Abstract: A particulate material sensing and agitation control system of an agricultural system includes an agitator configured to induce movement of particulate material through the agricultural system, a drive system coupled to the agitator, and a sensing system configured to determine a current flowing through the drive system. The drive system is configured to move the agitator, and the drive system is powered via an electrical circuit. The sensing system includes a first input coupled to a first point on the electrical circuit, the sensing system includes a second input coupled to a second point on the electrical circuit, the sensing system is configured to determine a voltage differential between the first point and the second point, and the sensing system is configured to determine current flowing through the electrical circuit based on the voltage differential.

Abstract: A plant for processing containers (2), comprising a feeding device, a pick-up device (3) and a conveying device (1) interposed between the two, and comprising a gripping unit (7) which comprises a first retaining element (8) and a second retaining element (10) which are slidably coupled to a fixed supporting unit (5), move along it by means of respective linear motor actuators, and which between them define a housing (12) for a container (2), wherein respectively the containers feeding device and/or the containers pick-up device (3) comprise a supporting plate (16) couplable at the bottom to the gripping unit (7), respectively, in a starting station and/or in an arrival station (4), and equipped with one or more raised or raisable portions which are inserted into the housing (12) from below in order to support the container (2) independently of the gripping unit (7).

Abstract: A conveying method, wherein a conveying vehicle conveys an electrically driven motor vehicle during assembly thereof. In this method, the conveying vehicle uses energy which is stored in a traction battery of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the conveying vehicle has an electrical interface which is connected to the traction battery of the motor vehicle, and a converter. This lowers an electrical voltage provided by the traction battery via the electrical interface to a value suitable for the conveying vehicle. The energy drawn by the traction battery can be used above all for the particular drive of the conveying vehicle and/or for other electrical loads of the conveying vehicle. As a result, an on-board battery for the conveying vehicle can have much smaller dimensions or can even be omitted completely.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle, the vehicle driving autonomously or remotely controlled within a manufacturing system for manufacturing vehicles.

Abstract: A renewable energy-based hybrid bi-directionally interactive DC traction power supply system includes two traction substations. Each substation includes transformers, rectifiers, bidirectional AC-DC converters, a DC bus, a catenary, a steel rail and a section post. A DC bus between two adjacent traction substations is provided with a DC renewable energy system constructed by an electric vehicle charging-discharging system, a distributed generation and more than one low voltage DC microgrid. The DC renewable energy system is connected to the DC bus between two adjacent traction substations through a high voltage DC bus, thus a DC circular microgrid being formed in a power supply section post. The electric vehicle charging-discharging system is formed by more than one bidirectional DC-DC charging-discharging equipments which are intended for in connection with the power batteries of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically connecting and disconnecting a current collector of a vehicle which is designed for operating with an overhead line. The invention specifies a device and a method for automatically connecting and disconnecting at least one current collector (3) of a vehicle which is designed for operation with at least one overhead line (1). The device comprises at least one actuator (9), which moves the current collector (3), and at least one image-capturing and image-evaluation unit (6 and 7), which controls the actuator (9) in such a way that the current collector (3) is connected or disconnected to or from the overhead line (1). The invention provides the advantage that current collectors of a vehicle can be reliably and securely connected and disconnected to and from an overhead line in an automatic fashion.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically connecting and disconnecting a current collector of a vehicle which is designed for operating with an overhead line. The invention specifies a device and a method for automatically connecting and disconnecting at least one current collector (3) of a vehicle which is designed for operation with at least one overhead line (1). The device comprises at least one actuator (9), which moves the current collector (3), and at least one image-capturing and image-evaluation unit (6 and 7), which controls the actuator (9) in such a way that the current collector (3) is connected or disconnected to or from the overhead line (1). The invention provides the advantage that current collectors of a vehicle can be reliably and securely connected and disconnected to and from an overhead line in an automatic fashion.

