US3774542A

US3774542A - Transportation system

Info

Publication number: US3774542A
Application number: US00190765A
Authority: US
Inventors: R Walsh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-10-20
Filing date: 1971-10-20
Publication date: 1973-11-27
Anticipated expiration: 1990-11-27
Also published as: CA975612A

Abstract

A rapid transportation system is provided in which one or more vehicles are suspended from sleds or runners which move in a substantially tubular track supported some distance above the earth along a right of way by cables or the like. The sleds with the vehicles depending therefrom are propelled along the tracks by one or more jet engines. Braking means are provided which move brake shoes carried by the sleds into braking engagement with the inner upper surface of the track. Means are also provided for positioning the jet engines selectively to effect a braking action, or a lifting action. Airfoils serving like purposes are also provided.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Nov. 27, 1973 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM [76] Inventor: Robert L. Walsh, 3025 Cleveland Ave, N.W., Washington, DC. A

[22] Filed: 0d. 20, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 190,765

[52] US. Cl. 104/89, 104/20, 104/23 FS, 104/93, 104/94, 104/123, 104/139, 104/147 [51] Int. Cl. B6lb 3/02, B6lb 7/06, B61b 13/08 [58] Field of Search 104/89, 91, 93, 94, 104/123, 139, 140, 23 F5; 105/2 R, 2 A;

[56] References Cited 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,444,823 5/ 1969 Akmentin 104/89 3,559,583 2/1971 Chadenson 104/89 3,577,930 5/1971 Rooklyn 104/94 3,013,751 12/1961 Scott et al. 244/110 B 3,312,429 4/1967 Hull, Jr. et a] 244/113 i it! Primary Examiner-Drayton E. Hofiman Attorney-Robert B. Larson et a1.

[57 ABSTRACT A rapid transportation system is provided in which one or more vehicles are suspended from sleds or runners which move in a substantially tubular track supported .some distance above the earth along a right of way by cables or the like. The sleds with the vehicles depending therefrom are propelled along the tracks by one or more jet engines. Braking means are provided which move brake shoes carried by the sleds into braking engagement with the inner upper surface of the track. Means are also provided for positioning the jet engines selectively to effect a braking action, or a lifting action. Airfoils serving like purposes are also provided.

15 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures PATENTEUmwzzv 1975 3.774542 SHEEI 01 0F 13 mvnmons ROBERT L. WALSH ATTORNEYS WNW? PAILNIEBHSYN 15:3

SHEET 09 0F PAIENIEnmmms 3.7M542 saw 120? 13 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM This invention relates to a transportation system particularly suitable for fast transportation between large urban centers. The system incorporates the use of tubular tracks suspended from cables strung along and some distance above the right of way. The tracks have a longitudinal slot on their under side. Lightweight vehicles are suspended from sleds or runners which slide within the tubular tracks, the vehicle supports connecting the sleds and the vehicles extending through the longitudinal slots. The vehicles, which may be one in number, but preferably are several with a locomotive either pulling or pushing, or both, are moved along the tracks by jet engines disposed advantageously on the vehicles as will be described. The invention envisions the use of airfoils to provide a lititng force to facilitate the sliding of the sleds within the tracks, and also for braking purposes. A brake arrangement is also provided which employes brake shoes mounted on one or more of the sleds and adapted by hydraulic or other means to be forced upwardly against the upper surfaces of the tubular tracks.

Various types of rapid transportation systems have been proposed heretofore to supplant the heavy cumbersome railroads. For the most part the proposals made are still dependent on some type of a ground track but with some means, pneumatic or magnetic, to reduce the friction. Also, certain types of suspended monorail systems have been proposed, but these, because of their design, and for safety reasons, are not capable of very high speeds.

