Abstract: Disclosed is a transport system for handling a plurality of different types of containers for medical equipment in a sterile processing department, the system comprises: a plurality of containers of a first type and a plurality of containers of a second type; conveyor stations for the plurality of containers, the conveyor stations being configured to transport the first type of containers and/or the second type of containers relative to the conveyor station; and a transport tray for supporting the first type of containers and the second type of containers, the transport tray having a set of securing elements configured to releasably secure the first type of containers to the transport tray and the second type of containers to the transport tray. The conveyor station is configured to transport the first type of containers and/or the second type of containers secured to the transport tray.

Abstract: Systems and methods for loading and/or unloading a die in a press are disclosed. A handling system for loading a die may include a linear sliding path between a supply position outside the press and a press position on the press base, configured to support a die such that the die is displaceable while it is supported on the path, and a robot configured to displace the die between the supply position and the press position along the linear sliding path. A method may include providing a robot for loading workpieces in the press, providing a linear sliding path between a supply position outside the press and a press position on the press base, placing a die in the supply position, and causing the robot to displace the die on the linear sliding path, from the supply position to the press position.

Abstract: A system and method for managing maintenance items within a transportation system according to which a workload assignment is generated. The transportation system includes an aircraft fleet and the method includes presenting a window on a graphical user interface and receiving a request to complete a maintenance item via the window. The window includes a number of selection boxes, drop-down menus, and text boxes configured to receive the request to complete the maintenance item.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drive mechanism, a patient support mechanism, and an electronic system. The drive mechanism is included in a trolley and is configured to suspend the trolley from a support track. The drive mechanism includes a first sensor configured to sense an operating condition of the drive mechanism. The patient support mechanism couples to the trolley and includes a tether and a second sensor. The tether can be operatively coupled to a patient such that the patient support mechanism supports the patient. The second sensor is configured to sense an operating condition of the patient support mechanism. The electronic system is included in the trolley and has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a gait characteristic of the patient based at least in part on a signal received from the first sensor and a signal received from the second sensor.

Abstract: A clean cell environment for a continuous roll-over electric induction batch casting furnace system is provided where each combination of batch charge, for example an ingot, induction melting (ingot-melt) process and mold-pour process are performed in a clean cell environment and each combination ingot-melt and mold-pour process is traceable as to the identity of the specific ingot, or other charge form (composition) and the mold (fabrication identifier).

Abstract: A fairground ride may include a support structure, at least one vehicle having a passenger receptacle, and at least one guideway which is attached to the support structure and forms a circuit, wherein the guideway is adapted to guide the vehicle along the circuit. The fairground ride may also include at least one drive member which is adapted to move the vehicle along the circuit; and at least one recovery apparatus, which has an operating range. The guideway may be disposed at least section-wise on a substantially vertical area, each point of the normal vector of which is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the support structure, and the operating range of the recovery apparatus may substantially cover the vertical area.

Abstract: A free access floor structure to install a manufacturing apparatus such as a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, in a short time, and a manufacturing apparatus and a carrier apparatus adapted for the floor structure. An embodiment of the manufacturing apparatus includes an apparatus-side connector which is provided, facing downward, to a bottom plate of a manufacturing apparatus. A floor structure of an embodiment includes a floor plate to be worked into a floor surface. The floor structure includes a floor-side connector which is provided, facing upward, to the floor plate so as to be connected with the apparatus-side connector according to a lowering operation of the manufacturing apparatus. An installation step (mounting step, piping/wiring step) of the manufacturing apparatus may thereby be performed in one step. As a result, the labor and the time required to install the manufacturing apparatus may be saved.

Abstract: A method and system for a rotational multi-track railway switch-junction. The rotational multi-track railway junction comprises one or more incoming tracks and a plurality of outgoing tracks connected by a rotating platform to a plurality of stationary track sections. The rotational platform provides a connection between at least one of the incoming tracks and at least one of the outgoing tracks and can be automatically controlled and locked in a given position. Thus, costs and an overall size of a railway junction are reduced.

Abstract: A vibropeening apparatus comprises a main frame, an enclosure receivable within the main frame, a rotary drive mechanism, and an article to be vibropeened. The enclosure defines an internal volume, the internal volume accommodating a vibropeening bed. The article is positioned within the internal volume, and the rotary drive mechanism is to configured to impart a rotary motion to the enclosure within the main frame.

