Abstract: A third rail paddle system includes a support assembly configured for attachment to a vehicle, a pivot connection attached to the support assembly and that defines a range of up and down movement, and a third rail paddle assembly having an arm unit and a paddle. The paddle assembly is attached to the pivot connection for the paddle to contact a third rail and move up and down relative to the third rail when the support assembly is attached to the vehicle. One of the pivot connection, the paddle assembly, or the support assembly includes a stop element that limits the range of the up and down movement and prevents the paddle assembly from moving downwards to a bottom of the range of movement.

Abstract: A dual mode current collector includes a mounting frame having a pivot shaft extending along a pivot axis. A first current collector includes a housing pivotally connected to the pivot shaft, a shoe arm connected to the housing, and a shoe attached to the shoe arm. The shoe has a conductor surface configured to engage a rail. A second current collector includes a housing pivotally connected to the pivot shaft, a shoe arm connected to the housing, and a shoe attached to the shoe arm. The shoe has a conductor surface configured to engage a rail. A first actuator connected to the mounting frame and the first current collector is configured to rotate the first current collector about the pivot axis. A second actuator connected to the mounting frame and the second current collector is configured to rotate the second current collector about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A frangible shunt link assembly includes a frangible link configured to conductively couple a current collector coupled with a vehicle and one or more components of the vehicle. The frangible link is configured to break responsive to the current collector being at least partially separated from the vehicle to interrupt a conductive connection between the current collector and the one or more components of the vehicle.

Abstract: A charging device for a vehicle including an electric storage arrangement. The charging device is arranged to be mounted to a portion of the vehicle, the charging device including a movable contacting element for electric contact with a stationary contacting element for electric charging of the electric storage arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact apparatus (11) and to a charging contact unit (12) for a rapid-charging system for electrically driven vehicles, in particular electric buses or the like, and to a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a vehicle and a stationary charging station, wherein the contact apparatus serves to form an electrically conductive connection between the vehicle and the stationary charging station comprising a charging contact unit, wherein the contact apparatus can be arranged on a vehicle, wherein the contact apparatus comprises a contact device (14), wherein the contact device can make contact with the charging contact unit, wherein the contact apparatus or the charging contact unit comprises a positioning device (15), wherein the contact device can be positioned relative to the charging contact unit by means of the positioning device, wherein the contact device has a contact element support (16) comprising contact elements, wherein the contact elements can ma

Abstract: A current collecting device for an electrical load that can travel in a direction of travel along a conductor line, with at least two sliding contact pieces arranged on a rocker one after another in the direction of travel. The rocker is mounted on a rocker arm about a rotation axis extending perpendicularly to the travel direction, through which rocker arm the rocker can be moved towards a conductor for contact of the sliding contact pieces with an electrically conductive conductor strand of the conductor line. A conductor line system includes such a conductor line and at least one such electrical load. The current collecting device and conductor line system provide a reliable guiding of the current collecting device contact in the conductor strand of the conductor line, as well as reliable energy transmission.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method of automatically providing or withholding fluid from a power rail for a mass transit vehicle, during movement of a mass transit vehicle on a pathway in an uncovered (or exposed) area of the pathway, fluid, for example, anti-icing fluid, is caused to be provided to (or dispensed on) the power rail supplying power to the mass transit vehicle. During movement of the mass transit vehicle in a covered area of the pathway, the fluid is withheld from (or not dispensed on) the power rail. The changing from fluid being dispensed on the power rail to the fluid being withheld from the power rail, or vice versa, can be based on movement of the mass transit vehicle from the uncovered area of the pathway to the covered area of the pathway, or vice versa.