The novel system according to the present invention is neither an airborne system or a ground track system, but employs features of both and other features as well, combining and incorporating them in a unique manner. Thus, the invention is not like an airplane though it embodies features of an airplane such as one or more jets for propulsion and one or more airfoils for lift and braking. It is not in the nature of a railroad train, though it employs railroad type, but very lightweight vehicle, and though it employs a track it is not a track in the railroad sense but a tubular track suspended well above the ground and from which the cars arethemselves suspended and controlled. Because of its special design, the system is capable of operating at very great speeds with safety.

The inventive concept includes the use of a very lightweight vehicle, somewhat similar in outline to a modern railroad car but without undercarriage, and constructed, for example, of plastic panels supported by a lightweight aluminum frame or structure. Basic to the invention is the concept that the vehicle is hung from sleds, slides or runner elements, which slide within a plurality of overhanging tubular tracks. The number of tracks employed should be sufficient for safety but preferably each track should be capable of supporting not only its part of the load, but the whole load if others fail for any reason. The propulsion, as indicated, is by jet engines. Where a plurality of vehicle cars made up the train, the jet engines are mounted on a locomotive" which pulls the train or on a locomotive" at the rear which pushes the train, or both. Where only one car is employed as for a short run, one jet engine mounted on the car may suffice.

comprises a hollow cylindrical-shaped sled adapted to slide longitudinally in a cylindrical pipe track having a slot in the bottom thereof to permit free movement of the member holding the vehicle to the sled. The cylindrical track is visualized as being about or 12 inches, or even more, in diameter and the sled fitted for sliding movement within the track would be about 3 to 5 feet in length. Friction on the tracks or sleds can be overcome by various means such as by the use of frictionless materials, or by spraying lubricant on the tracks from the sleds, or by having lubricants or corresponding materials incorporated in the tracks, or both. The sleds, if desired, may be fitted in various ways with wheels or rollers as an extra precaution against friction. But basic to the invention is the sliding motion of the sleds, and the incorporation of wheels and rollers in the sled, if employed, is only to augment this principle, the

' inclusion of wheels and rollers in the sleds makes provi- The sleds or slides and conforming tracks may be of several different designs, one of which for example,

sion for operation under any unusual conditions which might arise. The function of the sleds is to support and guide the vehicles.

One advantage of the feature of employing sleds and overhanging tracks is that the sleds can be readily accommodated to the track in such a way as to avoid what is commonly termed jumping the track. This contributes to making the use of a lightweight vehicle possible and provides greater leeway in achieving higher speeds.

The tubular tracks are hung from cables which in turn are supported by trusses carried by supporting columns all of which are designed to carry the prescribed loads. The tracks themselves could be attached to the trusses and support themselves and the load but for the most part, the usr ggf cables for supporting the tracks appears to be the more satisfactory particularly since as it permits the spacing between the trusses to be much longer.

The tubular tracks are tied to the cables through collars disposed around the tracks, and these collars are spaced along the cables to which they are attached by .tie rods. The collars fitted to the tracks and attached from the cables take the load of the track as well as the load on the track and consequently the collars and the rods holding them have to be strong. Crossbracing, possibly by light metal members may be employed for rigidity.

A main braking system is incorporated in certain or all of the sleds. Brake shoes faced with brake lining are adapted to move up and down in guides in brake boxes fixed to the sleds and the brake shoes are controlled by a regular air brake control system, by a hydraulic control system or by a solenoid control system. The inner top surface of the tubular track which constitutes a braking surface is not lubricated.

At the turns, the tubular tracks will have a greater inside width to accommodate the rigid sled making the turn. When climbing or descending, corresponding accommodation will have to be provided for by increasing the inside height of the track. Under certain circumstances it might be desirable to use two or more sleds of shorter length, in tandem, instead of one longer sled.

Preferably each individual vehicle should be supported by two supports near front and rear, and this limits the length of the vehicle to that which can be so supported. The difficulty otherwise is to accommodate intermediary supports to the track when the vehicle is turning or changing levels. Where the several vehicles join each other, design features must include adjustment for changing levels, for turning, and for the coupling to transfer the train movement fore and aft but this is for the most part within the skill of the art. Because of the comparative lightness of the vehicles it may be possible to have a special and unique design for the coupling.

