Truck In Conduit Patents (Class 104/139)
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Patent number: 11525537Abstract: An apparatus includes a pipe crawler (100). The pipe crawler (100) includes one or more drive wheels (308) capable of moving along and around a pipe, and one or more instruments coupled to the one or more drive wheels (308). An instrument includes one or more of a sensor instrument and a maintenance instrument. The pipe crawler (100) includes a retention mechanism (4) that retains the one or more drive wheels (308) against an outer surface of the pipe. The retention mechanism (104) provides adjustable positions for the one or more drive wheels (308) for disposing the one or more drive wheels (308) against the outer surface of the pipe. The apparatus includes a controller (302) that communicates with the one or more drive wheels (308) to move the one or more drive wheels (308) on the outer surface of the pipe, and that operates the one or more instruments.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Inventors: Gennadiy Lisnyak, Valeriy Guyvoronskiy
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Patent number: 11230309Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle has an elongate enclosure having a plurality of sides and an at least partially open side. The enclosure defines a hollow interior. The charging system further includes a conductor rail disposed in the hollow interior and that is accessible through the at least partially open side of the enclosure. The conductor rail may be placed in electric communication with an electrical power source and thereby may be selectively placed in electrical communication with an electrical connector of an electric vehicle. The charging system may conduct electric current from the electrical power source to an electric power supply of the electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Transtech of South Carolina, INCInventors: William Golpe, Stacy Neil Smith, Steven Halbert
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Patent number: 10899369Abstract: An electric rail carriage is described. The electric rail carriage may include a train carriage. The train carriage may be arranged to be powered by at least one power module, which is arranged to generate electric power. The carriage may include a main chassis, and at least one power module bay located underneath the main chassis. A power module can be removably located and secured within the power module bay, such that the power module is supported underneath the main chassis. A method of installing the power module into a power module bay is described.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Vivarail Ltd.Inventor: Adrian Shooter
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Patent number: 10300753Abstract: A vehicle drive unit and land vehicle comprising the drive unit are disclosed. Each drive unit comprises a pair of longitudinally spaced apart rotatable drive structures. The land vehicle comprises a pair of drive units on opposite sides thereof. The drive units comprise an electric motor for powering the rotatable drive structures and a gear drive assembly comprising structure for disengaging the electric motor. The drive units may be remotely controllable, may be water-tight and may be floatable. The vehicle comprising the drive unit may be amphibious.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Ontario Drive and Gear, Ltd.Inventor: Peter Visscher
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Patent number: 9511639Abstract: A vehicle drive unit and land vehicle comprising the drive unit are disclosed. Each drive unit comprises a pair of longitudinally aligned and longitudinally spaced apart ground wheels. The land vehicle comprises a pair of drive units on opposite sides thereof. The drive units comprise an electric motor for powering the pair of wheels and a gear drive assembly comprising structure for disengaging the electric motor from the ground wheels. The drive units may be remotely controllable, may be water-tight and may be floatable. The vehicle comprising the drive unit may be amphibious.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Ontario Drive and Gear, Ltd.Inventor: Peter Visscher
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Patent number: 9168930Abstract: A ceiling transport vehicle in which articles may be transferred precisely while allowing its travel portion to travel smoothly along a set travel path is provided. The ceiling transport vehicle has a pair of guiding bodies which guide the travel portion along a set travel path by contacting each of right and left lateral sides of a guide rail with a pair of contacting members that are supported by the travel portion such that the contacting members can be moved away from each other and moved toward each other in a lateral width direction. The ceiling transport vehicle also has a switching portion for moving each of the pair of contacting members away from each other and toward each other to switch between a holding state and a holding release state.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshinari Wada
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Patent number: 8958970Abstract: A vehicle control system and a vehicle control device can switch control of a supporting device for support a drive of a vehicle between an ordinary travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that a power source for causing the vehicle to travel is operated and an inertia travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that an operation of the power source is stopped. Accordingly, since the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device switch the control of the supporting device between the ordinary travel and the inertia travel, the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device achieve an effect that the vehicle can be caused to appropriately travel by inertia.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaki Matsunaga, Nobukazu Ueki, Hiroshi Tsujii, Koji Ito
