Abstract: The car under-frame of the invention comprises a planar coupling member 2 projecting from a first car C toward a second car B, a bearing inner ring 3 positioned on the upper side of planar coupling member 2 and secured rigidly thereto, a bearing outer ring 6 disposed on the outer peripheral side of bearing inner ring 3 through balls, a bearing step 5 positioned on the upper side of bearing outer ring 6 and to which the bearing outer ring is rigidly secured, and an articular coupling member 7 projecting from the second car B toward the first car C to grip a mounting arm 5b of bearing step 5. The mounting arm 5b of bearing step 5 is integral with a generally discoid body segment 5a and disposed below the top end face of body segment 5a and extending radially outwardly from either side of body segment 5a. In accordance with the invention there can be provided a under-frame structure which makes it possible to lower the car floor level without interfering with strength and coupler performance.

Abstract: The running stabilizing linkage system of the invention, which is applicable to the joints of a 3-coach articulate car essentially consisting of a front coach, a rear coach and an intermediate coach which is comparatively short, comprises a link holder 2 disposed rotatably about a vertical axis in the center in plan view of the intermediate coach, a pair of connecting rods 4, 4 each connected to the link holder through a bearing 7, with the connecting rods being supported rotatably about vertical axes in positions radially equi-spaced from the center of the link holder, and a pair of link brackets 3, 3 each disposed in the transverse center of the end of the front or near coach which is closer to the intermediate coach, with the other end of each connecting rod being connected rotatably about a vertical axis to the corresponding link bracket 3 through a bearing 8. This linkage prevents jolt of the car, particularly pitching of the intermediate coach.

Abstract: A tapered wear liner and articulated connector using such a tapered wear liner are disclosed. The tapered wear liner supports an annular bearing that supports the male connecting member of the articulated connector. The tapered wear liner has an outer surface that may be shaped as the frustum of a cone or the frustum of a sphere. The female connecting member has a complementary shaped groove to receive the tapered wear liner. The female connecting member has a bottom wall with a substantially uniform thickness from the wear liner to the exterior surface of the female connecting member. A main pin connects the male and female connecting members together and a center pin is integral with the main pin and connected to the railroad car truck. The present invention is useful with railroad car trucks that have concave curved center plate areas.

Abstract: A multiple-unit railway vehicle having three car bodies where the respective neighboring car bodies are each connected in a pivoting manner to one another by means of a single coupling, and each car body sits only on one two-axle truck. In the vicinity of the respective center pivot and possibly also on the trucks, there are actuator elements that are used to influence the articulation angle between the longitudinal axes of the car bodies.

Abstract: An articulated railcar has several well car units for carrying shipping containers, highways trailers, or a combination of the two. The well car units permit the nose of a long highway trailer to overhang the articulated connection between two adjacent cars. A brake valve is located in a relief formed in the main bolster of one of the articulated units, out of the way of the overhanging trailer. Each well car unit has a side beam having a roll formed top chord reinforced by a top chord plate, a downwardly extending web, and a lower sill formed of a thick angle. The service, or auxiliary, and emergency brake reservoirs are mounted in a saddle bag configuration to the outside face of the webs of the opposite side beams of the articulated unit, tucked underneath the reinforced roll formed top chord.

Abstract: A two-axle undercarriage for track-bound transport systems carrying freight and passenger traffic, especially for inseparable train units, is divided into two parts, each part housing a wheel set. The two undercarriage frame halves are connected to each other in an adjustably articulated fashion on the plane of travel and are axially movable relative to each other to a limited extent in the direction of travel. To provide a tensilely-strong connection of two adjacent car bodies of the track-bound transport system, a connecting rod is used that permits adjustment of the undercarriage frame halves. The connecting rod is arranged between the adjacent car bodies so that cardanic movement is permitted between each of the two adjacent car bodies so that cardanic movement is permitted between each of the two adjacent car bodies and the connecting rod.

