Rail-engaging Patents (Class 188/165)
  • Patent number: 11919491
    Abstract: A method for operating a brake system of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The brake system comprises a drive arrangement for applying and/or boosting a brake force, wherein the drive arrangement has an electric drive. The method comprises the step: short-circuiting the electric drive as soon as the electric drive has been disconnected from a supply source and/or a voltage drop and/or current drop has taken place. A computer program, control circuit and a control unit or system having multiple control units is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich Plewnia
  • Patent number: 11820406
    Abstract: A magnetic traction assembly is disclosed for a railcar mover that provides additional downforce to improve traction for a railcar mover when required. The magnetic traction assembly may comprise a frame, an actuator, and a magnetic element positioned underneath a railcar mover. The magnetic element may be lowered to a deployed position, where the magnetic element is positioned near the railroad rails such that the magnetic field from the magnetic element interacts with the railroad rail creating an attraction force that provides additional downforce to the railcar mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Trackmobile LLC
    Inventors: Robert Evans, Jeffrey Looney, Kevin Grover, Calvin Wagner, Marco Mattioli
  • Patent number: 11312401
    Abstract: An electromagnetic rail brake device of a rail vehicle having at least one brake magnet which has a magnet coil body and at least one magnetic core, and wherein the magnet coil body carries at least one magnet coil winding, and having an electric connector device, by way of which the at least one magnet coil winding is supplied with current, wherein the electric connector device has at least one pin-shaped electric connector body which is connected via a releasable electric connection to at least one current-conducting electric cable which is guided from the outside to the at least one pin-shaped connector body in relation to the brake magnet. The at least one pin-shaped electric connector body may be arranged on a free and outer surface of the magnet coil body or an element which is connected to the magnet coil body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Kassan, Hermann Koidl
  • Patent number: 10464427
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a propulsion system includes roaming vehicles including a reaction plate installed on a bottom of each of the roaming vehicles, a surface stator matrix installed with a running surface for the roaming vehicles and including single sided linear induction motors (SSLIMs). Each of the SSLIMs include two windings installed orthogonally to one another. The propulsion system also includes motor drives configured to electrically couple to the SSLIMs via a switching panel, and a control system configured to receive information related to the roaming vehicles, receive a desired motion profile for the roaming vehicles across the surface stator matrix, determine which of the SSLIMs to activate and a performance of the SSLIMs based on the desired motion profile, the information, or some combination thereof, and send control signals to the motor drives to control the SSLIMs to produce the motion profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Eric Vance
  • Patent number: 9956970
    Abstract: A brake control device for a brake system, wherein the brake system has at least one electromagnetic track brake device, which can be supplied with current at variable amperage according to the brake control device to create a braking force, and wherein the brake control device is designed to actuate the at least one electromagnetic track brake device at a cleaning amperage during travel in order to clean a rail. Also disclosed is a brake system having such a brake control device, a rail vehicle, and a method for cleaning a rail by means of an electromagnetic track brake device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventor: Marc-Gregory Elstorpff
  • Patent number: 9341007
    Abstract: The main features of the structure improvement of attraction plate of electromagnetic doorlock, comprises a positioning assembly positioned on a mounted body at the position close to both ends of the attraction plate, an attraction surface having a recessed portion below the horizontal plane of 0.06 mm to 0.26 mm at a central region thereof, and the recessed portion extending towards both ends to form an arc surface, so that a concave-arc surface is formed with both ends lower than the central region. The present invention uses the concave arc design of the attraction surface to maintain the normal current of the electric magnet while the attraction plate is pulled by the curved internal stress structure for saving energy and enhancing the security access control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Yi-Fan Liao
  • Patent number: 9277900
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus having an improved structure to reduce noise generated when a position of an X-ray generator is fixed in position includes an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector, a moving carriage coupled with one end of the X-ray generator, a guide rail, and a holding unit disposed at an inner side of the moving carriage to hold the position of the X-ray generator, wherein the holding unit includes a contact pad to contact the guide rail to hold the moving carriage, a magnetic body to move the contact pad using magnetic force, and a holding plate coupled to the contact pad to move according to operation of the magnetic body and including a buffer material capable of absorbing noise or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dae Soo Kim, Hyung Won Yoon, Jae Won Nam, Young Jun Lee
