Abstract: A generator-gearbox arrangement for a wind turbine includes a generator having a stator and a rotor interacting with one another, a functional component arranged on an end side of the generator and including an extension which points toward the rotor, and a magnetic rail brake arrangement including component parts fastened to the extension. The magnetic rail brake arrangement is designed to apply a braking action which is based on an operating principle of electromagnetic attraction between the magnetic rail brake arrangement and at least one of the rotor and the functional component.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a first trailer having a rear end, and a second trailer having a front. The second trailer is coupled to the first trailer. The vehicle also includes at least one flexible membrane that includes a perimeter coupled to the rear end. A seal is formed between the perimeter and the rear end. The vehicle further includes a pressurization source coupled to the vehicle, and at least one port defined in and extending through the rear end. The at least one port is enclosed by the perimeter and in fluidic communication with the pressurization source. In a deployed profile, the at least one flexible membrane extends between the rear end of the first trailer and the front of the second trailer.

Abstract: In a truck having a plate-like side guard disposed at each of the right and left side faces of a vehicle body and arranged apart from the lower face of a cargo bed, a flexible sheet having a rectangular shape is attached between the cargo bed and the side guard. The sheet has one end portion in the vertical direction secured to one of the cargo bed and the side guard, and the other end portion in the vertical direction, detachably fastened to the other of the cargo bed and the side guard.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a foldable aerodynamic drag reducing plate assembly that is installed on shipping container ends. The drag reducing plates are in two parts and designed to incorporate hinges and attaching components specifically for the spacing and position of corner lifting holes that are part of a standard container shipping car. The drag reducing plates include locking bars that provide stability when a train is moving at high speed. Also, connecting clips, stiffening channels, or hinges are used to combine two halves of the drag reducing plate design into a single, stiffened unit.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a foldable aerodynamic drag reducing plate assembly that is installed on shipping container front ends. The drag reducing plates incorporate hinges and attaching components specifically designed for the spacing and position of vertical rods that are part of a standard shipping container. The drag reducing plates include locking bars that provide stability against air wind when a train moves at high speeds. Also, connecting clips, stiffening channels, or hinges are used to combine the drag reducing plate elements design into a single unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fairing (3) for an articulated railway vehicle bogie, this fairing including: a bottom wall (30) and side walls (31) able to surround at least a lower part of a bogie, and first and second anchoring zones (51, 52) each able to be fastened to one end, respectively, of a first body and a second body of a railway vehicle that are articulated relative to one another, in a configuration where these first and second bodies rest at least partially on the bogie. The fairing (3) includes a flexible connector (4) that mechanically links the first anchoring zone (51) and the second anchoring zone (52) and that authorizes a movement of these first and second anchoring zones relative to one another.

Abstract: A railway bogie includes one or more operative components for the operation of the railway bogie and an impact guard protecting the one or more operative components from flying debris. The impact guard is made of a high density polyethylene (HDPE). The railway bogie can be used in Jacobs bogies of multiple units operating under wintery conditions.

Abstract: The air conditioning device (10) includes a heat exchanger (12) intended to exchange heat with the air circulating in the air conditioning device (10), and an air distribution box (14), extending in a longitudinal direction (X) between a front part (14A) and a rear part (14B), and in a transverse direction between two side parts (14C). The distribution box is fastened to a ceiling (5) of the driving cabin (1), and comprises: in its front part (14A), a front inlet (16) for air coming from the cabin (1), connected upstream from the heat exchanger (12), and in each of its side parts (14C), a respective side outlet (18) for conditioned air, connected downstream from the heat exchanger (12).

Abstract: An articulating mount for a moveable front hatch of a train car includes a linear actuator configured to be rotatably connected to the car at a first connection point. The linear actuator includes a moveable end configured to be connected to the front hatch at a second connection point, and is effective, when actuated, to change a distance between the first and second connection points. The mount further includes a first guide configured to be rotatably connected to the car. The first guide includes a guide rail defining an opening sized to receive a first protrusion connected to the front hatch for guiding movement of the moveable end of the linear actuator, responsive to actuation of the linear actuator, along a first guide path between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A cab fairing for attaching to an associated truck cab includes a fairing panel having an attachment end; a hinge connected to the attachment end and configured to connect to the associated truck cab; and an actuator connected to the fairing panel that is configured to switch the fairing panel between a first coverage state and a second coverage state.

