Abstract: A fuel cell oxygen delivery system, method, and apparatus for full-scale clean fuel electric-powered vehicle having a fuel cell module including a plurality of fuel cells working together that augments gaseous oxygen from ambient air and gaseous hydrogen extracted from liquid hydrogen by pressure change or heat exchangers, with fuel cells containing electrical circuits configured to collect electrons from the plurality of hydrogen fuel cells to supply voltage and current to motor controllers commanded by control units configured to control an amount and distribution of electrical voltage and torque or current for each of one or more motor and propeller or rotor assembly, wherein electrons returning from the electrical circuits combine with both oxygen derived from air and onboard oxygen from the delivery system to form oxygen ions, then protons combine with oxygen ions to form H2O molecules and heat.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning robot can include a robot body, a bumper, and a bumper impact system. The bumper can be connected to and supported by the robot body. The bumper impact system can include a first sensor connected to the body in a first orientation with respect to the body and the bumper. The bumper impact system can include a second sensor connected to the body in a second orientation with respect to the body and the bumper different from the first orientation. The first sensor and the second sensor can together be configured to sense an impact region of the bumper based on a magnitude and a direction of movement of the bumper relative to the robot body.

Abstract: A method for operating a conveying system is provided. An overhead hoist transport (OHT) vehicle is provided, wherein the OHT vehicle includes a gripping member configured to grip and hold a carrier, and a receiver configured to receive a signal. The signal is transmitted to the receiver of the OHT vehicle. The OHT vehicle is moved toward the carrier, and the carrier is gripped by the gripping member of the OHT vehicle. A lifting force is determined based on a weight of a carrier, a number of workpieces in the carrier, or a vertical distance between the OHT vehicle and the carrier, and the lifting force is applied to the carrier.

Abstract: In one aspect, a track structure usable by a wheeled vehicle for hauling a payload up an inclined enclosed passageway comprises a hollow rigid center rail member configured to act as both a center rail for the wheeled vehicle and as a ventilation duct. Opposite lateral faces of the hollow center rail member have respective wheel contact surfaces grippable by an opposed pair of inwardly-biased drive wheels of the wheeled vehicle. Rail support structure depends from the hollow center rail member. An elevated pair of rails is attached to the rail support structure, the rails being on opposite sides of and substantially parallel to the hollow center rail member. Each rail is supported by the rail support structure so as to provide an upper, lower, and lateral surface suitable for rolling engagement by a weight-bearing wheel, undermount wheel, and guide wheel, respectively, of the wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: A remote inspection system for inspecting piping that includes: a vehicle configured to move through pipe; a lighting system mounted on the vehicle; a sensor mounted on the vehicle; a communication system on the vehicle; and a processor configured to assess an effective drainage coefficient of the inspected piping based on data gathered from the sensor.

Abstract: A downhole robotic shuttle includes multiple modules coupled together in series to be conveyed through a cased geologic borehole. One or more of the modules includes: a coupling mechanism to couple one module to an adjacent module, a movement mechanism to enable conveyance of the module having the movement mechanism through the cased borehole; a steering mechanism to steer the module comprising the steering mechanism to achieve a selected orientation within the cased borehole; a motor configured to power the movement mechanism and/or the steering mechanism; an actuator to perform a selected action; a sensor to sense a selected parameter; a memory to receive instructions for performing at least one of the selected action and another action; and a controller to control at least one of the motor, steering mechanism, robotic arm, or sensor in accordance with the instructions received from the memory and sensed data received from the sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preparing a blast hole in a rock face during a mining operation are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: deploying a first tool toward the blast hole in the rock face via a common tool outlet of a feed unit using a first tool station of the feed unit; retracting the first tool from the common tool outlet using the first tool station of the feed unit and retaining the first tool in the first tool station; and while the first tool is retained in the first tool station, deploying a second tool toward the blast hole in the rock face through the common tool outlet of the feed unit using a second tool station of the feed unit.

