Posts And Towers Patents (Class 104/125)
  • Patent number: 10953339
    Abstract: A cube body comprising four U-shaped frames, each of the four U-shaped frames has two rectangular corners and two open ends, wherein a first connection is arranged at each of the two rectangular corners and perpendicular to the two open ends, the two open ends are provided with a second connection which is insertable into the first connection of another one of the four U-shaped frames, each of the two rectangular corners has a first magnetic bead inside, a first engaging structure is arranged on each inner side of each of the four U-shaped frames. A magnetic cube roller coaster comprising the said cube body and a magnetic plain plate is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Xianming Liu
  • Patent number: 10507846
    Abstract: An overhead transport system includes a suspended railway and a motorized carrier configured to travel along the suspended railway. The motorized carrier includes a motorized trolley configured to move the motorized carrier along the suspended railway, chassis/beam configured to carry an object below the motorized trolley, and a bumper and deflection system configured to prevent the object from contacting another object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: EAGLERAIL CONTAINER LOGISTICS, LLC
    Inventor: J. Michael Meissner
  • Patent number: 10358323
    Abstract: A motorized container carrier can be configured to travel along a suspended railway. The motorized container carrier can include at least one motorized trolley configured to move the motorized container carrier along the suspended railway. The motorized container carrier can include a plurality of end beams with container engagement devices configured to interact with containers of various lengths. In some embodiments, the container engagement devices are twist locks. The motorized container carrier can include a system of bumpers and/or guide wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: EAGLERAIL CONTAINER LOGISTICS, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Russell, Glenn Luckinbill
  • Patent number: 10286925
    Abstract: A transport system has a first set of substantially parallel rails supported above ground level by support structures, a trolley having wheels mounted to a frame with the wheels engaging the rails, at least one wheel powered to move the trolley along the set of rails, a portion of the frame depending between the rails to a level below the rails, and a downward-facing latching interface on the depending portion of the frame, and a pod enabled to carry a passenger or parcels, or both, engaged by an upward-facing latching interface to the downward-facing latching interface of the trolley, such that, as the trolley travels along the rail set, the pod is carried along below the rail set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Steward Evans
  • Patent number: 9809933
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling elevated trains for travel both above as well as below a vertically tiered pair of tracks by having wheels both in the upper and lower area of the train with the ability to switch, at the end of the line, from traveling on the upper tracks using lower wheels to traveling on the lower track using upper wheels. The method and apparatus of switching between upper and lower tracks enables trains to be moved between multiple levels serving as passing loops as well as vertical depots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: cTrain Corporation
    Inventor: Emil Jacob
  • Patent number: 8776695
    Abstract: The present invention is for a support sleeve for a riser supporting an elevated toy vehicle trackway above a surface, the sleeve comprising a first end, a second end having an open end, one or more walls extending between the first end and second end, wherein the one or more walls define a hollow interior for supporting the riser, and one or more supports extending outwardly from the perimeter of the first end. The one or more supports form a shoulder extending outwardly from the first end, wherein the shoulder encircles the perimeter of the first end. The present invention further provides a method of stabilizing one or more toy vehicle tracks mounted on one or more track risers, comprising inserting a first track riser within a hollow support sleeve having a top end and a base end, the base end having one or more outwardly projecting supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Wai Hoe Ho, Bee Toh Siow
  • Publication number: 20140182477
    Abstract: A zip line attraction and methods are provided. The zip line attraction includes a tower and a stopping point. One or more cables extend between the tower and the stopping point. At least one end of the cable can change in elevation to allow users to travel from the tower to the stopping point, and back to the tower from the stopping point without disconnecting from the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: EXPERIENCE BASED LEARNING, INC.