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Publication number: 20140251176Abstract: The present invention teaches a new apparatus and process for maximizing the storage space in a warehouse while minimizing aisle space. The invention resides in an apparatus comprising a track assembly and a wheeled platform assembly, whereby a wheeled platform and load (pallet+boxes or crates of goods) are placed on a track assembly and roiled deeper into storage, while leaving room for another load to be placed in front. The invention also teaches various improvements on the design that maximize durability accessibility, and safety.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventor: MEIHUA YANG
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Patent number: 8825259Abstract: In an example implementation, an autonomous vehicle is configured to detect closures and lane shifts in a lane of travel. The vehicle is configured to operate in an autonomous mode and determine a presence of an obstacle substantially positioned in a lane of travel of the vehicle using a sensor. The lane of travel has a first side, a second side, and a center, and the obstacle is substantially positioned on the first side. The autonomous vehicle includes a computer system. The computer system determines a lateral distance between the obstacle and the center, compares the lateral distance to a pre-determined threshold, and provides instructions to control the autonomous vehicle based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: David I. Ferguson
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Patent number: 8474382Abstract: A system for guiding a mobile carriage in a frame. The frame has three parallel linear-guiding tracks including a first track extending centrally on the frame and second and third tracks arranged laterally of the first track. The carriage has at least two axes of rotation. A first axis drives at least a first wheel in the first guiding track and a second axis drives at least a second wheel and at least a third wheel, respectively, in the second and third guiding tracks. The two axes of rotation are perpendicular. The description also relates to an associated method. A primary object is to enable the end of a mobile beam, such as a beam carrying a device for wiping a galvanizing product off a steel strip, to perform a guided movement with a high degree of freedom while minimizing mechanical stresses.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Siemens VAI Metals Technologies SASInventors: Pierre Bourgier, Jean-Jacques Hardy
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Patent number: 8371227Abstract: A ride system with crossing ride paths. A first omnimover assembly is provided that includes a continuous vehicle chain movable along a first ride path and includes vehicles vertically supported above the track at a first height. A second omnimover assembly is provided with a continuous vehicle chain movable along a second ride path that differs from the first ride path and crosses over the first ride path when viewed in plan view. The second omnimover assembly includes vehicles vertically supported below the upper vehicle track at a second height, which may be the same as the first height such that passengers perceive a risk of a collision at the path intersections. The upper track is at a higher elevation than the lower track such that cross overs occur without interference. A synchronization mechanism is provided that synchronizes the movement of the upper and lower vehicle chains.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
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Patent number: 8176853Abstract: An amusement park ride adapted for fully rotating a passenger compartment in response to vehicle motion along a guide track. The ride includes a vehicle chassis that engages the guide track and travels along the ride path during operation of the ride. The ride further includes a cam-based positioning assembly that is supported by the vehicle chassis to move with it along the guide track. The positioning assembly operates in response to being moved along the guide track to rotate the passenger compartment. The positioning assembly rotates the passenger compartment in counterclockwise and clockwise directions to provide 360-degree rotation. The positioning assembly includes a cam shaft with three cam follower pairs offset along the shaft and extending outward from the shaft at angular offsets, and three cam rails are used to selectively position the followers to rotate the cam shaft and set the position of the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
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Patent number: 8074577Abstract: Structure of a bifurcation site and crossover site of a guideway in a guided vehicle transportation system; in which the guideway consists of left and right roadbeds, a depression between the roadbeds, and a guard rail having a U-shaped groove laid down on the depression; and a fail-safe mechanism is constituted by the guard rail and guard wheels attached to the vehicle; is proposed. The vehicle is equipped with automatic steering mechanisms for steering front and rear wheels and guard wheels supported laterally rotatably by front and rear supporting arms which are supported laterally rotatably underside the vehicle. The guard wheels are received in the groove of the guard rail.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Shunji Morichika, Katsuaki Morita, Masahiro Yamaguchi, Kosuke Katahira, Yasuhiro Nagamichi
