Abstract: An industrial railroad locomotive includes a chassis with wheel sets supporting the locomotive for movement along the rails. A suspension system for each respective wheel set includes torque bars extending transversely of said chassis. Links secured to the ends of the torque bars and pivotally connected to brackets on each side of the respective wheel set are operative to urge the wheel set downwardly with respect to the locomotive chassis to maintain each wheel of the set in contact with the respective rail while permitting side-to-side canting of the wheel set with respect to the chassis in a generally vertical plane. Spring snubbers at each side of a wheel set are positioned between the wheel set brackets and chassis frame supporting the weight of the locomotive on the respective wheel set, while permitting such side-to-side canting. The spring snubbers include a ball and socket interface between the wheel set and springs mounted on the chassis frame.

Abstract: The body of a rail vehicle is lowered when it is stationary to facilitate ingress and egress. The body is raised in preparation for motion to provide satisfactory road clearance. In one embodiment of the invention, a lifting cylinder, in series with a supplementary spring, is extended during travel, and is contracted when the rail vehicle is stopped. In other embodiments, a hydraulic cylinder, either alongside, or coaxial with the supplementary spring, compresses the supplementary spring when the rail vehicle is stopped. In a further embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder is replaced with an electromechanical adjusting element such as a screw drive. A control system, preferably actuated by unlocking and locking of the door opening lock, actuates the lowering and raising of the body.

Abstract: An elastomeric mounting comprises a body of elastomeric material having end regions the surfaces which are bonded to respective confronting surfaces of a pair of rigid end members for compression therebetween. A first of the rigid end members (32) extends radially outwardly from a longitudinal compression axis (19) of the mounting to lie beyond the bonded interface (35). The first end member has outwards of the bonded interface an abutment face (34) which is contacted by the elastomeric body when subject to compression loading, and a discontinuity is defined by the first rigid end member whereby the interface and abutment face depart from a wholly co-planar form.

Abstract: An assembly for securing a gondola (5) or chair of a cableway system to a spension bar (1), which is embodied on its lower end with a support device (2) that fits under a load-bearing structure (3) for the gondola (5) or chair, wherein at least one damping element (4) in the form of an inflatable vessel is disposed between the support device (2) and the load-bearing structure (3). At least two and in particular four mutually spaced-apart air or gas springs (4), on which the load-bearing structure (3) rests, are provided on the support device (2) (FIG. 1 ).

Abstract: A transport assembly for use, for example, in mass transportation, comprises a track and a frame mounted to the track for motion therealong, the frame including a housing which defines a traction chamber in communication with the track. At least one traction wheel is rotatably mounted to the frame in friction contact with the track. The traction wheel is at least partially disposed in the traction chamber. A car with a passenger compartment is coupled to the frame via a shock absorbing linkage so that the car is substantially isolated from irregularities in the track during motion of the frame and the car along the track. A suction source is operatively connected to the housing for generating a vacuum in the traction chamber during motion of the frame and the car along the track. A drive mounted to the frame is operatively connected to the traction wheel for drivingly rotating the wheel to propel the frame and the car along the track.

Abstract: In a railway vehicle with a secondary spring arrangement acting between the chassis and the vehicle body which generates a continuously increasing restoring moment at a relative inclination between the two units until the maximum permissible angle of roll is reached, according to the invention a permissible limitation of the angle of roll is achieved without any adverse effect on the derailing limit and ride comfort on straights in a structurally simple and reliable manner, in that the spring arrangement is comparatively soft and there is a passively acting supplementary spring with a limited range of rotation (rotation play coupling) connected in parallel to the spring arrangement, which operates virtually without restoring moment in a partial range of slight roll angle movements, and at greater deviations of the roll angle within the permissible range, generates a steeply increasing restoring moment which is many times greater than that of the spring arrangement at the maximum permissible angle of body roll

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-axle running carriage for rail vehicles having two longitudinally, extending cast side walls (1, 2) and a transverse connecting assembly which are disposed axisparallel between two axles (3, 4) and are connected to the side walls, the side walls (1, 2) and the transverse connecting assembly forming a substantially H-shaped running carriage frame bearing a spring-mounted vehicle frame which can be fitted on, the load transmitting transverse connecting assembly provided being a transverse leaf spring (9) which consists of a number of spring leaves (14-19) and which bears in its central zone the lower part (10) of a bogie pivot at the connection of the vehicle frame and which is retained by its ends in the side walls (1, 2).

