Road System (e.g., Elevated, Interchange) Patents (Class 404/1)
  • Patent number: 11952728
    Abstract: A road structure reconstructed from large-scale independent underground garage and a construction method, which solves the problem of a newly constructed urban expressway passing through large underground space. The technical point is a construction method for the road structure reconstructed from large-scale independent underground garage, including the following steps: S100: segmentation for the garage, S200: preparation before construction: the materials and equipment required for construction are transported to the site, and the construction site is cleaned, S300: reconstruction for the front section, S400: reconstruction for the middle section, S500: reconstruction for the rear section. The inventiveness of the present disclosure is the application of segmentation construction, the front section is completely obsoleted, a transition section is provided at the middle, and the design of the rear section adopts a double-deck road, thus the original underground garage structure is fully utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: HANGZHOU CITY UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Gang Wei, Tianbao Xu, Jiaxuan Zhu, Yunliang Cui, Bing Li, Ke Wang, Pengfei Xiang, Shuangyan Lin, Xinquan Wang, Hongguo Diao
  • Patent number: 11773884
    Abstract: A device for securing threaded rod relative to concrete and plywood forms is provided. The device can include a housing with a securement portion and a plurality of plungers to engage with the threaded rod. The securement portion can be slidably received in a base configured to be seated on a setting structure. Fasteners can secure the device to the setting structure. A tapered portion of the housing can engage the plungers to secure a threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hung-Sun Oh
  • Patent number: 11584406
    Abstract: An attraction loading system is provided that includes a turntable configured to rotate about a vertical axis. A ride vehicle is configured to travel along a loading path disposed about a perimeter of the turntable. A first track switch of the system is disposed along the loading path to direct the ride vehicle to a main portion of the loading path from an attraction path, or to direct the ride vehicle to the main portion of the loading path from a secondary portion of the loading path. A second track switch of the system is disposed along the loading path to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the loading path to the attraction path, or to direct the ride vehicle from the main portion of the loading path to the secondary portion of the loading path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Luis Carlos Alarcon, Steven C. Blum, Michael David Russell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11541875
    Abstract: A system and method of path planning utilizing a clothoid curve to connect a start point and an end point is provided. The method includes receiving at a path planning system inputs including the start point and the end point of a desired path. The method further includes calculating clothoid parameters for a clothoid curve connecting the start point and the end point based the received start point, the received end point, and a closed-form expression, wherein the closed-form expression is generated based on a relationship between a plurality of unique center point values associated with a plurality of unique clothoid curves and the clothoid parameters associated with each of the plurality of unique clothoid curves. A clothoid curve is generated based on the determined clothoid parameters, wherein the generated clothoid curve represents a planned path from the start point to the end point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Tapan R. Mujumdar
  • Patent number: 11471749
    Abstract: A collapsible stunt ramp apparatus is provided. The collapsible stunt ramp apparatus includes a base support structure and a number of base support rods. The base support structure includes a number of slots. The slots are designed to receive the base support rods. The collapsible stunt ramp apparatus also includes a number of vertical support beams. The number of vertical support beams includes a pair of intermediate support beams that are designed to connect to the base support rods. The collapsible stunt ramp apparatus also includes a ramp platform. The ramp platform is designed to connect to the vertical support beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph Karsky
  • Patent number: 11359337
    Abstract: A present invention relates to a composite road module, unit and system. The composite road module comprising a first road and a second road extending substantially in parallel, one of the first road and the second road being configured for vehicles to travel according to a left-hand traffic rule, the other being configured for vehicles to travel according to a right-hand traffic rule, the first road comprising a first lane and a second lane, the second road comprising a third lane and a fourth lane, wherein the first lane and the third lane are in communication with each other, and are provided for vehicles to travel in a first direction, and wherein the second lane and the fourth lane are in communication with each other, and are provided for vehicles to travel in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: DU KUAI TONG (BEIJING) TRAFFIC DISPERSION EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Huidong Zhang