  • Publication number: 20150122600
    Abstract: A magnetic rail brake device includes a magnetic main part and pole shoes with friction surfaces. The friction surfaces of the pole shoes are made of the material of the main part in first regions and of a different material in second regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRANKTER HAFTUNG
    Inventors: Henry Lehmann, Richard Rathammer, Stephen Bradley, Csaba Nemeth
  • Publication number: 20140246282
    Abstract: A brake control device for a brake system of a rail vehicle, wherein the brake control device is designed to control at least one electromagnetic track brake device of the brake system on the basis of rail condition data. Also disclosed is a corresponding brake system, a rail vehicle, and a corresponding method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FÜR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GmbH
    Inventors: Marc-Gregory Elstorpff, Henry Lehmann, Richard Rathammer
  • Publication number: 20140246277
    Abstract: A device for supplying at least one electrical excitation coil with at least one electrical current pulse in order to alternatively permanent-magnetize or demagnetize at least one magnet segment containing hard magnetic material of a brake magnet of a track brake of a rail vehicle. The device has at least one long-term energy store and at least one magnetization circuit with a voltage transformer and having a switching device connected in an electrically conductive manner to the high-current energy store at one end and to the excitation coil at the other end, by means of which switching device current pulses to the excitation coil that are based on the electrical energy stored in the high-current energy store and that can be alternatively varied regarding the current flow direction can be switched according to the control signals controlled by a control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE GESELLSCHAFT MT BESCHRÄNKTER HAFTUNG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Widl, Peter Schlager, Henry Lehmann, Janusz Mozdzen
  • Patent number: 8281723
    Abstract: A vehicle for a rail-borne transportation system includes an eddy current brake that contains a large number of magnetic poles and a mechanism for activating the magnetic poles for braking. The magnetic poles are formed by movably supported permanent magnets, and the activation mechanism switches the permanent magnets from an inactive position into an active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Transrapid GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Loeser, Qinghua Zheng
  • Patent number: 8281906
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a braking apparatus, in particular for slowing down a carriage, with a brake pad, which is formed using a magnetic material, at least one first spring to press the brake pad onto a surface for the purposes of braking and an electromagnet. The brake pad, the at least one first spring and the electromagnet are disposed and embodied in such a manner that when current flows through the electromagnet a force acts on the brake pad by way of the magnetic material, compensating for the action of the at least one first spring on the brake pad in such a manner that the brake pad assumes a position, in which braking cannot take place due to the pressure of the brake pad. The braking apparatus allows braking independently of the material characteristics of the environment in which the braking apparatus is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Hesl
  • Patent number: 8033365
    Abstract: A magnetic rail brake device includes a brake magnet with a solenoid former supporting a solenoid. A horseshoe-shaped magnet core is disposed adjacent to the solenoid former. The horseshoe-shaped magnet core includes a yoke having cheeks that project away from the yoke. Pole shoes are formed at ends of the cheeks. The solenoid includes an upper part, with an upper height and an upper width, and a lower part, with a lower height and a lower width. The solenoid is disposed between the cheeks and engages vertically around the yoke. The upper height is less than the lower height, and the upper width is greater than the lower width. The upper and lower heights are measured parallel to a vertical center axis of the brake magnet, and the upper and lower widths are measured transversely with respect to the vertical center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Kassan, Henry Lehmann
  • Patent number: 8025131
    Abstract: A trolley magnetic braking system having a brake block assembly engagable by a trolley, a substantially stationary conductor that is pitch adjustable and a carrier having magnetic members that are driven along the conductive member for braking a trolley. Providing a pitch adjustable conductor allows for modification of how much of the conductor interfaces with the magnets and therein varying the amount of eddy current applied in the braking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Boren
  • Patent number: 7984796