Abstract: An airlock system that includes a plurality of adjacent chambers successively arranged along a guide path. Predetermined pressures are produced in each chamber so that the predetermined pressure in each chamber is at a pressure different from the predetermined pressure produced in an adjacent chamber. Gate valves are positioned to separate adjacent chambers in order to maintain a pressure differential between the adjacent chambers.

Abstract: A high-speed transportation device with a tube as a rail, including a tube structure, a carrier structure, a control system, a braking system, and a drive system. The tube structure is an extension structure surrounded by a tube wall. The tube wall is provided with a plurality of unidirectional airflow windows configured to control a flowing direction of airflow. The carrier structure operates in the tube structure. The carrier structure is a carriage-type structure. The unidirectional airflow window installed on the tube structure of the invention can significantly reduce the air resistance of the operational system. Compared with the current rapid transportation device, this invention has the advantages of high efficiency, low cost, fast speed and high safety, and can be used for the development of new rapid transportation system.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a system that includes a pipe segment, in which the pipe segment includes tubing that defines a pipe bore and a fluid conduit within an annulus of the tubing, a bore device to be moved through the pipe bore of the pipe segment, in which the bore device includes an internal sensor that determines sensor data indicative of an electrical parameter that the bore device encounters while disposed in the pipe bore of the pipe segment and fluid blocking material implemented around the internal sensor, and a control sub-system communicatively coupled to the bore device. The control sub-system determines whether static charge is expected to be present in the pipe bore of the pipe segment based at least in part on the sensor data determined by the internal sensor of the bore device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher with a curved or spiral-shaped, open-ended guideway and conductors for launching a projectile. The projectile, movably retained on or within the guideway, is accelerated along the guideway using electromagnetic forces until it reaches an end of the guideway, then the projectile is launched in a desired direction. The direction of the launch of the projectile is determined by orienting the guideway in the desired direction using an actuator.

Abstract: Present embodiments include a linear drive transport system. The system includes a plurality of fixed tracks and a junction track disposed on a conveyor configured to align the junction track with each of the plurality of fixed tracks. The plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track include one of electromagnetic coils or permanent magnets arranged in series along the respective plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track. Further, present embodiments include a plurality of movers configured to move along the fixed tracks and configured to transition between each of the plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track when aligned, wherein the movers comprise the other of the electromagnetic coils or the permanent magnets.

Abstract: A vacuum transport tube vehicle, system, and method for evacuating a vacuum transport tube are provided. The vehicle has a first end having a first end outer surface. An annular gap is formed between the first end outer surface and an inner surface of the vacuum transport tube. The vehicle has a second end having a second end outer diameter, and a body in the form of a piston with a structural framework. The vehicle has an orifice extending from a first inlet portion in the first end to a second outlet portion of the vehicle. The vehicle has a drive assembly coupled to the body, and a power system. The vehicle evacuates the vacuum transport tube by reducing pressure within the tube with each successive vehicle pass through the tube, until a desired pressure is obtained and a vacuum is created in the interior of the tube.

Abstract: A transportation system for supersonic travel including a conduit containing an atmosphere that exhibits high aerodynamic tunneling performance, or high gas efficacy, and a vehicle designed to operate within the conduit. The vehicle traveling within the conduit along a support and guide structure that is complementary to a support and guidance system of the vehicle. The vehicle being propelled through the conduit via a propulsion system that includes contra-rotating propellers.

Abstract: A high-precision imaging and detecting device for detecting a small defect of a pipeline by a helical magnetic matrix. The device includes: a helical excitation module including a helical excitation coil; a magnetic matrix detection module, disposed at an inner side of the helical excitation coil and including at least one magnetic sensor group arranged at intervals along an axial direction of the helical excitation coil, group including a plurality of magnetic sensors evenly spaced apart and arranged along a circumferential direction of the helical excitation coil, and the magnetic sensor being configured to detect an induction magnetic field of the pipeline; a signal processing module, connected with the magnetic matrix detection module, and configured to receive, process and output an induction magnetic field signal of the pipeline detected by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A track toy for entertainment includes a tube that defines an internal space. A rail is coupled to the tube and is positioned in the internal space. The rail is configured to couple to a source of electric power. A vehicle is slidably coupled to the rail. A roller is coupled to a bottom of the vehicle. A motor is coupled to and is positioned in the vehicle. The motor is operationally coupled to the rail and the roller. The roller is positioned on the vehicle such that the roller is positioned to rollably couple the vehicle to the tube. The motor is positioned to motivate rotation of the roller such that the vehicle is compelled along the rail within the internal space.

