Abstract: A reeling shaft transfer rail system has two parallel substantially horizontal or slightly sloped rails for supporting the ends (25) of a reeling shaft (20). Hoses are arranged on each of the transfer rails (15) and filled or drained to move and hold the reeling shaft (20). In a method of transferring reeling shafts on transfer rails, the reeling shafts (20) are transferred on two parallel, substantially horizontal or slightly downstream of a main transfer direction inclined transfer rails (15) for supporting each of the supporting ends (25) of a reeling shaft (20). The reeling shafts (20) are transferred or positioned in the reeling shaft transfer rail system (10) by pressurizing hoses (17) arranged on each of the transfer rails. The hoses are arranged so fluid added to or withdrawn from the hoses pushes or holds the reeling shaft (20) on the transfer rails (15).

Abstract: Toy track sets for toy vehicles are disclosed. A toy track set for a toy vehicle may include a first track section having a first travel surface and a first tubular connector at a first connecting end of the first travel surface. The toy track set may further include a second track section that is configured to be rotatably coupled to the first tubular connector. The second track section may include a second travel surface having first and second travel portions. The second track section may be configured to rotate relative to the first track section between a first position in which the first travel surface forms a continuous travel path with the first travel portion, and a second position in which the first travel surface forms a continuous travel path with the second travel portion.

Abstract: A vehicle braking arrangement includes a braking plate connected to a vehicle by a link arm. The braking plate is movable from a rest position to a braking position where contact is made with the ground, and includes a sealing rim arranged to at least partially contact the ground such that an at least partly enclosed volume is formed. The vehicle braking arrangement includes an expandable chamber formed between a lower plate, at least one connecting side wall and an upper plate, which chamber is connectable to the volume. Upon activation, the chamber's volume is expanded by movement of the lower plate away from the upper plate. Then the pressure is lowered in the volume which results in that the braking plate is pressed against the ground. In this way, a retaining force is obtained.

Abstract: An example method includes: for a component supported by an air bearing, detecting a speed of movement of the component relative to a predefined location, the air bearing generating an air flow to elevate the component relative to a ground plane; and controlling the air bearing based, at least in part, on the speed detected.

Abstract: Provided is a tube railway system that reduces noise and air resistance using a sealed evacuated tube as a passage for a tube railway, thereby allowing a train to run at a higher speed. A vacuum division management system and a vacuum blocking screen device for a tube railway system required to maintain vacuum are provided, in which the vacuum blocking screen device is operated to rapidly block a passage for a tube railway in response to an operation signal, is installed at every certain section or at a designated section of the tube railway, and is operated in a specific section when a vacuum maintenance problem occurs, or when the vacuum needs to be released, or when the train needs to stop immediately, thereby allowing the specific section to be isolated from other sections to have a degree of vacuum different from those of the other sections.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to an elevated track to support and serve the pneumatic propulsion duct for transportation vehicles, for cargo or passengers. The improved elevated track is modular and self supporting and consists of a pneumatic propulsion central duct (1) on whose vertical walls (11) are fastened side walkways (2). The propulsion duct (1) has structural reinforcing (12) in the form of transverse frames on the duct axis. The side walkways (2) have transverse reinforcement (21) which unify with the duct reinforcing frames (12). On the propulsion duct (1) top edges (13) are fastened rails (3) in an “I” beam format, traditionally used on railroads. A preferred transverse section of the propulsion duct (1) is rectangular, this having a central slot (14) on the top surface (13) for the passage of the vehicle propulsion system.

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: 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 vehicular linear propulsion system for use along a track, comprising: a tubular drive line (3) divided lengthwise into a plurality of mutually-sealed sectors connected end-to-end by sector gate air valves (SG); at least one main supply pipe running adjacent, preferably parallel, to the drive line for the supply of air to the drive line or the evacuation of air from the drive line; at least two main air valves (V1, V2 or P1, P2) near respective ends of each sector for selective communication with the main supply pipe; and two exhaust air valves (I1, I2 or E1, E2) near respective ends of each sector for selective communication with the atmosphere for exhausting air or taking air in.

