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: 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: An all-weather guided vehicle system comprises a tubular guideway storing pressurized air and cantilevered beams extending bi-laterally from the guideway to support a continuous deck. Vehicles are suspended under the deck by way of carriages to which the vehicles are connected by arcuate roller tracks. The beams support continuous angular channels slotted to receive suspension members extending from the carriage for air or magnetic levitation. Impulse vanes are provided on a vertical rod extending through a slotted opening in a propulsion channel for cooperation with air jet nozzles located within the channel to propel and brake the carriage. Embodiments having a fair-weather vehicle riding atop the deck and tire tracks for suspension and prevention of side sway are also disclosed.

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: 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 ring-transport type system with load carrying vehicles traveling in one direction, with junctions connecting track on or above ground. The junctions are divided into two types where the first is of an active type for vehicle guiding including a straight track section and an off-line track section curving off the direction of travel. The second type of junction is passive and includes a straight main track section and a curved track section arranged in such a way that vehicles backing through the passive junction under normal conditions follow the straight track section.

Abstract: A novel transportation system enables passengers to travel at high speeds relative to automobile traffic, while permitting each passenger to individually select his destination, commence travel whenever a transporter is available, and travel with or without his own automobile. The transportation system includes a system of guideways connecting various stations, so that a passenger can travel from an origination station, across guideways, to a destination station of choice. Each guideway consists of parallel tracks supporting support magnets. Each transporter is capable of holding one or more passengers or a single vehicle, with or without passengers. The transporters have horizontally extending supports with transporter support magnets.

Abstract: A monorail transit system includes transit drive units for supporting a transit car body on a beam and propelling the body along the beam. Improvements to the transit system include a quiet steel rail with vibration isolation for the beam, a vehicle braking system using a fixed plat engaged with a steel rail to arrest motion of the drive unit, a beam stabilizing support structure comprising a column with an insert that extends into a hollow beam portion, a drive unit coupled to the transit car body so as to be able to rotate with respect to the body while the drive unit and transit car body are traversing a curve in the rail, a leveling system for automatically leveling the car body with respect to a loading platform and a mechanism for automatically tilting the car body in response to centrifugal forces and then leveling the body, an articulating car body for accommodating curved beams, and a mechanism for providing positive traction on an inclined steel rail.

Abstract: An improved system for transporting vehicles and passengers from one destination to another using pallets, trains and guideways. The automobile uses ramp 1 to enter station 2 and park in port 3. The port then rotates 45 degrees 4 and parallel to a pallet guideway 5. The system then moves the pallet 6 along the pallet guideway next to a port 7 and parks. A mechanism on the pallet transfers the vehicle from the port 7 to the pallet 6. The pallet accelerates on a pallet guideway 8 and moves next to a train 9 that is traveling in the same direction on a train guideway 10. The pallet docks with an empty slot 11 on said train while both are moving. The pallet moves the automobile onto said train and undocks. The empty pallet continues along the pallet guideway 12 back to the station to pick up another vehicle. As said train approaches the next station, an empty pallet docks with the train at the said slot that contains the automobile. The pallet transfers the automobile from the train to the pallet.

Abstract: A PRT (personal rapid transit) system, utilizing both course reservation and branch stop technologies and radically solving the various problems experienced in conventional roadway systems, conventional railway systems and prior art APM or PRT systems, is disclosed. The PRT system of this invention has tunnel-type dedicated guideways located aboveground, groundlevel or underground and is computer-controlled, thus allowing small-sized and standardized PRT vehicles to run along the guideways at high speeds without having any congestion delays. The PRT system thus remarkably increases transit capacity and transit efficiency, provides a comfortable and rapid transit means and radically solves traffic congestion in a large metropolitan region.

