Abstract: Provided are a tunnel type power generating apparatus and a method of generating power using the same capable of converting residual kinetic energy caused by movement of vehicles into electric energy and storing the converted electric energy to be used. The tunnel type power generating apparatus includes: a magnetic body selectively attached to an upper part or a lower part of a vehicle; a tunnel type coil formed of a conductive coil wound several times in one direction to generate induced current when the magnetic body passes therethrough; and a case into which the tunnel type coil is inserted, absorbing impact applied by a vehicle load to prevent damage to the tunnel type coil, and having a size corresponding to a road width.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle controller that is mounted in a box-shaped manner beneath the floor or on the roof of a vehicle so as to supply electric power to vehicle apparatuses. The vehicle controller is configured with a plurality of functional modules 4; each of the functional modules 4 has at one side thereof an interface side 22 in which a first interface region 5 where signal-line terminals are arranged and a second interface region where power-line terminals are arranged are separated; in each of the interface sides 22, the first interface region 5 is disposed at one and the same end and the second interface region 6 is disposed at the other and the same end.

Abstract: A device for moving a machine or the like between plural workstations includes: a mechanism for suspending the machine, a guide, a structure for supplying the guide with electrical energy, a mechanical linkage between the machine and the guide, a connector for electrically connecting the machine to the guide, a connector for electrically connecting the machine to each workstation, and a switch for changing the electrical energy supply source of the machine when it is connected to both a workstation and to the guide. Further a management and control device controls moving the machine and its electrical energy supply.

Abstract: A power supply line is wired in a loop from a battery power supply, and a power supply relay circuit is installed intermediately of the power supply line such that power is supplied from the power supply relay circuit to an electric load connected to a terminal unit of an intensive wiring line. By this arrangement, not only wires for control signals but also wires for power supply can be reduced. The terminal unit may serve also as the power supply relay circuit.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention pertains to a multiple discharge load electronic ballast system, including a distribution bus and a plurality of electronic ballasts. The distribution bus has a nominal distribution power rating. The plurality of electronic ballasts are operatively coupled to the distribution bus. A respective electronic ballast comprises adaptations for DC voltage control and an alternating current (AC) output, and has a maximum ballast power rating. A sum of the maximum ballast power ratings of the plurality of electronic ballasts is greater than the nominal distribution power rating of the distribution bus.

Abstract: Power strip health is monitored by detecting power supplied through the power strip as sensed by a robotic device. An indication of power is sensed from the power strip with a first power pickup and a second power pickup. The second power pickup is located on the robotic device away from the first power pickup along a direction of travel of the robotic device. A determination is made that the difference between the power sensed with the first power pickup and the power sensed with the second power pickup exceeds a threshold. A power strip failure is determined based on this difference.

Abstract: A trackside power distribution apparatus includes overlapping feeders. A first signal supply unit has an input adapted to receive power from a first electrical power source and an output for supply of power to a feeder. A first portion of feeder is connected to the output of the first signal supply unit and extends alongside a track to a unit requiring power. A second signal supply unit has an input adapted to receive power from a second electrical power source and an output for supply of power to a feeder. A second portion of feeder is connected to the output of the second signal supply unit and extends alongside the track to the unit requiring power. A selection apparatus is also provided which selects which feeder portion is used to supply power to the unit. The provision of the two feeder portions improves the reliability of the apparatus in the event that one power source fails.

Abstract: A power supply line is wired in a loop from a battery power supply, and a power supply relay circuit is installed intermediately of the power supply line such that power is supplied from the power supply relay circuit to an electric load connected to a terminal unit of an intensive wiring line. By this arrangement, not only wires for control signal but also wires for power supply can be reduced. The terminal unit may serve also as the power supply relay circuit.

Abstract: Operations along a track suffering some track anomaly are resumed by bridging the anomaly with a robotic device. The track supports operation of a plurality of robotic devices. The anomaly prevents the flow of electrical current from reaching an affected section of the track. A robotic device is moved to the anomaly so that electrical current flows into a first pickup on the robotic device located on one side of the anomaly and out of a second pickup on the robotic device located on another side of the anomaly.

