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 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 pneumatic mass transportation system employs a combined cycle turbine power system with digital controls to effect acceleration, deceleration and train propulsion. Combustion turbines can be adapted to use alternative fuels including bio fuels as they are developed. A heat recover steam generator recycles hot exhaust gasses from turbines to generate electricity to be used by the system. A multi-car train is propelled by differential air pressure forward and aft of the vehicle in a pneumatic tube. Air propulsion is achieved by large in-tube impellers driven by the turbines. A digital control system controls turbine speed, pitch of impeller blades and vacuum/pressure release valves in the tubes to maneuver and control the train.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a payload through a pipe having the ability to automatically self-stabilize and orient itself inside the pipe by controlling two pipe tracking contactors so as to maintain contact between the pipe tracking contactors and the pipe wall and maintain the apparatus in a functional orientation. The apparatus includes tilt sensor arrays for continuously monitoring the position of the apparatus with respect to the pipe wall, variable speed drive motors operably connected with the pipe contactors for rotating the contactors, tilt motors operably connected with the pipe tracking contactors to enable movement of the contactors between a non-functional orientation and a functional orientation, and a controller for controlling the motors based upon information provided by the tilt sensor arrays.

Abstract: Provided is a tube railway system that minimizes noise and air resistance using a sealed evacuated tube as a passage for a tube railway., thereby allowing a train to run at a very high speed. More particularly, provided is a vacuum division management system and vacuum blocking screen device for a tube railway system required to maintain vacuum (1/3 to 1/1000 of atmospheric pressure), in which the vacuum blocking screen device serves to rapidly block a passage for a tube railway with an operation signal, is installed in every fixed section or in some designated sections of the tube railway, and is driven in a specific section where problems with maintenance of the vacuum occur, where the vacuum is intentionally released, for instance, due to maintenance, or where a train is urgently stopped, thereby allowing the specific section to be isolated from the other sections and to be managed with a degree of vacuum different from those of the other sections.

Abstract: Propellable apparatus, assemblies and related methods including a self-enclosed member are disclosed. The self-enclosed member can include an inner surface at least partially defining an enclosed region, and an outer surface that turns outwardly to engage a cavity or lumen wall in addition to turning inward to at least partially encompass a central region defining a longitudinal path. The apparatus can include an internal drive mechanism engageable with the outer surface of the self-enclosed member to provide relative movement between the self-enclosed member and the cavity or lumen wall. A tapered member, positioned on the apparatus adjacent an end of the self-enclosed member, can provide a size transition between an outer surface portion of the self-enclosed member and an outer surface of a payload insertable within the central region. In some examples, one or more reinforcing members can be integrated within the self-enclosed member for increased durability and rotational use.

Abstract: The wheel-type high-speed railway system includes rails provided on a railroad track and configured such that wheels provided in a bogie of a vehicle come into contact with them, a support provided on a tread surface of a railroad track between the rails, a repulsive Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) provided between the bogie and the support and configured to improve traveling performance by reducing axle load in a high-speed region, first and second steel plates mounted on both sides of the support in inclined positions, and first and second attractive Dynamic Motion Control (DMC) magnets mounted on the bogie of the vehicle in inclined positions to correspond to the first and second steel plates, and configured to generate attractive force.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new personal transport system for passengers and goods, which comprises: a tube car comprising a self-powered closed tube car carrying passengers or goods from door to door; and a network of tubes comprising a plurality of tubes, the said network of tubes combined with the existing blocks or buildings, with each tube in the network of tubes provided with an upper rail and/or a lower rail for supporting and/or guiding the said tube car carrying passengers or goods. According to the invention it is possible to achieve a door-to-door transport between two buildings. In comparison to other traffic systems, the inventive system's velocity, line capacity, safety and reliability, ability of resisting disasters and comfortableness are much increased while its consumption of energy, construction cost, occupied space, operating cost, noise and visual pollution are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A crawler device for pulling a leader string through electrical or cable conduit. The crawler device has a traction head, for example using caterpillar-type rubber tracks, biased outwardly into contact with the inner wall of the conduit when inserted in the conduit. The traction head pulls its own motor and power supply behind it, serially and flexibly linked to follow the traction head and negotiate curves in the typically small diameter electrical conduit. In the preferred from, the power supply is a series of linked batteries, such that the crawler is an independently and self-sufficiently mobile machine traveling through the conduit.

