Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a formwork system. In one implementation, the formwork system includes aluminum extrusions and aluminum castings. The aluminum castings and the aluminum extrusions can be assembled by being pressed and riveted together.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transport system, comprising an electrified cable system, a carriage supported by a non-electrified static cable, an electrical drive system incorporated into the carriage, the electrical drive system being utilized to move the carriage along the non-electrified static cable, a transconnector configured to supply electrical power to the carriage, and a power distribution panel. Corresponding methods of making and using the system also are disclosed.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a building structure, the support assembly comprising: a pile adapted to be buried into a ground surface, the pile having a longitudinal axis; a pile head adapted to be secured to a top end of a pile, the pile head including a mounting member engaging the pile and an extendable member movably mounted to the mounting member, the extendable member being movable relative to the mounting member, along the longitudinal axis, the extendable member including: a support platform adapted to receive the support beam of the manufactured home's support frame thereon; and at least one holding member adapted to engage the building structure and to prevent movement of the support beam relative to the support platform.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a building structure, the building structure having a support frame including at least one support beam, the support assembly comprising: a pile adapted to be buried into a ground surface, the pile having a longitudinal axis; a pile head adapted to be secured to a top end of a pile, the pile head including a mounting member engaging the pile and an extendable member movably mounted to the mounting member, the extendable member being movable relative to the mounting member, along the longitudinal axis, the extendable member including: a support platform adapted to receive the support beam of the mobile home's support frame thereon; and at least one holding member adapted to engage the support beam and prevent movement of the support beam relative to the support platform.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a building structure, the building structure having a support frame including at least one support beam, the support assembly comprising: a pile adapted to be buried into a ground surface, the pile having a longitudinal axis; a pile head adapted to be secured to a top end of a pile, the pile head including a mounting member engaging the pile and an extendable member movably mounted to the mounting member, the extendable member being movable relative to the mounting member, along the longitudinal axis, the extendable member including: a support platform adapted to receive the support beam of the mobile home's support frame thereon; and at least one holding member adapted to engage the support beam and prevent movement of the support beam relative to the support platform.

Abstract: The invention is a new stabilized racking system for solar cell panels on a surface through a novel use of ballast weights and a wind optimized design. The system is further optimized to fit a range of sizes and thicknesses of modules through a combination of self adjusting end clamps, adjustable tilt legs, and unique wind screen design. The system can include an array of individual solar panel systems that are reinforced in both lateral directions to reduce the amount of ballast weight required.

Abstract: A negative stiffness structure for vibration isolation, shock mitigation, and/or signal processing includes a flexible tensile member and a curved compressive member. A first end of the tensile member is attached to a first structure. A first end of the curved compressive member is coupled to a first structure and a second end of the curved compressive member is coupled to a second end of the flexible tensile member. A length of the tensile member is greater than a length of the compressive member. A tip of the negative stiffness structure is configured to exhibit a negative stiffness mechanical response to a load applied to the tip. The negative stiffness mechanical response acts in a direction orthogonal to the length of the tensile member.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for securing to preexisting studs or support members. The clamp assembly comprises a compression fitting adapted to be secured to a plurality of different sized studs or wall supports, and further to support additional supports including, but not limited, horizontal support members. A support and movement device is further provided that is selectively connectable to clamp and support members of the disclosure.

Abstract: A negative stiffness structure for vibration isolation, shock mitigation, and/or signal processing includes a flexible tensile member and a curved compressive member. A first end of the tensile member is attached to a first structure. A first end of the curved compressive member is coupled to a first structure and a second end of the curved compressive member is coupled to a second end of the flexible tensile member. A length of the tensile member is greater than a length of the compressive member. A tip of the negative stiffness structure is configured to exhibit a negative stiffness mechanical response to a load applied to the tip. The negative stiffness mechanical response acts in a direction orthogonal to the length of the tensile member.

Abstract: A line bypass system is provided having a guide wire. The line bypass system has a support structure defining a first channel, into which a first wire portion of the guide wire is received. The support structure has a second channel, extending parallel to the first channel, into which a second wire portion of the guide wire is received. The first channel is dimensioned to facilitate engagement of a robot with the first wire portion and the second channel is dimensioned to facilitate engagement of a robot with the second wire portion as the robot traverses the support structure.

Abstract: Self-adjusting end clamps are disclosed. The clamps may include a top member and a bottom member having vertically arranged holes. As a bolt placed in the vertically arranged holes is tightened, the top and bottom members move toward one another to grip an object therebetween.

