Abstract: An emergency braking extension device includes an emergency braking extension loop, a first emergency braking extension train line and a second emergency braking extension train line. The emergency braking extension loop has a protective circuit breaker, a normally open contact of an emergency braking button, and an emergency braking extension relay, which are sequentially connected in series. A normally open contact of the emergency braking extension relay is connected in series to a pantograph lowering control loop. A first normally closed contact and a second normally closed contact of the emergency braking extension relay are connected in series to a return line and a power supply negative loop of a train emergency braking control loop, respectively. A third normally closed contact of the emergency braking extension relay is connected in series to a control loop of a bypass cut-off circuit of a train emergency braking execution loop.

Abstract: A current collecting shoe for transferring energy from a catenary wire to rolling stock, includes a sheath constructed and arranged for fixing to a pantograph carried by the rolling stock, a wearing strip including graphite mounted on the sheath, a longitudinal slot or boring in the wearing strip and a tubular section disposed within the boring or at least partially within the slot. The tubular section is thermally stable at a temperature of at least 400.degree. C., and constructed of a material having a hardness of at least 4 on the Mohs scale and an electrical conductivity greater than graphite. This tubular section acts as an electrical conductor to transfer energy from the wearing strip to the rolling stock, and is constructed and arranged for sealing with a fluid therein and connection to a fluid pressure detection means.

Abstract: A current collector for a railway trolley vehicle includes a current collecting member having a contact strip, a driving system for moving the current collecting member into and out of contact with a trolley wire, a load cell for detecting force acting between the current collecting member and the driving system, a displacement meter for detecting displacement of the driving system, first and second estimating circuits, and a control circuit. The first estimating circuit provides an estimated value of the contact force between the current collector and the trolley wire by estimating values of first parameters of the contact strip, the current collecting member, and the trolley wire and summing products of each of these values and a corresponding weighting factor.

Abstract: A pantograph slipper for current collectors. The pantograph includes a center section and laterally, downwardly directed horns. The center section and the horns are fitted with carbon layers which are cemented to a support and to each other and they form a gradual transition between them. A rupture detection device including a pressure channel extending along the center section and the horns is formed in the carbon layers.

Abstract: A carbon sliding strip for a collector has a rupture control device, comprising a pressure line (9) incorporated directly in the carbon strip (1), a device (13) for producing increased pressure in the pressure line and a pressure detector (15), which detects the sudden drop in pressure which occurs if the channel begins to leak. Since at least part of pressure line wall is made directly from the carbon material, the pressure control device responds even to small cracks in the carbon and immediately shows wear and rupture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a friction strip serving for the transfer of electrical energy to rolling stock and comprising a damage detection device. The friction strip consists of a wearing strip (2) of carbon based material comprising a groove (3) on its face which is in contact with the stirrup member (5) and a tightly sealed tube (4) placed in the groove is connected to the detection device. The material constituting the tube and the material constituting the wearing strip are selected to have closely related mechanical and thermo-mechanical characteristics; this is achieved with a tightly sealed tube of carbon based material. The invention also relates to the method of producing the friction strip.

Abstract: Offset condition detecting device for detecting offset condition of pantographs from overhead contact wires by means of electric current detected by a contact element mounted on the pantograph and insulated therefrom. The detection is made electrically and in case of emergency the pantographs are lowered down at high speed to prevent damage of pantographs of trolley-assisted vehicles.

Abstract: A collector device for trolley-assisted vehicles having a pantograph operating circuit acting to deenergize the pantograph operating electromagnetic valve, when a driver inadvertently intends to leave the vehicle while pantographs are in the working position by automatically bringing the pantographs down to leave overhead contact wire thus to avoid electric shock accident.

Abstract: A trolley pole is supported on a vertical shaft so as to be rotatable from side to side while in its elevated, operating position. The shaft is supported on a support structure which is tiltably mounted on a base plate on a vehicle. The base plate can be tilted by extending the arm of a linear actuator. When the base plate is tilted, the pole is lowered and centered and a gravity operated latch structure comes into effect to maintain the pole centered whenever it is not in its operating position. A control circuit coupled to the actuator extends and retracts the actuator arm to pivot the support structure between an upright and a stowed position.

Abstract: An electric traction current-collector has a carbon current-collector block (1) housing a rupturable tubular container (7 l ) for air under pressure applied through a pneumatic control system for a pantograph or other carrier so that loss of air pressure due to rupture of the container causes the current-collector block to be retracted. The container (7) is so thin that, if it is not completely housed and supported, it bursts under the applied air pressure and consequently any defect in the carbon block which spoils complete support of the container causes retraction of the current-collector.