Abstract: An underground, on-ground or over-ground public transportation train-like vehicle that can move both on steep-slope terrain and horizontal or semi-horizontal terrain along a straight line or almost straight line route when seen from above, while remaining always in the same train configuration, enabling so the passengers to stay all the time in the same vehicle while moving between any two points at the same or different levels of a hilly city using the shortest in distance and time route, independently of weather conditions. A mobile cabin-to-cabin attachment enables the cabins of said train-like vehicle to vertically displace each with respect to the other and to horizontally rotate each with respect to the other, making thus possible for the passengers to remain in always-upright position and for the vehicle to move on a terrain with constantly changing slope, even when this change is abrupt, and not only along an ideally straight line. A 45.degree.

Abstract: A composite articulated connection between a successive first car (8) and a rear car (9) are supported by an intermediate module (10) and comprise a purely pivoting articulated front connection (LAV) pivoting about a first vertical pivot axis between the front car (8) and the intermediate module (10) and a complex rear connection (LAR) formed of a connection pivoting about a second vertical pivot axis, a lower clearance stabilization center (CIAD) and an upper clearance stabilization center (LASD). The first axis (B-B') and the second vertical pivot axis (C-C') are located closely adjacent one another or are combined with the median vertical pivot axis (A-A') of the intermediate module (10). The composite articulated connection is of interest to manufacturers of public urban transportation vehicles.

Abstract: A rail vehicle, has at least two vehicle sections joined pivotably to one another so as to provide an intermediate space dimension to suit relative motions while traveling around curbs as well as over dips and humps, at least one line provided for each of the vehicle sections for electrical current, air or hydraulic fluid, the at least one line having a line segment that compensates a relative motion of the vehicle sections, a sleeve which spans the intermediate space between the vehicle sections, the sleeve enveloping the line and being connected to the line in a shear-resistant manner, the line segment that compensates for the relative motions of the vehicle sections outside the sleeve extending in a horizontal disposition.

Abstract: Coach coupling assembly for coupling together two coaches of a railbound multi-unit set of coaches has a first coupling arm fixed to one of the coaches and a second coupling arm fixed to a second one of the coaches. The first coupling arm has a vertical through-bore that houses the outer race ring of a rolling bearing. The bore in the inner race ring of the bearing receives a depending shaft journal that is fixed to the second coupling arm. An arrangement is provided to damp radial forces acting upon the coupling and to compensate for misalignment between the axes of the through-bore and the shaft journal. In this regard, the through-bore is provided with an elastic lining of resilient material, and the bearing used is an angularly self-aligning rolling bearing that permits a certain degree of misalignment between the through-bore and the shaft journal. The bearing is fitted inside the lining, which is thereby adapted to take up and dampen radial forces acting upon the coupling.

Abstract: The invention is a system for transporting highway vehicles on railway vehicles. It has rail cars positionable relative to one another at an angle of at least about 50 degrees. Each car has a deck for highway vehicles. The system has a railroad terminal with a first track with switch(es) connected to spur(s) so trucks supporting a first set of car ends may be kept on the first track, while a second set of trucks supporting a second set of car ends is placed on the spur(s). The rail cars are thereby placed in a zig-zag configuration. For each of the rail cars, a truck supporting one end remains on the first track while a truck supporting the other end is placed on a spur. A vector parallel to the direction of travel of a truck along the tracks supporting it has a vector component of at least about 0.

Abstract: A novel railcar includes a floor, upstanding side walls which are connected to the floor and a top. A no slack coupler is provided for coupling adjacent railcars together to form an articulated train. The railcar includes a landing gear having a flanged wheel beneath a forward portion thereof and a bi-directional bogie mounted beneath a rearward portion thereof. The landing gear and bogie can be used to support and move the railcar on railroad tracks. Structure is provided for attaching a dolly adaptor to a rear end of the railcar and for connecting a tractor to a front end of the railcar. The railcar can be easily detached from the remainder of the articulated train, moved off of the tracks and transported around a rail yard by the tractor and the dolly adaptor so that the railcar can be loaded at a dock. Thereafter, the railcar can be easily reattached into the train on the track.

Abstract: An improved female connecting member for an articulated connector has a ring seat for a ring within an annular groove for contacting the male member of the connector, which female member has an improved undersurface passage for a probe to provide greater access to the ring-seat undersurface and more mechanical leverage to dislodge a worn ring seat; and, in an alternative embodiment, a structure and tool are provided for removal of a ring-seat from the exposed upper ring-seat surface.

