Abstract: An improved propulsion plate connector system for a pneumatically propelled vehicle of a pneumatic transportation system includes a vertical pylon for connecting a propulsion plate in an air duct of a vehicle guideway to a wheel truck of the vehicle at a pylon joint proximate the wheel truck. The pylon and pylon joint fix the rotational position of the propulsion plate about the vertical axis of the pylon and position the propulsion plate in approximate vertical alignment with a wheel axis of the wheel truck, such that the propulsion plate remains substantially centered in the air duct when the vehicle truck passes through horizontal curves in the guideway. The pylon joint also permits vertical articulation of the wheel truck relative to the pylon and propulsion plate to maintain traction between the vehicle truck wheels and the guideway track as the wheel truck enters and exits vertical curves in the guideway.

Abstract: An improved system for sealing a slot (37) in the guideway (13) of a pneumatic transportation system includes two separate pairs of sealing flaps for producing two separate opposed seal interfaces (47, 49) through which a travelling pylon (18) connecting a propulsion plate (17) to a vehicle (15) on the guideway can pass. A first pair of sealing flaps (43a, 43b) provides a negative pressure seal and a second pair of sealing flaps (49a, 49b) provides a positive pressure seal. The sealing flaps contact the travelling pylons along their distal ends only, so as to produce minimum deflection of the seal and minimum mechanical resistance against the pylon. The slot seal system of the invention is relatively easy to install from outside the vehicle guideway and produces no cavities in the top of the guideway in which moisture and debris can accumulate.