    Inventor: Steven R. Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20140060376
    Abstract: The present invention is for a support sleeve for a riser supporting an elevated toy vehicle trackway above a surface, the sleeve comprising a first end, a second end having an open end, one or more walls extending between the first end and second end, wherein the one or more walls define a hollow interior for supporting the riser, and one or more supports extending outwardly from the perimeter of the first end. The one or more supports form a shoulder extending outwardly from the first end, wherein the shoulder encircles the perimeter of the first end. The present invention further provides a method of stabilizing one or more toy vehicle tracks mounted on one or more track risers, comprising inserting a first track riser within a hollow support sleeve having a top end and a base end, the base end having one or more outwardly projecting supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Wai Hoe Ho, Bee Toh Siow
  • Patent number: 8261879
    Abstract: Disclosed is a scaffold installed within a large structure such as a pressure vessel or a tank of a ship, and an insulation system construction method using the same. The scaffold for use in performing desired work within a large structure includes a supporting structure installed adjacent to both side surfaces and a top surface of the large structure, and a carrying unit installed movable along the supporting structure to allow materials to be carried or to provide a working space for a worker thereon, wherein the supporting structure is installed to be movable along a wall surface of the large structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Seong Ho Hong, Ihn Soo Yoon, Young Chul Yang, Heung Seok Seo, Ji Hun Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8113122
    Abstract: A trestle support apparatus for use with a model track assembly is provided. The model track assembly includes track sections and trestles of a first configuration and separate track sections and trestles of a second configuration. The trestle support apparatus includes an elongated base including an elongated channel dimensioned to releasably receive and support a trestle of a first configuration. First and second stanchions are releasably mounted to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Robert J. Tarr
  • Patent number: 8027755
    Abstract: From among a plurality of interconnected segments of a travel route of a transportation vehicle, an operator manually assigns a plurality of segments that form a path for the transportation vehicle to actually travel, such assignment is received, a travel instruction is generated in accordance with the plurality of assigned segments, and the transportation vehicle is instructed to travel in accordance with the travel instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidekazu Ohta
  • Patent number: 8015925
    Abstract: A transportation system includes a vehicle having wings, a propulsion system, a lifting gear coupling the vehicle to an undercarriage, and a guidance assembly movably connecting the undercarriage to guide rails. The wings generate aerodynamic lift when the vehicle exceeds a first speed. The lifting gear supports a load of the vehicle in a first position in relation to the undercarriage when the vehicle travels at less than the first speed, allows the vehicle to lift to a second position in relation to the undercarriage as the vehicle accelerates beyond the first speed, and maintains the vehicle in the second position when the vehicle exceeds the first speed. The guidance assembly shiftingly engages the guide rails through rollers that are in rolling contact with the guide rails when the vehicle is in the first position and are displaced from the guide rails when the vehicle is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Abner J. Simon
  • Publication number: 20100089275
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the invention is directed to a mass transit system that includes a vehicle, a track support, a first vehicle support flange and a second vehicle support flange. The vehicle has a center of mass. The track support is cylindrical and hollow. The first vehicle support flange is connected to the track support at a first elevation. The second vehicle support flange is connected to the track support at a second elevation that is different than the first elevation. The first and second vehicle support flanges are configured to support the vehicle on one side of the center of mass of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Darryl Lane
  • Patent number: 7490557
    Abstract: A mass transit system includes a plurality of pedestal-mounted rings which provide a support through which a vehicle travels. The pedestals are spaced apart on the ground, but no rail or connecting structure on or above ground is required. An underground conduit carries electrical and communications cable that connects the pedestals together. The rings include a plurality of rollers to drive, guide and stabilize the vehicle at lower speeds. For higher speeds flywheels are mounted on the pedestals. The flywheels are preferably driven by an electrical motor, which engages a friction or clutch plate on the vehicle separate from the rings. The friction plate or linear clutch is mounted separate from the rings on the vehicle and is lowered to engage and disengage the flywheel. The flywheel is also mounted on a shock absorber to smooth the travel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Tubular Rail, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Pulliam
  • Publication number: 20080121133
