Abstract: A method includes wirelessly receiving, at a lead remote control (RC) communication device onboard a lead vehicle of a vehicle system, a request signal from an operator control unit (OCU). The method also includes communicating a reconfiguration signal from a lead communication device of the lead vehicle to a remote communication device disposed onboard a first displaced vehicle responsive to receipt of the request signal. Further, the method includes, responsive to receiving the reconfiguration signal, reconfiguring an RC communication device onboard the first displaced vehicle to switch from a first state where the RC communication device onboard the first displaced vehicle receives a control signal from the OCU for remotely controlling operation of the first displaced vehicle to a different, second state where the RC communication device onboard the first displaced vehicle repeats the control signal to the lead RC communication device of the lead vehicle.

Abstract: A triggering system for a train having a spotter control system is provided. The triggering system includes a position detection system configured to generate a position signal indicative of a position of a rail shop relative to the train. The system also includes a controller coupled to the position detection system, the spotter control system, and an engine of the train. The controller is configured to receive the position signal from the position detection system. The controller is configured to detect if the train is approaching the rail shop based on the position signal. The controller is configured to trigger a shutdown of the engine based on the detection. The controller is configured to trigger an activation of the spotter control system based on the detection.

Abstract: A specific vehicle having a unique structure, modified wheel design and capable of running on a dedicated lane with uniform speed is described. The transportation system controls the traffic flow from and to the arterial roads to the highways. This allows the traffic management system to efficiently manage the commute time traffic and avoid congestion. The modified space and energy transportation management system and method of using it enables efficient transportation management while saving time and energy for service providers as well as users.

Abstract: A method for transforming track representations associated with a spatial position and movement of objects or features observed in an external environment surrounding a vehicle from a vehicle-centric spatial frame of reference, such as associated with a vehicle body or centerline, into a common vehicle movement spatial frame of reference such as may be associated with a vehicle thrust line or vehicle thrust angle.

Abstract: A ride assembly includes a passenger vehicle having front wheels, rear wheels, a motor, and a steering wheel, where the front and rear wheels are disposed on a surface, the motor is configured to provide power to the front wheels to propel the passenger vehicle, and the steering wheel is configured to adjust a position of the rear wheels and enable the passenger vehicle to drift, a track forming a trough in the surface, and a bogie hingedly coupled to the passenger vehicle, where the bogie is disposed in the trough, and where the bogie is configured to direct movement of the passenger vehicle along the track.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a movable rack. For example, the movable rack includes an umbilical connection to deliver a fluid, an electrical current, or a network connection to the movable rack. The present disclosure further relates to the movable rack to include a translating frame to move the umbilical connection to correspond with a movement of the movable rack.

Abstract: A conveyor for use in an inventory management system includes a body, one or more displacement elements connected with the body for interfacing with and moving the conveyor along rails, and a sorting mechanism for selectively depositing items from the conveyor to either side of the conveyor. A sorting mechanism includes first and second hinge release assemblies for connecting with, and selectively releasing, a panel that supports the item at either of respective first and second panel ends to allow the panel to fully disconnect at one of the ends and swing open in the first or second direction.

Abstract: A method for remotely controlling a plurality of vehicles includes receiving at an external control system, under an indexing mode of operation, a first signal from off-board vehicle indexing equipment. The method further includes establishing in the external control system a positioning mode of operation in response to the first signal. Further, under the positioning mode of operation, and in response to actuation of an interface of the external control system, the method includes sending from the external control system a second signal to a first vehicle of the plurality of vehicles, the second signal comprising a first command to adjust a throttle setting of first vehicle and a second command to idle a throttle of at least one second vehicle of the plurality of vehicles.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a casing, a low port interface and a carrier holding station. The casing has processing devices within for processing substrates. The load port interface is connected to the casing for loading substrates into the processing device. The carrier holding station is connected to the casing. The carrier holding station is adapted for holding at least one substrate transport carrier so the at least one substrate transport carrier is capable of being coupled to the load port interface without lifting the at least one substrate transport carrier off the carrier holding station. The carrier holding station is arranged to provide a substantially simultaneous swap section for substantially simultaneous replacement of the substrate transport carrier from the carrier holding station.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transitional mode high speed rail system. The high speed rail infrastructure employed by the system is constructed adjacent a conventional host highway. The infrastructure can be provided adjacent to acceleration/deceleration lanes, or emergency parking/paved shoulder lanes. The vehicles used by the system are individual, self-powered, self-operating, individual mass passenger transport vehicles similar in size and appearance to municipal buses. These are transitional mode vehicles because they operate as railroad vehicles on the high speed rail infrastructure, but transition to automotive vehicle mode traveling on ordinary paved roads. They are mass passenger transport vehicles because many passengers can be accommodated.

