US20010042488A1 - System for transporting vehicles using pallets and trains - Google Patents
System for transporting vehicles using pallets and trains Download PDFInfo
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- US20010042488A1 US20010042488A1 US09/852,816 US85281601A US2001042488A1 US 20010042488 A1 US20010042488 A1 US 20010042488A1 US 85281601 A US85281601 A US 85281601A US 2001042488 A1 US2001042488 A1 US 2001042488A1
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- pallet
- avt
- train
- port
- trains
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61K—AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR RAILWAYS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B61K1/00—Transferring passengers, articles, or freight to and from moving trains; Slipping or coupling vehicles from or to moving trains
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B61B15/00—Combinations of railway systems
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B61B5/00—Elevated railway systems without suspended vehicles
Definitions
- This invention relates to transportation systems, specifically to an improved system for transporting vehicles and passengers from one destination to another using pallets, trains and guideways.
- the present invention allows travelers to travel swiftly, smoothly and safely to their destinations while never leaving their vehicles in much less time than conventional driving.
- the invention uses a unique design system that moves automobiles from pallets onto trains without the use of switches and then transports the automobiles and their passengers on guideways at a rate of approximately 80 miles per hour.
- the trains consist of air-conditioned compartments that have restrooms, entertainment centers and vending machines, which allows for a comfortable, quick transport from one destination to another. Because the trains travel on guideways that are similar to train tracks, the present invention could utilize tracks of existing rail systems such as the Blue Line in Los Angeles or BART in San Francisco.
- the invention is entirely electric and, as such, is safer on the environment. Its use would result in reduced vehicle emissions and gasoline usage.
- the present invention offers significant advantages over the relevant prior art. Although several systems may be classified as “dual mode” transportation systems (i.e. they transport vehicles such as automobiles automatically on private guideways), each of these systems contains disadvantages and drawbacks that must be addressed to provide an effective and workable security transportation system. In general, the current relevant art relies on switches to add and remove the automobiles to and from the system. Furthermore, none of these systems transport the automobiles by trains.
- the present invention has the additional advantage of operating at very high speeds to enable inter continental travel using pressurized trains that travel in partially evacuated tubes, incorporating air cushion technology.
- the main embodiment of the present invention comprises an improved mass transportation system for transporting vehicles and passengers from one location to another.
- the major components of the system include pallets, guideways, trains, ramps, stations, ports, and slots.
- the present invention's technology allows travelers to travel swiftly, smoothly and safely to their destinations while never leaving their vehicles in much less time than conventional driving.
- the invention uses a unique design system that moves automobiles from pallets onto trains without the use of switches and then transports the automobiles and their passengers on guideways at a rate of approximately 80 miles per hour.
- the present invention could be used to transport freight in addition to vehicles and passengers.
- an object and advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved mass transportation system for transporting vehicles and passengers from one location to another. Further objects and advantages of the invention are to provide a mass transportation system (a) that operates on electricity and results in reduced vehicle emissions and reduced gasoline consumption; and (b) that provides an alternative to highway driving and results in reduced traffic congestion.
- the invention is an improvement over the prior art and addresses a defined need in the marketplace. Unlike the prior art, the present invention transfers the automobiles and their passengers from pallets onto trains while the trains are moving. Furthermore, unlike the prior art, the invention operates without the need for switches.
- FIG. 1 is an overall view of the system for transporting vehicles from one destination to another using pallets (“AVT-Pallets”), trains (“AVT-Trains”) and guideways (“Guideways”).
- AVT-Pallets pallets
- AVT-Trains trains
- Guideways guideways
- FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an Entry Station, Vehicle Port (“AVT-Port”), Pallet Guideway, Train Guideway and AVT-Train.
- AVT-Port Vehicle Port
- Pallet Guideway Pallet Guideway
- Train Guideway Train Guideway
- AVT-Train Air Traffic Traffic
- FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an AVT-Pallet, which moves a vehicle from an Entry Station onto an AVT-Train.
- FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the mechanism on the AVT-Pallet that lifts and moves the vehicle from the AVT-Port to the AVT-Pallet.
- FIG. 5 is a view of a yard where AVT-Trains are stored and maintenance is performed.
- FIG. 6 depicts an interchange of four Train Guideways: northbound, southbound, eastbound and westbound.
- FIG. 1 depicts the major components of a system that transports vehicles and passengers from one destination to another on elevated guideways.
- the entire system is electric and controlled by a network of computers.
- the major components of the system include Entry and Exits Ramps, Entry and Exit Stations, AVT-Ports, AVT-Pallets, AVT-Slots, Pallet Guideways, Train Guideways, and AVT-Trains.
- the driver of the vehicle uses an Entry Ramp 1 to drive into an Entry Station 2 and park in an AVT-Port 3 .
- the driver selects a destination using a mobile phone.
- the AVT-Port then rotates 45 degrees 4 and parallel to a Pallet Guideway 5 .
- the system then moves the AVT-Pallet 6 along the Pallet Guideway next to an AVT-Port 7 and parks.
- a mechanism on the AVT-Pallet (See FIG. 3) transfers the vehicle from the AVT-Port to the AVT-Pallet.
- the AVT-Pallet accelerates onto a Pallet Guideway 8 and moves next to an AVT-Train 9 that is traveling in the same direction on a Train Guideway 10 .
- the AVT-Pallet docks with an empty AVT-Slot 11 on an AVT-Train while both are moving.
- the AVT-Pallet moves the vehicle onto the AVT-Train and undocks.
- the AVT-Pallet continues 12 , without a vehicle, back to the Entry Station to pick up another vehicle.
- an empty AVT-Pallet docks with an AVT-Train at the AVT-Slot that contains the vehicle.
- the AVT-Pallet moves the vehicle from the AVT-Slot to the AVT-Pallet and parks next to an empty AVT-Port 13 in the Exit Station.
- the mechanism on the AVT-Pallet transfers the vehicle from the AVT-Pallet to the AVT-Port.
- the AVT-Port then rotates 45 degrees and the driver drives the vehicle out using Exit Ramp 14 .
- Stations operate as both Entry Stations and Exit Stations providing fail-safe capabilities by means of re-circulating AVT-Pallets.
- AVT-Trains travel at high speeds between cities and slower speeds within the vicinity of the Stations.
- FIGS. 2 through 4 shows the details of an AVT-Pallet and an AVT-Train that are involved in moving the vehicles.
- FIG. 2 shows an Entry Station 2 with four AVT-Ports 3 .
- Entry and Exit Stations likely have many more AVT-Ports. Public vans would be available to transport those without vehicles on the system.
- the driver parks in an empty AVT-Port and requests a destination using a mobile phone and a password. If the request is accepted, the AVT-Port locks the vehicle in place on pads of rollers on which the vehicle sits. Once the vehicle is secure, the AVT-Port rotates 45 degrees 7 and waits for an AVT-Pallet.
- AVT-Pallets travel on Pallet Guideways 5 and AVT-Trains travel on Train Guideways 10 .
- AVT-Pallets never travel on Train Guideways. Rather, they circulate between Entry Stations and Exit Stations on AVT-Pallet Guideways.
- An AVT-Pallet docks with an AVT-Port 7 before the vehicle is moved from the AVT-Port to the AVT-Pallet.
- Docking Rods 37 are extended from within the AVT-Pallet and inserted into Docking Holes in the AVT-Port 24 . This connection secures the alignment of the AVT-Pallet with the AVT-Port and provides a method of transferring information about the vehicle to the AVT-Pallet.