Abstract: Aerodynamic device for a motor-vehicle including a panel structure located under the front part of the motor-vehicle and elastically biased towards a raised position and configured to be moved towards a lowered position due to an airflow which invests the motor-vehicle during travel. The aerodynamic device includes a bag structure provided inside of a cavity for receiving in its interior the airflow which invests the motor-vehicle during travel, in such a way that above a predetermined threshold value of the motor-vehicle speed, the bag structure is inflated and pushes the panel structure towards its lowered position.

Abstract: A handheld blower includes a housing, the housing including an air inlet and a duct assembly, the duct assembly including a duct, a motor and a fan mounted in the duct, a battery, a handle, and a blowpipe which defines a central axis. Along the direction of the central axis, the area of the flowing cross-section of an air passage at the rear end of the fan adjacent to the air inlet is larger than that of the flowing cross-section of an air outlet of the blowpipe, and the rate between the area of the flow cross-section of the air outlet of the blowpipe and the area of the flow cross-section of the flow-through area at the position of the fan is greater than or equal to 0.8.

Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a concealed undercarriage, particularly a bogie, wherein the covering or fairing comprises at least side elements that are arranged along the rail vehicle on the sides of the undercarriage and a bottom element that is arranged on the underside of the undercarriage, where the side elements are fixedly connected to the carriage body of the rail vehicle, the bottom element is fixedly connected to the undercarriage, and a gap is provided between the bottom element on one side and the side elements on the other side, and where the gap provides a distance between the wheels of the undercarriage and the bottom element on one side and the side elements on the other side, both in the fully turned and in the partially turned state of the undercarriage.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system is provided including a tractor vehicle having an engine and a trailer operably coupled to the tractor vehicle. A transport refrigeration unit is mounted to a front surface of the trailer adjacent the tractor vehicle. At least one shield is mounted to the tractor or the trailer and is configured to divert discharged hot air from a flow path towards a condenser air inlet of the transport refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A retractable fairing for reducing aerodynamic drag at a rear end of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) may comprise a streamlining element having a medial plane and an airflow surface for streamlining air flow. A suspension frame may have an element end for hingedly supporting the streamlining element at approximately the medial plane and may have a trailer end for hingedly mounting the suspension frame to approximately an outer vertical corner of the rear end and may include a trailer hinge allowing the streamlining element to move in a horizontal plane into a folded position adjacent to the rear end. A pair of streamlining elements of complementary shape may be each mounted by a suspension frame to respective left and right halves of the rear end and placed in the folded position, the medial planes of each element facing one another and the streamlining elements collectively forming the retractable fairing.

Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a cab; a trailer carried by the cab, the cab and the trailer forming a gap therebetween; and a fairing carried by the cab and at least partially covering the gap. The fairing includes at least one fairing panel; and a hinge connected to the at least one fairing panel and the cab or the trailer. The hinge allows the at least one fairing panel to switch between a first coverage state and a second coverage state.

Abstract: An aerodynamic control system includes a skirt assembly configured to be disposed between plural vehicles in a vehicle system formed from the plural vehicles with the vehicles separated by a spatial gap in the vehicle system. The skirt assembly can include a bladder configured to be inflated with a fluid by a fluid source disposed onboard the vehicle system to cause the skirt assembly to expand between the vehicles from a collapsed state to an expanded state such that the skirt assembly at least partially fills the spatial gap between the vehicles. The skirt assembly can reduce aerodynamic drag exerted on the vehicle system during movement of the vehicle system relative to the vehicle system moving without the skirt assembly in the expanded state.