Abstract: An improved end design for at least one predetermined end of a preselected railway type freight car which will enable such freight car to negotiate all of the track curvatures encountered in present day track structures while simultaneously enabling a plurality of such freight cars to be connected together to form a train consist in such a manner that will significantly reduce an overall length of such train consist. Such end design provides at least one predetermined end of such preselected railway type freight car having at least one of a convex shape and a double wedge shape.

Abstract: A two-state directional control linkage (11) for controlling a steering axle, comprising a device for activating and deactivating the linkage (11) to lock the linkage in the operative position of the device and unlock it in the inoperative position thereof such that said device no longer transmits control movements. The linkage is particularly useful in public transport road vehicles.

Abstract: A pivot plate assembly for supporting vehicles over the articulation between pivotably interconnected railway car units, and allowing rolling transport of vehicles from one railway car unit to the next. Platforms are pivotably attached to respective railway car units adjacent their interconnected ends. A vehicle has its front end portion secured to one of the pivotal platforms and its rear end portion secured to the other platform while the platforms are oriented collinearly with respect to one another. The vehicle thereby maintains the pivotal platforms collinear with one another as the railway car units pivot with respect to one another. Accordingly, the pivotal platforms remain substantially stationary with respect to the vehicle supported thereon throughout pivotal movement of the railway car units to stably support the vehicle straddling the articulation between pivotably interconnected railway car units during transport.

Abstract: The articulated gangway forming part of a corridor between two vehicles or vehicle parts hinged together comprises: two or more stepping and gliding members which are hinged to each other; supporting elements between the stepping and gliding members, the stepping and gliding members being located generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the supporting elements and are movable by the supporting elements; and coiled spring elements on the supporting elements and between adjacent stepping and gliding members to return the stepping and gliding members to their original position after the articulated gangway has gone through a cornering maneuver.

Abstract: A device for connecting rail vehicles formed of a plurality of interconnected first and second car parts having a rotary joint with a swiveling crown, includes a rotary-restraint device provided in the joint region between each two car parts. The rotary-restraint device includes two sliding bodies disposed at the periphery of the swiveling crown of the rotary joint. The sliding bodies interact with one another in a frictionally engaged manner and are each fastened to one of the two car parts connected in the rotary joint.

Abstract: A sway stabilization system to inhibit an undesirable sideways sway between a towed vehicle (15) and a lead vehicle (14) comprises a brake assembly (17) having towed vehicle parts and lead vehicle parts operatively connected together in parallel with the draw bar and hitch assembly (16). The towed vehicle parts include a sway transmission member (21) secured to a draw bar (18). The lead vehicle parts include a braking surface carrier member (22), which engages with the draw bar (18), for pivoting movement with the sway transmission member (21) about the axis of the hitch pin, the braking surface carrier member (22) being subject to braking action by clutch plates (33, 34) in response to undesirable sway being detected by a coupling sensor (36).

Abstract: A deformable gangway (14), located between two successive loading platforms (15) and (16) for a road or a railroad chassis, is composed of a succession of transverse slats (25), such as metallic transverse slats, carried adjacent their ends (39) by two longitudinal supporting and guiding elements (26) and (27). The slats (25) are disposed side by side and separated from one another, at least adjacent their ends (39), by inserts (43) made of an elastic material which bear against the longitudinal supporting and guiding elements (26) and (27). The slats (25) become immobilized, when subjected to a load, and form a fixed supporting area (17) while a remainder of the other slats (25) are still able to move on a curve, as a result of relative movement between adjacent end faces (20, 21) and (22, 23) of the platforms (15) and (16) to which the gangway (14) interconnects.

Abstract: A pivot plate assembly for supporting vehicles over the articulation between pivotably interconnected railway car units, and allowing rolling transport of vehicles from one railway car unit to the next. Platforms are pivotably attached to respective railway car units adjacent their interconnected ends. A vehicle has its front end portion secured to one of the pivotal platforms and its rear end portion secured to the other platform while the platforms are oriented collinearly with respect to one another. The vehicle thereby maintains the pivotal platforms collinear with one another as the railway car units pivot with respect to one another. Accordingly, the pivotal platforms remain substantially stationary with respect to the vehicle supported thereon throughout pivotal movement of the railway car units to stably support the vehicle straddling the articulation between pivotably interconnected railway car units during transport.

