Abstract: The improvement in a control circuit for the operation of pneumatically propelled vehicles consists of a propulsion duct formed by a guideway (1) and power propulsion units (3) with flow control valves (4) located at intervals along the guideway (1). Atmospheric valves (2) are located at specific points along the guideway (1), opening and closing the duct to the atmosphere, and the section isolation valves (6) are positioned in such a way as to isolate adjacent blocks of the guideway (1) and at the same time to maintain the functioning of the propulsion circuit in the other blocks. The atmospheric valve (2) is coupled to an aperture (11) in the guideway (1) and consists of a butterfly valve.

Abstract: Cargo and passenger vehicles are pneumatically propelled by a system comprising a bifurcated rail module assembled on a beam, for establishing two alternative routes for the rail network, according to a position adopted by line changing equipment. Switch points in the rails are synchronized by an actuator located below the beam, the motion of which is transmitted by torque tubes that drive the switch points. The control motion of the switch points is transmitted further by connecting rods located below the beam, to a torque tube that moves segments of articulated rail for clearing the passage of driving vanes connected to the vehicle through a longitudinal slot in the beam, in the same direction established by the position of the switch points of the line changing equipment. Stop valves for the module are provided in the two bifurcated ends of the duct for interrupting the flow in the portion of the line not selected by the line changing equipment.

Abstract: A pneumatic propulsion system for passenger vehicles is constituted by a structural beam, composed of modular elements end-supported on pillars. The beam supports the trackway and provides an air duct for pneumatic propulsion of vehicles. A longitudinal slit in the top surface of the beam is sealed by flexible flaps and that press against each other to seal off the duct, while allowing for the passage of support mast. Airflow for propulsion of the vehicle is generated by a stationary airflow generator, which feeds the air propulsion duct by way of connecting ducts and which is outfitted with a set of four butterfly control valves that are controlled by a command and control system of flow and pressure condition in the duct which actuates the valves pneumatically, allowing automatic or manual selection of "suction" or "pressure" conditions in the duct.

Abstract: A system for propelling vehicles for carrying passengers or cargo comprises a longitudinal duct, having a slit at the top and a pair of rails or tracks. A vehicle is provided to run on the tracks and has a fin which projects into the duct to substantially fill the same. Differential air pressure is applied to the duct to cause the fin to move along the duct and carry the vehicle with it. The duct may include several stations with means to produce differential air pressure between the separate stations. A braking device operates to apply brakes when the pressure on both sides of the fin is substantially the same. Preferably the vehicle contains no internal control for the fin or air pressure so that it can be controlled from the outside by the device for forwarding the differential air pressure.