  • Patent number: 11305775
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a lane changing apparatus of an autonomous vehicle configured to change a driving lane in consideration of a congested situation includes a controller configured to determine whether an expected driving lane is congested based on driving information, and a communicator configured to receive the driving information. At least one among an autonomous driving vehicle, a user terminal, and a server according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be associated or integrated with an artificial intelligence module, a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)), a robot, an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, and a 5G service related device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Young Yu, Soo Jung Jeon, Dae Geun Ha
  • Patent number: 11302185
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a traffic intersection and traffic guidance system therefor, that has an intersection region where two roads cross, and a distal crossover zone that allows vehicles that are turning to the right (on a left-hand-drive road) to crossover to the right hands side of the road at a distance from the intersection. In this way, a separate right turn phase is not required by the traffic lights at the intersection, and vehicles turning right can turn at the same time as vehicle moving straight over the intersection or turning left. The turning right lane approaching the distal crossover zone from a distal side of the distal crossover zone is located on the far left, allowing vehicles going straight to continue to move in a straight line. Lanes that guide vehicles moving straight are reconfigurable to guide vehicles to move in opposed directions at different time of the day, depending on the traffic loading, and are also reconfigurable as parking spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Valiant Yuk Yuen Leung
  • Patent number: 11260866
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes an action controller that is configured to control an action of a vehicle, in which, in a case where there is another vehicle traveling on a second road adjacent to a first road on which the vehicle is traveling, and the vehicle is controlled to overtake another vehicle, the action controller is configured to accelerate the vehicle, causes the vehicle to show an intention to enter the second road when the vehicle is located a predetermined distance or more in front of another vehicle in an advancing direction of the vehicle after the vehicle is accelerated, and decelerates the vehicle while maintaining the vehicle in a state in which the vehicle is located in front of another vehicle at a timing according to the entry intention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kaijiang Yu
  • Patent number: 10621529
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for identifying passenger trips on a transportation network are described. The method includes acquiring transaction data for a collection of passengers boarding at stops on a transportation network. The network includes a plurality of routes. Route sequences are identified, based on the transaction data, each route sequence including at least two trip segments by a passenger. Each pair of trip segments of an identified route sequence are spaced by a transfer. For each identified route sequence, using a trip planner, the route sequence is classified as a multi-segment trip that includes at least one transfer or a multi-trip journey. A route sequence which is classified as a multi-trip journey is partitioned into at least two trips, each trip being a multi-segment trip or a single-segment trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Conduent Business Services LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Rozen, Julien Wuthrich, Frédéric Roulland
  • Patent number: 10533290
    Abstract: A roadway system of sinusoidal one-way roads which surround individual developed areas. A straight bidirectional road intersect the sinusoidal roadways at locations in which the sinusoidal roadways are substantially tangent to one another and orthogonal to the bidirectional road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Jaime Vicente Fuentes Flores
  • Patent number: 10465343
    Abstract: An overpass structure with vertical interchange arrangement for crossroads includes a transverse roadway at a bottom level, a pedestrian walkway in the middle level and a longitudinal road bridge at an upper level. The vehicle roadways on and under the bridge are connected by two ramp units. The pedestrian walkway is a pedestrian platform with an interchange platform provided on top. The interchange platform is located between and connected to two roadways of opposite directions on the longitudinal road bridge in the upper level. The leftmost lane along a forward moving direction of vehicle on the bridge in the longitudinal road bridge is defined as a universal lane of the longitudinal road bridge. The rightmost lane along a forward moving direction of vehicle under the bridge in the transverse roadway is defined as a universal lane of the transverse roadway. The interchange platform is connected to four universal lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventors: Dawei Cheng, Haitang Cheng
