Abstract: Measurement apparatus having a cantilever and a fluid flow channel, the cantilever being positioned in the channel so that it projects in a direction parallel to the direction of fluid flow. In an associated method, the cantilever is positioned in a fluid flow channel such that the cantilever extends parallel with the direction of fluid flow in the channel. Fluid is caused to flow in the channel at a known velocity. The resonant frequency of the cantilever is measured at one or more velocities of fluid flow and calculating the spring constant of the cantilever using the measured resonant frequency or frequencies. If the spring constant of the cantilever is known, the measurement of resonant frequency of the cantilever is used to determine the velocity of the fluid flow.

Abstract: A measuring device comprises a sensor module and an evaluation module mounted on the sensor module. The sensor module includes a first component having a first screw thread, and the evaluation module includes a second component having a second screw thread. The screw threads engage with one another by screwing; wherein the first or the second component has a slit, which essentially extends into the component in a plane perpendicular to the thread axis; and there are formed by the slit a first clamping limb and a second clamping limb of the component, which are separated from one another by the slit. On the component there is furthermore arranged an actuating element, which acts on the first clamping limb and the second clamping limb, and deflects the clamping limbs relative to one another, whereby the first screw thread and the second screw thread are clamped against one another and secured against rotation relative to one another.

Abstract: A supporting structure includes a casing, a bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring, and rolling elements disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and an attachment member which detachably and directly attaches a shaft to the inner ring. The outer ring is supported by the casing, and the shaft is adapted to be able to be directly fixed to or removed from the inner ring by the attachment member in a state where the bearing is assembled to the casing.

Abstract: A user interface system comprises a plurality of linkages connected between a platform and a base. The linkages permit motion of the platform over at least a portion of a spherical surface. A support assembly coupled between the platform and the base comprises a spherical joint having a center of rotation substantially concentric with a center of the spherical surface. The spherical joint constrains motion of the platform to the spherical surface. The system may include a sensor corresponding to each linkage. Each sensor may be coupled to sense a movement of its corresponding linkage in response to motion of the platform over the portion of the spherical surface. A user-manipulable handle may be coupled to the platform so that the user can move the platform.

Abstract: A transmission control assembly having a housing and a bracket pivotally coupled to the housing for movement along a first path. A yoke is selectively coupled to the bracket for concurrent movement with the bracket along the first path. The yoke is also selectively pivotal about a second pivot axis substantially transverse to the first pivot axis for movement along a second path. A tactile device is supported by the bracket and engageable with the housing. The tactile device moves about the bracket during the movement of the bracket along the first path. A locking mechanism is coupled between the bracket and the yoke. The locking mechanism moves between an unlocked position when the yoke is coupled to the bracket for allowing movement of the tactile device and a locked position engaged with the tactile device when the yoke moves along the second path for preventing movement of the tactile device.

Abstract: An umbilical member arrangement unit for an umbilical member, having a simple structure and high rigidity, capable of avoiding interference between the umbilical member and external equipment. The unit has a guide member constituted by a first plate member attached to a front end of a wrist section, a second plate member opposed to the first plate member and a connecting member connecting the first and second plate members. A cross-sectional region of the connecting member includes the wrist axis, extends from the axis in a first radial direction by a distance not smaller than a half of a size of the umbilical member in the cross-sectional direction thereof, and extends from the axis in an axisymmetrical second radial direction by a distance not larger than a half of the size of the umbilical member, so that the umbilical member contacts the second plate member and/or the connecting member at any rotational angular position of the guide member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool holder for holding tools by means of a magnet, which includes a finger socket permitting the tool holder to be mounted on a fingertip for manipulating tool bits or other accessories. The tool holder includes a finger socket and a tool holding portion coupled to the finger socket. The tool holding portion is at least partially formed of material having magnetic properties. Preferably, the magnetic tool holder may include a bit wrench, a socket wrench, screw bits or an element holder.

Abstract: A wrenching device includes a driving member, a hole and at a slit defined therein, and defines an engaging portion. The slit communicates with the hole. The wrenching device further includes an actuating member moveably disposed in the hole of the driving member, and a control member including a connecting end pivotally joining to the actuating member and including first and second engaging sides selectively abutting against a wall defined on the driving member in response to first and second operating positions thereof, respectively.

