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Electric

Subclass of:

105 - Railway rolling stock

105260050 - LOCOMOTIVES

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Class / Patent application numberDescriptionNumber of patent applications / Date published
105049000 Electric 41
20090126597Propulsion mechanism - There is provided a differential propulsion mechanism including two or more concentric and mutually counter-rotating first wheels (05-21-2009
20110011300MOTOR ACTIVATION CIRCUIT FOR A RAIL VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR THE OPERATION THEREOF - A motor drive circuit for a rail vehicle has a step-up converter, which is disposed at the input of the motor drive circuit, and which converts a mains DC voltage, at the input of the motor drive circuit into an intermediate circuit DC voltage. A pulse rectifier, which is downstream from the step-up converter, can be connected at the output to a drive motor of the rail vehicle and it is capable of converting the intermediate circuit DC voltage of the step-up converter into a motor drive voltage for driving the drive motor. A control unit activates the step-up converter in operation such that the converter generates the predetermined rated intermediate circuit DC voltage for a mains DC voltage below a predetermined rated intermediate circuit DC voltage as the intermediate circuit DC voltage. The control unit is designed such that it activates the step-up converter for a mains DC voltage above the rated intermediate circuit DC voltage such that the converter generates an intermediate circuit DC voltage identical to the mains DC voltage or an intermediate circuit DC voltage, which is greater at most by a predetermined offset value, and feeds the intermediate circuit DC voltage into the pulse rectifier.01-20-2011
20110030574ELECTRIC RAILWAY SYSTEM - 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.02-10-2011
20110056407AMUSEMENT DEVICE AND PROPELLING METHOD FOR PROPELLING A PASSENGER CARRIER OF SUCH AMUSEMENT DEVICE - An amusement device comprises a passenger carrier and a propelling system for propelling the passenger carrier. The propelling system comprising an electric motor for propelling the passenger carrier, and a power supply to power the electric motor. The power supply comprises an electrical storage element to store electrical energy. The control unit is arranged to control the power supply such as to operate the power supply to charge the electrical storage element from a power source; and to operate the power supply to power the electric motor from the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage element, to thereby propel the passenger carrier.03-10-2011
20110162554Operating a Synchronous Motor Having a Permanent Magnet Rotor - A method of operating a synchronous motor having a stator that includes a set of electromagnets and a permanent magnet rotor. The synchronous motor is controlled by calculating in a flux controller a measure of a flux magnitude, which is the magnitude of the stator flux of the motor and by calculating in a load angle controller a measure of a load angle. Information about a desired motor torque or a reduced motor torque, which is smaller than the desired motor torque, is input to the load angle controller and the load angle controller calculates the measure of the load angle depending on the input motor torque. The measure of the flux magnitude is combined with the measure of the load angle to obtain commands for controlling electric currents of electromagnets of the stator, thereby directly controlling the stator flux. A flux limit value, which depends on a predetermined maximum value of the stator flux allowed for the motor which depends on a maximum value of an electric voltage, which is used to drive the currents through the stator electromagnets and which depends on the actual rotor speed, is repeatedly calculated. During acceleration of the rotor while the stator flux is smaller than the maximum flux allowed for the motor the measure of the flux magnitude is calculated depending on the output of a predetermined function. The output of the predetermined function depends on the desired motor torque and corresponds to the magnitude of the stator flux.07-07-2011
20120090499DRIVING SYSTEM FOR RAILROAD VEHICLE - Provided is a high mobility railroad vehicle system configured to reciprocally carry out a direct drive between a non-electrically driven section and an electrically driven section without installing new facilities such as oil supply equipment and without considering distinction between the non-electrically and electrically driven sections. A railroad vehicle system is provided with an overall control apparatus to respectively control an external electric power supply means, an internal electric power supply means, an electricity storage means, electric power conversion means and a motor driving means. The railroad vehicle system judges or previously notifies as to whether the present driving railroad section is the electrically driven section or non-electrically driven section in accordance with driving position information received from a position information generation means such as a ground facility on a railroad equipped outside of the vehicle and a global positioning system (GPS). The system cuts off from an external electric power source in the non-electrically driven section and carries out a smooth shifting control in order to connect to the external electric power source in the electrically driven section.04-19-2012