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic or hydraulic telescopic system comprising cylinders concentric at several diameters inserted in the vertical structure of the support pylons (1) and in the departure and arrival stations (14, 16), between the concrete pillar (1) and the nave of the station (15). The sensors are applied on either side of the vehicles (17, 19), facing their forward movement direction, having a reading angle including the entire width of the vehicles. The pneumatic or hydraulic telescopic system (2) is operable: in the support pylons, to adapt the vehicles at the appropriate levels as they travel, causing them to rise or drop depending on the contour of the terrain; in the stations, to compensate the tension of the cable if required. The sensors (18) are operable to analyze the contour of the terrain and inform the control center to actuate the system in accordance with the requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Americo Cesar Sousa Jaques
  • Patent number: 7293506
    Abstract: Structural system comprising a track for a magnetic levitation transport system powered by a linear electric motor. This structural system comprising a track for a magnetic levitation transport system powered by a linear electric motor is notable in that it combines two T-shaped tracks produced in a single U-shaped structure, the vertical bars of the T-shapes and the U-shapes being joined, and the lower slabs of the track-supporting U-shapes contributing to the general strength of the engineering structure, in the absence of lateral screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignees: Alstom, Systra
    Inventors: René Tutzauer, Daniel Dutoit
  • Patent number: 7137343
    Abstract: A mass transit system includes a plurality of pedestal-mounted rings which provide a support through which a vehicle travels. The pedestals are spaced apart on the ground, but no rail or connecting structure on or above ground is required. An underground conduit carries electrical and communications cable that connects the pedestals together. The rings include a plurality of rollers to drive, guide and stabilize the vehicle at lower speeds. For higher speeds flywheels are mounted on the pedestals. The flywheels are preferably driven by an electrical motor, which engages a friction or clutch plate on the vehicle separate from the rings. The friction plate or linear clutch is mounted separate from the rings on the vehicle and is lowered to engage and disengage the flywheel. The flywheel is also mounted on a shock absorber to smooth the travel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Tubular Rail, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Pulliam
  • Patent number: 7066094
    Abstract: A supporting framework for a craneway for at least one crane which travels on at least one track, especially for a bridge crane which travels on two tracks, includes a track carrier elongated in a track direction and having at least one carrier section of reinforced concrete, preferably of prestressed concrete. A system of pillars includes reinforced concrete pillars, whose upper ends in each case support the carrier sections via a top component and whose lower ends are in each case anchored in the soil via a base component. An adjustable bearing in the area of the top component and/or of the base component in at least some of the pillars allows adjusting the track carrier according to the desired course of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Gottwald Port Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Janis Moutsokapas, Helge-Eckehard Tempel
  • Patent number: 6748160
    Abstract: In order to use video contents created according to DVD video in DVD audio, audio and video sub-directories are located under a root directory. The video sub-directory includes video contents and their management information. The audio sub-directory includes audio contents and their management information. The video management information can only access the video contents. However, the audio management information can access not only the audio contents but also the video contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hitoshi Otomo, Shigeru Todokoro, Hideki Mimura
  • Patent number: 6708623
    Abstract: An improved support structure capable of supporting a guideway in the form of a tube or tubes which may in turn carry a train for travel thereupon, which elevated guideway is capable of passing over existing right-of-ways, rolling or mountainous terrain, and rivers of moderate size. The improved support structure provides a uniform vertical thermal expansion and uniform loading deflection (due to the weight of a passing train) thus assuring that the elevated tubes are smooth and straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Cummins
  • Patent number: 6571717
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Einar Svensson
  • Publication number: 20020073876
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Svensson Einar
  • Patent number: 6318274
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Tae Jin Park
  • Patent number: 6272999
    Abstract: An improved cableway system for providing a track over which a vehicle traverses. The improved system includes a catenary cable system and a pair of track cable systems. The track cable systems are hung from the catenary cable system and support tracks over which a vehicle traverses. A plurality of hangers is employed to suspend the track cable systems from the catenary cable system. A plurality of pylons support the catenary and track cable systems. A pylon includes a base pylon, a lower saddle, and an upper saddle. The lower saddle is pivotally mounted to the base pylon and supports the track cable systems. Preferred embodiments of the lower saddle include apparatuses that dampen the application of loads to the pylon by the vehicle traversing the system. The upper saddle is supported by the base pylon and supports the catenary able system while providing for deflection of the catenary cable system in response to forces applied to the cableway system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Aerobus International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre O. Pugin, Ben Lamoreaux, Per Aasheim
  • Patent number: 6269750
