Abstract: A Rail Drone can include: a payload interface, a drivetrain, and a rail platform(515). The Rail Drone can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The Rail Drone can integrate a standardized payload interface and an autonomous electric road vehicle platform into a rolling stock architecture. The Rail Drone can be a stand-alone, payload-agnostic, motive element which can be independently or cooperatively capable of carrying heavy loads across long distances at various cruising speeds.

Abstract: A Rail Drone can include: a payload interface, a drivetrain, and a rail platform 515. The Rail Drone can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The Rail Drone can integrate a standardized payload interface and an autonomous electric road vehicle platform into a rolling stock architecture. The Rail Drone can be a stand-alone, payload-agnostic, motive element which can be independently or cooperatively capable of carrying heavy loads across long distances at various cruising speeds.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interconnected transportation network system, wherein same is related to the field of transportation facilities and control, and comprises a main transportation system, a transfer system and an entry/exit system. The main transportation system is formed of a closed annular rail vehicle, and the annular train moves continuously on a T-shaped track to fulfil a passenger transportation task by means of multi-point drive. The transfer system (intercommunication) is of the same structure as that of the main transportation system, and the passengers transfer between main transportation lines by means of the transfer system. The entry/exit system (terminal) is formed of an annular buffer vehicle system and a stepping speed control system, and the passengers enter or exit the main transportation lines in a self-service manner by means of the entry/exit system.

Abstract: A modified, hollowed-out, bi-level double decker passenger car is equipped to provide electricity to electrically charge the batteries of battery-powered electric automobiles, either on a car by car basis, using the wheels of the car to generate electricity, or as the whole of the train supplied with power generated by a locomotive, a designated generator car, or an outside source.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to producing a plan of a route in a transportation system. The method receives route requirements, including a starting location and an ending location. The method builds a model of the transportation system from data about vehicles. The model abstracts a “prospect travel” between two locations using any of a range of choices of vehicles and walks that can transport between the two locations. Given anticipated wait durations for the vehicles and their ride durations, the method determines an expected minimum travel duration using any of these choices. The method combines the expectations for various locations in a scalable manner. As a result, a route plan that achieves a shortest expected travel duration, and meets other requirements, is computed for one of the largest metropolitan areas in existence today. Other embodiments include a computer system and a product service that implement the method.

Abstract: Constrained-transportation directions are described herein. In one or more implementations, navigation assistance is provided for a user that is traveling on constrained transportation. As part of computing the directions, a determination is initially made that the user is traveling on constrained transportation, which may be restricted to traveling along designated routes and stopping at predetermined stops. Based on this determination, parameters indicative of restrictions to the route the user is traveling onboard the constrained transportation are ascertained, such as parameters describing a “line” of a current vehicle, a schedule of the vehicle, and a current location of the user along the vehicle's known route. Using these parameters, rather than merely a location of the user when the directions are requested, directions to a desired location are computed. In this way, users can be presented directions that account for being on a constrained-route vehicle at the time a route is requested.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement monitor a brake system of a brake arrangement of a rail vehicle. To carry out such a method comparatively cost-effectively and gently on the wheels and rails, the deceleration of the rail vehicle is detected with a deceleration measured variable being obtained and the frictional connection between the wheel and rail is detected with a frictional connection measured variable being obtained. In the event of a small deceleration measured variable and a normal frictional connection measured variable, an error message signal is generated. In a brake system with at least one brake actuator, the deceleration of the rail vehicle is detected with a deceleration measured variable being obtained and the brake force of the at least one brake actuator is measured. In the case of a small deceleration measured variable and a low brake force, an error message signal is generated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a train platform safety device. The train platform safety device is installed at a position corresponding to a safety line on a subway or railway platform and is configured such that wire ropes are moved upwards or downwards depending on conditions in which a train approaches or departs from the platform, thus preventing a passenger from intentionally or unintentionally falling onto the train track. Particularly, the distances that the wire ropes move upwards or downwards are determined by rotating a rotating unit including rotating members having different diameters, whereby the wire ropes overlap each other or spread from each other. In this way, the wire ropes allow or block access of passengers depending on conditions in which a train approaches or departs from the platform, thus fundamentally preventing a safety accident.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active pressurization system making use of a platform track area upper slab of an underground train station. A track area, where a fast train and a slow train pass through an underground train station, is divided into a fast-train running space and a slow-train running space by means of a partition wall. Formed in an upper slab of the train station, there are a first and a second air-stream out- and in-flow space respectively linking to the fast-train running space and the slow-train running space. The front end of the second air-stream out- and in-flow space is provided with a first port and a first damper, while the rear end is provided with a second port and a second damper. The second air-stream out- and in-flow space is provided with a third port for venting of the slow-train running space. The first air-stream out- and in-flow space is provided with a fourth port for venting of the fast-train running space.

