Abstract: A charging system for drones has a base structure connected to a power grid, a connector extendable from the base structure and ending in a charging interface compatible with a charging port of a drone, and a computerized controller at the base structure enabled to communicate with a drone and to initiate, control and stop charging power. As a drone approaches the charging-system, the controller directs the drone into position for charging, manages connection of the charging interface to the charging port of the drone, initiates charging power, monitors progress of charging, and upon completion of charging, disconnects the charging interface from the charging port of the drone.

Abstract: A method for using an unmanned aerial vehicle to install objects on wire and catenary structures is described. The method includes tagging the location, attaching the object to the UAV, navigating the UAV to the position, attaching the object, testing the attachment, releasing the object, inspecting the attachment, and returning the UAV to the ground. Sensors, flight control systems, means for attachment, and variations of embodiments of the methods, systems, and mechanical devices are described.

Abstract: A surface plasma actuator includes a conducting wire attached to a surface of a target object and electrically insulated from the target object. Surface plasma is generated along a neighborhood of the conducting wire by applying a pulse voltage between the conducting wire and a conductive portion on a side of the target object. An induced gas flow is generated by the surface plasma.

Abstract: A detection method for use in a primary unit of an inductive power transfer system, the primary unit being operable to transmit power wirelessly by electromagnetic induction to at least one secondary unit of the system located in proximity to the primary unit and/or to a foreign object located in said proximity, the method comprising: driving the primary unit so that in a driven state the magnitude of an electrical drive signal supplied to one or more primary coils of the primary unit changes from a first value to a second value; assessing the effect of such driving on an electrical characteristic of the primary unit; and detecting in dependence upon the assessed effect the presence of a said secondary unit and/or a foreign object located in proximity to said primary unit.

Abstract: A drive over estimating unit of an electric vehicle estimates whether or not wheels of the vehicle will drive over a power supplying coil, e.g., power supplying pad, from a stopped position estimation value, e.g., a deviation amount in a direction of positional shifting of the electric vehicle with respect to the power supplying pad, and a steering angle (?? (left) or +? (right)) when the vehicle starts to move after non-contact charging thereof is completed. A notification unit issues a notification when it is estimated that the wheels of the electric vehicle will drive over the power supplying coil, e.g., power supplying pad.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mobile machine includes a mobile body and a plurality of power transmission resonators. The mobile body is capable of being tilted in a particular direction such that a distance between a particular part opposed to a travel surface and the travel surface is reduced. The plurality of power transmission resonators are arranged at portions of the particular part of the mobile body, heights of the portions with reference to the travel surface being approximately identical with each other in a state of the mobile body being tilted.

Abstract: A system and method for repowering an unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. The system and method may comprise use of a utility transmission system configured to function as power system/source for UAV/aircraft and UAV/aircraft configured to interface with the power source/system. Systems and methods provide access and for administrating, managing, and monitoring access and interfacing by UAV/aircraft with the power system/source. UAV/aircraft system can be configured and operated/managed to interface with and use the power system/source (e.g. network of power lines from a utility transmission system) to enhance range and utility (e.g. for repowering and/or as a flyway or route). The system comprises an interface between the aircraft and the power source for power transfer; a monitoring system to monitor the aircraft; and an administrative/management system to manage interaction/transaction with the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for contactless energy transmission includes a transformer formed by a primary winding and a secondary winding, which transformer is designed so as to be resonant as a result of capacitors. By measuring and comparing electrical state variables on the primary side and on the secondary side the efficiency of the transmission of electrical power from the primary side to the secondary side is determined, and by varying the resonance frequency of the transformer or of the frequency of a primary voltage applied to the primary winding the resonance frequency and the primary voltage frequency are attuned to each other.