Abstract: A cantilever assembly includes a cantilever arm having a pair of longitudinal fastening channels with a corresponding pair of slots in communication with the fastening channels. An attachment bracket features a connector portion and a pair of spaced leg portions defining a seat there between with each leg portion having at least one aperture. The leg portions also each have an inner surface featuring an elongated groove with each being in communication with a corresponding one of the apertures. The elongated grooves are positioned in alignment with the slots of the cantilever arm when the cantilever arm is positioned in the seat of the attachment bracket.

Abstract: For the coupling of two parallel contact wires of an elastic contact line system with a rigid contact line system, which has a power track (3) and a contact wire (4) affixed thereon, an elongated cantilever (5) is provided in a transition area, whose rigidity increases in the longitudinal direction from the elastic contact line system to the rigid contact line system. The two contact wires (1, 2) of the elastic contact line system are located along the cantilever parallel to the first contact wire (4), which is, in turn, clamped over the entire length of the cantilever. All three contact wires (1, 2, 4) are affixed on several multiple clamps (9) in the area of the cantilever (5), which clamps are located in a distributed manner along the cantilever. The multiple clamps (9) are located in recesses (12) of the cantilever.

Abstract: A device and method for suspending or holding down an overhead contact wire used for supplying power to electrical railway vehicles and trolley buses at the crest of a vertical curve where the contact wire has an abrupt change in line angle. The device smoothes out the abrupt angle into a curve, parabolic in form and of a radius that is smooth for trouble-free operation of current collectors while maintaining elastic suspension. Contact wire uplift continues while passing through the device so that there is an avoidance of hard spots which cause uneven and accelerated contact wire wear. The device can further be used at the crest of a vertical curve to maintain contact wire alignment where a horizontal curve with curve pull is encountered concurrently.

Abstract: A device and method for suspending or holding down an overhead contact wire used for supplying power to electrical railway vehicles and trolley buses at the crest or trough of a vertical curve where the contact wire has an abrupt change in line angle. The device smoothes out the abrupt angle into a curve, parabolic in form and of a radius that is smooth for trouble-free operation of current collectors while maintaining elastic suspension. Contact wire uplift continues while passing through the device so that there is an avoidance of hard spots which cause uneven and accelerated contact wire wear. The device can further be used at the crest or trough of a vertical curve to maintain contact wire alignment where a horizontal curve with curve pull is encountered concurrently.

Abstract: An electrical assembly for a ground vehicle moving along a lane of a road comprises an elevated support, an arm extending transversely across the lane of the road, and a movable portion upon the arm which is moved from a lowered unpowered rest position to a raised powered rest position when a ground vehicle engages the movable portion of the arm. Electrical contacts are spaced from each other so as not to conduct electricity when the movable portion of the arm is disposed at the lowered position and are disposed in contact with each other when the movable portion of the arm is disposed at the raised position.

Abstract: A device and method for suspending or holding down an overhead contact wire used for supplying power to electrical railway vehicles and trolley buses at the crest or trough of a vertical curve where the contact wire has an abrupt change in line angle. The device smoothes out the abrupt angle into a curve, parabolic in form and of a radius that is smooth for trouble-free operation of current collectors while maintaining elastic suspension. Contact wire uplift continues while passing through the device so that there is an avoidance of hard spots which cause uneven and accelerated contact wire wear. The device can further be used at the crest or trough of a vertical curve to maintain contact wire alignment where a horizontal curve with curve pull is encountered concurrently.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerial power supply assembly (1) hinged on a fixed base (2) and including a fixed portion and a mobile or deformable portion (5) comprising friction members (9) for supplying electrical power to a vehicle (4) through an upper collecting structure (11) on the roof of the vehicle when passing or stopping under said aerial power supply. The friction members are not powered when the power supply assembly (1) is in a rest position, and are powered when the power supply assembly (1) or the mobile or deformable portion (5) thereof is moved by the arrival of the front part of the upper collecting structure (11) of the vehicle under the power supply assembly (1) that contacts the friction members (9) so as to transfer electrical power to the vehicle. After the passage of the vehicle, the mobile portion of the power supply assembly (1) automatically returns to the rest position in which the friction members are not powered.