20120199039Variable-Speed-Drive System for a Grid Blower - A drive system for a grid blower of a vehicle is provided. The system includes: an electrical bus, a grid of resistive elements connected to the electrical bus, the grid of resistive elements configured to thermally dissipate electrical power generated from braking of the vehicle, the electrical power being transmitted on the electrical bus to the grid of resistive elements, an electrical power modulation device configured to modify electrical power received from at least one of the electrical bus and the grid of resistive elements, and a grid blower motor coupled to an output of the electrical power modulation device, wherein a speed of the grid blower motor varies based on the electrical power that has been modified by the electrical power modulation device.08-09-2012
20130092045RAILWAY VEHICULAR POWER CONVERTER - A railway vehicular power converter adapted to be fixed beneath a floor of a railway vehicle has a power conversion unit, a housing, and a plurality of L-shaped securing members provided at upper end parts of an outer surface of the housing for fixing beneath the floor of the railway vehicle. The plurality of securing members is reinforced by reinforcing members provided inside the housing and attached behind the surface of the housing where the securing members are disposed. Each of the reinforcing members has a C-channel having a length substantially the same as a length of the housing in a shorter direction thereof, and has two edges in the shorter direction bent at least once.04-18-2013
20130220163CONSIST HAVING SHARED ELECTROLYTE TANKS - A system for distributing energy among a plurality of power consumers may include a plurality of reaction cells configured to receive electrolytes and provide electric power. The system may also include a first tank configured to contain a supply of fluid including positively charged electrolytes and a second tank configured to contain a supply of fluid including negatively charged electrolytes. The system may also include at least one pump configured to pump fluid among the plurality of reaction cells and the first and second tanks. The system may include a controller configured to control operation of the at least one pump based on a desired power supply to at least one of the plurality of power consumers.08-29-2013
20140116286SENSORLESS ELECTRIC MACHINE - An electric machine that includes a rotor core made of magnetic steel; a stator configured with stationary windings therein; openings disposed within or on the rotor core; and a rotor circuit that is configured to introduce saliency based on an orientation of part of the rotor circuit in relationship to a pole location of the electric machine, where the rotor circuit is made of a conductive, non-magnetic material. A rotor component and various embodiments of electric machines are also disclosed. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.05-01-2014
20140261059HYBRID SYSTEMS FOR LOCOMOTIVES - A modular locomotive UC storage system includes: at least one cabinet section in a locomotive; a plurality of vertical stacks of UC modules housed within each cabinet section, each UC module including a plurality of UC cells; wherein each UC module within each of the vertical stacks of UC modules is connected in parallel to the UC modules within the vertical stack; wherein each of the vertical stacks of UC modules are connected in series with the other vertical stacks of UC modules within each cabinet section; wherein the connections between the UC modules and between the vertical stacks of UC modules are made by bus bars located such that the UC modules electrically connect with the bus bars in an appropriate combination of series and parallel connections when the UC modules are located in position within the cabinet sections.09-18-2014
20150090149Chassis - A chassis front assembly, a chassis rear assembly and a chassis intermediate assembly are disclosed. The chassis front assembly and the chassis rear assembly are connected to the chassis intermediate assembly for forming a chassis. A kit is also disclosed. A method is also disclosed.04-02-2015
20150306975Integrated Motor-Gear Box Wheel Hub Drive - A monorail vehicle includes a chassis supporting a vehicle body, that includes a passenger floor and at least one side wall, and an electrical motor supported by the chassis. A drive wheel is coupled to a rotor of the electric motor with a rotation axis of the drive wheel substantially coaxial with an axis of the rotor. Portions of the drive wheel and the electric motor are positioned on both sides of an imaginary plane extension of the passenger floor.10-29-2015
