Abstract: A conductor arrangement for an inductive power transfer, the conductor arrangement comprising at least three coils arranged along a longitudinal axis and formed of at least one conductor; and at least two winding heads arranged opposite one another and in which conductor sections of each coil extend along one another and along the longitudinal axis; wherein, within at least one of the winding heads, the conductor sections of the first and second coils that extend along the longitudinal axis are arranged at a first distance to one another, the first distance ?zero, and the conductor section of the third coil that extends along the longitudinal axis is arranged at second distances to said conductor sections of the first and second coils, the second distances being larger than the first distance. Also disclosed are an inductive power transfer arrangement and methods for providing conductor arrangements for an inductive power transfer.

Abstract: A system for supplying power to a trolley chain. The system includes: a trolley chain, consisting of at least two trollies coupled with one another, wherein the trolley chain has a closed bus; and a stationary energy conductor along the track of the trolley chain. The stationary energy conductor consists of one or more successive segments, which are spaced apart from each other. The closed bus has several transmission heads, which are designed to supply the closed bus with electricity from the stationary energy conductor without contacting the stationary energy conductor, if they are within a pre-determined distance to the stationary energy conductor. During a journey of the trolley chain along the track, at each moment in time, at least one of the transmission heads supplies the closed bus with electricity from the stationary energy conductor.

Abstract: A control system for remotely configuring a locomotive includes a plurality of operational control devices located on-board the locomotive, the plurality of operational control devices being configured to implement a change to a designated configuration of the locomotive. A controller located on-board the locomotive is configured to activate the plurality of operational control devices to change the designated configuration of the locomotive upon receipt of a configuration command signal. An off-board remote user interface located remotely from the locomotive is configured to receive a single input from a user commanding a change in configuration of the locomotive, the single input being implemented by activation of a single input device on the remote user interface, and selectively send a configuration command signal to the on-board controller to activate the plurality of operational control devices to change the designated configuration of the locomotive.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting broken rail, track continuity, and track occupancy ahead of or behind a railroad vehicle traveling in fixed-block territory equipped with an AC track code wayside signal system or cab signal overlay system, and a communications link. This method, when used as an integral part of a communications-based train control (CBTC) or positive train control (PTC) system, allows immediate, automatic detection of broken rail, track occupancies, or open turnouts ahead of or behind a train in an occupied block. It also facilitates true moving-block or virtual block CBTC or PTC, thereby enabling higher efficiency and track utilization.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system including an ultrasound catheter is disclosed herein. The ultrasound catheter includes a flexible catheter housing defining a distal end, a transducer array disposed at least partially within the catheter housing, and a motor coupled with the transducer array. The motor is configured to rotate the transducer array in order to image a three-dimensional volume. The ultrasound catheter also includes a tracking element adapted to provide an estimate of a position and/or orientation of the distal end of the catheter housing. The tracking element is disposed within the catheter housing and immediately adjacent to the distal end.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring the current flowing in a wire of a circuit is provided. The sensor includes a variable inductance contactless current detector to sense the current flowing in the wire, serially connected to an internal power source and a resistor to form a voltage divider circuit. The sensor also includes a voltage detector to monitor the voltage level across the resistor and generate an output signal. A system is also provided.

Abstract: A railway circuit for detecting the free or occupied state of the same and for sending signalling information along a railway line to a vehicle travelling along said railway line. A signal generator generates a signal with varying current modulated with FSK technique on a basis of a modulation code. The signal is supplied to a coil magnetically coupled with first and second rails that constitute the single railway circuit to induce a variable current modulated by the code on the electric circuit formed by the portions of the first and second rail short-circuited alternatively by the electric joint. The vehicle is provided with a current sensor suitable for detecting the variable current for extraction of the code and sending the signal to the driver. A signal generator generates a signal in compliance with new safety requirements to determine, with the receiver, the free/occupied state of the railway circuit.

Abstract: A rail vehicle has at least one vehicle antenna of a train safety system directed toward the track. To increase resistance to interference, the rail vehicle is configured such that the body of the rail vehicle and an axle arranged in the region of an end of the rail vehicle are electrically connected by way of a capacitive connection and the at least one vehicle antenna is arranged at a greater distance from the end of the rail vehicle than the axle that is electrically connected to the body.

Abstract: A transport system, including a rail system and carriages movably disposed thereon, the rails being encompassed by a primary conductor system to which at least one secondary coil, included by the carriage, is inductively coupled for the contactless transfer of electrical energy and/or information.