    Abstract: A motion retarding system includes a linear array of permanent magnets for providing a magnetic flux along with a diamagnetic member for engaging the magnetic flux and producing eddy currents in the diamagnetic member which results in the braking force between the linear array of permanent magnets and the diamagnetic member. A mechanism is provided for causing reciprocating movement of the diamagnetic member within the magnetic flux and coupling apparatus disposed in an operative relationship with the mechanism is provided for engaging a vehicle moving with respect to the mechanism, in order to reciprocate the diamagnetic member within the magnetic field and retard the motion of the vehicle past the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Magnetar Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Edward M. Pribonic
  • Patent number: 7866449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic rail brake device of a railway vehicle, including a magnetic base or carrier element, and a magnetic coil which can be connected to a voltage source by means of a connecting mechanism that is on the base or carrier element and is provided with at least two electrical terminals. An end face of the connecting mechanism is disposed within an imaginary enveloping area of the base or carrier element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Henry Lehmann, Herrmann Koidl, Lothar Schmied, Richard Rathhammer, Stefan Haas
  • Patent number: 7806242
    Abstract: A magnetic rail brake device of a rail vehicle comprises at least one braking magnet including a magnet coil body having a plurality of magnetic elements held thereon, and which magnetic elements are movable. The device also comprises at least one fixing strip running parallel to a longitudinal length of the magnetic coil body and directly connected to the magnetic coil body to fix the braking magnet to other components of the magnetic rail brake device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Henry Lehmann, Hermann Koidl, Lothar Schmied, Richard Rathammer, Stefan Haas
  • Publication number: 20100116602
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic rail brake device of a railway vehicle, including a magnetic base or carrier element, and a magnetic coil which can be connected to a voltage source by means of a connecting mechanism that is on the base or carrier element and is provided with at least two electrical terminals. An end face of the connecting mechanism is disposed within an imaginary enveloping area of the base or carrier element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Henry Lehmann, Herrmann Koidl, Lothar Schmied, Richard Rathhammer, Stefan Haas
  • Publication number: 20080257662
    Abstract: A magnetic levitation railway having an eddy-current brake (20) is described which cooperates with a reaction rail (8) of the driveway (2). In accordance with the invention the eddy-current brake (20) has at least one brake magnet (21) which is movably mounted to the vehicle (1) and transversely to the reaction rail (8) and which is made to abut the reaction rail (8) if a normal force e.g. fixed by means of springs (27) is exceeded (FIG. 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Siegbert Kunz
  • Publication number: 20080087510
    Abstract: A motion retarding system includes a linear array of permanent magnets for providing a magnetic flux along with a diamagnetic member for engaging the magnetic flux and producing eddy currents in the diamagnetic member which results in the braking force between the linear array of permanent magnets and the diamagnetic member. A mechanism is provided for causing reciprocating movement of the diamagnetic member within the magnetic flux and coupling apparatus disposed in an operative relationship with the mechanism is provided for engaging a vehicle moving with respect to the mechanism, in order to reciprocate the diamagnetic member within the magnetic field and retard the motion of the vehicle past the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Edward M. Pribonic
  • Patent number: 6953107
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a magnet track braking device comprising a magnetic base and/or support body and a pole shoe section containing a magnetic flow guiding area and a magnetic flow separating area. The disclosure is characterized in that the magnetic base and/or support body is made from materials having different magnetic characteristics, so that an increase in induction in the gap between the magnet track brake and the rail head is reduced when erosion occurs in the pole shoe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Henry Lehmann, Hermann Koidl
  • Patent number: 6918469
    Abstract: Eddy current braking apparatus includes an array of spaced apart permanent magnets and a plurality of flux steering magnets may be disposed in gaps between the spaced apart permanent magnets. The flux steering magnets are orientated in a manner to provide a steering flux polarity that is rotated about 90 with respect to a polarity magnet flux of the spaced apart permanent magnets in order to increase the flux density in the air gap which results in better performance of the brake. Alternatively, cubic magnets may be used with each magnet being arranged to provide a change in flux polarity between adjoining magnets. An electrically conductive member is provided for engaging the magnetic flux provided by the array of permanent magnets and the magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet and the conductive member to produce eddy currents in the conductive member and resulting in a braking force between the magnets and the conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Magnetar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Pribonic, Marc T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6769517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension for a rail brake on a bogie of a rail vehicle. A passive lifting device is provided which acts upon the rail brake according to the activation state thereof in such a way that said brake can be displaced between a lowered braking position and a lifted release position. In the release position, damping elements act between stoppers of the rail brake and the carriers of the bogie in such a way that transverse forces are reliably damped by virture of vibration or impact loads for instance. In the braking position, the lateral play required in said position is provided. The spring characteristics of the damping elements are configured in such a way that the two requirements can be met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Schmied, Matthias Kastner
