Abstract: A multi-rail express transit system for allowing the passengers to travel at desired speed/distance, is disclosed. The system comprises a centralized control system, at least three closed loop parallel rails, and at least three sequence of transit cars. Each sequence of transit car is supported by the respective rail. The transit cars are configured to move in same direction at different speeds. The control system is configured to synchronize the speed of transit cars at desired point to allow transference of passengers. A bellow assembly is disposed around an exterior side of a door of each transit car. The bellow assembly is configured to form an airtight passageway between at least two transit cars. Each transit car comprises a movable floor. The movable floor of one transit car is extendable to a floor of an adjacent transit car to facilitate passenger transference on forming the airtight seal.

Abstract: To provide a high speed vehicle having a nose shape which reduces a pressure gradient of a micro pressure wave and secures the capacity necessary for each of the driver's cab and the passenger's cabin and the visibility necessary for driving, a nose shape is proposed having a tip region, an intermediate region and a rear region, respectively. The change rate of the sectional area from the tip toward the rear end is maximal in the tip region and progressively decreases towards the intermediate region and the rear region.

Abstract: The acoustic barrier, particularly for railways, comprises at least a first sound-proofing member (2), arranged at the sides of a train (3) proximate to at least each bogie (4), and at least a second sound-proofing member (5) arranged on the supporting plane (6) of the rails (8) at the sides of said rails, the second sound-proofing member cooperates with the first sound-proofing member for abating the noise generated by the passage of the train on the rails.

Abstract: A container system for one-level and two-level freight cars and double-deck coaches, especially for high-speed trains. The object is to ensure safe shipping at high speeds along with simple and well conceived loading and unloading. The containers are stowed inside the car or coach and secured for shipment by stops. The fronts of the containers are coplanar with the outer surface of the car or coach and constitute a continuous surface with its side. The car or coach is provided with mechanisms that lock the container into position without compromising the continuity of the surface, and any residual gaps around the edges of the containers are occupied by sealing strips.

Abstract: A flexible sheet is erected on four rigid poles to form three rectangular sides thus containing the empty space between intermodal freight containers on consecutive flat-bed rail cars thereby reducing the aerodynamic drag which results from the sizeable gap between containers which is not present between traditional box cars. The apparatus can be raised and lowered by a rope and pulley mechanism, and can be separated into halves to allow detachment of consecutive rail cars.

Abstract: A series of adjacent flaps is hinge-mounted to the end of a high-speed train car. The actuatable flaps normally assume a fairing mode to close the gap between adjacent train cars and reduce aerodynamic drag. The flaps may be rotated to an inclined position so as to create drag braking when this becomes necessary.

Abstract: A curved sided aerodynamic self clearing hopper car uses the curved sides, end skirts and top chord and side sills for improved strength and reduced aerodynamic drag.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising in combination a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle, with each vehicle having a body of generally rectangular shape in vertical section. The bodies each have upright sides and a roof, the roof of each of the bodies having an upwardly facing upper surface for the most part lying horizontally in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The towing vehicle body has a profiling device located at the rear of the body and defining a roof surface which slopes downwards towards the rear. The trailer vehicle body is also provided with a profiling device at the forward end of the body and defining a roof surface of the trailer vehicle body which slopes upwards towards the rear. Side ridges are arranged to each side of the sloping surfaces of the towing and trailer body profiling devices, with the ridges extending above the level of the sloping surfaces.

