Abstract: Systems for exchanging information between a cargo handling system of an aircraft and a Power Drive Unit (PDU) are described herein. The systems include a power source provided within the aircraft and a first PDU provided within the aircraft. The power source is capable of providing DC power to the at least one PDU via an electrical power line. The power source further including a first Power Line Communication (PLC) node and the PDU further including a second Power Line Communication (PLC) node. The first PLC node being capable of communicating with the second PLC node via the electrical power line.

Abstract: A system to transport a payload platform along a predefined path in an amusement facility, including a system controller to generate and transmit a timing signal and a propulsion platform, coupled to and supporting the payload platform, to traverse the predefined path in synchronism with the timing signal received from the system controller. The propulsion platform having an address corresponding to at least one of a plurality of individually addressed timing signals. The system may further include a plurality of entertainment devices positioned along the predefined path in an amusement facility, that likewise operate in synchronism with the timing signal received from the system controller.

Abstract: A system for communication between a fixed station and a carriage, which travels along a rail. The system employs a cable used to supply the carriage with electric power and carries out communication by superimposing communication signals on the electric power flowing through the cable. The communication system includes electric power sources and cables. The cables are each connected to one of the power sources and each cable extends along the rail. A single communication antenna is used by at least two of the cables.

Abstract: A carriage conveying system having a conveyance control device, which outputs communication signals for supplying a carriage with electric power by a feeder cable arranged along a guide rail to move the carriage along the guide rail and for controlling operation of the carriage. A control device transmits the communication signals to the carriage by the feeder cables. The carriage has a driving device for driving the carriage in accordance with the electric power. A controller controls the driving device in accordance with the communication signals. A communicating device receives the communication signals from the feeder cable for conveyance to the controller. The communicating device is located in the vicinity of the feeder cable.

Abstract: In an operating system for a movable body that runs on a guide rail, a communication method is described that establishes communications between the movable body and an operation control unit for controlling running of the movable body. Power lines on which electric power is transmitted are laid on the guide rail. The movable body is runnable upon reception of the electric power from the power lines. The method includes the steps of (a) generating a communication signal in either the movable body or the operation control unit; (b) superimposing the communication signal on electric power to be transmitted on the power lines; (c) receiving the electric power with the superimposed communication signal at the other of the movable body or the operation control unit; and (d) acquiring the communication signal from the received electric power.

Abstract: A material handling system, such as a monorail material handling system, and a delivery device therefor which is intelligent, self-powered and capable of communicating with a central system control via a radio frequency communication link without direct electrical connection therewith. The material handling system comprises at least one delivery device, a pathway along which the delivery device is adapted to be propelled, and a central electronic control for controlling operation of the system. Each delivery device includes a drive for propelling the delivery device along the pathway, an onboard power supply for providing power to the drive, and an onboard electronic control for controlling operation of the delivery device. The onboard electronic control and the central electronic control include radio frequency communications for providing a radio communication link therebetween.

Abstract: The invention comprises a toy vehicle such as a train, for moving about a track and which includes an optical sensing apparatus. The vehicle includes a charge coupled device to sense radiant energy external of the vehicle. The vehicle includes sensing circuitry to convert the image into a video signal. The video signal is FM modulated and supplied to the track by a transmitter on the vehicle for transmission to a receiver. The receiver receives the FM signal and demodulates same to produce a video signal adapted to be received by a monitor for viewing by the user of the toy vehicle as the vehicle moves along the track.

Abstract: Apparatus for actuating a sounding device for model railroad engines powered by an alternating-current voltage impressed across two rails, which apparatus is completely solid state in nature. The system includes input and output transistors which are normally non-conducting together with means for producing a direct-current bias voltage for turning ON the input transistor when a direct-current bias voltage is superimposed on the alternating-current voltage impressed across the two rails. The input and output transistors are interconnected such that when the input transistor conducts so also does the output transistor to thereby power the sounding device.