Abstract: A method includes determining a location of a vehicle system traveling on a track during a first trip relative to a curve in the track. The method also includes monitoring a temperature profile at a contact interface between a wheel of the vehicle system and a rail of the track that contacts the wheel as the vehicle system traverses the curve in the track. The temperature profile is based, at least in part, on a first speed profile of the vehicle system during the first trip. The method further includes analyzing the temperature profile to detect a flanging event between the wheel and the rail as the vehicle system traverses along the curve in response to the temperature profile indicating that a flange of the wheel engages a side of the rail.

Abstract: A terminal operating system includes one or more processors configured to obtain one or more parameters of non-propulsion-generating cargo vehicles and to determine which of the non-propulsion-generating cargo vehicles are to be included in a vehicle system assembled in a terminal or yard based on the one or more parameters. The one or more parameters include one or more of an earliest time of availability at which cargo equipment will be available in the terminal or yard, a safety operational characteristic, an efficiency operational characteristic of the one or more non-propulsion-generating cargo vehicles, and/or a priority parameter of the one or more non-propulsion-generating cargo vehicles. The one or more processors are configured to automatically direct equipment within the terminal or yard to assemble the vehicle system based on the one or more parameters.

Abstract: Various cutting systems using a handheld electrically powered rotary cutting tool are described. The systems include a wheeled base having provisions for receiving and removably engaging an electric cutting tool. The systems also include an upwardly extending handle and provisions for collecting dust and debris during a cutting operation.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for scarfing rotor blade segments. A rotor blade segment includes a pressure side and a suction side. A tool includes a first guide configured for mounting on one of the pressure side or the suction side, the first guide including a first curved rail and a second curved rail spaced from the first curved rail. The tool further includes a second guide movably coupled to the first guide at a scarf angle, the second guide including a guide rail extending between and movable along the first curved rail and the second curved rail. The tool further includes a cutting device movably coupled to the second guide, the cutting device movable along the guide rail and operable to remove material from the one of the pressure side or the suction side.

Abstract: The radiographic image photographing system includes an information acquisition member which acquires information on the radiographic image photographing device from an information presentation member of the radiographic image photographing device in a non-contact manner. When the information acquisition member makes the notification of the acquired information on the radiographic image photographing device, the management apparatus notifies the wireless communication member of the radiographic image photographing device of an identifier dedicated to an access point correlated with the information acquisition member. The wireless communication member of the radiographic image photographing device conducts wireless communication with the access point using a general-purpose identifier in a default state, and using the identifier dedicated to the access point after receiving the notification of the identifier dedicated to the access point from the management apparatus.

Abstract: A railroad tie maintenance vehicle is configured to seal spike holes in a railroad tie formed by the removal of railroad spikes. The vehicle includes a chassis with an integrated operator work station. The vehicle may move along railroad tracks with a plurality of wheels that support the chassis and that are configured to engage at least one railroad track. A motive power source, supported on the chassis, may be controlled by an operator within the operator work station to propel the vehicle along the railroad tracks. At least one storage vessel on the chassis contains a chemical solution used to fill the spike holes. At least two injection devices on the chassis are remotely controlled by the single operator, possibly by the operation of a single controller such as a joystick, to move into alignment with respective spike holes and to fill the spike holes with the chemical solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus 10 for the application or removal of one or more railway track fasteners 12. The apparatus comprises a support frame assembly 14, a drive assembly 16 mounted to the support frame assembly 14, and a workhead 18 operatively coupled to the drive assembly 16. The workhead 18 includes a tool 20 designed for applying or removing the fasteners 12 wherein the drive assembly 16 is powered to activate the workhead 18 and the associated tool 20 which contacts the fastener 12 in a hammering action.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided that includes a trolley. The trolley includes two vertical plates, wheels, and at least one foot locking device connected to the trolley, the at least one foot locking device adapted to make contact with at least a portion of a foot of the user. A shaft is provided having a first end and a second end. A flexible mechanism comprising a portion of the shaft placed in a position of the shaft between the first end and the second end for allowing at least one portion of the shaft to move and rotate. The shaft accommodates the trolley. The trolley is adapted to be pulled along the shaft by the least one foot locking device while the user is in a seated position. A substantially planar surface is provided with a top surface connected to the second end of the shaft.