Abstract: A transport and power system having a plurality of tubes or tunnels, a magnetic levitation and linear motor train, and a superconducting power cable. One of the tubes can be an escape, power distribution, and maintenance tunnel. These tubes can be above ground, below ground, at ground, or under water.

Abstract: A ropeway vehicle transportation network includes pairs of ropeway cables on which ropeway vehicles travel the network stations. A plurality of network stations are line changer stations connected to at least two ropeway lines. Each line changer station includes shifter rails that rotate around a vertical axis. When a first ropeway vehicle is on the shifter rails, the shifter rails can be rotated to select on which set of the at least two ropeway lines the first ropeway vehicle will traverse when the first ropeway vehicle exits the shifter rails.

Abstract: A system includes at least one tube forming a portion of a transportation path, wherein the tube is maintained as a low-pressure environment, a propulsion system configured to propel at least one capsule through the tube, a levitation system configured to levitate the capsule within the tube, and at least one tube sealer arranged along the at least one tube and configured to selectively create an airlock in the at least one tube.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system comprises a track comprising one or more sections, the track including track indicators readable by a track indicator sensor and used to determine a dolly's position on the track, and the dolly including one or more sensors and a processor, the one or more sensors including the track indicator sensor, the processor executing instructions that control an operation of the dolly including moving the dolly at least semi-autonomously along the track based on the track indicators, wherein moving the dolly at least semi-autonomously includes one of moving the dolly autonomously and moving the dolly semi-autonomously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high speed transportation vehicle with a convenient diameter which is installed between two stations which has the ability of providing high take-off by reserve depots and providing control of the platform line by means of satellite and sensors, having portable cabins (16) providing drop off and pick up passengers in seconds and reverting the air from front to the back of the capsule moving in a cylinder (1) and purifying the capsule (10) from the external influences without any resistance.

Abstract: A linear drive transport system includes a plurality of fixed tracks and a junction track disposed on a conveyor configured to align the junction track with each of the plurality of fixed tracks. The plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track include one of electromagnetic coils or permanent magnets arranged in series along the respective plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track. In addition, the linear drive transport system includes a plurality of movers configured to move along the fixed tracks and configured to transition between each of the plurality of fixed tracks and the junction track when aligned, wherein the movers comprise the other of the electromagnetic coils or the permanent magnets.

Abstract: A method for sealing a leak in a pipeline used to transport fluid includes positioning a sealing device within the pipeline, moving the sealing device through the pipeline to a leak location, and internally generating an inflation pressure to inflate the sealing device to substantially cover a leak opening and limit release of the fluid from the pipeline.

Abstract: A high-speed transportation system includes at least one transportation structure having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one structure between a plurality of stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the structure, and a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the structure. At least one track is positioned to provide balancing force vectors to achieve stability for the capsule.

Abstract: A high-speed transportation system, the system including at least one transportation tube having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube between stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the tube; a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the tube, and at least one tube sealer arranged along the at least one tube and configured to create an airlock in the at least one tube. In embodiments, the tube sealer may include a gate valve and/or an airbag.

Abstract: A high-speed transportation system, the system having at least one enclosed volume that is configured to be maintained as a low-pressure environment, at least one track along a transportation path within the at least enclosed volume; and a plurality of capsules configured for travel through the at least one enclosed volume between stations. The at least one enclosed volume is at least partially defined by at least one flexible material structured and arranged to withstand a tensile load.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and modes for distribution of medical objects, such as medicines, from a sending station at a pharmacy or a nursing station to one of a plurality of receiving stations located by the patient's bedside via pneumatic tubing without a dedicated carrier. The system is a one-way system configured for allowing the medical object to travel in one direction from a sending station to one of the receiving stations. The pneumatic tube system comprises a sending station, a plurality of receiving stations routably connected to the sending station via the pneumatic tubing, a pump, and a system controller in signal communication with the sending station, the receiving station, and the pump.