Abstract: A vehicle-side, electronic charging device of a wireless battery charging system receives, converts and feeds energy into a rechargeable traction battery of an electric vehicle traction motor. The traction battery is charged by an external charging system via a wireless link and the vehicle-side charging device. The vehicle-side charging device includes a first LC resonant circuit between first and second output ports, and a current rectifier having first and second AC voltage inputs and first and second DC voltage outputs. Either (i) the first and second DC voltage outputs of the current rectifier, or (ii) the first and second AC voltage inputs of the current rectifier, or (iii) the first and the second output ports of the first LC resonant circuit, or (iv) a first and a second connection of the reception coil are switchably connected to one another via an actuable kill switch.

Abstract: Provided is a power-receiving device according to at least one embodiment includes: a transmission/reception unit (2) including a resonant circuit having an antenna (2a) configured to receive a power transmitted from a contactless charging device (50) and to transmit and receive data to and from the contactless charging device (50); a charge control unit (5) configured to perform power source control; and a control unit (3) configured to generate control state data indicating a charging state of the secondary cell (6) and/or a power source state of an apparatus main unit (30) operated with the secondary cell (6) and to transmit the control state data to the contactless charging device (50). The control unit (3) has a power-receiving mode in which normal power supply is performed and a regulation mode in which the received power is regulated by regulating a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

Abstract: This disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for detecting foreign objects. An apparatus for detecting a presence of an object comprises at least one radar antenna attached to a wirelessly chargeable vehicle. The at least one radar antenna is configured to transmit a radar signal into a space between a wireless power receiver of the vehicle and a wireless charger as the vehicle moves in a primary direction of movement of the vehicle and receive the radar signal. The apparatus further comprises a radar processing circuit configured to determine a presence of the object in the space based on at least one characteristic of the received radar signal. The radar processing circuit is further configured to provide an indication to receive power from the wireless charger based at least in part on the determining the presence of the object.

Abstract: A contactless inductively coupled power transfer system includes a power supply device and a power receiving device. The power supply device includes a primary winding for generating an electromagnetic field (EMF) in response to an AC current flow having an operating frequency. The power receiving device includes a resonant circuit outputting an output voltage to a load and including a secondary winding and a reactance element. The reactance element is capable of forming a parallel resonant LC circuit with the secondary winding that resonates at the operating frequency, and forming a series resonant LC circuit that resonates at the operating frequency, and that is to be connected in series to the load.

Abstract: Photovoltaic power system inverter detection apparatus and methods are disclosed. Electrical continuity between an inverter in a PV power system and a PV panel disconnect switch, which switchably couples one or more DC PV panels to the PV power system, is tested while the PV panel disconnect switch is open. A state of the electrical continuity is determined based on measurements of an electrical parameter after the test signal is applied. The PV panel disconnect switch is maintained open on determining no electrical continuity, and closed on determining that there is electrical continuity between the PV panel disconnect switch and the inverter. A shutdown device that implements inverter detection may be located and/or adapted to meet safety conditions, by being located less than 10 feet from the PV panel array and/or adapted to limit a test signal to a maximum of 30V and 240VA.

Abstract: In a contactless power supply system 10 having a secondary coil 13 receiving electric power generated from a primary coil 12 to be connected to a high-frequency power source 11, and a resonance coil 14 arranged in direct contact with the secondary coil 13 in between the primary coil 12 and the secondary coil 13, respective planarly-viewed areas of the secondary and the resonance coils 13, 14 are equal to or smaller than a planarly-viewed area of the primary coil 12, the primary coil 12 is formed by planarly and spirally winding a first litz wire 25, the resonance coil 14 is formed by tandemly winding coils 27, 28 in a double layer, the coils 27, 28 being formed by planarly and spirally winding a second litz wire 26, and the secondary coil 13 is formed by parallelly arranging and planarly and spirally winding third litz wires 29, 29a.