Abstract: Various robotic devices and related medical procedures are disclosed herein. Each of the various robotic devices have an agent delivery component. The devices include mobile robotic devices and fixed base robotic devices as disclosed herein. The agent delivery component can have at least one agent reservoir and a discharge component in fluidic communication with the at least one reservoir.

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: This invention is a pneumatic mass transportation system on the cutting edge of technology employing a combined cycle turbine power system with digital controls to effect acceleration, deceleration and train propulsion. The combustion turbines can be adapted to use alternative fuels including bio fuels as they are developed. The heat recover steam generator will recycle the hot exhaust gasses from the turbines to generate electricity to be used by the system. The multi-car train is propelled by differential air pressure forward and aft of the vehicle in the pneumatic tube. Air propulsion is achieved by large in-tube impellers driven by the turbines. A digital control system will operate the pitch of the impeller blades and the vacuum/pressure release valves in the tubes to produce full movement control of the trains.

Abstract: The tubular transporter for moving a submersible pump through a collecting pipe under a landfill has a set of wheels angularly mounted to a cylindrical housing in positions above a center of gravity of the transporter. The transporter has a screen at a suction end and an end plate at a discharge end. The end plate has a vent hole with an optional plug. A pressure sensor is removably mounted to the housing and operates for determining when sufficient water is present to actuate the pump. The pump discharges the water to be treated prior to being returned to the ground. A series of hose dollies are mounted to the discharge hose to enable entry into a long collection pipe.

Abstract: This invention discloses a set of components that have been designed and engineered and have functionalities, dimensions and structural properties specifically intended to enable selected combinations of the components to be assembled into modular sections of an enclosed and elevated roadway suitable for bicycles, other small vehicles and pedestrian walkways. Such modular sections can, in turn, be joined together and interconnected so as to form a network of roadways that include main thoroughfares and branches and other desired functions such as rest stops and parking facilities. Furthermore, the disclosed set of components enables a process to plan, design, engineer and configure networks of enclosed and elevated roadways to serve a specific municipality, campus, military base or any other geographical region.

Abstract: A remotely controlled, traction wheel driven, transporter moves inspection equipment within a walled cavity to check internal structural features. The inspection equipment can be mounted on a positioner pushed by the transporter, which adjusts with changing dimensions of the cavity so as to maintain the inspection equipment in a desired position or attitude, for example, centered within the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new personal transport system for passengers and goods, which comprises: a tube car comprising a self-powered closed tube car carrying passengers or goods from door to door; and a network of tubes comprising a plurality of tubes, the said network of tubes combined with the existing blocks or buildings, with each tube in the network of tubes provided with an upper rail and/or a lower rail for supporting and/or guiding the said tube car carrying passengers or goods. According to the invention it is possible to achieve a door-to-door transport between two buildings. In comparison to other traffic systems, the inventive system's velocity, line capacity, safety and reliability, ability of resisting disasters and comfortableness are much increased while its consumption of energy, construction cost, occupied space, operating cost, noise and visual pollution are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A closing system for pressurized pipes, includes an annular supporting structure, designed to be secured to one end of the pipe, a closing hatch mounted on the annular support, and elements for locking the hatch including a locking ring inserted into an annular cavity in the support to lock the hatch, wherein the inside edge of the hatch is tapered to form an inclined wall for coupling to a corresponding inclined wall in the annular support. The collapsible ring includes a number of sectors, one of which is fixed and integral with the hatch, while the others are hinged to the adjacent sectors, so that they can rotate on a plane parallel with the hatch until they exit from the annular seating and allow the hatch to open. The hatch is opened and closed simply by rotating it around a hinge.

