Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle guidance system where the vehicles incorporate wheels having tires thereupon to follow a track of predetermined cross-section. The vehicle is provided with sensors to continuously sense the lateral location of the vehicle relative to the cross-section of the track and the yaw angle of the vehicle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the track. A modulator receives the output of the sensor to drive the steering system of the vehicle in order to correct for deviations of the vehicle from its predetermined relationship with the track contour.

Abstract: Lateral magnetic guidance apparatus for laterally guiding a wheel set of a rail vehicle with respect to a support rail. The apparatus includes electromagnets carried with the wheel sets and positioned and controlled so as to effect return of the wheel set to a central position along the rail whenever the wheel set deviates from the central position. At least one electromagnet is provided which has a multi-piece pole shoe with a plurality of pole faces disposed longitudinally spaced from one another along the support rail.

Abstract: Lateral guidance apparatus for laterally guiding a wheel set of a rail vehicle with respect to a support rail. The apparatus includes electromagnets carried with the wheel sets and positioned and controlled so as to effect return of the wheel set to a central position along the rail whenever the wheel set deviates from such central position. In a first preferred embodiment, the electromagnets are positioned at respective opposite sides of the rail supporting the vehicle wheels, with means for controlling the current in the electromagnets so that the magnetic force set up between the poles of the magnets and the support rail effects an automatic return of the wheel set to a desired central operating position.

Abstract: An enclosed roadway supported by a superstructure forms an endless transit loop on which vehicles are propelled for the mass transportation of passengers between selected stations in the transit loop. A stabilizing system maintains the vehicles on the roadway and includes a stabilizing track having recessed portions that are supported above and at opposite sides of the roadway. A circumferential bumper surrounds each vehicle and is positioned within the recessed portions of the stabilizing track. Braking apparatus mounted on the bumper are operable to frictionally engage the recessed portions of the stabilizing track to slow and stop the vehicle on the roadway. Traction motors mounted on the front and rearward end portions of each vehicle include drive shafts that support driven wheels on the upper surface of the stabilizing track for propelling the vehicle along the roadway.

Abstract: A conveying system for placement adjacent to the surface of an object for inspecting that surface is disclosed. The system comprises a parallel rail track formed from cylindrical rails and an inspection trolley riding on that track having two pairs of wheels arranged about the tracks. The first pair of wheels are axially undisplaceable relative to the rail and are formed of trough-shaped surfaces with a circumference of the same radius of the rail. The second set of wheels is displaceable relative to a second rail and engage that rail. The first set of wheels is driven by gears interposed between the wheels and a drive motor and utilize compression generating members to urge the wheels toward each other and toward the rail.

Abstract: The specification discloses a transport system comprising a track including a horizontal top rail with a vertical web extending below the rail. A canted surface extends between one edge of the horizontal rail and the web. A support member extends angularly from the vertical web opposite the canted surface of the track. A transport unit is mounted on the track and includes motorized wheels rotationally supported on the unit for tracking along the surface extending angularly from the web. Counterbalance wheels are rotationally supported on the unit for tracking the canted surface of the track. The unit has its center of gravity outside the contact surfaces between the motorized and counterbalance wheels and the track and to the side of the web face on which the motorized wheels track. The transport unit is adapted to channel air between the underside of the main body of the unit and the horizontal rail of the track to lift the transport unit thereby relieving the loading of the unit on the track.

Abstract: A vehicle track and vehicle of the same general class of vehicles which includes toboggans, bobsleds, roller coasters, and other free-falling vehicles. The track includes a multiplicity of longitudinally joined, juxtaposed track sections and stanchions for supporting the section at selected elevations above the ground. Each section further includes a rigid supporting frame extending between adjacent stanchions and a pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart rails secured to the frame in a vertically spaced-apart relationship thereto. The frame and rails define therebetween an elongated channel. The vehicle includes an enclosure dimensioned to accomodate at least one person and to be received within the aforementioned channel. A plurality of wheels are rotatably mounted to the vehicle and in rolling engagement with the rails by means of axles secured to the vehicle at points above the bottom of the vehicle enclosure.

Abstract: A self steering vehicle for a transportation system including a roadway having a pair of elongated parallel tracks whose shape in cross-section is domed or convex and preferably having a pair of guide flanges positioned outwardly of the tracks, the vehicle having wheels provided with resilient track-engaging means, such as pneumatic tires, and driving means for propelling the vehicle over the roadway. The wheels of the vehicle tend to follow the tracks because of the deformation of the tires if they tend to move laterally off the center portions of the tracks, and the guide flanges engage the tires, upon the wheels having moved off the tracks because of the imposition of excessive side loads on the vehicle, to turn the wheels back onto the tracks.