Abstract: Techniques for electric vehicle systems, and in particular to an electric vehicle charging device obstacle avoidance system and method of use. In one embodiment, a system for obstacle avoidance of a charging panel of an electrical vehicle is disclosed, the system comprising: a charging panel interconnected to the electric vehicle; an actuator interconnected to the charging panel, the actuator configured to position the charging panel; at least one sensor configured to sense an obstacle location measurement in a predicted travel path of the electric vehicle; and an obstacle avoidance controller that receives the obstacle location measurement and determines if an obstacle avoidance action is recommended.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically tuning reactive power in an inductive power transfer system are disclosed. The system comprises a first plurality of coils operably coupled to a respective ferromagnetic material, configured to receive wireless power via the ferromagnetic material from a power source. The system further comprises a plurality of switches configured to selectively control power received by certain of the first plurality of coils. The system further comprises a second plurality of coils configured to receive current from respective ones of the first plurality of coils and deliver wireless power to a wireless power receiver. The system further comprises at least one control unit configured to selectively activate the switches. The switches may be set to provide power from the power source to a portion of the plurality of the second coils or selectively increase or decrease the reactive power load of the power source.

Abstract: Self-insulated power supply line for vehicles in which a magnetically attractable flexible belt element housed in an insulating casing provides in sequence the power supply to a plurality of conducting elements spaced from one another and external to the casing. A detector circuit is provided adapted to measure the dispersion current which flows between the live conducting element and conducting elements adjacent to it in the case of poor insulation conditions of the road surface.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a feed apparatus, a current collector, and a power transfer apparatus of the magnetic induction type, considering lateral deviation.

Abstract: A method for error detection during charging of an energy storage system in a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including an electric machine which is arranged for propulsion of the vehicle. The method includes requesting a charging pattern from an external power supply, by a vehicle control unit, upon connection of the energy storage system to the external power supply; and supplying the charging pattern to the energy storage system by an external charging control unit forming part of the external power supply. The method furthermore includes providing a predetermined modulation of the requested charging pattern; evaluating whether the charging pattern supplied to the energy storage system includes the predetermined modulation; and, if this is not the case, indicating that the charging of the energy storage system is erroneous. An arrangement for error detection during charging of an energy storage system, and a vehicle including an electric machine and having such an arrangement are also provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling a switch circuit which includes n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) switching units configured to respectively connect n storage batteries, which are connected in series, with n coils, wherein the n storage batteries have respective potential differences between opposite ends thereof, the method includes the step of: controlling the switching units corresponding to k (k is a natural number wherein 1<k<n) storage batteries, which are secondary batteries other than a secondary battery having the largest potential difference among the potential differences of the n storage batteries, to connect the k storage batteries with respective k coils.

Abstract: Systems and methods for braking or launching a ride vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a linear induction motor (LIM) installed in a curved portion of a track, a ride vehicle disposed upon the track, one or more reaction plates coupled to a side of the ride vehicle facing the track via a plurality of actuators, one or more sensors configured to monitor an air gap between the one or more reaction plates and the LIM, and a processor configured to determine which of the plurality of actuators to actuate and a desired performance of each of the plurality of actuators based on data received from the one or more sensors to maintain the air gap at a desired level throughout traversal of the curve by the ride vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging apparatus for contactless charging of an electrical energy store (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising a primary unit (13) which is arranged outside the motor vehicle (1) and comprising a vehicle-mounted secondary unit (14). In order to simplify contactless charging of a motor vehicle comprising an electrical energy store, the vehicle-mounted secondary unit (14) can be moved relative to the primary unit (13), which is arranged outside the motor vehicle (1), in order to reduce the size of an air gap or distance (16) between the primary unit (13) and the secondary unit (14).

Abstract: A system, such as a charging system, is provided. The system can include a coil. A connection module can be coupled to the coil and configured to allow the coil to communicate with an energy source to generate a magnetic field. A field-focusing element can be included, the field-focusing element acting to focus the magnetic field when the magnetic field varies in time at a predetermined rate. In one embodiment, the field-focusing element may be configured to focus the magnetic field in an area separated from the coil by at least about 5 cm.