Abstract: A support for a camera dolly comprising spaced-apart first and second rails comprised of longitudinal rail members. The first rail has a first seam between its rail members, and the second rail has a second seam between its rail members. The first seam in the first rail is directly opposed from a corresponding second seam in the second rail. The first and second seams have first and second leading edges formed at crowns on the first and second rails, and the leading edge of the first seam is offset longitudinally with respect to the leading edge of the corresponding second seam.

Abstract: A motorized dolly includes an elongated frame, a first and second arc-shaped rail, a first and second pulley, a continuous belt, a motor, a platform, a first and second set of rollers or wheels, a fastener and one or more controls. The first arc-shaped rail has a first radius to a point in space. The second arc-shaped rail has a second radius greater than the first radius. The first and second pulleys are attached to the elongated frame proximate to each end. The continuous belt is movably attached to the first pulley and the second pulley. The motor is operably engaged with the first pulley, the second pulley or the continuous belt. The first and second set of rollers or wheels are attached to the platform and movably engaged with the first and second rails, respectively. The fastener securely is attached to the platform and the continuous belt.

Abstract: The Innovative Four Railroad Track Systems expands present two track rail systems to support the use of twenty foot wide cars that will simplify the loading, unloading and therefore transportation of many goods, especially vehicles and similar sized construction or farm equipment. The extra two rails are added on the outside of the current track in single rail lines. The expanded width of the cars allows for loading and unloading from the side which can be facilitated in the case of vehicles through a tiered loading dock much the same as is done with a ferry, hence the name “train ferry”. This will drastically reduce the time and effort required and revolutionizes the bulk transportation of these goods.

Abstract: A roller coaster maintenance vehicle includes a platform with a set of wheels arranged to ride on a roller coaster track structure. The platform includes a propulsion system which allows it to traverse the track structure independent of the roller coaster propulsion system. In one embodiment, a person rides on the vehicle and controls its movement. In another embodiment the vehicle is remotely controlled. Remotely controlled vehicles preferably include one or more inspection apparatus for inspecting the track structure. Optionally, the remotely controlled vehicles also include remotely controlled repair/maintenance equipment such as a robotic arm with a power tool coupled to its free end.

Abstract: A rail system for an electric pallet track has, in known manner, a main line which can be optionally connected to at least two branch lines by way of points. The points have as many movable rail portions for each rail of the main line as there are branch lines. These movable rail portions can each be pivoted about a stationary pivot axis which is located outside the longitudinal extent of the corresponding movable rail portion.

Abstract: A transport system for trucks includes a body adapted to support the trucks. The body has a plurality of rollers and at least a parallel set of rails. A pair of side rails is disposed on the ground for engagement with the rollers. A parallel set of supports are also disposed on the ground with each support having a wheel engaging the rails.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scaffold installed within a large structure such as a pressure vessel or a tank of a ship, and an insulation system construction method using the same. The scaffold for use in performing desired work within a large structure includes a supporting structure installed adjacent to both side surfaces and a top surface of the large structure, and a carrying unit installed movable along the supporting structure to allow materials to be carried or to provide a working space for a worker thereon, wherein the supporting structure is installed to be movable along a wall surface of the large structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scaffold installed within a large structure such as a pressure vessel or a tank of a ship, and an insulation system construction method using the same. The scaffold for use in performing desired work within a large structure includes a supporting structure installed adjacent to both side surfaces and a top surface of the large structure, and a carrying unit installed movable along the supporting structure to allow materials to be carried or to provide a working space for a worker thereon, wherein the supporting structure is installed to be movable along a wall surface of the large structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an amusement park ride track utilizing stock, planar materials, namely comprising of creating elongated, curved structures from planar materials. A roller coaster track capable of being fabricated from multiple planar pieces without heating or bending. Other embodiments are described which utilize elongated, curved structures such as ski lifts, people movers, staircases and architectural structures. A jig is disclosed for providing for ease of manufacture of the elongated, curved structures.