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: An elevated toy train track is formed from multiple platform sections (12, 14, 16, 18) and a stabilizing ring (48) that are attachable together to form a ring-like structure (10). Each platform section has at least two lateral sides (34, 36), where one lateral side (34) has ridges (42) and the other lateral side (36) has slots (46). During assembly, the ridges (42) on one platform section are placed in snug engagement with complementary slots (46) of an adjacent platform section, until all platform sections are joined together. The stabilizing ring (48) is attached, using threaded fasteners (60), to the joined platform sections (12, 14, 16, 18) to form the ring-like structure (10). A train track (20) is attached to the ring-like structure, or can be integrally molded to the platform sections. The structure is attachable to the central pole (64, 66) of a Christmas tree, thus providing an elevated toy train track.

Abstract: An amusement ride includes a lower track structure operably connected with and variably spaced from an upper track structure to define a path of travel for a ride vehicle supported remote from the track structure. A motion translation arrangement is located between the track structure and the ride vehicle for separately or simultaneously varying the distance and angular position of the ride vehicle relative to the track structure in response to at least one of the changing track roll angle and changing gauge of the track structure over a travel path. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the motion translation arrangement and the ride vehicle relative to the track structure.

Abstract: A novel truss track assembly for use in transporting passenger vehicles provides two sets of tracks for supporting two passenger vehicles concurrently. The truss track assembly includes four running rails for mounting passenger vehicles and a central support rail. A series of frame elements are periodically secured to the running rails and the central support rail to support and maintain the parallel relationship of the running rails and the central support rail. The truss track assembly may be “split” into two individual truss track assemblies wherein the individual truss track assemblies each accommodate a passenger vehicle or a train of passenger vehicles. The present invention further provides a novel side-mount vehicle suitable for mounting of the present invention on the truss track assembly.

Abstract: A high-speed high-capacity transportation system is composed of an elevated inverted U-shaped electrified guideway that provides traction and capture surfaces for wheeled motive modules that ride within. Payloads are suspended below the motive unit using a narrow flange. Motive units use flat wheels which ride on flat surfaces of the guideway. The wheels and electric power pickups constitute the only mechanical contact between the vehicle and guideway. Sensors on the motive unit provide position information to an electronic control subsystem which directs the steering of the motive units wheels so as to maintain the desired path through the guideway. As an option, one or more auxiliary wheels can be brought into contact with running surfaces located at the top of the inverted U for additional traction and stability. The payload unit is connected to a the motive unit by way of a hinge that allows the payload to swing laterally.

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 transportation system uses a carrier conduit in the form of a long tube or channel in order to drive a vehicle by air pressure. A carrier having end plates obstructs the travel of air through the carrier conduit. Pressure differentials formed within the carrier conduit serve to propel the carrier through the carrier conduit. By rollably supporting the carrier within the carrier conduit, friction is reduced between the carrier conduit and the carrier. The carrier may be magnetically coupled to a vehicle having vanes and a set of track- or rail-engaging wheel assemblies on vanes. The vanes may pivot upon the vehicle and serve to allow the vehicle to rollably or slidably couple to the carrier conduit track. The motion of the carrier serves to propel the vehicle along the carrier conduit track as the vehicle is magnetically coupled to the carrier.

Abstract: A model railway system with improved banking characteristics 10 comprising a series of track sections 16, 18 joined end-to-end to form a continuous track assembly 12 and a modular trestle assembly 32 to elevate the track assembly 12. The trestle assembly 32 includes a biaxially inclined coupling module 28 that allows the track 12 to be built at a greater incline within a tighter radius than would otherwise be possible. The model railway system 10 includes a battery 114 powered locomotive 110 with a portable hand-held remote control device 84 that uses infrared signals 102 to send commands to the locomotive 110. The locomotive 110 pulls modular train cars 53,54 that have coupling protrusions 30 and beam support brackets 64 to support accesories to build different types of cars.

Abstract: A racing-type amusement ride utilizes a self-propelled vehicle which has guide wheels to move along a track having a beginning end, a finish end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a top, a rail along which a guide wheel of the self-propelled vehicle runs situated on the top of the track, and attached to at least one lateral side of said track between the beginning end of the track and the finish end of the track a frictional strip. Deceleration of the self-propelled vehicle is accomplished by having at least one brake pad so attached to the self-propelled vehicle that such brake pad will come into contact with a frictional strip.