Abstract: An impact driver includes an outer sleeve, an inner core, at least one first pin, a moving mechanism, and a shank. The inner core is telescopically and rotatably received in the outer sleeve. The inner core has at least one first helix groove therein. The first pin slidably protrudes from the inner surface of the outer sleeve. The moving mechanism can move the first pin to fit the first helix groove. The shank is connected to the inner core.

Abstract: An adjustable torque limiting device includes a shank unit composed of first and second shanks coaxially and rotatably connected to each other, a carrier unit mounted between the shanks and having axially facing bearing regions and radially facing detent regions which cooperatively define cavities for receiving detent bodies, respectively, so as to transmit a straining force emanating from the detent regions to the detent bodies, a force transmitting member movably mounted on the shank unit and frictionally engaged with the detent bodies, an adjusting assembly turnable to axially move the force-counteracting member, and a compressible biasing member disposed between the force-counteracting member and the adjusting assembly to exert a preloaded force against the straining force.

Abstract: A wrench includes a shank including a slot defined therein longitudinally, a handle attached to an end of the shank, a head, a torque assembly for connecting the head to another end of the shank, a torque-setting device and a torque-measuring device. The torque-setting device includes a knob inserted in the handle and a pin movable in and along the slot as the knob is spun. The torque-measuring device includes a measurement sleeve and a collar. The measurement sleeve is rotationally located around the shank and includes a helical groove defined in an internal side and a scale provided on an external side. A portion of the pin is movably inserted in the helical groove so that the measurement sleeve is spun as the pin is moved in and along the slot. The collar is located around the shank and includes a window through which the scale is observable.

Abstract: A lathe machine includes a turret having a saddle movable along a longitudinal direction toward a headstock, and a turret body mounted on the saddle and movable along a transverse direction on the saddle, and a tailstock having a bottom seat movable along the longitudinal direction toward the headstock, and a tailstock body mounted movably on the bottom seat. A first coupler unit is provided to couple releasably the saddle and the bottom seat so that the bottom seat can be driven by the saddle to move along the longitudinal direction toward the headstock. A second coupler unit is provided to couple releasably the turret body and the tailstock body so that the tailstock body can be driven by the turret body to move along the transverse direction.

Abstract: A method of controlling a woodworking machine having a movable cutting tool. The method monitors a signal for a change indicative of a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, senses movement of the cutting tool, and performs an action to mitigate the dangerous condition when the signal change and movement of the cutting tool are both detected. A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine and then to perform some action to mitigate the dangerous condition is also disclosed. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting equipment for automatically cutting off workpieces from a material tape. The cutting equipment includes an electrical control box, a base board, a material-feeding mechanism, a material-transferring mechanism, a material-pulling mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The material-feeding mechanism includes a supporting bracket, a material disc and a disc-driving device. The material-transferring mechanism mounted on the base board includes a pad board, a first supporting board and a second supporting board. The material-pulling mechanism disposed above the material-transferring mechanism includes a driving component and a material-pulling component. The cutting mechanism mounted on the base board includes a lower supporting plate, an upper cutting plate and a transferring cylinder. The upper cutting plate disposes at least one cutting blade.

Abstract: A fence engagement and blade guard includes a column mounted to a table saw with a horizontal member received in a channel in the column. A vertical rod extends through and is vertically adjustable in a hole in the horizontal member. An engagement cart is suspended from the vertical rod and includes a beam having axle apertures and axles received in the apertures to support wheels. The wheels frictionally engage a work piece. An axle suspension system is supported from a shield. The engagement cart is angularly rotatable for engagement of the wheels on the work piece to directionally urge the work piece against the table saw fence.

