Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A road and rail vehicle includes a towing vehicle having a plurality of axles coupled to an elongate frame with road wheels disposed on the axles. The plurality of axles include at least one rear drive axle. Rail guide wheels are movably coupled to the frame. The rail guide wheels are movable between a lowered position engageable with a pair of fixed rails of a railroad track and a raised position away from the rails. A crane is coupled to the frame rearward of a rearmost road wheel. A tag axle is pivotally coupled to the frame rearward of the crane. The tag axle pivots between a lowered position that is engageable with a roadway and a raised position adjacent the crane.

Abstract: A highway vehicle towing system includes a light railroad track embedded in a highway and capable of transmitting electricity from a power supply plant, and a towing tractor movable along the light railroad track to tow a car. The owing tractor has multiple pairs of metal wheels movably supported on the light railroad track, a motor, electrical wires connecting the metal wheels to the motor for transmitting electricity from the light railroad track to the motor, a transmission shaft coupled to and rotatable by the motor, and a differential mechanism coupled between the transmission shaft and the metal wheels for enabling the metal wheels to be rotated along the light railroad track by the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle, system, and method for mass transit transportation, the system according to one embodiment including a plurality of passenger vehicles configured such that each passenger vehicle includes a passenger module (110) for transporting at least one passenger being attachable and detachable from a transport-base (120) and a rail-base (220). At each of a plurality of transport-rail interchange hubs (204) the passenger modules are transferred from transport-bases (120) to the rail-bases (220). At each of a plurality of rail-transport interchange hubs the passenger modules are transferred from rail-bases (220) to transport-bases (120). Each passenger vehicle is adapted to transport the at least one passenger on at least one of transport and rail without exiting the passenger module (110).

Abstract: A system and method for hybrid personal transit and components thereof is disclosed. The hybrid personal transit (“HPT”) system can be a system of combined highway and monorail transportation methods, which allows roadworthy HPT vehicles to transition onto, and run on, a system of monorails. The rails can be built on the ground, on poles, or in tunnels. A unique drive system will allow each HPT vehicle to alter drive output from the HPT vehicle's tires to a rail drive system.

Abstract: A routing device, including a sliding device, a rotating shaft, a pair of route rails, a pair of rams, and a pillow, wherein the route rail is disposed in the front of a railway track, the route rails are disposed on the rams, the rotating shaft is disposed at one end of the ram in the vicinity of the railway track, and connected to the pillow, the sliding device is disposed between the ram and the pillow, and the ram operates to laterally slide on the pillow. The invention features simple structure and low investigation cost, occupies small space, is not only applicable for route of normal road and rail vehicles, but also for that of long multi-axis vehicles composed of tractors and trailers, or vehicle trains, and thus enabling the road and rail vehicles to be widely used and saving power.

Abstract: The invention is a hybrid wheel apparatus with a hybrid roadway apparatus that greatly reduces the energy lost due to rolling resistance where operation is on the hybrid roadway, but the system is configured to allow operation on conventional roads as needed. The hybrid wheel system is a steel wheel used in combination with a rubber tired wheel. The hybrid roadway is a low profile steel rail fixed to the otherwise conventional road surface, which is preferably concrete but could also be the very common asphalt composition. Where roadways are appropriately equipped with rails, the rail top surface is elevated over the roadway surface, and dimensions are set so that most of load force is carried on the steel wheel for general forward travel. Where the rail is absent the load is carried on the rubber tire, and the steel wheel is elevated above the roadway surface such that contact between the steel wheel and the roadway is prevented.

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 railway vehicle recovers metallic objects like railroad spikes from a railway bed having a pair of rails. The vehicle includes wheels for riding on each rail and a carriage carrying a crawler for supporting the vehicle on the railway bed when one of the rails is removed. A pneumatic lift raises and lowers the carriage and crawler. A conveyor belt assembly for transporting the metallic objects to a hopper is supported entirely by an overhead support structure. A lateral translator moves the conveyor belt assembly from side to side. Various features are provided which allow a conveyor belt to be removed from one side of the conveyor belt assembly while maintaining continuity of the conveyor belt loop. A distinctive conveyor lift is provided for raising and lowering the conveyor belt assembly. A remote control is provided for controlling various operations of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for guiding a vehicle along a guiding rail includes a guide roller device, with at least one rolling bearing roller and at least one lateral roller having a diameter and shape contacting the rail so that the lateral roller has the same speed at a point of contact with the rail as the central bearing roller on a rolling surface on the rail. The system can be used for tramways.

