Abstract: The invention relates to a removable supporting cross-member (1) comprising: a built-in adjustable-height fifth wheel (18) for receiving the kingpin of semi-trailer, and front (26, 27) and rear (28) openings for the passage of the fork arms of a forklift truck or tractor. The invention can be used for moving a semi-trailer, positioning the semi-trailer horizontally on a carriage and securing same for transport, as well as for the corresponding operations during unloading, using only a forklift truck or tractor suitably dimensioned for the loads to be supplied. The invention is suitable for use by those involved in intermodal trail transport.

Abstract: An assembly (1) for detecting an electric discontinuity that includes an exciter (6) connected, via at least one capacitor, to two contacts (2, 3) normally connected between them by an electrically conducting member (4). The circuit outside the exciter defines a resonating circuit having an impedance that changes upon the opening of one of the contacts. The frequency of the detection circuit, which varies between two values corresponding to the two open or closed states of the contacts, is used by an electronic processing module (8) that generates a dysfunctional signal upon opening of one of the contacts. The invention can be used in numerous fields, such as transport, handling, storage, etc.

Abstract: The road vehicle comprises a communicating door (8, 9) in each of the front (3) and rear (4) transverse faces, a part at the front and a part at the rear of the split able connection that can combine with that of another identical or same-type vehicle respectively in front (5) and behind (6) so as to constitute a disconnect able articulated connection for aligning the vehicles and obtaining a short distance between the vehicles, a projection at the front or at the rear at the inter-vehicular passenger access, a course set point for the vehicle (6) behind using a system for directional control of the vehicle behind. The road vehicle is applicable to urban public transport vehicles which can form a road train.

Abstract: A brake system (1) having a number of sub-assemblies including a foot brake pedal (14) whose two stages correspond to service and emergency modes. Pneumatic brake modules (6) are assigned to each axle and have a proportional solenoid valve EVP (9). At least one deceleration controlling UCD unit (12) receives information from the pedal related to the pedal's position and electrically controls the brake motor (31) and/or the EVP in the service and emergency modes. A pneumatic control circuit, which is actuated in the emergency mode, controls the EVP directly from the pneumatic box (19) of the pedal. The brake system (1) is suitable for articulated multi-axle road vehicles and used, in particular, for passenger transport.

Abstract: An intercommunicating gangway in that two successive road modules (5, 6) are connected by a detachable coupling with a minimum inter-module distance at least in the in-line configuration such that the opposite facing surfaces (3, 4) are each provided with a communicating door (8, 9) which can only be opened in when the two road modules are arranged in an in-line configuration and the vehicle is stopped. The intercommunicating gangway is suitable for use in the urban passenger transport field.

Abstract: A deformable assembly which comprises an assembly of flexible metal leaves which each include a central portion having a side arm that extends from each end. The leaves are placed standing on edge, stacked against one another and attached by a central portion to the end of a plate supported by a wheeled base. The lateral arms of the assembly remain elastically deformable. The deformable assembly preferably comprises an extension of the leaves by acting on the end leaf. An intercommunicating gangway, between two consecutive plates, is manufactured using one or two of the deformable assemblies, each one of which is mounted on one of the opposing ends of the two plates and independent from the other leaf and/or from the other plate.

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 repeating transverse support is either a one-branch or a two-branch (15, 16) sleeper which is pressed against the bed plate (8) by elements which secure the directional guide rail (2). The terminal ends of this sleeper, which are in the form of mounting plates (23, 24), each support an electrical power supply lateral profile (33, 34) by way of an electrical insulator (27, 28) and an adjustment member. This repeating transverse support is of interest to the manufacturers of tracks for electrically powered guided road vehicles.

Abstract: A junction between successive flat pre-fabricated elements which comprises an elastic transverse insert (9), an approaching mechanism (10) in the form of tie beams (23) and tensioning mechanisms (19). The flat pre-fabricated elements (2) to be assembled each have a transverse channel (3) adapted so as to receive the insert along the end transverse edges (4, 5) thereof, which must face each other after assembly on the ground, and conduits (7) of the tie beams. Each pre-fabricated element is successively arranged, one after the other, and the transverse insert is introduced into the transverse housing (6) formed by transverse channels facing each other. The tie beams are introduced into the conduits, the ends thereof projecting outside the pre-fabricated elements. The tie beams are then tensioned by a tensioning mechanism, at each of the ends thereof, in order to immobilize the flat pre-fabricated elements and thereby connected by the tie beams.

Abstract: A system of localized tapping sections (1, 2 or 3) is provided with air or ground units for the distribution of electrical energy and an assembly on the vehicle (4) for tapping the energy. The electrical energy distribution units are supported by distributing poles (5), only accommodate electrical voltage when the vehicle approaches the related section, and being disconnected when the vehicle (4) leaves the tapping section. The tapping sections are located in vehicle stopping zones, for example, stations (1), acceleration zones, and uphill gradients (2), in order to recharge and/or supply drive energy to the vehicle (4). The system is beneficial to autonomous urban public transportation which accumulates drive energy.