Abstract: A novel truss track assembly for use in transporting passenger vehicles provides two sets of tracks for supporting two passenger vehicles concurrently. The truss track assembly includes four running rails for mounting passenger vehicles and a central support rail. A series of frame elements are periodically secured to the running rails and the central support rail to support and maintain the parallel relationship of the running rails and the central support rail. The truss track assembly may be "split" into two individual truss track assemblies wherein the individual truss track assemblies each accommodate a passenger vehicle or a train of passenger vehicles. The present invention further provides a novel side-mount vehicle suitable for mounting of the present invention on the truss track assembly.

Abstract: A children's play apparatus which includes a specially designed play table that can be used with commercially available toys including toy trains and train tracks, and one that can also be used with specifically designed modules for supporting sections of wooden train track in the unique configurations. More particularly, in using the play apparatus, the specially designed modules of the invention can be used to extend the track beyond the boundaries of the play table and which, due to the stackability of the modules can also be used to attain virtually unlimited track heights above the surface of the table and outwardly from the surface of the table top.

Abstract: A personal rapid transit vehicle for movement on a monorail guideway system advantageously limits the vehicle width by requiring the riders to be seated in the vehicle. Furthermore, a suspension system for coupling the vehicle to the guideway provides for a very light, narrow driverless vehicle in which the riders face sideways and are suspended laterally from and seated over the guideway. The suspension system controls lift, slip and roll of the vehicle relative to the guideway and allows a reduction in the guideway cross-sectional area. Moreover, the guideway, rather than the vehicle itself, absorbs all overturning or roll vibration.

Abstract: In a method for arranging functional components at a support structure of a track of rail-bound vehicles, a first functional component is furnished with first positioning elements. Projecting arms of the support structure are provided with throughbores. The first positioning elements are inserted into the throughbores such that the first positioning elements penetrate the projecting arms. A second functional component is placed onto the first positioning elements. The arrangement of functional components at a support structure of a track for rail-bound vehicles includes a first functional component having connected thereto first positioning elements. The first functional component has a functional surface. The first positioning elements have abutment surfaces positioned at a defined distance to the functional surface. A second functional component is placed onto the abutment surfaces for exactly positioning the second functional component relative to the first functional component.

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.

Abstract: A utility transmission and distribution system includes a guideway for a magnetic levitation transportation system, and supports for supporting the guideway above the ground. The guideway includes a base connected to a structure defining an enclosed channel. At least one conduit defining an enclosed space is disposed within the channel, and is rigidly connected to the channel such that movement over the guideway remains unimpeded. At least one cable is disposed within the conduit for transmitting and distributing utilities.

Abstract: A model monorail system having at least one engine and at least one car coupled thereto, both being configured to move along a single upper rail member that is supported in an elevated position by a plurality of upright rail supports. In the preferred embodiment, each monorail engine assembly comprises one front wheel subassembly with a rotatable front wheel, one wheel subassembly with counter-rotating drive wheels, two weighted electrical pick-up subassemblies which are also pivotal, pivotal wheel-coupler assemblies attached to each end of each car assembly, as well as a plurality of safety arm subassemblies and a plurality of roller arm subassemblies, which together surround the upper surface, both side surfaces, and the bottom surface of the upper rail member to securely maintain the engine assemblies and coupled car assemblies in position on top of the upper rail member at all times during use.

Abstract: The electromagnetic induction ground vehicle levitation guideway includes a beam support member, and a transverse structural slab member mounted on top of the beam support member. The structural slab member includes top and bottom structural plates mounted to the top and bottom surface of the structural slab member. The guideway includes vertical lift, lateral stability, and linear synchronous motor coils with a null flux geometry in the guideway that interact with superconducting magnets of the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to safely reach speeds of up to 350 mph with relatively low power consumption. A kinetic energy absorption structure is provided on the guideway that is capable of high speed mechanical braking of the vehicle if the superconducting magnets of the vehicle fail. A sloped top protective cover over the energy absorption structure is provided to minimize adhesion and buildup of snow and ice, and extends over the sides of the guideway.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switching mechanism for use in a transit system employing automated, self-propelled transit modules travelling on a guideway. The switching mechanism can be selectively activated by an on-board computer to move into magnetic engagement with lateral guidance bars built onto the guideway to direct the transit module to merge into, or exit from the guideway, or to maintain direction on the guideway, without motion of any portion of the guideway itself.

