Abstract: A user terminal for distributing an automobile and an automotive distribution system that can enhance convenience of a user at a time of an automotive distribution request, and a program that is executed in them are provided. In the user terminal for distributing an automobile or the automotive distribution system, a terminal control device accepts waiting times until a vehicle is distributed to a current position of the user terminal identified by a current position identifying device or the like, from the user via an operation input device. The terminal control device causes a display device to display one or a plurality of vehicles that can be distributed, for each of the waiting times that are accepted. When a single vehicle requested to be distributed is selected from vehicles that can be distributed via the operation input device, the terminal control device executes automotive distribution request processing of the vehicle requested to be distributed.

Abstract: An inductive power transfer system is used for transferring electrical power across a gap, such as an air gap or a liquid gap, such as to unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs). The power transfer system is a polyphase system that creates a travelling magnetic field in the air or liquid gap, implementing a resonant electro-magnetic (EM) field to allow larger gap separations and less precise alignments. The power transfer system may have a polyphase dynamoelectric machine attached to primary mechanical-inertial storage device with multiple stator and rotor ports connected to a polyphase traveling-wave inductive power transmitter apparatus. The system may be of use in transferring power to underwater vehicles in a subsea salt water environment. Such a power transfer system may part of a larger system for underwater power transfer, for instance at depths of at least 10 km, and/or at distances of 1 to 50 km.

Abstract: A rail transport system includes a rail (10) provided with a first concave portion built thereon, and a rail vehicle comprising a bogie (21) and a vehicle body (22). The bogie (21) has a second concave portion (110) for straddling the rail (10), the bogie (21) movably straddles the rail (10), and the vehicle body (22) is connected to the bogie (21) and is pulled by the bogie (21) to run along the rail (10). The rail transport system according to embodiments of the present disclosure has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, small occupied space, and high stability.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bogie, a rail vehicle having same, and a rail transport system. The bogie includes: a bogie frame, where the bogie frame has a straddle recess straddling a rail; a first running wheel and a second running wheel, where the first running wheel and the second running wheel are pivotably mounted onto the bogie frame respectively and are coaxially spaced apart; a third running wheel and a fourth running wheel, where the third running wheel and the fourth running wheel are pivotably mounted onto the bogie frame respectively and are coaxially spaced apart; a driving device, where the driving device is located between the first running wheel and the second running wheel, and the first running wheel and the second running wheel are driven by the driving device; and/or the driving device is located between the third running wheel and the fourth running wheel, and the third running wheel and the fourth running wheel are driven by the driving device.

Abstract: A cavity is cut into a wooden structure (e.g., stringer, block, or deckboard) of a wood pallet such that an electronic tracking device can be embedded into the wooden structure for tracking the pallet. The cavity is shaped to allow for a sufficient thickness of remaining wood material surrounding the cavity to remain strong and also to allow for sufficient thinness so wireless signals can be reliably transmitted to/from electronics within the cavity. The remaining space within the cavity around the embedded tracking device is filled with a potting material to secure and protect the tracking device within the cavity. The tracking device monitors the location of the pallet and provides location data to a back-end system over a communication channel either directly or via a local hub. The back-end system performs analytics on the location data.

Abstract: An elevated transportation system includes a multicompartment fuselage adapted to run on a series of spaced apart stanchions in which the motive force for the fuselage is located in motorized rollers disposed on each stanchion.

Abstract: A modular structure, configured to be connectable with a plurality of modular structures to form an enclosed transportation path, each modular structure including a bottom element structured and arranged to provide a track support surface and a plurality of upper element attachment structures, and an upper element configured to attach to the bottom element at the plurality of upper element attachment structures, wherein the upper element is structured to sealingly engage with the lower element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amusement ride, such as a roller coaster, comprising a vehicle track and a speed trim system for reducing the speed of the passenger vehicle traveling along the vehicle track. The speed trim system comprises a magnet arrangement located on the passenger vehicle, at least one trim brake located along the track, one or more sensors for measuring the speed of the passenger vehicle approaching and/or passing the trim brake, and a control system. According to the invention, the trim brake comprises a pivotable supported induction blade, that can be pivoted about an induction blade pivot axis between an active position, for trimming the speed of the passenger vehicle while it passes the trim brake, and an inactive position.

Abstract: A fluid bearing includes a housing including an internal plenum disposed in the housing and an inlet in fluid communication with the plenum, wherein the inlet is configured to provide fluid to the plenum from an external source, a cushion surface facing away from the housing and the plenum, one or more nozzles positioned between the cushion surface and the housing, wherein the one or more nozzles extend from the plenum to the surrounding environment, wherein the one or more nozzles are configured to produce an annular curtain of fluid flowing at a velocity of at least Mach 1 and disposed about the cushion surface in response to a fluid flow entering the plenum from the inlet.

Abstract: A pneumatic taxi system of an aircraft with a rotary non-turbine air motor for driving a wheel, of an aircraft landing gear, with compressed air.