Abstract: A non-arcing isolation joint for use on a collector rail on which collector shoes move includes a plurality of conductive segments between ends of a first pair of rail sections and between ends of a second pair of rail sections of the collector rail. Insulation is provided between the conductive segments and between the conductive segments and ends of adjacent rail sections. A rectifier is associated with each of the conductive segments to limit DC current flow to one direction. In this manner, as a collector shoe moves over the isolation joint current is prevented from moving between rail sections through the shoe.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing electrical power to an automated robotic device for transporting media cartridges in a data storage library. A power distributor includes multiple sections having first and second electrical conductors. A first power supply powers the first and second conductors of each section of the power distributor, and is connected to the first and second conductors of at least two section of the power distributor. A second power supply powers the first and second conductors of each section of the power distributor, and is connected to the first and second conductors of at least two sections of the power distributor. Power to each section of the power distributor is maintained in the event of a failure of one of the power supplies, and in the event of an electrical discontinuity in the power distributor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying electrical energy to rail vehicles. An alternating-current supply (1) is thus connected to a rectifier (3a ). A connection (4) for a rail vehicle is arranged after the rectifier (3a). Several rectifiers (3) are arranged in parallel to the one rectifier (3a). A connection (4) for a rail vehicle is arranged after each rectifier (3, 3a). The rectifiers (3, 3a) are, for example, individually controllable.

Abstract: Methods are provided for intelligent power management control of model railroad layouts that employ multiple boosters that can be added in a parallel arrangement to increase the power available to a section of track. Boosters paralleled in this method employ circuits and a logic function to detect the actual track voltages they are normally connected to for providing track current, as an alternate to an extra hardware synchronizing link. By detecting the track voltages in this way during the recovery period after a overload fault has cleared, all Matched boosters can accurately determine when the first restarting booster attempts to re-energize the tracks and hence immediately turn on their own power to argument the current available for restarting. This ensures that the boosters can act in synchronized concert to power a track section that they individually cannot drive because the current draw would exceed the individual booster current capacities.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing electrical power to an automated robotic device for transporting media cartridges in a data storage library. A power distributor includes multiple sections having first and second electrical conductors. A first power supply powers the first and second conductors of each section of the power distributor, and is connected to the first and second conductors of at least two section of the power distributor. A second power supply powers the first and second conductors of each section of the power distributor, and is connected to the first and second conductors of at least two sections of the power distributor. Power to each section of the power distributor is maintained in the event of a failure of one of the power supplies, and in the event of an electrical discontinuity in the power distributor.

Abstract: A power supply line is wired in a loop from a battery power supply, and a power supply relay circuit is installed intermediately of the power supply line such that power is supplied from the power supply relay circuit to an electric load connected to a terminal unit of an intensive wiring line. By this arrangement, not only wires for control signals but also wires for power supply can be reduced. The terminal unit may serve also as the power supply relay circuit.

Abstract: ELECTRICAL CURRENT GENERATING/DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Would incorporate a roadway transfer system which would work in conjunction with any electrical vehicle that can be provided by any automobile company, and equipped with the components /capability of acquiring power from the roadway system. The roadway power transfer system would be supplied with electrical power from any power provider/power companies. Buy using power transformers to drop voltage to a workable AC or DC range/voltage, 2 strips would be used, with a negative potential being applied to one, and the positive potential being applied to the second strip. To utilize the power made available by the strips the system would incorporate the power made available by material embedded in the tire system, establishing electrical contact to enable the transfer of power from the roadway to the internally connected components to charge the battery pack, and run any AC or DC motor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of controlling the supply of electrical power to an electrically propelled vehicle designed to operate in an external power supply mode or in an autonomous power supply mode. The vehicle includes an uninterrupted power supply bus connected both to an autonomous power supply system on board the vehicle and to an external power supply line which can be connected to an external power supply infrastructure by means of a connection member. Connection of the connection member to the external power supply infrastructure is detected by measuring the current flowing in the external power supply line. The presence of a non-zero current in the line indicates the presence of an external power supply infrastructure connected to the connection member.

Abstract: To supply electric power from a vehicle body (1) of an automobile having a high-voltage power supply line (6) to a door unit (2) serving as a fed member having a low-voltage power supply line (7) whose voltage is lower than that of the high-voltage power supply line, the vehicle body 1 is provided with a primary noncontact connector (4) having a primary coil (14) and connected to the high-voltage power supply line (6), and the door unit is provided with a secondary noncontact connector 5 having a secondary coil (25) in which a voltage-lowered induced electromotive force capable of being supplied to the low-voltage power supply line is generated due to the action of mutual induction as the primary coil is brought into close proximity to the secondary coil, the door member being connected to the low-voltage power supply line.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle system can make a conveyor vehicle 13 traveled from a feeder line 5 disposed along a track 12 by supplying the power in a physically non-contact state, wherein the feeder lines are disposed in the both sides of a part of the track, at least one pair of the pick-up units 9, 9 is disposed so as to supply the power from any one of the feeder lines laid in both sides of the track in the conveyor vehicle, and the power is supplied from the pick-up unit whose the power to supply is bigger to the load 19 in the place that the feeder lines are disposed in the both sides of the track. According to the avove system, the power can be supplied continuously even in the diverging part etc.