  • Patent number: 10309063
    Abstract: A multifunctional and multi-story crossroad for intensive land use relates to urban road construction engineering and solves technical problems of urban traffic jams through space division and streamlined design, without occupying the land outside the road. It achieves: operating smoothly without red lights, large vehicle-free intersection space on the ground, large parking areas, long “side of the road” border between the parking area and roads, bicycle exclusive system. Technical elements include: learning from building design, multi-story crossroad, “Turning Right and Looping Back technique”, “exclusive bikeway interlayer”, “adding a lane”, and “large steps above ramp of a tunnel.” It is a combination of a smoothly flowing crossroad technique, viaduct and the tunnel. The main purposes are: for new construction and renovation of crossroad in congested cities, and development of city fast lanes, elevated roads and tunnels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventors: Changshou Liu, Wentao Zhou, Xiang Liu
  • Patent number: 10302438
    Abstract: Probe data including points with geographic locations and heading angles are identified for a geographic area. A translation is performed on the points in the probe data in a predetermined direction orthogonal to the corresponding heading. The translated points are aggregated according to a location grid. The aggregated points are analyzed from the location grid according to the heading. A potential location for a center of a roundabout road formation is determined based on the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Hilko Hofmann, Prokop Jehlicka
  • Patent number: 9932712
    Abstract: A spiral road junction system for connecting a plurality of highway spokes via a spiral road junction comprising adjacent-spoke connecting roads associated with each highway spoke, and a ring-road interchange traversing all the highway spokes. The ring-road interchange provides a continuous path from a slip road diverging from an entry highway spoke to an access road merging with an exit highway spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventors: Gilead Meroz, Yaron Toren
  • Patent number: 9576485
    Abstract: One embodiment of a traffic intersection lane and signal system for improving intersection capacity and safety. Through traffic is stopped by signal means (22) a distance away from the intersection. Turning traffic on turn lanes (10) and (14) have an option to proceed and queue on lane segments (12) and (16) respectively, then complete the turning maneuvers during phase ?7 and phase ?1 respectively. The through traffic released from signal means (22) arrives at the intersection at the time opposing left turn phase ?5 expires and through phase ?6 starts, and passes through the intersection without significant delay. A set of detectors (50) and signal means (52) located before the presignal help drivers to make stop decisions, and another set of detectors (54) and signal means (56) located before the intersection provide last second warning to drivers who ran the red light at the presignal. This system accommodates left-handed or right-handed driving conventions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Lijun Gao
  • Patent number: 9549686
    Abstract: A time series myoelectric potential signal is acquired, which is representative of time series activity amount of a muscle of a driver when the driver is performing a driving operation on the vehicle, the muscle being involved in the driving operation. Based on the acquired time series myoelectric potential signal, a parameter value indicative of a fluctuation amount of the time-series myoelectric potential signal and an average value of the myoelectric potential signal are obtained. Drivability of the vehicle is evaluated based on the obtained parameter value and the obtained average value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kuramori, Masayoshi Kamijo, Tsugutake Sadoyama
  • Patent number: 9322137
    Abstract: Method for building structures, particularly passages under operating railways or the like. The invention relates to a method for considerably reducing the occurrence and duration of temporary service interruptions required for building underpasses. After temporarily interrupting service on the tracks (9) and placing said tracks perpendicular to the site in the embankment of the passage that is to be built, the top of the embankment is cleared of soil in order to allow the deck (4) to be built and sealed (7), then the work area is backfilled (8) and the tracks are put back in place in order to allow traffic to resume at the end of the service interruption period. The side walls (10) of the passage are built by digging channels down to the foundation, placing reinforcement and pouring cement therein, then the interior of the passage is graded in preparation for the eventual permanent bottom slab (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Mustapha Aboulcaid
  • Patent number: 9076339