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Setpoint Engineered Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Cornwell, Joseph E. VanDenBerghe, Steven E. Nuetzman, Carl G. Wood, Benjamin H. Womack, Reid H. Leland, Bret Crandall
  • Patent number: 6155177
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Backfisch
  • Patent number: 6047645
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Setpoint Engineered Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Cornwell, Joseph E. VanDenBerghe, Steven E. Nuetzman, Carl G. Wood, Benjamin H. Womack, Reid H. Leland, Bret Crandall
  • Patent number: 6009812
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Nilo Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Nile Ernst
  • Patent number: 5720225
    Abstract: An improved cableway system includes a base pylon; a lower saddle mounted to the base pylon from which a track cable may be strung; and an upper saddle from which a catenary cable may be strung, the upper saddle movably mounted to the base pylon to articulate in response to the weight of a vehicle traversing the track cable. The lower saddle is a linkage pivotally mounted to the base pylon beneath the first saddle to accommodate the articulation of the upright and distribute the weight of the vehicle across a portion of the track cable. The hanger for suspending a track cable from a catenary cable includes a hanger member suspended from the catenary cable by one end thereof; a cross-tie pivotably mounted to the hanger member at the end distal to the catenary cable; a track cable guide affixed to the cross-tie; and a power rail guide mounted to one of the suspended member and the cross-tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Aerobus International, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Oscar Pugin
  • Patent number: 5687649
    Abstract: A splice plate for monorail track sections includes a mechanism for drawing the sections together and for leveling the top surfaces of the track with respect to one another. A hanger bracket which is used to attach the track to a support structure connects to the track without the use of through bolts thus eliminating the need to predrill holes in the track in order to receive such bolts. The supports themselves are commercially available hardware items and thus are less expensive than supports which are specifically designed for monorail track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: HK Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Koeninger, Weston R. Loomer
  • Patent number: 5657695
    Abstract: A reversible track section for a toy car circuit. The reversible track section has a length, two opposite ends, two opposite sides, a top surface and a bottom surface. The reversible track section includes a thin, elongated plate including a central recess on the top surface. The central recess is of given height and rectangular cross-section and extends over the length defining two narrow pathways on the bottom surface, and includes a pair of longitudinal flanges on each of the opposite sides extending perpendicular to the top surface and towards the bottom surface. The longitudinal flanges are of the same height as the central recess and each is provided with an integral, outwardly projecting extension of constant width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: The Ritvik Group Inc.
    Inventors: Real Lanoix, Jean-Christophe Doyon, Gilles Collin, Daniel Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 5647280
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: BWG Butzbacher Weichenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Hubertus Hohne, Albrecht Demmig, Erich Nuding
  • Patent number: 5577448
    Abstract: A toy monorail system supports a shuttle craft chassis with a figurine attached. An electric motor picks up power from wire contacts for propelling the chassis along the monorail track. The shuttle craft is readily placed on and lifted from the monorail track. Stable positioning of the shuttle craft chassis is assured by a pair of guidebars and guide wheels extended from the body of the chassis against the rear side of the monorail. The track is supported by four one-piece bracing arms. The bracing arms slide into positioning recesses of a two-piece central mounting clamp which is supported alternately by a base or other support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Roxca Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuk T. G. Leung
  • Patent number: 5537933
    Abstract: A safety system for restraining and preventing a person from falling off an elevated structure such as a locomotive. The safety system includes a segmented rail structure comprising a plurality of releasable and/or removable rail sections that are supported by a series of rail posts. The rail sections can be released and/or removed in order to provide access to an adjacent locomotive compartment to be serviced. A pair of spring biased support members are attached to each of the rail posts and automatically extend when corresponding section is removed. A moveable trolley apparatus engages the rail sections with a plurality of wheels, and has an extendable arm that can be connected to a lanyard worn by a maintenance person. When extended, the raised support members prevent the trolley from coming off the end of a rail section adjacent to a rail section that has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Bjorn Ablad
  • Patent number: 5511488
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventors: James R. Powell, Gordon T. Danby, John Morena
  • Patent number: 5456410
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting trackway sections along which a toy vehicle is driven, includes multiple track support members for supporting single tracks and/or twin tracks, height adaptors for adjusting the height of the trackway sections relative to a support surface, and tilt adaptors for adjusting the angular orientation of the trackway sections relative to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Echo Toys Ltd.
