Abstract: A tire path, guidebeam, electric rail configuration for a guideway in a people mover system comprises a roadway structure having a pair of spaced tire paths forming a vehicle running surface. A guidebeam is disposed along a centerline between the tire paths to provide generally vertical guidance surfaces above the tire running surface for generally horizontal guidewheels on the vehicles. First and second electric rail units are substantially identically structure and extend along the roadway structure between the tire paths to provide conductive surfaces above the tire running surface for electric collection by brush assemblies on the vehicles. Together, the electric rail units have a predetermined number of electric rails to provide power and signal circuits for the vehicles. The first and second electric rail units are supported on opposite sides of the tire path centerline and at substantially equal distances from the centerline to enable turnaround vehicle operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring the temperature of a resistor in a resistive current controller. The heating and cooling rates for the resistor are determined and a predicted temperature of the resistor is automatically calculated at the beginning each time interval of consecutive time intervals by subtracting from the previous temperature prediction for the resistor the product of the cooling rate of the resistor and the time interval and adding the product of the heating rate of the resistor and the time interval. An actuating signal is produced when the predicted temperature of the resistor for a given time interval corresponds to a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A microprocessor control system is provided for a steel wheel vehicle having at least two propulsion/braking units. Each unit operates a truck having a pair of axles each with two steel wheels. A propulsion/braking control includes a microprocessor that applies current commands to respective chopper controls that operate the axle motor drives. Braking command signals operate the associated braking system to apply dynamic and/or friction braking in the braking mode.