Abstract: A transportation apparatus configured to travel on rails and having an induced freezing rail system includes: a transportation vehicle having a support unit configured to support a frame from the rails; and a freezing rail system comprising freezing rails positioned on a ground surface corresponding to the support unit of the transportation vehicle, the freezing rails having a refrigerant and cooling devices.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus for a vehicle assembly plant having a base element that is displaceable on a transporting plane, at least two pedestal elements connected to the base element, where each pedestal element is rotatable about a rotational axis perpendicular to the transporting plane. In addition, a support element for holding a vehicle body is connected to each of the at least two pedestal elements, where the support element is moveable eccentrically with respect to the rotational axis of each pedestal element.

Abstract: The Innovative Four Railroad Track Systems expands present two track rail systems to support the use of twenty foot wide cars that will simplify the loading, unloading and therefore transportation of many goods, especially vehicles and similar sized construction or farm equipment. The extra two rails are added on the outside of the current track in single rail lines. The expanded width of the cars allows for loading and unloading from the side which can be facilitated in the case of vehicles through a tiered loading dock much the same as is done with a ferry, hence the name “train ferry”. This will drastically reduce the time and effort required and revolutionizes the bulk transportation of these goods.

Abstract: A scheduling system and method for moving plural objects through a system described as a freight railway scheduling system. The scheduling system utilizes a cost reactive resource scheduler to minimize resource exception while at the same time minimizing the global costs associated with the solution. The achievable movement plan can be used to assist in the control of, or to automatically control, the movement of trains through the system. Train location reports used in the automatic updating of the movement plans are selectively disabled for individual trains as a function of the activity scheduled for that train.

Abstract: The present invention makes it easy to employ a floor surface aisle crossing a conveyance path in a conveyance system using a conveyance carriage 1 which travels on guide rails 7a and 7b laid on a floor surface 6 along the conveyance path, wherein at an aisle crossing section 14 in the conveyance path that the aisle on the floor surface crosses, a pit 15 is provided by digging down into the floor surface 6, and inside this pit 15, elevating guide rails 16a and 16b movable vertically parallel between a raised level at which the elevating guide rails connect the guide rails 7a and 7b before and after the pit 15 and a lowered level at which the upper surfaces of the elevating guide rails become flush with the floor surface 6 are disposed, and over the pit 15, a floor member 18 is laid so as to be flush with or substantially flush with the floor surface 8 while leaving elevating apertures for the elevating guide rails 16a and 16b.

Abstract: A transporting system with a fire door (100) is provided with: a rail (1) installed within a facility; a transporting carriage (3), whose wheel (4) is set so as to roll over a surface for rolling of the rail; a fire door plate (7) for segmenting a space within the facility in a direction intersecting the rail at a predetermined position of the rail; and a door plate moving device (8) capable of moving the fire door plate from an open position for the transporting carriage to pass through the predetermined position, to a close position for the fire door plate to segment the space. A first cut (1a) is formed obliquely with respect to a width direction of the rail when planarly seen on the surface for rolling, in the rail at the predetermined position. The fire door plate has a shape capable of passing through the first cut when being moved to the close position.

Abstract: A roller coaster maintenance vehicle includes a platform with a set of wheels arranged to ride on a roller coaster track structure. The platform includes a propulsion system which allows it to traverse the track structure independent of the roller coaster propulsion system. In one embodiment, a person rides on the vehicle and controls its movement. In another embodiment the vehicle is remotely controlled. Remotely controlled vehicles preferably include one or more inspection apparatus for inspecting the track structure. Optionally, the remotely controlled vehicles also include remotely controlled repair/maintenance equipment such as a robotic arm with a power tool coupled to its free end.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch for a powered pallet conveyor is provided. The switch comprising (a) a turntable and (b) rail portions which are arranged upon the turntable and define at least a first travel pathway and a second travel pathway, whereby the first travel pathway is defined by straight rail portions and a second travel pathway is defined by curved rail portions, so that the central line of the first travel pathway and the departure lines of the second travel pathway respectively pass through the fulcrum of the turntable.

