GB1476783A - Transportation system - Google Patents

Abstract

1476783 Transport systems; automatic train control P M BOURASSA 15 June 1974 26614/74 Headings B7L and B7N A transportation system comprises a continuous main traffic line 2 between two points of which extends a station traffic line 5 having oppositely inclined end sections 6 extending upwardly from said points a predetermined height to a station 4; car units 1 each having a relatively high cruising speed motor 12 to drive the unit only when in the main line 2 and a relatively low speed motor (14) activated on the upward incline 6 to drive the unit along the station line 5 at a predetermined low speed but provided with an overrunning clutch (15) so that the low speed can be exceeded on the inclines 6. Gravity effects acceleration and deceleration of the unit between the low speed and cruising speed during travel along the inclines. The system includes several such stations and each car unit 1 is equipped with a station selection circuit, Fig. 9, in which selected switches 49a- 49e are closed to energize sliding contacts 50 and 51a-51e which project from the unit to engage corresponding contacts 61 and one of 62a-62e which are provided prior to each station and divert the unit into a station line if required. Circuitry for automatic opening and closing of doors on the unit and on the station platform is also provided, Fig. 15 (not shown). Spacing of the units 1 is controlled as shown in Fig. 16 by a series of conductor sections 136 extending along the main line adjacent to a series of rail sections 134 on which wheels 9 of the units run, each conductor section 136 being co-extensive with a rail section 134 but connected by conductors 137 to the preceding rail section 134. Power supply means 135 energize each pair of sections 134 but are short-circuited by the wheels 9 and axle 11 of a car unit in that section of track. However, when the unit vacates the track section, the conductor sections 136 are energized from the rail sections 134 via the conductors 137 so that contacts 85 and 86 projecting from a following unit in the next track section receive supply to energize a coil 89. This causes opening of a switch 90 to de-energize braking system 93 and actuate motor 12 of this following unit which then proceeds into subsequent track sections. In each station traffic line, the track sections become progressively shorter as the unit approaches a stopping zone, and there is interaction with the spacing control means of the main line sections by-passing the station so that a unit can only leave the station line when a suitable gap in the main line exists.