Techniques for electric vehicle systems, and in particular to a vehicle optical charging system and method of use. In one embodiment, a system for vehicle optical charging comprises: an optical charging station configured to transmit an optical signal, the optical charging station comprising a directive element configured to direct the transmitted optical signal; a receiving vehicle comprising an electrical storage unit and a receiver configured to receive the transmitted optical signal, the receiver in electrical communication with the electrical storage unit; wherein the received optical signal enables charging of the electrical storage unit.

Disclosed are aircraft configured to perform tethered and untethered flights as well as methods of operating such aircraft. During a tethered flight, the aircraft is connected to a power line using its connecting module. While tethered, the aircraft can receive electrical energy from the power line and use this energy for propulsion and/or storage. The aircraft comprises a propulsion module for providing vertical and horizontal thrusts. In some examples, the aircraft comprises a transport module. The transport module may be removably attached to the propulsion module and be replaceable with another transportation module. During an untethered flight, the electrical energy is supplied to the propulsion module from a battery and/or a generator on board of the aircraft. The untethered flight capability can be used for landing and takeoff, flying away from power lines or when the power line is not operational, and other like examples.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a current collector for an electric railcar. The device comprises: a current-collecting member, which is arranged on the circumference of a wheel for an electric railcar so as to collect current from an electric railcar rail; a base member coupled to the electric railcar; and a transfer member that transferring power collected by the current-collecting member to the base member, wherein the current-collecting member comes into rolling contact with the electric railcar rail by means of rolling of the wheel so as to minimize friction.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a current collector for an electric railcar. The device comprises: a current-collecting member, which is arranged on the circumference of a wheel for an electric railcar so as to collect current from an electric railcar rail; a base member coupled to the electric railcar; and a transfer member that transferring power collected by the current-collecting member to the base member, wherein the current-collecting member comes into rolling contact with the electric railcar rail by means of rolling of the wheel so as to minimize friction.

A system for charging an electrical storage unit of an electric vehicle through a contact device, the system comprising: the contact device interconnected to the electrical storage unit of an electric vehicle and configured to receive an electrical charge from an external power source; a contact arm interconnected to the contact device, the contact arm configured to position the contact device at a first position relative to the external power source; and a contact device controller interconnected to the contact arm and configured to control the contact arm wherein the first position is maintained; wherein the contact device receives the electrical charge from the external power source; wherein the electrical storage unit of the electric vehicle is charged.

A system for charging an electrical storage unit of an electric vehicle through a contact device, the system comprising: the contact device interconnected to the electrical storage unit of an electric vehicle and configured to receive an electrical charge from an external power source; a contact arm interconnected to the contact device, the contact arm configured to position the contact device at a first position relative to the external power source; and a contact device controller interconnected to the contact arm and configured to control the contact arm wherein the first position is maintained; wherein the contact device receives the electrical charge from the external power source; wherein the electrical storage unit of the electric vehicle is charged.

A tracked vehicle comprising an electric machine assembly, a first and a second track coupled to the electric machine assembly, and an electric connection device, connectable to a power supply apparatus outside the tracked vehicle and connected to the electric machine assembly to exchange electrical energy with the power supply apparatus during the operation of the tracked vehicle.

A trolley wheel for use in a conveyor system, the trolley wheel comprising a central shaft, a wheel body, first and second rows of ball bearings, and an inner race. The wheel body and the inner race both comprise a polymer in combination with the trolley wheel being devoid of a metal inner race and being devoid of a metal outer race. The wheel body defines a central rim with opposed first and second sides that respectively define first and second outwardly-angled outer race tracks. The inner race defines first and second inwardly-angled inner race tracks, such that the first row of ball bearings is configured to roll between the first inwardly-angled inner race track and the first outwardly-angled outer race track, and the second row of ball bearings is configured to roll between the second inwardly-angled inner race track and the second outwardly-angled outer race track.

A trolley wheel for use in a conveyor system, the trolley wheel comprising a central shaft, a wheel body, first and second rows of ball bearings, and an inner race. The wheel body and the inner race both comprise a polymer in combination with the trolley wheel being devoid of a metal inner race and being devoid of a metal outer race. The wheel body defines a central rim with opposed first and second sides that respectively define first and second outwardly-angled outer race tracks. The inner race defines first and second inwardly-angled inner race tracks, such that the first row of ball bearings is configured to roll between the first inwardly-angled inner race track and the first outwardly-angled outer race track, and the second row of ball bearings is configured to roll between the second inwardly-angled inner race track and the second outwardly-angled outer race track.

A current collector has a sliding contact for making electrical contact with a conductor profile of a conductor line, and an antenna for insertion into a longitudinal slot, which runs in a longitudinal direction of the conductor line. The sliding contact and the antenna can be moved jointly towards the conductor profile in a feed direction by a feed device of the current collector. The antenna is movably mounted on the current collector. Also provided are a conductor line and a conductor line system.