Abstract: A railway carriage to be transported on a railway system includes a living area (164), a bathroom (36), a sleeping area (26) and a kitchen area (62). Appliances (40, 42, 75) in the bathroom (36) and kitchen area (62) are connected to a common potable water supply system (170). The railway carriage includes a potable water connector (136) to releasably connect the potable water supply system (170) of the carriage to an external water supply. The appliances (40, 42, 73) in the bathroom (36) and kitchen area (62) are also connected to a common waste water system (172). The railway carriage includes a waste water connector (138) to releasably connect the waste water system (172) of the carriage to an external waste system, such as a drain. The potable water connector (136) and the waste water connector (138) are provided on a common mounting (132).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the movement of plural trains over a rail network, where the rail network is divided into a plurality of planning areas with a boundary element of common track between adjacent planning areas, using a local coordinating agent for controlling the movement of the trains through the boundary elements.

Abstract: A transport system for trucks includes a body adapted to support the trucks. The body has a plurality of rollers and at least a parallel set of rails. A pair of side rails is disposed on the ground for engagement with the rollers. A parallel set of supports are also disposed on the ground with each support having a wheel engaging the rails.

Abstract: A system and method is described generally for affecting atmospheric change. The system and method include providing a high altitude conduit or track. The system and method also include providing a first material through the conduit or via a payload delivery system. Further, the system and method include expelling the first material into the atmosphere at high altitude.

Abstract: The Application discloses People & Cargo Transit Systems & Vehicles (PCTSV), using Narrow Vehicles (NV), which can have the form of a Bus, Train, Tram, Maglev, Mono-Rail or even Car or Truck. A preferred version of which is Single Seat Wide or below 70 cm wide, preferably a Bus type to need no Rail, using Dedicated Narrow Lanes adjacent to Curbside of existing intra-city streets or limits of inter-city roads. Said NV and Lane have Anti-Roll Over Means to stabilize such a narrow vehicle, which also eliminate NV Swaying even when NV is a Bus or Car with has no inherent Sway Limiting. Being Ultra Narrow with No Sway and Running at Curbside results in Negligible or No Blocking of other vehicles by NV.Said Lane/Tack, Anti-Sway & Anti-Roll Structures all Allow being Run Over by other Traffic and have structures not to be damaged, thus can be crossed over at Crossroads and other entrances and exits along said Lane.

Abstract: A railway vehicle recovers metallic objects like railroad spikes from a railway bed having a pair of rails. The vehicle includes wheels for riding on each rail and a carriage carrying a crawler for supporting the vehicle on the railway bed when one of the rails is removed. A pneumatic lift raises and lowers the carriage and crawler. A conveyor belt assembly for transporting the metallic objects to a hopper is supported entirely by an overhead support structure. A lateral translator moves the conveyor belt assembly from side to side. Various features are provided which allow a conveyor belt to be removed from one side of the conveyor belt assembly while maintaining continuity of the conveyor belt loop. A distinctive conveyor lift is provided for raising and lowering the conveyor belt assembly. A remote control is provided for controlling various operations of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanically driven track system designed to transport objects of various sizes and people at rapid speeds over distances. There are stations along the track that both receive and insert objects onto the track system that can operate at constant velocity or at variable speeds. This system can fulfill the same or a similar function to our modern day airplanes, cars, trucks, and trains with greater resource efficiency.

Abstract: A track of a road and rail vehicle, comprising: a railway track, and a routing device having a supporting plate and a turnout; wherein the routing device is disposed in front of the railway track and connected to a road; the supporting plate is aligned with the road and capable of moving horizontally and adjusting a direction or an angle of the road and rail vehicle entering the railway track; and the turnout enables the road and rail vehicle to switch between the road and the rail. A road and rail vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A mobile storage unit system includes a vehicle guide arrangement that navigates a forklift or other vehicle along aisles formed between mobile storage units. The vehicle guide arrangement allows an operator to identify the aisle containing a desired loading or unloading point and the guide arrangement defines a path of travel for the vehicle along that aisle to ensure that the vehicle has sufficient room to perform the loading and unloading functions. The mobile storage unit system may also include one or more perceptible indicators, such as lamps, that provide the operator a signal when an aisle is fully open and ready to receive the vehicle. A corresponding signal may also be provided to the vehicle guide arrangement so that the vehicle is not navigated along an aisle until the aisle is fully open. This ensures that the vehicle has the space needed to maneuver during the loading and unloading process.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least a part A and a part B is disclosed. The part A comprises at least one polyol and the part B comprises at least one isocyanate. At least one part further comprises at least one of the following: a strength enhancer having a softening point of from about 120° F. to about 400° F.; a non-reactive hydrophobic enhancer; and/or an impact absorption enhancer. These enhancers provide, among optional other benefits, enhanced pull strength. Additionally, a mass can be prepared by a method of combining part A with part B and applying the mixture to a void. The compositions may also be used in the repair of surface defects or for the reinforcement of structural members such as spike holes left after spike removal from railroad ties during road bed maintenance or repair.