Abstract: A lead vehicle includes a chassis and front and rear wheel assemblies supportively coupled to the chassis. A trailer coupling interface is mounted to the chassis and is configured to couple to a tow vehicle. The lead vehicle further includes one or more seals cooperatively including first and second side leg sections positioned on the chassis laterally outwardly of the trailer coupling interface and a cross section positioned forwardly of the trailer coupling interface. The one or more seals are configured to form a barrier between the chassis and a portion of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle component includes first and second surfaces, in a first travel direction of the vehicle. The first surface is exposed to an air flow having a local main flow direction. In a region of a recess on the vehicle, the first surface forms a flow separation edge where the air flow is deflected from the first surface. The recess is delimited by a leading first wall facing the local main flow direction and a trailing second wall. The flow separation edge extends transversely to the local main flow direction over a majority of a transverse dimension of the recess. In the local main flow direction, the second surface borders on the flow separation edge and forms a part of the first wall. The second surface is disposed so that it is inclined like a chamfer about an acute angle of inclination relative to the local main flow direction.

Abstract: A transport container, in particular as a component part of a rail vehicle, having a transportation space for receiving goods to be transported, which on its upper side includes at least one opening, wherein the transport container includes a grate which at least in part covers the opening.

Abstract: The invention is a vehicle for ground transportation that is an aerodynamic shell attached to wheels. The aerodynamic shell is shaped according to airship technology and is elevated such that air flow around the shell is like air flow would be for that shell in flight. The elevation is accomplished with attached structure and attached wheels. Wheels at each side of the vehicle are arranged in wheel trains that are filled in and streamlined to form secondary aerodynamic units, with space between wheels used for equipment. The invention requires changing the position of the engine from its usual place that is low and at the front of the vehicle to a very different position that is high and at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a rolling stock including: an upper reinforcement beam provided in a railroad-tie direction in a joint portion between an upper end portion of a cab end structure and an upper end portion of a side structure; and a post member coupling the upper reinforcement beam and an end beam of an underframe, in which the post member includes: a lower post portion having a lower end joined to the end beam; an upper post portion having a rear end joined to the upper reinforcement beam; and a window opening post portion provided between the lower post portion and the upper post portion in conformity with an inclination of a front window provided in a cab end structure, the window opening post portion is formed to have a smaller width dimension in a rail direction than a width dimension of the lower post portion in the rail direction.

Abstract: A rolling stock in which a streamlined cab end structure includes: a pair of corner posts having lower half portions joined respectively to a pair of corner post reinforcement member standing upright on opposite end portions of an end beam of the underframe and upper half portions inclined toward the rear of the car body; an upper reinforcement beam laid between upper end portions of the pair of corner posts; a pair of end posts having lower half portions joined respectively to a pair of end post reinforcement members, and upper half portions inclined toward the rear of the car body; and a pair of coupling member respectively coupling upper portions of the pair of end posts and a front end portion of the roof structure, and the upper reinforcement beam has such a strength that the car body can be lifted up from above by use of a crane.

Abstract: A rolling stock includes: a pair of left and right post members provided upright on inner sides of left and right end portions of an end beam of an underframe, the end beam joined to a lower portion of a cab end structure; a recess portion open frontward, the recess portion formed in a front portion of the end beam between the pair of post members; and an impact absorbing member disposed between a bottom face of the recess portion and an inner face of the outside plate. The recess portion has such a size that the impact absorbing member is accommodated within the recess portion after being compressively deformed. Since the impact absorbing member is disposed on an inner side of the outside plate, the impact absorbing member is not exposed to the outside of the car body, and thus does not impair the design of the car body.

Abstract: A transportation system for supersonic travel including a conduit containing an atmosphere that exhibits high aerodynamic tunneling performance, or high gas efficacy, and a vehicle designed to operate within the conduit. The vehicle traveling within the conduit along a support and guide structure that is complementary to a support and guidance system of the vehicle. The vehicle being propelled through the conduit via a propulsion system that includes contra-rotating propellers.

Abstract: A superstructure module of a front-end section of a vehicle is supported on a chassis and includes a flow guiding device. The front-end section forms a leading, free vehicle end during normal operation of the vehicle. The flow guiding device is mounted on a lower side of the superstructure in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the free vehicle end and a leading end of a chassis. The flow guiding device influences air flow that flows during operation of the vehicle along the lower side of the superstructure from the free vehicle end to the chassis section. The flow guiding device via a deflection area confers on the air flow, in the region of a flow separation edge at the leading end of the chassis section, a downwardly directed direction of flow.

