GB1300048A - Transport system - Google Patents

Abstract

1300048 Transportation systems AERIAL TRANSIT SYSTEMS Inc 20 Jan 1970 [21 Jan 1969] 2663/70 Heading B7L A transportation system comprises spaced columns 15 supporting main cables 18 from which is suspended an I-section track 12, for vehicles V by means of suspender cables 30 with the cables 18 tied by cables 30. In Fig. 4 an embodiment incorporating two tracks 12 is illustrated with tie bars 35 extending transversely therebetween. The cables 18, 30 and 32 are connected to each other and to the tracks by bracket members 37, 40 co-operating with eye bolts 36, 39. Associated with each track is damping cable 24 connected between the columns 15 and which passes through grips 43 slidable on plates 44 mounted on bars 35. Each track is formed of a number of sections which terminate at the columns and are connected with the adjacent section by an expansion joint, Fig. 9. The lower flange 48 at the end of each section is mitred to form edges 62 which are engaged by the edges 61 of a triangular plate 60. Attached to the edges 62 are sockets 65 which co-operate with male members 64 along the edges 61 to form dovetail sliding bearings which allow the plate 60 to slide transverse of the flanges 48 during extension and contraction of the tracks. The webs 40 of the tracks overlap at 49<SP>1</SP>. Attached to the upper flanges 47 of the tracks are telescopic tubular guide members 74, 78. Shock absorbers may be provided between the tracks and the columns. One end of a track section may be diverted by a plurality of positioners 92 to align this section with the end of a branch track 12<SP>1</SP>. The positioners are spaced longitudinally along the track and linked so that in the direction towards the track end the amount of displacement of the track is increased. Each positioner comprises a threaded sleeve 94, Fig. 14, connected with the track and which is engaged by a screw 95 driven by a motor 96. A dove tail sliding bearing guides the end of the track 12 and electrically operated keys 108 lock the track in either its main or branch line position. In the modification of Fig. 19 the track 112 is supported by cables 134 whose tension may be adjusted by turn buckles 142. Further the lengths of these cables may be adjusted to guide the track around a curved path. The track 12 in this embodiment is continuously formed and the tension in support cables 118<SP>1</SP> maintained constant by being connected to the support columns by adjustable hydraulic rams sensitive to the cable tension. Addition support in the form of near horizontal and vertical cables may be provided between the columns and track. Also a third main cable extending between the columns may be used as additional support.