Abstract: A current collector for a non-track-bound, electrically driven vehicle for feeding electrical energy from a two-pole overhead line system with two contact wires. Two upper arms are rotatably connected to an adjustable lower arm by toggle joints. Each upper arm carries a contact rocker for contacting the contact wires. Coupling bars are rotatably connected to the upper arms and articulated so that adjustment of the lower arm forces adjustment of the upper arms. A compensating rocker compensates for a height difference between the contact rockers with a rocker stand and a rocker beam. The rocker stand can be rotatably connected to the vehicle and the rocker beam is connected to the coupling bars by way of compensating joints on either side of the rocker joint. At least one stop element limits a rotational movement of the rocker beam about a rocker joint axis of the rocker joint.

Abstract: A power conversion system includes a transformer, a power conversion device for travel, a power conversion device for auxiliary power sources, an electrical storage device, and an auxiliary device. The power conversion device for travel converts AC power into power for travel and supplies it to a travel motor. The power conversion device for auxiliary power sources includes an AC to DC conversion unit which converts AC power into DC power, a power conversion unit for AC loads which converts the DC power into AC power and supplies it to an AC load, and a power conversion unit for DC loads which converts DC power to DC power and supplies it to a DC load. The electrical storage device is connected to power lines connecting DC power output terminals of the AC to DC conversion unit and DC power input terminals of both the power conversion units for AC and DC loads.

Abstract: A power conversion system includes an AC to DC conversion circuit, a voltage detector, a step-down chopper circuit, a power conversion device for auxiliary power sources, and a control unit. The AC to DC conversion circuit converts AC power supplied from overhead wires via a transformer into DC power. The voltage detector detects a voltage of AC power supplied from the transformer. The step-down chopper circuit steps down the voltage of DC power produced through conversion by the AC to DC conversion circuit. The power conversion device for auxiliary power sources converts the DC power stepped down by the step-down chopper circuit into power for driving loads mounted in an electric vehicle and supplies it to the loads. The control unit controls the AC to DC conversion circuit and the step-down chopper circuit such that the voltage of AC power detected by the voltage detector approaches a reference voltage.

Abstract: A power conversion system includes a transformer, a power conversion device for travel, a power conversion device for auxiliary power sources, and an electrical storage device. The power conversion device for auxiliary power sources includes a first AC to DC conversion unit, a power conversion unit for AC loads, and a power conversion unit for DC loads. The power conversion unit for AC loads converts DC power into AC power and supplies it to an AC load. The power conversion unit for DC loads converts DC power produced through conversion by the first AC to DC conversion unit into DC power and supplies it to a DC load. The electrical storage device is connected to power lines connecting DC power output terminals of the first AC to DC conversion unit and DC power input terminals of both the power conversion units for AC and DC loads.

Abstract: A system for automatically docking a container stacker crane, in particular a RTG, to a movable supply, having a docking device with a transverse advancer unit and an extendable extension arm of which an end portion can be advanced transversely to the movable supply and connects thereto. An energy guiding chain with an entrainment member serves as a movable supply. A mechanical coupling is proposed with a coupling piece on the end portion and a coupling counterpart on the entrainment member. The entrainment member floatingly supports the coupling counterpart with transverse play. A plug connector on said end portion cooperates with a socket on the entrainment member. The mechanical coupling has a coupling piece configured as a funnel and a cooperating coupling counterpart configured as coupling head. The coupling head includes at least one extension, which cooperates with the funnel and/or a locking bolt for securing perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that connects to an power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that connects to an power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that connects to an power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that connects to an overhead power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The overhead power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the overhead power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.

Abstract: A mining haul truck driven by electrical wheel motors is operated with all electrical power sources; that is, without a diesel engine. While travelling on the loading site, the mining haul truck is powered by an on-board energy storage system, which can comprise a bank of ultracapacitors. The mining haul truck then moves to the bottom of a trolley ramp and is coupled to trolley lines. While travelling uphill, the mining haul truck is powered by the trolley lines, and the on-board energy storage system is charged by the trolley lines. When the mining haul truck reaches the top of the trolley ramp, the mining haul truck is uncoupled from the trolley lines. While travelling on the unloading site, the mining haul truck is powered by the on-board energy storage system. The on-board energy storage system can also be charged by retard energy generated by the wheel motors during braking.