Abstract: A mass transportation system for efficiently transporting a plurality of passengers along a predetermined path from a loading station to an unloading station. The transportation system generally includes a support structure, a track positioned above ground level via the support structure, and a carrier vehicle operable along the track. A first control module operable by a passenger is located outside the carrier vehicle upon a loading station for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at the loading station and a second control module operable by the passenger is located inside the carrier vehicle for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at an unloading station.

Abstract: Non-Stop Commute is a revolutionized railway travel, which make full use of current railway construction, get rid of locomotive, simply run with enhanced multiple units. It can increase the traffic flow to double or more and save all the waiting time for passengers at waypoint stops. It only brakes those stop unit(s) in need rather than the whole moving train. And it only accelerates those ready to go unit(s) the similar way. The moving trains run at an efficient speed and never need to stop in normal operation. Any train unit movement is synchronized by location and timing for best safety. The system simulation software is ready online to download and simple demo video is available as well.

Abstract: A system for transporting cargo includes a cargo terminal having a pair of longitudinal sides, at least one of the pair of longitudinal sides disposed adjacent to and spaced a predetermined distance from a railway track and at least one railcar positioned at a predetermined acute angle relative to the at least one of the pair of longitudinal sides of the cargo terminal and having one end thereof disposed in close proximity thereto so as to enable loading or unloading such cargo through such one end of such at least one railcar. A network of at least two cargo terminals and a method of intermodal cargo transporting are also provided.

Abstract: A commuter train ferry system includes a train engine. A plurality of boxcars is joinable to each other and to the train engine to form the commuter train ferry. Each of the boxcars includes a plurality of decks for transporting a plurality of vehicles and their occupants during a commuter trip. At least one ramp includes a plurality of driving surfaces for accessing the plurality of decks for loading and unloading the vehicles and their occupants from the boxcars where the occupants of the vehicles load and unload the vehicles from the boxcars and remain within the vehicles for at least a part of the commuter trip.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing maps and directions, including walking and mass transit directions in urban environments where users do not drive cars. Additionally, driving directions can be included. Various criteria, including preferences for amount of walking, for or against particular streets, certain mass transit vehicle types, number of transfers between mass transit vehicles, and other preferences, are considered in the routing calculations, as well as non-individual information such as current conditions and other information. User feedback on various qualitative aspects of the directions is received and stored, and used in subsequent routing decisions. Embodiments disclosed include web services whereby third parties, such as members of the travel industry, can access such services which provide textual and graphical information. Further, clients can access and edit mass transit information through the web services.

Abstract: The walls in the Unity Platform System are installed all along the platform to match the position of the train doors; on the other hand for different model trains, two new systems which are installed completely free from the train doors have been proposed in the file. The doors with roller bearings move on the seating sledge in the walls. All the doors are attached to one close circle rope, which moves over a pulley set. One drive group activates this rope. The drive group consists of one variable speed reversible motor; one brake and one drive sheave. The rope is pulled to the right or left by the drive sheave. All the doors open or close at the same time, being attached to the same rope. Besides, to bridge the gap between the platform edge and the train, three different Gap Devices have been proposed in the file.

Abstract: A railway carriage to be transported on a railway system includes a living area (164), a bathroom (36), a sleeping area (26) and a kitchen area (62). Appliances (40, 42, 75) in the bathroom (36) and kitchen area (62) are connected to a common potable water supply system (170). The railway carriage includes a potable water connector (136) to releasably connect the potable water supply system (170) of the carriage to an external water supply. The appliances (40, 42, 73) in the bathroom (36) and kitchen area (62) are also connected to a common waste water system (172). The railway carriage includes a waste water connector (138) to releasably connect the waste water system (172) of the carriage to an external waste system, such as a drain. The potable water connector (136) and the waste water connector (138) are provided on a common mounting (132).

