A direction switching module for lift robots using a pair of pinions coupled to a rack for propelling vertically and horizontally according to the track's orientation, is disclosed. In a linear motion mode both pinions rotate in the same velocity. In a direction switching mode, when changing from vertical to horizontal motion mode and vise versa, the module is capable of propelling one pinion on a vertical track and its counterpart on a horizontal track, simultaneously, each pinion in a different velocity. A bogie propelled by two pairs of said module is also disclosed, and a controller configured to drive both pinions in same velocity during linear motion and each pinion in a separate appropriate velocity during the direction switching mode. A method for turning a pinion-driven lift-robot in an intersection of rails and a controller for controlling the linear motion modes and the direction switching modes of the lift robot are also disclosed.

A modular drive train assembly is disclosed for the rail wheels of a railcar mover that provides a plurality of electric drive motors. Each electric drive motor may be connected to a gearbox and subsequently connected to a rail wheel. An automated control system may further control the power supplied to each of the electric drive motors such that the power supplied to each electric drive motor may be individually controlled to enhance the traction of each rail wheel. In addition, a plurality of sensors may monitor and communicate information from the electric drive motors to allow the control system to automatically control the power to each of the electric drive motors to enhance traction of the railcar mover.

A modular drive train assembly is disclosed for the rail wheels of a railcar mover that provides a plurality of electric drive motors. Each electric drive motor may be connected to a gearbox and subsequently connected to a rail wheel. An automated control system may further control the power supplied to each of the electric drive motors such that the power supplied to each electric drive motor may be individually controlled to enhance the traction of each rail wheel. In addition, a plurality of sensors may monitor and communicate information from the electric drive motors to allow the control system to automatically control the power to each of the electric drive motors to enhance traction of the railcar mover.

A locomotive suited for use as a switcher for road and/or yard work is provided. The switcher comprises a mother unit having an engine for converting fuel into electricity. The mother unit includes two trucks supporting wheels on a plurality of axles, and a plurality of traction motors to provide tractive force to the mother unit's axles. The switcher also includes a slug unit operatively coupled to the mother unit in a manner to transmit electric power, signals and hauling force. The slug unit can include at least one truck, which can be removed from a retired locomotive and at least one traction motor electrically coupled to the mother unit and operatively coupled to the axle(s). Sufficient ballast can be added to equalize weight per axle. The switcher combines the power of a locomotive with more axles with the maneuverability of a locomotive with fewer axles.

A locomotive suited for use as a switcher for road and/or yard work is provided. The switcher comprises a mother unit having an engine for converting fuel into electricity. The mother unit includes two trucks supporting wheels on a plurality of axles, and a plurality of traction motors to provide tractive force to the mother unit's axles. The switcher also includes a slug unit operatively coupled to the mother unit in a manner to transmit electric power, signals and hauling force. The slug unit can include at least one truck, which can be removed from a retired locomotive and at least one traction motor electrically coupled to the mother unit and operatively coupled to the axle(s). Sufficient ballast can be added to equalize weight per axle. The switcher combines the power of a locomotive with more axles with the maneuverability of a locomotive with fewer axles.

A bogie assembly for a rail vehicle comprises a bogie frame, two wheel axles supporting the bogie frame, a primary of a linear induction motor and two motor mounts. The two motor mounts are located proximate a different extremity of the primary and support the linear induction motor underneath the bogie frame. Each one of the two motor mounts has a bogie interface, a motor interface, a first spring, a conical spring, a core pin and a nut. The first spring is connected to the bogie interface on the bogie side while the conical spring is connected to the same bogie interface on the motor side. The core pin extends sequentially from the motor interface through the conical spring, then through the bogie interface and finally through the first spring where it is held in place by the nut on the other side of the first spring.

A bogie assembly for a rail vehicle comprises a bogie frame, two wheel axles supporting the bogie frame, a primary of a linear induction motor and two motor mounts. The two motor mounts are located proximate a different extremity of the primary and support the linear induction motor underneath the bogie frame. Each one of the two motor mounts has a bogie interface, a motor interface, a first spring, a conical spring, a core pin and a nut. The first spring is connected to the bogie interface on the bogie side while the conical spring is connected to the same bogie interface on the motor side. The core pin extends sequentially from the motor interface through the conical spring, then through the bogie interface and finally through the first spring where it is held in place by the nut on the other side of the first spring.

A train system having a train element consisting of a single train car configured to travel along a rail system, and including an enclosed first use area and a flat car section. The flat car section includes a drive-on loading area configured to enable a vehicle to be driven onto the flat car section and then transported by the train car. Train element includes a drive system for moving the train element along the rail system and a control system for autonomously controlling the operation of the train car. A sensor system collects sensor data and provides the sensor data, as inputs, to the control system. Sensor data is used by the control system in operating the train car. Lastly, a power system independently powers the drive system and control system.

A train system having a train element consisting of a single train car configured to travel along a rail system, and including an enclosed first use area and a flat car section. The flat car section includes a drive-on loading area configured to enable a vehicle to be driven onto the flat car section and then transported by the train car. Train element includes a drive system for moving the train element along the rail system and a control system for autonomously controlling the operation of the train car. A sensor system collects sensor data and provides the sensor data, as inputs, to the control system. Sensor data is used by the control system in operating the train car. Lastly, a power system independently powers the drive system and control system.

A method for turning a pinion-driven lift-robot in an intersection of rails. Moving the pinion-driven lift-robot in a first motion mode to position the pinion-driven lift-robot in a first position at the intersection. The pinion-driven lift-robot is turned over a corner of the intersection that is accessible from the first position and that includes continuous rails connecting a vertical track and a horizontal track, whereby positioning the pinion-driven lift-robot in a second position at the intersection. The pinion-driven lift-robot is moved in a second motion mode towards a designated direction.