Abstract: A vehicle component includes a surface which, during operation, is exposed to an air flow. The surface includes a separating area where the air flow separates from the surface, and at least one obstructing element associated with the separating area for introducing an obstruction into the air flow. The obstructing element includes at least one guide surface which protrudes into the air flow. The guide surface is inclined relative to the local direction of the main air flow so that it confers on the part of the main air flow that impacts the guide surface a speed component that runs perpendicular to the local direction of the main air flow and induces turbulence in the air flow downstream of the obstructing element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerodynamic pseudocontainer for a train. The pseudocontainer is configured to be stacked atop an intermodal container so that its aerodynamic configuration reduces drag when the train is in motion, thereby reducing fuel costs and emissions. The pseudocontainer may have connectors on its bottom so that when it is placed on top of the intermodal container, locking devices may be used for attachment. Also, a top portion and a support frame of the pseudocontainer include fittings with receiving openings configured to receive parts of a positioning device (e.g., a crane) to stack and align the body atop intermodal container. The fittings may be formed in accordance with ISO standards.

Abstract: A covering for a bogie of a rail vehicle lends the entire rail vehicle a low aerodynamic tractive resistance in the region of the bogie. The novel covering has a peripheral wall for surrounding the bogie and a fastening device for rotationally guiding the peripheral wall at the upper edge thereof on a superstructure of the rail vehicle. The covering is covered at the lower edge of the peripheral wall by an underbody-like end member that has fastening means for attaching the same to the bogie.

Abstract: A device can be provided for pivoting a front hatch of a track-guided vehicle, which can a reduced weight, while at the same time being able to reduce susceptibility to failure. The device can include a first pivot lever connectable to the front hatch and a second pivot lever connectable to the front hatch, where the pivot levers can be rotatable about a common rotational axis, to pivot the front hatch relative the vehicle chassis. The device can also include a first actuating element connectable to the vehicle chassis which can interact with the first pivot lever. For example, upon the first actuating element being actuated, torque can be exerted on the first pivot lever. A second actuating element can be provided which is connectable to the vehicle chassis, and which interacts with the second pivot lever. Upon the second actuating element being actuated, torque can be exerted on the second pivot lever. The device can further include a synchronization element (e.g.

Abstract: A vehicle having a wagon body which is supported on at least one running gear, wherein the wagon body defines a vehicle longitudinal direction, a vehicle transverse direction and a vehicle height direction. The wagon body has a body section and an adjacent head section. The head section has an outer skin and a flow separation unit for reducing sensitivity of the vehicle to crosswind. The flow separation unit comprises a roof-like protrusion formed by the outer skin. The roof-like protrusion has a first roof section, a second roof section, and a ridge section forming a transition between the first roof section and the second roof section. The first roof section and the second roof section run inclined to one another such that, the ridge section forms a flow separation edge for the air flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerodynamic pseudocontainer for a train. The pseudocontainer is configured to be stacked atop an intermodal container in a lead container car at a lead end of the train, so that its aerodynamic configuration reduces drag when the train is in motion, thereby reducing fuel costs and emissions. The pseudocontainer may have connectors on its bottom so that when it is placed on top of the intermodal container, locking devices may be used for attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a structure having a first side, a second side substantially opposite to the first side, a flexible skin, and a plurality of deformable assemblies. The flexible skin is attached to the first side and the second side of the structure. The plurality of deformable assemblies is moveably connected to the structure, in which each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a vertex and a base. The each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a height that is capable of changing to change a shape of the structure and a shape of the flexible skin.

Abstract: A covering for a bogie of a rail vehicle lends the entire rail vehicle a low aerodynamic tractive resistance in the region of the bogie. The novel covering has a peripheral wall for surrounding the bogie and a fastening device for rotationally guiding the peripheral wall at the upper edge thereof on a superstructure of the rail vehicle. The covering is covered at the lower edge of the peripheral wall by an underbody-like end member that has fastening means for attaching the same to the bogie.