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method to utilize a plurality of road markers to aid a vehicle in merging into a lane. The lane that the merging vehicle desires to merge into is determined. Further, the position of the merging vehicle is determined. Target vehicles are then notified about the merging vehicle utilizing the plurality of road markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip Michael Hawkes, Gregory Gordon Rose
  • Publication number: 20150117947
    Abstract: A traffic-light-free overpass at intersections has roads arranged as follows: arranging from west to east a straight lane for ground-level motor vehicles, a straight lane for ground-level non-motor vehicles and pedestrians, a left-turn lane for ground-level motor vehicles, a right-turn lane for elevated motor vehicles; arranging from east to west a straight lane for elevated motor vehicles, a straight lane for elevated non-motor vehicles and pedestrians, a left-turn lane for elevated motor vehicles, a right-turn lane for ground-level motor vehicles; arranging from south to north a straight lane for underground motor vehicles, a straight lane for underground non-motor vehicles and pedestrians, a right-turn lane for elevated motor vehicles, a left-turn lane for elevated motor vehicles, a section of straight lane for elevated motor vehicles, a left-U-turn lane for underground motor vehicles; arranging from north to south a straight lane for underground motor vehicles, a straight lane for underground non-motor ve
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Hongbing Zhou
  • Publication number: 20150078820
    Abstract: The Flow Boulevard concepts provide a system of transportation improvement for urban and suburban existing development and or new development. The system provides the optimization of vehicular capacity and level of service for at grade interrupted flow facilities without the widening of streets. The system is comprised of single and couplet street configurations that allow corridors and networks to be developed that have vehicles flowing without stopping throughout the corridor or network. Benefit of true bus rapid transit is attained by removing the necessity to stop at signals and with only stopping for boarding and alighting of bus riders. Consolidation of population increases in low density settings by introducing medium density corridors can dramatically reduce vehicular miles traveled in suburban locations to conserve resources and reduce greenhouse gases. The system of improvement is both inexpensive by using existing streets and has little impact on existing development by not widening streets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Phillip Jon Brown
  • Publication number: 20150043969
    Abstract: An overpass, including: a main road, an auxiliary road, a turntable, a cross-shaped viaduct, a sidewalk, an elevated bicycle lane, an elevated bicycle parking layer, and a first lower level floor. The main road includes: a first lower level main connecting lane. The auxiliary road includes: a first lower level auxiliary connecting lane. The turntable includes: a plurality of bus stops, taxi docking stations, and outer pedestrian ladders. The cross-shaped viaduct includes: a dual-line bridge and a single-line bridge. The first lower level floor includes a first lower level parking lot. The main road and the auxiliary road cross intersect at the turntable. The cross-shaped viaduct crosses above the turntable and is connected to the main road and the auxiliary road. The dual-line bridge is connected to the main road and the single-line bridge is connected to the auxiliary road.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Valiant Yuk Yuen LEUNG
  • Patent number: 8950970
    Abstract: A crossover for travel paths is provided. The crossover includes a primary travel path having a first pathway arranged for travel in a first direction and a second pathway arranged for travel in a second direction, and a secondary travel path having a third pathway arranged for travel in a third direction and a fourth pathway arranged for travel in a fourth direction. A main bridge crossover is provided so that the first and second pathways cross each of the third and fourth pathways without intersecting at grade. Two minor bridge crossovers are provided, each constructed and arranged so that the third and fourth pathways cross each other without intersecting, at grade. Lane communication is provided between select exits and entrances to minimize weaving traffic patterns, additional flyovers are minimized and no 270-degree loops are required, providing continuous traffic flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Michael A. Gingrich, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20140377000
    Abstract: A three-dimensional urban road system capable of intensively utilizing land and avoiding traffic jam is provided, including a straight section, a longitudinal slope section and an intersection. The straight section and the intersection are connected to form a road network. The longitudinal slope section is connected with the straight section, realizing connection between the straight section and the ground. The straight section includes a bottom road, a parking layer and a running layer; parallel ramps for small cars only arranged such that small cars in the straight section can switch among the three layers. Roads are changed into three layers: the upper running layer for small cars; the middle parking layer, a transfer layer for parking and connecting the ground road and the upper running layer; and the bottom road for large vehicles. Large vehicles and small cars are completely shunted, thus effectively solving the problem of traffic jam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Qingwei Chen, Shuang Chen, Yujun Chen, Yuyan Chen
