Abstract: A concrete pier and method of forming include providing a rust-resistant tube of a steel material. The tube is placed in a hole formed in the ground. The workers pour concrete into the tube and allow the concrete to harden. The above-ground structure is then attached to the upper end of the tube, leaving the tube in the ground to serve as a steel reinforcement for the concrete. The mounting structure at the upper end of the tube may be anchor bolts, or it may comprise tapered metal members. In the latter case, the above-ground structure to be supported by the pier has a base with a mating socket that fits over and is welded to the tapered mounting member.

Abstract: A tram has a lead vehicle and one or more trailing vehicles coupled to it. Each vehicle has sets of front and rear wheels, both sets being steerable independently of the other. A manual controller provides signals to a processor in the lead vehicle, which in turn steers the front and rear wheels along a desired path. A processor on the first trailing vehicle controls front and rear servos to steer its wheels according to the path of the rear wheels of the leading vehicle. The second trailing vehicle has a processor that steers its front and rear wheels according to information provided by the first leading vehicle. Steering sensors on the vehicles sense distance to a steering rail while the vehicles are on a guideway and provide signals to the processors for automatic steering. While on a guideway, the tram uses power collectors to transfer power from the guideway.