Abstract: This vehicle includes a vehicle-mounted component mounted below a rear floor panel and an electric power reception device mounted below the rear floor panel and including an electric power reception portion receiving electric power in a non-contact manner from an electric power transmission device including an externally provided electric power transmission portion, and the vehicle-mounted component is arranged flush with and around the electric power reception device.

Abstract: A personal drone with much extended air time. A portable retractable-extendable clawed drone with automated perching function. Perching, landing on a target horizontal edge or a wire, a building trim, a lamp or sign, a shelf, almost any small horizontal edge with a little surface, for video streaming without using up power on hovering or flight, thus conserving power indefinitely. A veritable fly-on-the-wall multi-rotor drone having mechanical claws and automated perching function.

Abstract: In order to obtain a contactless power supply device which, even when a spatial gap between a primary winding and a secondary winding varies, is capable of not only accurately detecting whether or not the primary winding and the secondary winding come into the position opposite to each other, but also detecting how large the spatial gap between the primary winding and the secondary winding is created, the contactless power supply device is provided with a drive voltage detection unit which detects the drive voltage of an inverter circuit, a drive current detection unit which detects the drive current of the inverter circuit, and a primary component extraction unit which, from the drive voltage and the drive current, extracts a primary drive voltage and a primary drive current including the first order frequency-components having the same frequency as a drive frequency of the inverter circuit.

Abstract: A power transmission system has an AC power source and a high-frequency power driver that make up a high-frequency power source, and a primary self-resonant coil and a secondary self-resonant coil. The secondary self-resonant coil is magnetically coupled, by magnetic field resonance, to the primary self-resonant coil, and receives as a result high-frequency power from the primary self-resonant coil. The coils of the primary self-resonant coil and the secondary self-resonant coil resonate in an even mode when high-frequency power is transmitted from the primary self-resonant coil to the secondary self-resonant coil. Specifically, the primary self-resonant coil and the secondary self-resonant coil resonate in a state where currents in mutually opposite directions flow in the two coils.

Abstract: An inductive power transfer apparatus suitable for producing a magnetic field for inductive power transfer is disclosed. The apparatus has three or more coils arranged such that when energized with a power source, magnetic fields produced by each coil augment each other on a first surface and substantially weaken each other on a second surface. The first and second surfaces have an obverse relationship to each other. Also disclosed is a roadway inductive power transfer module suitable for producing a magnetic field for inductive power transfer to a vehicle using the roadway, and an Inductive power transfer apparatus suitable for receiving a magnetic field for inductive power transfer.

Abstract: A system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle such as a track bound vehicle or road automobile. The system includes an electric conductor arrangement which produces an alternating electromagnetic field, transfers electromagnetic energy to the vehicle and includes a plurality of segments. Each segment extends along the vehicle path of travel and includes one line for each phase of alternating current carried by the segment. The system includes a current supply for conducting electric energy to the segments which are electrically connected in parallel. At least one segment is coupled to the current supply via a constant current source. Each constant current source includes one or more inductances and one or more capacitances, the inductances and capacitances being adapted to each other and the input side of the constant current source so that a constant current is output to the output side.

Abstract: A system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, including an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring electric energy to a vehicle. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. Each segment is combined with an assigned controller adapted to control the operation of the segment independently of the other segments. The controllers of at least two consecutive segments are connected to each other and/or to a central controlling device so that the at least two consecutive segments can operate at the same time. Each segment includes at least three alternating current lines for carrying phases of a multi-phase alternating current. The consecutive segments are electrically connected in parallel to each other to a current supply. The alternating current lines of each segment include a plurality of sections which extend transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A high-voltage (“HV”) system for a vehicle is provided, and includes a HV source providing HV power, a low-voltage source, a high-voltage interlock loop (“HVIL”) switch, and at least one control module. The low-voltage source provides a low-voltage power that is less than the HV power. The HVIL switch is in communication with the low-voltage source. The HVIL switch includes a reed relay and a magnetic element. The magnetic element is selectively positioned within an actuation distance from the reed relay. The HVIL switch is in a closed circuit condition when the magnetic element is positioned within the actuation distance from the reed relay, and is in an open circuit condition when the magnetic element is positioned outside of the actuation distance from the reed relay. The at least one control module is in communication with and monitors the HVIL switch.