  • Patent number: 8915669
    Abstract: A cross street station and interchange for use at the intersection of a local traffic artery with significant pedestrian-oriented improvements and features that runs between but not through two communities and a primary traffic artery that divides two dissimilar communities. It uses a variable bi-level regional mass transit platform for ticketed passengers lowered from the upper level of the cross street station and interchange to the street level and provide a platform level with the regional mass transit vehicle floor and a ramp to the height elevation of the sidewalk to disembark arriving regional mass transit passengers and allow for the boarding of the new mass transit passengers. The cross street station and interchange includes in close proximity to this platform a metropolitan mass transit stop on the primary traffic artery and local community transit services stop on the local traffic artery that can also accommodate paratransit passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas F. Gustafson, Naphtali Rishe, Ramon Trias, Kenneth Stapleton
  • Publication number: 20140205376
    Abstract: An underpass under an intersection has a first underground level for pedestrians, accessible by one or more pedestrian accesses from the street level, a second underground level for vehicles, accessible by one or more vehicle accesses from the street level, wherein the first underground level enables pedestrians to safely cross a street underneath the intersection, and contains establishments for the pedestrians, and the second underground level provides vehicle parking. In an embodiment, tunnels connect the levels under adjacent intersections. An improved method has the steps of installing one or more pedestrian levels below ground having pedestrian accesses at selected street corners on the street above, installing establishments in the one or more pedestrian levels, and installing one or more vehicle levels below the pedestrian levels having one or more vehicle accesses at the side of streets above, wherein vehicle levels provide vehicle parking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Frank DERENONCOURT
  • Patent number: 8757921
    Abstract: A transit system has an elevated controlled roadway system, a plurality of powered transport vehicles with steerable front wheels having a common width dimension, and both manual controls and an on-board computer (OBC) system for control on the elevated roadway, a master computer system communicating with the OBCs, enabled thereby to determine location of transport vehicles and to control velocity of the transport vehicles, and outwardly-angled guide curbs along opposite sides of the roadway surface, and spaced apart at a dimension larger than the common width dimension. The front wheels of the transport vehicles, by virtue of the angle of the guide curbs, provide a region of contact to vehicle wheels only at a relatively thin line near the outside diameter of each wheel, and wherein the guide curbs or the front wheels at the region of contact, or both, are surfaced with a low-friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Homer T. McCrary
  • Patent number: 8629785
    Abstract: A traffic resource allocation method is provided for allocating traffic resources around an intersection formed by a first road and a second road. The method includes dividing the first road into two or more first lanes at a first direction and two or more second lanes at a second direction opposite but parallel to the first direction. The method also includes dividing the second road into two or more third lanes at a third direction and two or more four lanes at a fourth direction opposite but parallel to the third direction. Further, the method includes controlling traffic movements in the intersection by allocating traffic permit to both pedestrian traffic and vehicle traffic on the first road and the second road. The method also include, when permitting pedestrian traffic along the first direction and the second direction, permitting through vehicle traffic along the first direction and the second direction, and prohibiting turn traffic at any of the first, second, third, and fourth directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Jiantong Ni
  • Publication number: 20130279977
    Abstract: The present invention is a traffic-weaving-free grade-separated road junction that provides for continuous flow of traffic and provides exterior exits and entrances only (i.e., it provides right-side exits and entrances only where the convention is for traffic to keep to the right, but provides left-side exits and entrances only where the convention is for traffic to keep to the left). Two of the embodiments have two loop ramps and require as few as two bridges. Two other embodiments have no loop ramps and require as few as three bridges. In addition, four other embodiments have one loop ramp and require as few as three bridges; two other embodiments have no loop ramps and require as few as four bridges; and two embodiments provide U-turn ramps, have no loop ramps, and require as few as three bridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Antonio Mario Loro