Abstract: An amusement ride that simulates the sport of drag racing. The ride includes a vehicle propelled by a compressed fluid system. They compressed fluid system includes a pressure sleeve slid over and receiving pressure from a pressure tube. The vehicle is attached to the pressure sleeve such that pressure entering the pressure sleeve through the pressure tube from a pressure source causes separation of the pressure tube and pressure sleeve thereby moving the vehicle. The compressed fluid system further includes a main dump valve operative to supply pressure to the pressure tube on demand. Accordingly, the release of pressure into the pressure sleeve causes the vehicle to rapidly accelerate and simulate the sport of drag racing.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for propelling and braking a vehicle traveling along a guideway. The apparatus comprises a plurality of nozzles located along the length of the guideway that direct fluid jets. Strip valves are arranged end-to-end along the guideway. Each of the strip valves controls the fluid flow from a group of the nozzles. A power unit is mounted for travel along the guideway. The power unit opens the strip valves in succession to release fluid jets from the nozzles controlled by the strip values. Thrust vanes on the power unit are arranged to receive impulse energy from the released fluid jets to propel the power unit along either direction of the guideway. The vehicle is connected to the power unit.

Abstract: An all-weather guided vehicle system comprises a guideway including a single tube or a pair of parallel tubes capable of storing pressurized air. Vehicles are suspended below, above, or beside the tube(s) by way of carriages to which the vehicles are connected. Arcuate roller tracks between the vehicle and the carriage provide a banking mechanism for cornering. The tube(s) support continuous high-speed rails to receive suspension members extending from the carriage for air or wheeled suspension. Impulse vanes are provided on a vertical rod extending through a slotted opening in a propulsion channel for cooperation with air jet nozzles located within the channel to propel and brake the carriage. Embodiments having a fair-weather vehicle riding atop the deck and tire tracks for suspension and prevention of side sway are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transport system includes a traveling rail (1) which constitutes a transport route and a transport body (3) which is capable of traveling on the traveling rail in the longitudinal direction of the traveling rail. Flexible drive tubes (5) are arranged on the traveling rail in the longitudinal direction of the traveling rail. The transport body includes a traveling wheel (4) which is capable of rolling on the traveling rail and drive wheels (2) which are capable of rolling on the drive tubes upon receiving the rotational drive power generated by pressure of a pressure medium supplied to the drive tubes while depressing the drive tubes. The traveling rail includes a plurality of transport sections and the transport body is capable of receiving a rotational drive force from the drive tubes at every transport sections. If necessary, a transport route changeover switch which changes over the transport route can be provided between the transport sections.

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: An improved propulsion plate connector system for a pneumatically propelled vehicle of a pneumatic transportation system includes a vertical pylon for connecting a propulsion plate in an air duct of a vehicle guideway to a wheel truck of the vehicle at a pylon joint proximate the wheel truck. The pylon and pylon joint fix the rotational position of the propulsion plate about the vertical axis of the pylon and position the propulsion plate in approximate vertical alignment with a wheel axis of the wheel truck, such that the propulsion plate remains substantially centered in the air duct when the vehicle truck passes through horizontal curves in the guideway. The pylon joint also permits vertical articulation of the wheel truck relative to the pylon and propulsion plate to maintain traction between the vehicle truck wheels and the guideway track as the wheel truck enters and exits vertical curves in the guideway.

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: This invention has the ability to provide the initial acceleration necessary for spacecraft to attain earth orbit without use of traditional rocket propellants. The invention also has the ability to provide an alternative means of ground transportation without the direct use of fossil fuel. The invention utilizes a pressurized, nonmagnetic tube to accelerate and translate a piston. The piston is magnetically coupled to a conveyance, which travels along the outside of the tube. The conveyance, in turn, can be either a spacecraft or a vehicle suitable for ground transportation.

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. The atmospheric valve (2) is coupled to an aperture (11) in the guideway (1) and consists of a butterfly valve.

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

Abstract: Propulsion apparatus for a transportation system vehicle. At least one gas producer is mounted on the vehicle for discharging a propulsive fluid stream. The propulsive fluid stream is directed against at least one longitudinally extending linear turbine assembly to propel the vehicle. A manifold delivers the propulsive fluid stream to the linear turbine assembly. A plenum beneath the vehicle receives the propulsive fluid stream from the linear turbine assembly to support the vehicle on a gascushion. Each linear turbine assembly includes cooperating nozzle blades and turbine blades mounted on the vehicle. Each nozzle blade has a longitudinal axis which is transverse of the fluid stream, the longitudinal axes of the nozzle blades all being substantially parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axes of each of the turbine blades, all of the turbine blades being substantially equally spaced from the nozzle blades.

Abstract: A linear drive system has a guide rail and a transport device that is moveable along the guide rail. At least one tubular, flexible hollow body is positioned along the extension of the guide rail. The hollow body consists essentially of an elastomeric material and has a first and a second end. The at least one hollow body is loadable with a pressure medium from the first or the second end. At least one squeezing roller is rotatably connected to the transport device for forcing sealingly the at least one hollow body against a counter element. The guide rail consists essentially of a flexible elastomer.