Abstract: A grounding shoe is provided in a vehicle so as to face a grounding rail provided on a track. The grounding shoe includes a collector unit that has an electroconductive body; and a holding part that fixes the collector unit by holding a first end of the electroconductive body in such a manner that the electroconductive body can be energized as well as attached/detached and that is in contact with the electroconductive body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bogie for a rail vehicle, including: two pairs of wheel sets arranged frontward and backward (51), axle boxes (52) respectively fixedly arranged at both ends of a central rotating shaft of the wheel set, and a frame arranged on two axle boxes on the same side (50), and further including: a current collector mounting plate (53) that is fixedly mounted with a current collector, with both ends of the current collector mounting plate being respectively fixedly connected to the two axle boxes on the same side. In the bogie for the rail vehicle, the current collector is fixedly connected on the axle box, and thus has the same state of motion as the axle box, effectively reducing the displacements of the current collector in all directions relative to the third rail during operation, and reducing vibration and impact suffered by the current collector.

Abstract: A pressing device for a current collector moves a contact shoe unit is movable relative to a current rail. The pressing device includes a rocker unit and a spring unit. The spring unit having a helical spring rotatably biasing rocker unit is rotatable such that the contact shoe unit is movable into a sliding contact position in only one direction spring unit.

Abstract: A collector shoe assembly for use with an electrified conductor rail is disclosed. A support block comprised of first and second housing members secured together which has a plurality of spaced-apart, spring-loaded collector shoe segments movably positioned therein, the outer ends of which are in engagement with the conductor rail.

Abstract: A medium for a rolling stock electric current collection strip is provided. The medium is suitable for holding said strip and transmitting the current passing through the strip to the rolling stock. The medium includes a base and at least two walls forming a space suitable for at least partially accommodating the strip. The medium includes at least one elastic means suitable for clamping the strip against the base.

Abstract: A collector shoe assembly for use with an electrified conductor rail is disclosed. A support block comprised of first and second housing members secured together which has a plurality of spaced-apart, spring-loaded collector shoe segments movably positioned therein, the outer ends of which are in engagement with the conductor rail.

Abstract: An electrical vehicle transportation system that includes a powered roadway system having electrically conductive roadway segments that are engageable to a roadway surface, and an electrical vehicle having a control system and an energy harvesting system, the vehicle control system being programmed to energize roadway segments disposed within a defined vehicle envelope and de-energize the roadway segments prior to transitioning outside of the vehicle envelope when the vehicle is traversing the roadway.

Abstract: A pressing device for a current collector moves a contact shoe unit is movable relative to a current rail. The pressing device includes a rocker unit and a spring unit. The spring unit having a helical spring rotatably biasing rocker unit is rotatable such that the contact shoe unit is movable into a sliding contact position in only one direction spring unit.

Abstract: The present invention has its application to a vehicle-related arm-shaped contact means ((4)) related to a contact means arrangement as a current collector or system (“S”) for propelling an electrically, i.a. by batteries (“II”, B), propellable vehicle (1) along a roadway (2) comprising “a” a plurality of roadway portions (2a, 2a1),wherein said road portions are allotted at least one track or slit (51, 52), having introduced therein current supplyable conductors (4a, 4b), and “b” one or more powerable vehicles (1), with each vehicle exhibiting a control circuit (100, “R1”) adapted for necessary distribution of power, wherein said vehicle (1) is on its underneath side provided with a displaceable contact means ((4)) as said current collectors.

Abstract: Contact means (4) related to a vehicle are adapted to comprise an elongated arm (50), one end portion (50a) of which is rotatably attached to the underside (bottom) of the vehicle (1) and the other end portion (50b) of which is adapted to support said contact means (4). One or more sensors (151a, 151b) are disposed at the vehicle (1) and are intended to be able to sense the presence of and the orientation of a track or groove (51) and transfer sensed information to a power control circuit (100), which is adapted to comprise a control circuit (100b), which when sensing the existence of and a sensed orientation of at rack or groove (51), within a covered and restricted area, is to be adapted to actuate means (7) adapted to a sidewise movement and/or a lowering (or raising) movement at the contact means (4).

Abstract: A current collector for a rail vehicle and a method for transmitting energy from power rails to the vehicle employ a contact shoe that includes an upper sliding contact surface and a lower sliding contact surface. A first pressing-on force forms a sliding contact between the upper sliding contact surface and an upper contact surface of a first power rail, when the contact shoe is in an upper sliding contact position. A second pressing-on force forms a sliding contact between the lower sliding contact surface and a lower contact surface of a second power rail, when the contact shoe is in a lower sliding contact position. The pressing-on forces may be applied by a pressing-on device attached to the contact shoe. The contact shoe may be moved into the upper sliding contact position by the first power rail, and into the lower sliding contact position by the second power rail.