Abstract: The invention is a hybrid wheel apparatus with a hybrid roadway apparatus that greatly reduces the energy lost due to rolling resistance where operation is on the hybrid roadway, but the system is configured to allow operation on conventional roads as needed. The hybrid wheel system is a steel wheel used in combination with a rubber tired wheel. The hybrid roadway is a low profile steel rail fixed to the otherwise conventional road surface, which is preferably concrete but could also be the very common asphalt composition. Where roadways are appropriately equipped with rails, the rail top surface is elevated over the roadway surface, and dimensions are set so that most of load force is carried on the steel wheel for general forward travel. Where the rail is absent the load is carried on the rubber tire, and the steel wheel is elevated above the roadway surface such that contact between the steel wheel and the roadway is prevented.

Abstract: First and second conveyors are positioned along opposite sides of a frame positioned about centrally between the first and second conveyors, wherein the first and second conveyors are operably connected to a railroad engagement wheel positioned under the frame to coordinate movement of the first and second conveyors relative to the railroad engagement wheel. The conveyors can be integrated with a hi-rail truck adapted for use with the first and second conveyors and which contains an infeed conveyor for transporting tie plates from the hi-rail truck to the first and second conveyors.

Abstract: A track of a road and rail vehicle, comprising: a railway track, and a routing device having a supporting plate and a turnout; wherein the routing device is disposed in front of the railway track and connected to a road; the supporting plate is aligned with the road and capable of moving horizontally and adjusting a direction or an angle of the road and rail vehicle entering the railway track; and the turnout enables the road and rail vehicle to switch between the road and the rail. A road and rail vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A workpiece transport assembly includes an automatic guided vehicle having a guide wheel that drives the automatic guided vehicle along the production floor surface. A frame is releaseably attached to the automatic guided vehicle and defines a work area for assembling a workpiece. The automatic guided vehicle transports the frame to a reaction rail where the frame engages the reaction rail. A drive wheel assembly is mounted to the frame and includes a drive wheel that is movable between a drive wheel engaging position where the drive wheel engages the reaction rail to move the workpiece transport assembly along the reaction rail and a drive wheel disengaging position where the drive wheel disengages the reaction rail. The workpiece transport assembly is driven by at least one of the guide wheel and the drive wheel for movement through the assembly operation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A road and rail vehicle includes a towing vehicle having a plurality of axles coupled to an elongate frame with road wheels disposed on the axles. The plurality of axles include at least one rear drive axle. Rail guide wheels are movably coupled to the frame. The rail guide wheels are movable between a lowered position engageable with a pair of fixed rails of a railroad track and a raised position away from the rails. A crane is coupled to the frame rearward of a rearmost road wheel. A tag axle is pivotally coupled to the frame rearward of the crane. The tag axle pivots between a lowered position that is engageable with a roadway and a raised position adjacent the crane.

Abstract: A track section (1) having a framework (2) with two hollow profiled structure boxes (3) open at the top, with substantially rectangular or trapezoid cross-section, maintained parallel and connected by cross members (16) which support a rail (17) for guiding the vehicle. The profiled structure boxes are closed by linear plates acting as running track (8) for the wheels of the vehicle. The inner space (7) provides passage for electrical cables powering the vehicle and/or signaling. The factory prefabricated track sections are ready to be laid on an existing road surface or in a trench with simply compacted base.

Abstract: A rail system for transporting dual use vehicles includes a network of multiple non-interconnected rails where each rail comprises an extruded triangular shell and a support material. The rails are supported by a system of support structures where each support structure includes a base with a rail adjustment actuator for selectively adjusting the position of the supported rail. Each rail is sized to support a standardized dual use passenger vehicle adapted for roadway and rail travel.

Abstract: The flanged type guide wheel (1) or (2) has a peripheral edge (27) which has within its profile a recess (30), for example, a notch, the shape and position of which maintain the surface cover (28) of the guide wheel at a distance from the travel surface (8) or (9) that exists opposite it on the guide rail (4) when there is lateral force on the guide wheel. This invention has applications for guide assemblies for road vehicles used on guide rails.

