Abstract: A deformable element includes a profiled tube having a rectangular cross-section, and a plate which closes the profiled tube at one end, where a bracket is fastened between opposite sides of the profiled tube at the end of the profiled tube that is closed by the plate.

Abstract: Provided is an unmanned aerial vehicle for measuring the wall thickness of a structure. The unmanned aerial vehicle may be an intrinsically safe unmanned aerial vehicle and may include an arm having an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) coupled to one end of the arm and a power and control assembly may be coupled to the other end of the arm as a counterweight. The power and control assembly may include an activation device for the EMAT, such as a proximity sensor. The EMAT may be coupled to a spring that compresses in response to a force normal to the wall being measured to prevent excessive force from being applied to the structure and the EMAT. Methods of measuring wall thickness using an unmanned aerial vehicle and a retrofit kit for an unmanned aerial vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bumper-cart light assembly of a golf cart. The bumper-cart light assembly includes a bumper body, a lower support, an integral cart light assembly and two upper supports. The two upper supports are symmetrically arranged at the upper end of the bumper body respectively. The lower support is arranged at the lower end of the bumper. The periphery of the bumper body extends rearwards to form a recess. The upper end of the bumper body forms a connecting tab. The upper end of the bumper protrudes upwards to form a protrusion provided with a receiving groove. The two upper supports are located at the two sides of the protrusion respectively. The middle of the bumper body is provided with an air inlet. The lower end of the bumper body is provided with an upward recess. The bumper-cart light assembly can carry a driving light assembly.

Abstract: An integrated self-supporting and deformation-resistant modular driver's cabin structure for mounting to the front end of a rail vehicle body and for providing a driver space and a windshield opening, is composed of a composite sandwich structure with a single, common, continuous outer skin layer, a single, common, continuous inner skin layer and an internal structure wholly covered with and bonded to the inner and outer skin layers, the internal structure comprising a plurality of core elements. The driver's cabin structure comprises at least: side pillars each having a lower end and an upper end, and an undercarriage structure at the lower end of each of the side pillars. The fiber-reinforced sandwich located in the side pillars is provided with several layers of fibers oriented to provide a high bending stiffness. The fiber-reinforced sandwich of the undercarriage structure is such to transfer static and crash loads without flexural buckling.

Abstract: A shock energy absorber includes, in one example, a cylinder having a closed end and an open end, a sleeve fixed about the open end of the cylinder, and a damping material in the form of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material in the cylinder. A plunger is positioned to be driven into the damping material via the sleeve. When the plunger is impacted and driven into the damping material, the damping material changes from a solid to a viscous fluid state thereby enabling absorption of a significant amount of energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated coupling between a first car (3) and a second car of a vehicle, especially a railway vehicle, having at least two cars, said articulated coupling including a first element (33) capable of being connected to said first car (3) and a second element (35) capable of being connected to said second car, a device for moving said second element (35) in translation relative to said first element (33) in the event of an impact, and an energy absorber capable of being arranged between said first (3) and second (19) cars. The energy absorber is arranged between said first (33) and second (35) elements, and in the first element (33) is designed to allow persons to pass between said first car (3) and said second car.

Abstract: A slide structure 21 of a railway vehicle includes a slide end beam 22 disposed in front of an end beam 16 that constitutes a portion of a body, and a slide center beam 23 projecting rearward of the slide end beam. An underframe 12 is provided with a guide portion 24 that guides the slide center beam in the longitudinal direction of the body. The underframe 12 is also provided with a holding member 28 that holds the slide center beam at a front position of the body with respect to the guide portion. The holding member has such a tensile strength that the holding member couples the underframe and the slide structure to each other in the longitudinal direction of the body and the holding member is broken when a tensile load in a rearward direction of the body applied from the slide structure to the holding member exceeds a preset tensile load, thereby permitting the slide structure to move in the rearward direction of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy-absorbing unit, including a UIC buffer or a side buffer, which provides an additional irreversible shock-absorbing stage for e.g., a UIC buffer which can be retroactively installed, an energy-absorbing unit, is proposed which is mountable to the support frame or undercarriage, of e.g., a railborne vehicle as one complete exchangeable unit. The energy-absorbing unit hereto includes a base plate for preferably detachable connecting of the energy-absorbing unit to the support frame or undercarriage of a car body, a connecting plate, to which e.g., the UIC buffer can be connected, and a destructively-configured energy-absorbing element which is braced between the base plate and the connecting plate without play.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle front-end module having a vehicle front-end structure (100) for mounting to the front end of a rail-borne vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, wherein the vehicle front-end structure (100) is wholly composed of structural elements made from fiber composite or fiber composite sandwich material. The structural elements forming the vehicle front-end structure (100) comprise first structural elements (10, 10?, 11, 12, 12?, 14, 15, 16) which are configured and directly connected to one another so as to form a substantially deformation-resistant, self-supporting front-end structure designed to accommodate a vehicle driver's cab (101).