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Patent number: 7950331Abstract: A narrow slot roller and guide system for high density mobile storage systems having a plurality of storage units. The roller and guide system includes a longitudinally extending axial guide defining a first slot in a floor and a drive rail parallel thereto defining a second slot in the floor. The axial guide includes a roller arrangement adapted to engage a downwardly extending guide member coupled to the carriage of the storage units. The engagement of the roller arrangement and guide member serves as a guide for the storage units as the storage units are moved axially along the axial guide and drive rail. Further, the present invention limits the width of the first and second slots to a very narrow width, e.g. less than one half inch, thereby easily permitting disabled individuals to freely travel across a floor in which the roller and guide system is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Spacesaver CorporationInventors: Matthew A. Tourdot, Steven L. Janson
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Publication number: 20110067595Abstract: A system for guiding a mobile carriage in a frame. The frame has three parallel linear-guiding tracks including a first track extending centrally on the frame and second and third tracks arranged laterally of the first track. The carriage has at least two axes of rotation. A first axis drives at least a first wheel in the first guiding track and a second axis drives at least a second wheel and at least a third wheel, respectively, in the second and third guiding tracks. The two axes of rotation are perpendicular. The description also relates to an associated method. A primary object is to enable the end of a mobile beam, such as a beam carrying a device for wiping a galvanizing product off a steel strip, to perform a guided movement with a high degree of freedom while minimizing mechanical stresses.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS VAI METALS TECHNOLOGIES SASInventors: Pierre Bourgier, Jean-Jacques HARDY
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Patent number: 7721656Abstract: A monorail vehicle includes a cabin for housing a driver, passengers and/or load and also includes one or more driving assemblies, the driving assemblies being suitable for running within a guiding duct on the ground, the cabin being connected to at least one driving assembly by an elongated elevation structure. The elongated elevation structure is actuated in order to vary the elevation of the cabin with respect to the ground during regular travel of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Inventor: Luiz Augusto de Siqueira Indio da Costa
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Publication number: 20090288575Abstract: The present invention provides the structure of a bogie for a vehicle in a track type transportation system in which the vehicle runs along a predetermined track, which can be simplified, and lightweight and which can be run at a high speed with the maintainability therefor being enhanced, comprising a guide rail 14 laid on the track 12, guide wheels 51 capable of traveling being made into contact with the guide rail 14, a guide arm 48 attached thereto with the guide wheels 51, and a guide wheel support bracket 52 for supporting the guide arm 48 arranged underneath an axle 22 of the vehicle so that the guide arm 48 is pivotable around a pivotal vertical support shat 56, left and right of the vehicle, and the guide arm 48, the guide wheels 51 and the guide wheel support bracket 52 constitute a unit structure which is attached to the axle 22 or a bogie frame 26 of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2006Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventors: Shunji Morichika, Katsuaki Morita, Hiroyuki Kono, Hiroyuki Mochidome, Hiroshi Yamashita, Masahiro Yamaguchi, Kosuke Katahira
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Patent number: 7610860Abstract: Guide track made up of two wide wing I-shape profiles oriented in parallel and separated by a distance of 500 mm. Central rolling guide box, a set of four vertical axis wheels located at the ends of two steel bars intersecting and forming a cross-shaped device. The assembly is located between two steel plates measuring 700×400×25 mm, forming a box from which the guide wheels protrude laterally to rest tangentially on the web of the guide track profiles. Pivoting anchor cylinder with a dual function: anchoring of the box below the vehicle and transmission of box rotation for orientation of the support wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Movitrade Peninsular, S.L.U.Inventor: Roberto Blanco Montejo
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Publication number: 20090120321Abstract: A narrow slot roller and guide system for high density mobile storage systems having a plurality of storage units. The roller and guide system includes a longitudinally extending axial guide defining a first slot in a floor and a drive rail parallel thereto defining a second slot in the floor. The axial guide includes a roller arrangement adapted to engage a downwardly extending guide member coupled to the carriage of the storage units. The engagement of the roller arrangement and guide member serves as a guide for the storage units as the storage units are moved axially along the axial guide and drive rail. Further, the present invention limits the width of the first and second slots to a very narrow width, e.g. less than one half inch, thereby easily permitting disabled individuals to freely travel across a floor in which the roller and guide system is mounted.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Matthew A. Tourdot, Steven L. Janson
