Abstract: Converters having a 1st power converter (1) on the mains systems side and a 2nd power converter (9) on the load side may have valve arms with insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) (T1, T2; T1', T2'). In order to be able to switch high currents, as are required in traction applications, a plurality of IGBTs (T1, T2) and (T1', T2') are operated electrically in parallel with one another. In order to avoid destruction or explosion of a module having IGBTs (T1, T2; T1', T2') of this type in the event of a short circuit, a fuse (Si1, Si2; Si1', Si2') is connected in series with each IGBT (T1, T2; T1', T2') on the cathode side thereof, which fuse blows when a predeterminable limit current intensity is exceeded, and thereby interrupts the short-circuit current. The current then flows only via the parallel-connected IGBT.

Abstract: A rail mounted vehicle speed measuring device includes a first magnetic field generating member and a first magnetic field sensing member positioned at a first measuring location on the vehicle; a second magnetic field generating member and a second magnetic field sensing member positioned at a second measuring location on the vehicle, spaced a fixed distance from the first location in the direction of vehicle movement; wherein the magnetic fields generated by the first and second magnetic field generating member are influenced by the rail to produce first and second signal patterns sensed by the first and second sensing member and varying with movement of the vehicle along the rail; and device is provided for correlating the first and second sensed signal patterns to determine the time displacement between the two sensed signal patterns and the velocity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle initialization system for a control system that includes a vehicle, such as a train that is to be initialized, a vehicle track, a first reader, an onboard computer and a tachometer. The vehicle is adapted to coact with the track. At least two spaced apart position identifiers are positioned along the track. The first reader attaches to the vehicle and is adapted to read information from the position identifiers and relay the information to the onboard computer. The tachometer is also interfaced with the onboard computer, so that as the vehicle passes the position identifiers, the tachometer can be calibrated and the vehicle direction of travel and the vehicle orientation can be determined. The system also includes a vehicle identifier adapted to identify the vehicle characteristics. A second reader is positioned along the track and is adapted to read the vehicle identifier as the vehicle travels along the track. A wayside computer interfaces with the second reader.

Abstract: A rail vehicle has a longitudinal direction and includes an undercarriage, a crossbeam held against the undercarriage, extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the superstructure and adapted for being seated on a bogie or similar structure. A mechanism is provided for elastically holding the crossbeam to the undercarriage.

Abstract: Method and device for control within a line network such as a tram line, of a number of rolling units in various line runnings, and a method for installation of said device. A number of passive position determination elements (9) such as transponders, arranged for radio scanning, are located at determined positions in the network. Control equipment (2) on board said rolling units is provided with devices (8) for scanning of the position determination elements (9) and with sensors (6) for measurement of distance travelled. The momentary unit position within the line network is determined by continuous measurement of distance travelled and by calibration of the thereby obtained position determination by scanning of successively passed position determination elements (9). Data on the design and topography of the line network is stored in a central equipment (1) and communication from the mobile units stating their positions is received in a data processing unit (4).

Abstract: In a squirrel-cage rotor for an asynchronous machine, having a laminated core (2) which is mounted on the shaft (1), held together at both ends by press rings and is intended for accommodating the cage bars (3), the latter are respectively permanently connected to a short-circuiting ring (4) outside the laminated core (2). Each short-circuiting ring (4) is supported in the radial direction by a support ring (6) fixed on the shaft. In order to couple the cage head to the rotor body over the entire speed range of the machine for the purpose of suppressing natural vibrations, the two press rings are axially spaced from the laminated core (2) and simultaneously form the support ring (6) for the short-circuiting ring (4). In order to ensure the ventilation of the winding overhang, there are provided between the end face of the laminated core (2) and the support ring (6) spacer webs (7) which are preferably constructed in one piece with the support ring (6).

Abstract: An electric power vehicle includes a propulsion system connected to a direct current (DC) source via a supply line. The propulsion system converts the DC supplied via the supply line to an AC electrical power to operate an AC motor at a desired level. An electromagnetic interference detection system for the vehicle includes an EMI processor connected to a current transducer and the propulsion system. The transducer detects AC signals appearing on the supply line and provides an output to the EMI processor. The EMI processor determines the frequency, amplitude and duration of the detected AC signals and causes the propulsion system to adjust the AC electrical power supplied to the motor as a function thereof.

Abstract: A composite push-pull bar for use in a rail vehicle includes end-side connecting elements for axial introduction of compressive and tractive forces; and a rod-shaped structural element disposed between the end-side connecting elements for take-up and transmission of compressive and tractive forces. The rod-shaped element comprises a longitudinally extending core, a prestressed composite winding, including a defined number of wrappings of one or several reinforcing fibers embedded in a cured matrix material, applied in a longitudinal direction of the core so as to leave opposite longitudinal sides of the core not covered by the winding, the winding extending over the connecting elements and two skins arranged on the opposite longitudinal sides of the core not covered by the winding to form a sandwich structure with the core and which remain rigid under compression in their longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating over a track circuit which includes an interference signal. The invention includes sampling the interference signal on the track circuit at a predetermined sampling frequency to produce a sampled interference signal, detecting interference at a predetermined first sub-carrier frequency based on a fast Fourier transform of the sampled interference signal, forming a vector signal corresponding to a predetermined second sub-carrier frequency related to the predetermined sampling frequency and different from the predetermined first sub-carrier frequency, performing an inverse fast Fourier transformation on the vector signal to form a series communication signal, coupling the series communication signal to the track circuit, sampling the series communication signal on the track circuit at the predetermined sampling frequency from a sampled communications signal, and recovering the vector signal based on a fast Fourier transform of the sampled communication signal.