Abstract: In a railway signalling system which transmits a control order to an on-board signalling system by a trackside signalling system, the on-board signalling system being mounted on a train running on a line and the control order being compliant with a signalling system of the line, the present invention allows the train to run through into lines with different signalling systems using a single on-board signalling system. When the train enters a line with a different signalling system from a current line, the on-board signalling system installs a train control application program compliant with the signalling system of the entering line. Then, the on-board signalling system executes the train control application program, allowing the train to be controlled on the entering line according to a control order created by the trackside signalling system of the entering line.

Abstract: A bulk energy storage device for an energy source. The energy storage device includes a circular or conveyor, such as a rail track, which may be formed with slopes. An electrical conductor, such as a third rail or overhead electric cable, connects to an electric grid. Coupled masses, such as rail cars, which travel on the conveyor, have motor/generators that are electrically connected to the conductor. The coupled masses can be raised on a magnetic field and driven by a linear electric motor having a stator embedded in the track and a rotor attached to the undersurface of the masses. Power from the grid is drawn via the third rail to propel and store energy in the ring of masses. When the grid needs to draw power from storage, the linear motor acts as a generator, supplying power to the grid by converting mass momentum into electric power.

Abstract: A control assembly includes a monitoring module and a switching module. The monitoring module determines a load demand of a first rail vehicle traveling along a track, wherein the first rail vehicle is supplied with electric current from a plurality of power sources over a conductive pathway extending along the track. The switching module is communicatively coupled with the monitoring module and is joined with a switch controller disposed between the power sources and the conductive pathway. The switching module directs the switch controller to change which of the power sources supply the electric current to the first rail vehicle over the conductive pathway based on the load demand.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a tender car for a consist. The tender car may have a frame, a truck configured to support the frame, and a fuel tank mounted to the frame. The tender car may also have a wheel rotatably connected to the truck, and a motor operatively connected to the wheel and configured to drive the wheel. The tender car may further have a power supply configured to power the motor when the tender car is decoupled from the consist.

Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are provided. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented.

Abstract: Retard energy regenerated from an electrical motor during braking action is reinjected into a power system via trolley lines. The retard energy may be transmitted to a bidirectional electric substation and returned to a utility grid. The retard energy may also be transmitted to an auxiliary energy storage system, such as an ultracapacitor system or a battery system. Installing trolley lines for mining haul trucks on a downhill slope may be used to capture and re-use substantial quantities of retard energy.

Abstract: Retard energy regenerated from an electrical motor during braking action is reinjected into a power system via trolley lines. The retard energy may be transmitted to a bidirectional electric substation and returned to a utility grid. The retard energy may also be transmitted to an auxiliary energy storage system, such as an ultracapacitor system or a battery system. Installing trolley lines for mining haul trucks on a downhill slope may be used to capture and re-use substantial quantities of retard energy.

Abstract: A hydraulic energy storage system (comprising a hydraulic pump/motor, a high pressure hydraulic accumulator, a low pressure hydraulic accumulator/reservoir, and interconnecting hydraulic lines) is incorporated into a EV, HEV, or PHEV to provide hydraulic regenerative braking and propulsive assistance for the vehicle. Implementation of the low cost and long-lasting hydraulic energy storage system in the vehicle, together with the electric energy storage system (comprising a motor/generator and battery pack) of the vehicle, allows significantly reduced demands and higher operating efficiencies for the battery pack, thereby facilitating a more cost-effective, efficient and/or durable overall energy storage system for the vehicle.

Abstract: The railway system has a DC voltage catenary (20) connected to a rectifier bridge block (40) that is in turn connected to a transformer (30) joined to a three-phase AC grid (10). The device (50) has a first DC/DC voltage raising block (51) connected between the catenary (20) and an intermediate bus that is connected to a second DC/AC three-phase current generation block (52) joined to the transformer (30). The first block (51) allows raising the DC voltage of the catenary (20) generating a controlled voltage with which the second block (52) generates a high-quality three-phase current that is delivered to the grid (10).