Abstract: A device for transmitting electrical energy from the track (2, 3) to the vehicle (1) of a magnetic leviation railway is described. According to the invention a contactless operating device is provided in that the track (2, 3) has mounted thereon at least one primary line (44) connected to a voltage source (46) and being designed as an emitting coil and in that the vehicle (1) has mounted thereon at least one pick-up coil (47) applied to its magnet back box (15).

Abstract: Methods and systems for a cab signal system are provided. The system includes at least one inductive pickup coil assembly, and a cab signal receiver electrically coupled to the at least one inductive pickup coil assembly. The receiver is configured to receive amplitude and phase information associated with an electromagnetic noise signal portion and receive amplitude and phase information associated with a cab signal portion received by the at least one inductive pickup coil assembly. The receiver is further configured to determine a phase difference between electromagnetic noise signal portion and the cab signal portion and combine the electromagnetic noise signal portion and the cab signal portion based on the phase difference such that an amplitude of the electromagnetic noise signal portion is facilitated being reduced.

Abstract: A pathway-based method, apparatus and system for tracking, sensing and communicating with an object, such as a carriage or vehicle moving on a pathway. The system includes a transmitter winding along the pathway that is energized by a transmitter and one or more sensing windings in which a signal is induced. The vehicle contains a transducer that creates a position-indicating coupling of the transmitted signal into the sensing windings. The transducer may be a passive ferromagnetic or conductive body that locally alters coupling between the windings, or a tuned coil carried on the vehicle that couples energy received from the transmitter into a sensing winding. Absolute position may be established at regular intervals using a discrete position sensor, such as a Hall Effect magnetic field sensor, and, the signal derived from the sensing windings can be monitored, by counting cycles or determining phase, to determine a precise vehicle position.

Abstract: A track receiver is located on-board a locomotive for receiving a first magnetic field produced in response to a cab signal carrier transmitted through a rail on which the locomotive is carried. The track receiver is oriented so that a second magnetic field produced during operation of a traction motor of the locomotive propagates substantially perpendicular to an axis of sensitivity of the track receiver, and is oriented so that the first magnetic field propagates parallel to the axis of sensitivity of the track receiver.

Abstract: A track receiver is located on-board a locomotive for receiving a first magnetic field produced in response to a cab signal carrier transmitted through a rail on which the locomotive is carried. The track receiver is oriented so that a second magnetic field produced during operation of a traction motor of the locomotive propagates substantially perpendicular to an axis of sensitivity of the track receiver, and is oriented so that the first magnetic field propagates parallel to the axis of sensitivity of the track receiver.

Abstract: Inductive transfer methods and structures combine, in a single system, at least two of the three functions of transferring power, communicating data, and sensing position with a vehicle on a guideway. A set of conductors is installed on the guideway to inductively couple a multiplicity of diverse signals with a corresponding set of conductors on the vehicle. The vehicle may be moving or stationary, and signals may be coupled in one or both directions. Coupling is effected without direct electrical contact, through a common region or gap, and the structures provide suitable and precise air gap control for the conductors effecting coupling of each signal. In addition, the windings are arranged with a topology and/or symmetry to cancel crosstalk between different signals.

Abstract: On vehicles on which only a single receiving antenna is provided or where a plurality of receiving antennas which are arranged side by side and are coupled to the forward and return conductors of a line conductor are provided, the phase angle of the received voltage is retained when the voltage drops below a given received level. If the level of the received voltage rises again, the prevailing phase angle of the received voltage can be compared with that of the retained received voltage. If the received voltages to be compared are found to be in phase opposition, it is deduced that a line conductor intersection point has been passed; if they are in phase, transient transmission interference is inferred. The phase angle of the comparative voltage is preferably retained by a flywheel oscillator, with the time offset between the prevailing received voltage and the comparative voltage preferably being determined by weighting the peak values of the two voltages.

Abstract: A track-guided transport system with power and data transmission and used for conveying goods. The transport system is provided with a transport element having drive and track-guide elements; storage, input and output units for goods; and a data processing and transmission unit. The transport element is provided with a transmission head as a secondary element for transferring power from a primary circuit laid along the track, the transmission head is mounted on the vehicle comprising a ferrite core and a secondary winding surrounding the core and magnetically is coupled to the primary circuit. An adjustable and controllable drive unit may be provided for forward motion; and a device may be provided for the forward motion for low-friction compensation of gravity and to ensure low-friction sliding along a track, as well as track-guide elements.

Abstract: A system for communication between a fixed station and a carriage, which travels along a rail. The system employs a cable used to supply the carriage with electric power and carries out communication by superimposing communication signals on the electric power flowing through the cable. The communication system includes electric power sources and cables. The cables are each connected to one of the power sources and each cable extends along the rail. A single communication antenna is used by at least two of the cables.