Abstract: A subsurface mounted inductive charging coil system for electric vehicles accommodates the gap distance between primary charging coil and secondary coil on the vehicle with an extendable primary coil carrier. The system protects the primary coil when exposed by mounting on a deformable and elastic structure. By keeping the primary coil normally hidden in a deformable and elastic structure several advantages are obtained. The extendable structure is preferably a low pressure inflatable bladder or membrane in the floor for carrying, protecting, and extending the primary coil.

Abstract: Contactless power-feed equipment includes: a power-supply device that outputs an AC constant current having a predetermined oscillation frequency to a main induction line; a primary coil provided on the main induction line connected to the power-supply device; a secondary coil that forms an insulating transformer with the primary coil and is connected in parallel with the sub induction line, a resonance capacitor that is connected in parallel with the secondary coil and constitutes a parallel resonant circuit with the sub induction line, and a switch provided between the secondary coil and the parallel resonant circuit. In the parallel resonant circuit, the sub induction line and the resonance capacitor have constants such that the parallel resonant circuit has a resonance frequency equal to the oscillation frequency of the power-supply device.

Abstract: The present invention is vehicle electric power supply system (A) that supplies electric power wirelessly to a vehicle (M) that is positioned within an electric power supply area (X). The vehicle electric power supply system (A) has: a power-receiving device (m1) that is provided in the vehicle; a plurality of power-transmitting devices (1a1, 1a2, 1a3, 1b1, 1b2, 1b3, 1c1, 1c2, 1c3) that are provided at mutually different positions within the electric power supply area; a position detecting device (4) that detects the position of the power-receiving device within the electric power supply area; and a control device (4) that, based on detection results from the position detecting device, selects from among the plurality of power-transmitting devices the power-transmitting device that is located in a position that corresponds to the power-receiving device, and then causes power to be supplied wirelessly from the selected power-transmitting device.

Abstract: A system for managing charging of each of a plurality of automated guided vehicles that travels on an orbiting route in an unmanned manner using a battery mounted thereon as a driving source, in which the battery is charged at a charging station installed at a predetermined position on the orbiting route, includes: an after-charging voltage recording unit for recording a voltage after charging at the charging station for each of the automated guided vehicles; a charge priority setting unit for setting up charge priority of each of the automated guided vehicles on the basis of voltage values of voltages after charging recorded in the after-charging voltage recording unit; and a charging target value setting unit for setting up a charging target value of each of the automated guided vehicles on the basis of the charge priorities set up by the charge priority setting unit.

Abstract: A method for detecting a position of a movable element of a drive apparatus by means of a position detection apparatus comprising at least one field coil and at least one secondary coil associated with the field coil, wherein an electrical excitation pulse is applied to the field coil in order to induce an electrical voltage in the secondary coil, a secondary coil voltage is measured and the position of the movable element is determined on the basis of the measured secondary coil voltage. The invention also relates to a position detection apparatus and/or a drive apparatus.

Abstract: To increase efficiency of wireless power feeding to a moving object in wireless power feeding. A wireless power feeder 116 feeds power by wireless from a plurality of feeding coils L2 to an EV 108 including a receiving coil L3. The feeding coils L2 are arranged along a moving direction of the EV 108 and receive power from a power supply circuit including a plurality of power transmission control circuits 200. The power supply circuit 102 makes a first feeding coil L2 supply AC power to the EV 108 when the EV 108 passes through the first feeding coil L2 and, at the same time, prepares power feeding from a second feeding coil L2 through which the EV 108 has not passed.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a first receiving antenna including a first inductor and a first capacitor for receiving electric power from a first resonant magnetic field generated by a power supply source, at least one secondary battery charged by the electric power received by the first receiving antenna, an oscillator for producing radio-frequency power by DC power discharged from the secondary battery, and a transferring antenna including a second inductor and a second capacitor for generating a second resonant magnetic field from the radio-frequency power. A primary surface of the first inductor is parallel to a first plane of the battery pack, and a primary surface of the second inductor is parallel to a second plane of the battery pack. The second plane intersects with the first plane at an angle of a range of between 45° and 90° including 45° and 90°.