Abstract: The driven running gear is intended for low-platform rail vehicles with at least two body parts which are articulated to each other. It is provided with two individual running gears (2, 2') fitted with steering means (15, 15', 16). The running gears are interconnected to pivot about their horizontal axis beneath the axial center of the wheels (8, 8') by a connecting member (3). The connecting member has at its ends transversely directed support arms (4, 4') for the support of a body part. On the latter there are fastened at least one motor (21, 21') and a brake (23, 23', 24, 24') which drive and brake the running gear (1) via telescopic universal shafts (25, 25') and bevel gearings (26, 26') arranged on the outside of the wheels on both individual running gears (2, 2').

Abstract: A device for compensating the tilt of the carriage body of a rail vehicle when travelling around sharp turns at high speeds includes a tilt compensator with a four-bar mechanism, the tilt compensator being operationally connected to an energy storage device. The four-bar mechanism includes a transversely movable support that is mounted in a floating manner and which is supported on a carriage body suspension for providing vertical cushioning of the carriage body. Preferably, the four-bar mechanism is formed of a wobble stabilizer, two laterally mounted hinged supports and the aforementioned transverse support mounted in a floating manner with a central pivot extending between the energy store and the transverse support.

Abstract: A device for compensating the tilt of the carriage body of a rail vehicle when travelling around sharp turns at high speeds includes a tilt compensator with a four-bar mechanism, the tilt compensator being operationally connected to an energy storage device. The four-bar mechanism includes a transversely movable support that is mounted in a floating manner and which is supported on a carriage body suspension for providing vertical cushioning of the carriage body. Preferably, the four-bar mechanism is formed of a wobble stabilizer, two laterally mounted hinged supports and the aforementioned transverse support mounted in a floating manner with a central pivot extending between the energy store and the transverse support.

Abstract: A bogie for a railway vehicle comprising of at least two articulated, pivotable and rotatable wheel body parts (2, 3) including wheels or a set of wheels (4, 5) mounted in bearings and the supporting body (6) of the bogie being connected to the parts by a suspension (9a, 9b) of the railway vehicle. In the bogie, two wheel body parts (2, 3) have been resiliently interconnected from their side constructions by two stabilizer constructions (16) both of which have been articulated to the supporting body (6).

Abstract: A bogie for railway platform vehicles has mounted on its frame a swinging transom having a central portion thereof connected to the body of a platform vehicle. The transom has opposite sides thereof shaped in the form of inverted, generally L-shaped supports to the upper ends of which are connected by a suspension to the upper surfaces of two box-shaped elements which are secured to opposite sides, respectively, of the bogie frame. The frame is supported for movement on a plurality of wheels, each of which is supported for rotation in one end of a U-shaped arm, the opposite end of which is connected by a coupling and a primary suspension to the upper surface of one of the box-shaped elements.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the connection of two multi-axle running gears into a running gear group for rail vehicles with low-lying platform, wherein the running gears have at least two wheel sets with small wheel base and a running gear frame consisting of side walls and crossbeams betweenn two axles. The wheel sets are mounted in the running gear frame via axle bearings, and each running gear is connected to the platform with false pivot only via a leaf spring and link suspension located transversely in front of and along each side wall. To ensure that the correct turn-out angle of each running gear and each running gear group is freely guaranteed during cornering, and at a correct axle load equalization of the running gears of each running gear group is ensured.

Abstract: A bogie for rail vehicles with a low-seated loading ramp, comprises at least two sets of wheels with a small axle base and a bogie frame comprising lateral cheeks and a traverse extending between every two axles. The sets of wheels are clamped into the bogie frame by axle bearings, and the bogie is connected to the vehicle frame merely by a carrying leaf spring carried by suspension rings. A fixing device cooperates with the suspension rungs to limit the movement of the bogie relative to the rail vehicle. The rocking or swaying properties of the bogie are optimized to improve the running behavior on straight stretches as well as on curves while providing the required transverse play of the bogie. The construction is made more favorably by employing long suspension rings.

