Abstract: The invention is a support structure for a railed-vehicle that includes individual, unassembled components sized for easy transport. In one embodiment, the support structure includes curved columns integrally-formed with a base, the columns imparting a curved, Y-shaped configuration to the support structure. The components may be prefabricated with known materials and methods and transported to an installation site for assembly. The support structure is preferably sized to support one or two vehicle guideways. The support structure may include a pile foundation for improved support during seismic activity and to facilitate installation on existing streets and sidewalks without covering or interfering with underground plumbing or utilities. Preferably, multiple sections of the guideway are rigidly secured together through expansion joints to define a continuous guideway such that loads on the guideway are distributed over multiple columns.

Abstract: A guideway and support structure (50) for supporting an elevated guideway (52) for a railed-vehicle (54) include individual unassembled components sized for easy transport. The components may be prefabricated with known materials and methods and transported to an installation site to be assembled together. The support structure (50) is preferably cantilevered and sized to support one or two vehicle guideways (52). The support structure (50) may include a pile foundation (56) for improved support during seismic activity and to facilitate installation on existing streets and sidewalks without covering or interfering with underground plumbing or utilities. Preferably, multiple sections of the guideway (52) are rigidly secured together through expansion joints (51) to define a continuous guideway (53) such that loads on the guideway (53) are distributed over multiple columns (60).

Abstract: A monorail system for passenger and light freight transportation provides a support structure with an essentially planar top surface and a stabilizer guide rail having a vertical web portion supporting a head portion. The head guides a vehicle along the top surface while conductors secured to the web portion transmit electrical current to the vehicle through a current collector secured to the vehicle. A portion of the stabilizer guide rail may be flexible providing a simple, inexpensive device for switching the vehicle between a plurality of tracks. The system operates equally well with a variety of vehicle propulsion and suspension systems including electromechanical, magnetic levitation or linear electric motors. In addition, the system may be operated with a semi-maglev system, wherein the vehicle is partially supported by wheels and magnetic levitation.

Abstract: A monorail system for passenger and light freight transportation provides a support structure with an essentially planar top surface and a stabilizer guide rail having a vertical web portion supporting a head portion. The head guides a vehicle along the top surface while conductors secured to the web portion transmit electrical current to the vehicle through a current collector secured to the vehicle. A portion of the stabilizer guide rail may be flexible providing a simple, inexpensive device for switching the vehicle between a plurality of tracks. The system operates equally well with a variety of vehicle propulsion and suspension systems including electromechanical, magnetic levitation or linear electric motors. In addition, the system may be operated with a semi-maglev system, wherein the vehicle is partially supported by wheels and magnetic levitation.

Abstract: A monorail system for passenger and light freight transportation provides a support structure with an essentially planar top surface and a stabilizer guide rail having a vertical web portion supporting a head portion. The head guides a vehicle along the top surface while conductors secured to the web portion transmit electrical current to the vehicle through a current collector secured to the vehicle. A portion of the stabilizer guide rail may be flexible providing a simple, inexpensive device for switching the vehicle between a plurality of tracks. The system operates equally well with a variety of vehicle propulsion and suspension systems including electro-mechanical, magnetic levitation or linear electric motors.

Abstract: A monorail system for passenger and light freight transportation provides a support structure with an essentially planar top surface and a stabilizer guide rail having a vertical web portion supporting an upwardly outwardly extending head. The head guides a vehicle along the top surface while conductors secured to the web portion transmit electrical current to the vehicle through a current collector secured to the vehicle. A portion of the stabilizer guide rail may be flexible providing a simple, inexpensive device for switching the vehicle between a plurality of tracks. The system operates equally well with a variety of vehicle propulsion and suspension systems including electro-mechanical, magnetic levitation or linear electric motors.