Abstract: A system and method for examining a route and/or vehicle system obtain a route parameter and/or a vehicle parameter from discrete examinations of the route and/or the vehicle system. The route parameter is indicative of a health of the route over which the vehicle system travels. The vehicle parameter is indicative of a health of the vehicle system. The discrete examinations of the route and/or the vehicle system are separated from each other by location and/or time. The route parameter and/or the vehicle parameter are examined to determine whether the route and/or the vehicle system is damaged and, responsive to determining that the route and/or the vehicle is damaged, the route and/or the vehicle system are continually monitored, such as by examination equipment onboard the vehicle system.

Abstract: Control over velocity of a model train may be determined based upon the speed of rotation of a control knob. A processor receives electronic pulses indicating rotation of the knob beyond a predetermined increment of angular distance. The processor calculates the amount of power ultimately conveyed to the model train based not only upon the number of pulses received, but also upon the elapsed time between these pulses. The shorter the elapsed time between pulses, the greater the change in power communicated to the train. Initially, a user can rapidly rotate the knob to attain coarse control over a wide range of velocities, and then rotate the knob more slowly to achieve fine-grained control over the coarse velocity. Utilizing the control scheme in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, in a compact and uninterrupted physical motion, a user can rapidly exercise both coarse and fine control over velocity of a model train.

Abstract: Control over velocity of a model train may be determined based upon the speed of rotation of a control knob. A processor receives electronic pulses indicating rotation of the knob beyond a predetermined increment of angular distance. The processor calculates the amount of power ultimately conveyed to the model train based not only upon the number of pulses received, but also upon the elapsed time between these pulses. The shorter the elapsed time between pulses, the greater the change in power communicated to the train. Initially, a user can rapidly rotate the knob to attain coarse control over a wide range of velocities, and then rotate the knob more slowly to achieve fine-grained control over the coarse velocity. Utilizing the control scheme in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, in a compact and uninterrupted physical motion, a user can rapidly exercise both coarse and fine control over velocity of a model train.

Abstract: Power switching apparatus for an electrically driven vehicle drawing power from a plurality of spaced apart ground disposed busses separated by insulators. The apparatus employs a pair of contacts for routing power from the busses to the vehicle motor, the speed of which is controlled by the power frequency presented at each successive buss as the vehicle proceeds on its journey. The contacts are serially positioned one after another with respect to the line of travel of the vehicle and are joined together by a switching mechanism which senses the power status of each contact at any particular moment. Power is transferred to the vehicle motor through one contact or the other in accordance with a selected sequence of operation. Voltage arcing and power lapse conditions are substantially alleviated by this arrangement.

Abstract: A stair lift includes a lift assembly arranged to be driven along a rail. The lift assembly includes a chassis supporting a load bearing member such as a seat. The chassis is formed by a main member on which are mounted a drive assembly and a levelling assembly for maintaining the seat horizontal by altering the orientation of the chassis with respect to the rail as the lift assembly moves along the rail. One or both of the drive and levelling assemblies may be pivotally mounted on the chassis to permit rotation about a vertical axis so as to accommodate bends in the rail.

Abstract: An improved system for supplying electric power to and automatically controlling the speed of driverless electrically motivated wheeled vehicles on a guideway utilizing a plurality of guideway disposed power busses, each supplied by a sequentially variable frequency power supply. The vehicle is propelled by an electric motor sequentially in contact with the busses. The speed of the motor is controlled by the particular power frequency encountered at each buss while the vehicle moves forward on the guideway. One or more designated stop and start zones are selected for stop and start journey events in which the busses within the zone are alternatively powered by either a series of power supplies emitting frequencies at which the vehicle will decelerate to a stop or a series of power supplies emitting frequencies at which the vehicle will accelerate forward from a stopped position or alternatively continue in the normal course of travel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing low train voltages and managing interference, thereby improving the efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort associated with commuter trains. An algorithm implementing neural network technology is used to predict low voltages before they occur. Once voltages are predicted, then multiple trains can be controlled to prevent low voltage events. Further, algorithms for managing inference are presented in the present invention. Different types of interference problems are addressed in the present invention such as “Interference During Acceleration”, “Interference Near Station Stops”, and “Interference During Delay Recovery.” Managing such interference avoids unnecessary brake/acceleration cycles during acceleration, immediately before station stops, and after substantial delays. Algorithms are demonstrated to avoid oscillatory brake/acceleration cycles due to interference and to smooth the trajectories of closely following trains.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guide ways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guide way. The guide way provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guide way and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations. Automobiles are securely held on platforms which are so handled as to permit rapid loading and unloading operations.

Abstract: A powered pallet assembly (10) for use on two intersecting trackways (11 and 13). The pallet assembly (10) includes: a pallet frame (23) having an upwardly facing surface (12) formed for support of a load thereon; a first plurality of load-supporting wheels (16a, 16b) rotatably mounted to frame (23) for movement of pallet assembly (10) in a first direction on the first trackway (11); a second plurality of load-supporting wheels (18a, 18b) rotatably mounted to frame (23) for movement of pallet assembly (10) in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the second trackway (13) intersecting the first trackway (11); a power drive assembly carried by pallet frame (23) and coupled to drive at least one wheel of first wheels (16a, 16b) and coupled to drive at least one wheel of second wheels (18a, 18b).