Abstract: A hydraulic unit (1) mounted on a vehicle with an adjustable platform which is supported by two mechanically separate arms actuated by a separate hydraulic lifting device (5, 6). The hydraulic unit has the supply and return and preferably includes a balance valve (21) for controlling lowering of the platforms; a flow divider (22) enabling a division of the supply fluid into two flows having an identical flow rate, and each supplying one of the hydraulic lifting devices; and a resetting solenoid valve (23) that, when the operator controls the resetting of the hydraulic lifting devices, regardless of the operation direction and position thereof, and isolates one of the hydraulic devices (6) in order to immobilize the same while the other hydraulic lifting device (5 or 6) is adjusted.

Abstract: A support including a rail (10) that preferably has an I-shaped section and is provided in a slot (2) filled with concrete (4). During the manufacture of the rail, the rail is partially coated, substantially along its entire length, with a filler material (8) which defines at least one side extension (16) and bears on the concrete. A side groove (9) is formed in the coating of filler material (8) for the passage of a guiding or rolling wheel. The rail is directly maintained by the concrete such that an intermediate device, for additional maintenance of the rail, is not required. The rail can be bent and curved at the time of installation to conform to the curves of the track without any independent or additional bending step.

Abstract: The guidance system comprises two guidance devices (16) mounted in opposite directions either side of the axle (2) and each comprising: a guidance arm (17) terminated by at least one guidance roller (18); a set of articulated connecting rods serving as a deformable link interface (23) between the axle and the guidance arm; and a jack (29) with two independent and opposing rods (30, 31), having a “rods extended” position in which its two rods lock the set of connecting rods to render it rigid and orient the axle, and a “rods retracted” position in which the set of connecting rods is free and allows a lateral oscillation. Preferably, the jack (29) offers an additional function for damping the lateral oscillation. This invention is of interest in the field of the guidance of public transport road vehicles by a rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-extraction safety device comprising, for each roller (13, 14), a rotatably fixed, preferably enveloping, shroud element (32, 33) forming a one-piece functional mechanical assembly with its counterpart. The base of the shroud elements has an extension (46, 47) which extends beneath the projecting flanks (21, 22) of the head of the guiding rail (19) in order to prevent any extraction of the guide assembly. At the front, the base of the shroud elements is preferably shaped as a lip for collecting and disposing of objects which may be present on the guiding track. The invention can be used for the rail guidance of road vehicles used for public transport.

Abstract: A sliding body (25) which includes an electrical contact shoe (32) that moves on a guide rail (5) along the length thereof. The sliding body (25) is mounted to the front of a guiding assembly, in the direction of movement of a vehicle, and articulated with the assembly by a connecting rod (26) that is designed to rupture upon exceeding a pre-determined limit. The sliding body (25) includes a device (43), which is located on at least one of the sides of the body, for lifting and releasing objects or debris. The loss of electrical contact between the shoe and the rail enables a risk of derailment to be detected. The invention is suitable for rail-guided vehicle manufactures.

Abstract: A prefabricated module (1) to be used in constructing a track for an urban transport vehicle. The module comprises an integral carrier structure (2) made of concrete and comprising two side sills (4) having an upper surface (5), used as a driving pathway for the vehicle wheels, and connecting crossbars (8) which connect and retain the sills substantially parallel to each other. The lower surfaces (6, 39) of the sills and crossbars are ground-bearing surfaces. A guiding rail section (3), mounted on the carrier structure, is preferably symmetrical, has an I section and a lower portion coated with a liner material (13). The modules, whether rectilinear or curved, are to be placed on an existing road layout or in a trench with a compacted bottom, and are connected one after the other to form the driving track.

Abstract: A self-cleaning assembly employing a gap filler for a rail on the ground which guides or in which there runs rollers or wheels with lugs housed in a groove so as to lie flush with or protrude only slightly from the ground and which has a gap on the side of the rail corresponding to the passage of the lug. A filling substance is placed in the gap outside of the dynamic footprint of the lug and at least partially lines the gap, at least partially filling it. The filling material has properties of compressibility and is positioned in such a way that under all normal conditions of use or normal environmental conditions, the gap remains filled outside of the dynamic footprint of the lug.

Abstract: The articulated connection is characterized in that it is: disconnectable and formed of a hitching device (6) with a drawbar component (7) and means of rapid coupling and uncoupling (5), carried at the front by the following module (2), fixed in terms of orientation with respect to the central longitudinal axis (12) of the leading module (1), independent of the steering axle of the following module or oif its steering assembly, and in that it has: a rear end (9) of the piece pivot-mounted (14) on the chassis of the following module (2) and a front end exhibiting complementary coupling and uncoupling means, together with roll and pitch travel means and angular end stop means. Application to the urban transport of passengers.

Abstract: The road vehicle comprises a communicating door (8, 9) in each of the front (3) and rear (4) transverse faces, a part at the front and a part at the rear of the split able connection that can combine with that of another identical or same-type vehicle respectively in front (5) and behind (6) so as to constitute a disconnect able articulated connection for aligning the vehicles and obtaining a short distance between the vehicles, a projection at the front or at the rear at the inter-vehicular passenger access, a course set point for the vehicle (6) behind using a system for directional control of the vehicle behind. The road vehicle is applicable to urban public transport vehicles which can form a road train.

Abstract: An intercommunicating gangway in that two successive road modules (5, 6) are connected by a detachable coupling with a minimum inter-module distance at least in the in-line configuration such that the opposite facing surfaces (3, 4) are each provided with a communicating door (8, 9) which can only be opened in when the two road modules are arranged in an in-line configuration and the vehicle is stopped. The intercommunicating gangway is suitable for use in the urban passenger transport field.