20160059707METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL CURRENTS IN A VEHICLE - An embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus. The apparatus includes a head portion, a body portion having a distal end opposite the head portion, a brush extending from the distal end of the body portion. The brush is configured to electrically contact an axle shaft of a vehicle.03-03-2016
20160185361Locomotive Traction Motor Bearing with Separate Lubricant Reservoir - A traction motor assembly includes a traction motor bearing that is equipped with a concealed and built-in lubricant reservoir. The traction motor bearing is disposed between inboard components and outboard components that are designed to provide annular clearances on either side of the traction motor bearing. These annular clearances may be exploited as a lubricant reservoir for the traction motor bearing. Lubricant can be added to the reservoir through ports disposed in the outboard cover. The disclosed design avoids the need to rely upon the lubricant reservoir used to lubricate the pinion and drive gears, which is subject to damage during normal rail operations.06-30-2016
105050000 Battery 13
20080264291Design of a Large Low Maintenance Battery Pack for a Hybrid Locomotive - The present invention is directed to systems for prolonging battery life, such as maintaining battery cell temperatures in battery packs within specified limits, providing vibration and shock resistance, and/or electrically isolating groups of batteries from nearby conductive surfaces.10-30-2008
20080276824PROPULSION SYSTEM - A propulsion system for a vehicle is provided. The propulsion system includes a first traction drive system and a second traction drive system. The first traction drive system includes a heat engine and a first drive motor. The heat engine supplies energy to the first drive motor to propel the vehicle. The second traction drive system includes a second drive motor and a first energy storage device. The second drive motor both supplies energy to the first energy storage device and receives energy from the first energy storage device. Also provided is a propulsion system for a vehicle that includes the first traction drive system and a propulsion means for supplying energy to a first energy storage device and for receiving energy from the first energy storage device.11-13-2008
20080276825ELECTRIC DRIVE VEHICLE RETROFIT SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A system is provided for retrofitting an electrically propelled vehicle. The vehicle has an engine-driven generator, and at least a first traction motor and a second traction motor coupled to the generator. The system includes an energy storage device capable of being coupled to at least the first traction motor; and a control system operable to control a distribution of propulsive power between the first traction motor and the second traction motor. An associated method and a retrofit kit are provided, also.11-13-2008
20080295726METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREDICTING A DISCHARGE RATE OF AN ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM - A method for predicting a low battery voltage condition includes calculating a minimum battery capacity required to start an engine, determining a first capacity of a battery at a first time, determining a second capacity of the battery at a second time, and predicting, based on the first and second determined capacities, when a remaining capacity of the battery will be less than the minimum battery capacity. A control system programmed with the above method and a locomotive included the programmed control system are also described herein.12-04-2008
20100275810 BATTERY-POWERED ALL-ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE AND RELATED LOCOMOTIVE AND TRAIN CONFIGURATIONS - Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage means. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly. Many locomotive or train configurations involving battery-powered or battery-toting locomotive(s) may be implemented. In one embodiment, a battery-toting locomotive is directly coupled with and positioned between two diesel-electric locomotives, wherein the batteries recover energy from regenerative braking and/or supply power to drive traction motors.11-04-2010
20110083578BATTERY-POWERED RAIL VEHICLE - A rail consist having at least one propulsion car having traction motors and at least one working car having working motors. Energy storage units are provided on the consist to provide power to the traction motors and the working motors. The energy storage units provide sufficient power for work mode, travel speeds and curve characteristics of the consist. The use of the energy storage units provides safety, environmental and operational benefits.04-14-2011