  • Publication number: 20040112691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnet track braking device (1) comprising a magnetic base and/or support body and a pole shoe section containing a magnetic flow guiding area and a magnetic flow separating area. The invention is characterised in that the magnetic base and or support body is made from materials having different magnetic characteristics, so that an increase in induction in the gap between the magnet track brake and the rail head (3) is prevented when erosion occurs in the pole shoe section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Lehmann, Hermann Koidl
  • Patent number: 6659237
    Abstract: An eddy current brake includes a diamagnetic member, a first support wall and a second support wall with the first and second linear arrays of permanent magnets disposed on the walls facing one another. Apparatus is provided for moving at least one of the walls in order to control eddy current induced in the member in the passage of the member therepast to adjust the braking force between the magnets and the member. Apparatus is also provided for causing the velocity of the member to change the braking force between the magnets and the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Magnetar Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Edward M. Pribonic
  • Patent number: 6648108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sintered material as friction material for a pole shoe, a pole shoe area or at least an area of the pole shoe friction surface of a magnetic track brake (300), more particularly an eddy current brake and/or magnetic track brake with a magnetic basic and/or carrier member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignees: AlliedSignal Bremsbelag GmbH, Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Friedemann Grupp, Uwe Kröger, Eckart Saumweber, Wolfgang Schröer, Wolfgang Valentin
  • Patent number: 6533083
    Abstract: Eddy current braking Apparatus is provided which includes a single array of permanent magnet for providing a magnet flux. A electrically conducted member for exclusively engaging the magnetic flux provided by the single array of permanent magnet. The magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet array and the conductive member to produce any currents in the conductive member resulting in the braking force between magnets and the conductive member. The configuration of the magnets and the conductive member enable the braking system to be installed over curvilinear paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Magnetar Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Edward M. Pribonic, Marc T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6523650
    Abstract: Eddy current braking apparatus includes an array of spaced apart permanent magnets and a plurality of flux steering magnets may be disposed in gaps between the spaced apart permanent magnets. The flux steering magnets are orientated in a manner to provide a steering flux polarity that is rotated about 90 with respect to a polarity magnet flux of the spaced apart permanent magnets in order to increase the flux density in the air gap which results in better performance of the brake. Alternatively, cubic magnets may be used with each magnet being arranged to provide a change in flux polarity between adjoining magnets. An electrically conductive member is provided for engaging the magnetic flux provided by the array of permanent magnets and the magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet and the conductive member to produce eddy currents in the conductive member and resulting in a braking force between the magnets and the conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Magnetar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Pribonic, Marc T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6412611
    Abstract: An eddy current brake system with dual use conductive fin includes a linear array of spaced apart permanent magnets and a non-magnetic electrically conductive fin. The magnets are mounted with respect to the fin for enabling passage past one another at a distance sufficient to cause eddy currents to be induced resulting in a braking force between the magnets and the fin. A mechanical brake is provided for frictionally engaging the fin and a surface treatment of the fin and enables the fin to sustain mechanical abuse of friction without effecting a change in the eddy current braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Magnetar Technologies, LTD
    Inventor: Edward M. Pribonic
  • Patent number: 6364072
    Abstract: A sintered material is used as a friction material for a pole shoe area of a magnetic track brake, having at least one of a magnetic basic member and a carrier member. The sintered material contains at least one of a proportion of pulverized wear inhibitor and a proportion of powder forming a protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignees: AlliedSignal Bremsbelag GmbH, Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Friedemann Grupp, Uwe Kröger, Eckart Saumweber, Wolfgang Schröer, Wolfgang Valentin