Abstract: A smart food chopping or slicing device comprising at least two moveable blade sets arranged in a grid like configuration wherein the blade sets are configured orthogonally such that the cutting edges of both the blade sets remain substantially in the same plane. The movement of one set of blades is independent of the movement of another set of blades and can be independently controlled. The moveable blade sets are configured for lateral reciprocal movement. The plane of the lateral reciprocal movement of the cutting edges of the blade sets and the plane of the cutting edges of the blade sets are substantially the same or the same parallel planes. The blade sets are removeably mounted on a means capable of providing lateral reciprocal movement to the blade sets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miter box. Miter boxes have a base, a pair of opposed side walls, and at least one aligned slot in the side walls. An embodiment of the present invention includes at least one guide rail mounted on the base perpendicular to the side wall. Further, a clamping assembly is positioned on the guide rail. The clamping assembly is selectively moveable along said guide rail. In this manner, a work piece can be secured to the miter box to hold the piece in position while it is being cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for increasing the effectiveness of destroying selected objects in a target cloud by prioritizing the objects detected in a large aperture IR detector aboard a carrier vehicle and sequentially illuminating the detected targets with coded laser radiation, followed by the launching of multiple miniature kill vehicles from the carrier vehicle, with each kill vehicle assigned to a differently-coded object in the target cloud due to the reflection back of the coded returns, thus to permit directing of individual miniature kill vehicles to a specific object in the target cloud prior to a handoff to an IR heat seeker in the miniature kill vehicle, actuated to guide the kill vehicle for a final kill.

Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to defect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in ah iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets mat provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.

Abstract: The mine and explosive clearing machine and implement includes a long reach excavator modified with a float-type hydraulic valve for vertical control of the arm. The mine and explosive clearing implement is installed on the distal end of the arm in place of a conventional tool. The implement includes a frame having multiple tilling blades separated by shoes defining blade penetration depth. Multiple cables are pivotally attached to the rear of the frame, each cable having another tilling blade at its distal end and a brush blade opposite the tilling blade. The cables may be inverted to orient either blade downward. The prime mover of the excavator is positioned and the arm extended rearward. The implement is then lowered and dragged forward toward the prime mover so that the blades engage the surface to dislodge and/or detonate explosives at a safe distance from the prime mover.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bubble weapon system and methods for inhibiting movement and disrupting operations of vessels are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a bubble weapon is configured to generate a plume of bubbles in water. The plume reduces buoyancy of the water to inhibit movement of a vessel or disrupt operations of the vessel. In some embodiments, the bubble weapon includes a configurable diffuser section that may be configured in a thrust-neutral configuration or a thrust-engaged configuration.

Abstract: An electromagnetic railgun (10) comprising at least two elongated high voltage rails (11), a sliding armature (50) making electrical contact with each high voltage rail (11), at least two elongated metal support beams (14) adapted to provide mechanical strength to the railgun (10), said support beams (14) being substantially parallel to the high voltage rails (11), and a plurality of metal support plates (30) aligned circumferentially around the support beams (14) and along the length of the railgun (10), said support plates (30) adapted to provide additional mechanical strength to the railgun (10); wherein the support plates (30) are electrically isolated from each other and from the support beams (14).

Abstract: A gun with a wedge-type breechblock containing a single make-break junction assembly, located between the stationary mass of the cradle and the breechblock. The make-break junction assembly having a first set of contacts located along the bottom of the ramp structure affixed to the cradle and a second set of contacts housed in a shoe affixed to the bottom of the breechblock, at a location corresponding to the first set of contacts. Such that, when the breechblock is in-battery and the gun loaded, this shoe will be aligned with and adjacent to the first set of contacts, so that the make-break circuit will be completed.

Abstract: A barrier that includes attack resistant pane(s) (see DEFINITIONS section). In this way, a person behind the barrier can be protected when they are outside. More specifically, the person behind the barrier is protected, at least to some extent, from both: (i) vehicular attacks; and (ii) blast (for example, bombs) and/or ballistic (for example, bullet) attacks. Also, the protected person can see what is happening across the barrier because of the attack-resistant pane(s). Also, if the barrier is unanchored then it can be moved from place to place, for example, by heavy equipment, so that the same barrier can be re-deployed at different outdoor locations (or indoor locations) on an as-needed basis. Preferably, the barrier also includes framing pieces that secure the attack-resistant pane(s) to the body of the barrier, with the framing pieces being covered on one side by an attack-resistant material (preferably, hardened steel).

Abstract: A method for rapidly firing a semi-automatic firing unit having a trigger, a receiver and a barrel. The firing unit is placed in a handle so as to enable only reciprocating linear movement along a constrained linear path that is parallel to the barrel. The user grasps the handle and places their trigger finger firmly on a finger rest. In use, the user generates a forward activation force that urges the firing unit forwardly so that the trigger collides with the stabilized finger, stimulating the first round of ammunition in the receiver. A recoil force from the discharging ammunition pushes the firing unit rearwardly so that the trigger separates from the stabilized finger. During the recoil event, the user may apply negative resistance to the translating firing unit which may be varied by the user on-the-fly to proportionally change the firing tempo.