Abstract: A stand alone, double stack railroad well car for carrying stacked containers includes a platform suspended at each end upon swing hangers from a multiple axle truck or suspension system, utilizing leaf springs. Adjacent axles are connected by bridge beams which are pivotally connected to the leaf springs. Shear pads connected between the bridge beams and axles permit limited angular displacement of the axles relative to each other. An axle guard is provided for limiting lateral movement of the car relative to the trucks. An axle guard frame assembly is rotatably connected to the under side of the car body or platform at each end. It includes vertical axle guards which engage the axle bearing adapter housings to limit lateral movement. The rotatable connection of the axle guard frame assembly underside of the carbody to the platform permits limited rotational or pivotal movement of the axle guard frame as the suspension system negotiates a curve in the track.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single axle railway truck. An axle box with journal bearings is provided at each axle end. Each axle box includes a spring support from which two springs extend upwardly wherein their upper ends are received in spring retainers. The spring retainers extend from a lower surface of suppport beams and, accordingly, the support beams are themselves supported by the springs. A cylindrical dampening device has its lower end connected to the axle box and its upper end to a bracket extending outwardly from the support beam. A traction rod, or alternatively a shock absorber, extends from a side of the axle box to a mounting bracket near an end of the support beam.

Abstract: A rail vehicle with spring support of its car body on an underframe with flanged wheels for guidance and support on a track. Permanent magnets are provided on the underframe, which exert an attraction counter to the wheel load on armature bars extending along the track. The magnetic force of the magnets is controllable as a function of the load (weight) of the car body by an increase or decrease of the magnetic resistance of a ferromagnetic magnet core by mechanical means as the load decreases or increases.

Abstract: In a tracked transportation system independent cars are drawn along by a common cable. A car comprises a rolling chassis with a cabin suspended above the chassis by a set of chains. The chains are coupled to a shaft forming apparatus for weighing the cabin and connected to an assembly for gripping the cable. The coupling between the chains and the gripping assembly can be released by a trigger device fixed to the track and operated by remote control to lower the cabin relative to the chassis and so achieve emergency braking.

Abstract: The articulation system relates to articulated tramway carriages comprising at least two bodies, the opposing ends of which are connected together in an articulated manner in order to maintain substantial continuity of the walking surface, and are supported by wheels at or adjacent to the articulation zone. In the articulation system, the end of each body is supported on its own axle provided with independent wheels, the opposing bodies and the relative axles being connected together by means of a drawbar, slidable connections and/or connecting rods to jointly form a bogie with a non-rigid frame. The axle is of double swanneck shape with uprights for connecting disc brakes on the outside of the wheels.

Abstract: A monorail beam is provided with a lower, upwardly-facing support surface, a lower, laterally-facing support surface and an upper, medially-facing support surface (relative to the support beam). Vehicles are hangingly supported, pendulum-like, from davit-like cantilevering arms of support trucks having wheels which run on or act against the base support surfaces so that they run along the side or sides of the beam. The beam may be elevated on columns, surface mounted, or depressed in tunnels. By preference, the vehicles' bodies are detachable from the trucks, and the heaviest air-conditioning components are mounted on the trucks rather than on the bodies. Power transmission and automatic control systems are described, as are switching systems and station facilities.

Abstract: An arrangement for increasing the roll stability of rail vehicles equipped with air suspension. Two air spring bellows having integrated emergency springs of a first bogie are controlled by a respective leveling valve. In addition to these bellows, a roll stabilizer is provided, so that in the vicinity of the first bogie, the car body, when viewed in the horizontal direction, is nearly parallel to this bogie. So that when track twist is encountered, the second bogie can swing relative to the car body, only one of the air spring bellows of this bogie is controlled by a third leveling valve disposed in the center of the car body, while the other air spring bellows is connected via an equalizing line with one of the air spring bellows of the first bogie. A central emergency spring extends concentrically around the center pivot of the second bogie.

Abstract: A railway truck includes a pair of pivotable side frames connected by a pivot assembly which maintains the side frames in tram while still permitting equalization. Springs are connected between a car body and the side frames to provide equalization for the wheels on the truck. The springs also serve as the load transmission path from the car body to the side frames.

Abstract: A height adjusting device for the truck of a railroad vehicle including spring retainer supporting members consisting of a plurality of concentric segments which are arranged around the axis of a spring retainer in symmetry with respect to the axis. Each segment has an upper surface which is so stepped that the height thereof is successively increased as the distance of the upper surface from the spring axis increases, providing thereby a plurality of horizontal supporting surfaces, and a tongue or groove for locating and fixing the segment. The spring height can easily be adjusted simply by changing the position of the segments relative to the spring retainer.