  • Publication number: 20130259566
    Abstract: An interchange for road and freeways that allows for a constant movement of traffic via entrances and exits from a circular road accessible from all directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Nazeeh Oudeh
  • Publication number: 20130251451
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of superstructures carrying renewable energy means along a section comprising, or in the proximity of a circulation area and addresses the goal of minimizing the visual impact resulting from such superstructures by means of a variation of at least some of the design parameters of said superstructures or of respective renewable energy means, preferentially at least as perceived by people circulating along said section. The present invention further relates to a section, for example of a traffic infrastructure, presenting such system of superstructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Paulo Alexandre Teixeira E. Silva Cardoso
  • Patent number: 8500359
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nonstop traffic system using a half (½) cloverleaf and a traffic method applied with the same, including a loop-type traffic system for connecting a half (½) cloverleaf (100) to half (½) underground U-turn lanes (200E, 200W, 200S and 200N) that can make vehicles drive and pedestrians walk nonstop in every direction without relation to traffic signals at existing intersections or roadways for left-turn and U-turn, and crosswalks. The half (½) cloverleaf (100) is constructed at existing intersections and the half underground U-turn lanes (200E, 200S, 200S and 200N) are constructed on left-turn roadways in existing four directions (East, West, South and North) that connect to the intersections, U-turn roadways and crosswalks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Chi Hong Yeo
  • Patent number: 8457808
    Abstract: An automatic delivery system for an infrastructure comprising passenger transportation, freight delivery, electrical grid, oil, gas, water pipelines, communication, sewer removal, etc. The automation at the current state of technology is mostly achieved by enclosing the delivery system inside of an enclosure for achieving automatic weather independent transportation and eliminating costs related to protecting the aforementioned infrastructure components from outside elements. In addition, the system is simple enough to avoid traffic and collisions automatically by processing in real time just a single piece of information: a location of each vehicle; as the result, the system is inexpensive since no hardware is necessary for between-vehicles communications, for road condition detection, for GPS, etc. Plus every person will be able to use transportation on-demand with or without sharing a commute and at a desired comfort level including but not limited to entertainment, exercise, working on the go, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Alisa Michnik, Yefim Michnik
  • Patent number: 8430595
    Abstract: In a vehicle guideway having a vehicle track, a guidance system is provided comprising one or more guide curbs installed along a length of the guideway, and a low-friction coating or coatings presented by the curbs, a vehicle's tires, or both, the coating or coatings reducing friction and wear in the event of contact between the tires and the one or more guide curbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: McCrary Personal Transport System, LLC
    Inventor: Homer T McCrary
  • Patent number: 8366342
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved vehicular movement between first and second crossing roadways. The systems employ multiple turn roadways to permit a vehicle traveling on one of the crossing roadways to appropriately turn and continuously travel onto the other of the crossing roadway. The systems are adaptable to use in conjunction with either left side of the road vehicle movement or right side of the road vehicle movement. In addition, the systems and methods can be adapted for use in conjunction a roadway crossing whereat at least one of the roads is for forwarded vehicle movement in only one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Galvin Project, Inc.
    Inventors: Narathip Sutchiewcharn, Zongzhi Li, Jeffry Budiman, Jay Shen
  • Publication number: 20130011190
    Abstract: A crossover for travel paths is provided. The crossover includes a primary travel path having a first pathway arranged for travel in a first direction and a second pathway arranged for travel in a second direction, and a secondary travel path having a third pathway arranged for travel in a third direction and a fourth pathway arranged for travel in a fourth direction. A main bridge crossover is provided so that the first and second pathways cross each of the third and fourth pathways without intersecting at grade. Two minor bridge crossovers are provided, each constructed and arranged so that the third and fourth pathways cross each other without intersecting, at grade. Lane communication is provided between select exits and entrances to minimize weaving traffic patterns, additional flyovers are minimized and no 270-degree loops are required, providing continuous traffic flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Michael A. Gingrich, SR.
