Abstract: To reduce the size of a rectifier structure in a vehicular alternator-rectifier combination, a common carrier plate of essentially half-moon or sickle shape, having two wing portions separated by a central portion (31) retains two support plates (20) of essentially square outline. Groups of positive and negative diodes are located in the vicinity of the corners of the essentially square suppport plates, interconnected by connecting buses extending in chord relation with respect to the common carrier plate (22). Exciter or field diodes (13, 33) are positioned in the central portion, free from the support plates and the positive and negative diodes thereon. Four positive and negative diodes can be provided, in which a fourth diode pair (16) is connected to a star or center terminal of the alternator winding. The common carrier plate is formed with an upstanding rim so that the entire rectifier can be encapsulating in a potting or resin compound.

Abstract: The method uses a computer which, in accordance with a function based on either time or distance of deceleration, delivers speed values to a control apparatus for the braking force of the vehicle. The control apparatus is utilized to deliver correcting control signals for correcting the braking forces, and a fixed braking force control signal is provided and has a magnitude which is rated for a braking which is accurate as to the deceleration distance under conditions of an ideal track and an average train length, as when the rail-guided vehicles are locomotive-drawn railroad trains. The correcting control signals are combined, after a first time delay and in the correct mathematical polarity, or relationship, to the fixed braking force control signal. Upon actuation of the vehicle brake, only the fixed braking force control signal is applied and the computer is actuated for picking up and storing the actual speed at this instant.