Abstract: A cross arm for supporting live railway, trolley and subway lines comprising a cross-member (8) fitted with means of connection to an associable support structure (16), at least a first electric insulator (20) joined to the cross-member (8) and able to support a first live electric cable, electrically insulating it from said cross-member (8). Advantageously, the cross-member (8) comprises a body (24) having a mainly longitudinal (X-X) extension and at least a first attachment portion (28) fitted with a ‘U’ shaped profile able to form a shaped coupling with said first electric insulator (20). The first attachment portion (28) defines a first seat (32) for the continuous adjustment of the longitudinal position of the electric insulator (20) along the cross-member itself.

Abstract: A constant strain spring compensation device, mainly comprising the grooved pulley, compensation cable, left end plate, spindle, oil seal, bearing, right end plate, contact flat spiral spring, housing, fastening angle steel, mounting base, pin, and wire-breaking arresting device. Said grooved pulley is fixed on the spindle, said compensation cable is wound and one of its ends is fixed on the grooved pulley, and the other end is connected to exterior overhead contact lines. Said spindle is supported on left end plate and right end plate by using the oil seal and bearing. Said left end plate, right end plate, housing, fastening angle steel, and mounting base form a closed box base. Said pin is connected to the side of the mounting base remote from said box base. Said contact flat spiral spring is arranged within said box base with the inner end hook being connected to the spindle and the outer end hook being connected to the fastening angle steel of the box base.

Abstract: The contact rail assembly (1) for electrically driven vehicles has two essentially rigid contact rails (2, 2′, 44) which are arranged in a line in the travel direction and are separated by a distance (L1). Two transition horns (6, 6′, 45a, 45b) extend into the intermediate transition region, wherein one transition horn (6, 6′, 45a, 45b) is attached to each of the contact rails (2, 2′, 44). On one section (L2) of the transition region there are the transition horns (6, 6′, 45a, 45b) that run parallel to each other separated by a distance (L3) and at an angle to the contact rail (2, 2′, 44) and essentially parallel to the plane of travel of the vehicle, whereby the width of the transition horns (6, 6′, 45a, 45b) is less than the width of the contact rails (2, 2′, 44).

Abstract: An electrical supply device with a conduit and movable electrical connector, includes conduit sections (1) in an insulating material, in which are disposed electrical conductors (2) interconnected at the level of the junctions of the conduit sections (1); joint covers (3) for connection of the conduit sections (1) insulating the electrical connections of the electrical conductors (2); at least one supply box (4) in line or at one end, by closure caps (5) for the ends of the electrical supply line formed by the conduit sections (1); suspensions (6) for the conduit sections (1); and at least one collector carriage (7) permitting directing the electrical current toward any fixed or movable receiver.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coupling a flexible contact line system and a rigid contact line system which support an overhead contact wire for providing electrical power to electrically driven vehicles. An elongate spring pole positioned in a transitional area between the rigid contact line system and the flexible contact line system supports the overhead contact wire. The spring pole has a mechanical rigidity which varies in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A connecting dropper provides a mechanical articulated and electrical linkage between a carrying cable and a conductor, particularly a contact wire of an overhead electrical traction line. The dropper wire provides a continuous electrical connection between the carrying cable and the contact wire. The dropper wire (14) is connected to respective connecting clips (18,18') providing the connection to the carrying cable (10) and the contact wire (12) via sleeves (20,20';32,32') in which the ends of the dropper wire are pinched, and the connecting clips (18,18') consist of two detachable parts that are snapped together to grip the carrying cable (10) and the contact wire (12) respectively.

Abstract: A public service vehicle transport system in which a vehicle powered by sodium/sulphur batteries is recharged through a pantograph at stations along its route from a pylon having arms which carry power conductors. The arms are carried by a rotable part of the pylon so as to be refracted over the pavement except when approach of the vehicle is sensed, whereupon the arms are automatically swung round over the road to enable recharging to take place.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 20 having a hook 68 for connecting a first article 78 to a continuous cable 70 includes first and second matable members 22,24, each having a body portion 26 at a cable-proximate end thereof, the body portion 26 having a work arm 32 and a cable-proximate arm extending outwardly from a mating face 28 thereof and defining therebetween a recess 48 for receiving the body portion 26 of the other member when the members are mated, and a hook portion 54. The work and cable-proximate arms 32,40 of the first member 22 are in opposite vertical orientation to the work and cable-proximate arms 32,40 of the second member 24.