Abstract: A crash module for a rail vehicle is provided. The crash module includes a crash element, a frontal impact plate and a rear connecting plate, wherein a guide element is provided between the frontal impact plate and the rear connecting plate. The guide element has the form of a plate and is oriented essentially in a longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated coupling between a first car (3) and a second car of a vehicle, especially a railway vehicle, having at least two cars, said articulated coupling including a first element (33) capable of being connected to said first car (3) and a second element (35) capable of being connected to said second car, a device for moving said second element (35) in translation relative to said first element (33) in the event of an impact, and an energy absorber capable of being arranged between said first (3) and second (19) cars. The energy absorber is arranged between said first (33) and second (35) elements, and in the first element (33) is designed to allow persons to pass between said first car (3) and said second car.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy absorption device as part of a shock absorber for the front or rear region of a railborne vehicle, in particular a streetcar vehicle, wherein the energy absorption device is designed to absorb or dissipate at least a portion of the impact energy which occurs when the vehicle impacts an obstacle. The invention includes a bumper bar which is pivotably connected to the vehicle underframe by a first bearing, a pendulum support connected to the bumper bar by a second bearing and to the vehicle underframe by a third bearing such that the bumper bar and pendulum support form a tripod. The resultant moment of force of the bumper bar pivoting about a pivot axis defined by a first bearing is introduced as linear force into the energy-absorbing mechanism and at least partly absorbed or dissipated there.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shock absorber (100), in particular for use as an additional irreversible shock-absorbing stage together with a component for transferring force. In order to achieve the reliable dissipating of high impact energies, a shock absorber (100) comprising the following is indicated in accordance with the invention: a base plate (1); a force-transferring element (3) having a tensioning element (4); an energy-absorbing element in the form of a deformation tube (5) which is connected by a first end section to the base plate (1); and a connecting element (6) for the disengageable connecting of the force-transferring element (3) to a second end section of the deformation tube (5), wherein the connecting element (6) is pressed against the tensioning element (4) such that the deformation tube (5) is braced between the tensioning element (4) and the base plate (1) without play.

Abstract: A rail vehicle comprising an anticlimber disposed in a vehicle end region and extending over substantially the entire width of the vehicle, wherein there is disposed, in the end region of the rail vehicle, at least one anticlimber element forming a partial vertical extension of the anticlimber, which anticlimber element is capable of engaging the anticlimber of another rail vehicle in the event of a collision.

Abstract: A central buffer coupling for rail-mounted vehicles has a coupling shaft (1) and a drawgear (2) comprising a bearing bracket (4), whereby the rear end (3) of the coupling shaft (1) is connected to the drawgear (2) and coupled to the car body of the rail vehicle via the bearing bracket (4) of the drawgear (2) so as to be horizontally pivotable. The drawgear (2) includes a shock absorber (5, 8), wherein the shock absorber (5, 8) is configured such that upon the exceeding of a definable critical impact force being transmitted through the coupling shaft (1) to the drawgear (2), the connection between the drawgear (2) and the coupling shaft (1) is disengaged and the coupling shaft (1) is at least partially removed from the power flow transmitted to the drawgear (2).