Abstract: A shaped block for positioning and/or holding a plurality of line sections of one or more electric lines along the track of a vehicle includes a plurality of recesses and/or projections. Edges of the recesses and/or the projections each delimit a space for the line sections into which one of the line sections can be introduced, so that said line section extends through the space in a longitudinal direction of the space. The longitudinal directions of the spaces delimited by the edges of the recesses and/or by the projections extend essentially mutually parallel in a common plane.

Abstract: An auxiliary and motive electric power pick-up structure for articulated and non-articulated land vehicles, such as electric public transport vehicles, that pass close to a collector-shoe-type power supply member mounted on a stationary support (17) along the route of the vehicle and positioned at intervals along the length of the route in order to provide auxiliary and motive electric power to the vehicle by way of the shoe (16). The structure comprises at least one conductor rail mounted on insulating supports (11) attached to the vehicle by suspension points (34), each including an elastic suspension unit (30) and a pneumatic, hydraulic or other type active suspension unit (33). In the case of articulated vehicles, the pick-up structure is divided into power supply segments (14) separated by a conducting link (19) at each articulated unit of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medium (10) for a rolling stock (1) electric current collection strip (20), said medium (10) being suitable for holding said strip (20) and transmitting the current passing through the strip to the rolling stock (1), said medium (10) including a base (11) and at least two walls (12, 13) forming a space suitable for partially accommodating the strip (20), characterised in that the medium (10) includes at least one elastic means (40, 40?) suitable for clamping said strip (20) against said base (11).

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an elevated transportation network run on electricity with personalized cars that can automatically transport passengers anywhere in a large city or densely populated metropolitan area served by the system without stopping on the way to the final destination. The cars travel on two continuous concrete ribbons with no bumps or cutouts crossing the tire path during switching or on the straight away. The travel path is a combination of central routing and individual car communications with car automatic steering and distance control. The personalized transportation concept can also apply to high speed intercity transportation allowing instant available transportation without intermediate time consuming stops.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle in multiple zones is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a vehicle for transporting a load comprising an energy storage device configured to receive and store energy originating from at least one of a power source and a linear motor and a motor configured to move the vehicle using energy delivered from the power source when energy from the power source is available for delivery, and further configured to move the vehicle using the energy stored in the energy storage device when the energy from the power source is unavailable for delivery, wherein the power source is located external to the vehicle and is stationary when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A current collector for a rail vehicle and a method for transmitting energy from power rails to the vehicle employ a contact shoe that includes an upper sliding contact surface and a lower sliding contact surface. A first pressing-on force forms a sliding contact between the upper sliding contact surface and an upper contact surface of a first power rail, when the contact shoe is in an upper sliding contact position. A second pressing-on force forms a sliding contact between the lower sliding contact surface and a lower contact surface of a second power rail, when the contact shoe is in a lower sliding contact position. The pressing-on forces may be applied by a pressing-on device attached to the contact shoe. The contact shoe may be moved into the upper sliding contact position by the first power rail, and into the lower sliding contact position by the second power rail.

Abstract: A rail consist having at least one propulsion car having traction motors and at least one working car having working motors. Energy storage units are provided on the consist to provide power to the traction motors and the working motors. The energy storage units provide sufficient power for work mode, travel speeds and curve characteristics of the consist. The use of the energy storage units provides safety, environmental and operational benefits.

Abstract: A rail-based system is disclosed for moving materials and is applicable to a number of industries. The invention describes a system of automated self-powered rail cars operating independently to transport material such as ore from a work face in a mine or cargo from a marine port to a major transportation hub.