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 system and method for retrofitting a propulsion circuit of an existing Off Highway Vehicle to enable the propulsion circuit to operate as a hybrid energy Off Highway Vehicle propulsion circuit. The hybrid propulsion circuit includes a primary power source, and a traction motor for propelling an Off Highway Vehicle in response to the primary electric power. The traction motor has a motoring mode of operation and a power dissipation mode of operation. The traction motor generates dynamic braking electrical power in the power dissipation mode of operation. An electrical energy storage system includes a chopper circuit coupled to an energy storage device. The storage device is responsive to the chopper circuit to selectively store electrical energy generated in the power dissipation mode. The storage system selectively provides secondary electric power from the storage device to traction motor to assist in propelling the Off Highway Vehicle during the motoring mode.

Abstract: A set of Gravity Power Towers with built in intelligence and connected with each other with a transport guide ways or path ways for the mass to be transported on wheels, form the transport network for transporting people and cargo point to point, powered by gravity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for operating a magnetically levitated vehicle by means of an arrangement having at least one long-stator linear motor. The linear motors are sub-divided longitudinally of a track into individual motor regions (A3, A4) in which only one vehicle (7e, 7f) at a time can normally travel. To increase the vehicle concentration along the track, provision is made in accordance with the invention for selected motor regions (A4) to be divided into at least two mutually independent motor region sections (A4a, A4b) and for one vehicle (7f, 7g) to be operated in each motor region section (A4a, A4b) at a part of that power which is preset for each motor region (A4).

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring mechanical energy onboard of a train of carriages of a sorting machine includes a friction wheel fitted onto a carriage. The wheel is rotated by friction caused by the engagement of the wheel against a track on which the carriage travels, and is connected to an electric generator disposed on the carriage. Rotation of the wheel is transmitted to the generator to rotate the generator and produce electricity for operating a belt(s) disposed on the carriage. The force with which the wheel is pressed against the track is automatically changed in response to changes in power requirements of the generator.

Abstract: A power supply system for an electrically propelled vehicle equipped with electric traction motors and including an autonomous power supply system which can be recharged on board the vehicle for supplying power to the electric traction motors. At least one station is provided with an electrical power supply system connected to a mains electrical power supply network and connection arrangements for electrically connecting the autonomous power supply system of the vehicle to the power supply system of the station, on approaching the station, in order to charge the autonomous power supply device when the vehicle is stopped in the station. The autonomous power supply system on board the vehicle includes a battery of supercapacitors and the power supply system of the station includes an energy accumulating kinetic system.

Abstract: In the rail way vehicle power conversion device according to the present invention, an airflow passage 6 is formed by providing an L-shaped partition plate (2d) whose long side is in the rail direction, in the interior of a box suspended below the floor of the vehicle. On one side of this partition plate (2d), there are accommodated in order in the rail direction a high-speed circuit breaker (13A), relay unit (13B), interface unit (13C) and control device (13D) . On the other side of partition plate (2d), a pair of smoothing reactors (8A) and (8B) are accommodated on the short side of L-shaped partition plate (2d), and a semiconductor cooling unit (7) is accommodated on the other side of these smoothing reactors (8A), (8B) and partition (2f). A heat-radiating part (7a) of this semiconductor unit (7) projects at the side of air inlet port (2e) of airflow passage (6). Electrically driven fans (9A) and (9B) are fixed within airflow passage (6) at smoothing reactors (8A) and (8B).

Abstract: The invention relates to a temporary towing device intended to impart a very high acceleration to a mobile mass (A, TAV, CF). It comprises a guidance device (G), a carriage (C) mounted so that it can slide with respect to this guidance device (G), a motive device (M, PI) for imparting a movement of acceleration along this guidance device (8, 9) to the carriage (C) in a direction running in the direction of acceleration of the mass (A, TAV, CF). Coupling means (CR) make it possible temporarily to secure the mass and the carriage together as they are accelerated. A braking device (F) makes it possible to brake the carriage at the end of the acceleration of the mass.A device (1) for modulating the towing force (EC) is designed to bring the elements (TAV, CF) of the mass (A, TAV, CF) to the state of rest with respect to one another, or close to this state of rest, the moment the connection is broken.Application to the catapult of an aircraft carrier.