    Inventor: Wai H. Chow
  • Patent number: 5231931
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: J. Muller International
    Inventor: Gerard Sauvageot
  • Patent number: 5052309
    Abstract: A track support element for a maglev track has an upper member consisting of a steel fiber concrete plate provided with the mounting elements for attachment of the maglev rails, stator and the like. This plate is connected by steel struts to a lower member which can be a steel tube filled with steel fiber concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Hochtief Aktiengesellschaft vorm. Gebr. Helfmann
    Inventors: Bernhard Haselwander, Werner Jonas, Henning Riech
  • Patent number: 4953468
    Abstract: The towers (12, 14) of an aerial cable (16) transport installation lean towards one another to reduce their height. Guying cables (48) hold the towers (12, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Pomagalski S.A.
    Inventor: Denis Creissels
  • Patent number: 4936221
    Abstract: A conveyor for hangers, the conveyor comprising a frame supporting a closed loop main circuit on which hangers are caused to move in a displacement direction by drive mechanisms, the conveyor further including a series of branches each including an inlet slope and an outlet slope both of which are selectively connectable to the main circuit by moving switches, said main circuit being generally circular and said branches being disposed substantially radially on the outside of the main circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Jice Automation
    Inventors: Joseph Cousseau, Joel Cousseau
  • Patent number: 4826076
    Abstract: A device for the support of driving tracks for toy vehicles, in particular driving tracks consisting of track segments which are plugged together and which have a center section laterally bounded by guiding elements. The center section of each track segment is designed to be a road surface forming driving lanes which are spaced above set-up surfaces. Provision is made for the support of track segments on any desired level by an arrangement comprising an upright column designed for connection with a base plate by use of a male and female plug system and consisting of upright column segments. Such segments are axially and detachably plugged into each other one on top of the other and have support arms. These arms are suspendable on such segments of the upright column in prepared holes or are symmetrically supportable on the free end of the upright column by means of a sleeve part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Kurt Hesse
  • Patent number: 4821647
    Abstract: An amusement ride down a ramp containing two air suspension flumes and a return conveyor belt system. The ramp is in a climate controlled transparent housing. There is ducting in the ramp for air conditioning, compressed air, and other possible fluid needs along the ramp and at its top portion. The upper half of the housing may be transparent. The cars have a transparent canopy and enclose room enough for three passengers. The ramp has modular sections supported by stanchions the height of which are hydraulically adjustable by automatic sensing devices; possibly using laser light or other types of electrical sensing apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventors: Tyrone E. Powell, George Ladyman
  • Patent number: 4665829
    Abstract: The guideway is comprised of upper horizontal stringers (20, 22), lower horizontal stringers (24, 26) vertically oriented diagonal members (30, 32) affixed to the upper and lower horizontal stringers (20, 22 and 24, 26) and horizontally oriented diagonal members (34) are affixed between the lower horizontal stringers (24, 26). These features present a guideway having an upwardly extending U-shape construction which can be supplied with wheel supporting channels (28), upper support channels (35) and the entire structure can be reinforced by ribs (60) and enclosed by a cover (50). The ribs include spaced inner and outer members with joined free ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: J. Edward Anderson
  • Patent number: 4665830
    Abstract: A vehicle supporting guideway is presented, the guideway is comprised of upper horizontal stringers, lower horizontal stringers vertically oriented diagonal members affixed to the upper and lower horizontal stringers and horizontally oriented diagonal members are affixed between the lower horizontal stringers. These features present a guideway having an upwardly extending U-shape construction which can be supplied with wheel supporting channels, and upper support channels. The entire structure is reinforced by ribs which are generally within the horizontal stringers, and the entire guideway may be enclosed by a cover. Overlapping members join adjacent sections of the horizontal stringers together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: J. Edward Anderson, Donald C. Sassor
  • Patent number: 4607574
    Abstract: A conveyor for carrying roofing debris to the edge of a roof which may be easily assembled on a roof with any pitch, moved from area to area as the work of tearing off old roofing material progresses and disassembled. A track, an assembly of track sections, is supported on a number of H frames which are braced and adjustable to accommodate any slant to the roof, by legs slidably adjustable in sleeved attachments to horizontal supporting bars. A winch, attached toward the loading end of the track, with cable attached to the winch and cart, controls descent of the cart down the track and may also be used to draw the cart back toward the loading end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: Gerard B. Richards