Abstract: A vehicle control system and a vehicle control device can switch control of a supporting device for support a drive of a vehicle between an ordinary travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that a power source for causing the vehicle to travel is operated and an inertia travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that an operation of the power source is stopped. Accordingly, since the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device switch the control of the supporting device between the ordinary travel and the inertia travel, the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device achieve an effect that the vehicle can be caused to appropriately travel by inertia.

Abstract: A control system for a model railroad includes a wireless transceiver circuit, associated with a model railroad device, and control software, operable upon a general purpose wireless smart device, comprising programming code for bidirectional wireless communication with the wireless transceiver circuit. The wireless transceiver circuit includes a control circuit, configured for controlling operation of the model railroad device, and a communication unit, configured for bidirectional communication between the wireless transceiver circuit and the general purpose wireless smart device. The control software is configured for allowing user commands entered via the general purpose wireless smart device to control operation of the control circuit.

Abstract: Primary coils of a linear motor are arranged along a travel route. A movable body has a secondary side of the linear motor. The travel route is divided into a plurality of zones, and a zone controller is provided for each zone or controlling the coils of the linear motor in the zone. A coordinate of the movable body outputted from a linear scale of the coil is converted into a coordinate based on the travel route.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: An automatic slowing down system for a vehicle taking a bend includes a computer that integrates a series of instructions to process at least one of first, second and third signals according to kinematic control laws of vehicle displacement to deliver signals for a forward motion actuator and a steering actuator, a forward control and a steering control that supply the first signal representative of a forward motion data and a steering data to the computer based on an operator's requirement, a linear speed sensor and a yaw speed sensor that supply the second signal to the computer, and a unit that supplies the third signal relating to road grip to the computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operating features of a model train includes a plurality of selection devices, each of which corresponds to a respective operating feature of the train. The apparatus also includes a controller connected to the selection devices of the apparatus. The controller is operative to generate control signals such as digital messages or DC offset signals corresponding to the selection devices. The apparatus further includes a plurality of switches to control the form the control signals take, and a transmitter connected to the controller. The transmitter is operative to send the digital or DC offset messages that are generated by the controller to a receiver located on the train in order to carry out the desired functions. This invention provides for at least a single button output of complex messages.

Abstract: There is provided a transportation system for transporting content from a first specified address to a second specified address. The transportation system comprises a transport channel, a plurality of containers, an operator, a propeller operatively connected to said container and in operative communication with said operator, and a central controller remote from said containers and in operative communication with said operator. The controller is configured for receiving orders for transport between the first and second addresses. In operation, the controller communicates instructions to the operator, and the operator further communicates the instructions to the propeller, causing the propeller to propel the cargo from the first address to the second address.

Abstract: A guideway system for conveying vehicles includes a first guideway lane and a plurality of control cells. Each cell includes a particular portion of the first guideway lane and a cell:controller for monitoring and controlling traffic flow on the first guideway lane portion within the respective cell. Furthermore, the cell controllers are in communication with each other so as to share information with each other.

Abstract: A model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. A novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals in the form of data bit sequences (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit, as well as a novel smoke unit.

Abstract: A monitoring installation in which a monitoring unit having a monitoring device is suspended from a trolley that rolls or glides along a rigid path by at least one traction rope or cable which pulls the trolley along the path.

