to confuse the desired operation of the train.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle door obstruction sensing control apparatus includes a first time period that begins when a door close command signal is received and the vehicle doors start to close. This first time period permits the door drive motor to reach a steady-state speed of operation. Then a motor speed responsive signal is provided to a speed reduction sensing apparatus for opening the doors for a second time period whenever the motor speed reduces below a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus operative with a voltage source and including thyristor switch devices arranged in a bridge circuit for selectively determining forward and reverse operation of a DC series motor coupled with a vehicle, said control apparatus having provision for regenerative braking of the motor to provide current back into the voltage source.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle power collector apparatus is operative with a power rail having position changes and misalignments in relation to that vehicle travel path and includes a power collector shoe movable in each of three cartesion coordinates to maintain electrical contact with the power rail.

Abstract: A cam controller for determining the operation of an electric motor is coupled with a stepping motor to provide predetermined positional movements of the cam controller in response to a desired electric motor operation control signal and in accordance with a programmed microprocessor determined comparison of the actual electric motor current with a requested current related to the desired operation control signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for controlling the regenerative brake operation of a transit vehicle, in relation to the polarity condition of coupled power lines having an insulator gap, by sensing that the power lines are successively supplying in relation to at least one predetermined time period, established in accordance with the vehicle travel time across that gap, a desired line voltage to the propulsion motor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A moving vehicle power distribution apparatus includes power signal and ground signal rails provided along a roadway track including a track switch. As the track switch is moved to pass the vehicle to selected roadway tracks, the signal and power rails can become misaligned and damage current collectors carried by the vehicle that travel along these rails. Coupling members having interdigitated members extend between the rail sections to control the movement of the current collectors as the vehicle travels through the track switch.

Abstract: A power collection apparatus is disclosed for the purpose of power distribution from a central power supply to the propulsion motors of at least one mass transit vehicle operative with a predetermined roadway track, including one or more rail gaps and/or crossover switches, to permit the vehicle to transfer from one section to a second section of that roadway track. The power collection apparatus includes collector support apparatus carried by each vehicle and designed to be operative with a rail support member for three individual phase power rails, a ground rail and a signal rail, permitting high speed vehicle passage through a rail gap and a crossover switch.