Abstract: An electric railcar power feeding system in an embodiment includes a power storage device, a rectifier, and an emergency power supply. The power storage device is connected to a feeder line for an electric railcar. The rectifier converts alternating-current power of a first power system to direct-current power and supply the direct-current power for the feeder line. The emergency power supply supplies power of a second power system different from the first power system for the feeder line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a current collector 1 for a device 2 that can be displaced with and against the driving direction F along a conductor line 5, comprising a current collector cart 8 for the guided displacement along a guide element 9 of the conductor line 5, and an energy transmission system.

Abstract: A breaker 162 is opened when a pantograph 101 is lowered. The pantograph 101 is connected to an overhead wire 200. Voltage and its phase of the overhead wire are detected by a detector 161. Power is supplied from a power storage device 150c to a tertiary winding 112c via a power converter 14c such that a primary side of the main transformer 110 has the same voltage and phase as the overhead wire so as to reversely excite the main transformer 110. When the voltage of the main transformer 110 has the same phase as the voltage of the overhead wire 200, the breaker 162 is turned on and then the pantograph 101 is raised, to connect the overhead wire 200 and the main transformer 110 to each other, thereby preventing the occurrence of an excitation inrush current to the main transformer 110.

Abstract: An auxiliary and motive electric power pick-up structure for articulated and non-articulated land vehicles, such as electric public transport vehicles, that pass close to a collector-shoe-type power supply member mounted on a stationary support (17) along the route of the vehicle and positioned at intervals along the length of the route in order to provide auxiliary and motive electric power to the vehicle by way of the shoe (16). The structure comprises at least one conductor rail mounted on insulating supports (11) attached to the vehicle by suspension points (34), each including an elastic suspension unit (30) and a pneumatic, hydraulic or other type active suspension unit (33). In the case of articulated vehicles, the pick-up structure is divided into power supply segments (14) separated by a conducting link (19) at each articulated unit of the vehicle.

Abstract: A railcar includes: a power collector configured to collect electric power through overhead contact lines; a circuit breaking unit connected to the power collector and arranged on a roof of a car; and a plurality of electric power cables connected to the circuit breaking unit. The circuit breaking unit includes: a circuit breaker arranged above the roof and connected to a circuit connected to the power collector; and a branch joint which is integrally connected to a terminal portion of the circuit breaker and arranged under the circuit breaker and to which the plurality of electric power cables are connected.

Abstract: An electric railway system includes an electric car and an electric-power supply device that supplies electric power to the electric car. The electric-power supply device includes a power source, and an overhead conductor portion connected to the power source. The electric car includes: a power collector installed on a roof of the electric car, having a contact conductor portion contactable to the overhead conductor portion, and being capable of raising and lowering the contact conductor portion based on an instruction from outside; a switching unit connected to the power collector, opening and closing a main circuit; an electric-power conversion device connected to the switching unit, performing an electric power conversion; an electric-power storage device connected to the electric-power conversion device; an electric motor driven by the electric-power conversion device, driving the electric car; and a control unit controlling at least the switching unit.

Abstract: Electrical equipment EE arranged in the roof of an electrically driven railway vehicle, said vehicle being equipped with at least one pantograph (2) and a roof line L conveying the current, received from an catenary line (1), from the connection to said pantograph (2) to the electrical driving devices (4) of the vehicle, said electrical equipment EE comprising a circuit-breaking device (3) for protecting said electrical driving devices and being arranged on a mechanical support (40), characterized in that said electrical equipment EE comprises a measuring device DM comprising at least means (33) for measuring the amperage of the current transmitted from the catenary (1) to the roof line L, which means are arranged on said mechanical support (40), and in that said electrical equipment EE comprises a computer (D) which controls the actuation of said circuit-breaking device (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a current collector 1 for a device 2 that can be displaced with and against the driving direction F along a conductor line 5, comprising a current collector cart 8 for the guided displacement along a guide element 9 of the conductor line 5, and an energy transmission system.

Abstract: A breaker 162 is opened when a pantograph 101 is lowered. The pantograph 101 is connected to an overhead wire 200. Voltage and its phase of the overhead wire are detected by a detector 161. Power is supplied from a power storage device 150c to a tertiary winding 112c via a power converter 14c such that a primary side of the main transformer 110 has the same voltage and phase as the overhead wire so as to reversely excite the main transformer 110. When the voltage of the main transformer 110 has the same phase as the voltage of the overhead wire 200, the breaker 162 is turned on and then the pantograph 101 is raised, to connect the overhead wire 200 and the main transformer 110 to each other, thereby preventing the occurrence of an excitation inrush current to the main transformer 110.

