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 improved system for sealing a slot (37) in the guideway (13) of a pneumatic transportation system includes two separate pairs of sealing flaps for producing two separate opposed seal interfaces (47, 49) through which a travelling pylon (18) connecting a propulsion plate (17) to a vehicle (15) on the guideway can pass. A first pair of sealing flaps (43a, 43b) provides a negative pressure seal and a second pair of sealing flaps (49a, 49b) provides a positive pressure seal. The sealing flaps contact the travelling pylons along their distal ends only, so as to produce minimum deflection of the seal and minimum mechanical resistance against the pylon. The slot seal system of the invention is relatively easy to install from outside the vehicle guideway and produces no cavities in the top of the guideway in which moisture and debris can accumulate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved tracheal tube which accommodates and follows the axial lengthening, shortening and translating movement of the trachea in actions such as breathing and swallowing, so as to minimize relative movement between the trachea and the tube where the tube inner end engages and bears against the trachea. In preferred form, the tube has two or more rigid, longitudinally spaced tubular support sections, including its inner end portion and an outer portion which are fixed in position with respect to the patient. The support sections support radially and connect at least one filmy tubular collapsible section between them. The collapsible section folds and unfolds on itself in the axial direction virtually without resistance, in response to movement of the trachea which tends to shorten or lengthen the distance between the support sections.

Abstract: A fiber-bale mill comprises a cutting device which is movable over a row of fiber bales. A collector passage is open on top below the cutting device which travels to and fro. An air passage in a cutting device through which the cut fibers are drawn from the vicinity of the cutting mechanism communicates with the passage. A cover strip at least partially covers the top of the collector passage to maintain a reduced pressure therein. Guide rollers for the cover strip are provided on the cutting device, to lift the cover strip from the collector passage at the location, at which the air passage opens into the collector passage and guide the cover strip over the portion of the air passage opening into the collector passage.

Abstract: A pneumatic propulsion system for passenger vehicles is constituted by a structural beam, composed of modular elements end-supported on pillars. The beam supports the trackway and provides an air duct for pneumatic propulsion of vehicles. A longitudinal slit in the top surface of the beam is sealed by flexible flaps and that press against each other to seal off the duct, while allowing for the passage of support mast. Airflow for propulsion of the vehicle is generated by a stationary airflow generator, which feeds the air propulsion duct by way of connecting ducts and which is outfitted with a set of four butterfly control valves that are controlled by a command and control system of flow and pressure condition in the duct which actuates the valves pneumatically, allowing automatic or manual selection of "suction" or "pressure" conditions in the duct.

Abstract: A system for propelling vehicles for carrying passengers or cargo comprises a longitudinal duct, having a slit at the top and a pair of rails or tracks. A vehicle is provided to run on the tracks and has a fin which projects into the duct to substantially fill the same. Differential air pressure is applied to the duct to cause the fin to move along the duct and carry the vehicle with it. The duct may include several stations with means to produce differential air pressure between the separate stations. A braking device operates to apply brakes when the pressure on both sides of the fin is substantially the same. Preferably the vehicle contains no internal control for the fin or air pressure so that it can be controlled from the outside by the device for forwarding the differential air pressure.

Abstract: An improved transportation system is provided by which vehicles may be propelled along the top of a duct on a cushion of pressurized air. The duct is provided with a grating on its upper surface through which the pressurized air is emitted from the interior of the duct, and a longitudinal slot extends along the grating. The lower surface of the grating is normally closed by a flexible belt which extends along the interior of the duct. The belt is depressed down from the grating as the vehicle moves along the top of the duct to permit air pressure in the duct to escape through the grating and thus support the vehicle on a cushion of air. At least one vane is attached to a carriage, the vane being supported on the lower end of an arm which depends from the vehicle and extends down through the slot into the interior of the duct. The vane extends across the interior of the duct. A pressure differential created within the duct on opposite sides of the vane serve to propel the vehicle along the top of the duct.