It is visualized that the vehicles, in accordance with the invention, will normally have a clearance in the air of at least 50 feet, or more, above obstacles, and therefore be well above other forms of surface transport. The terminals could be near, or in, the centers of the cities. There is now a great interest in fast passenger transport between urban centers such as along the Eastern seaboard, as between Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford, Providence and Boston, and the system provided by the invention is believed to be particularly adapted to such traffic. It appears that speeds of 200 or 300 miles an hour or more are attainable. Weather would not be the same obstacle to this form of transport that it sometimes is to surface transport and to air transport. The clearance above ground is a factor in this respect and a big advantage where snow accumulates.

The use of the jet engine with its powerful thrust is an important consideration. It permits greater speeds to be attained, a greater rate of climb when ascending grades, and, with reverse thrust, it can act as a brake when descending a grade or at any time to reduce forward speed. This makes possible more direct routes through mountainous or hilly terrain where steeper grades may be involved. Consequently, terrain is not the barrier or difficult problem to this form of transport that it can be to most other forms of surface transport. Rivers can be crossed by cables supported bank to bank, and narrow valleys likewise spanned.

In accordance with one feature of the invention variable and retractable airfoils are hung underneath the vehicles. At high speeds, these airfoils give lift and thereby reduce the weight of the vehicles on the tracks. By changing their positions relative to the air stream, these airfoils may serve as brakes to reduce speed.

The many advantages of the invention will become more important from the following description and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following detailed description including the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transportation system embodying a form of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of such a system employing a plurality of tracks.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a cable supported track spanning a valley.

FIG. 4 is a transverse partial section showing the tracks and cable supports therefor.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing the manner of supporting one of the vehicles from the cable supported track.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective of one form of sled and vehicle support arrangement.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a sled as disposed within the track and also a form of braking arrangement.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the elements comprising said braking arrangement.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another sled arrangement and associated parts.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged transverse section through the assembled structure of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view partly in horizontal section showing one manner of mounting the jet engines.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation, partially in section and partially broken away, showing a jet engine-tumtable arrangement in accordance with one form of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the arrangement of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a detail of a similar arrangement showing a jet engine tilted for boosting the vehicles when travelling on a substantial upgrade.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a collar element for supporting a tubular track.

FIG. 16 is a transverse section of the collar element if FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a transverse section through an embodi ment incorporating'means for substantially enclosing the jet engines in tubes carried by the track supporting structure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one of the jet enclosing tubes showing in dotted lines the baffles for receiving part of the jet thrusts. I

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a simplified arrangement of the invention adapted for relatively short runs, and

FIG. 20 is a front view of the arrangement of FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As illustrated in FIG. 1, a track system is provided which generally is comprised of a plurality of track members. Four of such track members are shown in FIG. 1. They consist, as will be described, of hollow tubular members, generally cylindrical in .shape, and extending along the right of way. The track members 10 are supported a suitable distance above the right of way by cables 1 l which are strung along the right of way between transverse bridging members 12 supported at each end by upright tower structures 13. As shown in FIG. 2 such briding members 12 with their supporting tower structures 13 are positioned at suitable intervals along the right of way. Also as shown in FIG. 2, the track members 10 are supported from the cables 11 by rods 14 joined to collars 15 which partially surround the track members 10 as will be more particularly described. As shown in FIG. 2, cross bracing rods 16 may be provided to assist in maintaining the track members 10 in properly spaced parallel relationship.