Abstract: A device for suspending a contact cable for vehicles running on rails which includes an upper tension rod connected to a support mast, a compression rod connected to the support mast to hold up a free end of the tension rod. A lower horizontal rod is jointly linked to the compression rod and supports and jointed direction rod adapted to contact the contact cable. An inner axially movable rod is telescopically inserted in the tension rod with a clamped sleeve surrounding the tension rod. The inner axially movable rod is adapted to be locked in an axial position by a clamping force applied by the clamping sleeve.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multi-dimensionally curved guide rails having tubular cross-sections for passenger and material transportation systems, in which a hose-like plastic tube of any tubular cross-section is bent according to requirements and subsequently filled with a filling compound to stabilize the shape.

Abstract: A holder for conductors on a rail has multiple claw pairs arranged in staggered and laterally offset relation, for minimizing the space requirement. Claws for holding adjacent conductors are aligned but separated for individual resilient deflection; several fasteners for the holder on the rail are disclosed, all providing for snap action kind of insertion.

Abstract: A running rail has a double T profile formed by two chords connected with a web. Grooves extend parallel to the web, in the inner sides of both chords. On a lower end, the suspension arm has a suspension plate with an upper edge that engages into the groove in the upper chord. A securing claw is provided that engages the lower groove with one end, and engages the side of the suspension plate remote from the web, with the other end. At the upper end of the suspension arm is a roof flange which is horizontally adjustably connected by using a nut and bolt cooperating with a bush.

Abstract: In an overhead electric traction system a simple and inexpensive mid-point anchor comprises a mast and, mounted on the upper part of the mast, a cantilever structure comprising a pair of rigid elongate members which lie in a common plane and extended transversely with respect to and lie spaced apart in a direction lengthwise of the track, and which at their ends nearer the track are connected to the mast by a third transversely extending elongate member inclined at an acute angle to the common plane. The ends of the members remote from the track are connected to opposite ends of a rigid bar which extends lengthwise of the track, which is pivotally connected to the mast about a vertical axis and which, at each of its end portions, is connected to the mast by a flexible tie. In the event of an unbalanced load on the catenary, pivotal movement of the cantilever structure about the vertical axis is prevented by one of the flexible ties and the out of balance load is transferred to the mast as a torsional load.

Abstract: In an overhead electric traction system for railways, a simple and inexpensive cantilever structural assembly includes a pole (1) comprising a lower part (3), an upper part (4) which is separately formed with respect to and is mounted on the lower part and to which a cantilever structure (21) is attached and, inter-connected between the upper end of the lower part and the lower end of the upper part, a tubular insulator (3) of plastics insulating material. The insulator (3) will withstand any normal mechanical loading to which the pole (1) will be subjected while it is in service and is of such a shape as to provide the necessary minimum creepage path between neighboring ends of the lower part (3) and upper part (4) of the pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for an overhead contact wire for electric traction vehicles. The system comprises, in combination, a carrier cable (15) having its mid point connected to a support and having each of its ends connected to respective conductor wire clamps. Each wire clamp comprises a jaw assembly (30) suitable for clamping to a contact wire (10) and including a generally cylindrical housing (41) fitted with inwardly directed teeth (45) on its inside surface. The housing receives an angularly adjustable link member (60) which includes an angle-determining portion (61) provided with complementary teeth and interfitting with the teeth of the housing (41). The link member (60) may be moved axially into and out from the toothed housing (41) so that it may be set in any one of a plurality of angular positions therein, thereby changing the location of a point (70) fastened to the end of the carrier cable (15) relative to the contact wire (10).

Abstract: A device for providing a high tensile, electrically insulated connection ween two sections of the lead wire of an overhead power line is disclosed. The device is suitable for use as a line separator or phase separator of a lead wire which supplies power to the current collector of a railway vehicle. The device comprises spaced parallel, glass-fiber reinforced plastic insulating rods, each of the ends of which are connected with metal rods of the same outside diameter, and which are arranged in a common plane with the lead wire sections. Two tubular traverses extend transversely to the insulating rods and are rigidly connected to the metal rods at the ends of the insulating rods. A cable system is provided for suspending the device from a support cable. Also disclosed is a method of connecting the plastic rods with the metal rods to form high tensile connections, the metal rods having an axial clamping channel and the method including progressive radial compression of the metal rods about the plastic rods.