Abstract: A fiber bale opener includes a truck arranged for back-and-forth displacement along a travelling path, an opening mechanism carried by the truck and arranged for removing fiber from the top of fiber bales positioned along the travelling path and a suction apparatus for carrying away, by an air stream, fiber removed from the bales by the opening mechanism. The suction apparatus includes a suction duct extending in the direction of the travelling path and a throughgoing slot on one side of the duct, extending parallel to the travelling path. The suction apparatus further has a flexible cover belt which extends over the slot for sealing the inside of the duct from the environment and which defines an interstice within the truck. The interstice travels with the truck and provides a passage for the fiber from the opening mechanism to the inside of the suction duct.

Abstract: A guideway system for cargo including vehicles is provided wherein a carriage glides on a rail mounted in a channel. The rail has compressed air discharge ports and vacuum intake ports positioned longitudinally therealong. The compressed air ports emit sufficient air to provide an air support cushion under the carriage and to impart positive air pressure behind it while the vacuum ports reduce the air pressure forward of the carriage to create an air pressure differential that propels the carriage along such rail. Vehicles drive onto a carriage, are secured in place and are conveyed to a desired station on such carriage. The vehicle then unloads from the carriage and drives off to its final destination. Similarly, other cargo is loaded onto a carriage and unloaded at its destination.

Abstract: A fluid pressure containment device utilizing a new design of pressure seal which accomplishes its purpose by a rotary motion of a tube placed inside a vessel. A helical slot cut into the tube causes the tube to rotate by the camming action of a free floating piston placed within the tube. The stationary outer vessel contains openings at its ends through which the working fluid medium may enter and exit and in addition is slotted, longitudinally for an attachment to the free floating piston to pass through the wall of the vessel as fluid pressure moves the piston longitudinally along the slot in the outer vessel. Sealing of the fluid pressure inside the stationary outer vessel is accomplished by the inside tube as it rotates and by a variety of seals which also serve as structural supports against pressure caused forces inside the tube.

Abstract: An improved dynamic seal for the longitudinal slot in a pressurized cylin of an aircraft catapult system having a shuttle adapted to travel at high speed through the slot. The seal includes a flexible, elongated sealing strip extended along the slot in sealing relation therewith to close the cylinder, and a series of ball detents mounted along the length of the slot on each side thereof for urging inwardly against the sides of the sealing strip thereby providing support for the strip throughout the length of the cylinder. When the shuttle, adapted to guide the strip internally of the cylinder as it passes therethrough, travels through the slot, the ball detents maintain the strip in sealing relation with the slot thereby preventing whipping of the strip forwardly of the moving shuttle.

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 duct for use with mine equipment is provided with an elongate aperture normally closed by a displaceable sealing means to retain a fluid, under pressure, within the duct, the sealing means, in use, being displaceable by fluid pick-up means carried by a mining machine to convey fluid from the duct to the machine. The invention also includes conveyor trough section provided with such a duct and a mining machine combination.

Abstract: An electrical power supply conduit comprises an elongate electrical conductor located in the conduit, the latter preferably being pressurized with clean air or an inert gas and having an entry slot extending longitudinally, through which slot, in use, an electrical pick up e.g. a pantograph of an electrical machine may enter the conduit to gain access to the electrical conductor, with a flexible mechanical seal extending longitudinally of the conduit and normally closing the slot.

Abstract: In a rail transportation system, a sensor assembly is mountable on a rail vehicle for detecting, during the travel thereof, a rail obstruction which would inhibit continued and uninterrupted travel of the vehicle and for transmitting such detection to the vehicle speed control for regulating the same to thereby avoid a perilous situation. The sensor assembly includes a leashed sensor element which is guidingly propelled forwardly of the vehicle parallel to the rail at a distance required for a comfortable stop depending on vehicle speed. Travel of the sensor element is retarded upon contacting the obstruction thereby causing a reel to which the leash is connected to rewind and accordingly regulate the vehicle speed control to bring the travelling vehicle to a complete and safe stop if necessary.

Abstract: A boat ride system for an amusement park, which includes a main channel and an auxiliary channel extending under the main channel and isolated from it except along a narrow slot. A boat for carrying people includes a hull floating in the main channel, a pair of paddles lying in the auxiliary channel, and a pair of supports extending through the slot and connecting the paddles to the hull. Pumps are utilized to pump water along the auxiliary channel so that the moving water pushes the paddles and therefore moves the hull along the main channel.