FIG. 3 illustrates the manner in which the track system can span a ravine and also negotiate a marked difference in levels. Here the track members 10 supported by their cables 1 I, extend between briding members 12 with their upright tower structure 13 on each side of the ravine. Because of the length of the span, however, additional support is required and this is provided by pairs of tall tower structures 17 each with a transverse bridging member 18 (only one end of each is shown in FIG. 3). Stretched between the tall tower structures across the ravine are supporting cables 19 anchored in the ground at each end as at 20. Depending from the cables 19 are supporting rods 21 which'are joined at their lower ends to the track supporting cables 11.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, each vehicle 22 is suspended from the track members by supports 23 secured to the vehicle 22 at their lower ends and secured at their upper ends to specially formed sleds or runners 24 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The tubular track members 10 are generally cylindrical and are provided with a longitudinal slot 25 on their underside. The sleds or runners 24 have a lower surface conforming to the inner lower surface of the track members 10 except for the depending supports 23, which, as shown, extend through the longitudinal slot 25.

The slides or runners 24 are adapted to slide longitudinally within the track members as they support the vehicles 22.

Movement of the vehicles 22 along the right of way is accomplished by means of jet engines 26, which may preferably be disposed on a lead or locomotive vehicle 27 as shown in FIG. 1.

Before describing further the means for propelling the vehicles 22, it will be well to describe more particularly the track suspension system. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 the transverse bridging members 12 may each by comprised of a pair of spaced I-

beams

28 and 29. Each cable 11 is supported by these

beams

28 and 29 by means of solid cylindrical members 30 which are secured by welding to the upper surfaces of the I-beams 28, 29 (FIG. 2), and by endless steel bands 31 which (FIG. 4) extend over the cylindrical members, downwardly between the I-beams and around the cables 11. This particular manner of support has advantages, but other means may also be employed.

The arrangement by which the vehicles 22 are supported from the runners or sleds 24 disposed to slide in the cylindrical track members 10 as shown generally in FIGS. 4 and 5 is disclosed in some detail in FIGS. 6 and 7. From FIG. 6 which is a partial perspective view, the runner or sled member 24 is in the form of a solid metal cylinder, the upper two-thirds of which has been removed and the lowermost part of which is provided with a longitudinally extending groove 32. Extending downwardly from the groove (but spaced from each end thereof) is a plate 33 which is integral with the sled member 24 and is a part of the supporting structure generally referred to by the numeral 23.

From FIG. 7 it will be seen that the

edges

34 and 35 of the tubular track member 10 adjacent the longitudinal slot 25 are turned inwardly at an angle generally complimentary to the groove 32 of the sled 24. The sled in cross section (FIG. 7) conforms in shape and size to the lower part of the track member 24 with the plate 33 extending downwardly through the longitudi-' nal slot 25. Where desired, roller bearings 36 may be employed to ease possible friction between the in turned edges of the track and the wall of the groove 32 ble to the sled as it with the brake structure slides longitudinally in the track member as the vehicle moves along.

To provide for a limited swinging movement, the plate 33 (see FIG. 6) is hinged as at 41 to another plate 42 which is disposed in a U-shaped bifurcated portion 43 of a support member 44 rigidly secured to the vehicle 22. The plate 42 disposed in the U-shaped portion 43 is pivotably mounted by means of a pivot pin 45 about which it may tilt one way or the other to provide for a limited tilting movement between the runner 24 and the vehicle 22.

It has been indicated with respect to FIG. 7 that the sled 24 has a brake structure 37 mounted thereon having a brake shoe 38 adapted to bear against the inner upper surface of the cylindrical tubular track member 10 when the brake is applied. Reference is now had to FIGS. 8 and 9 which disclose the brake structure with more particularity.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the lower portion of which shows a box-like structure 46 open at the front and rear except for the cross bracing 47. This box-like structure is welded to the upper surface of the sled 24 (FIG. 7) and, as indicated,

triangular butresses

39, 40, may be provided at both ends to insure that box-like structure 46 and the sled 24 are in fact an inseparable entity. The inner side walls of the box-like structure are provided with T-shaped tongues 48.

The upper part of FIG. 8 shows the brake shoe structure 38 which is also box-like in shape with a brakeshoe upper portion conforming to the inner upper surface of the tubular track 10 against which it is adapted to bear when the brake is applied. The outer walls of the brake shoe structure 38 are provided with groove members 49 complimentary in position and shape to the T-shaped tongue members-48 on the bottom portion. When the upper portion is disposed within the lower portion with the tongues 48 in the grooves 49 it will be seen that a guiding means is provided permitting upward movement of the brake shoe portion when the brake is actuated.

