Abstract: An air-conditioning system in which a static inverter is driven at a predetermined constant frequency during a normal service mode of vehicle operation to effect operation of the vehicle cooling and/or heating unit such as to maintain the interior temperature of the vehicle within a chosen comfort zone. During initial start-up, when the interior temperature reaches extreme proportions due to the vehicle sitting in the sun or cold, an abnormal service mode of operation is called for in which the static converter is driven at an increased frequency and voltage for a predetermined limited time to rapidly bring the interior temperature within the comfort zone. The so-called abnormal service mode of operation may be indicated manually by the train service personnel under extreme temperature conditions after the start-up period of abnormal service mode has expired. Also provided is a passenger load sensing arrangement to increase the ventilation capacity of the cooling unit fans when overcrowding exists.

Abstract: An electromagnetic rail brake for railway vehicles of the type comprising an excitation coil and at least one shoe element consisting of a ferromagnetic core having its pole faces turned towards the rail whereby, when the coil is excited, the shoe element is attracted onto the top surface of the rail.

Abstract: A high voltage power supply system for energizing a static inverter, in which an auxiliary circuit provides a source of reserve energy to sustain inverter operation during periods of power interruption. In the auxiliary circuit, there is provided a capacitance normally charged from the source of power (catenary) via a resistance whose ohmic value assures a slow rate of charge to avoid blowing the input fuse in the event of a short in the auxiliary circuit capacitance and to permit use of the desired capacitance with a reduced voltage rating. A diode arrangement statically connects the higher of the catenary voltage or the stored energy reserve of the auxiliary circuit to the inverter.