Abstract: A track-guided transport vehicle system for transporting high loads along a travel path contains for the drive a synchronous linear drive with a long stator along the travel path and an exciter winding on the vehicle. The long stator generates a travelling field that cooperates with a static magnetic field generated by an exciter winding on the vehicle so as to propel the vehicle. In order to supply electric drive energy to the compressor unit serving to generate compressed air for the air cushions, a higher frequency alternating current is superimposed on the current supplied to the windings along the track, with the higher frequency alternating current being coupled by a transformer effect into the winding on the vehicle. The energy can be coupled out there by means of a rectifier and be made available for feeding the electric motor of the compressor unit.

Abstract: A passenger transport installation making use of a continuously moving high speed traction cable for hauling vehicles, equipped with a detachable grip, along a high speed track zone. Each vehicle comprises an on-board electric motor for driving the vehicle, uncoupled from the traction cable, along the acceleration zone and the deceleration zone and an on-board rechargeable electric battery for supplying the electric power to the motor. The capacity of the battery corresponds to the power needed for the acceleration of the vehicle and during the stopping of the vehicle in the station, the battery is connected to an electric power source for recharging the battery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a free transfer machine equipped with independent motorized carriages. Each carriage comprises a variable speed motor, a rechargeable battery connected to contact blocks, and an individual travelling control system comprising a motor supply and control circuit which is controlled by a switch actuated by a front bumper and by a contactor mounted in series with the switch and carried by the lower face of the carriage in such a way as to be actuated by the rectractable stop members. The circuit is also under the control of environmental sensors. The carriages travel on trackways which include work stations, reed-contacts connected to an electric charge device and designed to operate with the contact blocks. The transfer machines are suitable for production and assembly lines.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle system wherein a vehicle has an on-board motive power source utilized for driving the vehicle over untracked portions of its path of movement between work stations on an assembly line, the vehicle being guided over these path portions by guidance signals, and the vehicle is guided through the work stations by a track from which it derives motive power for driving the vehicle at higher speeds and power for replenishing storage battery means on-board the vehicle (FIGS. 1 and 2).

Abstract: A computer controlled transport system for carrying materials, such as semiconductors, to various work stations at spaced apart locations within a common facility. The system comprises a routing controller, a monorail track extending past the work stations and consisting of a plurality of modular track sections. The track sections are interconnected to one another by at least one routing module, such as a turntable, transfer station, etc., to establish plural paths along the track. Plural cars are provided for supporting the materials and carrying them along the track. The cars are battery powered. The system also includes plural control modules located adjacent the track at spaced locations. Each car is individually identifiable and includes control circuitry and communication circuitry. Each of the control modules also includes control circuitry and communication circuitry. The control modules are connected to the routing controller by a local area network.

Abstract: A transportation system of a floated-carrier type according to the present invention has a guide rail cover extending in a longitudinal direction. The guide rail cover comprises a guide rail. A carrier is made to float, in a non-contact manner, from the guide rail, by means of floating device and is propelled along the guide rail by a transfer device. An electrical device and a battery for supplying a current thereto are mounted on the carrier. In this transportation system, a charging device is provided for charging the battery. The charging device comprises a first terminal connected to the battery, a charging power source located on the guide rail cover, and a second terminal, which is connected to the charging electric power source and can be brought into contact with the first terminal when the carrier is stopped at a predetermined position.

Abstract: Four sets of a first pair of diodes, a second pair of diodes and a GTO breaker are connected between the power rectifier, the power inverter and four electric car power supply lines arranged in parallel with each other and separated by two dead sections. Therefore, it is possible to cut off powering current and regenerative current simultaneously by simply turning off the GTO breaker. Further, even if a regenerative electric car is running on the electric car power supply lines, it is posible to prevent the occurrence of an arc at the other dead sections due to a potential difference between two power supply lines. Further, in case of powering/regenerative bus bar accident, it is possible to effectively cut off both a regenerative current and an extension power supply current flowing from the power supply lines by the four GTO breakers of a relatively small interrupt capability without exerting the influence of power suspension upon other adjacent substations supplying the extension power supply current.