Abstract: A railway vehicle operation-control system includes at least one central processing unit being connected to a plurality of devices, which are connected in parallel, via information communication means, the plurality of the devices having at least one operational state-monitoring function which transmits information on operational states of each device to the central processing unit; wherein a total controlled-variable necessary for the system is attained by allocating the total control variable to each device based on operational states determined from results of monitoring performed by the operational state-monitoring function, and a performance margin which is defined as a difference between a permissible power-output value and a current power-output value for each device while monitoring and reflecting the performance margin of each device.

Abstract: A plurality of wheeled cabinets, including single-sided cabinets (20) and double-sided cabinets (21), is movably mounted upon fixed rail assemblies (90) and (90A). Each cabinet is fitted with an extendable privacy partition (80), an automatically deployed safety-spacer assembly (110), and is capable of accepting both factory-finished and custom-fabricated furniture and fixture infill packages (24) that provide the activity spaces (23) created in between the cabinets with all of the appurtenances necessary to particularize these spaces into functionally specific rooms. A continuous conductor rail (100) supplies power, telephone, and data to the residential program deck.

Abstract: A roller coaster ride includes a pair of spaced apart parallel tracks and a car assembly. The car assembly includes a superstructure with wheels which engage the track and a passenger compartment which is coupled to the superstructure but force-isolated from it by force controlling devices. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the force controlling devices include springs and pneumatic cylinders. The pneumatic cylinders are preferably controlled by an electrically operated pump/valve in response to signals from the roller coaster operator and/or a computer. The passenger compartment is preferably provided with a plurality of sensors for sensing velocity and acceleration as well as the condition of doors and restraints. According to one embodiment of the invention, the outputs from sensors are transmitted to the roller coaster operator and the operator manually activates pumps/valves to alter the forces acting on the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A portable master controller for a locomotive remote control system. The portable master controller has a user interface for receiving commands to control the movement of the locomotive. The user interface is responsive to operator commands to generate control signals. A processing unit receives the control signals from the user interface to generate digital command signals directing the movement of the locomotive. A transmission unit receives the digital command signals and generates a RF transmission conveying the digital command signals to the slave controller. A solid-state tilt sensor in communication with the processing unit communicates inclination information to the processing unit about the portable master controller. The processing unit receives and processes the inclination information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy car with adjustable magnetic adhesion for an auto racetrack having ferromagnetic current conductors countersunk in the roadbed. The conductors are in active communication with a permanent magnet countersunk in the chassis of the toy car. The permanent magnet is shiftable in the chassis along an inclined plane in order to adjust the clearance between permanent magnet and the current conductors. According to the invention, the permanent magnet can be shifted along a ferromagnetic holding plate oriented at an angle relative to the roadway plane. The plate is received in a retaining means formed in one piece with the chassis. The underside of the retaining means contains two guide rails, along which the permanent magnet can be shifted.

Abstract: A model vehicle control system in which a manually turnable speed controller, such as a potentiometer, is used. A motor is connected to the speed controller for turning it in response to a speed control signal. A control circuit provides a signal to the track to control a vehicle on the track. The motor is controlled by a remote control unit.

Abstract: An inexpensive conveying system using a linear motor permits accurate stop positioning and controls generation of dust. The conveying system has a unit including a passive moving assembly and a plurality of sets of fixed coils to perform sending, non-energization travel, receiving, and positioning. The conveying and positioning unit is formed by the passive moving assembly composed of a permanent magnet and a linear sensor scale, and a fixed assembly having coils opposed to the moving assembly and sending and receiving sensor heads for detecting the position of the liner scale of the moving assembly. To achieve lower cost, the coils of the fixed assembly are provided only at a sending station and a receiving station, no additional coil being disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A camera track system comprising a track (100), a camera mounted on a movable truck (102) driven by drive means (104), control means (110) for controlling movement of the truck (102) along the track (100), in which commands between the control means (110) and the truck (102) are effected by means of a flexible link (136) contained within the track (100), allowing remote control of the truck (102). The control means (110) may comprise separate controls for the camera, operated by the hands of the operator, and for the truck, operated by the feet of the operator.