Abstract: A power supply line is wired in a loop from a battery power supply, and a power supply relay circuit is installed intermediately of the power supply line such that power is supplied form the power supply relay circuit to an electric load connected to a terminal unit of an intensive wiring line. By this arrangement, not only wires for control signals but also wires for power supply can be reduced. The terminal unit may serve also as the power supply relay circuit.

Abstract: A power supply line is wired in a loop from a battery power supply, and a supply relay circuit is installed intermediatly of the power supply line such that power is supplied from the supply relay circuit to an electric load connected to a terminal unit of an intensive wiring line. By this arrangement, not only wires for control signals but also wires for power supply can be reduced. The terminal unit may serve also as the power supply relay circuit.

Abstract: A system for supplying current through the ground for an electric vehicle, especially for an electric rail vehicle, includes a succession of conducting segments (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D) which are electrically isolated from each other and together form a conducting supply track against which at least one supply collector shoe (32) on the vehicle is applied, and a set of high-voltage supply devices (20) each connected to a conducting segment and each provided with a detector capable of detecting a collector shoe and with switching devices (45) suitable for selectively causing a corresponding segment to be supplied with current when a collector shoe is present on the segment and causing the said collector shoe to be connected to a zero-potential source (26) when a collector shoe is not present thereon.

Abstract: An electrical power supply unit powers a load, in particular a transformer (8), from a power source (10) via electrical switchgear (14), in particular a circuit-breaker, and it includes an interference attenuator (16) of the ferrite type for attenuating interference due to switching. The attenuator (16) is placed between the power source (10) and the electrical switchgear (14), thereby contributing to reducing the extent of the interference significantly.

Abstract: A power supply line is wired in a loop from a battery power supply, and a power supply relay circuit is installed intermediately of the power supply line such that power is supplied from the power supply relay circuit to an electric load connected to a terminal unit of an intensive wiring line. By this arrangement, not only wires for control signals but also wires for power supply can be reduced. The terminal unit may serve also as the power supply relay circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding electric power to a movable body in a non-contact manner. Power lines on which electric power is transmitted are laid on a guide rail. The movable body is powered by the electric power from the power lines. A plurality of pick-up coils are positioned in the movable body for generating induced electromotive force as a drive voltage according to the electric power. The plurality of coils generate different voltages. A motor and a controller are connected to the coils. A motor is driven by a high voltage while the controller is driven by a low voltage.

Abstract: A communication system for a plurality of carriages that travel along a rail. A power cable extends along the rail. The cable is used to convey electric current that drives the movable bodies and is also used to carry information between the carriages. The carriages communicate with one another by superimposing communication signals on the current flowing through the cable to transmit information and by extracting communication signals from the current flowing through the cable to receive information. A control unit at a fixed station relays communication signals transmitted between different carriages. The control unit receives communication signals, which the carriages transmit, from the cable, amplifies the signals, and returns the signals to the cable. The recipient carriage receives an amplified communication signal from the cable.

Abstract: An energy supply train for under-ground mining has several universal transport unit frames (UTU frames) (1) inter-connected by drawbars and useful as elements of a suspended monorail. At least one of the U68TU frames carries a heavy-duty transformer and at least another UTU frame carries a compact station (4, 5) arranged in a pressure-resistant housing (2, 3) with switchgear (13, 14, 15, 16) for supplying electric energy to underground working means and with electric connection devices (10, 11) at the input and output side of the pressure-resistant housing (2, 3). Each UTU frame (1) carries two compact stations (4, 5) mechanically interconnected by a box (6) and electrically interconnected by electric lines (17) that extend through said box (6) so as to form a single device. The electric connection devices are verified by means of authorised power outlets directly arranged on the walls of the pressure-resistant housings (2, 3) of the compact stations (4, 5).