Abstract: A novel railcar includes a floor, upstanding side walls which are connected to the floor and a top. A no slack coupler is provided for coupling adjacent railcars together to form an articulated train. The railcar includes a landing gear having a flanged wheel beneath a forward portion thereof and a bi-directional bogie mounted beneath a rearward portion thereof. The landing gear and bogie can be used to support and move the railcar on railroad tracks. Structure is provided for attaching a dolly adaptor to a rear end of the railcar and for connecting a tractor to a front end of the railcar. The railcar can be easily detached from the remainder of the articulated train, moved off of the tracks and transported around a rail yard by the tractor and the dolly adaptor so that the railcar can be loaded at a dock. Thereafter, the railcar can be easily reattached into the train on the track.

Abstract: An articulated coupling is effected between two vehicles A and B supported on a common bogey between the vehicles. The coupling includes a toroidal part connected to one of the vehicles A and a support part connected to the other vehicle B. A cylindrical pivot is fixed on a soleplate and engaged in a cylindrical bore. A toroidal coupling element is fixed on the soleplate and provides articulated coupling between the soleplate and the toroidal part. An energy absorption system is disposed between first or second cylindrical outside surfaces of the toroidal part and the facing surface of the support part. A shear system holding the support part secured to a longitudinal translation system which is fixed to a support arm connected to the other vehicle shears to prevent damage to the toroidal coupling element, with excessive force being absorbed by the energy absorption system. The present invention is also directed to a method of absorbing energy between two vehicles.

Abstract: A highwall mining system for mining aggregate material from a seam includes both a mining device for cutting aggregate material from the seam and thereby forming a drive in the seam and a conveying device for conveying mined aggregate material from the drive. The conveying device is formed of a plurality of modular conveyor units having a mechanism for releasably coupling together the conveyor units. A driving device is used for driving the mining device and the conveyor device into the seam to form the drive. A controlling device is employed to control forward movement of the mining device and the conveying device so that the mining device and the conveying device can move together at a predetermined rate of advance into the seam without there being any uncontrolled forward movement of the mining device and/or the conveying device in response to the incline of the seam and/or during the addition of a new conveyor unit to the conveying device.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket coupling for connecting two bodies to one another. The coupling includes a U-shaped welded support frame having a base as well as first and second legs extending from the base. The two legs are spaced from one another and define an open side of the frame opposite the base. The first leg forms a ball-holding pin, while the second leg is adapted to be attached to one of the two bodies. The ball-holding pin traverses and carries a ball of the coupling. A support bracket adapted to be attached to the other of the two bodies carries a socket in which the ball nests. A lid closes off the open side of the frame, and a securing device releasably attaches the lid to the frame.

Abstract: A low noise current collector 20 having excellent controllability and response, and a high speed railway train using such current collectors. The current collector 20 includes an aerodynamically shaped current collector head 22, a driving cylinder 32 to move the current collecting head, a supporting insulator 30, and a cable head 50 supporting a conductor 53 for conducting current from current collecting head 22 to a load. The current collector 20 is controlled by a cylinder 7 for raising and lowering so that the current collector may be contained in a dome 4 when it is in use. A multi-car train has four current collectors, two toward each end, and each current collector has its front side directed toward the center of the train. The two current collectors at the rear of the train are utilized, while the two at the front are contained within their domes 4. Therefore, the train can run in either direction, utilizing the appropriate pair of current collectors.

Abstract: Hinge connection between two vehicles, which are connected to each other in an articulated manner such that the two vehicles can be adjusted in relation to one another around a vertical axis, a transverse axis, and a longitudinal axis. Movements around the vertical axis are made possible within the hinge by one hinge part each being associated with one of the two vehicles and by both hinge parts being adjustable in relation to one another around the vertical axis. Movements around the transverse axis and around the longitudinal axis are made possible by one of the hinge parts being connected to one of the two vehicles adjustably around the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The hinge part that is connected to one of the two vehicles adjustably around the transverse axis and around the longitudinal axis is held rigidly at a rigid strap, which in turn is held at the corresponding vehicle (3) via an elastic element (4).