Abstract: A low rate soft primary system for a railway truck includes a pair of longitudinally disposed assemblies on opposite sides of a journal bearing for carrying a wheel-axle unit. Each of said assemblies includes a plurality of laminated rubber strips separated by relatively thin metal strips oriented parallel to the vertical axis of the journal bearing. The layers of the laminated assembly form angles opening towards or away from the journal bearing somewhat in the shape of chevrons. The assemblies provide relatively high spring rates for lateral and longitudinal loads and low spring rates for vertical loads.

Abstract: A single axle railroad wheel truck is disclosed having two wheels joined by a single axle. A frame supported on the wheels and axle defines four spaced apart hanger flanges. A pair of cross members parallel to the axle for supporting a railroad car body are supported on pairs of hanger members directly connected between a pair of said hanger flanges and each one of the cross members. Springs are disposed upon the cross members for supporting a car body thereon.

Abstract: A primary suspension system for a railway car comprises one or more leaf springs configured to provide vertical and horizontal portions for vertical and longitudinal compliance. A portion of the leaf spring is curved to wrap around a portion on the wheel journal bearing and rest on the top thereof.

Abstract: A pair of adjustment plates are disposed below a mechanical spring which supports a car body. At least one of the adjustment plates include spaced stepped portions to engage a portion of the other plate with the stepped portion engaged determining the height of the car. When the car load is removed from the springs, the relative positions of the plates may be selectively changed to adjust the height of the car body. A shock absorber is connected inside the mechanical spring and removable through the adjustment plates.

Abstract: A railroad vehicle truck having a single wheelset includes a pair of spaced side frames. The side frames are joined into a rigid unit by a pair of transversely positioned crossbars. The crossbars are positioned one each on each side of the wheelset which has its axle ends journaled in bearings carried in turn in a pedestal jaw centrally formed in each side frame. Projecting inwardly from each end of the side frames is a bracket which forms part of a set of upper pivot connections with an upper end of a swing arm. A laterally positioned crosstie assembly is joined through a pair of spaced end caps with a lower end of each swing arm to form a set of lower pivot connections. Each crosstie assembly end cap has a pair of spring cups containing a set of springs which operatively support a body of the railroad vehicle thereabove.

Abstract: The rail vehicle body is constructed such that the base, roof and a centrally located bearing frame define a unitary bearing section member. The bearing frame may be composed of pairs of vertically stiffened walls, rows of vertically disposed posts, and one or more lattice girders. The side walls of the vehicle body are removably mounted so that ready access can be made to the chambers defined on opposite sides of the load-bearing frame. In addition, the load-bearing frame or frames are provided with apertures to provide access between the chambers on opposite sides of the bearing frame. Also, a drive means for driving the wheels of the vehicle body can be suspended from transverse girders forming the base of the vehicle body.

Abstract: In a convertible rail-highway semi-trailer a mechanism for lifting and retaining a rail wheel-set axle unit or bogie in an elevated stored position in the highway mode when the highway wheels engage the ground. The mechanism includes hooks pre-set to engage the bogie when the body has been lowered and to retain the bogie as the body rises when the air springs of the highway wheel-set axle unit are inflated to convert from the rail to highway mode. The mechanism also includes a device to keep the hooks disengaged from the rail bogie when the air springs of the rail bogie are inflated and the flanged railroad wheels engage the tracks and the highway wheels are in an elevated inoperative position. The mechanism is also provided with a valve device to prevent inflation of the rail bogie air springs when the latter is in its elevated stored position.

Abstract: A rail bogie air suspension for a convertible rail-highway semi-trailer using an invaginating air bag secured between an upper air chamber member affixed to the underside of the rear frame of a vehicle and a load support leg assembly, a bumper carried by said upper air chamber member, a plate and shaft assembly spring urged towards said bumper and a pneumatically operable pin supporting said plate and shaft assembly whereby, when air is vented from the bag, air pressure is simultaneously provided which acts on a member that retracts the pin and allows the bumper plate and shaft assembly to move past the pin under the weight of the vehicle to allow the entire assembly to fully retract for the proper elevated stored position of the bogie during the highway mode.

Abstract: The devices for transmitting a traction force to the middle truck apply the force at a theoretical point of attack at a height (h) above the rails so as to have a moment exerted on the middle truck during traction which relieves the load on the leading axle of the middle truck by an amount equal to the relief force on each axle of the leading truck. Likewise, a load is added to the trailing axle of the middle truck equal to the force added to each axle of the trailing truck. This height is defined as ##EQU1## where a and b are the spacings between the axles and H is the height of the draw hook above the rails.