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Patent number: 7243604Abstract: A hidden-rail dual-attraction balancing compensation type permanent magnetic levitation train and railway system are provided. The hidden rails are provided inside two underground tubes, and each tube is communicated with the ground via a rail through silt.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Inventor: Lingqun Li
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Patent number: 7182025Abstract: The specification discloses a robot for inspection adapted to travel virtually unlimited distances through small-diameter enclosed spaces such as conduits or ducts, preferably using a fluid-driven screw-drive propulsion system. The robot preferably includes a plurality of wheels inclined at an angle greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, a plurality of wheels aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and a power system for causing relative rotation of the sections bearing the pitched and non-pitched wheels. The robot may include internal fluid flow passages, notched wheels, multiple retractable wheels, and is configured so as to have an operating diameter less than six and preferably less than two inches.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignees: William Marsh Rice University, University of Houston Clear LakeInventors: Fathi Hassan Ghorbel, James Bruster Dabney
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Patent number: 7099746Abstract: A mobile device for traversing a ferromagnetic surface. The device includes a frame and at least one surface contacting device attached to the frame. The device also includes a Halbach magnet array attached to the frame, wherein the Halbach magnet array provides a magnetic force to maintain the surface contacting device substantially into contact with the ferromagnetic surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Carnegie Mellon UniversityInventors: William P. Ross, James F. Hoburg, Christopher Fromme, John Bares, Mark DeLouis
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Patent number: 6910425Abstract: An enclosed track system comprising an enclosed track having at least one curve and a trolley for negotiating the curve. The trolley includes an externally located drive section and a rolling section having first and second roller portions located within the track. The first roller portion includes rollers for rolling on flange portions of the track. The second roller portion includes a yoke-mounted driven wheel and a pair of support rollers. The driven wheel rolls on an inner surface of the top of the track. The pair of support rollers roll on flange portions of the track and are mounting on respective rods for pivoting action about vertical axes. The drive section includes a motor powered driving wheel which extends partially into the track to engage the driven wheel. The drive section also includes an articulated joint coupling the first and second roller portions together.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Transol CorporationInventors: Arnold T. Galpin, Jeffrey M. Lesoine
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Patent number: 6792335Abstract: A mobile device for traversing a ferromagnetic surface. The device includes a frame and at least one surface contacting device attached to the frame. The device also includes a Halbach magnet array attached to the frame, wherein the Halbach magnet array provides a magnetic force to maintain the surface contacting device substantially into contact with the ferromagnetic surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Carnegie Mellon UniversityInventors: William P. Ross, James F. Hoburg, Christopher Fromme, John Bares, Mark DeLouis
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Patent number: 6718885Abstract: An enclosed track system comprising an enclosed track having at least one curved portion and a trolley including a rolling section having first and second roller portions located within the track and spaced from each other and an externally located drive section. The second roller portion comprises a drive wheel arranged to roll on an inner surface of the track. The drive section has an articulated joint coupling the first and second roller portions to each other. The drive section includes a motor to cause the drive wheel to rotate, whereupon the trolley rolls along the track, with the articulated joint enabling the first and second roller portions to pivot longitudinally with respect to each other so that the trolley can negotiate curves in the track.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Transol CorporationInventors: Philip E. Risser, Jeffrey M. Lesoine
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Patent number: 6615740Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle transportation system utilizes a guideway with parallel enclosed rails. Each enclosed rail has an electrical bus bar for supplying power to vehicles on the guideway. The guideway will accommodate dual-mode vehicles that are capable of usage on conventional streets as well as on the guideway. The guideway also accommodates conventional vehicles and ferries that operate only on the guideway. The dual-mode vehicle has a body with axles that are extensible. The axles move from a retracted position, with the wheels recessed within the wheel wells, to an extended position. In the extended position, the wheels locate within the enclosed rails. Conventional vehicles and freight are carried on ferries that move along the guideways.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: J. Kirston Henderson