Abstract: A transportation system includes a vehicle having wings, a propulsion system, a lifting gear coupling the vehicle to an undercarriage, and a guidance assembly movably connecting the undercarriage to guide rails. The wings generate aerodynamic lift when the vehicle exceeds a first speed. The lifting gear supports a load of the vehicle in a first position in relation to the undercarriage when the vehicle travels at less than the first speed, allows the vehicle to lift to a second position in relation to the undercarriage as the vehicle accelerates beyond the first speed, and maintains the vehicle in the second position when the vehicle exceeds the first speed. The guidance assembly shiftingly engages the guide rails through rollers that are in rolling contact with the guide rails when the vehicle is in the first position and are displaced from the guide rails when the vehicle is in the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. A first set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto. The attachment frame includes first and second mounting devices configured to be removably mounted to connection openings of the corner fittings of the top container of the first set of containers. The first mounting device(s) may be rotatably locked within the top connection openings, while the second mounting device(s) may be hooks for latching into the bottom connection openings. A method of attaching the aerodynamic drag reducing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerodynamic pseudocontainer for a train. The pseudocontainer is configured to be stacked atop an intermodal container so that its aerodynamic configuration reduces drag when the train is in motion, thereby reducing fuel costs and emissions. The pseudocontainer may have connectors on its bottom so that when it is placed on top of the intermodal container, locking devices may be used for attachment. Also, a top portion and a support frame of the pseudocontainer include fittings with receiving openings configured to receive parts of a positioning device (e.g., a crane) to stack and align the body atop intermodal container. The fittings may be formed in accordance with ISO standards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. A first set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto. The attachment frame includes first and second mounting devices configured to be removably mounted to connection openings of the corner fittings of the top container of the first set of containers. The first mounting device(s) may be rotatably locked within the top connection openings, while the second mounting device(s) may be hooks for latching into the bottom connection openings. A method of attaching the aerodynamic drag reducing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locomotive of a train with a plurality of aerodynamic drag reducing devices. A locomotive may have a plurality of drag reducing devices attached to a longitudinal end of the locomotive adjacent a walkway of the locomotive. Each drag reducing device may be positioned at an angle with respect to a centerline of the locomotive so as to reduce drag on the locomotive. The drag reducing devices may be mounted to a handrail included on the walkway using separate or single assemblies. Drag reducing devices may also be provided on an opposite or back end of the locomotive, as well as retrofit to a face of the locomotive to reduce drag. Angled winglets may be provided on the drag reducing devices to assist in inducing air flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. The series includes at least a first, leading set of containers and a second, trailing set of containers. The first, leading set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto facing a forward direction. The attachment frame includes at least one mounting device configured to be removably mounted in the tunnel of the top container of the first, leading set of containers. Additionally, the second, trailing set of containers may include a second, aerodynamic drag reducing device, also attached via a gooseneck tunnel. Curtains may also be attached between a plurality of intermediate or adjacent sets of stacked containers to assist in reducing drag on the train when moving.

