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 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 system for an electric vehicle has an elongate enclosure having a plurality of sides and an at least partially open side. The enclosure defines a hollow interior. The charging system further includes a conductor rail disposed in the hollow interior and that is accessible through the at least partially open side of the enclosure. The conductor rail may be placed in electric communication with an electrical power source and thereby may be selectively placed in electrical communication with an electrical connector of an electric vehicle. The charging system may conduct electric current from the electrical power source to an electric power supply of the electric vehicle.

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 charging module for an electric vehicle includes an enclosure having a plurality of sides and an at least partially open top, the enclosure defining a hollow interior; a conductor rail disposed in the at least partially open top of the enclosure, the conductor rail being configured to be placed in electric communication with an electrical power source; and at least one external insulator disposed in the at least partially open top of the enclosure adjacent to the conductor rail. The at least one external insulator is disposed between the conductor rail and at least one of the sides of the enclosure. The conductor rail is configured to transmit electrical energy from the electrical power source to the electric vehicle.

Abstract: An elastomeric element for mounting a current collection device includes an inner hub member; an outer ring defining an exterior annular surface of the elastomeric element; and an intermediate ring of elastomeric material disposed between the inner hub member and the outer ring. The outer ring includes a plurality of segments individually connected to the intermediate ring and wherein the outer ring comprises at least one locking feature configured to be engaged to prevent rotation of the elastomeric element within a housing.

Abstract: A sensor that includes an actuator having a plurality of actuator magnets. A detector proximate to and mechanically isolated from the actuator defines a bore. A detector magnet inside the bore may move in the bore from a first position to a second position. An optical signal passes through the detector so that the detector magnet blocks the optical signal when the detector magnet is in the first position.

Abstract: A sensor that includes an actuator having a plurality of actuator magnets. A detector proximate to and mechanically isolated from the actuator defines a bore. A detector magnet inside the bore may move in the bore from a first position to a second position. An optical signal passes through the detector so that the detector magnet blocks the optical signal when the detector magnet is in the first position.