Abstract: To provide a railroad car design that allows the car to travel at high speeds over current roadbeds at very low fuel costs per mile a special rail is formed. This rail has the form of a wave shaped on its top with the troughs and crests of the wave repeating themselves every several feet apart continuously down both tracks for the whole distance of the railroad. When a wheel of this multi-wheeled car comes over the crest of a wave it has encountered as it moves down this wave formed track, the wheel immediately begins supporting its computer calculated portion of the weight of the car on a cushion of air pressure forced into its supporting air cylinder at that moment and rolls down the face of the wave in its desired direction of travel.

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

Abstract: Propulsion apparatus for a transportation system vehicle. At least one gas producer is mounted on the vehicle for discharging a propulsive fluid stream. The propulsive fluid stream is directed against at least one longitudinally extending linear turbine assembly to propel the vehicle. A manifold delivers the propulsive fluid stream to the linear turbine assembly. A plenum beneath the vehicle receives the propulsive fluid stream from the linear turbine assembly to support the vehicle on a gascushion. Each linear turbine assembly includes cooperating nozzle blades and turbine blades mounted on the vehicle. Each nozzle blade has a longitudinal axis which is transverse of the fluid stream, the longitudinal axes of the nozzle blades all being substantially parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axes of each of the turbine blades, all of the turbine blades being substantially equally spaced from the nozzle blades.

Abstract: Cargo and passenger vehicles are pneumatically propelled by a system comprising a bifurcated rail module assembled on a beam, for establishing two alternative routes for the rail network, according to a position adopted by line changing equipment. Switch points in the rails are synchronized by an actuator located below the beam, the motion of which is transmitted by torque tubes that drive the switch points. The control motion of the switch points is transmitted further by connecting rods located below the beam, to a torque tube that moves segments of articulated rail for clearing the passage of driving vanes connected to the vehicle through a longitudinal slot in the beam, in the same direction established by the position of the switch points of the line changing equipment. Stop valves for the module are provided in the two bifurcated ends of the duct for interrupting the flow in the portion of the line not selected by the line changing equipment.

Abstract: A pipe worm comprises radially inflatable toroids spaced along an axially inflatable tubular body. The worm inches through piping through sequential inflation and deflation of the toroids and tubular body. The worm includes a fluid supply source, pipe maintenance instrumentation and automatic, semiautomatic or manual controls which are remote, on-board or trailered, as desired. The worm is inexpensive, reliable, capable of turning 90 degree corners, and further uniquely advantageous.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection vehicle has at least one resilient driving cup mounted around the body of the vehicle so as to contact the interior wall of the vehicle and thus provide a pressure differential across the driving cup which will propel the vehicle along the pipeline. An annular array of ducts extends through the body of the vehicle to by-pass fluid through the driving cup, each duct being provided with a control valve for regulating the flow of fluid through the duct. A control arrangement is provided for opening and closing the control valves in dependence on the speed of the vehicle, thereby to adjust the speed of the vehicle in accordance with a desired speed.

Abstract: A game comprising an air tube transportation system energized by a unique air pump system. The air pump system includes an air pump manifolded into a plurality of tubes wherein each of the tubes is selectively connected to the air pump through individual valves which control the direction and force of the air flowing through the tubes.

Abstract: A machine which is operative for handling a roll of wound sheet-like material having a loose tail end includes rollers which rotate the roll in the rewinding direction, blowers which unwind the loose tail end off the roll during rotation, and a delivery table upon which the unwound loose tail end settles for the application of glue. A first sensor detects the unwinding of the tail end off the roll and activates a normally deactivated second sensor which turns off the rollers when the tail end reaches a predetermined location on the delivery table. Adhesive is next applied to the stationary tail end by a glue gun which is movably mounted on a pneumatically controlled carriage assembly. The glued tail end is thereafter rewound upon the roll, and the roll is subsequently ejected from the machine. A third sensor detects the initial presence of the roll upon the rollers and will initiate ejection of the roll after a predetermined time period elapses, regardless of operation of the glue gun.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport plant in which a plurality of aligned pneumatic tubes define a transport path, the tubes being spaced apart with an overhead rail in the form of an I-beam extending continuously along the path and through each tube, in which it is mounted by brackets flanking the rail and engaging the underside of the upper flange thereof, the brackets being bolted to the walls of the tubes.