Abstract: The invention relates to a current collector system for fastening to a vehicle, I particular a container stacker crane, wherein the vehicle can be moved along in a line (T), and at least one busbar (S) is arranged on the line (T), wherein the current collector system has a collector trolley (W) having at least one busbar (AB), and the at least one current collector (AB) can be brought in contact with a busbar (S), wherein the collector trolley (W) of the current collector system is mounted to be freely displaceable vertically, in particular by means of at least one guide (F).

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle in multiple zones is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a vehicle for transporting a load comprising an energy storage device configured to receive and store energy originating from at least one of a power source and a linear motor and a motor configured to move the vehicle using energy delivered from the power source when energy from the power source is available for delivery, and further configured to move the vehicle using the energy stored in the energy storage device when the energy from the power source is unavailable for delivery, wherein the power source is located external to the vehicle and is stationary when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: Method of producing a plasma conductor in air with the aid of a femtosecond high-frequency pulsing and high-repetition rate laser. The plasma is used for transmitting a current between an electric or catenary wire supplying a vehicle such as a train and an electric contact, for example a pantograph arm disposed on a moving vehicle and connected to a power distribution system thereof. The plasma is in contact with the electric or catenary wire and with an electric contact.

Abstract: Described are a method and apparatus for charging an electric vehicle powered by ultracapacitors. The vehicle includes a current collector device for collecting power from an external power source, an electric motor module for providing a driving force to the vehicle, an ultracapacitor module, and a charger device. The ultracapacitor module includes one or more ultracapacitors. The ultracapacitor module is coupled to the current collector device for receiving power and is coupled to the electric motor module for providing power. The charger device is connected to the current collector, the ultracapacitor module, and to a temperature signal associated with one or more of the one or more ultracapacitors. The charger device is configured to adjust power supplied to the ultracapacitor module based on the temperature signal.

Abstract: A rail-based system is disclosed for moving materials and is applicable to a number of industries. The invention describes a system of automated self-powered rail cars operating independently to transport material such as ore from a work face in a mine or cargo from a marine port to a major transportation hub.

Abstract: A continuously installable/removable collector trolley includes a plurality of selectively extendable and retractable bearing assemblies. The bearing assemblies may be retracted to permit insertion and removal of the trolley into a conductor bar track at any point along the track. The bearing assemblies may then be extended to secure the trolley within the track, and to permit the bearings to roll along the track, permitting movement of the trolley.

Abstract: A device for aiding a movement a current collector trolley in and out of an elongate plastic profile of a sliding contact line accommodating current conductor rails, includes a funnel, and a sleeve embracing the elongate plastic profile in a form-fitting manner and intended to secure a rear end of the funnel to one end of the sliding contact line. The sleeve is freely movable along the elongate plastic profile before securement of the funnel and laps over the end of the elongate plastic profile when the funnel is secured in place, whereby the rear end of the funnel has a contour complementing an inner contour of the elongate plastic profile and received in form-fitting engagement in the elongate plastic profile.

Abstract: An improved device for measuring the contact force between a contact wire and a power collector in an electrically powered vehicle, specially an electrical railway vehicle, by use of optical fiber force sensors. To this end, two compact force sensors are arranged between the base body (7) of the contact strip (6) and the pantograph rocker frame (5) or between the wearing element or shoe (8) and the base body (7) of the contact strip (6). Each sensor includes a deformable body (11), which is elastic in an axial direction but highly rigid crosswise, with the body being fitted with an integrated optical fuber reflex sensor (19). Axial deformations of the deformable body (11) equivalent to the contact force are detected by the reflex sensor (19) with high resolution, accuracy and no interference, are then signaled to a device (27) via optical fibers requiring no potential and converted therein into contact force-equivalent signals (28) or instructions (29).

Abstract: Conductor system for warehouse cranes or transporters servicing warehouse shelving. Each shelving unit contains a conductor with conductive elements which have been mounted in a vertical plane. At least one warehouse crane or transporter and an assembly carrier is coupled respectively to a warehouse crane or transporter and a collector trolley is connected by means of opposite and preferably shaped leaf springs to an assembly plate attached to the assembly carrier of the warehouse crane or transporter. Each collector trolley contains carbon brushes and wheels. One end of the leaf springs is attached to the assembly plate and the other end of the leaf springs is attached to a mounting plate carrying the carbon brushes. The leaf springs press the wheels of the collector trolley onto the conductor and the carbon brushes of each collector trolley onto the conductor's conductive elements. Collector trolley suitable for use in such conductor systems.