Abstract: A simplified dual connection system electrically interconnects the vehicles of a train. The train features a trainline to be formed through series interconnection of a wire on each vehicle. The simplified dual connection system includes a central computer, a connector control device on each vehicle and a pair of mateable connectors between each pair of vehicles of the train. Each pair of mateable connectors electrically interconnects the wires of each pair of adjacently disposed vehicles to form the trainline. When the mateable connectors are mated, a primary electrical path and a redundant electrical path are formed in that pair of connectors for the trainline. Each connector has a bidirectional circuit that interconnects a main node and a backup node for the wire on the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging batteries of a plurality of vehicles includes a power source converter connectable to a power source to receive electrical power and for converting the electrical power to a selected voltage potential that is distributed on a distribution bus. A plurality of vehicle connecting stations are connected to the distribution bus. Each vehicle connecting station includes a station power converter for receiving electrical power from the power source converter for charging the battery and a station controller to control electrical power flow to the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A public service vehicle transport system in which a vehicle powered by sodium/sulphur batteries is recharged through a pantograph at stations along its route from a pylon having arms which carry power conductors. The arms are carried by a rotable part of the pylon so as to be refracted over the pavement except when approach of the vehicle is sensed, whereupon the arms are automatically swung round over the road to enable recharging to take place.

Abstract: An electrical vehicle transportation system in which a steerable electrically powered automotive vehicle receives electrical power from electrified conductors located above a roadway or affixed to the roadway, through an electrical pickup on the vehicle having electrical contacts engageable with the roadway conductors in a manner which permits steering movement of the vehicle laterally of the roadway and switching of the vehicle from one traffic lane to another with no interruption, or only momentary interruption, in the flow of electrical power to the vehicle. An electrically powered vehicle and electrical pickup for the transportation system.

Abstract: A transportation system including a solar energy collecting monorail structure formed with a photovoltaic surface layer having a solar energy converting means for converting the collected solar energy to electrical energy. A power distribution means for distributing stored energy to transit vehicles being propelled along the monorail structure or distributing excess energy to a remote power utility source. The monorail structure includes means for propelling a transit vehicle according to magnetic principals associated with transverse flux motors. The system also includes a computer controlled, elevation compensating monorail structure extrusion machine comprising a fabrication chamber which continuously fabricates the monorail structure along a monorail construction right-of-way.

Abstract: An unmanned material handling system for servicing a plurality of vertically spaced levels of a structure is provided. This system includes an unmanned, selfpropelled vehicle driven by an electromechanical device such as an electric motor. The vehicle includes an energy storage device, such as a flywheel, for storing energy and for supplying that energy to the electro-mechanical device. The vehicle can be moved from one level to another within the structure by an elevator. One half of a split transformer is embedded in the floor of the elevator and, when the vehicle is disposed thereover, that half of the split transformer is energized and becomes electromagnetically coupled with a second half of the split transformer which is disposed within the vehicle. This coupling provides electrical energy to drive a motor/generator which, in turn, causes the flywheel to rotate and store energy.

Abstract: A controllable distributing conveying system for transporting people or goods is provided with stations which are arranged on a passive rail network and which include container loading-on positions, container off-loading positions, and container depots. Self-propelled controllable conveying units are movable between the stations and are fitted with pairs of running wheels for normal travel and for travel when being switched in and out and also have container-carrying surfaces separate from the drive section which are coupled by a universal joint member. Containers are loadable onto and off-loaded from the conveying units by means of loading and off-loading arrangements which have active locking members and unlocking members. These containers are held secure in all directions during travel, and are conductable to their destination by the shortest path by means of passive switching-in and switching-out arrangements, and these latter arrangements comprise rails, which the conveying units hold onto.

Abstract: A current transmitting system for use with a self-propelled automatically steered electric vehicle includes a pair of parallel, circularly arranged bus bars connected to a low-frequency A.C. power source, an induction cable extending along the bus bars and connected to a high-frequency A.C. power source, and a current collecting shoe slidable on and along each of the bus bars for transmitting the current carried by the bus bar to an electric device mounted in the vehicle. In this system, each of the bus bars is divided into two sections one of which is connected to the low-frequency A.C. power source through a coil.

Abstract: An automatic switching system particularly adapted for railroad hobbyists whereby the complicated polarity switching usually required is eliminated. Apparatus is associated with each insulation point in a track section (block) to sense the direction of train motion and automatically conform the polarity of the next track block upon which the train will enter if the next block is of an opposite polarity from the prior block section from which the train has left.