Abstract: An air cushion cargo shuttle includes a frame having a channel, an air curtain disposed within the channel of the frame, an air blower configured to blow air into an air volume beneath the air cushion cargo shuttle, and an air cushion formed by the air curtain configured to maintain the air volume.

Abstract: A bi-directional railroad-track to maglev-guideway transition system includes a portion of a railroad track having two parallel rails defining a first axis of travel, and a portion of a maglev guideway defining a second axis of travel. In the transition system, the portion of the maglev guideway is adjacent to the two parallel rails of the portion of the railroad track with a non-zero elevation grade being defined between the first axis of travel and the second axis of travel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an amusement ride comprising in one example a linear induction motor (LIM) secondary that is recessed from the sliding surface of a raft. Sections of flume that contain the linear induction motor primaries may be raised up vertically above the lowermost inner surface to come in close contact with the recessed aluminum structure and to protect the LIM primaries from water damage and contact damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device (1) for conveying a product, comprising a stationary running rail (2) which extends along a longitudinal axis (3); a cart (6) with a height axis (5) which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (3), said cart being guided on the running rail (2); guiding rollers (7) which are arranged on the cart (6), can be rotated about rotational axes (8) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (3), and roll on the running rail (2), wherein the rotational axis (8) of each guiding roller (7) intersects the same straight line (9), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (3); and a compensating device for compensating for a yaw moment (M) of the cart (6) about the height axis (5), comprising multiple magnetic coils (12) arranged along the running rail (2), at least two ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic counter elements (11) which are arranged on the cart (6) and which are arranged on both sides of the running rail (2), and a control device (18) for controlling the magnet

Abstract: An EUV light source apparatus by which detachment of a chamber or a part of the chamber, movement to a maintenance area, and highly accurate placement relative to projection optics can be performed easily for maintenance of the EUV light source apparatus. The EUV light source apparatus is an apparatus for generating plasma by applying a laser beam to a target material within a chamber and entering EUV light radiated from the plasma into projection optics of exposure equipment, and includes a positioning mechanism for positioning the chamber or a maintenance unit of the chamber in a predetermined location where an optical axis of the collected extreme ultraviolet light and an optical axis of the projection optics of the exposure equipment are aligned, and a movement mechanism for moving the chamber or the maintenance unit of the chamber between the predetermined location and a maintenance area.

Abstract: An EUV light source apparatus by which detachment of a chamber or a part of the chamber, movement to a maintenance area, and highly accurate placement relative to projection optics can be performed easily for maintenance of the EUV light source apparatus. The EUV light source apparatus is an apparatus for generating plasma by applying a laser beam to a target material within a chamber and entering EUV light radiated from the plasma into projection optics of exposure equipment, and includes a positioning mechanism for positioning the chamber or a maintenance unit of the chamber in a predetermined location where an optical axis of the collected extreme ultraviolet light and an optical axis of the projection optics of the exposure equipment are aligned, and a movement mechanism for moving the chamber or the maintenance unit of the chamber between the predetermined location and a maintenance area.

Abstract: A vehicle track including a soft porous material and a vehicle which rides on the track by skiing cm the soft porous material. The vehicle has a large ski surface that rides on the soft porous material, supporting the weight of the vehicle at high speeds. Air within the soft porous material supplies most of the lift needed to support the train, Only a small amount of the support is provided by the structure of the porous material itself when the vehicle is in motion. As a result, the friction between the soft porous material and the ski surface may also be exceedingly small. To increase the amount of lift provided by the soft porous material it can be contained within a channel having impermeable sides and bottom. If the ski surface is substantially the same width as the channel, the impermeable sides prevent the air from escaping on either side of die ski surface. Accordingly, the trapped air contributes to greatly enhanced lift force.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle for maneuvering over a travel surface having a cushion of water includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface and at least one drive assembly housed by the vehicle body. The at least one drive assembly comprises a driven wheel disposed for selective engagement with the travel surface to maneuver the vehicle generally along the travel surface. The at least one drive assembly operates between a neutral state having the driven wheel disengaged from the travel surface, a forward drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a forward direction, and a reverse drive state having the driven wheel engaged with the travel surface and driven in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A vehicle track including a soft porous material and a vehicle which rides on the track by skiing cm the soft porous material. The vehicle has a large ski surface that rides on the soft porous material, supporting the weight of the vehicle at high speeds. Air within the soft porous material supplies most of the lift needed to support the train, Qniy a small amount of the support is provided by the structure of the porous material itself when the vehicle is in motion. As a result, the friction between the soft porous material and the ski surface may also be exceedingly small. To increase the amount of lift provided by the soft porous material it can be contained within a channel having impermeable sides and bottom. If the ski surface is substantially the same width as the channel, the impermeable sides prevent the air from escaping on either side of die ski surface. Accordingly, the trapped air contributes to greatly enhanced lift force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robotic arm workcell. A robotic arm is mounted on a superstructure that carries all the equipment associated with the workcell's task. Thus, the workcell is self-contained needing only power. The workcell may be moved by activating air bearings that are pressurized by an air compressor that is also mounted on the superstructure. Power is received via power contacts that engage a power rail. Guidance is provided a guide system. The guide system may include guide rails engaged by guide carriages. Propulsion is provided by a drive system that may engage the guide system or the factory floor.