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Publication number: 20030094115Abstract: A personal rapid transit (PRT) system having a linear induction motor installed on the bottom of a vehicle is provided. Since a linear induction motor is installed on the bottom of a vehicle, the structure of the personal rapid transit (PRT) system is simplified and the stable driving thereof is possible. Further, since an auxiliary ramification wheel is provided, an accident by the vehicle seceding from a track occurring during ramification can be prevented in advance. That is, since only a single linear induction motor is installed horizontally on the bottom of the vehicle and thus the vehicle is driven, the structure of the personal rapid transit (PRT) system is more simplified and becomes lighter, and a production cost can be reduced, in comparison with an existing system using a pair of linear induction motors. In addition, even if a ramification device is failed during ramification, a track secession can be suppressed with an auxiliary ramification wheel provided, to thereby guide a stable running.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: Nam Ho Kim, Seong Wan Kim, Kwang Hee Nam
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Patent number: 6435100Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle transportation system utilizes a guideway with parallel enclosed rails. Each enclosed rail has an electrical bus bar for supplying power to vehicles on the guideway. The guideway will accommodate dual-mode vehicles that are capable of usage on conventional streets as well as on the guideway. The guideway also accommodates conventional vehicles and ferries that operate only on the guideway. The dual-mode vehicle has a body with axles that are extensible. The axles move from a retracted position, with the wheels recessed within the wheel wells, to an extended position. In the extended position, the wheels locate within the enclosed rails. Conventional vehicles and freight are carried on ferries that move along the guideways.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: J. Kirston Henderson
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Patent number: 6427603Abstract: A moveable track cover is provided for use with a mechanism configured to move along a track. One example of such a mechanism is a pipe racking system used on off-shore oil and gas platforms. One end of the moveable track cover is connected to the pipe racking system mechanism which moves along the track. The other end of the track cover is spooled onto a drum. Rotation of the drum is controlled by a motor which exerts enough force to maintain the track cover in constant tension. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves towards the drum, the motor rotates the drum to roll the track cover onto the drum. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves away from the drum, it pulls the track cover off of the drum. By attaching a track cover to each side of the pipe racking system mechanism, the track along which the pipe racking system mechanism travels is kept covered at all times. The track cover may be constructed of a sheet of stainless steel strengthened by rib assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Noble Drilling CorporationInventor: Therald Martin
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Patent number: 6397758Abstract: A moveable track cover is provided for use with a mechanism configured to move along a track. One example of such a mechanism is a pipe racking system used on off-shore oil and gas platforms. One end of the moveable track cover is connected to the pipe racking system mechanism which moves along the track. The other end of the track cover is spooled onto a drum. Rotation of the drum is controlled by a motor which exerts enough force to maintain the track cover in constant tension. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves towards the drum, the motor rotates the drum to roll the track cover onto the drum. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves away from the drum, it pulls the track cover off of the drum. By attaching a track cover to each side of the pipe racking system mechanism, the track along which the pipe racking system mechanism travels is kept covered at all times. The track cover may be constructed of a sheet of stainless steel strengthened by rib assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Noble Drilling CorporationInventor: Therald Martin
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Patent number: 6393993Abstract: A monorail switching system for guided vehicles includes a main guideway mounted below the transportation monorail that engages a vertically shiftable keel assembly carried by the vehicle. For entrance/exit junctions, a secondary guideway defines the junction path is selectively engaged by lowering the shiftable keel from control by the main guideway. The plural guideways permit vehicles to travel in concert notwithstanding selective revision at the junctions.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventor: Eugene A. Reese
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Patent number: 6374746Abstract: A ground-based capsule pipeline with greatly improved speed, energy efficiency, and cost for transportation of freight and/or people. Passive magnetic levitation is used to suspend inert, rugged capsules within an air-evacuated pipeline, where they are propelled by a linear motor. Permanent magnet pole arrays incorporated in the capsules interact with inductively-enhanced conductive loops on the interior of the pipeline to produce a low “take-off” speed, high lift, and a high lift-drag ratio.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Inventor: Orlo James Fiske
