Abstract: A charging apparatus of driverless transporting vehicle comprises a power unit, an electrode assembly connected to the power unit and sildably anlong a predetermined direction, a motor for sliding the assembly, an electrode unit rotatably journalled with assembly by a shaft and contactable with charging terminal of the vehicle and a spring for rotating the electrode unit around the shaft and extruding it outside. Wherein when the assembly slides, the electrode unit comes in contact with the terminal, further when the assembly slides, the electrodo unit comes in contact with the terminal, rotates around the shaft against the spring and keeps its contact with the terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guidance track for an electric vehicle. The guidance track preferably includes one or more grooves formed within a dielectric material. The wheels of the vehicle fit, at least in part, in the grooves which are configured to accept the wheels of both powered and unpowered cars in the vehicle. The grooves guide and direct the vehicle as the wheels travel through the grooves.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track with toy vehicles having an electric drive motor disposed in the chassis thereof. The track is formed of segments which are connected by plugging together. The electric drive motor in the vehicles is supplied with electricity via collectors and conductors placed in the track for uninterrupted operation over a period of time. When electrical connection with a net fails or is terminated, the vehicles can be operated over a further preset length of time. The segments are removably or fixedly connected with conductors along the entire track. The vehicles have collectors in contact with the conductors and a chargeable power source serving as an electric buffer. The power source and the collectors are simultaneously in permanent connection with the drive motor. If the power supply is cut off from the electric net, the internal power source is automatically activated, and permits further operation until discharged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a track for a vehicle racing game. The track has two vehicle guide rails on an upper surface. At a curved section of the track, the guide rails converge so that the vehicles will collide with each other if the game operators do not pay close attention. Also, at the curved section, an inner side of the upper surface is recessed to hold the vehicle to the track. A guard member next to an outer side of the upper surface keeps the vehicle from tail sliding or spinning. A pair of power supply rails run on the upper surface along each guide rail, except in the curved section where the power supply rails connect by a wire or the like instead of running on the upper surface.

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: A portable amusement ride incorporates a multi-functional trailer which can serve for hauling the amusement ride, when disassembled, and serve as an elevated track portion of the ride, when assembled. Electrically powered vehicles are guided and powered over an electrified track having a main enclosed path, and an alternate loading area for discharge and pick up of passengers. Automatic launch and vehicle exit features between the main path and loading area prevent vehicle collisions, with minimum requisite operator activity. A pick-up assembly carried on the vehicle both guides and electrically powers the vehicle as it moves over the track. The track has an electrified pair of members also forming a guidance channel in which the pick-up assembly from the vehicle is received. The configuration of the pick-up assembly and its interaction with the electrified guidance channel causes proper electrical pick-up substantially regardless of the terrain formed by the track over which the vehicle travels.

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 model track section including a bed or plate and a plurality of end projections on each end arranged so that the end projections of one section enter into the spaces between end projections of a like section with the sections in end to end aligned relation, the upper bed section having open ended slots which open into the recesses between projections, and conductive strips or rails in the slots and projecting therefrom into the recesses between projections for wiping engagement with conductive strips of a like track section upon entering into end to end aligned relation.

Abstract: A roadway having a smooth road surface for automotive vehicles includes means for transmitting electric current through the road surface to electrically-operated vehicles travelling thereon. Each electrified traffic lane is provided with at least two spaced parallel electrical contact assemblies mounted with their top surfaces flush with the road surface and in position to be contacted one with a wheel on each side of the vehicle, with the contact assemblies each requiring a predetermined weight thereon to maintain electrical contact with the vehicle wheels. The vehicle employs electrically-conductive tires which roll on the electrically-conductive surface of the contact assemblies, and the current thus picked up is transmitted, through rolling-sliding contacts, conductors, etc. to controls for controlling the operation of the vehicle through individual wheel motors.

Abstract: Apparatus and a system are provided for a trackless-roadway vehicle having internal and external propulsion energy sources; the external energy being obtained by a collector plow from electric power rails located in a conduit below the roadway. The collector plow, sensors, the plow elevating mechanism, and the plow steering mechanism are mounted on a laterally movable carriage on the underside of the vehicle. By means of servo-systems comprised of sensors, servo-amplifiers, and drive motors with associated gearing, the plow is automatically and continuously translated and orientated to maintain the plow arms in the vertical plane of the slot in the cover of the conduit. The plow consists of two arms, each with a contactor. When the plow is out of the conduit, the contactors lie in a single plane so that they may pass through the slot. After passing through the slot the contactors are brought to bear on the power rails by contra-rotation of the plow arms.

Abstract: A support apparatus is provided for supporting the electrically conductive power rails, ground rail and signal rail of a three-phase, five rail power collection apparatus operative with a fixed guideway transportation system including electrically propelled vehicles. The present rail support apparatus facilitates improved assembly and provides a substantial reduction of installation time and cost.