Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a plurality of extension modules coupled to a movable circuit, where each extension module of the plurality of extension modules contain a respective walking segment. Each extension module of the plurality of extension modules is also configured to extend the respective walking segment away from the movable circuit. The system also includes a controller configured to activate a set of extension modules of the plurality of extension modules to adjust a position of corresponding walking segments based on a position of a vehicle, where the corresponding walking segments are configured to substantially abut a surface of the vehicle to facilitate loading and unloading of passengers from the vehicle.

Abstract: Persons and/or goods are transported in vehicles which are each equipped with running wheels. The vehicles are connectable to a continuously driven traction cable by which they are driven along a track, such as on rails. A plurality of deceleration wheels and a plurality of acceleration wheels disposed in stations of the system where the vehicles may be loaded and unloaded. In the stations, the vehicles are disconnectable from the traction cable. The vehicles are slowed down by bringing the deceleration wheels into contact therewith and they are accelerated by bringing the acceleration wheels into contact therewith. The deceleration wheels are divided into a plurality of groups and the wheels within each group are driven at the same peripheral speed. Upon transfer of the vehicle from one group of wheels to an adjacent group, the wheels of the two groups are driven at the same speed as well.

Abstract: The mass transit system comprises at least two train stations. Each station has at least one revolving platform whose upper surface defines a curvilinear track. Stationary tracks are positioned between the platforms. An endless flexible member is driven by the revolving platforms at a constant speed. The flexible member carries cars which together form an endless train. The cars are driven by the flexible member and ride over the stationary tracks and over the curvilinear tracks.

Abstract: The overhead cable transport installation possesses at each of the stations a transfer section between a disembarking section and an embarking section. At a still linear starting section of each transfer section there are provided driven wheels and at the linear end or terminal section of each transfer section there are likewise provided driven wheels. The driven wheels at the starting section are driven at a stepped greater rotational speed in relation to wheels located at the disembarking section, so that vehicles of the overhead cable transport installation arriving in the transfer section can be accelerated by the driven wheels engaging at friction shoes of the vehicle. A chain conveyor extends between the driven wheels of the starting section of the transfer section along the latter and transports the vehicles at an increased velocity and with a correspondingly greater mutual spacing from one another through curved portions of the transfer section.

Abstract: The novel mass transit system comprises at least two stations, each having a rotatable platform. An endless stationary track loops around the rotary platforms. A plurality of small cars form an endless tensioned train for moving over the track. Each car is driven exclusively by frictional forces developed between the driving platform and the cars. These frictional forces result from direct mechanical engagement between the tensioned endless train and the platforms when the cars are at the stations.

Abstract: An amusement ride loading terminal having a revolving circular platform is provided for continuous loading of passengers into a series of moving circular vehicles. The platform cooperates with an endless track conveyer to keep the vehicles revolving with the platform without individual vehicles spinning or rotating on their own axis. The conveyer has a vertically disposed conveying surface with an arcuate contact portion displaced from and concentric with the periphery of the circular platform. The track conveyer is operated to provide an arcuate velocity to the contact surface equal to the equivalent extended diameter of the circular platform, wherein the vehicles engage the periphery of the platform and the arcuate contact portion of the conveyer and are moved with the platform a portion of a revolution without roll or spin, for convenient loading of passengers into vehicles.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring a pallet from a first trackway to a second trackway is disclosed. Each trackway includes an inside track and an outside track. Preferably, the outside tracks of each trackway are connected by an arcuate connecting track. A transfer device moves the pallet from the end of the first trackway to the adjacent end of the second trackway. The transfer device includes a turntable having a track portion thereon, preferably, an inside track portion. By rotating the turntable, the track portion is first presented adjacent the end of the first trackway so that the pallet is received on the track portion. The turntable is then rotated and carries the pallet to the end of the second trackway to which the pallet is then transferred. The track portion can extend continuously around the turntable and the turntable rotated constantly so that a pallet is transferred as soon as the pallet reaches the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: This rotary loader has two vertical posts each with a rotary arm radiating therefrom with a load platform centered an equal distance out on each arm. The arms are coordinated to revolve parallel and move under and lift or lower together to transfer a load such as a cargo container or railway car body separable from its chassis. Each arm supports the end of a load on a pivot or turntable central of the width of the load. The turntables can be connected to form one platform and the pivots be above or below the load. Preferably the turntables are round and on a lobe of equal diameter on the end of each arm with a rubber rimmed disc wheel of slightly larger diameter of the pivot's axis below the arm to guide the arms of the loader to roll between pedestals or rabbets across the car's platform to couple and align the loader and car for transfer. The loader is vehicle mounted to engage stationary cars or load berths.

Abstract: This rotary loader and side coupling system for transfer of semitrailers or containers has a vertical pivot post with one or more load handling lobes or turntables each mounted on a horizontal flat lobe on an end of a frame or arm which is hinged to a slip collar on the post and supported and propelled on wheels on a concentric cam track to revolve thereabout and lift and lower on slopes in the cam track to transfer a load on the lobe or turntable. The turntable is fronted with a bumper or face sloped or rounded or disc wheel to engage between pedestals or locators or into openings on a vehicle under the load. The turntable has two depending fingers spaced on opposite sides of the table's pivot for engaging the side of a vehicle or curb to turn the table to align with the vehicle or driveway for transfer.

Abstract: Terminal station return loop device for vehicles, containers or platforms driven continuously along a transport system, which comprises essentially a chain conveyor forming a loop having a relatively short radius of curvature and passing over a platform driven at the same speed as the conveyor, and at least one vehicle equipped with two trains of wheels, i.e. carrier wheels rolling on a fixed rail of the transport line which terminates at the inlet of the platform with a bevelled end, and drive wheels engaging the conveyor chain at the end of an endless belt driving shoes supporting the vehicle when the carrier wheels leave the rail for slipping on the platform by means of their edges.