Abstract: A device for initializing a Viterbi decoder in a receiver for signals transmitted in the form of bursts, each burst comprising a synchronization word and message data that has undergone convolutional coding in a transmitter, the position of the message data relative to the synchronization word being known, includes a detector for detecting the synchronization word, a multiplexer for applying the received signals to the Viterbi decoder in the presence of the message data and for applying to the Viterbi decoder, immediately before and immediately after the message data, a code sequence generated locally, free of errors and having a length at least equal to the truncation length of the Viterbi decoder.

Abstract: A children's play apparatus which includes a specially designed play table that can be used with commercially available toys including toy trains and train tracks, and one that can also be used with specifically designed modules for supporting sections of wooden train track in the unique configurations. More particularly, in using the play apparatus, the specially designed modules of the invention can be used to extend the track beyond the boundaries of the play table and which, due to the stackability of the modules can also be used to attain virtually unlimited track heights above the surface of the table and outwardly from the surface of the table top.

Abstract: An improved track and vehicle system are provided for model electric vehicles. The track system includes a number of interconnectable panels having alternate portions of negative and positive polarity conductor strips defined on a top surface thereof. The conductive strips are separated by non-conductive portions. Each of the panels includes electrical and mechanical interlocking devices carried on each side thereof so that any one panel can have additional panels connected on each of its sides. The vehicles include a unique arrangement of contacts carried on a linkage underneath of the vehicle to ensure that the vehicle remains at all times in contact with the conductors, regardless of the direction of movement of the vehicle from the surface of the panels.

Abstract: A road and rail vehicle has a truck tractor vehicle frame such that it is street legal, but also provides sufficient power to move freight cars on low density rail lines or at other desired locations. The vehicle has a transfer case to provide front wheel drive by road wheels when the vehicle is in a road or highway mode and to provide rear wheel drive by rail wheels when in a rail mode. The vehicle has a front guide rail wheel unit which moves front rail wheels between an upper road position and a lower rail position. A rear or back axle has right and left back road wheels thereon and is movable between an upper rail position and a lower road position.

Abstract: In a system comprising at least two conductor rails, in particular composite sections each featuring a rail-shaped load-bearing section and at least one strip-shaped section of another metal of greater wear resistance joined to the matrix of the load-bearing section, the ends of pairs of neighbouring rails are connected electrically by at least one conductor of variable length. The ends of the conductor rails are bent out of the central axis (M) of the conductor rail and led parallel to and a distance (n) displaced from that axis, such that the strip-shaped section of one conductor rail end is approximately aligned with the strip-shaped section of the other conductor rail away from the rail end; the conductor rail ends are joined in such a manner that they can move with respect to each other along the axial direction.

Abstract: The electromagnetic induction suspension and horizontal switching system for a vehicle on a substantially planar guideway provides vertical lift and stability and lateral stability for a vehicle. The system provides inherent vertical lift, as well as vertical and lateral stability, including pitch, yaw and roll stability. Moreover, the suspension and stabilization system of the present invention allows electronic, horizontal switching between multiple substantially planar guideways such as a mainline guideway and a secondary guideway, which may be accomplished at speeds over 300 m.p.h. Proximal to and within a switching area at the intersection of the mainline guideway and the secondary guideway, the respective lift and stability systems for each guideway coexist and may be switched on or off, depending on the path chosen for the vehicle.

Abstract: A rail fastening system for fastening a rail to a rail support includes a frame member supported by the rail support and including an upper bracing portion positioned above the rail support to define therebetween a space. A stationary insulator member is positioned at a fixed location on the rail support. A plate-shaped spring blade has a first end resting on the stationary insulator member and an opposite second end supported by a movable insulator member. A wedge member is connected to the spring blade and is operable to be inserted into the space, thereby inserting the spring blade into the space with the first end of the spring blade being supported and sliding on the stationary insulator member and with the second end of the spring blade being supported on and moving the movable insulator member in the insertion direction.

Abstract: A method of modulating the pulse width of a pulse width signal in response to an analog signal. The steps include changing the analog signal to a digital signal, changing the digital signal to a number of counts, changing the number of counts to a time delay, and then using the logic circuit to combine the time delay with a pulse with modulated input to change the pulse width of an output signal.

Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel traction apparatus comprises a plurality of barred traction plates which, when not interconnected, may be stacked together in a compact form for stowage. It includes means for interlocking the plurality of barred plates together to form a single loosely-articulated apparatus which automatically conforms in general profile to the profile of the rut in which the vehicle wheel is confined. The apparatus may be made as long as desired simply by interconnecting more individual plates. Because the combined apparatus rotates at articulated joints to conform to the rut, it is not subject to fracture from the weight of the car or other vehicle.

Abstract: The machine is constituted by a self-propelled truck which comprises a first hammering unit and a second compacting unit. The first unit comprises mutually opposite sets of inclined vibrating hydraulic tools which can be arranged so as to straddle each tie and are adapted to limit the migration of crushed rock from the tamping regions of the ballast, which lie below each tie, to the intermediate ballast regions which lie between two consecutive ties. The second unit is constituted by vibrating plates, which are also actuated hydraulically and are adapted to compact the crushed rock located in the layer above the laying plane of the ties in the intermediate ballast regions and on the heads of the ties. The first and second units are supported by a portal-shaped chassis of the car , are mutually spaced by an extent which is a multiple of the various spacing pitches of the ties of the track, and are arranged so that during working travel of the car the first unit precedes the second unit.