Abstract: A device for collecting electric current for a rail vehicle that tilts. The rail vehicle includes a car body having a roof and a bogie beneath the car body. The bogie has a bogie frame and a bolster above the bogie frame and the car body is supported on the bolster. The bolster tilts around an axis with respect to the bogie frame upon tilting of the body. The collecting device includes a platform supported on the roof of the car which is movable transversely to the vehicle access. A pantograph supported on the platform, a flexible connection between the bogie and the pantograph for moving the platform on the pantograph transversely with tilting of the bogie frame, but for not moving the platform along with tilting of the bogie bolster. A motion reducing and amplifying mechanism between the platform and the flexible connection.

Abstract: A current collector trolley for traveling inside a current contact line of a type having a bottom formed longitudinally with a slot and accommodating therein current conductor rails in longitudinal direction, includes a base body extending through the slot to the outside and having sliding contacts forced into contact with the conductor rails during operative mode and electrically connected outside the current contact line to a multicore collector cable. The base body is made of plastic material and has embedded therein at least one flat electric conductor extending across the base body from top to bottom and having upper and lower ends. The upper end of the conductor is positioned in proximity of one of the sliding contacts and electrically connectable thereto, and the lower end of the conductor extends downwards to project out of the base body for electric connection with a core of the collector cable.

Abstract: A power rail is mounted on the face of storage system support columns. The power from the rail is transmitted to the equipment using a right angle, low clearance power rail trolley. The towing device is mounted to the side of the moving equipment. The device incorporates a new low profile trolley and towing arm attachment to permit mounting inches from the floor surface. The towing device includes a pair of pin engagement guide fingers that provide tolerance for traveling misalignments between the moving equipment and the stationary power rail. When an obstruction is encountered, power to drive the traveling stacker-retriever is cut off. The trolley engagement unit is mounted on a lateral swivel arm, the towing arm. The swivel arm mount has a mechanical overload spring pin detent. If a mechanical overload is detected, the swivel arm disengages from the spring pin detent, causing a limit switch to signal an emergency stop condition to disconnect motive power and to stop the moving equipment.

Abstract: In an electrically propelled vehicle having at least one roof container (1) and at least one pantograph (6), such that the roof container (1) contains at least components for electrically protecting the power electronics downstream of the pantograph (6), because the pantograph (6) is mounted in electrically insulated fashion on the roof container (1) there are only short unprotected electrical conduction paths between the pantograph (6) and the components for protecting the power electronics downstream of the pantograph (6).

Abstract: In an operating system for a movable body that runs on a guide rail, a communication method is described that establishes communications between the movable body and an operation control unit for controlling running of the movable body. Power lines on which electric power is transmitted are laid on the guide rail. The movable body is runnable upon reception of the electric power from the power lines. The method includes the steps of (a) generating a communication signal in either the movable body or the operation control unit; (b) superimposing the communication signal on electric power to be transmitted on the power lines; (c) receiving the electric power with the superimposed communication signal at the other of the movable body or the operation control unit; and (d) acquiring the communication signal from the received electric power.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for electrically isolating a trolley-type electrical connector on the end of a conduit on an electrical mining machine or the like, to prevent an electrical connection from being made with the connector. The locking apparatus comprises an open-ended sheath made from an electrically insulating material, slidably mounted on the end of the conduit, to slide between an extended position in which the sheath surrounds the connector, and a retracted position in which the connector projects through the open end of the sheath. The sheath has aligned openings on opposite sides thereof, adjacent the open end of the sheath. A locking member is adapted to extend through the aligned openings and substantially block the open end of the sheath. A retaining cord tethers the locking member to the sheath. A lock can be used to secure the locking member in its position blocking the open end of the sheath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trolley bus head comprising a moving cradle receiving a replaceable wiper for transmitting electrical current to a cable carried by the trolley pole. In accordance with the invention the cradle (6) comprises a main body (8) and a moving portion (13) which is latchable against said main body, with a spring member (23) pressing the replaceable wiper (10) against a support and contact face of the main body when said moving portion is in its latched position. The invention is applicable to providing heads for trolley buses or similar vehicles which are powered from an overhead conductor.

Abstract: A friction material comprising a carbon fiber reinforced carbon with an oxidation temperature of at least 800.degree. C. and a crystallinity index of matrix carbon of from 2.3 to 5.0, a process for the production of the same, and a friction element comprising the same.

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.