- FIG. 3 shows an AVT-Pallet 6 that is docked with an AVT-Port 3 on which a vehicle is parked. Most of the top surface of the AVT-Port is covered with 24-inch wide conveyor belts 15 on which the vehicles are parked. The top surface of the AVT-Pallet is also covered with 24-inch wide conveyor belts 16 . Vehicles are moved from the AVT-Ports to the AVT-Pallets by the 2 sets of conveyor belts. The Vehicles are secured on the AVT-Pallets with Adjustable Wheel Chocks 17 that have free turning rollers 18 . The rollers resist the vehicle from driving over the wheel chocks if the vehicle is started by mistake while on the AVT-Pallet. Emergency Vehicle Stops 19 prevent the vehicle from leaving the pallet in case the wheel chocks are ineffective, e.g. for 4-wheel drive vehicles.
- FIG. 2 depicts the transfer of a vehicle from an AVT-Pallet and onto an AVT-Train.
- a computer in the Entry Station 2 sends a command to a computer in the AVT-Pallet 7 to transfer the vehicle from the AVT-Pallet to an AVT-Slot on an approaching AVT-Train.
- the on-board computer commands the AVT-Pallet to accelerate so it is traveling at the same speed of the AVT-Train next to an empty AVT-Slot 23 .
- the AVT-Pallet extends two Docking Rods into Docking Holes 24 in the AVT-Slot.
- the vehicle is moved to the AVT-Train conveyor belts on the AVT-Pallet and the AVT-Slot 20 .
- the AVT-Pallet then undocks from the AVT-Slot and is free to unload a vehicle from the same train or to proceed back to the Entry Station.
- FIG. 2 shows an AVT-Train which the same type of Adjustable Wheel Chocks 17 and Emergency Vehicle Stops 19 .
- an AVT-Trains contains 10 to 20 AVT-Slots.
- Vehicles may idle while traveling on the AVT-Train in order to supply power for air conditioning and other electric devices.
- the AVT-Train has airfoils that direct airflow into the radiators of the vehicles to prevent overheating.
- FIG. 2 also depicts the components that move the vehicle from an AVT-Train to an Exit Station.
- an AVT-Pallet moves next to its AVT-Slot on the AVT-Train 27 , docks with the AVT-Slot, lifts the vehicle off the AVT-Slot and moves it to the AVT-Pallet.
- the AVT-Pallet undocks and proceeds to the Exit Station where it parks next to an empty AVT-Port.
- the AVT-Pallet docks with the AVT-Port, moves the vehicle onto the AVT-Port, lowers the vehicle onto the AVT-Port, undocks from AVT-Port and proceeds to the Entry Station.
- the AVT-Port rotates 45 degrees after the AVT-Pallet undocks and the vehicle is driven out of an Exit Station.
- FIG. 5 shows part of a Train Yard that contains one AVT-Train 28 and one Freight Train 29 (“F-Train”).
- Train Guideways 30 carry both AVT-Trains and F-Trains at the same time but F-Trains are only loaded and unloaded in Train Yards.
- Train Yards are also used to store AVT-Trains that are not needed during light traffic periods. Train Yards are also used to repair AVT-Trains and handle emergencies in case of a malfunction.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the complexity of an interchange of four Train Guideways: North 32 , South 33 , East 34 and West 35 . Only the AVT-Pallet Guideways for the northbound traffic are shown 36 . Four Exit Stations 31 are provided as emergency exits. AVT-Pallets are shown circulating within the interchange through underground tunnels.
- AVT-Pallets make it possible to retrofit existing rail systems to accommodate AVT-Trains.
- the Bart System in San Francisco, CA could also carry AVT-Trains along with regular passenger trains.
- Magnetic Levitation Magnetic-Lev
- the AVT-Train switches would be more complex and much more expensive.
- train cars could be compartments with doors instead of flat bed cars. Compartments allow the trains to have restrooms, entertainment, refreshments and other features provided by conventional trains like ANTRA.
- the speed of the present invention could be increased to over 1000 MPH by using pressurized compartments, air locks, an enclosed and partially evacuated guideway tube and air cushion suspension for speeds over 250 MPH
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/204,027 filed on May 15, 2000.