Abstract: Racing boats compete in a simulated race including forward and return heats. In the forward heat, the racing boats are accelerated along parallel guide channels from a forward launch station into a shallow splash lake, and then hydroplane to a forward heat finish line. In the return heat, the racing boats are accelerated through the same guide channels from a return launch station located on the opposite end of the splash lake. Passengers continue to face the reverse launch station as the racing boats plunge into the shallow splash lake and hydroplane to the return heat finish line. Each racing boat is mounted on an undercarriage assembly that includes rail-mounted centering wheels. The racing boats are accelerated by linear induction drive motors mounted adjacent the guide rails.

Abstract: A system for supplying electric power to an electrically powered vehicle includes a feeder disposed along a structural member as a guide rail that guides the vehicle. The vehicle has an electric power receiving unit that receives electric power from the feeder on a non-contact basis. The electric power receiving unit has a ferrite core with a coil. A ferrite sheet is disposed on a surface of the structural member in such a manner that the ferrite sheet is opposite to the electric power receiving unit. The feeder is surrounded by the ferrite core and the ferrite sheet. When an AC current is supplied to the feeder, a magnetic flux that penetrates the ferrite core and the ferrite sheet varies, thereby causing electromotive force to occur in the coil.

Abstract: An insulated composite railway boxcar having a composite box structure mounted on a railway car underframe is provided. The composite box structure includes side walls, end walls and a floor molded as an integral unit with fiber reinforced plastic interior and exterior surfaces. The composite box structure includes a first fiber reinforced composite unit and a second fiber reinforced composite unit. The first fiber reinforce composite unit provides the end walls, side walls and floor for the railway boxcar. The second fiber reinforce unit may be permanently attached to the side walls and end walls to provide a roof for the boxcar. The railway car underframe has a center sill, side sills and end sills with a generally rectangular configurations and coplanar surfaces for adhesively bonding the composite box structure with the railway car underframe. Mechanical fasteners are also provided to couple the composite box structure with the railway car underframe.

Abstract: A power and free conveyor system is provided which utilizes a difference in height between the wipe in power trolley and the wipe out power trolley, with or without a camming down of a retractable wide dog of the free trolley, to allow the wipe in power chain to wipe in over the retractable dog without any possibility of lateral interference. Thereafter the elevation of the wipe in power trolley and the wipe out power trolley are the same. Improved stop means operating to push down the retractable dog and therefore cause disengagement of the retractable dog from the power chain dog are also provided.

Abstract: In a method for arranging functional components at a support structure of a track of rail-bound vehicles, a first functional component is furnished with first positioning elements. Projecting arms of the support structure are provided with throughbores. The first positioning elements are inserted into the throughbores such that the first positioning elements penetrate the projecting arms. A second functional component is placed onto the first positioning elements. The arrangement of functional components at a support structure of a track for rail-bound vehicles includes a first functional component having connected thereto first positioning elements. The first functional component has a functional surface. The first positioning elements have abutment surfaces positioned at a defined distance to the functional surface. A second functional component is placed onto the abutment surfaces for exactly positioning the second functional component relative to the first functional component.

Abstract: An embedded railway panel is prefabricated with an insert formed around a first section of a reinforcing member, and a panel member formed around a second section of the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member secures the insert to the panel member and provides structural rigidity for both the insert and the panel. A rail of a railway track and the prefabricated embedded railway panel are positioned such that the insert of the prefabricated embedded railway panel is adjacent to the rail, and the top surface of the panel of the prefabricated embedded railway panel at substantially the same height as the top of the panel.

Abstract: A railcar cushioning device includes an elastomeric spring and a hydraulic shock absorber member. The fluid accumulator is located outside of and above the fluid chambers. The accumulator is in communication with the fluid chamber in a non-stroked position, causing entrapped air to be displaced by the fluid, into the accumulator. Free of air, the shock absorber immediately responds to impact forces. The elastomeric spring reduces peak impact forces and returns the piston of the shock absorber to its non-stroked position. The elastomeric spring also absorbs draft forces.

Abstract: A railroad trackwork intersection assembly such as a crossing intersection or a turnout intersection is provided with at least one flange-bearing frog subassembly which has railcar wheel flangeways of uniform depth throughout the frog planform that co-operate with trackwork traffic rails, with easer subassemblies that are positioned exterior to but abut the frog subassembly, that have sloping flange support surfaces, and that may be removed from or adjusted in the assembly without moving or adjusting either the frog subassembly or the co-operating trackwork traffic rails.

Abstract: A power and free conveyor system is provided which utilizes a difference in height between the wipe in power trolley and the wipe out power trolley, with or without a camming down of a retractable wide dog of the free trolley, to allow the wipe in power chain to wipe in over the retractable dog without any possibility of lateral interference. Thereafter the elevation of the wipe in power trolley and the wipe out power trolley are the same. Improved stop device operating to push down the retractable dog and therefore cause disengagement of the retractable dog from the power chain dog are also provided.

Abstract: An amusement ride for humans which is constructed to include a plurality of separate tracks located in a side-by-side relationship. On each track is located a vehicle, with this vehicle including a propulsion system which is activated and controlled by a human operator located within the vehicle. The vehicle is mounted in conjunction with a track which keeps each vehicle confined to its particular track and permits the vehicle to move between a Start position and Finish position on the track. Associated with each track is an automatic brake system to stop the vehicle. Each track is composed of a plurality of separate guide rail sections which are located in a spaced apart arrangement with the separate guide rail sections being mounted in an in-line manner within the track. A guide blade is mounted on each vehicle and is to connect with each of these guide rail sections as the vehicle moves along the track.