Actuation of the brake is effected by any suitable means such as by solenoid cylinders diagramatically shown in the lower. part of FIG. 8 where they are indicated by the reference numeral 50.

A modified form of sled, vehicle suspension and brake shoe arrangement is disclosed in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is aperspective exploded view while FIG. 10 is a transverse section taken throughthe assembled structure disposed within the tracks. In these figures the sled 24' generally of the same configuration as the sled 24 in FIGS. 6, 7 is provided with transverse axles 51 on which

support wheels

52 and 53 are mounted. The sled 24 is disposed within a two part casing consisting of an upper casing section 54 and a lower casing section 55. The upper casing section 54 is provided with a rectangular opening 56 through which the upper portion of the brake shoe structure 38 extends when the structure is assembled as shown in FIG. Ill). The lower casing section 55 is shaped to conform to the lower surface of the sled 24 but has pairs of slot openings 57 for the

wheels

52, 53, and a pair of centrally slot openings 58 disposed in tandem, through which the plates 33, which are rigid with the sleds, extend.

The upper and

lower casings

54 and 55 are the bearing surfaces within the track. It will be appreciated that these casings may be constituted of frictionless materials, that is, materials which slide easily against metal or other surfaces. It will also be appreciated that the arrangement disclosed permits easy replacement of either or both of the casings if and when wear becomes a problem.

As was the case in connection with the arrangement disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7 the plates 33 rigid with the sleds 24' are hinged as at 41 to the plates 42 which in turn are disposed in U-shaped bifurcated members 43 and pivotally mounted as at 45 so as to permit the bifurcated members 43 rigid with the vehicles 22 to tilt one way or the other about the pivotal mounting.

In FIG. the braking and non-braking positions of the brake shoe are illustrated respectively by full and dotted lines. The movement of the brake shoe between such positions being controlled by an actuator which conveniently can be an electric solenoid having a cylindrical housing 59 and an actuator rod 60 the upper end of which is rigid with the brake shoe 38 and the lower part of which is movable within the housing to move the actuator rod 60 to either the full line position or the dotted line position. In this arrangement it will be noted that the

wheels

52, 53 ride on the track 10 (see FIG. 10) and thus facilitate movement of the sled 22 within the track.

As indicated in connection with FIG. 8, the box-like brake structure 38 is open at the front and rear so as to offer as little resistance as possible to the forward movement of the sled within the track. However, if so desired, the front end of said box-like brake structure may be provided with vertically hinged louvres (not shown) which, by suitable means, (such as by a solenoid) may be closed when desired to close the front end and offer a braking resistance to forward movement. The provision of a suitable louvre structure for such a purpose is well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art.

As already indicated the vehicles, whether there are many grouped together constituting a train, or but a single one, are powered by one or more jet engines. In FIG. 1 a train is shown and the lead vehicle 27 serves as a locomotive. In such instance the jet engines 26, there being two on each side, are partiallyrecessed within the outer wall surfaces of the vehicle, the recesses being indicated by the reference numerals 61. (See also FIG. 11).

In some instances it is desirable to provide means whereby the jets may serve to slow down or brake the vehicle. One such means is illustrated in FIG. 11 as comprising cup-like members 62 adapted to be pivoted into and out of operative position by linkage means 63 actuated by a rod 64 movable by a solenoid 65 or some other suitable means such as hydraulic means. In operative braking position, as shown, the cup-like portions of the members are positioned to receive and to some extent reverse the thrust of the jets. In non-operative position they are swung back inside of the vehicle by means of the linkage 63.