Abstract: A transport vehicle for traveling in a low-pressure environment structure is provided. The transport vehicle may include a deployable decelerator provided on the transport vehicle and configured to deploy from the transport vehicle to decrease a distance between the transport vehicle and the low-pressure environment structure. When the decelerator is deployed the decelerator is configured to increase drag forces opposing a direction of motion of the transport vehicle and decelerate the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A high-speed transportation system, includes at least one transportation tube having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube between stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the tube, a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the tube. The at least one transportation tube is structured and arranged as a net-tension tube.

Abstract: A high-speed transportation system including at least one transportation tube having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube along a travel path between stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the tube, and a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the tube. At least a portion of the travel path is arranged over or in a body of water.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment of the invention encompasses an apparatus for intraoral imaging of teeth of a patient which includes a camera, a robotic arm coupled to the camera which arm is capable of rotating the camera for selectively positioning the camera into the mouth of the patient, at least one sensor coupled to arm to sense the relative position of the teeth and/or mouth with respect to the camera, and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor and arm for controlling the arm to avoid any collision between the teeth or the interior of the mouth and the camera and/or arm, where the controller further selectively moves the arm to track any movement of the patient to keep the camera in a constant relative position with respect to the teeth or mouth.

Abstract: A working machine such as a road milling machine of an asphalt paving machine has an automatic grade and slope control system that causes the machine to maintain a pre-selected grade and slope with respect to a reference without significant operator input. A calibration system employs a calibration controller to calibrate the automatic grade and slope control system. The calibration controller causes a current to be sent to a valve that operates a linear actuator that may be employed to change the attitude of the frame of the working machine. The calibration controller uses feedback from at least one sensor, such as a height-measuring sensor or a slope-measuring sensor, in an iterative process that determines the minimum current necessary to cause a change in the attitude of the frame of the working machine. Once this minimum value is determined, the system will establish the optimum settings for the automatic grade and slope control system to improve its efficiency and cause it to operate more smoothly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting and/or repositioning annulus spacers used to maintain the position of a pressure tube within a calandria tube of a nuclear reactor. The method comprises the steps of: vibrationally isolating a section of the pressure tube; vibrating the wall of said pressure tube within said isolated section; detecting vibration of the wall at a minimum of two axial positions within said isolated sections; and detecting the reduction in vibration level of the wall at one or more of said axial positions in comparison to the remaining axial positions. The apparatus comprises a tool head to be inserted into the pressure tube, the tool head comprising a first end and a second and a clamping block m each of said ends. The clamping blocks are used to vibrationally isolate a section of the pressure tube located between said ends.

Abstract: A conveyance device for levitating a subject body by a gas and conveying the subject body in a first direction is comprised of a levitation section emitting the gas to apply pressure on the subject body to levitate the subject body; a conveyance section comprising an endless belt elongated in the first direction and a plurality of projections projecting from the belt and capable of coming in contact with the subject body, and being configured to come in contact with and drive the subject body in the first direction; and a suction section elongated adjacent to and in parallel with the conveyance section or aligned with the conveyance section in a single straight line, the suction section applying negative pressure on the subject body to have the subject body in contact with the conveyance section.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system comprises a track comprising one or more sections, the track including track indicators readable by a track indicator sensor and used to determine a dolly's position on the track, and the dolly including one or more sensors and a processor, the one or more sensors including the track indicator sensor, the processor executing instructions that control an operation of the dolly including moving the dolly at least semi-autonomously along the track based on the track indicators, wherein moving the dolly at least semi-autonomously includes one of moving the dolly autonomously and moving the dolly semi-autonomously.