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Patent number: 6360670Abstract: A transportation system for moving a transportation module comprises a thrust tube and a pod assembly disposed inside the thrust tube to be thrusted along the thrust tube. An inner magnetic coupler is disposed inside the thrust tube and connected with the pod assembly to be moved by the pod assembly. An outer magnetic coupler is disposed outside the thrust tube and configured to connect with a transportation module. The outer magnetic coupler is spaced from the inner magnetic coupler by the thrust tube and is magnetically coupled with the inner magnetic coupler to be moved by the inner magnetic coupler. An inner spacing member is disposed inside the thrust tube and spaces the inner magnetic coupler from the inner surface of the thrust tube by a preset distance. An outer spacing member is disposed outside the thrust tube and spaces the outer magnetic coupler from the outer surface of the thrust tube by a preset distance.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Flight Rail CorporationInventor: Max P. Schlienger
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Publication number: 20020029718Abstract: A moveable track cover is provided for use with a mechanism configured to move along a track. One example of such a mechanism is a pipe racking system used on off-shore oil and gas platforms. One end of the moveable track cover is connected to the pipe racking system mechanism which moves along the track. The other end of the track cover is spooled onto a drum. Rotation of the drum is controlled by a motor which exerts enough force to maintain the track cover in constant tension. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves towards the drum, the motor rotates the drum to roll the track cover onto the drum. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves away from the drum, it pulls the track cover off of the drum. By attaching a track cover to each side of the pipe racking system mechanism, the track along which the pipe racking system mechanism travels is kept covered at all times. The track cover may be constructed of a sheet of stainless steel strengthened by rib assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventor: Therald Martin
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Publication number: 20020023569Abstract: A moveable track cover is provided for use with a mechanism configured to move along a track. One example of such a mechanism is a pipe racking system used on off-shore oil and gas platforms. One end of the moveable track cover is connected to the pipe racking system mechanism which moves along the track. The other end of the track cover is spooled onto a drum. Rotation of the drum is controlled by a motor which exerts enough force to maintain the track cover in constant tension. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves towards the drum, the motor rotates the drum to roll the track cover onto the drum. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves away from the drum, it pulls the track cover off of the drum. By attaching a track cover to each side of the pipe racking system mechanism, the track along which the pipe racking system mechanism travels is kept covered at all times. The track cover may be constructed of a sheet of stainless steel strengthened by rib assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventor: Therald Martin
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Patent number: 6341565Abstract: A moveable track cover is provided for use with a mechanism configured to move along a track. One example of such a mechanism is a pipe racking system used on off-shore oil and gas platforms. One end of the moveable track cover is connected to the pipe racking system mechanism which moves along the track. The other end of the track cover is spooled onto a drum. Rotation of the drum is controlled by a motor which exerts enough force to maintain the track cover in constant tension. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves towards the drum, the motor rotates the drum to roll the track cover onto the drum. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves away from the drum, it pulls the track cover off of the drum. By attaching a track cover to each side of the pipe racking system mechanism, the track along which the pipe racking system mechanism travels is kept covered at all times. The track cover may be constructed of a sheet of stainless steel strengthened by rib assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Noble Drilling CorporationInventor: Therald Martin
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Publication number: 20010037746Abstract: A system is provided that includes guideways having tracks for supporting a type of vehicle which moves within the guideways and tracks for a type of vehicle which moves on top of the guideways. Guide tracks are provided within the guideways for guiding vehicles of either type and controlling movement through Y junctions. The type of vehicle that moves on top of the guideway includes auxiliary wheels which cooperate with auxiliary tracks in Y junctions to insure reliable support. Each type of vehicle includes automatic load tilting mechanisms and also a special four wheel drive arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventor: Van Metre Lund