Abstract: Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. A first set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto. The attachment frame includes first and second mounting devices configured to be removably mounted to connection openings of the corner fittings of the top container of the first set of containers. The first mounting device(s) may be rotatably locked within the top connection openings, while the second mounting device(s) may be hooks for latching into the bottom connection openings. A method of attaching the aerodynamic drag reducing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. The series includes at least a first, leading set of containers and a second, trailing set of containers. The first, leading set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto facing a forward direction. The attachment frame includes at least one mounting device configured to be removably mounted in the tunnel of the top container of the first, leading set of containers. Additionally, the second, trailing set of containers may include a second, aerodynamic drag reducing device, also attached via a gooseneck tunnel. Curtains may also be attached between a plurality of intermediate or adjacent sets of stacked containers to assist in reducing drag on the train when moving.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerodynamic pseudocontainer for a train. The pseudocontainer is configured to be stacked atop an intermodal container in a lead container car at a lead end of the train, so that its aerodynamic configuration reduces drag when the train is in motion, thereby reducing fuel costs and emissions. The pseudocontainer may have connectors on its bottom so that when it is placed on top of the intermodal container, locking devices may be used for attachment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a series of stacked intermodal containers, being pulled by a locomotive of a train, with aerodynamic drag reducing devices. The series includes at least a first, leading set of containers and a second, trailing set of containers. The first, leading set of containers has an aerodynamic drag reducing device with a drag reducing fairing and an attachment frame attached thereto facing a forward direction. The attachment frame includes at least one mounting device configured to be removably mounted in the tunnel of the top container of the first, leading set of containers. Additionally, the second, trailing set of containers may include a second, aerodynamic drag reducing device. Curtains may also be attached between a plurality of intermediate or adjacent sets of stacked containers to assist in reducing drag on the train when moving.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a freight transportation system includes a track comprising a pair of rails and a linear motor reaction plate disposed between the rails and a transport vehicle having a universal intermodal container bay configured to accommodate a plurality of containers. The transport vehicle includes one or more suspension systems each having a plurality of steel wheels engaged with the rails. The freight transportation system further includes a linear induction propulsion system coupled to the transport vehicle and operable to work in conjunction with the linear motor reaction plate to move the transport vehicle, and a control system coupled to the linear induction propulsion system and operable to control the movement of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a guideway vehicle has a first end, a second end, a support surface, and a cowling coupled to its first end or second end. The support surface is configured to support an intermodal container for transport along a guideway system. The cowling has an outer surface that slopes upwardly from the first end to a cowling edge such that the intermodal container may be placed proximate the cowling edge during transport of guideway vehicle on the guideway system.

Abstract: A railway vehicle includes an air intake 6 provided at a nose portion of a leading vehicle 1, an air tank (reservoir) 9 for storing intake air, and an air outlet 11, by which air is sucked in (breathed in) during entry of the leading vehicle to a tunnel and discharged within the tunnel, so as to reduce the pressure generated at the nose portion and to cut down micropressure waves. When the nose of the leading vehicle 1 enters a tunnel 3, an intake control valve 8 of the air reservoir, depressurized to below atmospheric pressure (1 atm), opens to take in air through an air inlet 6 via a path 7 into the air reservoir 9. When the whole leading vehicle enters the tunnel, the intake control valve 8 closes, and air is discharged through the outlet 11 via a pump 10.

Abstract: A novel concept for a hydrodynamically and aerodynamically improved leading edge and trailing edge structure is primarily suited for high-speed motion, such as near Mach 1 and above, but also for slow-speed motion and for stationary operation, where stationary structures are subjected to fluid flow. The configuration incorporates the model of the natural wave behavior. The leading edge of the aircraft, of the train, of the submarine, or the like, has a sharp tip which merges smoothly into a cylindrical or rectangular body. The merging segment from the tip to the cylinder may be defined with a tangent function. The rounding of the surfaces promote proper fluid sheet formation along the surface and to reduce undesirable vortice formation and thus to reduce the value of several drag factors.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the aerodynamic base drag of a bluff body having a leading end, a trailing end, a top surface, opposing left and right side surfaces, and a base surface at the trailing end substantially normal to a longitudinal centerline of the bluff body, with the base surface joined (1) to the left side surface at a left trailing edge, (2) to the right side surface at a right trailing edge, and (3) to the top surface at a top trailing edge. The apparatus includes left and right vertical boattail plates which are orthogonally attached to the base surface of the bluff body and inwardly offset from the left and right trailing edges, respectively. This produces left and right vertical channels which generate, in a flowstream substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline, respective left and right vertically-aligned vortical structures, with the left and right vertical boattail plates each having a plate width defined by a rear edge of the plate spaced from the base surface.

Abstract: A transportation system with a plurality of transportation subsystems, each having a plurality of units with a tear drop shape. A plurality of wheels extends from both sides of the units. At least one primary linear transportation subsystem support with an associated primary transportation subsystem includes a pair of C-shaped retention supports adapted to receive and retain the wheels. At least one secondary transportation subsystem support in the form of a loop and associated with a secondary transportation subsystem. The secondary transportation subsystem support loop is placed adjacent to the primary linear transportation subsystem support to facilitate the transfer of passengers and baggage between primary and secondary transportation subsystems.