Another form of braking may also be employed. One or more jet engines may be mounted on a vehicle in such a manner as to be capable of being moved into position where their thrust is opposite to that employed for normal propulsion. One such arrangement is disclosed in FIGS. 12 and 13. In that arrangement jet engines 26 are fixed to the underside of a turntable 66 underneath the vehicle. The turntable may be turned 180 and these engines 26, when their thrust is pointed forward, will serve to reduce speed, to facilitate control when discending steep grades, or to back the train. Also, it is evident that in their normal position with the thrust of the engines pointing rearwardly, they will augment the jet engines on the locomotive in propelling the train, especially when ascending steep grades.

The turntable arrangement may consist of a circular ring 67 which is fitted into a circular raceway 68 fixed to a platform 69 connected to the vehicle structure. Across the turntable ring and rigid therewith, are two

beams

70 and 71 to which supporting frames 72 are fixed. The jet engines 26 are suspended from an engine bed 73 which is pivotally mounted on a transverse pivot 74 carried by the supporting frames 72. The engine bed 73 may be tilted about its pivot 74 so as to vary the jet stream from the level. Tilting of the engine bed 73 is effected through four struts 75 that depend from the turntable 67. These struts 75 are hingedly connected to the turntable 67 and the engine bed 73 and may be selectively raised or lowered by suitable means, such as piston and cylinder 76, to tilt the engines. One such tilted position is shown in FIG. 14.

The variation of the line of thrust by tilting the engine bed 73 so that engines thrust downwardly and rearwardly will also assist lightening the vehicle load on the sleds 24 and when descending and the engines are opposite in direction, a braking effect is provided by partially supporting the vehicle.

As a side benefit, when installed on the front or rear of a vehicle or train, the thrust may be pointed upward to remove snow or ice from the outside of the tracks and from the cables.

The jet engines shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are serviced and controlled through connections from the center of the turntable directly to the engine bed. If desired, and as shown, the whole assembly can be retracted into the center section of the vehicle by raising or lowering the platfonn to which the circular raceway is fixed. As shown in FIG. 12, this can be effected by suitable elevating means such as the hydraulic means 77 more or less diagramatically indicated.

In accordance with one feature of the invention the vehicles may be provided on their undersides with adjustable airfoils. FIG. 5 discloses such an arrangement. The basic function of the airfoils is to lighten the load on the sleds 24 and thus permit the vehicle or train of vehicles to go faster, or to permit heavier loads to be carried, or to make possible greater distance between some of the cable supporting towers 13. As shown in FIG. 5 the

airfoils

78 and 79 are located under the vehicle supports or under those vertical structural members in line with the vehicle suspensions and therefore in line with the sleds 24, thus making the lift direct to the sleds 24. The lift comes to the vehicle supports 23 through struts 80 attached to the airfoils. These struts 80 position the airfoils and operate, for example, through worm gearing in a cylinder 81 as diagramatically illustrated.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are enlarged views of the collars 15 which substantially surround the tracks 10 at suitable intervals (FIGS. 1, 2 and 5) and support the track from the cables 1 l by means of the rods 14. As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the collars 15 are provided with ears 82 each having a hole 83 therethrough to permit the

rods

14 and 16 to be secured thereto. Conveniently the rods 14 and 16 (FIG. 16) have bifurcated ends 84 so as to straddle the ears 82 so that aligned holes in the bifurcated ends can be aligned with the holes 83 in the ears 82 as to permit securing bolts 85 to be passed therethrough.

A modified form of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. In most respects the vehicle supporting structure and arrangement and the manner in which the sleds move in the tracks 10 is like that already discussed. The principal difference in the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18 is that the jet engines 26 for propelling the vehicle are mounted on the top of the vehicle 22 and are, themselves substantially enclosed in large tubes 86 extending along the right of way and supported by the cables 1 1. In FIG. 17 the three jet engines 26 are supported on the vehicle 22 by brackets 87. The large tubes 86, which substantially enclose the jet engines 26 are secured to the supports 12 by the rods 88.

The large tubes 86 have their interiors provided with baffle surfaces 89 at intervals and those surfaces face forwardly so as to receive the thrust of the jet engines 26.