  • Publication number: 20120315084
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of the construction and installation of an elevated highway for moving transport means on different levels. The elevated highway for transferring and arranging transport means on different levels comprises pillars, at least three one-way traffic lanes, and entrance and exit sections. The elevated highway includes external and internal crossings for the transport means. The external crossings are adapted so that arc-shaped inclined traffic lanes are provided against the end traffic lanes on one or another floor of the multi-floor elevated highway on the external side from the ground road traffic lanes as well as from one floor to the other, for the entrance or exit of transport means into or out of the elevated highway and for their transfer from one floor to any other floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Yury Fedorovich Makarov
  • Patent number: 8322943
    Abstract: A transportation system for rider propelled vehicles, zero-emission vehicles, and pedestrians is disclosed. The system includes pathways (517, 317, 717, 519, 119, 319, 719, 919, 523, 123, 323, 723, 923, 525, 325, 725) that are integrated into a building structure (101) or a series of building structures (100, 300, 500, 700, 900) connected by bridges (34, 35, 36, 37, 30, 31, 32, 33) which have an overall downward sloping grade. Elevators (515, 520, 522, 527, 115, 120, 122, 127, 315, 320, 322, 327, 715, 720, 722, 727, 915, 920, 922, 927) are utilized to transport riders, vehicles, and pedestrians to the integrated pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Colin Craig O'Kroley
  • Publication number: 20120275856
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved vehicular movement between first and second crossing roadways. The systems employ multiple turn roadways to permit a vehicle traveling on one of the crossing roadways to appropriately turn and continuously travel onto the other of the crossing roadway. The systems are adaptable to use in conjunction with either left side of the road vehicle movement or right side of the road vehicle movement. In addition, the systems and methods can be adapted for use in conjunction a roadway crossing whereat at least one of the roads is for forwarded vehicle movement in only one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: THE GALVIN PROJECT, INC.
    Inventors: Narathip Sutchiewcharn, Zongzhi Li, Jeffry Budiman, Jay Shen
  • Patent number: 8231302
    Abstract: In a vehicle guideway having a vehicle track, a guidance system is provided comprising one or more guide curbs installed along a length of the guideway, and a low-friction coating or coatings presented by the curbs, a vehicle's tires, or both, the coating or coatings reducing friction and wear in the event of contact between the tires and the one or more guide curbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Homer T McCrary
  • Patent number: 8221023
    Abstract: Systems for improved vehicular movement between first and second crossing roadways. The systems employ multiple turn roadways to permit a vehicle traveling on one of the crossing roadways to appropriately turn and continuously travel onto the other of the crossing roadway. The systems are adaptable to use in conjunction with either left side of the road vehicle movement or right side of the road vehicle movement. In addition, the systems can be adapted for use in conjunction a roadway crossing whereat at least one of the roads is for forwarded vehicle movement in only one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Galvin Project, Inc.
    Inventors: Narathip Sutchiewcharn, Zongzhi Li, Jeffry Budiman, Jay Shen
  • Publication number: 20120134744
    Abstract: Systems for improved vehicular movement between first and second crossing roadways. The systems employ multiple turn roadways to permit a vehicle traveling on one of the crossing roadways to appropriately turn and continuously travel onto the other of the crossing roadway. The systems are adaptable to use in conjunction with either left side of the road vehicle movement or right side of the road vehicle movement. In addition, the systems can be adapted for use in conjunction a roadway crossing whereat at least one of the roads is for forwarded vehicle movement in only one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: The Galvin Project, Inc.