Abstract: A carriage conveying system having a conveyance control device, which outputs communication signals for supplying a carriage with electric power by a feeder cable arranged along a guide rail to move the carriage along the guide rail and for controlling operation of the carriage. A control device transmits the communication signals to the carriage by the feeder cables. The carriage has a driving device for driving the carriage in accordance with the electric power. A controller controls the driving device in accordance with the communication signals. A communicating device receives the communication signals from the feeder cable for conveyance to the controller. The communicating device is located in the vicinity of the feeder cable.

Abstract: A traffic control system for mobile units has a plurality of stationary, passive units having electronic store capacity and transmit and receive facilities. The store of the passive units contains an information code which is unique to the unit and is related to the position by a mobile unit, the stationary units supply their information code, enabling the mobile unit to calculate its position. The store of the stationary units, in addition to the information codes of the units, contains stored traffic messages which are supplied together with the information code upon interrogation from the mobile unit. The movement from the mobile unit can be adjusted according to the traffic information received.

Abstract: Cab signalling apparatus for use on-board a vehicle which is propelled on tracks having a cab signal transmitted through rails. One or more plate mounted antenna is positioned above a rail to induce therein a signal representative of the cab signal current in the rail. A cab signal coil is mounted on at least one of the plates having an orientation generally perpendicular to the rail to receive a cab signal. A second noise coil is mounted on at least one of the plates to sense EMI representative of the undesired EMI induced in the cab signal coil. The preferred embodiments are that the plates have a generally rectangular profile and in some embodiments the plates will have a square profile. The respective noise and cab signal coils are angularly displaced from each other. In some embodiments a single core is used having both noise and cab signal coils mounted thereon, while other embodiments use multiple plates. On single plate embodiments the noise and cab signal coils may be overlapped or interleaved.

Abstract: Inductive pickups for sensing coded cab current information employ short ferrite cores and exhibit a pronounced roll-off characteristic to provide a detection system that may be used with locomotives powered by alternating current traction motors. Desired response is enhanced by connecting the inductors in phase in a tuned circuit and by employing a cancelling coil in phase opposition that receives interfering motor noise but is insensitive to the coded information.

Abstract: Cab signalling apparatus for use on-board a vehicle which is propelled on tracks having a cab signal transmitted through rails. One or more plate mounted antenna is positioned above a rail to induce therein a signal representative of the cab signal current in the rail. A cab signal coil is mounted on at least one of the plates having an orientation generally perpendicular to the rail to receive a cab signal. A second noise coil is mounted on at least one of the plates to sense EMI representative of the undesired EMI induced in the cab signal coil. The preferred embodiments are that the plates have a generally rectangular profile and in some embodiments the plates will have a square profile. The respective noise and cab signal coils are angularly displaced from each other. In some embodiments a single core is used having both noise and cab signal coils mounted thereon, while other embodiments use multiple plates. On single plate embodiments the noise and cab signal coils may be overlapped or interleaved.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing coded cab current information in a high level noise environment, caused by the magnetic fields of AC traction motors employed in the locomotive, utilizes pickup coils each having an upright axis and an axially extending, ferrite core. The coils are employed in pairs on a common magnetic structure located over an underlying rail, the coils being spaced apart horizontally and transversely of the rail. Magnetic flux resulting from the cab current is directed in opposite axial directions through the coils, whereas magnetic flux produced by the AC traction motors is directed through the coils in the same axial directions. This results in the addition of the voltages induced in the coils by the cab current, and voltage subtraction in response to the interfering magnetic field produced by the AC motors.

Abstract: An inductive radio communication system in which two sets of parallel lines are provided so as to be separated from each other at a predetermined distance therebetween along the track of a mobile unit, and a loop antenna having a double loop structure and attached on the mobile unit is disposed between the two sets of parallel lines. The loop antenna is arranged such that currents flow in the respective loops in opposite directions to each other at a certain instant. Levels of signals transmitted from the loop antenna to the parallel lines through electromagnetic coupling are added to each other when the signal levels are applied to the primary side of a level converting transformer, and then the output of the transformer is transmitted to a receiver of the ground station side, whereby the undesirable noises radiated to the outside is reduced and the coupling level between the antenna and the parallel lines through electromagnetic coupling is improved.