Abstract: The invention concerns an overhead electric traction system of the kind in which current is collected from an overhead contact wire by means of a collector carried on the roof of a vehicle and extending transversely of the contact wire. The contact wire is supported, at spaced positions along the route of the system, by an overhead structure comprising two transversely spaced upstanding members, and extending between and connected to the upstanding members, a transversely extending beam. Each of the upstanding members is so installed near its lowermost end as to permit limited pivotal movement of the member at least about an axis extending lengthwise of the route of the system and limited relative movement is permitted between the beam and the upstanding member at least about an axis extending lengthwise of the route of the system, each upstanding member being anchored to the ground by at least one tie connected to the member near its upper-most end.

Abstract: Means of stringing trolley wires comprises a supporting portion, resilient portions and a sliding portion. The supporting portion comprises a box member having an opening at the bottom thereof, and each of the resilient portions comprises a spring member and a supporting rod which protrudes through the opening of the box member and is adapted to move and incline in compliance with the condition of the sliding portion while the sliding portion comprises a pair of long ears and long trolley wires clamped by the pair of the long ears. The long ears of the sliding portion are supported at predetermined intervals by a plurality of the supporting rods of the resilient portions.

Abstract: A conducting rail hanger construction comprising a conducting rail member, an insulating channel-like sheath jacketing the member and having portions extending along opposite sides thereof, and a spring clip also of channel-like configuration. The sheath has oppositely disposed longitudinal groove formations, each of the formations providing a pair of exterior facing shoulders. Leg portions of the clip extend into the groove formations of the sheath and engage the shoulders thereof. In addition, the leg portions have abutments providing sharp, cut edges which can bite into one shoulder of each pair to thereby prevent the sheath from pulling out under the action of an excessive transverse load or force applied to the rail. Broad surfaces on the leg portions limit the penetration of the cut edges into the sheath, thereby preventing distortion and destruction of the latter. Improved reliability and safer operation result, since there is eliminated loosening of the rail from the clip.

Abstract: An electric current conducting bar of generally X-shaped configuration in transverse cross-section for use in an electric transmission system wherein a plurality of said bars of modular lengths, jointed in longitudinally alined end-to-end relation by various coupling assemblies, are fitted with insulating sheaths of generally inverted U-shape, also of modular lengths, which protectively cover not only the conductor rail per se and their coupling assemblies but also the current collector shoe which moves in electrical contact with the bar without any utilization of the insulating sheath primarily as a guide for the collector shoe. In a modified form of the X-shaped bar, the upper branches thereof are extended horizontally outward from opposite sides of the mid-section of the bar to provide the latter with a flat top having opposed longitudinally extending edges which are respectively accommodated in opposed longitudinally extending inner grooves formed in the insulated sheath.

Abstract: A clamping holder for busbars includes a base member having at least one projection, opening and clamping surface all located and shaped for reversible positioning of a pair of the base members with the projection on each received in the opening in the other, and with the clamping surfaces in spaced-apart facing relationship to define a part receiving aperture in which a busbar or other part is clamped and held.

Abstract: A hanger for supporting single or multiple conductor rails in a rail-type electrification system, comprising a cross support member extending transversely of the rails and one or more spring clips carried by the member and having legs adapted to clamp against opposite faces of the rails so as to support them in operative positions. Each clip is movable on the member between extended and retracted positions, and has resilient latching fingers which cooperate with two sets of shoulders on the member. One set of shoulders prevents inadvertent removal of the clip when it is disposed in its extended position, and the other set operates to lock the clip in its retracted or operative position. In the extended clip position, the legs of the clip are separable an extent to permit insertion of a conductor rail therebetween.

Abstract: A rigid power conductor to be suspended from an overhead structure or ceiling by means of insulators for the supply of electric energy to electric power driven vehicles on rails. The conductor is a conductor wire held between two side-by-side I-beams urged together so as to form a continuous clamp for the wire.The wire has lateral grooves whereas the I-beams define a conforming downwardly opening slot with projections engaging the grooves in the wire.The joints connecting the successive I-beams are longitudinally displaced, and an expansion joint is disclosed which permits relative displacement of the successive lengths of conductor.There is also disclosed an apparatus for the installation of the conductor wire and various devices for interconnecting the I-beams.

Abstract: Electric power is provided to the motor of a self-propelled carriage of an aerial ropeway through two cables by which the carriage is supported.

Abstract: A protective housing is provided for electrical rails and the like, namely, reaction (secondary) rails and slide pick-up lines for operating electro linear propulsion motors for monorail vehicles. The new and improved housing is of simplified construction and enables comparatively large protective plate members to be assembled in the form of a tight housing on elevated monorail structures. The protective plates may be readily removed and slidingly displaced to expose the normally protected electrical components for maintenance, replacement or repair.