Abstract: A controller for model trains on a train track is provided. The controller causes direct current control signals to be superimposed on alternating current power signals to control effects and features on model vehicles. The model vehicle includes a receiver unit responsive to the direct current control signals.

Abstract: An electric power vehicle includes a propulsion system connected to a direct current (DC) source via a supply line. The propulsion system converts the DC supplied via the supply line to an AC electrical power to operate an AC motor at a desired level. An electromagnetic interference detection system for the vehicle includes an EMI processor connected to a current transducer and the propulsion system. The transducer detects AC signals appearing on the supply line and provides an output to the EMI processor. The EMI processor determines the frequency, amplitude and duration of the detected AC signals and causes the propulsion system to adjust the AC electrical power supplied to the motor as a function thereof.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. Front and rear bogies of the vehicles pivot about front and rear vertical turn axes and carry direction control wheels that cooperate with guide ribs along tracks for selective control of movement to either of two exits from a Y junction. Electric power can be supplied through upper and lower track structures which can be of laminated construction. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections may include electrical connections for power and communication and they are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guideway. Transfer vehicles operate to transfer loads between the carrier vehicles and storage positions and may be controlled to move in either of two transverse directions or to rotate in a turntable operation. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guideway. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. Front and rear bogies of the vehicles pivot about front and rear vertical turn axes and carry direction control wheels that cooperate with guide ribs along tracks for selective control of movement to either of two exits from a Y junction. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

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 method and device for effecting a fast but smooth deceleration or stopping of trains controlled under the automatic train control (ATC) system. Under ATC, a permitted maximum velocity is provided as an "ATC condition" to activate the brake system of the train if that velocity is exceeded. When it is necessary to alter the velocity of a train, a control center specifies a feeder section to have the ATC condition to be altered. Next, a substation corresponding to the specified feeder section is provided with notice about the alteration of the ATC condition. The notice includes the impending reduction of velocity. In response, the substation decelerates the train without using the ATC brake system provided on the train. When the train has been sufficiently slowed down such that the alteration of the ATC condition will not result in activation of the ATC brake system, the alteration of the ATC condition is then effected.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing products from a central unit to a plurality of peripheral units, including at least one annular guide which connects the central unit to at least one part of the peripheral units, at least one independently motorized trolley for conveying at least one product container, the trolley being retained on the guide, and at least one device, present at each peripheral unit, for removing and conveying the container to a region for the use of the products.

Abstract: A controller for model trains on a train track is provided. The controller transmits control signals between a rail of the track and earth ground, generating an electromagnetic field which extends for several inches around the track. A receiver in the locomotive can then pick up signals from this electromagnetic field.

Abstract: The specification describes a controller apparatus for a DC motor and a lamp having a filament electrically connected in parallel with the DC motor, comprising: (a) an output driver circuit for generating a DC power signal, where the DC power signal energizes the DC motor; (b) an AC signal generating circuit for generating an AC power signal; and a high frequency coupling transformer for so adding the AC power signal to the DC power signal that the AC power signal energizes the filament. Preferably, the controller also comprises: (a) a switching circuit for periodically preventing the DC power signal from controlling the DC motor; (b) a speed sensing circuit for determining a speed of the locomotive by measuring a back EMF signal generated by the DC motor during the time that the switching means prevents the DC power signal from controlling the DC motor; and (c) an error correcting circuit for correcting the DC power signal based on the speed of the locomotive.

Abstract: A system and method for movement of self-propelled vehicles in-line along a rail under external control is intended to ensure safe spacing between vehicles to avoid collisions. Each vehicle is driven by its own variable speed motor. The speed of the vehicles is controlled by a stationary cam extending beside the rail. The edge of the cam rises and falls in a predetermined manner and is sensed by a cam follower on each vehicle. The cam follower is coupled to a transducer which produces a control signal for varying the vehicle speed in response to the rise or fall of the cam edge. Each vehicle pulls along a tail which extends behind the vehicle and is guided for motion alongside the edge of the cam.

Abstract: A control circuit which will momentarily apply a pulse of power to the E-Unit solenoid in response to the momentary interruption of power by the transformer or another control signal. The E-Unit rest state is thus with no power applied, eliminating noise and saving power. A seek-to-forward cycling capability is also provided. The overall system has a remote transmitter and a base unit coupled to the train tracks with a receiver. The base unit controls track switching and individual trains through FSK signals transmitted over the track. The base unit also controls a triac switch between the transformer and the track to allow remote control of track power and impose DC offsets on the track power signal.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for controlling the moving speed of a vehicle, which makes a vehicle run at a constant speed independent of applied load by specifically instructing the moving speed according to the difference between the computed number of pulses and the actually detected number of pulses. The vehicle moving speed is properly controllable in correspondence with load applied to the moving vehicle.

Abstract: An industrial robot system comprises a robot movable on a track formed on a floor; work stations arranged along the track, where the robot deals with workpieces in a predetermined order; reference points provided at the stations, respectively, and a detector installed on the robot for detecting the reference points so that the robot can be properly positioned with respect to each work station.