Abstract: A light rail and wheel carriage system (11) includes first and second rail assemblies (10, 12) held in spaced parallel disposition by a plurality of support members (14), and cooperating wheel carriage assemblies (42) that mount rail cars onto the rail assemblies. Each rail assembly includes upper and lower elongate tubular rail members (16, 18), vertically spaced by a vertical flange (20). In a preferred embodiment, each rail member has a circular configuration and is bifurcated internally by a received longitudinal edge of the vertical flange. Each wheel carriage assembly includes a carriage frame (48), first and second elongate pivot shafts (52, 54), a set of upper and lower rollers (66, 68, 74, 76), and a compressible strut (82). In a preferred embodiment, a set of upper and lower rollers is pivotally secured to opposite ends of the first pivot shaft. A second set of upper and lower rollers is also pivotally secured to opposite ends of the second pivot shaft.

Abstract: A transportation system and method for rider propelled vehicles, such as bicycles, is disclosed, the system including a covered structure having a surface for movement thereover of the vehicle. Air is moved through the structure in a direction and at a selected velocity sufficient to aid movement of a vehicle through the structure. Relative elevations of the surface of the structure between entrance thereto and exit therefrom are selectable independently from ground grades found at the site of system installation.

Abstract: A system of suspended supports for aerial transportation like ski lifts, tramways, freight ropeways, and high voltage electricity lines, has a main carrying element which is a long-span cable along the route, and which is suspended at its ends. A plurality of spaced supports for the aerial means are hung from the cable. Each support has a rigid element carrying the carrying cable and guy ropes, one end of which is attached to the rigid element and another end which is anchored in the ground. The guy ropes carry horizontal and upward vertical loads, and torques applied to the rigid element and fix a position of the rigid element.

Abstract: Aircraft with full flight capability are connected to structural cables by an electrically powered drive element traveling inside the structural cables. Electricity distribution cables, part of a power distribution grid, connect to the structural cable along its length and provide power to the drive element. A linear series of annular electromagnets in the structural cable encircle a linear array of circular electromagnets in the drive element. A centralized computer controls a constantly changing phase shift in the electromagnets along the structural cable causing the drive element electromagnets to move through the structural cable without contacting the structural cable. The aircraft is connected by cables or rods to the drive elements. Retractable delta wings, an airfoil body, and a controlled angle of attack create lift maintaining the aircraft in flight as the drive element moves through the structural cable.

Abstract: A magnetic levitated vehicle, including a linear rotor connected thereto, runs on a tubular track having a circular cross-section and a tubular linear induction motor stator mounted therein. The rotor is movably mounted within the stator and the vehicle is positioned above the track. The rotor is connected to the vehicle by a riser extending through longitudinal slots of the track and stator, and by an actuator mechanism, which includes a transversely curved saddle movably connected to drive members, for enabling the vehicle to be banked at curve sections of the tubular track. Further, vehicle banking is also accomplished by constructing the track and stator with the slots laterally offset at the curved sections of the track.

Abstract: A monobeam/guideway (beam) and electromagnetically jimmied vehicle prototype mating system having: a beam of durable, long life pre-cast reinforced concrete or similar composite infrastructure produce with mass to reduce travel sound transmissions caused by deflections in lighter weight elevated guideway support designs. The beam to vehicle mating design allows the vehicle to straddle over the beam riding along its ridge on tires while balancing on support casters making firm positive contact at critical tangent points along the beam's Nebel surfaces during intermittent non-jimmied/non-levitated periods of operation. Non-jimmied vehicle positioning is free of the wide gap tolerances of prior art. The beam and elevated support allow the vehicle to underwrap and become jimmied by attractive magnetic response of magnetic balancers which are magnets at the vehicle underwrap excited by electromagnetic starter packs located underside guideway beams.

