Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle includes an inverter mounted in the vehicle, the inverter having a plurality of high power IGBT modules for converting DC power to AC power for application to a plurality of AC electric motors connected in driving relationship to wheels on the vehicle. Each of the IGBT modules is mounted in thermal transfer relationship to an electrically isolated base plate and each base plate has a plurality of closely spaced, parallel slots formed across one surface with a plurality of fins fitted into the slots and extending from the base plate. The system includes apparatus for mounting the IGBT modules to a wall separating an electronics compartment from an air supply and air exhaust compartment. Air from an air supply plenum in the air supply compartment is directed into the fins extending from the IGBT base plate and exhaust through an exhaust conduit. The vehicle includes a blower to force air to flow through the fins extending from the base plate.

Abstract: A circuit disrupter having a first conductor and a second conductor partially disposed in an enclosure. A connector is biased to an open position by a spring, but is held in an engaged position by a tab to connect first conductor to second conductor. When an operator removes tab, connector moves to the open position, thereby disconnecting first circuit element from second circuit element. Because the operator does not have access to the interior of enclosure, the first and second circuit elements will remain disconnected until appropriate maintenance activity is undertaken. The absence of tab from the circuit disrupter is a signal that such maintenance activity is required.

Abstract: The system and method maximize available rail adhesion between the rails of a track and the wheels of a rail vehicle so that the vehicle is better able to accelerate up to operating speed and to decelerate to a stop condition under poor rail conditions. The system implements a control logic function which relies on a measured variable that is different than the controlled error signal utilized to affect control of the vehicle. The control system is enabled based on creep speed while the parameter used to effect control is wheel acceleration.

Abstract: An AC motorized wheel arrangement includes a wheel frame including a flange for attachment to a truck body; a wheel hub; roller bearings for supporting the wheel hub on the wheel frame; a shaft; an AC motor attached to a portion of the wheel frame facing an inboard side of the wheel for turning the shaft; a transmission attached to a portion of the wheel frame facing an outboard side of the wheel and connected to the shaft and the wheel hub for turning the wheel hub; and a service brake mounted between the wheel frame and the wheel hub. In a ventilation arrangement, two wheel frames are attached to opposite outer sides of and axle box and two alternating current motors are positioned in the axle box with each motor frame attached to one of the wheel frames. The motor frames include holes for permitting air from the axle box to enter the motors, and an air outlet housing is positioned between the two motors for receiving air from the two motors and directing air out a rear opening of the axle box.

Abstract: An insulated coil for use in a coil and pole assembly comprising an electrically conductive coil including a plurality of aligned, overlapping turns that are coated with a powder coating material so as to be electrically insulated from each other. The powder coated coil is heated so as to partially cure the powder coating material and then fitted about its associated pole. Once disposed about the pole, the coil is compressed in the vertical and horizontal directions, and heated while in the compressed state to completely cure the powder coating material.

Abstract: A bobbin for insulating a coil including a base portion comprising an electrically insulative material having an inner surface, an outer surface, an outer periphery, and a pole opening (54). An inner flange extends outwardly from the base portion in a first direction from the pole opening and at least partially defines the pole opening. Moreover, an outer flange extends outwardly from the base portion in the first direction from the outer periphery of the base portion. With this configuration, the bobbin is sized and configured to be placed on a side of the coil to provide ground insulation thereto.