  • Patent number: 4462314
    Abstract: A rocker arm assembly for support of the haul rope of an aerial tramway or the like is disclosed. The assembly includes rocker arms, rope supporting sheaves rotatably mounted to the rocker arms and cantilevered from an inwardly facing side of the rocker arms. The rocker arms are additionally formed with rope catching groove or recess positioned outwardly of the sheaves and having a configuration which will enable not only the rope, but a hanger arm and grip to pass over the rope catcher in the event that the haul rope derails from the sheaves. The rocker arm assembly also preferably includes a platform which acts as a mount for the rocker arms and can be used for maintainence and repair of the rocker arms and rope supporting sheaves. Additionally, the rocker arm assembly includes haul rope derailment responsive apparatus formed to shutdown the tramway operation upon derailment of the rope from the sheaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Inventor: Jan K. Kunczynski
  • Patent number: 4394173
    Abstract: Intermediate regions are provided between straight and circular-arc slide sections having a curved sliding surface in cross-section, the intermediate regions being clothoid-shaped in top view. In an intermediate region, which starts with a quarter-elliptic cross-section of the sliding surface at the outer side of the curve corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the straight slide section, the ratio between the major and the minor axes of the ellipse continuously changes towards the other end so that individual trajectories depending on the velocity of the vehicle form in top view a sheaf of clothoids having the same initial point. The individual structural elements of the slide are flanged at their ends, one flange, each, of two structural elements being adjustable in various directions and supported by a strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignees: Horst Schwamm, Friedbert Pezzei
    Inventor: Christian Aste
  • Patent number: 4335658
    Abstract: A recreational mountain slide is basically a double-rail track down which a wheeled cart rolls. The rails are channels of substantially rectangular cross-section laid such that each provides a top, a bottom, and an inside vertical face, each such face being substantially flat, continuous, and unobstructed throughout the length of the track. The rails are mounted on supports which are adjustable and readily removable, being attached to the rails solely along their outer vertical faces. The front wheels of the cart are steerable by the rider. Each wheel is of constant diameter throughout its width and is wider than the rail on which it runs. The wheels are restrained from sliding laterally or jumping vertically off the track by members mounted on the cart in position to bear on the inside vertical face or the bottom face, respectively, of the adjacent rail. The cart also has brakes which can bear upwardly on the bottom face of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Snow Machines Incorporated
    Inventor: James B. VanderKelen
  • Patent number: 4313383
    Abstract: A guideway for use for example as an elevated roadway is constructed by forming guideway units comprising a massive elongated metal channel having one or a plurality, usually at least three, tubular metal tension void members running lengthwise down its interior and connected to its inside walls along its entire length. The void forming members are connected to the channel walls via longitudinal web members. Transverse shear connectors may also be provided above the void-forming members. The ends of the channel are closed and after hoisting each unit into position on spaced supports which engage beneath its ends it is filled with settable material, usually concrete, which encloses the tubular members to form a composite structure. The side walls preferably are inclined inward between a bottom sheet and the top vertical portions of the side sheets to give an aesthetic appearance, provide streamlining and reduced unwanted dead weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Inventor: Stephen Parazader
  • Patent number: 4270458
    Abstract: An overhead track assembly for an amusement-park ride has a plurality of bases adapted to rest on the ground and each supporting an upright post having an upper end forming a support surface and having a pin projecting upwardly from this support surface. A plurality of track sections each include a central hollow beam having one end formed with an upper eye and another end formed with a lower eye, a pair of generally parallel rails flanking the beam and adapted to guide a car longitudinally along the beam, and transverse members interconnecting these rails and the beam rigidly. The track sections are secured to the upper ends of the posts with the pins at these upper ends extending upwardly through the lower eye of one respective beam and through the upper eye of another respective beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: Firma Anton Schwartzkopf Stahl- und Fahrzeugbeu
    Inventor: Anton Schwartzkopf