- 1. Field of Invention
- This invention relates to transportation systems, specifically to an improved system for transporting vehicles and passengers from one destination to another using pallets, trains and guideways.
- 2. Description of Relevant Prior Art
- Many travelers wish to travel from one destination to another with their automobiles but without driving. Existing conventional mass transportation systems are not attractive alternatives to those travelers who wish to have their automobiles at their disposal at their destination. Shortcomings in these existing systems render them unsatisfactory and unsuitable for this purpose. A need therefore exists for an effective mass transportation system that transports vehicles and their passengers from one destination to another.
- The present invention's technology allows travelers to travel swiftly, smoothly and safely to their destinations while never leaving their vehicles in much less time than conventional driving. The invention uses a unique design system that moves automobiles from pallets onto trains without the use of switches and then transports the automobiles and their passengers on guideways at a rate of approximately 80 miles per hour. The trains consist of air-conditioned compartments that have restrooms, entertainment centers and vending machines, which allows for a comfortable, quick transport from one destination to another. Because the trains travel on guideways that are similar to train tracks, the present invention could utilize tracks of existing rail systems such as the Blue Line in Los Angeles or BART in San Francisco. The invention is entirely electric and, as such, is safer on the environment. Its use would result in reduced vehicle emissions and gasoline usage.
- The present invention offers significant advantages over the relevant prior art. Although several systems may be classified as “dual mode” transportation systems (i.e. they transport vehicles such as automobiles automatically on private guideways), each of these systems contains disadvantages and drawbacks that must be addressed to provide an effective and workable security transportation system. In general, the current relevant art relies on switches to add and remove the automobiles to and from the system. Furthermore, none of these systems transport the automobiles by trains.
- A number of U.S. patents and other prior art provide for transportation systems but lack certain features and advantages of the present invention. The most comprehensive list of dual mode systems in on the following web site: http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans. Six of these dual mode systems transport vehicles on guideways: (1) the Autoshuttle from Germany; (2) the AUTRAN from Austria (U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,603, U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,604, U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,783, U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,735, U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,334, and U.S. Pat. No.6,082,268); (3) the FlexiTrain from New Zealand; (4) the MegaRail from Texas (U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,135); (5) the Palleted Automated Transportation from MIT; and (6) the RUF System from Denmark.
- All of these systems transport conventional automobiles on elevated guideways. The FlexiTrain and the RUF systems require specially built cars. Although the present invention also transports conventional vehicles automatically on private guideways, it is different in two significant ways: First, the present invention uses pallets to load and unload the automobiles onto and from a moving train. None of the other systems transfers the automobiles onto a train. Second, the present invention eliminates the need for switches when adding and removing automobiles to and from the system. All of the other systems use some type of “Y” switch that is inherently unreliable at high speeds.
- Furthermore, transporting automobiles on trains makes it possible for the present invention to offer many attractive services to the travelers: (1) Television to communicate with the riders, project the view from the front and rear of the train and provide entertainment; (2) private restroom facilities; (3) refreshments in vending machines; (4) complete privacy and anonymity; (5) first class accommodations such as an adjacent suite with furniture and business office equipment and teleconferencing equipment; (6) a quiet ride because of the private train compartment, welded steel tracks and separation of the guideway from highway noise; and (7) higher potential speed and resulting reduced travel times than vehicles that are traveling individually on pallets on guideways.
- The present invention has the additional advantage of operating at very high speeds to enable inter continental travel using pressurized trains that travel in partially evacuated tubes, incorporating air cushion technology.
- The main embodiment of the present invention comprises an improved mass transportation system for transporting vehicles and passengers from one location to another. The major components of the system include pallets, guideways, trains, ramps, stations, ports, and slots. The present invention's technology allows travelers to travel swiftly, smoothly and safely to their destinations while never leaving their vehicles in much less time than conventional driving. The invention uses a unique design system that moves automobiles from pallets onto trains without the use of switches and then transports the automobiles and their passengers on guideways at a rate of approximately 80 miles per hour.