Abstract: The device for capturing electrical energy having a capturing plough-type element (10), an arm for holding the capturing plough-type element on the frame of the vehicle, a mechanism for lifting up the plough-type element and the way for electrical connection to the supply circuit of a vehicle. The plough-type element is electrically insulated in relation to the ground and the trackway. One part of the plough-type element separates two profiled part holders (23, 24) which are arranged beside each other in another opposite manner and are supported a support. The conducting elements of the lower end of the plough-type element are maintained in electrical contact, sliding along polar parts born by each part holder. Along the entire length of each part holder (23, 24), each part holder is mounted in an elastically recoiling manner such that it moves towards its adjacent opposite number with the aid of an elastic mechanism.

Abstract: In a current collecting contact member 7 that is arranged on the side surface of a vehicle 1 so as to face a train wire 35 laid near a track 30 of the vehicle 1, and is configured so as to collect electric power from the train wire 35 by means of sliding contact with the train wire 35, a groove 10 extending upward from a lower end part 8d of the contact member body 8 is formed in a contact-side surface 8a of a contact member body 8.

Abstract: Current collector for a third rail, including a base parallelogram extending from a vehicle, with a mounting for a collector shoe extending from the parallelogram, wherein the base parallelogram has a first leg running on the rail side, a second leg running along the first leg away from the rail as well as third and fourth legs connected in an articulating fashion with first and second ends, respectively, of the first and second legs. The mounting for the collector shoe is connected with a single leg adjustable in relation to the vehicle through at least one of its swivel axes, and the mounting is connected to the first or the fourth leg by means of at least one connection having a predetermined breaking point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lock-on device including a member and a grounding pad. A first end of the member is configured to be connected to a guide frame of a rail vehicle. The grounding pad is attached to a second end of the member. The grounding pad may be attached to the member in any location suitable for collecting ground from the guide beam during use. A pair of lock-on devices is installed on the vehicle, such that one is located on each side of the guide beam. Since the lock-on device is attached to the guide frame of the vehicle and engages the underneath of the guide beam, any force tending to tip the vehicle will cause the lock-on device to “grab” the guide beam. The relationship of the guide beam and the grounding pad prevents the vehicle from tipping. Thus, track jumping and roll over are inhibited.

Abstract: An electric distribution system which includes an elongated generally channel-shaped busway having a top wall and a pair of side walls with bus bars secured to the interior of the side walls. An electrical take-off is slidably secured within the busway with the take-off having a housing, a pair of spaced rotatable electrical contact supports having a circuit selection portion for rotating the contact support. At least one electrical contact passing through a passageway in the support and a spring which surrounds a portion of the support adjacent the passageway, urging the electrical contact in a first direction. The contact support is structured to be rotated to a first position wherein the electrical contact is disposed within the take-off housing and a second position wherein it projects outwardly into contact with a bus bar.

Abstract: There is an electric railway truck comprising an unsprung third rail collector beam for a swing arm primary suspension. The collector beam and attached current collector is mounted to the truck frame through the use of mounting adapters, links, and elastomeric bushings. Specifically, in the vicinity of the swing arm axle housings, the collector beam is secured to the mounting adapters which, in turn, are suspended below the respective axle housings by the links and accompanying elastomeric bushings. The torsional deflection of the elastomeric bushings permit the links to swing in the longitudinal direction, thereby accommodating the relatively larger angular and longitudinal axle housing motions created by a swing arm primary suspension.

Abstract: A contact shoe assembly for a train movable along a support track having an electrically-energized power rail extending substantially parallel with the support track. The contact shoe assembly includes a support member with two spaced-apart guide channels and can bend the shoe away from the power rail. A bracket arm is positioned between the guide channels and equipped with ball bearings that roll within the guide channels. A contact shoe is connected to a lower outwardly-extending portion of the bracket arm for contacting the power rail. A spring mounted between the support member and the bracket arm biases the contact shoe into a yielding engagement with the power rail. Vertical movement of the bracket arm responsive to a varying height of the power rail maintains the contact surface of the contact shoe horizontal and parallel to the power rail.