Abstract: A system for the continuous unloading of the containers of pneumatic tranrt vehicles to which an initial velocity is imparted by pneumatic displacement within a transport tube section, while the movement of the vehicles beyond the transport tube section is caused by inertia, the vehicle being suspended from an overhead rail.The unloading of the vehicle container is performed by operating a latch which engages an uncoupling cam provided on the rail, thus causing the release of the container at its rear end and the pivoting of the container around its axis in the vertical plane while the container remains suspended at its front end.

Abstract: An arrangement for transportation of cargoes in containers along a closed loop track having at least two spaced handling stations each station having a zone of reception of containers and a zone of delivery of containers, each portion of the track connecting the zone of delivery of one handling station to the zone of reception of an adjacent handling station comprising a pipeline communicating, via air admission pipes, with a source of compressed air for moving the containers, and each container having at least one sealing member closing the cross-sectional area of the pipeline. The zone of reception of each handling station comprises a portion of the track permanently communicating with atmosphere and inclined in the direction of movement of containers, and the zone of delivery of each handling station comprising a portion of the track permanently communicating with atmosphere and an independent drive for moving the containers along this portion of the track.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system in which a transport tube is provided with an overhead rail in the form of an I-beam contained therein and a vehicle riding along the rail. The vehicle is formed by an elongated container suspended beneath the rail and displaceable therealong within the tube, with at least one vertical pivot mounted at an end of the container and a support mounted at an end of the container and a support mounted on the vertical pivot. A plurality of support rollers are mounted on the support and engage the lower flange of the rail while a plurality of guide rollers, also mounted on the support, flank the lower flange of the rail. Packing means provided at an end of the container enables the vehicle to be pneumatically displaced through the tube, the packing means being spaced from the wall of the tube and mounted on the vertical pivot for displacement in a horizontal plane by a pin provided on the support and engaged by a fork provided on the packing means.

Abstract: An air supply track for positioning in a floor, and a probe for mounting on a vehicle which moves along the floor. An air supply track having a slotted conduit with the slot closed by a membrane urged against the slot by air pressure within the conduit. A probe movable into engagement with the membrane for moving the membrane away from the slot permitting air flow through apertures in the membrane into the probe and then into the vehicle.

Abstract: A carrier for the pneumatic conveying of loads over a pipeline the body of which is provided with longitudinal seals attached to its sides with provision for displacement in the vertical direction relative to the body and also provided with transverse seals at its end faces -- a forward and a rearward seal being provided to take into account the direction in which the carrier travels. The transverse seals form, in conjunction with the longitudinal seals, spaces above and below the body communicating with the space in the pipeline before and after the body, respectively, by way of at least one opening provided in each of the forward and rearward transverse seals.

Abstract: A transportation system in which vehicular elements are movably mounted on a track and are supported on the track during operation by an air cushion and are propelled along the track by a linear air turbine, cooperating elements of which are on the track and the vehicle.

Abstract: A low pressure air propelled transportation system for moving a vehicle or objects through a conduit having unrestricted, non-gated portals open at all times to atmospheric pressure at both ends. Adjacent the intake end of the conduit a plurality of Coanda-effect directional slit orifices are formed in the wall of the conduit. A manifold communicates with the orifices and blower means and supplies air through the orifices.

Abstract: The train of containers is intended for a plant for pneumatic transportation of goods through a tube, wherein the containers are interconnected by means of spherical joints.On the end face of the leading or foremost container in the direction of the travel of the train there is mounted a front flap spanning the lower half of the gap between the container and the tube, whereas the end face of the trailing or tailmost container carries thereon a tail flap spanning the upper half of the same gap, the lateral sides of each container having mounted thereon side flaps acting as plain bearings and being adapted to travel along guideways mounted on the internal side wall of the tube.

Abstract: The container according to the invention is intended for pneumatic transportation of loads through a pipeline. The container comprises a body which is provided at the ends with a front cup and a rear cup, said front and rear caps closing the lower and upper halves, respectively, of the gap between the container body and the pipeline. Arranged on the sides of the body are longitudinal cups which rest on guides secured to the internal side wall of the pipeline and serve as sliding supports for the container. Each longitudinal cup is connected with the body by a device mounted on said body and intended for resilient pressing of said cup against the guide and by a partition which seals off the gap between the body and said longitudinal cup and permits the body to move vertically relative to the longitudinal cup.