Abstract: A bolt carrier impingement device for a firearm has a body including a rearward facing surface. The rearward facing surface of the bolt carrier impingement device abuts the forward facing surface of the bolt carrier, thereby transferring all rearward force imparted to the front of the bolt carrier impingement device through only the forward facing surface of the bolt carrier. The rearward facing surface of the body may be a notch and the forward facing surface of the bolt carrier may be a buttress. The bolt carrier may include a cam aperture formed through a top surface rearward of the forward facing surface. A forward most portion of the impingement device may terminate in front of the cam aperture. A bottom surface of the body may form a slot that forms an arch over the cam aperture.

Abstract: A scotch yoke type fluid device in which the pistons are decoupled from each other is provided. Each piston of the device has its own pair of sliding surfaces and its own slider. The sliding surface of each piston is disposed on the same side of a big end bearing of a crank. The main axis of the crank is movable along a path such that the pistons are neither substantially retarded nor advanced. The effective centre of mass of the crank, piston and slider remains stationary relative to the crank axis. Each piston includes a guide for constraining the piston to move along the piston axis. An intermediate member may interconnect the piston and the slides.

Abstract: A machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is operable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage to brew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out of the chamber. By modifying some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, the machine can typically control coffee-brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a cell assembly for use in a high-pressure cubic press comprises a substantially tubular heating element including a proximal end region having a proximal mouth, a distal end region having a distal mouth spaced from the proximal mouth, and a passageway extending between the proximal mouth and the distal mouth configured to receive at least partially receive at least one can assembly therein. A pressure transmitting medium extends about at least the substantially tubular heating element. A proximal electrical contact electrically contacts the substantially tubular heating element at the proximal end region thereof. A distal electrical contact electrically contacts the substantially tubular heating element at the distal end region thereof. A gasket medium defines a receiving space that receives at least the substantially tubular heating element and the pressure transmitting medium.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a compactor/baler includes a controller and a plurality of switches coupled to inputs of the controller. A first switch is in a first position when a ram of the compactor/baler is below a predetermined location, and a second position when the ram reaches the location. A second switch is in a first position when pressure driving the ram is below a predetermined pressure limit, and a second position when the ram exceeds the pressure limit. A communication port and display are operatively coupled to outputs of the controller. The controller is configured to, upon actuation of the first switch to the first position, activate a ram timer to count to a predetermined timer setting, and, if the second switch is actuated to the second position before the ram timer reaches the timer setting, output an alert of a full bale condition the communication port and/or display.

Abstract: A compactor/baler for compacting materials includes a frame defining a compacting chamber, a platen movably mounted to the frame, a loading gate movably mounted to the frame and a control panel including a biometric reader having a biometric scanner. The platen is movable within the compacting chamber and the loading gate is movable from a closed position blocking access to the compacting chamber and an open position exposing the compacting chamber. The control panel is actuable between a locked configuration and an operational configuration. The biometric reader is designed to accept a biometric attribute of a user and to actuate the controller between the locked and operational configurations. The biometric reader actuates the controller to the operational configuration if the biometric attribute matches a stored biometric attribute. The control panel prevents the loading gate from moving to the open position when the controller is in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A method, an arrangement and computer program product for manufacturing micro-optic surface design with complex, variable three-dimensional forms. A step embossing, step imprinting, a chip bonding or a corresponding device capable of patterning the surface of a target substrate is obtained. The target substrate whereto the micro-optic structures shall be patterned is obtained. A plurality of different stamping tools operable with the device is obtained. Each stamping tool includes one or more surface relief forms defining one or more micro-optic structures. A stamping tool is selected from the plurality of stamping tools by the device. The target substrate is embossed with the selected stamping tool as controlled by the device. The selected stamping tool is optionally heated or assisted by at least one ultraviolet light so as to cure the target substrate during or after the embossing. The selecting and embossing steps are repeated until the micro-optic surface design has been completed on the substrate.

Abstract: A conveying and marking apparatus is disclosed that can convey discrete pieces at high speeds, and in preferred embodiments permits marking on opposite sides of the pieces while the pieces remain in the same position on the conveyor.