Abstract: An amusement ride system includes an amusement ride infrastructure defining a travel surface, with at least one vehicle having a vehicle body defining a vehicle undersurface disposed for travel generally along the travel surface. A plurality of valves are disposed to selectively deliver a pressurized flow of water through the travel surface, into a confined region defined between the vehicle undersurface and the travel surface, the pressurized flow of water into and through the confined region creating a cushion of water to separate the vehicle undersurface from the travel surface. The vehicle is configured to convey at least one passenger generally along the travel surface upon the cushion of water.

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: A traffic system is disclosed to include a passageway defining a moving direction and a vehicle mounted in the passageway and running along the moving direction. In one instance, the passageway has two inner side walls and an inner bottom wall having a transverse cross-section formed into a continuous smooth surface. In further a instance, there is provided with a buoyant fluid stored in the passageway for generating a buoyancy while displaced by the vehicle. A traffic method is also provided to include steps of providing a vehicle, providing a medium for carrying thereon the vehicle moving therealong, and providing a buoyant medium for reducing a weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a controlled levitation vehicle that has a levitation apparatus where multiple air pads are connected to the undersurface of a chassis that also doubles as a duct connected to a blower, and where damper valves are connected between the blower and chassis and to the chassis, it is furnished with: a controller (S1, S2) that closes the damper valve between the blower and chassis when starting and that also regulates the frequency of the inverter to the standby frequency that is below the levitation frequency; the controller (S6, S7) also closing the chassis damper valve responsive to an instruction to levitate and also increasing the frequency from a standby frequency to a levitation frequency to cause the vehicle to levitate; and the controller also lowering (S9-S12) the frequency from the levitation frequency to the standby frequency upon an instruction to land and also opening the blower and chassis damper valves to stop the vehicle rapidly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a train (1) which forms a transport device displaceable along a fixed track (3), comprising a frame with a drive; at least one bogie (6) with a flat sole (10); and at least one supply of a liquid which is suitable for pouring the liquid over the track (3), wherein at speed of the train higher than a threshold value at least a part of the sole (10) floats over a film created by liquid. The supply is adapted to carry the liquid onto the track (3) in front of the sole (10) in the direction of movement of the train (1) and the sole (10) is positioned inclining upward on the front side in the direction of movement. The invention also relates to a track (3) for an above described train (1) which comprises at least one platform extending in horizontal direction. The platform is coated with a levelling material, wherein an upper surface of the track has a very high degree of smoothness with very small height differences.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus (10) comprises a transporting plane (11) and a transporting platform which can be displaced in different directions in a largely friction-free manner on an air cushion above the transporting plane (11), the air cushion being generated by air nozzles (13) which are distributed in the transporting plane (11) and can be optionally opened and closed individually in each case by means of a valve, and through which compressed air flows out in the upward direction from beneath through the transporting plane (11), and the valves of the air nozzles (13) and the transporting platform being designed such that they interact with one another depending on the position of the transporting platform.

Abstract: In a controlled levitation vehicle that has a levitation apparatus where multiple air pads are connected to the undersurface of a chassis that also doubles as a duct connected to a blower, and where damper valves are connected between the blower and chassis and to the chassis, it is furnished with: a controller (S1, S2) that closes the damper valve between the blower and chassis when starting and that also regulates the frequency of the inverter to the standby frequency that is below the levitation frequency; the controller (S6, S7) also closing the chassis damper valve responsive to an instruction to levitate and also increasing the frequency from a standby frequency to a levitation frequency to cause the vehicle to levitate; and the controller also lowering (S9-S12) the frequency from the levitation frequency to the standby frequency upon an instruction to land and also opening the blower and chassis damper valves to stop the vehicle rapidly.

Abstract: A switching device for ground-effect vehicles, the said device comprising at least three sections of guidance and support tracks for the entry and exit of the vehicles, at least one of these tracks being the vehicle entry track, the said device comprising at least one support surface able to move between at least two positions, each of the said positions corresponding to a path by which the vehicles cross the switching device, the support surfaces of the sections of guide tracks being, for each path, in continuity with the movable support surface or surfaces.

Abstract: A transportation system has an air cushion vehicle in a U-shaped or W-shaped channel in the ground. The channel provides support and directional stability for the air cushion vehicle during transit along its length. This system assures high speed overland transport of heavy equipment which is faster than trains, and the system is cost effective since it does not incur expensive nonrecurring capital investments and expensive recurring maintenance costs. This transportation system is adaptable to existing overland right-of-ways.