Abstract: Slackless drawbar includes female member, having a cavity, engaging end of a railway car. Openings through first and second side walls of cavity. A male member has portion movably disposed in cavity. An aperture formed through such male member. A ball has portion disposed in such aperture and shafts extending from outer surfaces thereof. A portion of one shaft disposed in one opening and a portion of another one disposed in another opening. Such shafts have flat surface portions. A race assembly disposed in such aperture and secured to male member. An inner surface of race surrounds such ball. A second female member, having a cavity, engages end of second car. Openings are formed through second pair of side walls. Another male member has portion movably disposed in second cavity. An aperture formed through the second male member. Another ball includes portion disposed in second aperture and shafts extending from outer surfaces thereof.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a hinge connection for connecting vehicle parts 1 and 2 of a multiple-unit rail-borne vehicle in an articulated manner by a rolling bearing 3, which is held on a support 2a projecting beyond the end of one of the vehicle parts 2. The hinge cooperates with a support 1a projecting beyond the end of another vehicle part 1 in an articulated manner, and permits horizontal and vertical deflecting movements of the vehicle parts 1 and 2 in relation to one another. The design of the hinge connection is such that the rolling bearing is relieved of wear-promoting loads and greater horizontal buckling angles between the connected vehicle parts can be obtained. This objective is accomplished by the support 2a of the second vehicle part 2 being fixed, via an elastomer hinge 4, to the inner ring 3a of the rolling bearing 3, which has neither radial nor axial play, at least in the installed state.

Abstract: In the truck (1) the static and dynamic forces are absorbed by the frame (5). In designing the body unit fitted on the frame (5), therefore, only the unit's own weight and the passenger load are significant, thus facilitating the use of extremely lightly-built vehicle bodies. The truck (1) has single-wheel drive units (2), a longitudinal driver (3) interconnecting them, on each long side of a drive (4), the frames (5) bearing the end unit (9) and a drive control (6) for turning the single-wheel drive units (2) horizontally in response to curves. A wheelless central unit (10) is supported on each short side of the truck (1) via a link (8). A push-pull device (7) engages with the short side opposite the link (8). There are no steps, pedestals or shoulders inside the vehicle which is thus freely accessible. In the region of the truck there are recesses in the form of wheel-boxes (9.1) in which certain parts of the truck (1 ) are arranged.

Abstract: A train of articulated vehicles which can be disassembled and assembled readily and to which an articulation mechanism of any conventional structure can be applied universally. A plurality of receiving side vehicle bodies each having one or a pair of receiving side articulating portions and a plurality of received side vehicle bodies each having one or a pair of received side articulating portions are disposed alternately. An articulating truck is disposed at each of the first and last ends of the train and also between each adjacent ones of the receiving and received side vehicle bodies. At the position of each articulating truck, a received side articulating portion of the received side vehicle body is received on a receiving side articulating portion of the receiving side vehicle body which is in turn mounted on the articulating truck.

Abstract: This invention provides a locking wedge assembly capable of exerting a predetermined pressure in at least one direction. Such assembly removably secures a male connection member to a female connection member of an articulated coupling arrangement. Such articulated coupling arrangement used to secure one end of a first railway car to an adjacent end of said railway car in a semi-permanent fashion. The assembly includes a wedge-shaped member having a surface engageable with a surface located in an opening in a side wall portion of a cavity at an outer end of the female member and another surface engageable with a surface on a shaft member of a spherical bearing carried by such male member. An aperture is formed through such wedge-shaped member along a longitudinal axis thereof. A bolt member is disposed through this aperture and an aperture formed through a bottom wall on the outer end of such female member adjacent the side wall opening.

Abstract: A vehicle 10 which inspects pipes 12 using flux-leakage has a flux generating electromagnet 14 and foils 18, 20 to transfer the flux to the pipewall 12. Sensors 22 detect flux forced to leak from the pipe by defects. The vehicle is required to pass 1-D bends as shown and has a swivel 40 having a load bar 48 on which there is a link 46 of a towing chain 26. On straight pipe the link 46 occupies a first position nearer to the axis 44. In a bend the swivel turns so that the link 46 can slide along the load bar 48 to a second position further from the axis 44. This reduces the angle which the chain 26 makes with the axis 44 and jamming of the vehicle 10 in the bend is avoided.