    Inventors: Narathip Sutchiewcharn, Zongzhi Li, Jeffry Budiman, Jay Shen
  • Patent number: 8190401
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a computer implemented method and system for creating a road model. In one embodiment, an identification of an intersection of a first road and a second road is received. At least one designated elevation is received at which the first road and the second road should merge. Finally a united layer is automatically created for the intersection wherein a first plurality of strings defining the first road and a second plurality of strings defining the second road intersect at the at least one designated elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Arnaud Boucherat, Matthew Lynn Jones
  • Patent number: 8172478
    Abstract: The double-deck covered roadway (5) has an upper road (30) for light vehicle traffic and a lower road (25) for heavy, industrial vehicle traffic. The roadway is an intelligent system, having an access control computer (ACC) (55) limiting access of the roadways to the appropriate vehicles. Signal emitters, receivers and/or repeaters (40) for microwave, cell phones short-range radio, or the like may be provided. The roadway is covered, and has a slanted roof structure (7). Solar panels (10) are disposed atop the slanted roof structure (7). Spindles (8) may be provided that can pull off or pull on an optional protective cover for the solar panels (10). An indoor services module (50) houses the ACC (55) and other service systems. The underside of the upper roadway (30) can provide attached or embedded monitoring systems, road lighting, signal light boards (60) to communicate with drivers, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Robert L. Sing
  • Publication number: 20120068473
    Abstract: A roadway arrangement comprises a first road segment; an upper bridge mounted for rotational movement about a pivot axis relative to the first road segment; a lower bridge, including one or more upwardly extending segments; and a second road segment. As a vehicle travels from the first road segment and starts moving across the upper bridge, the upper bridge will rotate downward about the pivot axis and will continue to rotate until the one or more upwardly extending segments of the lower bridge extend through respective openings defined by the upper bridge, at which time the vehicle will transition from driving on the road surface as defined by the upper bridge to driving on the road surface as defined by the upwardly extending segments of the lower bridge. The movement of the upper bridge produces work, which can then be used for power generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: John L. Gohmann
  • Patent number: 8109690
    Abstract: Systems for improved vehicular movement between first and second crossing roadways. The systems employ multiple turn roadways to permit a vehicle traveling on one of the crossing roadways to appropriately turn and continuously travel onto the other of the crossing roadway. The systems are adaptable to use in conjunction with either left side of the road vehicle movement or right side of the road vehicle movement. In addition, the systems can be adapted for use in conjunction a roadway crossing whereat at least one of the roads is for forwarded vehicle movement in only one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Narathip Sutchiewcharn, Zongzhi Li, Jeffry Budiman, Jay Shen
  • Publication number: 20110243657
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nonstop traffic system using a half (½) cloverleaf and a traffic method applied with the same, including a loop-type traffic system for connecting a half (½) cloverleaf (100) to half (½) underground U-turn lanes (200E, 200W, 200S and 200N) that can make vehicles drive and pedestrians walk nonstop in every direction without relation to traffic signals at existing intersections or roadways for left-turn and U-turn, and crosswalks. The half (½) cloverleaf (100) is constructed at existing intersections and the half underground U-turn lanes (200E, 200S, 200S and 200N) are constructed on left-turn roadways in existing four directions (East, West, South and North) that connect to the intersections, U-turn roadways and crosswalks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Chi Hong Yeo
  • Publication number: 20110188929
    Abstract: An example method of expanding a highway have a multiple lanes passing under a highway overpass bridge having a center pier is described. The center pier may be between lanes passing in opposite directions. The center pier may be replaced with two replacement central piers having a gap there between. Additional lanes may be added through the gap between the replacement central piers. Various methods of construction and detailed designs for such bridges are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Skanska USA Civil Inc.
    Inventors: Randall C. Schultz, Michael Waters, Charles Keit Tipton
  • Publication number: 20110110717
    Abstract: A structure for supporting vehicular traffic is supported by the ground and includes a panel and first and second longitudinally-extending foundations. The panel has a top surface on which vehicular traffic is supported, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, first and second lateral sides, a leading side and a trailing side. The leading and trailing sides space the first and second longitudinal sides from each other. The first and second longitudinally-extending foundations cooperate to support the panel such that a space is defined between the road surface panel and a surface of the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: NOWAK & EISENHARDT LLC
    Inventor: Robert Eisenhardt
  • Patent number: 7905681
    Abstract: A method for constructing a traffic intersection is disclosed. One version of the intersection includes a protected turn-around lane that allows traffic to turn around and proceed in the opposite direction. The protected turn-around lane provides for a protected turn without having a traffic indicator phase dedicated to protecting such a turn. Another version of the intersection includes an overpass and a protected path through the overpass allowing traffic to turn around and travel in substantially the opposite direction. Another version of the intersection includes an overpass and a protected turn-around lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Intersection Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Brian R. Remy