  • Patent number: 6293376
    Abstract: Eddy current braking apparatus includes a linear array of spaced apart permanent magnets arranged for defining a slot therebetween. A diamagnetic or non-magnetic fin is disposed and sized for movement through the slot. A pivotal linkage enables the magnets to move with respect to the fin from a spaced apart first position to a second position in which the fin passes through the slot. A control mechanism selectively moves the magnets between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Magnetar Technologies LTD
    Inventor: Edward M. Pribonic
  • Patent number: 6227334
    Abstract: In a method for checking and adjusting an elevator governor which includes an emergency stop switch 20a) for tuning off the power supply of an elevator hoist to brake it; first and second fixed conductive guide rails (18) extending vertically the entire length of an elevator hoistway; an emergency brake (31) attached to an elevator car assembly containing an elevator car and a balance weight balancing therewith, for grabbing the first fixed conductive guide rail (18) to brake the elevator car assembly by friction; a magnet assembly (16) mounted on the elevator car such that it is displaced by an eddy current induced based on the relative speed between the second fixed conductive guide rail and the magnet assembly disposed opposite thereto; and an emergency stop mechanism for actuating the emergency brake (31) upon detecting that the displacement of the magnet assembly (16) has reached displacement corresponding to a critical speed critical; a pseudo speed generator, which generates speed by straight-line moti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yumura, Mineo Okada
  • Patent number: 6131704
    Abstract: Rail brake (1) for an elevator, comprising a brake body attached to the elevator car, a clamp part comprising jaws (3,4) that engage a guide rail (2) via braking surfaces during braking. A spring (10) generates a load on the clamp part to press the braking surfaces against the guide rail, and a magnet whose force produces an effect reverse to that of the spring releases the braking surfaces from the guide rail. The clamp part is floatably suspended relative to the brake body. The motion of the clamp part relative to the brake body is controlled by the guide rail (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Kone Oy
    Inventors: Tarvo Viita-Aho, Esko Aulanko
  • Patent number: 6041897
    Abstract: A magnetic brake, particularly a linear eddy-current brake for rail vehicles, having a magnet yoke which extends substantially along the whole eddy-current brake, has a concave shape with respect to a plane rail in its installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse System Fur Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Eckart Saumweber, Heinrich Grautstuck, Uwe Kroger
  • Patent number: 5979610
    Abstract: A rail brake device (1) having permanent magnetic energization, comprising a housing (3) of magnetizable material, which housing is mounted for up and down movement and has at least one permanent magnetic element (5) which in an operating position of the rail brake device is magnetically coupled to a rail (2), wherein the magnetic element is fixedly mounted along a first wall of a cavity in the housing; a switching element (16) of magnetizable material, slidable back and forth, is located next to the magnetic element, and a second wall of the cavity comprises two parts separated by a magnetic barrier (11), wherein, in the rest position, the switching element forms a magnetic connection between the magnetic element and a part of the second wall (19) of the cavity which is in direct connection with a side of the magnetic element facing away from the switching element, while in the operating position, the switching clement forms a magnetic connection between the permanent magnetic element and another part of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sab Wabco B.V.
    Inventor: Jelle Hooghiem
  • Patent number: 5862891
    Abstract: A magnetic rail brake, particularly an eddy current brake for rail vehicles, has at least one exciter coil which comprises a coil around a pole core as well as a device for holding the coil and/or for the protection against outside environmental influences. The pole core and/or protection device are composed of individual components which are at least largely electrically insulated with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fur Scheinenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Kroger, Heinrich Grautstuck, Wolfgang Wirth
  • Patent number: 5647458
    Abstract: A magnetic rail brake device comprising at least two wear pieces manufactured from ferromagnetic material, magnetically insulated from each other by a filling piece and connected to a magnet which, in operation, are capable of providing a magnetic field extending through the wear pieces. In operation, the wear pieces are contacted with a rail so as to enable the magnetic field to close through the rail, and at least at the location of the parts to be contacted with the rail, the wear pieces comprise wear strips manufactured from nodular cast iron, and at least on the side facing the rail, the filling piece is formed from austenitic cast iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Transferia Systems B.V.