Abstract: A hydrostatic hi-rail system for use with a railway maintenance vehicle to allow travel along railway rails by raising the vehicle off of road-engaging tires onto rail-engaging flanged rail wheels. The operator controlled system includes front and rear lift assemblies, which are mounted to the front and rear of the vehicle. The assemblies include hydraulic motors, couplers and fail-safe brakes. The system is powered by the vehicle's power source such as an engine and a hydraulic power source such as the vehicle's hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A rail system for transporting dual use vehicles includes a network of multiple non-interconnected rails where each rail comprises an extruded triangular shell and a support material. The rails are supported by a system of support structures where each support structure includes a base with a rail adjustment actuator for selectively adjusting the position of the supported rail. Each rail is sized to support a standardized dual use passenger vehicle adapted for roadway and rail travel.

Abstract: The invention is a method of coordinating the movement of a plurality of oppositely directed tramcars operating along a single guidelane. This includes positioning a plurality of fixed stop-boarding areas along the guidelane. By-pass lanes enabling oppositely moving tramcars to pass each other are located in association with at least some of the stop-boarding areas. A predetermined arrival time for each tramcar at each stop-boarding area is calculated such that oppositely moving pairs of tramcars approaching a common stop-boarding area will arrive at approximately the same time. A processor onboard each tramcar calculates the distance and time remaining to the next stop-boarding area. With a known time and distance remaining to the next stop-boarding area, each on-board processor adjusts the speed of the tramcar such that it arrives at approximately the predetermined arrival time.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to vehicular transportation for humans and freight by roadway and railway. More specifically, this invention relates to a unique combination of a novel roadway wheel and pneumatic tire assembly, incorporating a known automatic inflate-deflate system and a novel lightweight railway wheel; both wheels then coupled and concentrically assembled on a common axle with special provisions for the known automatic inflation and deflation of the pneumatic roadway tire.

Abstract: A rail car mover apparatus for a loader vehicle comprises means to rotatably attach a pair of front rail wheels to a front end of the loader vehicle such that the front rail wheels are spaced to engage the pair of railroad rails and such that the front rail wheels can move up and down in response to forces exerted by a front actuator; means to rotatably attach a pair of rear rail wheels to a rear end of the loader vehicle such that the rear rail wheels are spaced to engage the pair of railroad rails and such that the rear rail wheels can move up and down in response to forces exerted by a rear actuator; and a coupler adapter adapted at a rear end thereof for attachment to a front portion of the loader arms and adapted at a front end thereof for coupling to a rail car hitch.

Abstract: A railcar-moving vehicle comprises a modified semi-tractor, having a highway mode for operation on roadways, and a rail mode for operation on rails. The vehicle includes an elongate frame with selectively extendable high rail wheels for guiding the vehicle on rails, and rubber-tired drive wheels for operation on roadways. The rubber-tired drive wheels are configured to support the vehicle on a roadway in highway mode, and to contact the rails in rail mode. A moveable weight is disposed on a rear portion of the frame. A load-shifting mechanism moves the moveable weight between a rearward position for rail mode and a forward position for highway mode.

Abstract: The steered vehicle, which may be a road vehicle or a vehicle devised to be usable upon road surfaces and also upon a rail line, has road wheels or a combination of road and rail wheels as required. The wheels are mounted upon a bogie pivoted about a generally vertical pivot and the vehicle has a main steering control to align at least some of the wheels with the intended direction of travel of the bogie, and a supplementary steering control to modify the steered path produced by that main steering control.

Abstract: A rail system for transporting dual use vehicles includes a network of multiple non-interconnected rails where each rail comprises an extruded triangular shell and a support material. The rails are supported by a system of support structures where each support structure includes a base with a rail adjustment actuator for selectively adjusting the position of the supported rail. Each rail is sized to support a standardized dual use passenger vehicle adapted for roadway and rail travel.

Abstract: A railcar-moving vehicle comprises a modified semi tractor with retractable railroad wheels and an air bag suspension system. A load-shifting device is pivotally disposed rearward on the vehicle frame, and includes a lifting coupler configured to couple to a coupler of a railcar. A coupler airbag is disposed below the lifting coupler, and configured to inflate with compressed air concurrently with the air bag suspension system, so as to simultaneously apply upward force upon the coupler of the railcar and downward force on the drive wheels, which directly contact the rails, so as to transfer a portion of the weight of the railcar to the drive wheels of the railcar-moving vehicle. The railcar-moving vehicle is capable of extended operation at highway speeds both on and off rails.