Abstract: A combined wall and door assembly includes a static wall assembly including a segmented support frame with a rectilinear shape. The static wall assembly further includes a plurality of transparent fiberglass panels directly coupled to the support frame and spaced along an entire longitudinal length of the support frame. The assembly further includes a mechanism for automatically biasing the access doors between open and closed positions when the subway train arrives and leaves a train terminal respectively such that passengers are prohibited from premature ingress and egress of the subway train during a schedule stop.

Abstract: A commuter train ferry system includes a train engine. A plurality of boxcars is joinable to each other and to the train engine to form the commuter train ferry. Each of the boxcars includes a plurality of decks for transporting a plurality of vehicles and their occupants during a commuter trip. At least one ramp includes a plurality of driving surfaces for accessing the plurality of decks for loading and unloading the vehicles and their occupants from the boxcars where the occupants of the vehicles load and unload the vehicles from the boxcars and remain within the vehicles for at least a part of the commuter trip.

Abstract: A station (2) in a personal rapid transit system has a platform (14), the edge of which defines bays (20) for parked vehicles (10). The parked vehicles are out of the path of travelling vehicles moving in a transit path extending between an entry section (4) and an exit section (6). The bays (10) include parking sections (22) alongside which the vehicles may park to enable easy transfer of passengers into and out of the vehicles. The disposition of the parking sections (22) allows the steered vehicles (10) to park close to the platform edge. The stations comprise bypass tracks (36) branched off the main track (30) and disposed in various configurations.

Abstract: A device for controlling a platform door (14) located at the guideway (1) of a vehicle (2) is described. According to the invention, the device comprises, a sensor unit (17), which is mounted at the guideway (1) and which serves to detect a preselected state of the vehicle (2). An evaluating device (18) connected to the sensor unit (17) permits an opening of the platform door (14) only when the vehicle (2) is in the preselected state.

Abstract: A transport system for providing increased capacity to move individuals and freight while still accommodating the individual needs of passengers and freight movers to travel to unique destinations. The transit system including a car including a set of switching wheels that are designed to engage with a set of switching rails, the switching wheels being moveable to selectively engage with the switching rails to either maintain the car on the track or switch the car off to another track. The car has the capability to travel on the relatively high-speed track and on a conventional surface street.

Abstract: A mechanically driven track system designed to transport objects of various sizes and people at rapid speeds over distances. There are stations along the track that both receive and insert objects onto the track system that can operate at constant velocity or at variable speeds. This system can fulfill the same or a similar function to our modern day airplanes, cars, trucks, and trains with greater resource efficiency.

Abstract: An autonomous personal transportation system for moving passengers and light freights is constructed with a track network and small vehicles on the track network. There are a number of stations and stops for loading and unloading on side tracks off the mainline of the track network. The vehicle width is limited to a dimension for one seat. The vehicles can be coupled statically or dynamically to form a train. The track has side rails for the rigid wheels of the vehicle and a central rail for centering the vehicle on the guideway and providing additional acceleration and braking capability. The control system for the movement of vehicles is divided into three levels: the central control system, the wayside control system and the vehicle control system.

Abstract: A point-to-point transit system for riders includes an elongate guideway, a plurality of autonomous vehicles disposed in the guideway, a plurality of selectively actuable rider access portals in the side of the guideway, and a control system, configured to automatically guide the vehicles within the guideway. The rider access portals are configured to allow ingress and egress of riders to the autonomous vehicles in the guideway. The control system is configured to allow each vehicle to travel between origin and destination locations that are independently selected by a rider.

Abstract: An automation system for train maintenance that performs operations related to train maintenance without human intervention is provided. The automation system for train maintenance comprises a refuse reservoir (10), a sewage tank (20), a water tank (30), and expanders (41, 42, 51, 61). In this automation system, when a railway vehicle is parked, the expanders (41, 42, 51, 61) are expanded to lift connectors (45, 54, 64) toward the railway vehicle for connection to the refuse reservoir (10), sewage tank (20), and water tank (30). In this automation system, discharge of refuse, removal of sewage, and feeding of water are automatically performed. Upon completion of these operations, the expanders (41, 42, 51, 61) are contracted so that the connectors (44, 45, 54, 55, 64, 65) are stored in waiting locations (48, 58). Therefore, use of this automation system for train maintenance allows automatic train maintenance without human intervention.