    Inventors: Bart van der Sloot, Hendrikus Johannes van Oostueen
  • Patent number: 5628385
    Abstract: An elevator overspeed protection apparatus includes a brake apparatus which makes use of eddy currents. The brake apparatus includes a magnetic spring placed on a car in the proximity of a pickup of the elevator overspeed protection apparatus such that, when an arm of the brake apparatus is in a horizontal condition, a displacement of the pickup is prevented with a strong attracting force by the magnetic spring, but when the arm is inclined obliquely, the attracting force of the magnetic spring is prevented from acting upon the pickup. Due to the construction, the brake apparatus operates stably and with certainty and has an increased life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yumura, Kazumasa Ito
  • Patent number: 5467850
    Abstract: A safety brake (14) for an elevator (or other) car has a plurality of permanent magnets (21, 23) arranged along the car guide rail (13) with alternate magnets disposed with opposite polar orientation so as to provide loops of flux (23) between the magnets and in the guide rail when the brake is actuated. A pawl (27) engages a latch (30) to retain the brake lifted when not in use; a governor operated safety rod (34) rotates the pawl to disengage the latch for actuation of the brake in an emergency. Guides (55-59) stabilize the brake against the braking forces. A jack screw (49) overcomes attractive magnetic forces to reset the brake into the lifted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Clement A. Skalski
  • Patent number: 5316109
    Abstract: A lockdown apparatus for releasably locking a coaxially mounted series of tool heads in a slitter-scorer machine includes an elongate locking member movable into simultaneous engagement with locking surfaces on each of the tool heads and a flexible membrane interposed directly between the locking member and the locking surfaces which membrane is flexed into and out of direct locking engagement with the locking surfaces by movement of the locking member. The flexible membrane may be used with either a rotary or reciprocal locking member and, in either case, the flexible membrane may be secured against movement with respect to the tool heads when they are locked such that unavoidable longitudinal movement of the locking member will not disrupt the critically accurate locked positions of the tool heads. The rotary lockdown apparatus utilizes an elongate cam of the type known in the prior art and, in the reciprocal lockdown apparatus, the locking bar comprises the armature of a solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Marquip Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Thomas, Gerald K. Langreck
  • Patent number: 5111916
    Abstract: For engaging and disengaging a permanent-magnet slipper brake for a rail vehicle there are required relatively high forces which are generated either by a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. Therefore, in rail vehicles without external electric or external hydraulic connections and comprising a pneumatic brake line or brake-pressure lead, there is incorporated a pneumatically driven hydraulic power pump by means of which a hydraulic motor can be driven. This hydraulic motor is then capable of applying the forces required for engaging and disengaging the permanent-magnet slipper brake. The engaging and disengaging process is preferably controlled by a main air line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Oerlikon-Knorr Eisenbahntechnik AG
    Inventors: Walter Muller, Max Koller
  • Patent number: 5018605
    Abstract: A magnetic rail brake device for rail vehicles, comprising one or more pairs of brake blocks adapted to be pulled, in operation, magnetically against the rail. The brake device is characterized by at least one permanent magnet movable up and down in a magnet housing. The magnet housing is arranged in such a manner that in rest position of the permanent magnet in the magnet housing, the magnetic field lines close through an upper portion of the magnet housing. In an operating position of the magnet in the magnet housing, the field lines can extend through pole pieces within brake block members of magnetizable material which can be brought into contact with the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Tebel Pneumatiek B.V.