Abstract: A dual use roadway or railroad travel vehicle such as a railcar mover (10) which includes an inner set (24) of wheel assemblies (28, 30) designed for alternate roadway or rail travel, together with fore and aft rail wheel assemblies (32, 34) which may be alternately retracted for roadway travel or lowered for rail travel. The wheel assemblies (32, 34) each have a pair of rail wheels (36, 38) mounted spindles (48) so that the rotational axes A of the wheels (36, 38) are oriented at an oblique angle &agr; of less than 6° relative to the horizontal H; this wheel orientation, together with a rail wheel geometry including a rim surface (40, 42) parallel with the associated rotational axis A and a reduced radius of curvature R between the rim surface (40, 42) and the flange (44, 46), significantly decreases the problem of rail wheel climb encountered with conventional movers (10), while also reducing flange wear.

Abstract: A dual use roadway or railroad travel vehicle such as a railcar mover (10) is disclosed which includes an inner set (24) of wheel assemblies (28, 30) designed for alternate roadway or rail travel, together with fore and aft rail wheel assemblies (32, 34) which may be alternately retracted for roadway travel or lowered for rail travel. The wheel assemblies (32, 34) each have a pair of rail wheels (36, 38) mounted on fixed spindles (48) so that the rotational axes A of the wheels (36, 38) are oriented at an oblique angle &agr; of less than 6° relative to the horizontal H; this wheel orientation, together with a rail wheel geometry including a rim surface (40, 42) parallel with the associated rotational axis A and a reduced radius of curvature R between the rim surface (40, 42) and the flange (44, 46), significantly decreases the problem of rail wheel climb encountered with conventional movers (10), while also reducing flange wear.

Abstract: A rail system for transporting dual use vehicles includes a network of multiple non-interconnected rails where each rail comprises an extruded triangular shell and a support material. The rails are supported by a system of support structures where each support structure includes a base with a rail adjustment actuator for selectively adjusting the position of the supported rail. Each rail is sized to support a standardized dual use passenger vehicle adapted for roadway and rail travel.

Abstract: For use with a road/rail vehicle that is convertible from a road mode for traveling on a road, to a rail mode for traveling on rails, an apparatus for mounting a rail wheel to the vehicle. The apparatus comprises an air bag bearing against the rail wheel and the vehicle frame such that the vehicle frame is supported on the rail wheel by the air bag and such that the vehicle frame can move up and down with respect to the rail wheel in response to motion of the vehicle along a set of rails. A stop mechanism is attached to the vehicle frame and to the rail wheel and is operative to allow the vehicle frame to move down with respect to the rail wheel only to a stopped position where adjacent road wheels of the vehicle are above the rails. A kit allows installation on existing road/rail vehicles.

Abstract: A guide system for a forklift includes a single guide rail extending along a path and rollers mounted on the forklift for engagement with opposite sides of the rail. The rollers can move down the rail as the wheels on the forklift become worn.

Abstract: A steering apparatus is provided for use on a transit vehicle (10) which includes separate steerable drive tires (45, 50) intended to follow the contour of a guide rail (20). An adjustable linkage (80) transmits the motion of a guide frame (65) following a guide rail (20) to the steerable drive tires (45, 50) and positions the linkage (80) to provide the proper slip angle to the steerable drive tires (45, 50).

Abstract: A freight vehicle adapted to be convertible from highway to railway use and vice versa including a trailer having multiple railway wheels and highway wheels pivotally connected to the underside of the trailer and with the wheels being extendible for operational use and retractable for storage and multiple indentations formed in the roof of the vehicle for receiving the retracted highway wheels of a trailer stacked thereabove.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device for lubricating a track or a rail that is adapted to be mounted tog wheeled vehicle. The device includes a frame member adapted to be mounted to the vehicle and an arm pivotally attached to the frame member. A roller, which is adapted to ride on the rail, mounts to the arm. A lubricating nozzle is secured to the arm.