20130220164FLOW BATTERY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A LOCOMOTIVE - A flow battery system may include at least one electrolyte tank for storing electrolytes. The system may also include a plurality of reaction cells, each having an output current. The system may further include a plurality of pumps, each associated with one of the plurality of reaction cells, for pumping the electrolytes into the reaction cell at a flow rate. The system may also include a pump sensor configured to monitor the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps. The system may also include an output sensor configured to monitor an output current of at least one of the plurality of reaction cells. The system may further include a controller configured to control the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps based on the output current of the reaction cell associated with the at least one of the plurality of pumps.08-29-2013
20130269566FLOW BATTERY POWER CONVERTER - A power converter may include an uncharged tank for storing fluid including uncharged electrolytes. The power converter may include a plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells configured to receive the fluid from the uncharged tank and an input voltage, and charge the uncharged electrolytes. The power converter may also include a charged tank configured to receive fluid from the plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells. The power converter may also include a first pump configured to pump the fluid from the plurality of parallel-connected reaction cells to the charged tank. The power converter may include a plurality of series-connected reaction cells configured to receive fluid from the charged tank and provide electric power at an output voltage.10-17-2013
20140144346INFANT SOOTHING CARRIER ASSEMBLY AND APPARATUS - Apparatus and systems drive an infant carrier through space while providing soothing acceleration and/or sonic components. Infant-soothing swaying and vibrating mechanisms help to calm an upset infant and/or help the infant to fall asleep. Embodiments described herein include infant carriers capable of self-locomotion and/or platforms capable of self-locomotion with snap-in fasteners to accept an infant carrier. In some embodiments, a platform with an attached infant carrier travels along a track or monorail. In some embodiments, an infant carrier with wheels may be pulled by a toy providing the locomotion. Some embodiments incorporate a device controller with biofeedback mechanisms to adaptively pinpoint characteristics of soothing motions and sounds appropriate to a selected soothing task for a particular infant in a particular emotional state.05-29-2014
20140299014FLOW BATTERY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A LOCOMOTIVE - A flow battery system may include at least one electrolyte tank for storing electrolytes. The system may also include a plurality of reaction cells, each having an output current. The system may further include a plurality of pumps, each associated with one of the plurality of reaction cells, for pumping the electrolytes into the reaction cell at a flow rate. The system may also include a pump sensor configured to monitor the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps. The system may also include an output sensor configured to monitor an output current of at least one of the plurality of reaction cells. The system may further include a controller configured to control the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps based on the output current of the reaction cell associated with the at least one of the plurality of pumps.10-09-2014
20140318410LOCOMOTIVE WITH VARIABLE POWER MODULES - A locomotive includes a plurality of axles and a plurality of pairs of wheels, each pair of wheels being connected to one of said axles. The locomotive also includes a plurality of traction motors, each traction motor operably attached to at least one of the axles. The locomotive includes a power system including at least one power module, the power system being configured to provide power to the traction motors. The locomotive includes a controller configured to receive a control signal indicative of a locomotive powering mode and determine a number of power modules operably connected to the power system and, based on the number of power modules operably connected to the power system and the control signal, send a command signal to the power system for operating the power system.10-30-2014
105051000 Cell disposal 2
20090293759Recuperative Hybrid Trains using Batteries in an intermodal Container - The present invention relates generally to hybrid versions of diesel-electric locomotives and improves the previous art by placing such batteries in standard intermodal containers which can easily be moved by readily available cranes built for the purpose of moving freight containers. The containers housing the batteries are standardized, so that different operators can use them by way of purchase or rental. The invention produces the following advantages. (1) After a descent from high altitudes, a full battery unit can be removed from a train and put in storage to reduce the weight of the train should no extra power be needed for the next leg of the journey. On particular long descents, full battery units can be replaced by empty ones several times to enable further energy recovery as the train continues its way down the mountain. (2) Conversely, a train heading for the mountains can be loaded with one or more full battery containers from storage to reduce the use of fossil fuels during the ascent and, if need be, receive replacement units on the way should the original set not last long enough to reach the high point. (3) Different configurations become possible such as two containers, one on top of the other, to accommodate different requirements. (4) The commercial trade of battery containers, made possible through standardization, will create a market for energy which will result in its most efficient use.12-03-2009