Abstract: A mobile device for traversing a ferromagnetic surface. The device includes a frame and at least one surface contacting device attached to the frame. The device also includes a Halbach magnet array attached to the frame, wherein the Halbach magnet array provides a magnetic force to maintain the surface contacting device substantially into contact with the ferromagnetic surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for allowing an individual to simply assemble a transparent cylindrical conduit sectioned track system which guides a self propelled toy vehicle through this track system. A self propelled toy vehicle designed to run securely through transparent cylindrical conduit track prohibiting the toy vehicle from falling off of the track, an easy to assemble the transparent cylindrical sections, and an interlocking structure to ensure the fitting of the track sections are secure enough to remain intact for normal use. A portable means for an individual to carry said self-propelled toy vehicle and the various shaped transparent cylindrical track sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled carriage suitable for traveling in a gallery of substantially cylindrical shape. The carriage comprises a chassis (1) made up of two wheel sets (14); a skip (10); and a horizontal longitudinal support axis (16) on which said skip is pivotally mounted. Each wheel set comprises two arms (24, 26) each having a first end pivotally mounted on one end of said axis; two rotary drive shafts (32) extend orthogonally to the support axis and are mounted at the opposite ends of the arms; drive means (38) for rotating said shafts; and two wheels (40, 42), each wheel comprising a hub (54) secured to a respective drive shaft, at least one circular disk secured to the hub, and having its periphery fitted with a plurality of rollers mounted to rotate freely about axes that are orthogonal to the axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A system for propelling a vehicle along an elevated, pneumatic power tube carried by exterior support structure above ground. First and second angles define tracks for the vehicle and extend parallel to the power tube. Undercarriages secured to the vehicle including vehicle support and guidance wheels which are rotatable about axes inclined relative to legs of the angle tracks have a periphery that engages the legs of the angle tracks so that the weight of the vehicle is supported by the tracks and the support structure only. A pneumatic propulsion unit is movably disposed inside the power tube and is guided along rails on the inside of the power tube. A magnetic coupler having first and second cooperating magnetic elements is attached to the vehicle and the propulsion unit in operative alignment with each other. A portion of the power tube located between the magnetic elements is constructed of a non-magnetic and non-conductive material and extends over the length of the power tube.

Abstract: A mobile device for traversing a ferromagnetic surface. The device includes a frame and at least one surface contacting device attached to the frame. The device also includes a Halbach magnet array attached to the frame, wherein the Halbach magnet array provides a magnetic force to maintain the surface contacting device substantially into contact with the ferromagnetic surface.

Abstract: The train (1) of modules (2 to 6) that forms the robot comprises springs (38) to connect the successive modules together enabling curvature of the train in the bends of a pipe. However, cables (41) bring the modules together by compressing the springs when they are pulled, until the conical end faces (39, 40) are engaged in each other; the train is made rigid and can be immobilised inside the pipe to perform different types of machining operations, including welding or cutting joints between successive pipes in the pipework.

Abstract: The specification discloses a robot for inspection adapted to travel virtually unlimited distances through small-diameter enclosed spaces such as conduits or ducts, preferably using a fluid-driven screw-drive propulsion system. The robot preferably includes a drive module having a plurality of wheels inclined at an angle greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, a driver module having a plurality of wheels aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and a power module. The driver module is preferably connected to the drive module such that the drive and driver modules are capable of providing the locomotive motion of the robot. The power module preferably provides the power to the drive and driver modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for propelling an object by pneumatic air flow along one or more individual track sections utilizing a unique air controller providing a conduit for entrance of the object thereinto and an exit as well as a switching means for moving the object from one track to another and for maintaining uniform flow such that the object continuously moves through the tracks and the tunnel defined in the air controller therefore. The design includes a unique directional flow tapered air inlet for receiving air under pressure from an air pressure chamber for the main powering pneumatically of an object through the propulsion track. Also included is a uniquely configured object which may include a decorative body externally thereon for aesthetics. An air recycling chamber is included for minimizing the effects of back pressure and maximizing efficiency of operation of the object. This device could be used for amusement purposes or commercial purposes.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus adapted for locomotion in an enclosed space such as a pipe includes a combination of articulated gripping and locomotive modules. Each gripping module includes an actuator mechanically linked to gripping members such that axial forces produced by the actuator are translated to radial forces in the gripping members, whereby the gripping members are caused to alternately hold and release the engagement of the robotic apparatus with surfaces of the enclosed space. Each locomotive module includes one or more actuators adapted to alternatively expand and contract the length of the locomotive module. The sequence of operations of the gripping and locomotive modules can be controlled such that the robotic apparatus can crawl through the enclosed space in an inchworm-like fashion and is capable of navigating turns and traversing inclines.

Abstract: A pipe crawler apparatus particularly useful for 3-inch and 4-inch diameter pipes is provided. The pipe crawler apparatus uses a gripping apparatus in which a free end of a piston rod is modified with a bearing retaining groove. Bearings, placed within the groove, are directed against a camming surface of three respective pivoting support members. The non-pivoting ends of the support members carry a foot-like gripping member that, upon pivoting of the support member, engages the interior wall of the pipe.

