Abstract: A floor transport system with a rail guided floor transport vehicle and a guide rail system is recessed in the floor or ground plane and has a slotted track channel for guiding the vehicle along a travel path and at least two current conductors. At least two running wheels and at least one drive wheel as well as guide elements sliding in the track channel and current collector shoes are secured to the frame of the vehicle and operatively connected to at least one drive unit which is secured to the vehicle frame and includes the drive wheel. The front guide elements and preferably also the current collector shoes are combined in particular subassemblies which can rotate about respective vertical axes, wherein at least one of the subassemblies is mechanically and electrically linked to a respective drive unit for steering the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism for steering a beam guided vehicle having four steerable wheels linked to a centrally located steering trolley guided by an electrified T-shape beam mounted on a structural roadbed. A trolley flexibly propelled by the vehicle follows the guide beam to actuate the steering of the wheels. The trolley is quickly detachable by drop-pit access for rapid change-out to periodic off vehicle servicing. Two steering arm sensor posts engaging two sockets in the repositioned trolley guarantee interchangeability of standardized repaired units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide channel with long, parallel side elements, between which an energy transmission chain can be laid in the longitudinal direction, where the guide channel is composed of several side elements arranged with their face ends next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the channel. In order to create a guide channel which is of low weight, has a visual appearance and shape which permits versatile use, emits little noise and at the same time possesses great stability, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that side elements (1) display dimensionally stable hollow sections and connecting elements (2) be provided between the opposite face ends of side elements (1), by means of which the side elements can be fastened to each other and to a substructure. (FIG.

Abstract: An electric distribution system which includes an elongated generally channel-shaped busway having a top wall and a pair of side walls with bus bars secured to the interior of the side walls. An electrical take-off is slidably secured within the busway with the take-off having a housing, a pair of spaced rotatable electrical contact supports having a circuit selection portion for rotating the contact support. At least one electrical contact passing through a passageway in the support and a spring which surrounds a portion of the support adjacent the passageway, urging the electrical contact in a first direction. The contact support is structured to be rotated to a first position wherein the electrical contact is disposed within the take-off housing and a second position wherein it projects outwardly into contact with a bus bar.

Abstract: A utility transmission and distribution system includes a guideway for a magnetic levitation transportation system, and supports for supporting the guideway above the ground. The guideway includes a base connected to a structure defining an enclosed channel. At least one conduit defining an enclosed space is disposed within the channel, and is rigidly connected to the channel such that movement over the guideway remains unimpeded. At least one cable is disposed within the conduit for transmitting and distributing utilities.

Abstract: An electronic circuit tester for measuring the response of electrical signals applied to an electronic circuit under test is provided with a pivotable connection for conduit through which cables are routed from a test head coupled to the electronic circuit under test to the remainder of the tester. The test head includes a chassis having a relieved region in which a bracket is selectively mounted. The bracket has first and second legs disposed at a distance from one another, the first and second legs each being provided with an approximately circular hole to provide a bearing surface for pivotable movement. A fitting having first and second approximately tubular arms extending outwardly from an integral transversely depending conduit portion is connected to the chassis with each of the first and second arms rotatably captured in the holes of the respective first and second legs of the bracket when the bracket is mounted to the chassis.

Abstract: An electrical vehicle transportation system in which a steerable electrically powered automotive vehicle receives electrical power from electrified conductors located above a roadway or affixed to the roadway, through an electrical pickup on the vehicle having electrical contacts engageable with the roadway conductors in a manner which permits steering movement of the vehicle laterally of the roadway and switching of the vehicle from one traffic lane to another with no interruption, or only momentary interruption, in the flow of electrical power to the vehicle. An electrically powered vehicle and electrical pickup for the transportation system.

Abstract: An electrical rail conductor assemblage for an insulated electrification system, including an elongate electrically-conducting rail having a longitudinal groove for receiving a cooperable collector shoe and for guiding it for travel along the rail. The rail has opposite wall portions which border the groove. The wall portions have thin wall sections with rounded longitudinal edges that constitute the mouth of the groove of the rail. The rail is covered by an essentially tubular, insulating, hollow, resilient and rigid cover member enveloping essentially all portions of the rail except for the mouth of the groove thereof. The cover member has a longitudinal cut which registers with the mouth of this groove, and curved, longitudinally-extending snap-on retainer portions that extend along the cut and are adapted to snap over the rounded longitudinal edges of the rail. These retainer portions extend in a circumferential direction through substantially a full semi-circle.

Abstract: A raceway for a power chain for a carriage adapted to traverse an apparatus on a preset path. The power chain carries conduits for supplying power or control fluids to the carriage. The raceway allows movement of the power chain along the length of the apparatus but prevents lateral and upward displacement of the chain out of the raceway.

Abstract: An aluminum or aluminum alloy profiled section has one or more insulated electrical conductors. Such a profiled section includes at least one linear electrical conductor parallel to the profiled section, formed by the same material as the latter and insulated electrically in a solid insulating filling, a bare surface of the conductor and a bare surface of the filling being covered if required by a second insulating filling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground-level multipole current supply system for track-guidable, rubber-tired, electrically propulsive vehicles, wherein extruded aluminum profiles are provided within an electrically insulating duct-like shielding for each pole. To permit the current supply system to be kept small and easily installable the shielding is constructed as a self-supporting extruded profile which is fastened, suspended with ducts open downwards, on support arms. The substantially triangular live rails are retained screwlessly by sliding axially behind beads in the shielding. A vee-shaped arrangement of the contact tracks of the two live rails and of the two contact pieces on the current collector side exerts a self-centering influence upon the current collector head, so that the latter can be of simple construction and only little play need be provided for relative movements between current collector head and live rails.

Abstract: A transportation system in which cars having cargo containers are driven along tracks. Access to a car's cargo container is provided via a door on the car which is moved by a door drive system carried on the car. In the exemplary case of a remote bank teller transportation system, a car moves between two terminals in which the car and the car door are orientated vertically "right side up" in one terminal and "upside down" in the other terminal. The door drive system serves to move the door downwardly for both orientations of the car.

Abstract: A guide rail assembly for transmitting electrical current to a trolley or like vehicle and comprising a pair of non-linear support rail assemblies attached to one another and formed of light-weight metallic alloys, with each support rail including a band of highly wear-resistant metal for engaging and transmitting electrical current to the trolley. At least one of the support rail assemblies further including a plurality of fin-like projections for dissipating excess heat.

Abstract: A support apparatus is provided for supporting the electrically conductive power rails, ground rail and signal rail of a three-phase, five rail power collection apparatus operative with a fixed guideway transportation system including electrically propelled vehicles. The present rail support apparatus facilitates improved assembly and provides a substantial reduction of installation time and cost.

Abstract: A rail construction for rail-type electrification systems, comprising a conducting rail member having a cross-sectional configuration somewhat like a pair of channel shapes disposed back to back. One channel shape is used for suspension or mounting, as well as rigidity. The other channel shape contains a stainless steel insert in the form of a flat contact member which is secured in place by being pinched between opposed wall areas of flanges of the rail member, in consequence of the flanges being swaged or displaced beyond their elastic limit to effect a gripping of the contact member. The inner walls of the flanges, which adjoin the elongate contact member, constitute metal guideways that assure a positive tracking of the collector shoe. Any small relative movements between the conducting rail member and the stainless steel insert, as occasioned by temperature changes for example, cannot result in loosening of the insert or deterioration of the electrical conductance thereto.