Abstract: An adjacent vehicle approach prohibition region is set before and after a to-be-converged moving target (MT) on a main line with reference to the to-be-converged MT. The to-be-converged MT corresponds to a converging MT assigned to a converging vehicle which is about to enter and converge onto the main line from a branch line. When a preceding non-MT-controlled vehicle or a following non-MT-controlled vehicle, which is a to-be-converged vehicle running on the main line onto which the converging vehicle is to converge, and which preceding or following vehicle is not subjected to a control by a MT method, has entered the adjacent vehicle approach prohibition region, the to-be-converged MT is accelerated/decelerated, whereby the entering to-be-converged vehicle is excluded from the adjacent vehicle approach prohibition region.

Abstract: A toy racing car track system includes track sections with electrical power supply rails and connected end-to-end to form at least one lane for an electric toy car. The lane includes a gap having front and rear ends and a carriage supported for movement across the gap to convey the car across the gap under the momentum of the car and subsequently returning upon the car leaving the carriage. A retainer on the carriage retains the car in transit. A resetter resets the retainer. The gap is inclined at a small angle upwards in order for the carriage to return to by gravitational force.

Abstract: An interactive slot car game having a multiple lane slot car track for electrically powered slot car. The trackway has a pit lane which is positioned on the same side of the track for all cars, with a pit position for all cars, with each pit position located on the same side of the pit lane. The game has an intermediate control device which limits the control that the user has over the speed of the slot car, and can be programmed to simulate occurrences such as tire wear or fuel shortages. The intermediate control device limits car speed due to actual occurrences during racing, such as a car in another lane exiting the track, thereby creating and enforcing caution periods, as in auto racing. Light signals and aural signals are generated in response to the game conditions, occurrences during the game, or randomly generated events.

Abstract: A toy train system has movable and removable trigger devices to be located by a user wherever selected on the toy train track. The train locomotive includes the ability to activate a sound and a light signal which can correspond to the sound. The train locomotive is capable of manipulating and changing the speed of the train over the track. The track can have an ascending and descending tracks and curves, and the tracks have ridges for engaging the locomotive, and can be set up by a user as required.

Abstract: An improved track and vehicle system are provided for model electric vehicles. The track system includes a number of interconnectable panels having alternate portions of negative and positive polarity conductor strips defined on a top surface thereof. The conductive strips are separated by non-conductive portions. Each of the panels includes electrical and mechanical interlocking devices carried on each side thereof so that any one panel can have additional panels connected on each of its sides. The vehicles include a unique arrangement of contacts carried on a linkage underneath of the vehicle to ensure that the vehicle remains at all times in contact with the conductors, regardless of the direction of movement of the vehicle from the surface of the panels.

Abstract: A magnetic propulsion toy system is provided having a track (11), a boost station (12) and a car (14) made of magnetic material. The boost station has control circuit (18) with a battery (19), a wire coil (21), a capacitor (22), a manual triggering switch (24), an automatic triggering switch (27) and a manual delay triggering switch (29). An infrared emitter/detector (28) is coupled to the automatic triggering switch and manual delay triggering switch.

Abstract: An interactive slot car game having a multiple lane slot car track for electrically powered slot cars. The trackway has a pit lane which is positioned on the same side of the track for all cars, with a pit position for all cars, with each pit position located on the same side of the pit lane. The game has an intermediate control device which limits the control that the user has over the speed of the slot car, and can be programmed to simulate occurrences such as tire wear or fuel shortages. The intermediate control device limits car speed due to actual occurrences during racing, such as a car in another lane exiting the track, thereby creating and enforcing caution periods, as in auto racing. Light signals and aural signals are generated in response to the game conditions, occurrences during the game, or randomly generated events.