Abstract: A foreign matter sensing device includes a first determiner that determines whether there is a foreign matter in a foreign matter detection range based on an image imaged by an imaging portion, and a second determiner that determines whether there is a foreign matter in the foreign matter detection range based on a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor. The second determiner executes determining whether there is a foreign matter in the foreign matter detection range while electric-power is transferred between a vehicle-side coil and an out-of-vehicle coil, when the first determiner determines that there is no foreign matter after the imaging portion images the image of the foreign matter detection range in response to a start demand instructing to start transferring electric-power.

Abstract: A power transmitting device that contactlessly transmits electric power to a power receiving device having a secondary coil provided at a vehicle, and a power transfer system, are provided. The power transmitting device includes primary coils, a selecting unit and a control unit. The primary coils are arranged at an interval in an arrangement direction. The selecting unit selects one primary coil to which electric power is supplied from a power supply. The control unit controls the selecting unit by supplying the selected primary coil with a second electric power smaller than a first electric power, selecting a power transmitting coil from among the primary coils on the basis of at least one of a power transmitting situation of the selected primary coil and a power receiving situation of the secondary coil, and supplying the power transmitting coil with the first electric power.

Abstract: The present invention is vehicle electric power supply system (A) that supplies electric power wirelessly to a vehicle (M) that is positioned within an electric power supply area (X). The vehicle electric power supply system (A) has: a power-receiving device (m1) that is provided in the vehicle; a plurality of power-transmitting devices (1a1, 1a2, 1a3, 1b1, 1b2, 1b3, 1c1, 1c2, 1c3) that are provided at mutually different positions within the electric power supply area; a position detecting device (4) that detects the position of the power-receiving device within the electric power supply area; and a control device (4) that, based on detection results from the position detecting device, selects from among the plurality of power-transmitting devices the power-transmitting device that is located in a position that corresponds to the power-receiving device, and then causes power to be supplied wirelessly from the selected power-transmitting device.

Abstract: A system for transferring energy to a vehicle, in particular a track bound vehicle, such as a light rail vehicle, wherein the system includes an electric conductor arrangement adapted to produce an electromagnetic field which can be received by the vehicle thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle the system further includes electric and/or electronic devices which are adapted to operate the electric conductor arrangement. The devices produce heat while operating the conductor arrangement and—therefore—are to be cooled. A cooling arrangement of the system includes a structure having a cavity in which at least one of the devices to be cooled is located. The structure includes a cover limiting the cavity at the top, wherein the device(s) to be cooled is/are located at a distance to the cover. The structure is integrated in the ground at the path of travel of the vehicle in such a manner that the cover forms a part of the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, wherein the system comprises an electric conductor arrangement for producing a magnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle, wherein the electric conductor arrangement comprises at least one current line, wherein each current line is adapted to carry the electric current which produces the magnetic field or is adapted to carry one of parallel electric currents which produce the magnetic field and wherein: the at least one current line extends at a first height level, the system comprises an electrically conductive shield for shielding the magnetic field, wherein the shield extends under the track and extends below the first height level, and a magnetic core extends along the track at a second height level and extends above the shield.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive pick-up to be mounted on an electric vehicle, operated with electric energy produced by the inductive pick-up by magnetic induction. The inductive pick-up includes a pick-up portion, a mounting portion, and an actuator. The invention also relates to an electric land vehicle including an inductive pick-up mounted at the bottom of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a method of operating an electric vehicle having an inductive pick-up portion.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing a land vehicle, with electric energy includes producing an electromagnetic field on a primary side located on the track of the vehicle and/or located at a stop of the vehicle, by receiving the magnetic component of the electromagnetic field on a secondary side on board the vehicle above the source of the electromagnetic field and by magnetic induction on the secondary side. The arrangement includes a secondary side conductor assembly made of electrically conducting material which produces an electromagnetic stray field during operation while the electrically conducting material carries an alternating electric current and a secondary side shielding assembly made of magnetizable material. The secondary side shielding assembly extends sideways of the secondary side conductor assembly on the same level as the secondary side conductor assembly, thereby shielding regions, which are located beyond the magnetizable material, from the electromagnetic stray field.