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Publication number: 20010017094Abstract: A truck transport apparatus comprises a trolley running rail 11, a front trolley 32 and a rear trolley 33 arranged along the rail 11 in a truck running direction, a truck body 35 connected to the front trolley 32 and the rear trolley 33 at a lengthwise intermediate portion of each trolley so as to permit each trolley to pivotally move horizontally, a driven rod 38 having a front end connected to a rear end of the front trolley 32 so as to make the front trolley 32 free to pivotally move horizontally and a rear end connected to a front end of the rear trolley 33 so as to make the rear trolley 33 free to pivotally move horizontally, and a pair of transport rollers 84, 87 for holding the driven rod 38 therebetween from opposite sides thereof to give the rod a propelling force. The driven rod 38 is extended when the truck is about to move into a curved path of movement from a straight path of movement, while the rod 38 is contracted when the truck is about to move into the straight path from the curved path.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2001Publication date: August 30, 2001Applicant: NAKANISHI METAL WORKS CO., LTD.,Inventors: Shinji Ishikawa, Heihachi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6279485Abstract: A pod assembly is disposed inside and thrusted along a slotted tube having a longitudinal slot. The pod assembly comprises a first pod, a second pod coupled with the first pod, and a strut disposed between and coupled with the first pod and the second pod. The strut extends through the longitudinal slot of the slotted tube to the support a transportation module outside the slotted tube. In one embodiment, the first pod is a thrust pod and the second pod is a passive pod. The thrust pod includes a thrust pod tire to make contact with the interior of the slotted tube and at least one bladder which is inflatable and deflatable to modulate gas flow through the thrust pod to adjust speed of movement of the thrust pod in the slotted tube. The passive pod includes a passive pod tire to make contact with the interior of the slotted tube and includes no thrust control feature. In another embodiment, the first and second pods include pod tires for making contact with the interior of the slotted tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Flight Rail CorporationInventor: Max P. Schlienger
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Patent number: 6263799Abstract: A transportation system, generically known as Personal Rapid Transit, employs conventional electric or hybrid automobiles (18) underwhich are mounted electro-mechanical adaptors (24) which permits them to operate autonomously on an elevated guideway (16) which is part of the PRT system. An electronic guidance sensor system (45), and other functional components built into the adaptors, permits the vehicles to track unique rf signals emitted from a guidance wire (36) centrally embedded in the guideway, and to exit and enter the guideway to and from off-line stations (10), and to select various platforms and storage areas within these stations.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Inventor: Herman I. Pardes
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Patent number: 6240852Abstract: A highway-vehicle system for high speed travel which comprises a below-ground structure defining a cavity and a narrow slot extending upwardly therefrom to the roadway surface. Each vehicle in the system is equipped with a projecting member which, in its folded configuration, can be lowered into the slot. The projecting member includes a pair of stabilization wheels and a pair of hydraulically or pneumatically-actuated brake shoes. Once the projecting member has been lowered into the cavity, the wheels automatically unfold, so that they assume horizontal positions and press against opposing sidewalls of the cavity. With the wheels so deployed, the vehicle can be safely driven during high speed cornering and under windy conditions. The wheels can also be used to automatically steer each vehicle. In addition, the wheels are used to conduct electricity in the cavity sidewalls as part of the power takeoff for an electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventor: William R. Camp
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Patent number: 6220173Abstract: The invention concerns a trolley for rail tracks (3) that are branched by means of switch points. To avoid a switch point jam, while simultaneously saving power and maintenance effort, the trolley is equipped with moveable hooks and the switch points are designed as passive switches without any moveable parts, where the hooks can engage the guide rails (12) of the passive switch points in accordance with the desired travel direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: AlcatelInventor: Richard Sauerwein
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Patent number: 6178892Abstract: A transportation system uses a carrier conduit in the form of a long tube or channel in order to drive a vehicle by air pressure. A carrier having end plates obstructs the travel of air through the carrier conduit. Pressure differentials formed within the carrier conduit serve to propel the carrier through the carrier conduit. By rollably supporting the carrier within the carrier conduit, friction is reduced between the carrier conduit and the carrier. The carrier may be magnetically coupled to a vehicle having vanes and a set of track- or rail-engaging wheel assemblies on vanes. The vanes may pivot upon the vehicle and serve to allow the vehicle to rollably or slidably couple to the carrier conduit track. The motion of the carrier serves to propel the vehicle along the carrier conduit track as the vehicle is magnetically coupled to the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Lou O. Harding