Abstract: A screen printing head which, in a printing operation, is displaceable in a first direction over a surface of a workpiece to print deposits of a print medium on the workpiece, the screen printing head comprising: a print head assembly comprising a print unit comprising a main body including a print medium, cavity, which in use contains print medium, and a delivery aperture, which is in fluid communication with the print medium cavity and through which print medium is in use delivered from the print medium cavity to the surface of the workpiece, and a rotatable unit which is disposed in the print medium cavity of the main body and rotatable to displace print medium as contained in the print medium cavity; and a drive unit for rotating the rotatable unit such as to displace print medium as contained in the print medium cavity, wherein the drive unit is operative to rotate the rotatable unit to apply a force to the print medium at the delivery aperture in the main body in a second direction which is opposite to

Abstract: To provide a photosensitive resin composition which is a material for a printing original plate for laser engraving which generates no printing deficiencies and from which a printing plate with a satisfactory resolution can be produced. A printing original plate for laser engraving where image is formed by irradiation of laser beam to form a printing plate, characterized in that the photosensitive resin composition layer consists of a photosensitive resin composition in which soluble polyamide or soluble polyether urethane urea, ethylenic unsaturated monomer and photopolymerization initiator are essential ingredients and the amount of (meth)acryloyl group in the photosensitive resin composition is 0.25 to 0.40 mol per 100 g of the photosensitive resin composition.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes an image-recording layer and a support, and the image-recording layer contains: (A) at least one compound selected from compounds represented by the following formulae (1) and (2); and (B) an infrared absorbing agent: wherein R1 and R2 each represents Ra—SO3—, Ra—CO2— or Ra—OCO2—, Ra represents a monovalent organic group, R3 to R12 each represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, or adjacent two of R3 to R12 may be combined with each other to form a ring, X1, Y1 and Z1 and X2, Y2 and Z2 each represents an atomic group necessary to form a thiazole ring, an oxazole ring, an imidazole ring, a triazole ring or a 3H-indole ring, provided that one nitrogen atom of the imidazole ring is connected to a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group.

Abstract: A hat pallet for use in a printer which prints an image onto a hat of the type having a cap and a bill attached thereto includes a bottom plate and a top plate mountable in a closed position over the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a printing plate and a bill support fixedly mounted thereon. The top plate has an opening exposing at least a portion of the printing plate when the top plate is in the closed position. The bill support is positioned relative to the printing plate such that when the hat is mounted in the pallet with the top plate in the closed position, a portion of the cap on which the image is to be printed is supported on the printing plate and exposed through the opening of the top plate and the underside of the bill of the hat is supported by the bill support.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for controlling application of ink in a printing press include predefining a setpoint color value in a device-independent color space. An ink metering element is activated with an ink application value, producing an ink layer thickness, on printing material, associated with the setpoint color value. An actual color value from the ink layer thickness on the printing material is determined, measured or colorimetrically measured in the device-independent color space. Activation with a changed ink application value based on deviation of the actual color value from the setpoint color value, produces an ink layer thickness differing from the produced ink layer thickness. A necessary ink layer thickness change is calculated based on changes in the color values in the device-independent color space upon a change in the ink layer thickness at the point of the actual color value, to determine the changed ink application value.

Abstract: Provided is a printer for printing stamps on boards and a method of printing stamps on boards. The printer is capable of printing multiple types of stamps simultaneously on boards.

Abstract: Method of using a viscous printing ink for the protection of a notch formed in a skin which is intended for a part that is produced using a method including: producing a skin (1) having a notch (2) on the inner face thereof, covering the notch (2) with a protective element, and forming a foam (3) which is in contact with the inner face of the skin. According to the invention, during the notch-covering step, an ink having a viscosity that is at least equal to 0.6 St is applied to the notch (2) via printing and, subsequently, the ink is hardened such as to form a layer (4) that provides a bridge over the notch (2) without extending to the base thereof. The invention is suitable for motor vehicle instrument panels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively varying the yield of an explosive device is provided. The apparatus generally comprises a main charge that may selectively be consumed and/or detonated to achieve the selected yield ranging from about 0% to about 100%.

Abstract: A railway-rail-lifting device for lifting a railway rail comprises an arm and a roller rotatably mounted to the arm. The arm is operable to be rotated to bring the roller to bear on the rail such that the roller exerts a lifting force thereon. Securing means are operable to releasably secure the device to a rail fastening assembly.

Abstract: An air cushion or wheeled overhead guideway mass transit system is disclosed.

