Abstract: An arrangement for distributing electrical power to one or more portions of a linear motor stator, the stator being of the type which is disposed along a track for propelling a track-bound vehicle. Current is supplied to the stator from a line conductor which is supplied at both ends by respective power supplies. In a further embodiment which is useful for distributing electrical power to long stators, double-throw switching elements are connected to the power supplies for permitting the power supply to provide current to a selectable one of two adjoining line conductors.

Abstract: An electrical inverter comprises positive and negative supply lines across which is connected a first series circuit including the anode-cathode path of a first thyristor and the anode-cathode path of a second thyristor. A second series circuit bridges the supply lines and includes a pair of capacitors. In addition a commutating circuit is provided for the first and second thyristors, and this includes a transformer having a secondary winding connected between a point intermediate the first and second thyristors, and the capacitors of the second series circuit, and the primary winding of the transformer is connected in a series circuit, one end of which is connected to the point intermediate the first and second thyristors. The arrangement is such that when the commutating circuit is operated, current flow in the primary and secondary windings of the transformer acts to reduce the current flowing in the conducting thyristor to zero.

Abstract: An electrical inverter comprises first and second supply lines, which in use are connected to the positive and negative terminals of a d.c. supply. An inverting network is connected between the supply lines and has output terminals for connection to the load. A current sensing device is provided in one of the supply lines and is operable when the current flow in the supply line exceeds a predetermined value, to stop current flowing in the load for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An electrical inverter comprises positive and negative supply lines, first and second thyristors the anodes of which are connected to the positive line and the cathodes of which are connected respectively to the anodes of third and fourth thyristors. An oscillatory commutating circuit including a capacitor and an inductor is provided and which is connected between the anodes of the third and fourth thyristors and also a firing circuit is provided to provide gate signals to the first, fourth, third and second thyristors in that order. In addition, means is provided to over-damp the oscillatory circuit thereby to limit the commutating voltage.