Abstract: The rail car is provided with a roll support device which is independent of the resilient weight support springs. The roll support device provides resistance to the rolling motions of the car body relative to the truck frame and includes connecting elements which couple the body and truck together. The elements are inclined to the vertical center plane of the car body and include an angle of more than 10.degree.. Under the action of a centrifugal force on the body, the connecting elements are subjected to a relative tilting motion which causes a roll inclination of the car body in opposition to the centrifugal force.

Abstract: A self-steering wheel set for a railway vehicle, particularly a convertible rail-highway semi-trailer, wherein an arcuate member is secured transversely beneath the vehicle body and a wheel-set unit or bogie is provided comprising a yoke to which a tongue is fixedly secured at its rear end, the front end of the tongue having means slidably mounting the tongue on and capturing the arcuate member, an axle and flanged wheels mounted on the yoke and air spring means supporting the vehicle on the yoke, whereby the tongue acts as a tow bar, the connection between the free end of the tongue and the arcuate member is such that it is capable of taking torque reactions, the tongue and its connection to the yoke is such that it is capable of taking longitudinal brake reaction and the bogie follows the curvature of the rails.

Abstract: A dual track system whereby a transfer car can be turned at least 90.degree. in a minimum amount of space. The track system comprises a first set of parallel railroad-type rails of a standard size and cross section for the wheels of the lead truck of a transfer car and a second set of parallel railroad-type rails of the same size and cross section for the wheels of the following truck of the same transfer car. The first and second sets of rails are parallel to each other and overlapped with the right hand rails of each set lying in close proximity to each other and the left hand rails of each set lying in close proximity to each other. At the point where the transfer car is to begin its 90.degree.

Abstract: An undercarriage comprises a bogie frame, a bearing for each end of the wheel axle, and at least two coil springs and at least one hydraulic shock absorber mounted between the bogie frame and each axle bearing for damping movement between the bogie frame and the axle bearings in all three spatial directions.

Abstract: The device for pushing incandescent coke out of individual chambers of a coke oven battery which has a plurality of horizontally arranged coke oven chambers, comprises a trackway of spaced apart inboard and outboard tracks which extend along the length of the coke oven battery and a gantry-like carriage which is movable over the trackway and carries the apparatus for pushing the coke out of the individual batteries. The carriage includes inboard legs which are elastically connected to a platform portion which contains the movable ram and other operating parts and outboard legs which are rigidly connected to the platform. The outboard legs also carry contact pressure mechanisms which connect between the legs and the outboard tracks for distributing horizontal stresses to the tracks.

Abstract: A railroad passenger car suspension system in which a car body is supported on trucks in the running mode through rotary hydraulic actuators. All of the necessary conditions for passenger comfort, increased train speed and safety are met. The level of centrifugal force at curves is sensed and the car tilted so that the direction of force is felt by the passengers in a comfortable manner. Flush floor level of the car with station platforms, regardless of passenger load, wheel wear or platform level is attained. Lowered spring rate in the suspension system provides improved ride characteristics. Means are provided for steering the car trucks.

Abstract: A railway vehicle bogie has a primary stage suspension between the undercarriage and the axle boxes consisting of resilient chevron blocks having high vertical flexibility and transverse rigidity, and a second stage suspension between the undercarriage and the vehicle having reduced vertical flexibility and high horizontal flexibility, the secondary suspension being formed only of vertically superposed resilient blocks operating in compression and having their axis of compression inclined with respect to the vehicle body, the blocks being distributed about an imaginary centre of pivotal movement of the bogey with respect to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A rail vehicle, especially a passenger train car for high-speed trains provided with air springs associated with each swivel truck in symmetry with the longitudinal central plane, their distance from center to center being so much smaller than the track gauge of the wheels that, if one air spring bellows fails, the weight of the car body will be distributed to the wheels in such a manner that the unloading of the wheels on the one side will not be such as to create the danger of derailment. To stabilize the car body the latter is joined to the swivel truck frame by a resilient linkage which permits vertical movements of the car body but opposes any lateral tilt of the car body by means of a resilient force. The resilient linkage is able to cause the car body to tilt towards the inside of curves when the car is negotiating curves. The swivel truck can be designed either as a driving or as a non-driving truck.