Abstract: Transfer chamber gas purge apparatus are disclosed. The transfer chamber gas purge apparatus has a transfer chamber adapted to contain at least a portion of a transfer robot, the transfer chamber including side walls, a chamber lid, and a chamber floor, wherein the chamber lid has a plurality of distributed chamber inlets. The plurality of distributed chamber inlets may include diffusing elements. Laminar purge gas flow may be provided above the substrate. Systems and methods including a plurality of distributed chamber inlets are disclosed, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a room temperature drying system, mainly comprising: an inner drying chamber, an outer chamber with temperature difference, more than one dry article trolleys placed in the inner drying chamber, an air-conditioning device set on the wall in the outer chamber with temperature difference. The temperature of the inner drying chamber is controlled by the air-conditioning device at 2 degrees Celsius higher than that of the outer chamber with temperature difference, and because the warm air flow of the heating component in the inner drying chamber blows to the wet articles to be dried and the higher air humidity in the inner drying chamber, moisture will be condensed on the cooler metal circumferential wall and the metal top wall, the condensed water drops along the inner wall of the metal circumferential wall and the metal top wall into the water-expelling slot and is in turn discharged, thereby achieving the purpose of drying the articles intended to be dried.

Abstract: The pipeline leak detector is a mobile device having a pressure sensor array for travel within a fluid pipeline for leak detection in the pipe wall. The sensor array is positioned close to the internal surface of the pipe wall and rotates circumferentially about the surface of the pipe wall as the device travels through the pipe, thus describing a helical path along the pipe wall to cover the entire internal surface of the pipe wall with a minimal number of sensors. The sensors comprise tubes with conical mouths, and flexible members and strain gauges within the tubes. Pressure changes due to leaks cause the flexible members to move, with the strain gauges sending signals to a central processor to indicate a leak. The device is supported by a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and an idler wheel bearing against the internal surface of the pipe and evenly circumferentially spaced.

Abstract: A High Temperature Superconductor Maglev (HTSM) for Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT) with a magnetic levitation structure for ETT capsule vehicles traveling in an evacuated tube. At least one ETT capsule travels within an evacuated tube, an upper and a lower cryostat respectively mount at the top and bottom of said ETT capsule along the length thereof, at least a plurality of superconductor levitation force elements divided between said upper and lower cryostats. The levitation force being spread over the length of capsule, however substantially concentrated in a compact cross-sectional area. At least a pair of permanent magnetic elements mounted at the top and bottom of the evacuated tube to cooperate with the superconductor elements to levitate the capsule.

Abstract: A self propelled autonomous pipeline tool for use in straight pipe comprising a first part and a second part, a hydraulic system comprising at least one hydraulic piston and means for operating the piston, and a control unit. The hydraulic system is operable to returnably separate the first and second part of the device from each other. The hydraulic system further comprises a plurality of pipeline engaging means positioned along an exterior surface of the device which are operable by the hydraulic system to be engagable with the interior surface of the pipeline. The control unit is in communication with the hydraulic system to control the movement of the pipeline engaging means and the first and second parts such that the pipeline tool is moveable within a straight pipeline. The pipeline tool further comprises a communications module which enables the pipeline tool to utilize ELF communications.

Abstract: A circulated pneumatic tube transit system is used to transport passengers/cargo along a pair of pneumatic tubes, which are positioned along each other. Capsules are movably suspended within the tubes by either a maglev system or wheels. The capsules travel in opposite directions in each tube so that the system provides back and forth transportation between two destinations. A fluid loop mechanism cycles a volume of air through the tubes as a means to propel the capsules through each tube. A series of fluid loop mechanism can be air multipliers as the volume of air cycles through the tubes. Two one-directional valves are located at opposite ends of the tubes and are used to transfer the kinetic energy for an arriving capsule within one tube into kinetic energy for a departing capsule within the other tube.

Abstract: A circulated pneumatic tube transit system is used to transport passengers/cargo along a pair of pneumatic tubes, which are positioned along each other. Capsules are movably suspended within the tubes by either a maglev system or wheels. The capsules travel in opposite directions in each tube so that the system provides back and forth transportation between two destinations. A fluid loop mechanism cycles a volume of air through the tubes as a means to propel the capsules through each tube. A series of fluid loop mechanism can be air multipliers as the volume of air cycles through the tubes. Two one-directional valves are located at opposite ends of the tubes and are used to transfer the kinetic energy for an arriving capsule within one tube into kinetic energy for a departing capsule within the other tube.