Abstract: The electromagnetic induction ground vehicle levitation guideway includes a beam support member, and a transverse structural slab member mounted on top of the beam support member. The structural slab member includes top and bottom structural plates mounted to the top and bottom surface of the structural slab member. The guideway includes vertical lift, lateral stability, and linear synchronous motor coils with a null flux geometry in the guideway that interact with superconducting magnets of the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to safely reach speeds of up to 350 mph with relatively low power consumption. A kinetic energy absorption structure is provided on the guideway that is capable of high speed mechanical braking of the vehicle if the superconducting magnets of the vehicle fail. A sloped top protective cover over the energy absorption means is provided to minimize adhesion and buildup of snow and ice, and extends over the sides of the guideway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail line, in particular for a high-speed magnetic train, comprising supports (10) constituting the rail line, which are placed on girders (12, 14) originating on opposite sides (34, 36) of the support and assigned to it in pairs and rest on the ground (16) or a foundation. To achieve an orientation of the rail line in the desired amount, it has been proposed that the girders (12, 14), which are assigned in pairs to each other, have a distance at the ground which is less than that at the supporting end, wherein the girders, controlled to the necessary extent, are adjustable in a plane extending vertically in respect to the linear axis of the rail line (18) in such a way that the rail line extends inclined in respect to the horizontal line.

Abstract: A support system for a rail section which bridges the gap between foundations which are relatively movable auxiliary rails running parallel to the rail across the sleepers which are supported by the foundation, and underpinning supports providing a stiff connection between rail and auxiliary rails. The underpinning supports move in response to relative movement of the foundation so that undesirable rail bending is avoided.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections may include electrical connections for power and communication and they are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guideway. Transfer vehicles operate to transfer loads between the carrier vehicles and storage positions and may be controlled to move in either of two transverse directions or to rotate in a turntable operation. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. Front and rear bogies of the vehicles pivot about front and rear vertical turn axes and carry direction control wheels that cooperate with guide ribs along tracks for selective control of movement to either of two exits from a Y junction. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A system is provided that uses small carrier vehicles that operate along electrified guideways and use standardized connections to automatically carry passenger cabins, freight loads and automobile platforms to desired destinations. The connections are made to upper ends of posts that extend from front and rear portions of each carrier vehicle and up through a narrow centrally located slot in the guideway. The guideway provides a protected environment for error-free data transmissions made through closely spaced inductive couplings between monitoring and control circuits along the guideway and control circuits of the carrier vehicles. Control circuitry is provided to obtain highly reliable control of vehicle speed and of starting, stopping and merge operations.

Abstract: A levitated rail system for vehicle transportation utilizing a plurality of cylindrical, tubular rails. Freight capsules may be transported within the hollow interiors of the rails. One or more cars travel at high speed above two of the rails by levitation.

Abstract: A transportation system and method for rider propelled vehicles, such as bicycles, is disclosed, the system including a covered structure having a surface for movement thereover of the vehicle. Fan units are provided to move air through the structure in a direction and at a selected velocity sufficient to aid movement of a vehicle through the structure. The structure is covered and is configured so that relative elevations of the surface of the structure between entrance thereto and exit therefrom are selectable independently from ground grades found at the site of system installation and thus with minimum disruption of the site.

Abstract: The electromagnetic induction ground vehicle levitation guideway includes a beam support member, and a transverse structural slab member mounted on top of the beam support member. The structural slab member includes top and bottom structural plates mounted to the top and bottom surface of the structural slab member. The guideway includes vertical lift, lateral stability, and linear synchronous motor coils with a null flux geometry in the guideway that interact with superconducting magnets of the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to safely reach speeds of up to 350 mph with relatively low power consumption. A kinetic energy absorption structure is provided on the guideway that is capable of high speed mechanical braking of the vehicle if the superconducting magnets of the vehicle fail. A sloped top protective cover over the energy absorption means is provided to minimize adhesion and buildup of snow and ice, and extends over the sides of the guideway.