Abstract: An automation system for train maintenance that performs operations related to train maintenance without human intervention is provided. The automation system for train maintenance comprises a refuse reservoir (10), a sewage tank (20), a water tank (30), and expanders (41, 42, 51, 61). In this automation system, when a railway vehicle is parked, the expanders (41, 42, 51, 61) are expanded to lift connectors (45, 54, 64) toward the railway vehicle for connection to the refuse reservoir (10), sewage tank (20), and water tank (30). In this automation system, discharge of refuse, removal of sewage, and feeding of water are automatically performed. Upon completion of these operations, the expanders (41, 42, 51, 61) are contracted so that the connectors (44, 45, 54, 55, 64, 65) are stored in waiting locations (48, 58). Therefore, use of this automation system for train maintenance allows automatic train maintenance without human intervention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus to assist a model railroad hobbyist in cleaning driven or non-driven wheels of a locomotive or car. To achieve this objective, removable and invertable embodiments of the invention are disclosed. The invention provides a convenient means for replacing a conventional track segment with a dedicated cleaning segment. In one series of embodiments, a conventional track segment is replaced with a cleaning segment; in another series, a conventional segment is mounted to a support on an obverse side while a cleaning segment is mounted on a reverse side thereof. Nonlinear rail contacts are used to establish electrical continuity between the track and the mounted segments. Removal, inversion, and replacement of the support permits the user to change the segment in use. In yet another series of embodiments, the support is rotatable, thereby permitting the user to merely rotate the support from one segment to the other.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the occurrence of an actual locked condition in a locomotive system having a locomotive operating in an isolated mode of operation. The locomotive has a plurality of AC traction motors for propelling the locomotive system during normal operations. The AC motors are reconfigurable to operate as AC generators and are connected to a common DC bus. When a potential locked condition in a first motor is detected, the DC bus is energized with an initial voltage using an alternate source of power. The DC bus voltage is regulated with a second motor by reconfiguring the second motor to operate as a generator. The torque produced by the first motor is then measured at a plurality of levels of electromagnetic flux in the first motor. Based on the measured torque, it is determined whether the potential locked condition is an actual locked condition.

Abstract: Facilities for repairing, cleaning, painting, or other maintaining railcars are provided. The facilities include an inbound railway, a plurality of queue areas, a railcar transfer apparatus, and a plurality of repair stations. The facility may be utilized to move a railcar in and out of the facility to repair, clean, or paint the same. Further, railcar repair facility allows for the efficient movement of railcars through the facility by queuing the railcars at strategic locations within the railcar facility.

Abstract: A system for cleaning the wheels of railcars as the railcars move along the rails of a railroad track comprises chairs supporting a track rail holding a frame. A movable brush plate is movably mounted on the frame and carries a brush mechanism mounted for moving with the brush plate toward and away from the rail to clean railcar wheels moving along the rail. A linkage system is operably coupled between said brush plate and said frame for moving the plate and brush mechanism. The linkage system includes two actuator arms pivotally mounted to move in opposite directions to direct the brush plate toward the rail when an actuating mechanism is operated. The brushes of the brush mechanism are coupled together by a solid coupling sleeve for easy and inexpensive maintenance. A motor is coupled to the brushes through a coupler which is uniquely shaped to reduce damage during use.

Abstract: A method for detecting the occurrence of actual locked axle conditions in a vehicle propelled by AC motors includes the steps of detecting a potential locked axle condition, which may be induced due to a faulty speed sensor; setting the frequency of the inverter which controls operation of the AC motor coupled to the potentially locked axle at a predetermined frequency value; varying the level of electromagnetic flux in the motor; measuring torque produced by the motor; and determining based on the measured torque whether or not the potential locked axle condition is an actual locked axle condition.