Abstract: A bearing assembly having a removable shaft member. The shaft member has a center portion is designed such that rotation of the ball portion of the bearing assembly on the center portion is prevented. A first end portion extends outwardly from one end of the center portion and has a diameter substantially equal to an arcuate portion formed in a first side wall portion of a cavity located at one end of the female connection member. A flat face portion engageable by a wedge member is provided on the first end portion. A locking device is engageable with the first end portion to secure the ball portion against lateral movement in a first direction. A second end portion extends outwardly from the other end of the center portion and has a diameter also substantially equal to a diameter of an arcuate portion in a second side wall portion of the cavity. A flat face is formed on the second end portion which is engageable by another wedge member, thereby securing the male member to the female connection member.

Abstract: Elastomeric rubber bearing for being connected between two bodies. The bearing employs an element having a series of resilient elements connected together by a series of interposed rigid elements. The thickness of the resilient elements and the width of the cross-section of the resilient and rigid elements vary in relation to the position of the elements.

Abstract: A drop-frame urban rapid transit car includes passenger cells and travelling mechanism parts having a running gear, which are connected to one another at end surfaces by joint parts. The travelling mechanism parts disposed at ends of the car receive an engineer's cab. The object of the invention was to develop the drop-frame urban rapid transit car in a way which ensured the best possible utilization of the enveloping space and the best possible utilization of the available base area, a concept which makes it possible to construct a vehicle meeting the requirements of a modern urban rapid transit car, and at the same time with the most advantageous utilization of the necessary production devices, a minimum of different structural parts and a simple assembly.

Abstract: A male connection member utilized in an articulated coupling arrangement is provided by this invention. Such male connection member includes a first end portion engageable with and connectable to one end of a railway car to be connected in a semi-permanent manner. This male connection member has a second end portion formed integrally with such first end portion and disposed axially opposite thereof. The second end portion includes an outer end surface configured such that it will ensure that no contact will be made between such outer end surface and any other component of such articulated coupling arrangement. An aperture is formed through such second end portion to receive a bearing assembly therein. Such aperture has a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis of such male connection member and is in a substantially horizontal plane. A portion of such second end is adapted to enable securing such bearing assembly within such aperture formed in such male connection member.

Abstract: A linkage for articulated vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, the linkage serving to provide connection between an intercommunication tunnel supported by a bogie and the ends of adjacent cars supported by the intercommunication tunnel, the cars and the intercommunication tunnel being coupled together near the bottoms thereof, the linkage being characterized in that the end of each car (2, 3) is connected to the tunnel (1) near the top thereof by means of a connection rod (10, 11), with the connection rods being interconnected by link elements, the assembly constituted by the connection rods and the link elements constituting a deformable parallelogram.

Abstract: A system for the laying of panel track that includes a plurality of panel tracks, a railroad car containing the panel tracks, and a panel track lifter positioned in the railroad car for lifting the panel tracks from the railroad car and for placing the panel tracks exterior of the railroad car. Each of the panel tracks includes a first rail, a second rail, a plurality of ties extending between and beneath each of the rails, and a plurality of gage rods affixed at various locations along the rails. A tension bar extends angularly between the first and second rails so as to create a curvature in the rails. The railroad car includes a material container having a generally flat floor extending between a pair of side walls. The material container has trucks suitable for rolling along a panel track. The material container is made up of a plurality of railroad cars having a flat floor extending throughout the plurality of railroad cars.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing assembly for use in an articulated coupling apparatus which connects one end of one railway car to an adjacent end of a second railway car in a semipermanent manner. Such coupling apparatus includes a male connection member, a female connection member, and a device for securing such bearing assembly to the coupling apparatus.