Abstract: The on site maintenance system for metal railcar wheels enables the user to establish a portable, stationary guide rail system about a remotely located railcar and then through use of a traversing guide rail system and lathe assembly grind the many wheels of a railcar with minimal time. The traversing guide rail system rollingly traverses upon side guide rails of the stationary guide rail system and is clamped to existing rails in a desired position. Likewise, the lathe system rollingly traverses upon the cross-wise guide rails of the traversing guide rail system. The lathe system then additionally provides three axes movement for fine-tune positioning of the lathe bit to achieve a desired grind profile of the metal railcar wheel. The wheel being ground is driven by a drive powered by the railcar or may be driven by an external drive and motor connected to the exterior hub of the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors the locking of the safety bar of the chairs of an aerial cableway system. A first sensor determines the occupancy of the chairs and a second sensor determines the locking of the safety bar. The sensor output signals from these two sensors are led to a control device, which is enabled to switch the chairlift system off.

Abstract: A transit system for individual vehicles includes a substantially enclosed guideway with a transit lane and a transition lane. Disposed along the guideway are selectively actuable portals, configured to allow substantially transverse ingress and egress of vehicles into the transition lane. The vehicles are configured for automatic control within the guideway and during ingress and egress, and may also be configured for independent control by a driver outside the guideway. In the transition lane the vehicles accelerate to a transit speed and merge into the adjacent transit lane. Upon approaching a selected destination portal, an individual vehicle merges back into the transition lane to decelerate for exit. The guidance system allows the vehicles to combine into controllably linked “trains” in the transit lane.

Abstract: A guideway system for conveying vehicles includes a first guideway lane and a plurality of control cells. Each cell includes a particular portion of the first guideway lane and a cell:controller for monitoring and controlling traffic flow on the first guideway lane portion within the respective cell. Furthermore, the cell controllers are in communication with each other so as to share information with each other.

Abstract: A method for identifying and determining the position of rolling stock within a railyard using a system that includes an AEI reader, a plurality of elevated electronic imaging devices and a tracking computer. The rolling stock includes a plurality of railcars and a plurality of locomotives. The method includes recording an identification pattern for each piece of rolling stock as each piece enters the railyard, compiling tracking data of the rolling stock as the rolling stock moves within the railyard using the respective identification patterns, and mapping the position of each piece of rolling stock as the rolling stock moves within the railyard.

Abstract: A rail travel system and method having a main train which maintains a nearly constant speed between a point of departure and a point of arrival, while loading and unloading passengers at one or more points therebetween.

Abstract: A disengageable cable car station includes a support structure (1) extending above the ground (2) for guiding and driving the cable (3) supporting the vehicles transporting the passengers and for guiding and supporting the vehicles which have been disengaged from the cable (3). The cable (3) forms a loop for bringing the vehicles to the station entrance. A device is provided for moving the disengaged vehicles as far as a passenger disembarkation and embarkation area (5). The structure (1, 1a, 1b) supporting, guiding and driving the cable (3) and supporting the disengaged vehicles is elongated in the direction of the cable (3) and is inclined in order to guide the cable (3) and move the disengaged vehicles along a slope in order to decelerate or accelerate the vehicles. The entire station support structure (1) is inclined.

Abstract: The rail transport system may generally be an elevated rail system that may be located along existing transportation right of ways such as roads, railroads, rivers, etc. While the system is generally structured for elevated roadways, it may also have surface or ground level elements. The system uses rail sections and rail switch sections having two load rail elements to carry automobile carrier cars and passenger cars. Guide rails are attached to the load rail elements by upstanding guide rail supports. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A railway terminal having a parking area, an access restriction system adjacent to the parking area and a railroad track adjacent to the parking area. The access restriction system limits access to said parking area. The railroad track includes a first section, a second section and a loading pad, wherein the first and the second sections each accommodate a plurality of intermodal railcars, each railcar designed to transport a truck trailer, wherein the first section is coupled to a main rail line. The loading pad links the first section of the railroad track to the second section of the railroad track. The loading pad is designed to support tractor-trailers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for managing the repairing, cleaning, painting, or otherwise maintaining of railcars within a railcar maintenance facility. Specifically, the present invention relates to a railcar maintenance management system and method for maintaining railcars within a facility wherein the facility has an inbound track, an outbound track, and a plurality of maintenance stations for moving a railcar in and out of the facility and for repairing, cleaning, or painting the same. Further, the railcar maintenance management system and method allows for efficient movement of railcars through the facility by queueing the railcars at strategic locations within the railcar facility.