    Inventors: Jelle Hooghiem, Bart van der Sloot, Sytse Epema
  • Patent number: 4484666
    Abstract: An electromagnetic sliding shoe brake also referred to as a slipper shoe ke is constructed especially for use in or on rail vehicles, especially high speed rail vehicles. The magnetic core, with its energizing coil, has at least two pole pieces. The sliding brake shoe comprises ferromagnetic pole plates alternating with interconnecting magnetically insulating members. The pole plates, or rather the brake shoe, is connected to the magnetic core substantially in a frictionless manner. The brake shoe is connected to the magnetic core by parallelogram type pivoting elements and biased against the chassis by one or two springs (7) which will assure that in operation the brake shoe is pressed against a brake force take-up member at least with a predetermined brake force which will be substantially constant and independent of the friction coefficient between the brake shoe and the brake force take-up member such as a rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventors: Guenter Steinmetz, Walter Brezina, Ulf Steenbeck
  • Patent number: 4482034
    Abstract: A switchable permanent magnet eddy current or track brake which has a high density of permanent magnet material, a low internal flux leakage and a higher than heretofore output flux density. The pole shoes of the movable magnets are convex cylindrical segment-shaped and mate with concave cylindrical segment-shaped recesses in the lateral flux return pieces for the fixed magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Inventor: Max Baermann
  • Patent number: 4480727
    Abstract: An electromagnetic track brake for a railway vehicle comprises an elongate brake energizing coil for energizing a plurality of U-shaped braking shoes mounted in a row on a rigid frame. To improve transmission of braking reaction forces from the shoes to the vehicle each shoe is moved downwards individually relative to the frame against spring bias. A tie rod extends along a lower branch of the coil engaging each of the braking shoes for the transmission of braking forces from the shoes to the tie rod. A cylindrical rod rigidly coupled to the frame is operably connected to the end of the tie rod to take up the braking reaction forces transmitted to the tie rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: SAB Industri AB
    Inventors: Nils K. Bengtsson, Egil K. Ljung
  • Patent number: 4341290
    Abstract: A shiftable or turnable permanent magnetic eddy current and/or friction track brake which automatically reduces the friction braking forces to usable limits as the vehicle slows down. The brake is movably supported on the vehicle in the line of movement and is biased in the direction of movement by resilient means. When the brake frictionally engages the track, it moves against the biasing means which shifts the magnets to a partly braking off position to reduce the friction forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Inventor: Max Baermann
  • Patent number: 4299312
    Abstract: An electromagnetic track brake for a railway vehicle comprises an elongate brake energizing coil (1), an oval frame (2) thereabout, and a plurality of U-shaped shoes (3) mounted in a row on the frame. In order to improve the working characteristics and the stiffness of the track brake the lower branch of the frame (2) has a closed cross-section and an interlocking portion (15) extending down between the U-legs of the shoes (3). Interlocking elements are provided on both the frame and the shoes for transmitting braking reaction forces from the shoes to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Assignee: SAB Industri A.B.
    Inventors: Nils K. Bengtsson, Bo B. Wikstrom
  • Patent number: 4144954
    Abstract: An electromagnetic rail brake for railway vehicles of the type comprising an excitation coil and at least one shoe element consisting of a ferromagnetic core having its pole faces turned towards the rail whereby, when the coil is excited, the shoe element is attracted onto the top surface of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: WABCO Westinghouse
    Inventors: Luciano Farello, Cesare Prada, Ettore Restori
  • Patent number: 4122922
    Abstract: An eddy current or hysteresis brake, preferably for track bound vehicles which is infinitely variable and wear-free. A cylindrical rotatable permanent magnet magnetized on its diameter is arranged between a pair of pole pieces in combination with the plurality of stationary magnets, each arranged to magnetize the pole pieces with opposite magnetic polarity. By rotating the cylindrical magnet, the magnetic field at the ends of the pole pieces can be varied from a maximum to zero. The generated flux is projected into the track. Braking occurs by induced eddy currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Inventor: Max Baermann
  • Patent number: 4030579
    Abstract: Relative translational movement between a pair of X-ray apparatus components is selectively arrested by a bidirectional lineal lock structure including an elongated locking rod carried by one of the components and a locking unit carried by the other component. The locking unit is movable along the locking rod and includes two sets of balls which selectively engage the peripheral surface of the rod. Two clamping systems normally wedge the balls into clamping engagement with the peripheral surface, preventing relative, component movement. A pair of electromagnets are operative, when energized, to bias the clamping systems toward release positions to permit relative componet movement. Either of the electromagnets may be selectively energized to permit unidirectional relative movement between the components. An energizing circuit is provided for briefly reversing the polarity of the electromagnets immediately before they are de-energized, to faciliate re-establishment of the clamping engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1977
    Assignee: Picker X-Ray Mfg. Limited
    Inventor: Leslie James Sell