Abstract: The aircraft capable of takeoff/landing via the fuselage thereof and the takeoff/landing system of the aircraft according to the present invention are configured such that multiple takeoff/landing rollers are arranged in a sliding direction such that the aircraft fuselage having a landing surface formed at the bottom thereof can safely land and slide in a sliding direction, thus enabling the aircraft fuselage to contact a running surface and takeoff/land without separate landing gear. Thus, not only can the weight of the aircraft be reduced, but the fuel consumption of the aircraft can be reduced as well, the useful space in the aircraft can be broadened, the length of the runway can be shortened due to the frictional force generated by the takeoff/landing device, and the safety during the takeoff/landing of the aircraft can be improved.

Abstract: A valve assembly is dimensioned for interconnection between a pressurized gas supply system and a pressurized gas braking system of a rail vehicle. The valve assembly can include a valve housing and a valve body. The valve housing can include a housing wall that at least partially defines a housing chamber and includes a plurality of communication ports in fluid communication with the housing chamber. The valve body is supported within the housing chamber for sliding movement relative to the housing wall. The valve body can be displaced between a plurality of positions in which different ones of the communication ports are in fluid communication with one another. A pressurized gas system and a rail vehicle are also included.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an open top railcar, the assembly having semi-rigid cover reversibly movable between a closed position atop the railcar and an open position alongside the railcar or separate from it. The cover may be connected to the railcar with hinge-latches or linkage arms which permit the cover to be held flat alongside the railcar in an open position, or removed from the railcar during loading and unloading. A load grooming device shapes the load of a loaded railcar to a selected contour. Opening and closing of covers may be continuous and automated, using curved tracks, cranes or mechanical arms to engage and open covers, and conveying devices or vehicles to handle covers during loading and unloading of railcars.

Abstract: An apparatus for fighting fires comprises a rail carriage, a base mounted upon the rail carriage and an enclosure mounted upon the base. The enclosure includes a top wall having an aperture defined therein. At least one vertically extendible lift is mounted within the enclosure and carries a liquid discharging device. A pressurizer and connecting conduits deliver liquid from a liquid source to the liquid discharging device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for generating electrical energy and/or charging a system electrical energy storage device in a vehicle, such as a locomotive. The vehicle includes at least one airflow device coupled to an electric machine. In one example, the method includes, generating electrical energy at the electric machine, said machine being driven by an ambient air flow interacting with the airflow device; and delivering at least some of the harnessed energy to an electrical component of the locomotive. The harnessed energy may be delivered to an electrical load, or delivered to the system electrical energy storage device to charge the device, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for hybrid personal transit and components thereof is disclosed. The hybrid personal transit (“HPT”) system can be a system of combined highway and monorail transportation methods, which allows roadworthy HPT vehicles to transition onto, and run on, a system of monorails. The rails can be built on the ground, on poles, or in tunnels. A unique drive system will allow each HPT vehicle to alter drive output from the HPT vehicle's tires to a rail drive system.

Abstract: A carriage including a floor comprising at least one low platform and two high floor levels, the low platform having a floor height lower than that of the high floor levels and being arranged opposite a door, the low platform being movable in translation is provided. The low platform is connected to said high floor levels by ramps.

Abstract: A freight railroad car equipped with a plurality of spaced apart reflector apparatus which can be easily and readily installed on the freight railroad car in shorter time periods than the previously known adhesive backed reflective tape. One embodiment of the freight railroad car reflector apparatus includes a mounting member, a reflector material attached to the mounting member and a plurality of fasteners or attachment mechanisms used to attach the mounting member to the freight railroad car.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring a distance within a railroad system. The railroad system includes a rail vehicle having a plurality of pairs of wheels, where the plurality of pairs of wheels are in respective contact with a pair of rails. The system further includes a transducer positioned on an outer surface location of the rail vehicle. The transducer is configured to emit a signal to an object located the distance away from the transducer. The transducer is configured to receive the signal having reflected from the object along the distance to the transducer. The system further includes a controller coupled to the transducer to receive transmission and reception data of the signal to determine the distance. A method is also provided for measuring a distance within a railroad system, as well as a kit for converting a rail vehicle from a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: A brake handle for a train or other vehicle has a grip that may be grasped by a human operator, a shaft that is fastened to the grip, a hub that is fastened to the shaft and is rotated by the shaft, a mounting block that is supported by the hub for rotating movement, and a switch. The switch has a switch operator (such as a board provided with metal traces) supported by the hub and a switch contact supported by the mounting block.

Abstract: A transportation subassembly is provided for transporting a material that is destabilized in the presence of a destabilizing contaminant. The subassembly has a structural body having a cavity constructed and arranged to receive the material to be stored, a breather assembly operatively connected to the structural body and including a container forming a chamber, the chamber being in fluidic communication with the cavity and being constructed and arranged to receive an contaminant-removing material selected to remove the destabilizing contaminant, and a venting assembly mounted with respect to the structural body. The venting assembly includes a rupture apparatus rupturable at a predetermined pressure formed within the cavity to form fluidic communication between the cavity and the atmosphere. A method for transporting a material in a transportation subassembly is also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic distance measuring system for monitoring railroad car loads. The system includes an ultrasonic transducer, a pulse generation and detection circuit and a measurement circuit. The transducer produces a transmitted ultrasonic pulse beam to be directed at a load in a railroad car and receives a return pulse beam from the load. The pulse generation and detection circuit is coupled to the transducer and causes the transducer to produce the transmitted pulse beam. A return pulse beam is detected by the pulse generation and detection circuit. The measurement circuit is coupled to the pulse generation and detection circuit and generates a measurement signal representative of the load as a function of the time delay between the transmitted and return pulse beams.