- According to another embodiment, the present invention could be used to transport freight in addition to vehicles and passengers.
- Accordingly, an object and advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved mass transportation system for transporting vehicles and passengers from one location to another. Further objects and advantages of the invention are to provide a mass transportation system (a) that operates on electricity and results in reduced vehicle emissions and reduced gasoline consumption; and (b) that provides an alternative to highway driving and results in reduced traffic congestion.
- The invention is an improvement over the prior art and addresses a defined need in the marketplace. Unlike the prior art, the present invention transfers the automobiles and their passengers from pallets onto trains while the trains are moving. Furthermore, unlike the prior art, the invention operates without the need for switches.
- Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
- Drawing Figures
- FIG. 1 is an overall view of the system for transporting vehicles from one destination to another using pallets (“AVT-Pallets”), trains (“AVT-Trains”) and guideways (“Guideways”).
- FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an Entry Station, Vehicle Port (“AVT-Port”), Pallet Guideway, Train Guideway and AVT-Train.
- FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an AVT-Pallet, which moves a vehicle from an Entry Station onto an AVT-Train.
- FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the mechanism on the AVT-Pallet that lifts and moves the vehicle from the AVT-Port to the AVT-Pallet.
- FIG. 5 is a view of a yard where AVT-Trains are stored and maintenance is performed.
- FIG. 6 depicts an interchange of four Train Guideways: northbound, southbound, eastbound and westbound.
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- Description—Main Embodiment
- FIG. 1 depicts the major components of a system that transports vehicles and passengers from one destination to another on elevated guideways. The entire system is electric and controlled by a network of computers. The major components of the system include Entry and Exits Ramps, Entry and Exit Stations, AVT-Ports, AVT-Pallets, AVT-Slots, Pallet Guideways, Train Guideways, and AVT-Trains.
- The driver of the vehicle uses an
Entry Ramp 1 to drive into an Entry Station 2 and park in an AVT-Port 3. After the vehicle is parked in the AVT-Port, the driver selects a destination using a mobile phone. The AVT-Port then rotates 45 degrees 4 and parallel to aPallet Guideway 5. The system then moves the AVT-Pallet 6 along the Pallet Guideway next to an AVT-Port 7 and parks. A mechanism on the AVT-Pallet (See FIG. 3) transfers the vehicle from the AVT-Port to the AVT-Pallet. - The AVT-Pallet accelerates onto a
Pallet Guideway 8 and moves next to an AVT-Train 9 that is traveling in the same direction on aTrain Guideway 10. The AVT-Pallet docks with an empty AVT-Slot 11 on an AVT-Train while both are moving. The AVT-Pallet moves the vehicle onto the AVT-Train and undocks. The AVT-Pallet continues 12, without a vehicle, back to the Entry Station to pick up another vehicle. - When a vehicle approaches an Exit Station, an empty AVT-Pallet docks with an AVT-Train at the AVT-Slot that contains the vehicle. The AVT-Pallet moves the vehicle from the AVT-Slot to the AVT-Pallet and parks next to an empty AVT-
Port 13 in the Exit Station. The mechanism on the AVT-Pallet transfers the vehicle from the AVT-Pallet to the AVT-Port. The AVT-Port then rotates 45 degrees and the driver drives the vehicle out usingExit Ramp 14. - Stations operate as both Entry Stations and Exit Stations providing fail-safe capabilities by means of re-circulating AVT-Pallets.
- AVT-Trains travel at high speeds between cities and slower speeds within the vicinity of the Stations.
- FIGS. 2 through 4 shows the details of an AVT-Pallet and an AVT-Train that are involved in moving the vehicles.