Abstract: This invention provides a female connection member of an articulated coupling arrangement. Such female connection member includes a center sill engaging portion disposed adjacent a first end of such female connection member and a male connection member receiving portion disposed adjacent a readily disposed second end of such female connection member. A cavity having an open top portion and an open front portion is formed in such male connection member receiving portion. Such cavity is formed by a bottom wall portion, a pair of readily opposed side wall portions which extend upwardly from such bottom wall portion and a back wall portion also extending upwardly from the bottom wall portion and between such pair of side wall portions. A radially opposed opening is formed through each of such pair of side wall portions which opening includes an arcuate portion and a generally rectangular portion.

Abstract: A train of railroad cars having an articulated connection between adjacent railway cars which share a common truck. The articulated connection employs a connecting element having a series of truncated conical resilient elements connected together by a series of interposed truncated conical rigid elements. The thickness of the resilient elements and the width of the cross-section of the resilient and rigid elements vary in relation to the position of the elements.

Abstract: A suspended personnel carrier includes an elevated cylindrical track from which a carrier is suspended for translation by a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly includes orthogonal rollers which ride along the cylindrical track. The carrier is propelled along the track through a fan drive system including a propeller and a motor. The frame of the carrier is divided into front and rear portions connected by a hinge. A crossed parallelogram linkage suspension connects the front and rear portions, such that turning of the front portion by manual manipulation of a handlebar assembly effects a mirror image movement of the rear portion. The drive motor and propeller are coupled to the frame of a carrier by a slip rail assembly, and to the bearing assembly by a shock absorbing telescoping linkage, such that drive force is first transmitted to the bearing assembly, rather than the frame.

Abstract: A conveying unit for a suspension conveying system having an elevated rail which unit includes two roller supports for rolling on a rail and a supporting element connected to the roller supports, on which the object to be conveyed are to be disposed. A coupling is provided in order to be able to couple the conveying unit to other conveying unit. In order to be able to better adapt the conveying unit to special operating conditions the coupling is arranged directly on the roller support.

Abstract: The present invention provides an articulated coupling apparatus which connects one end of one railway car to an adjacent end of a second railway car in a semipermanent manner. Such coupling apparatus includes a male connection member, a female connection member, a bearing assembly, and a device for securing such bearing assembly to the coupling apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strengthening mechanism for a female connection member used in a articulated coupling arrangement. Such female connection members include a first end portion configured for connection to one end of a railway car center sill member and a second end portion formed integrally with such first end portion. A cavity is formed in such second end portion and is defined by a bottom wall portion, a rear wall portion and a pair of side wall portions. Such cavity being open adjacent the front and top surface thereof. An opening is formed through a portion of each of such side wall portions. Each such opening includes a slot-like portion and a generally arcuate portion spaced below such slot-like portion.

Abstract: A railway car comprising a longitudinal center sill and floor members carried at opposite sides of the sill, and first locking devices mounted on a cross-bearer connected to the center sill and a second set of locking devices mounted on a second cross-bearer and a third set of locking devices movable through the deck and foldable thereunder, the second set of devices pivotal longitudinally of the car between retracted and operative positions, and the third set of the locking devices pivotal transversely of the car.

Abstract: A chassis for an articulated vehicle comprises a pair of chassis portions pivotally connected to a central longitudinal beam. The beam is supported by inboard wheelsets and the chassis portions are supported by outboard wheelsets. Each portion is hinged intermediate its ends to permit elevation of one end relative the other. A body is supported on the wheelsets.

Abstract: An assembly mechanism is provided for removably securing a bearing assembly carried by a male connection member to a female connection member of an articulated coupling system. Such assembly mechanism includes at least one vertically disposed lug member secured to an outer surface of a vertically disposed side wall of a cavity formed in one end of such female connection member adjacent an opening formed in such side wall portion. There is at least one horizontally disposed lug member secured to such outer surface adjacent another portion of such opening in such side wall portion. A locking member is engageable with each of such vertical lug member and such horizontal lug member and a portion of a shaft-like member extending outwardly from such bearing assembly. The locking member removably secures such shaft-like member against rotation in such opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides an articulated coupling apparatus which connects one end of one railway car to an adjacent end of a second railway car in a semipermanent manner. Such coupling apparatus includes a male connection member, a female connection member, a bearing assembly, and a device for securing such bearing assembly to the coupling apparatus.