Abstract: The upper lateral collection structure (8) is mounted on a land vehicle (1), notably an urban public transport vehicle, and cooperates, for the purpose of overhead electrical power supply to the vehicle, with fixed contact slippers (16) located along its route. This structure comprises: a conducting track (14) arranged longitudinally (NEW) the upper lateral part of the vehicle and comprising a contact region (15) for the contact slipper; an electrical connection connecting the conducting track to the electrical circuit of the vehicle; an insulating support (24) on which the conducting track is mounted; a means of mechanical connection of the collecting structure to the vehicle; and a damping device which damps out the shocks resulting from the contact slipper and ensures satisfactory contact between the conducting track and the contact slipper. This invention is of benefit to the manufacturers of electrically powered public transport vehicles.

Abstract: A snow plough arrangement comprising a least one snow plough unit and related to a system for driving an electrically propellable vehicle along a roadway. The vehicle has three sources of power: a vehicle-related power generator, a set of batteries and vehicle-external electric stations. The vehicle is provided with a current collector which is displaceable up and down and sideways in relation to the direction of transportation, in order to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with elongated tracks positioned below the roadway and comprising a conductor adapted to be connected with an electric station. The snow plough unit is rotatably fastened to the contact means in an upper area thereof about a horizontally oriented axis of rotation and adapted to clear loose obstacles from the track and yield to solid obstacles. The snow plough unit and the axis of rotation are movably disposed in a vertical direction by means of a resilient member.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing a vehicle with electric energy, including a receiving device adapted to receive an alternating electromagnetic field and to produce an alternating electric current by magnetic induction, a plurality of phase lines adapted to carry a different phase current of the alternating electric current. Each phase line forms at least two coils. Each coil includes at least one turn of the phase line. The turn of any one of the coils including only one turn is turned around a central axis of the coil. The turns of any one of the coils including more than one turn are consecutive sections of the phase line turned around a central axis of the coil. The at least two coils of each phase line are located next to each other so as to form a sequence of coils.

Abstract: A system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, including an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring electric energy to a vehicle. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. Each segment is combined with an assigned controller adapted to control the operation of the segment independently of the other segments. The controllers of at least two consecutive segments are connected to each other and/or to a central controlling device so that the at least two consecutive segments can operate at the same time. Each segment includes at least three alternating current lines for carrying phases of a multi-phase alternating current. The consecutive segments are electrically connected in parallel to each other to a current supply. The alternating current lines of each segment include a plurality of sections which extend transversely to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An IPA-ECU (410) recognizes a position of a power transferring unit by image recognition based on image information from a camera (120) incorporated in a vehicle. Then, the IPA-ECU (410) performs guidance control such that the vehicle is guided to the power transferring unit based on a result of the image recognition (first guidance control). A resonant ECU (460) estimates a distance between the power transferring unit and a power receiving unit based on an electric power feeding condition from the power transferring unit to the power receiving unit. When the power transferring unit comes under a body of the vehicle, an HV-ECU (470) performs guidance control of the vehicle such that a position of the power receiving unit is adjusted to a position of the power transferring unit based on distance information from the resonant ECU (460) (second guidance control).