Abstract: An electrical collector shoe assembly for a rail electrification system, including a metal holder member in the form of an elongate block body having spaced-apart gripping flanges projecting from its opposite sides upwardly and inwardly of the body, an elongate metal collector shoe extending along the top of the block body and having recessed surfaces in its opposite sides and in which the gripping flanges are disposed, and advanceable studs carried by the block body and engaged with the under portion of the collector shoe, applying an upward thrust to the shoe to cause the gripping flanges of the block body to be forcibly engaged with the recessed surfaces of the shoe. There is thus established a unitary electrical and mechanical connection between the shoe and holder member. Servicing and/or replacement of the shoe is greatly facilitated as a consequence of the simplicity of the assembly.

Abstract: An energy collector allows flow of electrical energy between a vehicle and a rail of a railway track. The energy collector includes a vehicle mounting device for mounting the energy collector to such vehicle; a collector shoe for sliding electrical contact on such rail; and a lever arm having a first end and a second end. The energy collector also includes a bottom torsion unit connected to the collector shoe and connected to the second end of the lever arm. The bottom torsion unit is disposed so that the collector shoe is forcefully and generally aligned upon such rail even as the collector shoe encounters physical deviations along a surface of such rail. The energy collector further includes a top torsion unit connected to the vehicle mounting device and connected to the first end of the lever arm.

Abstract: A contact shoe assembly for a train movable along a support track having an electrically-energized power rail extending substantially parallel with the support track. The contact shoe assembly includes a support member with two spaced-apart guide channels. A bracket arm is positioned between the guide channels and equipped with ball bearings that roll within the guide channels. A contact shoe is connected to a lower outwardly-extending portion of the bracket arm for contacting the power rail. A spring mounted between the support member and the bracket arm biases the contact shoe into a yielding engagement with the power rail. Vertical movement of the bracket arm responsive to a varying height of the power rail maintains the contact surface of the contact shoe horizontal and parallel to the power rail. This parallel arrangement reduces wear to the equipment and ensures the effective transmission of power to the train.

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: The present invention is a third rail assembly that includes a beam made of synthetic material which will not crack upon exposure to the elements so that conductive material such as water, grease, or the like will not settle in the cracks. Also, the beam is lightweight for ease of installation and very strong so that the beam will not be destroyed when the third rail collector encounters an obstacle.

Abstract: A collector shoe for a collector with a carbon brush and a support has, between the carbon brush and supporting element, a galvanically applied metallic layer. The galvanic layer anchors a head portion of a conductor member to the carbon brush. The conductor member has a shaft portion which projects through the support and secures the carbon brush to the support, as well as, establishes an electrical connection to the carbon brush.

Abstract: A collector shoe for a collector with a carbon brush and a support has, between the carbon brush and supporting element, a galvanically applied metallic layer, which, at least at one end, either extends itself over the carbon brush at an angle, its extension which forms an angle being at least partially molded onto the supporting element or embedded into the latter and designed as an electrical connection element, or is linked with an electrical element which extends beyond the carbon brush, forms an angle and is similarly molded onto the supporting element or embedded in the latter. An advantageous process for producing said collector shoe consists producing the carbon brush with excess length, covering it in the metallic layer and then cutting it to length, and consequently bending the projecting metallic layer into the angular shape and embedding it in the directly molded-on supporting element of synthetic material.

Abstract: A device for mounting third rail engaging equipment on a railway truck comprises a fixed part mounted on and extending outwardly from a side member of a railway truck and a vertically moveable part pivotally mounted on the fixed part and mounting the third rail engaging equipment support, the moveable part being normally latched to the fixed part for maintaining the third rail engaging equipment such as current collectors and sleet scrapers at optimum operating pressure against the third rail, and arranged for automatic release responsive to receipt by the third rail engaging equipment of a predetermined upward impact from the third rail whereby to protect the third rail engaging equipment and its supports from the truck structure against impacts in excess of the predetermined impact, and for automatic gravity-responsive resetting whereby to cause the third rail engaging equipment to continue functioning at its optimum operating pressure.