Abstract: An electric vehicle transport system makes conventional electric vehicles practical for cross-country or inter-city travel, and greatly decreases air pollution caused by emissions from combustion engine vehicles, and at the same time allows the vehicle occupant(s) to operate their vehicle electrical accessories as they are being transported, and arrive at their destination with fully charged batteries. A plurality of electric transport modules run on an electric rail guideway between loading and unloading stations and transport one or more individual electric powered vehicles, which may have a limited driving range, or fuel powered vehicles. The vehicles are driven onto the electric transport modules, secured to a parking platform, and the vehicle battery or electrical system is connected to an electrical power supply on the transport module. The occupant(s) selects and inputs their desired destination into a computerized control system of the electric transport module.

Abstract: A driven trolley for suspension from and travel on a rail comprised of a pair of co-axial supporting wheels carried on shafts, one of the supporting wheels being disposed for location on each side of the rail, a driving motor having a driving shaft parallel with the supporting wheel shafts, and the ends of the motor driving shaft being connected by first and second belt drive apparatus to the supporting wheel shafts.

Abstract: The present invention is a motorized drapery track assembly specially adapted for use in traversing very sharp corners without derailment. The system employs a motorized carrier that is mounted upon a track and a plurality of trolleys to which a drapery is mounted. The carrier is interconnected to at least one trolley and pulls or pushes the drapery along the track. The carrier includes at least one guide wheel and a drive wheel, which are relatively moveable with respect to each other to allow for movement at sharp corners to prevent derailment of the carrier. The track itself is specifically adapted so that it can be easily bent and installed. Special brackets are employed so that the track can be installed in areas with restricted space.

Abstract: A conveying system is provided for moving a pallet along straight and curved paths. The conveying system includes a track on which the pallet is mounted for movement by a motor driven roller which engages a stationary shaft mounted on the track. The drive roller is urged into contact with the shaft and is capable of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation in order to effectuate forward or reverse motion of the pallet. A control device is provided for controlling the speed and stopping and starting the pallet. The control device may include object detectors and/or switches for stopping the pallet in response to objects on the track or for stopping the pallet at predetermined locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement ride having a self-propelled electric powered ride vehicle capable of maximum acceleration of about 0.3 to as much as about 1.1 G's in either direction using a unique pinch wheel drive system, and including an on board vehicle controller and peripheral equipment for controlling the vehicle. The pinch wheel drive system, which compresses driven wheel motor packages against a tractive surface, generates compression using a system which is independent of the vehicle's weight and motion. A master controller is provided for ride systems having multiple self-propelled vehicles on the same track for communicating with and coordinating the movement of the ride vehicles. This allows precise control of multiple ride vehicles to allow faster dispatch and shorter intervehicular spacings by implementing a floating zone control.

Abstract: A coke oven door extractor is mounted on the rail car and includes door engaging supports movable in individually differing amounts relative to a plane parallel to and including the door jamb and a door jamb height axis of symmetry and movable vertically, allowing the door extractor to compensate for front-to-back tilting and side-to-side leaning of the coke oven door jamb due to thermal distortion of the battery and variations in individual door heights. The extractor includes a first frame pivotally mounted to the car, a second frame horizontally translatably mounted to the first frame, and a third frame vertically translatably and pivotally mounted to the second frame, with the third frame including the door supports.

Abstract: A locomotive control system comprising a remote transmitter issuing RF binary coded commands and a slave controller mounted on the locomotive that decodes the transmission and operates in dependence thereof various actuators to carry into effect the commands of the ground based operator.