20090320715STRUCTURE FOR MOUNTING BATTERIES IN GUIDEWAY ELECTRIC VEHICLE - Structure for mounting batteries in a guideway electric vehicle driven by a battery-driven motor is provided, with which balancing in weight of the vehicle is properly achieved, batteries can be cooled enough, battery rooms are completely sealed from the passenger room, and running stability of the vehicle is ensured.12-31-2009
105052000 Double rotor 1
20120304886TRANSPORT SYSTEM - A railway can have trains for generally high speed if curves have very large radius. For this to be generally possible the trains must be able to nm in steep slopes. When driving wheels are pressed against the rail head sides a double drive force from friction is achieved and controlled by a separate force independent of the weight of the train. The carrying wheels are made free from lateral forces by suspended them in cardan rings. The driving wheels running on the rail head sides also only steer if no force is applied. The switches can be free from movable pars Wheels against flank rails parallel to the outermost rails keeps the train left in the switches. Double-rotor motors give the driving. They can be attached to the wheels on the rail head side, hut also to the carrying cardules. Such motors can also be placed within the carrying wheels, in cardules and m the driving wheels on the sides. The rails can get trapeze form. With tube formed rails they can be filled with cables and sand for isolation from noise.12-06-2012
105054000 Rotor on axle 3
20130152816CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE DYNAMIC BRAKE FOR A LOCOMOTIVE - This disclosure is directed to a traction motor drive system. The traction motor drive system may include a field winding subsystem comprising a field winding associated with a traction motor. The traction motor drive system may also include an armature subsystem arranged in parallel with the field winding subsystem. The armature subsystem may include an armature having first and second armature terminals and a grid resistor selectively electrically coupled in series with the armature. The armature subsystem may also include an armature chopper arranged in parallel with the grid resistor and electrically coupled in series with the armature. The armature chopper may be configured, when the grid resistor is electrically coupled to the armature, to conditionally conduct current to the armature.06-20-2013
20130152817TRACTION MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM FOR A LOCOMOTIVE - A traction motor drive system includes a plurality of armatures arranged in parallel with each other and a plurality of field circuits arranged in series with one another. The plurality of field circuits is arranged in parallel with the armatures. The traction motor drive system also includes a field isolation system including a shunt circuit associated with at least one field circuit. The field isolation system includes a first field switch arranged in series with the plurality of field circuits and configured to switch between a first terminal of the shunt circuit and a first field terminal of at least one field circuit. The field isolation system includes a second field switch, arranged in series with the plurality of field circuits and configured to switch between a second terminal of the shunt circuit and a second field terminal of at least one field circuit.06-20-2013
20130167753LOCOMOTIVE POSITIVE POWER BUS CONTACTOR METHOD OF ASSEMBLY - A method of manufacturing a power contactor from an existing contactor having a magnetic amplifier that comprises a blowout coil and a ferromagnetic core, and an arc chute for extinguishing an arc generated by opening the existing contactor under a current load is disclosed. The method includes removing a bolt assembly from the existing contactor and at least one side plate from the existing contactor. The method also includes removing the ferromagnetic core from the existing contactor.07-04-2013
105059000 Motor coolers 2
20090293760Variable-Speed-Drive System for a Grid Blower - A drive system for a grid blower of a vehicle is provided. The system includes: an electrical bus, a grid of resistive elements connected to the electrical bus, the grid of resistive elements configured to thermally dissipate electrical power generated from braking of the vehicle, the electrical power being transmitted on the electrical bus to the grid of resistive elements, an electrical power modulation device configured to modify electrical power received from at least one of the electrical bus and the grid of resistive elements, and a grid blower motor coupled to an output of the electrical power modulation device, wherein a speed of the grid blower motor varies based on the electrical power that has been modified by the electrical power modulation device.12-03-2009