Abstract: A deformable element for a vehicle, particularly a rail vehicle, comprising a profiled part (CR) disposed between two end plates (AC, AP) and having the form of a tubular box, particularly of polygonal cross section for dissipating impact energy in the event of longitudinal compression by plastic deformation, and comprising a guide element (FH) disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction of said profiled part (CR), which guide element is fixed to the end plate (AC) remote from the vehicle and is capable of sliding through a through opening (DL) in the end plate (AP) facing the vehicle, wherein the end plate (AP) facing the vehicle has a through opening (DL) which has a shape which permits contactless sliding of said guide element (FH) in the longitudinal direction and lateral inclination of said guide element relative to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to terrain navigation wherein an earth-reflected satellite signal is received from at least one reference signal source whose position is known (120), for example a navigation satellite. Based on information contained in the received signal a measured estimate of a shortest reflection distance (d1(tb)) to the satellite (120) is derived. A relative spatial movement (?x, ?y, ?h) of a relevant craft (110) since a previous positioning instance (ta) is registered onboard the craft (110). Moreover, stored surface information is retrieved pertaining to an elevation (h1b) of the earth surface (130) in relation to the mean sea level (z0) at at least one geographical position (X1b, Y1b). Based on the relative spatial movement (?x, ?y, ?h) and the retrieved surface information at least one calculated estimate of the shortest reflection distance (d1(tb)) to the satellite (120) is derived.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collision energy absorbing structure of a vehicle capable of relieving impact by using a tubular pipe member having equally-sized rectangular cross section and equal plate thickness and including no inside ribs and by adding a suitable trigger, and being easily manufactured at a low cost. By forming a cutout portion on the left side of the front end portion of the collision energy absorbing structure, the deformation starting portion is provided. The cutout portion is formed at parts of three flat plate portions comprised of one of the four flat plate portions and corresponding opposite portions thereof. The general portion, which follows the deformation starting portion, is tubular with rectangular cross section and has a closed cross-section structure.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing device for the end of rail vehicles is provided. In order in particular to reduce the cost of adaptation and matching between vehicle manufacturers and suppliers of the energy-absorbing device and the couplings (3) and the design and/or quality risks, the energy-absorbing device exhibits a base frame (1) which carries all the proposed elements for energy absorption in the end area and which is fastened as a compact preassembled module to the sub-frame (9) entirely in the defined interface area.

Abstract: A collision attenuating system for a moving vehicle including an energy-absorbing airbag assembly dimensioned and configured for attenuating the impact between the moving vehicle and a pedestrian or an impacted vehicle located in or crossing the path of the moving vehicle as the pedestrian or impacted vehicle impacts against the airbag assembly, a mounting bracket dimensioned and configured for being affixed to the moving vehicle, an engagement bracket affixed to the airbag assembly and engagable with the mounting bracket, and a quick-release fastener for removably engaging the engagement bracket to the mounting bracket for removably mounting the airbag assembly to the moving vehicle. The airbag assembly includes an airbag and an assembly frame supporting the airbag, a speed sensor for determining the speed of the vehicle, and a pressure regulator for controlling a pressure function of the airbag responsive to the speed sensor.

Abstract: A housing for a railroad car draft gear is disclosed. The draft gear housing has an axially elongated tubular portion comprised of layers. At least one of the layers of the draft gear housing is formed from a filament wound structure or composite material, and an additional layer may be steel.

Abstract: A train collision attenuator mounted on a leading end of a train for attenuating the force of impact between a moving train and a pedestrian or motor vehicle. The train collision attenuator includes an energy absorbing assembly and a mounting assembly. The energy absorbing assembly includes a leading surface and the energy absorbing assembly is dimensioned and configured for attenuating the force of impact between the moving train and the pedestrian located in the path of the moving train as the pedestrian impacts against the leading surface. The mounting assembly secures the energy absorbing assembly to the leading end of the train. A lifting mechanism for moving the energy absorbing assembly between a deployed position to a retracted position is also provided. A selectively-inflatable, externally-mounted airbag including an upper pedestrian cushioning portion and a lower pedestrian support portion is also provided.

Abstract: A train collision attenuator mounted on a leading end of a train for attenuating the force of impact between a moving train and a pedestrian or motor vehicle. The train collision attenuator includes an energy absorbing assembly and a mounting assembly. The energy absorbing assembly includes a leading surface and the energy absorbing assembly is dimensioned and configured for attenuating the force of impact between the moving train and the pedestrian located in the path of the moving train as the pedestrian impacts against the leading surface. The mounting assembly secures the energy absorbing assembly to the leading end of the train. A lifting mechanism for moving the energy absorbing assembly between a deployed position to a retracted position is also provided. A selectively-inflatable, externally-mounted airbag including an upper pedestrian cushioning portion and a lower pedestrian support portion is also provided.

