Abstract: The improvement in a control circuit for the operation of pneumatically propelled vehicles consists of a propulsion duct formed by a guideway (1) and power propulsion units (3) with flow control valves (4) located at intervals along the guideway (1). Atmospheric valves (2) are located at specific points along the guideway (1), opening and closing the duct to the atmosphere, and the section isolation valves (6) are positioned in such a way as to isolate adjacent blocks of the guideway (1) and at the same time to maintain the functioning of the propulsion circuit in the other blocks. A secondary duct (7) can be provided to allow a propulsion unit installed at a vehicle station to propel a vehicle which is stopped at the station.

Abstract: An improved propulsion plate connector system for a pneumatically propelled vehicle of a pneumatic transportation system includes a vertical pylon for connecting a propulsion plate in an air duct of a vehicle guideway to a wheel truck of the vehicle at a pylon joint proximate the wheel truck. The pylon and pylon joint fix the rotational position of the propulsion plate about the vertical axis of the pylon and position the propulsion plate in approximate vertical alignment with a wheel axis of the wheel truck, such that the propulsion plate remains substantially centered in the air duct when the vehicle truck passes through horizontal curves in the guideway. The pylon joint also permits vertical articulation of the wheel truck relative to the pylon and propulsion plate to maintain traction between the vehicle truck wheels and the guideway track as the wheel truck enters and exits vertical curves in the guideway.