- Operation—Main Embodiment
- FIG. 2 shows an Entry Station2 with four AVT-
Ports 3. Entry and Exit Stations likely have many more AVT-Ports. Public vans would be available to transport those without vehicles on the system. The driver parks in an empty AVT-Port and requests a destination using a mobile phone and a password. If the request is accepted, the AVT-Port locks the vehicle in place on pads of rollers on which the vehicle sits. Once the vehicle is secure, the AVT-Port rotates 45degrees 7 and waits for an AVT-Pallet. - AVT-Pallets travel on
Pallet Guideways 5 and AVT-Trains travel onTrain Guideways 10. AVT-Pallets never travel on Train Guideways. Rather, they circulate between Entry Stations and Exit Stations on AVT-Pallet Guideways. - An AVT-Pallet docks with an AVT-
Port 7 before the vehicle is moved from the AVT-Port to the AVT-Pallet.Docking Rods 37 are extended from within the AVT-Pallet and inserted into Docking Holes in the AVT-Port 24. This connection secures the alignment of the AVT-Pallet with the AVT-Port and provides a method of transferring information about the vehicle to the AVT-Pallet. - FIG. 3 shows an AVT-Pallet6 that is docked with an AVT-
Port 3 on which a vehicle is parked. Most of the top surface of the AVT-Port is covered with 24-inchwide conveyor belts 15 on which the vehicles are parked. The top surface of the AVT-Pallet is also covered with 24-inchwide conveyor belts 16. Vehicles are moved from the AVT-Ports to the AVT-Pallets by the 2 sets of conveyor belts. The Vehicles are secured on the AVT-Pallets withAdjustable Wheel Chocks 17 that havefree turning rollers 18. The rollers resist the vehicle from driving over the wheel chocks if the vehicle is started by mistake while on the AVT-Pallet.Emergency Vehicle Stops 19 prevent the vehicle from leaving the pallet in case the wheel chocks are ineffective, e.g. for 4-wheel drive vehicles. - FIG. 2 depicts the transfer of a vehicle from an AVT-Pallet and onto an AVT-Train. At the appropriate time, a computer in the Entry Station2 sends a command to a computer in the AVT-
Pallet 7 to transfer the vehicle from the AVT-Pallet to an AVT-Slot on an approaching AVT-Train. The on-board computer commands the AVT-Pallet to accelerate so it is traveling at the same speed of the AVT-Train next to an empty AVT-Slot 23. When the AVT-Pallet is aligned with the empty AVT-Slot, the AVT-Pallet extends two Docking Rods intoDocking Holes 24 in the AVT-Slot. The vehicle is moved to the AVT-Train conveyor belts on the AVT-Pallet and the AVT-Slot 20. The AVT-Pallet then undocks from the AVT-Slot and is free to unload a vehicle from the same train or to proceed back to the Entry Station. - FIG. 2 shows an AVT-Train which the same type of
Adjustable Wheel Chocks 17 andEmergency Vehicle Stops 19. Typically, an AVT-Trains contains 10 to 20 AVT-Slots. - Vehicles may idle while traveling on the AVT-Train in order to supply power for air conditioning and other electric devices. The AVT-Train has airfoils that direct airflow into the radiators of the vehicles to prevent overheating.
- FIG. 2 also depicts the components that move the vehicle from an AVT-Train to an Exit Station. As a vehicle approaches its destination Exit Station, an AVT-Pallet moves next to its AVT-Slot on the AVT-
Train 27, docks with the AVT-Slot, lifts the vehicle off the AVT-Slot and moves it to the AVT-Pallet. The AVT-Pallet undocks and proceeds to the Exit Station where it parks next to an empty AVT-Port. The AVT-Pallet docks with the AVT-Port, moves the vehicle onto the AVT-Port, lowers the vehicle onto the AVT-Port, undocks from AVT-Port and proceeds to the Entry Station. The AVT-Port rotates 45 degrees after the AVT-Pallet undocks and the vehicle is driven out of an Exit Station. - FIG. 5 shows part of a Train Yard that contains one AVT-
Train 28 and one Freight Train 29 (“F-Train”).Train Guideways 30 carry both AVT-Trains and F-Trains at the same time but F-Trains are only loaded and unloaded in Train Yards. Train Yards are also used to store AVT-Trains that are not needed during light traffic periods. Train Yards are also used to repair AVT-Trains and handle emergencies in case of a malfunction. - FIG. 6 illustrates the complexity of an interchange of four Train Guideways: North32, South 33,
East 34 andWest 35. Only the AVT-Pallet Guideways for the northbound traffic are shown 36. FourExit Stations 31 are provided as emergency exits. AVT-Pallets are shown circulating within the interchange through underground tunnels. - Description And Operation—Alternative Embodiments
- The use of AVT-Pallets makes it possible to retrofit existing rail systems to accommodate AVT-Trains. For example, the Bart System in San Francisco, CA could also carry AVT-Trains along with regular passenger trains. Magnetic Levitation (Mag-Lev) could be used for the AVT-Trains. However, the AVT-Train switches would be more complex and much more expensive.