Abstract: An amusement ride comprises a hollow launch tube having an inner surface and first and second ends, the first end being open; a passenger vehicle having an outer peripheral surface which forms a substantial seal with the inner surface of the launch tube so as to form a substantially sealed space inside said launch tube from said passenger vehicle to the second end of the launch tube; guidance means for guiding said passenger vehicle along a pre-determined path to exit the launch tube, said guidance means being self-rigid and extending through said open first end along said pre-determined path; and a pressurized gas source for introducing pressurized gas into the substantially sealed space inside said launch tube sufficient to launch the passenger vehicle along said guidance means and out of the launch tube.

Abstract: There is provided a transportation system for transporting content from a first specified address to a second specified address. The transportation system comprises a transport channel, a plurality of containers, an operator, a propeller operatively connected to said container and in operative communication with said operator, and a central controller remote from said containers and in operative communication with said operator. The controller is configured for receiving orders for transport between the first and second addresses. In operation, the controller communicates instructions to the operator, and the operator further communicates the instructions to the propeller, causing the propeller to propel the cargo from the first address to the second address.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the resistance to the motion of vehicles due to air displacement and air friction by reducing the air pressure in an enclosed passageway for vehicular travel. Balance rooms are provided for entering the enclosed passageway without significantly increasing the air pressure in the passageway. Alternatively, the air in the passageway is replaced with a gas with a lesser molecular weight than air, to reduce the resistance to motion.

Abstract: The improvement in a control circuit for the operation of pneumatically propelled vehicles consists of a propulsion duct formed by a guideway (1) and power propulsion units (3) with flow control valves (4) located at intervals along the guideway (1). Atmospheric valves (2) are located at specific points along the guideway (1), opening and closing the duct to the atmosphere, and the section isolation valves (6) are positioned in such a way as to isolate adjacent blocks of the guideway (1) and at the same time to maintain the functioning of the propulsion circuit in the other blocks. A secondary duct (7) can be provided to allow a propulsion unit installed at a vehicle station to propel a vehicle which is stopped at the station.

Abstract: A ground-based capsule pipeline with greatly improved speed, energy efficiency, and cost for transportation of freight and/or people. Passive magnetic levitation is used to suspend inert, rugged capsules within an air-evacuated pipeline, where they are propelled by a linear motor. Permanent magnet pole arrays incorporated in the capsules interact with inductively-enhanced conductive loops on the interior of the pipeline to produce a low “take-off” speed, high lift, and a high lift-drag ratio.

Abstract: A pod assembly is disposed inside and thrusted along a slotted tube having a longitudinal slot. The pod assembly comprises a first pod, a second pod coupled with the first pod, and a strut disposed between and coupled with the first pod and the second pod. The strut extends through the longitudinal slot of the slotted tube to the support a transportation module outside the slotted tube. In one embodiment, the first pod is a thrust pod and the second pod is a passive pod. The thrust pod includes a thrust pod tire to make contact with the interior of the slotted tube and at least one bladder which is inflatable and deflatable to modulate gas flow through the thrust pod to adjust speed of movement of the thrust pod in the slotted tube. The passive pod includes a passive pod tire to make contact with the interior of the slotted tube and includes no thrust control feature. In another embodiment, the first and second pods include pod tires for making contact with the interior of the slotted tube.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism includes an inner magnetic coupler disposed inside a thrust tube and an outer magnetic coupler disposed outside the thrust tube. The inner and outer magnetic couplers are spaced by a non-metallic portion of the thrust tube. The inner magnetic coupler is movable relative to the wall in a direction of movement. The outer magnetic coupler is magnetically coupled with the inner magnetic coupler to be moved by the inner magnetic coupler. The inner magnetic coupler includes an inner magnetic bar and a plurality of inner magnetic blocks coupled to the inner magnetic bar. The inner magnetic blocks are disposed between the inner magnetic bar and the thrust tube. The inner magnetic bar is opposite in polarity from the inner magnetic blocks. The inner magnetic blocks are arranged in series and are alternately spaced by a plurality of inner nonmagnetic spacers in the direction of movement.

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 track-mounted ride powered by compressed gas injected either into a tube surrounding the vehicle of the ride or into a housing having a piston connected to a catch that removably engages the vehicle. The track can be an open course or a closed course. Braking is accomplished either by braking systems traditionally utilized in the art of track-mounted amusement rides or by using a tube which the vehicle enters and in which the vehicle compresses air to produce pneumatic braking.