Abstract: A collector shoe assembly for transmitting current from an electrified rail to a mobile unit such as a trolley, crane, conveyor, or the like. In a preferred embodiment the electrical collector comprises an electrically conductive shoe for slidably engaging an electrified rail, and a bracket assembly to support and guide the shoe along the rail. The bracket assembly comprises a parallel pair of pivotally supported brackets with a transversely extending support and pivot pin extending between the outer ends. Supported on the pin between the brackets is the shoe which includes a U-shape top channel adapted to receive the pin. The pin is loosely captured within the channel by a pair of readily removable bolt and washer assemblies which are threadedly secured into the top of the shoe.

Abstract: An assembly for the transmission of electrical energy to a vehicle comprises two current rails with respective contact surfaces inclined at an angle toward each other in a roof-like arrangement and a current collector having a sliding shoe with a pair of contact surfaces inclined toward each other at the same angle. The sliding shoe is mounted movably on the current collector by means of a ball and socket joint. The support point of the sliding shoe, i.e. the geometrical center of the support ball, is located at least approximately on an imaginary line which connects the centers of gravity of the two contact surfaces of the current rails.

Abstract: For supporting equipment which must be maintained at constant height above the rails, such as third rail collection gear, on inside bearing trucks in which the truck frame is spring-supported from journal boxes vertically movably mounted in downwardly open pedestal jaws in the truck frame side members, an equipment support beam extends longitudinally of the truck below the frame side members and the beam or pedestal legs are bifurcated at their ends to clear each other and the pedestal tie bars and the beam end portions are suspended from the bottoms of the respective journal boxes at each side of the truck, such that the equipment support beam is constantly maintained at a fixed distance above the rail whereby to maintain the supported equipment, including the third rail shoes, at a constant level with respect to the third rail.

Abstract: For supporting equipment such as third rail collection gear, which must be maintained at constant height above the rails, on inside bearing trucks in which the truck frame is spring-supported from journal boxes vertically movable relative to box section truck frame side members, equipment support beams extend longitudinally of the truck within the respective frame side members and are pivotally supported at their ends from the respective journal boxes.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle power collector apparatus is operative with a power rail having position changes and misalignments in relation to that vehicle travel path and includes a power collector shoe movable in each of three cartesion coordinates to maintain electrical contact with the power rail.

Abstract: A plurality of sliders and a guide rail along which the sliders run to carry a load, each slider having thin U-letter shape members so layered in the longitudinal direction of guide rail as to form a channel shape casing with a hexagonal central aperture in which rollers are included to run along a hexagonal head of the guide rail in an engaging relation.

Abstract: A bumper car amusement ride includes a floor to which is adhesively bonded over their entire under surfaces a plurality of elongated electrically conductive plates separated by electrically non-conductive strips and with adjacent plates connected across a source of alternating current. A bumper car is supported for movement over the plates and strips by a pair of laterally spaced drive wheels and a pair of longitudinally spaced caster wheels, each of the drive wheels being coupled to the reversible, variable speed output of a hydrostatic transmission, the inputs of which are both coupled to the output of a direct current constant speed electric motor. The motor is connected through a rectifier to a plurality of contacts mounted on the car for sliding engagement with the floor plates.

Abstract: A current collecting means in an aerial cableway system collecting electric power for driving a self-propelled aerial carriage, is capable of maximization of the lifetime of a current collecting shoe. The current collecting means comprises a current-carrying cable having at least a planar surface on the outer surrounding thereof and a current collecting shoe having a planar contacting surface to be urged onto the planar surface of the cable. The contact between the shoe and cable is carried out in both planar surfaces to prevent uneven wear of the shoe.

Abstract: A sliding contact for a toy rail vehicle has a body part having a convex slide face and a depression which is provided in the convex slide face and arranged so as to form on the latter an edge by which said slide face linearly contacts with a current-conductive rail and which removes extraneous particles from the current-conductive rail during sliding over the latter. The depression may have a circular cross-section so that the edge formed by the depression is annular. The depression may have a diameter which exceeds the width of the rail so that two curved edges are formed one of which is a leading edge, whereas the other of which is a trailing edge.