Abstract: A rail-mounted transport device for ultra-heavy loads, in particular for changing steel mill converters includes a vehicle which accepts the load independently and is guided on tracks to a delivery station via a turning station where the transport direction is changed, in particular by 90°. The vehicle frame has an annular component for accepting the load, at least three turning wheels provided at the periphery of the annular component, and transport wheels arranged on the vehicle frame, wherein the transport wheels and/or the turning wheels are adjustable in height by means of adjusting elements. The adjusting elements are connected to actuators which can be brought into a position above the vehicle frame in which the transport wheels are raised from the rails during turning. Motors drive the turning wheels to rotate the vehicle frame from the previous transport direction into the desired transport direction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The installation for amusement park, referred to as roller coaster, comprises a circuit made up of rails (6), mounted on supports (10), themselves fixed on a carrier beam (11), on which one or more vehicles run, designed to run on the rails, as opposed to a suspended roller coaster, and at least one station for the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers. Each vehicle comprises a main beam (1), at least one transverse chassis element (2) on which are mounted, on the one hand, wheels (3, 4, 5) interacting with the rails (6), and, on the other hand, seats (7) provided with retention means (8). The station, which comprises at least one platform (12) likewise comprises a fold-away floor (14), which replaces the floor, absent of the vehicle, when the vehicle is stopped in a predetermined position for embarkation and disembarkation. Due to this, the vehicle may be designed without any floor.

Abstract: An improved system for transporting vehicles and passengers from one destination to another using pallets, trains and guideways. The automobile uses ramp 1 to enter station 2 and park in port 3. The port then rotates 45 degrees 4 and parallel to a pallet guideway 5. The system then moves the pallet 6 along the pallet guideway next to a port 7 and parks. A mechanism on the pallet transfers the vehicle from the port 7 to the pallet 6. The pallet accelerates on a pallet guideway 8 and moves next to a train 9 that is traveling in the same direction on a train guideway 10. The pallet docks with an empty slot 11 on said train while both are moving. The pallet moves the automobile onto said train and undocks. The empty pallet continues along the pallet guideway 12 back to the station to pick up another vehicle. As said train approaches the next station, an empty pallet docks with the train at the said slot that contains the automobile. The pallet transfers the automobile from the train to the pallet.

Abstract: Prefabricated kit for producing a station platform which is variable in its dimensions, in which platform slabs (1) are laid on foundations (4) with interposition of spacer elements (3). The spacer elements (3) can be replaced without damaging the other construction elements (1, 3, 4). The platform slabs (1) may be arranged in various horizontal positions above the foundations (4) in order to compensate for horizontal differences in size in relation to the axis of the track.

Abstract: An evacuated tube transport (ETT) system comprises: Evacuated tubes (200) along a travel route (100) for both directions; capsules (300) to transport occupants or cargo within the tubes; equipment (700) providing continuous transfer to tube while preserving vacuum; capsule suspension (400) that substantially eliminates drag; coordinated acceleration device (500); energy recovery braking (600); vibration control structures (820); tube alignment devices (230); automatic capsule switch (650) and synchronization (885); automated operation, inspection, and maintenance (810); methods of construction; redundant data (835), safety and security (880) systems. Low and high technology embodiments are comprehensively disclosed. Possibilities include replacement or augmentation of: vehicles, power lines, energy storage devices, power plants, heaters, air conditioning, water and sewer pipes, and communication cables and satellites.

Abstract: System and method for loading and unloading highway vehicles for transportation over railroad lines. The system has a number of railroad vehicles, each having a deck for highway vehicles. The deck extends from a central portion of the vehicle to one or both ends of the railway vehicle. The invention includes a terminal which has at least one stationary railroad track portion which is connected to a railroad system outside of the terminal. The terminal also has number of moveable railroad track segments. These segments can be positioned in a first configuration in which they are aligned so that railroad vehicles can be rolled from one or more of the stationary railroad track segments onto the moveable railroad track segments.

Abstract: A modular rail car unloading pit which supports railroad tracks and facilitates the removal and transfer of aggregate, particulate, or other material from rail cars. The modular unloading pit is comprised of a set of precast concrete panels enabling the unloading pit to be environmentally friendly, reusable, and reducing installation time and cost. The set of panels includes one or more floor panels, four equally spaced vertical lateral walls oriented perpendicular to the railroad tracks, and a vertical longitudinal wall oriented parallel to the railroad tracks. Each lateral wall includes rail support plates at the top and anchors protruding from the bottom. The anchors are inserted into corresponding anchor receiving orifices in the floor for connecting the lateral walls to the floor. The lower end of the lateral walls are capped by metal channel members which are welded to metal plates on the top surface of the floor.