Abstract: A transport system having (i) electrical movers for moving in a travel direction along a guide rail, each having (a) a drive wheel, (b) a brakeless electric motor for rotating the drive wheel, (c) a photoelectric switch adapted to sense the proximity of an object, (d) a contact member for stopping movement of the electric mover at a predetermined location, the photoelectric switch being disposed in the travel direction ahead of said contact member for switching the supply of electrical power to the motor upon sensing or ceasing to sense a previously sensed proximity of an object, and (ii) a stopping mechanism located along the guide rail for stopping the movement of an electric mover, including (a) a stopper adapted in an operative position thereof to stop a moving electrical mover by contact with the contact member, and to allow movement of the electrical mover when the stopper is not in its operative position, (b) a shifter for shifting the stopper in and out of its operating position, and (c) a detectable

Abstract: A locomotive control simulator attachment for a model train controller having a protruding throttle control shaft reciprocally rotatable for regulating the speed of the train includes a support adapted to be attached to the controller, mechanism, such as a pinion gear and rack combination, that is engageable with the throttle control shaft for reciprocally rotating the shaft, a throttle control lever simulating a locomotive throttle, mechanism for mounting the lever on the support for reciprocal pivotal movement of the lever, and mechanism for connecting the lever to the mechanism engageable with the shaft, for operating the latter mechanism to reciprocally rotate the shaft upon reciprocal pivotal movement of the lever, whereby in regulating the speed of a model train, the lever movement simulates the movement of a full-scale railroad locomotive throttle.

Abstract: An electromagnetically propelled transportation system designed to provide extremely high capacity at travel speeds between 50 and 150 miles per hour, to serve as a means of transportation within contiguous urban and suburban areas. The transportation system includes centrally controlled vehicles operated on a dedicated guideway, propelled by an embedded linear synchronous motor or other linear motor, which uses coils embedded in the guideway to carry an electric current which provides the propulsion force for vehicles on the guideway. In addition, the transportation system includes other components necessary to the operation of a high-capacity high-speed urban transportation system, such as off-line stations, entry and exit ramps, for acceleration and deceleration, which connect stations to the dedicated guideway, with appropriate branching to permit the same vehicle flow rate on the ramps as on the dedicated guideway, and means of switching or steering vehicles between the ramps and the guideway.

Abstract: A coke oven rail car with a drive control system for positioning the car and for spotting the functional equipment carried by the car. A sensor determines the relative position of the car with respect to a selected oven in a coke oven battery. The car includes a first drive for effecting gross movement of the car along the rails and gross positioning of the car relative to the selected oven. The car further includes a second automatically controlled drive for effecting fine movement of the caw along the rails and fine positioning of the car relative to the selected oven. In one embodiment the first drive is manually controlled, while in another embodiment the first drive is automatically controlled. The second automatically controlled drive can take the form of one or two disk clutch type mechanisms or a clutch band type mechanism.

Abstract: A presence detector for detecting the presence of a heat source, including a motion detector having a predetermined field of view. The motion detector is activated by movement of a heat source a certain minimum amount within that predetermined field of view. An actuator is provided for moving the motion detector sufficient to change the position of the field of view by at least that minimum amount. The actuator includes a shape memory alloy wire. The motion detector is movably or rotatably mounted to a support. The actuator is connected at one end to the motion detector and at the other to the support. The actuator also includes a biasing or return spring for re-stretching the shape memory alloy wire back to its original length once it has contracted. A strain relief spring is also provided, having a spring rate substantially higher than that of the return spring, for relieving strain on the shape memory alloy wire in case the detector rotatable mounting seizes or otherwise is prevented from moving freely.

Abstract: A device for transporting workpieces comprises a transporting path carrier, a plurality of transporting wagons adapted to run on the transporting path carrier, units at every transporting wagon for blocking its traveling when the transporting wagon is located outside a predetermined transporting path, inquiring unit adapted to inquire the transporting path and control the blocking units, and at least one wall surface provided in the transporting path so as to be inquired by the sensor, the at least one wall surface being arranged next to the running surface and at an angle relative to the running surface on the transporting path carrier.

Abstract: A locomotive control system comprising a remote transmitter issuing RF binary-coded commands and a slave controller mounted on the locomotive that decodes the transmission and operates in dependence thereof various actuators to carry into effect the commands of the ground based operator.

Abstract: A locomotive control system comprising a remote transmitter issuing RF binary coded commands and a slave controller mounted on the locomotive that decodes the transmission and operates in dependence thereof various actuators to carry into effect the commands of the ground based operator.