Abstract: A modular railway crossing element is described having a slab member with a pair of open channels formed in its upper surface. The channels are substantially parallel and dimensioned to receive a pair of rails. Also described is a railway crossing utilizing the slab member and a method of forming a railway crossing.

Abstract: A rail vehicle is disclosed to travel down a track formed from a pair of rails. The rail vehicle is propelled by a drive assembly having a longitudinal axis in line with the rails and a pair of wheel sets, each of which includes an axle with a wheel rotatably mounted on each end thereof. The drive assembly is further adapted to provide a positive angle of attack between the rotational plane of at least one wheel and the respective rail, so as to improve the stability of the vehicle. A method is also disclosed for improving the stability of a rail vehicle.

Abstract: A bolster for a railway truck is supported at opposite ends on side frames. The side frames are themselves supported at spaced longitudinal points on wheelsets that are steerable to attain a radial position relative to the curve of a track. The side frames are moveable relative to one another to accommodate the steering motion of the wheelsets and a linkage is provided between the bolster and each of the side frames to locate the bolster and distribute the lateral loads between the two side frames. The linkage comprises a pair of struts each mounted at one end to a respective side frame and connected at the other end to a common link. The link is pivotally connected to the underside of the bolster intermediate the two struts.

Abstract: In a transportation system involving a track-side linear induction motor (LIM) primary and a vehicle carrying a LIM secondary, slip power in the secondary is recovered and used to power the on-board electrical system of the vehicle. The LIM secondary has a three-phase secondary winding rather than a conventional reaction plate. The winding is connected to a rectifier which converts slip current in the windings into electrical power for the on-board electrical system. This eliminates the necessity for any sliding contacts for power transfer, while simultaneously enabling at least part of the slip power, which is normally dissipated as heat in the secondary, to be recovered.