- In addition, the train cars could be compartments with doors instead of flat bed cars. Compartments allow the trains to have restrooms, entertainment, refreshments and other features provided by conventional trains like ANTRA.
- Furthermore, the speed of the present invention could be increased to over 1000 MPH by using pressurized compartments, air locks, an enclosed and partially evacuated guideway tube and air cushion suspension for speeds over 250 MPH
- Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope Thus, the reader can see that a mass transportation system that transports vehicles and passengers from one destination to another can be built using existing technology. This system would enable individuals to travel with their automobiles from one destination to another without driving. In addition, its use would reduce vehicle emissions and ease traffic congestion.
- Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Other embodiments and ramifications of the invention are possible as well. For example, the invention may be used to transport freight from one destination to another.
- Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
Claims (1)
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US09/852,816 US6443683B2 (en) | 2000-05-15 | 2001-05-09 | System for transporting vehicles using pallets and trains |
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US09/852,816 US6443683B2 (en) | 2000-05-15 | 2001-05-09 | System for transporting vehicles using pallets and trains |
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CN106553657A (en) * | 2016-12-06 | 2017-04-05 | 宁波市鄞州乐可机电科技有限公司 | A kind of means of transportation |
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US8074576B2 (en) * | 2008-10-14 | 2011-12-13 | Anwar Farooq | Commuter train ferry system for commuters and their vehicles |
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DE2440682C3 (en) * | 1974-08-24 | 1978-08-24 | Karl L. Dipl.-Ing. 7967 Bad Waldsee Ringer | Handling system for containers and pallets |
US5676514A (en) * | 1994-01-03 | 1997-10-14 | Symorex, Ltd. | Trolley car for material handling train |
IT1297026B1 (en) * | 1997-12-29 | 1999-08-03 | Cml Handling Technology S P A | HIGH PRODUCTIVITY METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR PARCEL SORTING |
-
2001
- 2001-05-09 US US09/852,816 patent/US6443683B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US6763766B1 (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2004-07-20 | Maurice H. Cornellier | Elevated transportation system |
US20060027133A1 (en) * | 2004-08-05 | 2006-02-09 | Toshio Suematsu | Super railway for USA |
EP2028151A1 (en) * | 2007-08-21 | 2009-02-25 | Ellen Goetz-Schülling | Transport system for transporting people, goods and vehicles over land |
GB2547697A (en) * | 2016-02-26 | 2017-08-30 | Heathrow Hub Ltd | Transport network |
GB2549583A (en) * | 2016-02-26 | 2017-10-25 | Heathrow Southern Railway Ltd | Transport network |
CN106541951A (en) * | 2016-08-11 | 2017-03-29 | 宁波市鄞州乐可机电科技有限公司 | A kind of means of transportation |
CN106553657A (en) * | 2016-12-06 | 2017-04-05 | 宁波市鄞州乐可机电科技有限公司 | A kind of means of transportation |
CN110155086A (en) * | 2018-02-13 | 2019-08-23 | 吴年生 | Platform track traffic system |
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