Abstract: A two-way assembly consisting of a chassis-frame (11) formed by two branches (17) and (18) articulated pivoting about two end pins (21) and (22) each bearing two inclined guide rollers (14) along a rail (8). The chassis-frame (11) is longitudinally movable relative to the road axle (2) for reversing an automatically guided travel direction by the effect of a reversing actuator (15). The chassis-frame (11) can be lifted after the rollers (14) have disengaged from the guide rail (8) by a lifting mechanism acting on the chassis-frame arms. The axle (12) is automatically guided by a subassembly guided (9) by the chassis-frame (11). The guided subassembly (9) capable of being displaced transversely at the rear about a pivot point located in the proximity of the front rollers. The invention is particularly advantageous to manufacturers of rail-mounted road vehicles.

Abstract: A track traveling vehicle having rubber tires for engaging a public road to permit the vehicle to travel thereon, and also having metal wheels capable of engaging rails associated with a track for permitting the vehicle to travel therealong. The metal wheels are supported on the chassis of the vehicle for vertical movement between a raised position wherein the rubber tires engage the road, and a lowered position wherein the metal wheels engage the rails and the rubber tires are maintained in an upwardly suspended non-engaged position. Hydraulic pumps are driven by the rubber tires when they are in the raised suspended position, and the hydraulic pumps supply hydraulic fluid to hydraulic motors to effect driving thereof. The hydraulic motors are in turn drivingly coupled to either the front or rear metal wheels to effect driving thereof when the metal wheels are engaged on the rails so that the vehicle can travel therealong.

Abstract: A hybrid transit system comprising a transit corridor and a hybrid vehicle for carriage of people and goods within the corridor. The transit corridor includes railway sections, roadway sections and transit corridor junctions between the two sections. The railway sections include a pair of steel rails and a traction strip in a parallel arrangement. The roadway sections include paved roads. The hybrid vehicle is supported by a plurality of dual mode wheels and propelled by a traction wheel system. Each dual mode wheel is comprised of a flanged section for cooperation with the rails of the railway section and a rim section, including a tire, for cooperation with the paved roadway of the roadway section. A traction wheel system engages the traction strip or roadway surface to propel the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A railcar moving vehicle having a load-shifting device for shifting a portion of the weight of a railcar to the railcar moving vehicle. The railcar moving vehicle has a frame, an engine, and at least one pair of drive wheels disposed toward the rearward portion of the frame and configured to ride on railroad track. The load-shifting device is connected to the vehicle frame rearward of the drive wheels, and includes a rearward facing coupler which is configured to transmit vertical and horizontal forces to a coupled railcar. The coupler is moveable by means of the load shifting device between a first lowered position for coupling with a standard railcar coupler, and a second position above and forward of the first position, thereby imposing a portion of the weight of the railcar upon the frame of the railcar moving vehicle, and moving the bearing point of the weight closer to above the drive wheels.

Abstract: A guidance apparatus is used on a transit vehicle which includes separate steerable drive tires operated by a central guidance platform having four peripherally mounted wheels follow the contour of a guide rail. The guide wheels are spaced above the roadway on a guideway used by the steerable drive tires thereby providing the capability of both on-track and off-track driving of the vehicle. A steering linkage imparts the linkage of a guide plateform to one steerable drive tire and a drag link transmits the rotary motion to the second steerable drive tire.

Abstract: An improved hi-rail wheel assembly includes a frame connected to an axle tube surrounding an axle, a pair of railway wheels mounted in spaced relation on the axle tube, a first pair of pivotal links connected between a frame and the axle, and a second pair of pivotal links connected to the frame and the axle. The hi-rail wheel assembly is attached to a conventional roadway vehicle such that the extension of said pivotal links effects a downward lowering of the axle and the railway wheels from the frame and lifts the vehicle whereby the vehicle tires engage the railroad track, and the retraction of the pivotal links effects an upward lifting of the axle and railway wheels towards the frame such that the vehicle tires engage a ground surface or roadway. Each pivotal link includes a cam aperture and a recessed cam shoulder surrounding the cam aperture to receive a cam.

Abstract: A rail conversion module for a tractor allowing the tractor to be driven either on the ground or on railroad tracks wherein a hinged module frame fits under the tractor with front rail wheels on a frame front section being attached to the tractor and adapted to be raised for ground travel or lowered for rail travel and driven rear rail wheels on a frame rear section which by a hinge mounting can be raised for ground travel or lowered for rail travel.