Abstract: A system (and corresponding method) by which a number of trailing vehicles follows (more or less in line, one behind the other) a lead vehicle, and so forms a convoy, with each of the trailing vehicles receiving a guidance signal from the vehicle ahead of it in order to determine its course (although in case of emergency, the trailing vehicles can each receive commands from the lead vehicle to alter the path indicated by the guidance signal from the vehicle ahead of it).

Abstract: A system (and corresponding method) by which a number of trailing vehicles follows (more or less in line, one behind the other) a lead vehicle, and so forms a convoy, with each of the trailing vehicles receiving a guidance signal from the vehicle ahead of it in order to determine its course (although in case of emergency, the trailing vehicles can each receive commands from the lead vehicle to alter the path indicated by the guidance signal from the vehicle ahead of it).

Abstract: A vehicle equipped to provide to a docking facility at a home or business structure, electric power derived from solar collectors formed on the surface of the vehicle, and the docking facility for receiving such power. Also provided is a system for providing to the public electric power grid such power received from a plurality of vehicles, and for compensating the owners. Corresponding methods of operation are also provided.

Abstract: A path-constrained vehicle (or train of such vehicles), constrained to travel along a rail or guideway of a magnetic levitation system or to follow a catenary, is equipped to provide electric power derived for off-vehicle use derived from solar collectors formed or provided on the surface of the vehicle. The solar electric power is provided to a coupling system distributed proximate to the rail or guideway or catenary and/or provided as part of same. The coupling system then provides the power for possible use by the public electric power grid or other off-vehicle use, and may compensate the vehicle (or train of vehicles) for the electric power.

Abstract: A connector including an integrated circuit, for connecting two conductors directly or indirectly. The integrated circuit derives power either from one of the connectors being connected by the connector or from one or more other conductors terminating in the connector, and not from a battery or photovoltaic cell or other such voltage source. A coupler connected to the integrated circuit is used in case of an indirect connection of the two conductors and/or of the one or both of the conductors to the integrated circuit, to avoid having to make a physical attachment.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle having a distributed motor system, i.e. having a plurality of electric drive motors (12) each coupled to a respective traction wheel (10a), all under the control of a controller (13). All or only some of the wheels may be traction wheels (10a), and each traction wheel (10a) may also have a steering motor (21a), and each may even also have a wheel positioning motor (27) for repositioning the wheel relative to the chassis (10c), e.g. during a turn. Each electric drive motor (12), steering motor (21a) and wheel positioning motor (27) may be integrated into a wheel manipulator element (31), with all wheel manipulator elements (31) operative according to signals received from the controller (13) and using power provided via the controller (13). Each wheel manipulator element (31) typically provides the controller (13) with signals indicating the motion of the respective wheel (10a).

Abstract: A secondary electric power source (19) for a motor vehicle having one or more electric motors (12) for driving respective wheels (10a) of the motor vehicle and having a main electric power source (14) for providing power to electric motors (12) driving the wheels (10a), and a selector (17) for selecting power from either the main electric power source (14) or the secondary electric power source (19) or both.