Abstract: A transportation system that uses bus-like tire vehicles that travel in an express trackway between the suburbs and the city. The bus-like vehicles also have the capability of driving on conventional roadways in the suburbs and the city for picking people up and dropping them off close to their homes and offices. The bus-like vehicles are electric motor driven so that the motor may receive electric power either from the trackway when the vehicles are on the trackway or from batteries carried by the vehicles when they are off the trackway.

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: A railway safety system uses intensity of current measurements in order that a train driver can have a continuous evaluation of the mutual distance between his train and the next one in front of or rear to it. Two ammeters give this indication by measuring the current intensity in the corresponding circuit encompassed on a resistive line parallel to the railroad, by the associate sliding contacts on both trains, since each train is provided with a pair of pantographs in contact with said resistive line and a generator of d.c. which thus flows in the circuit closed by two trains and comprising the half circuit in series with the concerned pantograph of each train and the intermediate length of resistive line. A reverser relay applies the voltage of the generator to either of the two half circuits of a train. Switch relays may be provided to operate acoustic signals and/or the automatic braking device at given values of the flowing current.

Abstract: Control apparatus for determining the power regenerating operation of a train vehicle is disclosed in relation to the provision of a control signal in conjunction with the operation of the power supply rail of the train vehicle track, such that power regenerating operation of the train vehicle is prevented unless such operation is desired as indicated by the presence of that control signal.

Abstract: A device to detect and control electrical potential polarities between two or more adjacent insulated conductor sections is disclosed. An amplifying circuit monitors the relative state of the polarities of the adjacent conductor sections and actuates a relay to change the same if a difference is sensed. The sensing function of the amplifying circuit is controlled by a switch member.

Abstract: The circuits comprise a first part located at a control station where the trolley lies when not operated, and a second part located on the trolley. The first part comprises a three phase power circuit and a control circuit for the trolley. The connection between two parts is effected by only three active conductors, although the power supply is of the three phase type, the control signals being transferred to the second part when only two of the three phase conductors are coupled to the second part. To this end, a time lag contact controlled by a relay of said control circuit is inserted in the coupling of one of the three conductors and the circuit of the second part includes a memory relay which is energized by means of the two other conductors and which is no longer energized when the third phase is applied to the second part.

Abstract: In a current supply system for wheeled vehicles which includes a DC generating device and substantially parallel running over-head lines provided with current collectors, a closed AC circuit is provided which is independent of the current collector and includes an AC generating device which feeds the over-head lines, as well as a device connecting the lines together. The DC and AC generating device includes a first rectifying device which is connected to a three-phase AC network and a generating DC network with a superposed AC component.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of electrically operated amusement vehicles, such as bumper cars and the like, in which the vehicles receive electrical energy from segments of floor material alternately connected to the different poles of a source of electrical energy. This invention is particularly characterized by a means wherein an alternating current source of electricity is connected to the floor material together with an appropriate corrective circuit arrangement in the vehicle to convert, automatically, so as to provide direct current within the vehicles themselves. A particularly unusual feature includes the method of providing multi-phase current in such manner as to provide for increased power and speed to the vehicle depending upon the skill of the operator, together with an electronic speed control.

Abstract: An urban mass transportation system is disclosed which makes use of storage battery powered vehicles. In view of the specific use which implies pre-established routing of the vehicles and preestablished stops at frequent intervals, the capacity of the batteries installed in each vehicle is commensurate to the capability of running for a limited distance. The vehicles are further provided with contact means, such as trolleys, for performing a fast recharge of the batteries at the stop stations, without removing the batteries. The stop stations are equipped with devices mating with the contact means and suitable for allowing a fast recharge. Electrical power is taken from an electrical distribution network independently from the routing of the vehicles.

Abstract: An urban mass transportation system is disclosed which makes use of storage battery powered vehicles. In view of the specific use which implies preestablished routing of the vehicles and preestablished stops at frequent intervals, the capacity of the batteries installed in each vehicle is commensurate to the capability of running for a limited distance. The vehicles are further provided with contact means, such as trolleys, for performing a fast recharge of the batteries at the stop stations, without removing the batteries. The stop stations are equipped with devices mating with the contact means and suitable for allowing a fast recharge. Electrical power is taken from an electrical distribution network independently from the routing of the vehicles.