Abstract: An amusement car ride is disclosed which propels a car along a first straight track section, a curved track section having 180 degrees of arc and a second straight track section, in that order. Movement of the car is provided by a d.c. motor under control by a controller for energizing the motor with accelerating speed during movement of the car through the first straight section, constant speed during movement through the curved section and decelerating speed during movement through the second straight section. A tractor device is mounted for movement along the track sections and the car is pivotally mounted at its forward end to the tractor so that the car can pivot as the same moves along the curved section of track. In so pivoting, passengers in the car are subjected to centrifugal force.

Abstract: A drive controller for a rail supported conveyor device made up of a plurality of wheel driven support carriages linked together includes a revolution sensor on one of the drive wheels of one of the support carriages, individual torque controllers on each of the carriages, and a device for providing a common torque signal to the various torque controllers based on the difference between the measured speed of the one speed sensor and the desired speed of the carriages.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus driven by a linear motor which is capable of keeping response at the time of acceleration and deceleration almost constant in spite of the change of the weight of the carrying vehicle. At the carrying vehicle side, the magnitude of a gap between a track and the carrying vehicle, which is in the state of non-contact with the track due to an electro-magnet, and the electric current flowing through the electro-magnet is detected. The weight information related to the weight of the carrying vehicle is calculated on the basis of above detected results. The calculated weight information of the carrying vehicle is transmitted to a running control unit at the ground side. The driving force of the linear motor is adjusted on the basis of the transmitted weight information.

Abstract: An accumulating conveyor formed by a series of self propelled pallets (18) running on a track (20), with non-contacting proximity detectors (24A, 24B) located on the front and rear of each pallet (18), and an on board control circuit (26) causing deenergization of the drive motor (22) when a stopped pallet (18) is detected ahead, or when barrier members (28, 30) are positioned ahead. Slow down, stopping and reversing of the drive may be controlled by side mounted photo detector switches (40A, 40B, 52A, 52B) activated by photo emitter devices (42A, 42B, 54A, 54B) mounted along the path of the pallets (18). A bilevel feed and return track (20A, 20B) may be traversed by the pallets (18), reversed to be driven in either direction, and either the forward or rear proximity switch (24A or 24B) activated by the control circuit (26) depending on the direction of travel of the car.

Abstract: A suspended monorail track system has a box-shaped cross section with flanges extending inward and upward from the bottom edges of the side walls to form an acute angle between each flange and its attached side wall. An opening remains between the flanges extending along the bottom of the track. An intermediate horizontal wall may be added below the top wall to form an enclosed channel for power and signal cables within the track. A number of power and signal conductors extend along the interior surfaces of the track to provide electrical contact with vehicles moving along the track. Signal conductors are used to prevent collision between vehicles. Each vehicle is suspended from the track by a bogie assembly extending through the opening along the bottom of the track. The bogie assembly is supported by load-bearing wheels riding on the upper surfaces of the flanges, and stabilized by a second set of wheels rolling along the bottom surfaces of the flanges.

Abstract: Conveying equipment provided with a conveying vehicle guided by a single overhead rail without the necessity of an auxiliary rail due to the wheel and vehicle body unit construction which enables stable running of the vehicle. The equipment of the invention employs only one rail, thereby being simple in construction and extremely convenient for a non-permanent installation or a conveying equipment whose route is frequently changed, and also made remote-controllable by photo signals in simple operation.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously and independently controlling a plurality of electric motors from a number of dispersed stations. The system operates by transmission of duty cycle modulated selected frequencies superimposed on a DC track voltage on a common power line servicing the motors. The modulation is variable and determines the speed of the motors. Transmitters are portable and designed removably to plug into a common signal transmission cable anywhere along its length without interaction. Receivers, each tuned to a specific frequency and associated with and controlling a motor, are coupled to the common power line.

Abstract: A method of preparing lightly doped ceramic materials which forms a slurry of the ceramic material with additives in solution, precipitates the additives and spray dries the slurry with the additive precipitates is described.

Abstract: A transportation system comprising a plurality of driven vehicles movable along a track and controlled by the provision of deterministic cells, defined by track-to-vehicle speed and/or position command signals, which move along the track, each vehicle being confined within the limits of a cell but being capable of autonomous movement relative thereto to permit the formation of a contact train with other vehicles within the cell. A control is provided to close-up vehicles within a cell, and there may also be provided on board each vehicle three coordinated closed-loop subsystems, governing respectively the vehicle speed, position and closing speed relative to an adjacent vehicle.

Abstract: A power or current collector of an aerial trackway vehicle has an arm which is movable in accordance with the change of displacement of the current carrying cable with respect to a trackway by which the vehicle is suspended. A speed controller which is sensitive to the movement of the arm controls the speed of the vehicle and/or other vehicular functions.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a self-propelled industrial car for use in transporting hot or cold rolled steel coils having two pair of non-flanged wheels engageable with a track or flat surface, the guiding thereof being affected by a pair of guide rollers for each pair of wheels received in a guiding slot.

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.