Abstract: A method of smoothing the outer surfaces of sliding doors wherein, after a doorway is closed with a sliding door, a wall member is projected outwardly, the outer wall member having an outer surface of a size and shape which is nearly the same as those of the doorway, such that the surface of the outer wall member is flush with the surface of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a wheel set for rail vehicles, consisting of an axle 2 and at least two wheels 4, the axle 2 being tubular. Each of the wheels 4 can be arranged on a support tube 3, each support tube 3 being postioned, pushed from one end of the tubular axle 2, over the latter in such a manner that the wheel spacing corresponds to a standard wheel gauge. For better aerodynamics of the wheel set, the two support tubes 3 can furthermore be covered by a sleeve 7, such sleeve 7 being preferably made of plastic or light metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for enclosing open end portions of railway hopper cars in order to reduce the aerodynamic drag. Each corner area of each end is provided with a shroud which includes a side plate and an end plate. The side plate covers the open side area at the end of the car and also covers the first vertical rib on the car side. The end plate covers the part of the end of the car adjacent the corner. Each shroud is shaped in an aerodynamically efficient configuration to minimize air resistance.

Abstract: A tubular joint for connecting an intercommunication tunnel forming a passage compartment placed between two successive railroad on road vehicles or two successive members of access gangways to ships or to planes, said tubular joint being fitted on one hand to lateral, upper and lower walls of said vehicles or of said access gangways and on the other hand on said intercommunication tunnel, and being inflated with a gas under a relative pressure of 0.1 to 0.5 bar; said tubular joint having a symmetry plane and being composed of two rolling membranes (1a), (1b), that are U-Shaped, assembled by tightening of their ends (11a) and (11b) in said symmetry plane of said tubular joint (1) to provide a connection which can withstand all pulls exerted on the intercommunication tunnel.

Abstract: An improved multi-unit railway car adapted to carry several intermodal cargo containers stacked in two tiers, with each of the several car units having substantially smooth side surfaces and including aerodynamic drag-reducing devices located at respective positions between adjacent car units and at each end of the multi-unit car. Between units are pairs of slender posts and, optionally, a slender crossbar, located so as to interrupt the gap between containers carried on adjacent units. At each end of the car, where there is a lengthier space, because of a four-wheeled truck and a coupler, is a pair of vertical panels with a small frontal area and an optional horizontal top member. For use on a car unit intended to carry short containers, the aerodynamic devices may be without the crossbar and horizontal top panel to provide clearance for a loader to handle lower tier containers.

Abstract: Highway truck with semitrailer, with or without a second trailer, with spaces between tractor and semitrailer, and between semitrailer and second trailer covered to provide streamlining and with skirts on both sides extending to immediately above ground level between wheels.

Abstract: Air flow guide members at each end of the cargo carrying structure of an open top gondola type railway car, together with rounded transition or corner surfaces on the exterior of the car and aerodynamically shaped and oriented cross braces within the car serve to reduce aerodynamic drag on the car as it is moved. Additionally, to further enhance the energy efficiency of the car, the cargo carrying structure is formed predominantly of a light weight weldable metal, such as an aluminum alloy, and the side support members are placed on the interior wall of each side to provide a smooth, minimized air flow resistant side surface.

Abstract: An inseparable railroad train unit comprises three cars and is adapted for use selectively as a self propelled unit and as an after-coupled unit in a passenger train of the through-passage type. At least the front end of the train unit has a central window equipped door, behind which a driver's desk is provided, and around the door opening is provided a forwardly protruding elastomeric gable member, which provides for an aerodynamically advantageous shape of the front. When the train unit is after-coupled to a similar unit, the driver's desk is stowed away laterally, and the front door is opened for providing the required through passage. The elastomeric gable member now acts as a sealing and shielding element surrounding the passageway between the car and the preceding car.

Abstract: An arrangement consisting of coupling elements allowing both pitch and yaw pivotal motion between two coupled modules or coaches, is disclosed. A transverse rod located at the end portion of one module is rigidly secured to a pair of arms and is supported thereby. These arms are rigidly connected to a king-post located in a casing. The king-post is adapted to pivot about its vertical axis. The end portion of the other module is provided with a pair of longitudinally-oriented shafts, each having an outer end provided with a pair of jaw members. The latter can open and close to effect coupling of the modules and are adapted to pivotally grip jaw-receiving portions on the transverse rod.