Abstract: Force control system. The system includes a first pair of permanent magnets for providing a normal force on the wheel of a robot adapted for n-pipe inspections. A second pair of magnets is provided with opposite polarity so that a rotor containing magnets may be rotated with a minimum of torque required and therefore with a minimum of energy expended.

Abstract: A High Temperature Superconductor Maglev (HTSM) for Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT) with a magnetic levitation structure for ETT capsule vehicles traveling in an evacuated tube. At least one ETT capsule travels within an evacuated tube, an upper and a lower cryostat respectively mount at the top and bottom of said ETT capsule along the length thereof, at least a plurality of superconductor levitation force elements divided between said upper and lower cryostats. The levitation force being spread over the length of capsule, however substantially concentrated in a compact cross-sectional area. At least a pair of permanent magnetic elements mounted at the top and bottom of the evacuated tube to cooperate with the superconductor elements to levitate the capsule.

Abstract: A High Temperature Superconductor Maglev (HTSM) for Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT) with a magnetic levitation structure for ETT capsule vehicles traveling in an evacuated tube. At least one ETT capsule travels within an evacuated tube, an upper and a lower cryostat respectively mount at the top and bottom of said ETT capsule along the length thereof, at least a plurality of superconductor levitation force elements divided between said upper and lower cryostats. The levitation force being spread over the length of capsule, however substantially concentrated in a compact cross-sectional area. At least a pair of permanent magnetic elements mounted at the top and bottom of the evacuated tube to levitate the capsule. At least a pair of capsule based switchable diverge force elements cooperate with at least a pair of tube based diverge force elements to steer the capsule while in an interchange.

Abstract: A method of providing a weather-proof high-speed transportation system including an underground tunnel tube within which a high-speed vehicle moves. Presenting visual images to a person on the vehicle in coordination with the instantaneous location of the person. Providing visual images with or without accompanying audio to a person on the vehicle including correlating the visual images to a predetermined location of the person.

Abstract: A transportation system for supersonic travel including a conduit containing an atmosphere that exhibits high aerodynamic tunneling performance, or high gas efficacy, and a vehicle designed to operate within the conduit. The vehicle traveling within the conduit along a support and guide structure that is complementary to a support and guidance system of the vehicle. The vehicle being propelled through the conduit via a propulsion system that includes contra-rotating propellers.

Abstract: A transportation system which is linked through a common single operating system, in the form of a vacuum tube-link network of transport tubes avoids the limitations of current transportation systems in terms of cost of construction, continuous rising costs of maintenance, limited speed capacity, limited volume capacity, insufficient safety, and vulnerability to environmental and climatic changes. The present invention offers year-round, uninterrupted operation while providing a safe haven at stations for the public during environmental or climatic conditions making sustaining life difficult or impossible. The transportation system of the present invention operates in a contained vacuum tube link environment within which a transport capsule is levitated. Levitation is provided by permanent magnets located in the interior of the transport tube and liquid-cooled super-conducting bulk elements located on the capsule. Cooling may be provided by a fluid such as nitrogen, helium, etc.

Abstract: A transportation system having a tube containing hydrogen gas and a vehicle designed to operate within the tube. The vehicle breathes hydrogen from the tube to power fuel cells in order to produce power. The vehicle is suspended above the tube on a low-friction layer and is propelled through the tube via a propulsion system, such as contra-rotating propfans.

Abstract: Metropolitan transport method and system that allows maximizing journey time commitment and network coverage by running a first train in a first direction, defined from a starting point to a finishing point of a route including a plurality of stopping stations, where the first train runs through a tunnel having two levels, the first train running on a first level of the tunnel and stopping at all the stopping stations on the route; the method also including running a second train in the first direction of the route on the second level of the tunnel, where the second train does not stop at all the stopping stations on the route.