The adaptability of the system to relatively short distance transportation such as between the center of a city and airport on the outskirts or some miles therefrom is evident. A simplified form of the invention for such purposes is illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. Here it may be possible to employ a single vehicle 22 powered by a single jet engine 26 mouned on top and to provide

airfoils

78 and 79 for assisting the lift and for assisting in the braking in the same manner as those illustrated in FIG. and previously described.

If a two-way line is envisioned it can, for example, extend above the median stripof an existing dual highway, with uprights 90 disposed at intervals along the median, which uprights, support cross beams 12 which in turn support the cables 11 and tracks as shown in FIG. 20, the supporting structure thus being but a simplified version of that already described in connection with FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5.

The invention has been described herein as related primarily to passenger transportation, but it may have other valuable applications.

If in the interior of Alaska or some other vast area there is a mineral, such as uranium, or something else of great value, to be transported, and if the terrain or other circumstances are such that construction of other means of access would be too difficult or too costly, and if the distance from source to processing or transfer point would make other means of transport uneconomical, then the means of transport proposed herein could be an economical and practical answer to a transport problem.

Comparatively, this proposed system of transport might not be too difficult or too costly to install, espe cially in rugged country where it would go direct from ridge to ridge or direct from a high point on a ridge to a much lower point and vice versa. These suspensions would be without intermediary ground supports and would be for several miles. Initially, wire would be strung from point to point by helicopter; then after several corresponding intermediary steps the regular cable to which the track is to be fixed would be pulled through. Construction would therefore be accomplished point-to-point by air without the need to go step by step on the ground.

Ore cars adapted from the vehicle would operate singly and would have the jet engines underneath to augment the lift. In this type of operation speed is not essential, but sufficient speed should be attained to receive the greatest benefit from the airfoils.

Other possible uses and advantages of the invention will now suggest themselves. The invention is not to be limited except as set out in the accompanying claims.

I claim:

1. A transportation system comprising a track comprised of at least one generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the underside which slot extends the length of the track, meansfor supporting the track a suitable distance above the earth's surface, at least one vehicle, at least one slidable sled member disposed within said track for longitudinal sliding movement within said track, said sled member having a vehicle support member depending therefrom through said longitudinal slot, means for joining said vehicle support member to said vehicle, and jet propulsion means sup ported by said vehicle for moving the vehicle along the track as it is suspended from said sled member, said sled member having a lower surface conforming substantially to the lower inner surface of the track adjacent said slot and an upper surface terminating a distance from the upper inner surface of said track, and brake means supported by said sled member and having a brake surface adapted to be moved into braking engagement against the inner upper surface of the track, and means for actuating said brake means.

2. A transportation system as defined in claim 1, said track comprising at least two parallel spaced tubular members, and each vehicle being supported by at least two of said sled members spaced longitudinally from each other in the direction of travel, there being two of said sled members per vehicle for each of said spaced tubular members.

3. A transportation system as defined in claim 1, there being a plurality of such vehicles and said jet propulsion means being supported by the lead vehicle.

4. Atransportation system as defined in claim 1, said vehicle having at least one airfoil mounted on the underside thereof, said airfoil having a portion movable into a braking position, and means for moving said portion into positions ranging from braking position to positions where the airfoil will provide a lifting action on the vehicle to reduce the friction of sled in the track.

5. A transportation system as defined in claim 1, and means for raising and lowering said airfoil to position the same for a desired effect.

6. A transportation system comprising, a track comprised of at least one generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the underside which slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting the track a suitable distance above the earth's surface, at least one vehicle, at least one slidable sled member disposed within said track for longitudinal sliding movement within said track, said sled member having a vehicle support .member depending therefrom through said longitudinal slot, means for joining said vehicle support member to said vehicle, and jet propulsion means sup ported by said vehicle for moving the vehicle along the track as it is suspended from said sled member, the support for the jet propulsion means comprising a tumtable from which the jet means is suspended, and means for tilting the jet means with respect to the turntable, means for rotating the turntable selectively to position the jet means for rearward or forward thrust, and means for selectively tilting the jet means to various selected angles.