Abstract: A land transportation system comprising a fully enclosed tubular guideway and a self-propelled air-cushion vehicle disposed in the guideway for providing short and long distance transportation within an enclosed environment. The tubular guideway is secured to stanchions anchored to underground concrete pilings. The air-cushion vehicle includes an internal cavity for receiving passengers and/or cargo holding containers. Air foils, air intake openings and air discharge openings are disposed throughout the cylindrical vehicle to create an air cushion between the vehicle and the guideway, that completely encircles the vehicle, thereby preventing the vehicle from engaging any surface within the tubular guideway during travel.

Abstract: A transit system is provided for application within existing routes of travel infrastructures, travelling along the median strip and utilizing the air space over the median strip and above limited height roadway traffic and beneath overpasses and height limiting infrastructures. The transit vehicles are supported on or side mounted from trucks operating on an elevated structural beam trackway with a lower upwardly facing support surface, an upper downwardly facing support surface, and (on certain vehicles) an upper medially facing support surface. Variations of the structural beam mount under overpasses or along the ground surface, and are used in switching means for secondary trackways. The transit system's vertical dimension is reduced by the interrelationship of the trucks and structural beam trackway with the transit vehicles, and by placing the vehicle to the side of the structural beam and side supporting the vehicle from the trucks.

Abstract: Advantageously, the present invention also facilitates a unique method for post-tensioning segmental viaduct structures, for rapid transit use or otherwise, wherein post-tensioning cables do not follow load diagrams but instead follow uniform paths through each viaduct segment. In this way, each viaduct segment need not be specially fabricated to accommodate uniquely positioned cables.

Abstract: A rapid transit viaduct system includes a central load bearing body having a pair of lateral platform structures mounted on opposite lower side portions thereof for carrying one or more rapid transit vehicles on either side of the central load bearing body. The viaduct system further includes vertically extending piers positioned below and supporting the central load bearing body. Additionally, a central station platform can be formed wherein some of the precast concrete viaduct segments are vertically divided and spaced apart a selected distance. A plurality of spacer blocks are disposed between the spaced apart viaduct segments, and a plurality of platform slabs are disposed between the spaced apart viaduct segments, above the spacer blocks, to form a station platform.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a trackway of a magnetic suspension railroad includes at least one support, at least one equipment element having an operational surface extending in a track direction, and an arrangement for securing the equipment element on the support in a predetermined position. The securing arrangement includes a connecting body fixedly attached to the support and boss structure projecting from the connecting body toward the equipment element and defining a first stop surface extending in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the operational surface extends, and cooperating with a second stop surface provided on the equipment element, when the equipment element is secured to the connecting body.

Abstract: A track for magnetic levitation trains with a track support beam (1), which has lateral side guide rails (3) at its longitudinal edges and crossbeams (4) extending between these rails, as well as longitudinal beams (5) connecting the crossbeams (4), wherein connection parts (7) for fastening the stator plates are connected with bolt connections to the crossbeams (4) and/or the longitudinal beams (5). A track, which can be manufactured economically, can be easily installed, and this also makes it possible to transmit the vertical loads occurring during the train operation in a reliable and long-term, serviceable manner, is characterized in that the connection parts (7) are designed as grooved crossbars of the stator plates (6), which extend in parallel to the crossbeams (4) and are connected to the track support beam (1) with nonsliding bolt connections (11, 15), in which the forces are transmitted at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the bolt.

Abstract: A transport assembly for use, for example, in mass transportation, comprises a track and a frame mounted to the track for motion therealong, the frame including a housing which defines a traction chamber in communication with the track. At least one traction wheel is rotatably mounted to the frame in friction contact with the track. The traction wheel is at least partially disposed in the traction chamber. A car with a passenger compartment is coupled to the frame via a shock absorbing linkage so that the car is substantially isolated from irregularities in the track during motion of the frame and the car along the track. A suction source is operatively connected to the housing for generating a vacuum in the traction chamber during motion of the frame and the car along the track. A drive mounted to the frame is operatively connected to the traction wheel for drivingly rotating the wheel to propel the frame and the car along the track.