Abstract: A Christmas tree stand for artificial trees comprising a base, a hollow tubular member, a plurality of locking-folding mechanisms, and a plurality of movable elongated leg members. A method of using the Christmas tree stand comprises positioning the Christmas tree stand on a floor or surface and positioning and securing an artificial Christmas tree in the Christmas tree stand for displaying and viewing the tree.

Abstract: A road bearing for inductive coupling to an electrical connection device of an electric vehicle includes a series of primary induction coils, a bearing surface element, and a plurality of deformation features in the bearing surface element. The series of primary induction coils are interconnected to a source of electrical power and disposed in a substantially linear array below a roadway surface and within a roadway structure, and are aligned generally parallel to an alignment of the roadway. The bearing surface element is disposed above the primary induction coils, and has an upper surface that is substantially flush with the roadway surface, has a surface flatness in the range of ±1 ?m per 30 mm, and a magnetic permeability in the range of 0.9 to 2. The plurality of deformation features include depressions in the upper surface of the bearing surface element, and are configured to provide friction to vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A road bearing for inductive coupling to an electrical connection device of an electric vehicle includes a series of primary induction coils, a bearing surface element, and a plurality of deformation features in the bearing surface element. The series of primary induction coils are interconnected to a source of electrical power and disposed in a substantially linear array below a roadway surface and within a roadway structure, and are aligned generally parallel to an alignment of the roadway. The bearing surface element is disposed above the primary induction coils, and has an upper surface that is substantially flush with the roadway surface, has a surface flatness in the range of ±1 ?m per 30 mm, and a magnetic permeability in the range of 0.9 to 2. The plurality of deformation features include depressions in the upper surface of the bearing surface element, and are configured to provide friction to vehicle wheels.

Abstract: An electrical connection device for an electric vehicle includes an arm, attached to a moving vehicle, and an air-bearing electrical-pickup device, disposed at a distal end of the arm. The air-bearing electrical-pickup device is positionable adjacent to an electric-powered guideway and configured to receive electrical power therefrom. The air bearing electrical-pickup device includes an air inlet positioned to provide a flow of air between the guideway and the air bearing device, and an induction loop, configured to sense ferromagnetic material in the guideway.

Abstract: An electrical connection device for an electric vehicle includes an arm, attached to a moving vehicle, and an air-bearing electrical-pickup device, disposed at a distal end of the arm. The air-bearing electrical-pickup device is positionable adjacent to an electric-powered guideway and configured to receive electrical power therefrom. The air bearing electrical-pickup device includes an air inlet positioned to provide a flow of air between the guideway and the air bearing device, and an induction loop, configured to sense ferromagnetic material in the guideway.

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: 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: 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.