Abstract: A rail car buffer with a capsule body and a mechanical ring spring and a hydraulic spring arranged in parallel in the body. The hydraulic spring includes an internal reservoir to receive hydraulic oil displaced during collapse of the buffer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the noise generated by colliding conveyor carriers is disclosed which comprises urethane bumpers and a method of attaching same to portions of the carriers that do not make contact with other carriers when the carriers are accumulated. The bumpers extend from the carriers a sufficient distance to contact a similar bumper on an adjacent carrier when one carrier rolls up against another. The bumpers do not prevent the normally contacting portions of the carriers from coming into contact, but merely absorb a portion of the kinetic energy of the moving carrier to reduce the noise generated when the contacting portions of the trolleys do meet, and the presence of these bumpers does not adversely affect the spacing of the carriers in the accumulation line.

Abstract: A loading car for receiving, conveying and discharging bulk material onto a bulk material freight car comprises an elongated machine frame end and undercarriages supporting the machine frame on a track for mobility therealong in an operating direction. An inclined, elongated conveyor band arrangement for the bulk material is mounted on the machine frame and has a lower receiving end including a hopper arranged to receive bulk material for upward conveyance by the conveyor band arrangement, and a drive is provided for vertically adjusting the rear undercarriage relative to the machine frame.

Abstract: In a rail vehicle with anticlimb equipment, the occurring normal shocks are absorbed by draw and buffer devices which are provided in tandem with the central buffer couplers. To take up excessive impacts, an excess-impact safety effective through deformation is built into the coupler bar of the central buffer coupler. The purpose of the inventive arrangement with an additional excess-impact safety is to be able, upon a collision accident, to take up further excess impacts, in addition to those which are absorbed by the excess-impact safety of the coupler bar. The additional excessive-impact safety is so disposed that it remains unaffected during the response of the excess-impact safety of the coupler bar.

Abstract: A combination bumper and step device adapted to be mounted on the rear of a truck. A pair of horizontally spaced channels are pivotally mounted on the rear of the vehicle frame and extend vertically downwardly therefrom. A pair of vertically spaced horizontally extending steps are rigidly mounted on the spaced channels. A shock absorber is attached to and extends between each of the spaced channels and the truck frame. The steps provide a safe and rigid means for an individual to enter and leave the rear of the truck and the shock absorbers and pivotal mounting of the channels enable the device to move inwardly beneath the truck and absorb a certain amount of impact energy without damaging the device. One of the steps engages the vehicle frame when the device is in a retracted position to provide a positive mechanical stop for the device to prevent damage to the shock absorbers and to prevent any vehicle or other object from running underneath the vehicle body.

Abstract: A textured surface pattern of projections and recesses provides a good appearance and low susceptibility to damage and clogging by dirt and wax for an automobile bumper made of synthetic resin. The depth of the pattern is in the range from 20 to 70.mu., the curvature of the tops of the projections is in the range from 3 to 30.mu., the curvature of the bottoms of the recesses is in the range from 2 to 30.mu., the depth as measured from the level where each recess has a width of 200.mu. to the bottom of the recess is less than 20.mu., and the distance from one top to any adjacent top is less than 2500.mu..

Abstract: An improved automatic central buffer coupling for rail vehicles includes a cone formed with a tip portion on the end of the cone having a convex surface and a funnel-shaped member for receiving the cone member of an opposite coupling which is formed with an inwardly inclined chamfer at the inlet opening thereof.

Abstract: An end underframe structure having an open box structure forming a rigid unit capable of receiving high torsional or other forces developed in a railway car and includes primary and secondary end sills connected by side buffer members. Additional buffer members connect the secondary end sill to a bolster. Draft sill means extend from the center of the primary end sill to the center of the bolster member.

Abstract: An impact barrier designed specially to be installed at the rear of a vehicle such as a truck, has a generally rectangular, stiff enclosure open at the bottom. There is a support connected between the enclosure and the back of the vehicle so that the enclosure projects rearwardly behind the vehicle at about the expected area of impact of a following collision. Within the enclosure is a plurality of energy dissipating elements or cells arranged within the enclosure in substantial abutment with each other and with the enclosure sides. The dissipating elements are individually made of a frangible or powdering material. The enclosure support preferably includes a snubber for damping out vertical oscillations in the device.