A variable-gauge train control apparatus for a variable-gauge train having a gauge variable in a gauge conversion section includes: a plurality of main motors that transmits driving force to axles and wheels; a plurality of inverters that outputs voltage to at least one of the main motors; and voltage control units that control the individual output voltages of the plurality of inverters. Each of the voltage control units corresponds to one of the inverters and, when at least one of the axles to be subjected to the driving force controlled by the corresponding one inverter is within the gauge conversion section, controls the speed of the associated main motors by using, as a speed command value, a train speed converted into a rotational frequency.

A variable-gauge train control apparatus for a variable-gauge train having a gauge variable in a gauge conversion section includes: a plurality of main motors that transmits driving force to axles and wheels; a plurality of inverters that outputs voltage to at least one of the main motors; and voltage control units that control the individual output voltages of the plurality of inverters. Each of the voltage control units corresponds to one of the inverters and, when at least one of the axles to be subjected to the driving force controlled by the corresponding one inverter is within the gauge conversion section, controls the speed of the associated main motors by using, as a speed command value, a train speed converted into a rotational frequency.

A variable-gauge train control apparatus includes an inverter that collectively controls the torque of main motors; and a voltage control unit that controls an output voltage of the inverter. When at least one of axles to be driven by the main motors is within the gauge conversion section and at least one of the axles is located outside the gauge conversion section, the voltage control unit treats, as a reference frequency, a value obtained by conversion of an average value of rotational frequencies of the axles located outside the gauge conversion section into the electric angular frequencies of the main motors, and adds up a slip frequency command and the reference frequency to provide the frequency of the output voltage of the inverter.

A variable-gauge train control apparatus includes an inverter that collectively controls the torque of main motors; and a voltage control unit that controls an output voltage of the inverter. When at least one of axles to be driven by the main motors is within the gauge conversion section and at least one of the axles is located outside the gauge conversion section, the voltage control unit treats, as a reference frequency, a value obtained by conversion of an average value of rotational frequencies of the axles located outside the gauge conversion section into the electric angular frequencies of the main motors, and adds up a slip frequency command and the reference frequency to provide the frequency of the output voltage of the inverter.

A ground rail transfer device includes: a support rail provided on the ground and used for unloading a vertical load of a bogie in a rail vehicle; a guide rail provided on the ground and used for driving the bogie to perform a rail transfer operation; and a transition plate provided on the ground and located between a first rail and a second rail which are different in a gauge; wherein a difference between the top surface height of the transition plate and the top surface height of the first rail is equal to a distance between a wheel rim vertex circle and a wheel tread of the rail vehicle.

A ground rail transfer device includes: a support rail provided on the ground and used for unloading a vertical load of a bogie in a rail vehicle; a guide rail provided on the ground and used for driving the bogie to perform a rail transfer operation; and a transition plate provided on the ground and located between a first rail and a second rail which are different in a gauge; wherein a difference between the top surface height of the transition plate and the top surface height of the first rail is equal to a distance between a wheel rim vertex circle and a wheel tread of the rail vehicle.

The present invention relates broadly to a railway track trolley (10) generally comprising a collapsible chassis (12), two pairs of wheels (14a/b) and (16a/b), and a platform assembly (18). The collapsible chassis (12) includes a pair of opposing beams member (20a) and (20b) interconnected by a pair of adjustable cross-members (22) and (24). The pair of wheels (14a) and (16a) are removably mounted to opposing ends of one of the beam members (20a) whereas the other pair of wheels (14b) and (16b) are removably mounted to opposing ends of the other of the beam members (20b). The railway tracks (26a) and (26b) may be separated at one of a plurality of predetermined track gauges and the collapsible chassis in an expanded condition is designed to match the required lateral separation of the opposing rail members (26a/b). The invention is also directed broadly to a gate catch assembly (90) generally comprising a coupling sub-assembly (92), and a catch sub-assembly (96) configured to be releasably engaged by the coupling sub-assembly (92). The gate catch assembly (90) may be installed in conjunction with the platform assembly (18) of the railway track trolley (10) of the earlier aspect of the invention.

The present invention relates broadly to a railway track trolley (10) generally comprising a collapsible chassis (12), two pairs of wheels (14a/b) and (16a/b), and a platform assembly (18). The collapsible chassis (12) includes a pair of opposing beams member (20a) and (20b) interconnected by a pair of adjustable cross-members (22) and (24). The pair of wheels (14a) and (16a) are removably mounted to opposing ends of one of the beam members (20a) whereas the other pair of wheels (14b) and (16b) are removably mounted to opposing ends of the other of the beam members (20b). The railway tracks (26a) and (26b) may be separated at one of a plurality of predetermined track gauges and the collapsible chassis in an expanded condition is designed to match the required lateral separation of the opposing rail members (26a/b). The invention is also directed broadly to a gate catch assembly (90) generally comprising a coupling sub-assembly (92), and a catch sub-assembly (96) configured to be releasably engaged by the coupling sub-assembly (92). The gate catch assembly (90) may be installed in conjunction with the platform assembly (18) of the railway track trolley (10) of the earlier aspect of the invention.

A network of tubular track system for transporting items is provided. The network of tubular track system comprises: a first track comprising i) a tubular conduit and ii) an upper rails and lower rails arranged vertically inside of the tubular conduit; one or more nodes connected by the first track; and a self-propelled cart configured to travel along the first track between the one or more nodes and transition between the upper rails and lower rails at the one or more nodes.

A network of tubular track system for transporting items is provided. The network of tubular track system comprises: a first track comprising i) a tubular conduit and ii) an upper rails and lower rails arranged vertically inside of the tubular conduit; one or more nodes connected by the first track; and a self-propelled cart configured to travel along the first track between the one or more nodes and transition between the upper rails and lower rails at the one or more nodes.