Abstract: A garage for storing vehicles of a continuous cable railway system. The garage has a plurality of side tracks arranged parallel or substantially parallel to one another to form preferably a rectangular shape. The garage is loaded with vehicles from the station track of the cable railway system over a first feeder track. A second feeder track is used to load the vehicles from the garage to the station track. Conveying units are present at the feeder tracks and side tracks to convey the vehicles. A single junction having two switch units is arranged between the feeder tracks. The junction also allows the vehicles to travel from one of the feeder tracks to the other. Sliding switches, each having an arc-shaped conveyer track, are located on the incoming and outgoing sides of the side tracks. Buffer tracks, each having several stopping points, act as buffers in the feeder tracks for the vehicles when loading or unloading the garage.

Abstract: An electromagnetically propelled transportation system designed to provide extremely high capacity at travel speeds between 50 and 150 miles per hour, to serve as a means of transportation within contiguous urban and suburban areas. The transportation system includes centrally controlled vehicles operated on a dedicated guideway, propelled by an embedded linear synchronous motor or other linear motor, which uses coils embedded in the guideway to carry an electric current which provides the propulsion force for vehicles on the guideway. In addition, the transportation system includes other components necessary to the operation of a high-capacity high-speed urban transportation system, such as off-line stations, entry and exit ramps, for acceleration and deceleration, which connect stations to the dedicated guideway, with appropriate branching to permit the same vehicle flow rate on the ramps as on the dedicated guideway, and means of switching or steering vehicles between the ramps and the guideway.

Abstract: An emergency life saving vehicle (ELSV) for providing emergency services on a bridge independently of traffic conditions thereon. In particular, the ELSV conforms to the particular configuration of a bridge so as to ride along an otherwise unused portion of the bridge, and thereby circumvent any traffic which may have accumulated on the bridge. There are at least three different embodiments of the ELSV, each embodiment corresponding to a particular bridge structure. A first embodiment has a raised center portion so that the ELSV is able to straddle a lane dividing wall on a single span bridge; a second embodiment is adapted to straddle a space between two adjacent and parallel spans of a two span bridge by simultaneously riding on the interior walkways of each span; and a third embodiment rides along the interior walkways and retaining walls of a two span bridge.

Abstract: A monorail public transport system utilizing a plurality of independent cars that circulate a main route with shunting of select cars to passenger loading stations without substantial interference of the continuous circulation of the remaining cars on a circuitous main route, wherein the shunting is accomplished by a high-speed switching mechanism having multiple segmented articulated rails having one segment that is pivotally anchored for pivoting the rail.

Abstract: A tension station of a detachable chairlift or gondola lift includes a sliding carriage which supports both the return pulley or drive pulley and transfer rail with the associated drive mechanism which drives the cars of the cable transport installation. The carriage is mounted such that it may slide along a longitudinal axis between the tension station and another station.

Abstract: The overhead cable transport installation possesses at each of the stations a transfer section between a disembarking section and an embarking section. At a still linear starting section of each transfer section there are provided driven wheels and at the linear end or terminal section of each transfer section there are likewise provided driven wheels. The driven wheels at the starting section are driven at a stepped greater rotational speed in relation to wheels located at the disembarking section, so that vehicles of the overhead cable transport installation arriving in the transfer section can be accelerated by the driven wheels engaging at friction shoes of the vehicle. A chain conveyor extends between the driven wheels of the starting section of the transfer section along the latter and transports the vehicles at an increased velocity and with a correspondingly greater mutual spacing from one another through curved portions of the transfer section.

Abstract: At a station of an overhead cable transport installation, such as an aerial cableway, wherein the disembarking section is connected with the embarking section by a transfer section, a revolving clock conveyor travels along the transfer section. This clock conveyor is provided with entrainment members arranged thereat at a predeterminate spacing from one another and the clock conveyor is driven by the drive of a revolving cable. A further revolving conveyor travels substantially parallel to the clock conveyor along the transfer section. This further revolving conveyor is equipped with a multiplicity of driver elements distributed over the length thereof and which possesses a somewhat smaller revolving velocity than the clock conveyor.