Abstract: A cab signaling apparatus for use on board a railway vehicle which is propelled on rail tracks by an electric drive motor. The invention utilizes a cab signal transmitted to the vehicle through a track circuit in the rails. On board receiving of the cab signal is done by a receiving coil, which may be mounted in front of the lead axle, as a current transformer around the lead axle, or at another location where the cab signal current is relatively strong. The cab signal that is sensed has a cab signal component and an interference component. On board the vehicle a sampled signal is taken which has the characteristic of the electromagnetic interference subjected to the cab signal receiver coil. The sampled signal is then subtracted from the sensed cab signal such that the sampled interference signal cancels the interference component of the cab signal.

Abstract: A cab signaling apparatus for use on board a railway vehicle which is propelled on rail tracks by an electric drive motor. The invention utilizes a cab signal transmitted to the vehicle through a track circuit in the rails. On board receiving of the cab signal is done by a receiving coil, which may be mounted in front of the lead axle, as a current transformer around the lead axle, or at another location where the cab signal current is relatively strong. The cab signal that is sensed has a cab signal component and an interference component. On board the vehicle a sampled signal is taken which has the characteristic of the electromagnetic interference subjected to the cab signal receiver coil. The sampled signal is then subtracted from the sensed cab signal such that the sampled interference signal cancels the interference component of the cab signal.

Abstract: A railway vehicle cab signalling system providing electrical signals to operate an aspect display unit or the like located on-board a railway vehicle based upon the track circuit signals typically used to operate wayside indicators. A sensor detects the track circuit current as it passes through at least one wheel and axle set on the vehicle. A processor receives an output signal from the sensor and produces a signal to operate the aspect display unit.

Abstract: A railway signalling system for the detection of a train within a defined section of track by means of track circuit apparatus utilizes the rails within the section as part of the track circuit. The rails are electrically shunted by the wheels and axles of a railway vehicle of the train in the section. The presence of a train is detected by detecting the change in the shunt impedance between the rails of the track circuit when a train enters the section. To improve the reliability of the track circuit a shunt assist circuit is provided. This shunt assist circuit comprises an inductive loop aerial provided on the railway vehicle so that it is closely coupled, inductively, with the rails, whereby when the loop aerial is energized from an alternating source, a current is induced in the wheel-rail-axle circuit.

Abstract: A sensing device mounted on a railway locomotive vehicle axle assembly to sense signalling currents conducted through the axle. The device also serves to protect the critical traction motor support bearing from contamination by foreign substances. The sensing device includes a core member mounted in material at least partially covering the bearing and maintaining the core member in position encircling the axle. The core member conducts magnetic flux caused by the flow of current through the axle. An electrical conductor wound about the core member and/or a hall effect sensor embedded within the core member detect the presence of the flux. Clamping bands maintain the mounting material in position about the axle.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle guide system has guide routes made of a magnetic material and an unmanned vehicle guided to travel on the guide route. The unmanned vehicle has an exciting coil for emitting a magnetic field, a pair of detection coils, arranged in a direction perpendicular to the travel direction of the unmanned vehicle, for detecting a magnetic field change, a comparator for measuring an output-difference between the detection coils, and a steering device for steering the unmanned vehicle such that the output-difference becomes a predetermined value. At an intersection where a plurality of guide routes intersect and in the vicinity thereof, at least one guide route lacks a magnetic material. Alternatively, an extra marker is added to each of the guide routes that intersect at the intersection.

Abstract: A proximity switching system comrising a plurality of self-propelled vehicles mounted in tandem on a track and carrying magnetic proximity switches for controlling the vehicle propulsion. Each vehicle has a first magnet mounted on the front end at a first position, a second magnet mounted on the back end at a second position, a first magnetic reed switch mounted on the front end at a position congruent with the second position on the back end, and a second magnetic reed switch mounted on the back end at a position congruent with the first position on the front end. A pair of electric rails are mounted next to the track. Each vehicle includes contacts for receiving voltages on the rails. A DC motor drives the vehicles on the track in one of two directions dependent on the polarity of the voltages, and for not driving the vehicles in response to the closure of the first switch when the voltage has one polarity and in response to the closure of the second switch when the voltage has an opposite polarity.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to reduce the total power consumed by a coupling for inducing a high-frequency alternating current in the rails of a railroad track for the purpose of transmitting information to trains traveling along the track.According to the invention, the coupling consists of two conductive coils made of a conductive strip attached to an insulating strip, the conductive strip being arrayed, in the portions of the coupling that are parallel to the rail, in a plane parallel to the sides of the central rib of the rail and on either side of it, the insulating strip separating the central rib of the rail from the conductive strip. The two coils are connected in such a way that the same current flows in the same direction through both.