20160134177LIQUID COOLED ELECTRIC MOTOR - According to an embodiment, a liquid cooled electric motor includes a case; a rotator including a rotation shaft and a rotator core secured to the rotation shaft; a stator opposed to an outer circumference of the rotator core; a cooling portion provided around a stator core and configured to allow a liquid coolant to flow therein; a ventilation duct provided on an outer side of the case and configured to communicate first opening and second opening of the case with each other; a rotator fan mounted on the rotation shaft to be rotatable with the rotation shaft; a heat exchanger provided in the ventilation duct; and a cooling system configured to supply the liquid coolant to the cooling portion and the heat exchanger.05-12-2016
105061000 Control 7
20090038501ELECTRIC CAR CONTROL APPARATUS - An electric car control apparatus with which it is possible to make the size of equipment small.02-12-2009
20100147184CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIC TRAIN - [Problem] To propose a control apparatus for an electric train, in which the regenerative energy of a DC power feed circuit can be consumed without disposing the brake chopper or electric-double-layer capacitor of the DC power feed circuit.06-17-2010
20100162918TRACTION CONTROL FOR DC ELECTRIC MOTOR - A method of propelling a mobile machine is disclosed. The mobile machine may have a plurality of DC traction motors, including a first DC traction motor and a second DC traction motor. The method may include driving a first traction device with the first DC traction motor, the first DC traction motor including a first field coil and a first armature electrically connected in series. The method may also include driving a second DC traction device with the second DC traction motor electrically connected in series with the first DC traction motor, the second DC traction motor including a second field coil and a second armature electrically connected in series. Additionally, the method may include, in response to slippage of the first traction device, bypassing at least a portion of electric current flowing through the first field coil around the first armature. The method may also include directing at least a portion of the bypassed electric current through the second field coil and the second armature.07-01-2010
20120160125Method and Apparatus for Controlling and Enhancing Tractive Effort in DC Traction Motors on Locomotives - A system is provided for powering a locomotive. The system comprises a plurality of traction motor assemblies, each assembly comprising an armature and a field; a first power source connected in series to each armature; and in specific circumstances, a second power source connected across the fields. A method of controlling traction power in a locomotive is also provided, the method comprising: identifying which of a plurality of traction motor armatures in the locomotive has a highest current reading; and ramping a traction motor field current to equal the highest current reading for the traction motor armatures.06-28-2012
20120227616ELECTRIC TRAIN DRIVE CONTROL DEVICE - A drive control device for an electric train comprises a switch for connecting or opening direct-current power, a power converter into which the direct-current power is input via the switch between two terminals on an input side and which converts the direct-current power into alternating-current power through a switching action and drives an alternating current rotating machine connected on an output side, and a voltage detector for detecting the voltage between the two terminals. In addition, a power controller is provided that controls the power converter such that when the detected voltage of the voltage detector exceeds a predetermined open-circuit voltage, the switch is opened and the regenerative brake force is reduced by the alternating current rotating machine under a predetermined reduction pattern having a ramp reduction time longer than 0.09-13-2012
20140345492DRIVE CONTROL EQUIPMENT FOR A VEHICLE - Drive control equipment for a vehicle comprises: a plurality of power conversion devices respectively connected with a plurality of motors that convert DC power supplied from a DC power source to AC power and output this to said motors; a control device that controls the power conversion devices; a frame that accommodates said power conversion devices and the control device and having a ceiling wall facing below the vehicle floor; and a power unit having a cooler in which are installed a plurality of semiconductor elements constituting the power conversion devices; a first control board provided with a first connector connected with said semiconductor elements, arranged facing the cooler; and a second control board arranged in a direction orthogonal to said first control board and connected with a second connector connected with the first connector of said first control board.11-27-2014
20160194009INTEGRATED TRACTION SYSTEM FOR LOCOMOTIVES07-07-2016
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