Abstract: A ride system with crossing ride paths. A first omnimover assembly is provided that includes a continuous vehicle chain movable along a first ride path and includes vehicles vertically supported above the track at a first height. A second omnimover assembly is provided with a continuous vehicle chain movable along a second ride path that differs from the first ride path and crosses over the first ride path when viewed in plan view. The second omnimover assembly includes vehicles vertically supported below the upper vehicle track at a second height, which may be the same as the first height such that passengers perceive a risk of a collision at the path intersections. The upper track is at a higher elevation than the lower track such that cross overs occur without interference. A synchronization mechanism is provided that synchronizes the movement of the upper and lower vehicle chains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible steel support (31) for a switch arrangement in maglev railways. The flexible support (31) contains a hollow profile (32) that extends in a longitudinal direction (x) and a hollow profile that can be bent in a transverse direction (y) and that is provided with lateral sheet metal struts (35) and a top flange (33). The support is also provided with a plurality of cantilever arms (38) that extend in the transverse direction (y), are interspaced in the longitudinal direction (x) and are connected to the sheet metal struts (35) and a plurality of metal cover sheets (42) that are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (x) and are supported on the cantilever arms (38), the connections between the sheet metal struts (35), cantilever arms (38) and metal cover sheets (42) consisting of welded joints.

Abstract: A track cleaning car that includes a base plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a rear end, a hole centrally disposed in the base plate with a motor suspended over the hole, the motor disposed from a floating plate compressibly mounted over the base plate on a plurality of springs, each of the plurality of springs disposed around each of a plurality of guide rods, the motor engaging a driveshaft to rotate a rotatable disk with a cleaning pad removably attachable thereto, and the track cleaning car having a photomicroprocessor sensible of the motion of the track cleaning car, the photomicroprocessor arresting the motor when sensing the track cleaning car is at rest.

Abstract: A rail vehicle system includes a locomotive and a plurality of load units (freight cars) attached to the locomotive for movement along a railroad track. The load units may be tanker cars, box cars, and/or flatbed cars. Each load unit includes a traction motor (connected to one or more wheels of the load unit), an electrical energy storage system onboard the load unit for providing electrical power to the load unit traction motor; and a load unit engine onboard the load unit that provides charging electric energy to the electrical energy storage system. (Alternatively or in addition, the electrical energy storage system may be charged through dynamic braking.) In a train formed of only the locomotive(s) and load units, all rail vehicles of the train, even freight cars, provide tractive effort.

Abstract: A locomotive (or other rail vehicle) truck and method for distributing weight asymmetrically to axles of the truck includes a first axle of a truck uncoupled from a traction system of the locomotive and a first suspension assembly coupling the first axle to the truck for applying to the first axle a first portion of a locomotive weight. The truck also includes a second axle coupled to the traction system and a second suspension assembly coupling the second axle to the truck for applying a second portion of the locomotive weight to the second axle that is greater than the first portion so that weight is asymmetrically distributed to the first axle and the second axle so as to transmit a corresponding incremental amount of tractive effort for a given amount of a driving torque applied to the second axle via the traction system of the locomotive. The axle weight distribution involves relatively slight weight distribution compared to the nominal weights normally carried by the axles.

Abstract: A system and method for modification of a baseline ballast arrangement of a locomotive (or other rail vehicle) having an overall tractive effort rating based on symmetrical distribution of weight and driving torque applied by the locomotive to the respective axles of the locomotive. The system includes a locomotive (or other rail vehicle) truck comprising an un-powered first axle and a powered second axle. The system also includes a first suspension assembly configured to apply to the first axle a first portion of a locomotive weight and a second suspension assembly configured to apply to the second axle a second portion of the locomotive weight different from the first portion. An amount of locomotive weight allocated from the first axle to the second axle allows modification of a baseline ballast arrangement by reducing an amount of ballast in the baseline ballast arrangement corresponding to the amount of weight allocated from the first axle to the second axle.

Abstract: A system is provided for dynamically affecting a force applied through at least one axle of a rail vehicle configured to travel along a rail track. The rail vehicle includes a plurality of axles and a plurality of wheels received by the plurality of axles. The system includes a device configured to selectively impart the force through the at least one axle to control a respective weight of the at least one axle on the rail track for affecting a traction performance of the rail vehicle traveling along the rail track.