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Patent number: 6170403Abstract: A boat for spillwater raft rides or similar rides having running gear includes running wheels and lateral guide wheels to accept a force exerted by a portion of the track. A safety device is provided that consists of safety wheels or runners. The latter are located above lateral guide wheels and designed to engage safety rails placed along the line to accept lifting forces.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Heinrich Mack GmbH & Co.Inventor: Georg Behringer
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Patent number: 6095054Abstract: A transport system has a track provided along a transport route forming a main route and at least one branch route connected to the main route at a branch point. A first power supply line is provided along the main route; a second power supply line is provided along the branch route and a transport vehicle moves along the track. There is a drive unit for driving the transport vehicle along the track with the drive unit being attached to the transport vehicle, a route selector for selecting a branch route at the branch point and a power receiver for receiving electric power from the first and second power supply lines to supply electric power to the drive unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Kawano, Masanao Murata, Tanaka Tsuyoshi, Atsushi Okuno
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Patent number: 6082268Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. Front and rear bogies of the vehicles pivot about front and rear vertical turn axes and carry direction control wheels that cooperate with guide ribs along tracks for selective control of movement to either of two exits from a Y junction. Electric power which can be three phase AC power can be supplied through upper and lower track structures. The upper track structures can define the guide ribs.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Autran Corp.Inventor: VanMetre Lund
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Patent number: 6058849Abstract: A traveling mechanism for a lifting device, especially for a lifting device having a laterally cantilevering boom, is movable on rails with at least two running wheels. A connection element for attaching a load to said traveling mechanism is supported in the rail by the running wheels which are arranged on both sides of the connection element. The connection element has, at the region projecting down out of the rail, at least one running roller which is freely rotatable about a horizontal axis and rolls on a horizontal outer running surface of the rail. To effectively divert horizontal forces and uniformly distribute the vertical forces to the running wheels, running wheel axles are rigidly connected with a running wheel carrier, and the running wheel carrier and connection element are swivelably connected by a universal type joint. In addition, at least one support roller is rotatably mounted at the connection element in the interior of the rail.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1997Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Mannesmann AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudiger Ostholt, Klaus Becker, Klaus-Dieter Gabriel
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Patent number: 6044768Abstract: A support for aiding a person, robot or material-moving member in a gravity free environment. The support comprises a platform having slots therein with releasable securing means disposed on either side thereof which cooperate with a wheeled member disposed in the slot having a shoe connected thereto with cooperating means engaging the releasable securing means to permit the person, robot or the like wearing the shoes to traverse the support in a safe, regulated manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Inventor: Tibor Czinki
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Patent number: 5992575Abstract: The present invention relates to a Personal Rapid Transit system for transporting passengers along a pre-set guideway, and more particularly relates to a future Personal Rapid Transit vehicle braking system. A conventional braking system can not provide the large braking force required for very short headway operation under the effect of weather and environmental conditions due to variations in the available coefficients of friction at the running surfaces. In particular, the Personal Rapid Transit which is a public transportation system can not adopt the conventional braking system since the vehicles are powered by linear motors and are independent of traction. The PRT brake system comprises brake reaction rails (120) mounted on each inside of the guideway and brakes (300) acting on these brake reaction rails (120) as calipers. The brakes are automatically actuated when electric power supply is cut off, and thus can serve as parking brakes and emergency brakes.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: In Ki Kim
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Patent number: 5979334Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guide ways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guide way. The guide way provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guide way and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations. Automobiles are securely held on platforms which are so handled as to permit rapid loading and unloading operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Autran Corp.Inventor: Van Metre Lund