Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cargo inspection method includes transporting a first guideway vehicle over a guideway from a first inspection station to a second inspection station. A first non-intrusive scanning mechanism associated with the first inspection station is used to acquire a first set of data associated with cargo stored in the first guideway vehicle. The first set of data acquired by the first non-intrusive scanning mechanism associated with the first inspection station is analyzed to determine the identity of the cargo stored on the first guideway vehicle. The first set of data acquired by the first non-intrusive scanning mechanism is compared with a first manifest that describes the cargo that is declared to be stored on the first guideway vehicle. It is determined that the first guideway vehicle contains contraband cargo if the identity of the cargo does not match the first manifest.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a guideway switching mechanism includes an elongated section of flexible guideway coupled to a switch plate. The flexible guideway has a first end that may be coupled to a first elongated guideway and a second end that may be selectively coupled to one of a multiple quantity of alternative guideways. The switch plate provides selective coupling of the flexible guideway to multiple alternative guideways by movement through an arcuate path such that the automated transport vehicle may selectively move from the first elongated guideway to either of the alternative guideways.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a guideway switching mechanism includes an elongated section of flexible guideway coupled to a switch plate. The flexible guideway has a first end that may be coupled to a first elongated guideway and a second end that may be selectively coupled to one of a multiple quantity of alternative guideways. The switch plate provides selective coupling of the flexible guideway to multiple alternative guideways by movement through an arcuate path such that the automated transport vehicle may selectively move from the first elongated guideway to either of the alternative guideways.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cargo inspection method includes transporting a first guideway vehicle over a guideway from a first inspection station to a second inspection station. A first non-intrusive scanning mechanism associated with the first inspection station is used to acquire a first set of data associated with cargo stored in the first guideway vehicle. The first set of data acquired by the first non-intrusive scanning mechanism associated with the first inspection station is analyzed to determine the identity of the cargo stored on the first guideway vehicle. The first set of data acquired by the first non-intrusive scanning mechanism is compared with a first manifest that describes the cargo that is declared to be stored on the first guideway vehicle. It is determined that the first guideway vehicle contains contraband cargo if the identity of the cargo does not match the first manifest.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a guideway switching mechanism includes an elongated section of flexible guideway coupled to a switch plate. The flexible guideway has a first end that may be coupled to a first elongated guideway and a second end that may be selectively coupled to one of a multiple quantity of alternative guideways. The switch plate provides selective coupling of the flexible guideway to multiple alternative guideways by movement through an arcuate path such that the automated transport vehicle may selectively move from the first elongated guideway to either of the alternative guideways.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pair of guideway engagement members having a controller circuit is configured on a transport vehicle that travels over an elongated guideway. The pair of guideway engagement members have a corresponding pair of bearing members that are each disposed on opposing sides of the guideway. The controller circuit receives a measurement indicative of dynamic movement of the transport vehicle from one or more sensors, and adjusts the stiffness of the pair of guideway engagement members according to the measurements received from the sensors.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transport interchange system includes a roadway that intersects a guideway system such that the roadway is discontinuous across the guideway system. A guideway vehicle is provided that transports an intermodal container over the guideway system. The guideway vehicle is operable to rotate the intermodal container from a first position in which the intermodal container is parallel to the roadway to a second position in which the intermodal container is parallel to the guideway vehicle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a freight transportation system includes a track comprising a pair of rails and a linear motor reaction plate disposed between the rails and a transport vehicle having a universal intermodal container bay configured to accommodate a plurality of containers. The transport vehicle includes one or more suspension systems each having a plurality of steel wheels engaged with the rails. The freight transportation system further includes a linear induction propulsion system coupled to the transport vehicle and operable to work in conjunction with the linear motor reaction plate to move the transport vehicle, and a control system coupled to the linear induction propulsion system and operable to control the movement of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a freight transportation system includes a track comprising a pair of rails and a linear motor reaction plate disposed between the rails and a transport vehicle having a universal intermodal container bay configured to accommodate a plurality of containers. The transport vehicle includes one or more suspension systems each having a plurality of steel wheels engaged with the rails. The freight transportation system further includes a linear induction propulsion system coupled to the transport vehicle and operable to work in conjunction with the linear motor reaction plate to move the transport vehicle, and a control system coupled to the linear induction propulsion system and operable to control the movement of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pair of guideway engagement members having a controller circuit is configured on a transport vehicle that travels over an elongated guideway. The pair of guideway engagement members have a corresponding pair of bearing members that are each disposed on opposing sides of the guideway. The controller circuit receives a measurement indicative of dynamic movement of the transport vehicle from one or more sensors, and adjusts the stiffness of the pair of guideway engagement members according to the measurements received from the sensors.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transport interchange system includes a roadway that intersects a guideway system such that the roadway is discontinuous across the guideway system. A guideway vehicle is provided that transports an intermodal container over the guideway system. The guideway vehicle is operable to rotate the intermodal container from a first position in which the intermodal container is parallel to the roadway to a second position in which the intermodal container is parallel to the guideway vehicle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a guideway vehicle has a first end, a second end, a support surface, and a cowling coupled to its first end or second end. The support surface is configured to support an intermodal container for transport along a guideway system. The cowling has an outer surface that slopes upwardly from the first end to a cowling edge such that the intermodal container may be placed proximate the cowling edge during transport of guideway vehicle on the guideway system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a guideway switching mechanism includes an elongated section of flexible guideway coupled to a switch plate. The flexible guideway has a first end that may be coupled to a first elongated guideway and a second end that may be selectively coupled to one of a multiple quantity of alternative guideways. The switch plate provides selective coupling of the flexible guideway to multiple alternative guideways by movement through an arcuate path such that the automated transport vehicle may selectively move from the first elongated guideway to either of the alternative guideways.

Abstract: Systems and methods for are described for the detection of breaks in railroad track rails as well as other events. A plurality of fiber optic monitoring assemblies are located proximate a section of railroad tracks. The monitoring assemblies are capable of detecting and recognizing a rail break event. In an alternative embodiment, systems and methods are described for detection of flat spots on rail car wheels.

Abstract: An intelligent intersection control system features an internal controller that receives digital messages containing detailed information items concerning, for example, the direction, speed, length and identity of a train. The controller generates appropriate commands that coordinate the functions of crossing safety devices. A controller is capable of receiving and using much more detailed train information than is possible with conventional warning systems. Railroad crossing warning features are capable of responding more flexibly to this more detailed train information. The controller also continuously adjusts the activation state for safety devices associated with the crossing. In particular embodiments, the control system provides and displays crossing status information including the amount of time remaining until a crossing is cleared of train traffic, the approach of a second train during blocking of the crossing by a first train, or a suggested alternate route for waiting road vehicles.

Abstract: Football game apparatus comprising a gameboard having thereon a visual representation of a football field including spaced lines representing at least one end zone and ten yard intervals, a plurality of first equal areas spaced within said ten yard intervals for visually representing designated defensive areas for short passes, a plurality of second equal areas smaller than and located within said first areas and representing designated defensive areas for long passes, at least one offensive play action projectile adapted to be cast at and adhere to said gameboard by an offensive player whereby the location of said play action means on said gameboard determines the movement of said offensive player towards said end zone, and a plurality of defensive means adapted to rest in selected ones of said first and second areas whereby, if an offensive play action projectile lands within an area bounded by said defensive means, a turnover is created and the defensive player becomes the offensive player.