Abstract: An assembling and repair station wherein the trough adapted to receive the containers is mounted on guideways extending perpendicularly to the center line of this trough. A plurality of troughs is arranged at both sides of the guideways, to accommodate the containers in the course of repair work. The troughs are arranged so that their center lines are parallel with the center line of the container-receiving trough and aligned coaxially therewith, when the container-receiving trough is brought into opposition to either one of the plurality of the container-accommodating troughs. The container-receiving trough is connected via a switch by one end thereof with a main pipeline, its other end being connected with a container-arresting device, the trough carrying a device for advancing a container therealong. The disclosed structure of the assembling and repair station increases its capacity.

Abstract: A high-speed ground transportation system wherein a vehicle rides on a film of air and is propelled as a free piston through a tunnel by pneumatic pressure. Seals on the vehicle create fluid communication between a high pressure area behind the vehicle and the area beneath the vehicle while preventing fluid communication between that high pressure area and an evacuated area located in front of the vehicle, to create an air film beneath the vehicle upon which it rides. Cargo handling means are located near the tunnel and shunting means enable the vehicle to be shunted into those cargo handling areas when desired. Booster stations located at selected points serve to increase a pressure differential across a vehicle to assist that vehicle when necessary, and magnetic means are used to maintain the vehicle in a upright orientation as it is propelled through a tunnel.

Abstract: Booster pump devices for maintaining air flow through a conduit system for sweeping vehicles along the path defined by the conduit operate in full flow fashion such as tends to create reverse flow of air in the conduit within those sections between the inlet and outlet connections of the pump with the conduit. An overhead suspended air control plate is provided for each section movable incident to vehicle approach from a closed position blocking the section to an upwardly swung open position allowing the vehicle to pass beneath it. The plate is balanced by forces acting upon it to stabilize in the open position until the vehicle passes beyond it whereupon the plate automatically returns to closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle control system monitors vehicle passage at predetermined locations. Each time a vehicle passes a predetermined location a window is created for passage of that vehicle at the next predetermined location. So long as the vehicle actually passes the next location during the window the vehicle is allowed to continue its travel. As a further check each location ensures that safe separation is maintained between vehicles by allowing continued travel only if a minimum time separation is maintained. The system also responds to coupled vehicles by detecting that the time separation is below a predetermined value indicative of coupled vehicles and thus minimum time separation need not be enforced. In one embodiment, passage of a vehicle outside of a time window results in immediate protective action such as by de-energizing the power to each of the vehicles in the system to prevent violation of minimum safe separation rules.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for collecting balls from a playing area, preferably tennis balls, comprising a channel surrounding at least a portion of the playing area for receiving balls rolling out of the playing area, a device of relatively high weight in comparison to one of the balls, adapted for rolling transport in the channel, such as a steel ball or roller, means for driving the rolling device along in the channel in order to pick up balls received in the channel, a collecting device for the balls which are picked up, and preferably, a device for propelling the balls back into the playing area.

Abstract: An pneumatically actuated transportation system for use in moving cargo or passengers on a load carrying vehicle or coupled train of vehicles which are disposed along a fluid sealed duct. Load carrying vehicles are motivated within sealed duct sections by a differential air pressure between the front and rear of the vehicular train, the differential air pressure being achieved by propelling or forcing air into the duct section increasing air pressure behind the vehicle while simultaneously evacuating air from the duct section in front of the vehicle. A plurality of air pumping stations are disposed at intervals along the main transport duct, with each station extracting air from a portion of the duct on one side of the pumping device while forcing the air into the portion of the duct on the opposite side of the pumping device.

Abstract: A low pressure transportation system for moving a vehicle between stations which are at atmospheric pressure without the use of valves in the vehicle conduit and without any substantial movement of system air in or out of the vehicle portals. The system comprising: an elongated vehicle conduit having first and second portals located at the extreme ends of the conduit, a plurality of coanda-effect directional slit orifices communicating with the conduit immediately adjacent the portals for supplying substantially all of the system air to the conduit at one end and removing substantially all of the system air at the other end. A pair of manifolds communicating with the separate areas of directional orifices; and blower means supplying air to one manifold and removing the air from the other manifold.

Abstract: A system comprising receiving and dispatching stations interconnected by a pipeline having a guide fixed to the inner side wall thereof, and by containers moving along this pipeline, each container having a leading seal mounted at the forward end side thereof in the direction of movement of the containers, a trailing seal mounted at the rear end side thereof in the direction of movement of the containers, the leading seal closing the lower half of the space between the container and the pipeline and the trailing seal closing the upper half of this space, and stiff longitudinally extending lateral seals supported by said guides in the pipelines and serving as bearing supports for sliding of the container.This construction of the pipeline and containers reduces the wear of the longitudinally extending lateral seals and lowers the power consumption for transportation of the container.