7. A transportation system as defined in claim 6, and elevator means for raising and lowering said turntable and jet means between operative positions and a position in which it is stored.

8. In an overhead transportation system having a tubular overhead supported track provided with a longitudinal slot in the underside of the track and extending the length of the track; vehicle support means for supporting a vehicle as it is moved along said track, said means comprising elongated sled members disposed within said track and having lower side walls conforming to the inner lower side walls of said track on each side of said slot and providing a sliding contact betwen said walls of said sleds and said walls of said track, a plate secured to the underside of each sled and extending downwardly through said slot, and means for joining said plates to a vehicle, the upper surface of said sleds terminating a distance from the upper inner surface of said track, and brake means supported by said sleds and each having a brake surface adapted to be moved into braking engagement against the inner upper surface of the track, and means for actuating said brake means.

9. A transportation system comprising, a track comprised of at least one generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the underside which slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting the track a suitable distance above the earth's surface, at least one vehicle, at least one elongated slidable sled member disposed within said track for longitudinal sliding movement within said track, means depending from said sled member and extending therefrom through said longitudinal slot and joined to said vehicle, and jet propulsion means supported by said vehicle for moving the vehicle along the track as it is suspended from said sled member, said sled member having a lower surface conforming substantially to the lower inner surfaces of the track adjacent said slot and in contact with said surfaces.

10. A transportation system as defined in claim 9, said vehicle having a front rounded nose with recesses in each side thereof, said jet propulsion means compn'sing pairs of cigar-shaped jet engines disposed at least partially in said recesses whereby the jet thrusts are directed rearwardly along the sides of the vehicle.

11. A transportation system as defined in claim 9, said vehicle having a front rounded nose with recesses in each side thereof, said jet propulsion means comprising pairs of cigar-shaped jet engines disposed at least partially in said recesses whereby the jet thrusts are directed rearwardly along the sides of the vehicle, and cup-shaped members adpated to move into position to intercept the jet thrust and effect a braking action, and linkage means within the vehicle for moving said cuplike members into and out of the braking positions thereof.

12. In a transportation system in accordance with claim 9, the track walls directly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle and the bottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein the walls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of said intumed edges.

13. In a transportation system in accordance with claim 9, the track walls directly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle and the bottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein the walls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of said intumed edges, and bearings carried by said sleds and positioned to lessen friction between said complimentary walls.

14. In a transportation system in accordance with claim 9, the track walls directly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle and the bottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein the walls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of said intumed edges, the inner surface of the track directly adjacent said inwardly turned walls being flat, and the portions of said sleds directly adjacent the walls of said groove being correspondingly flat, and vertically positioned bearing wheels mounted on transverse axes on said sleds and extending through slots in said sleds, and riding on said flat portions of said track.

15. A transportation system comprising, a track comprised of at least one generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the underside which slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting the track a suitable distance above the earths surface, vehicle support means for supporting a vehicle as it is moved along said track, said means comprising elongated sled members disposed within said track and having lower side walls conforming to the inner lower side walls of said track on each side of said slot and providing a sliding contact between said side walls of said sleds and said walls of said track, a plate secured to the underside of each sled and extending downwardly through said slot, a second plate joined to each first plate by a piano hinge, a plurality of plates each substantially equal in length to said second plates, the upper portion of each of said plurality of plates being bifurcated to receive said second plates therebetween, and a transverse pivot passing through said bifurcated portion of said second plates with the lower edge of said second plates being disposed a distance spaced from the crotch of said bifurcated portions, whereby said piano hinge and said transverse pivot provide two directional universal joints between the sled and vehicle.

I II! t I!

Claims

1. A transportation system comprising a track comprised of at least one generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the underside which slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting the track a suitable distance above the earth''s surface, at least one vehicle, at least one slidable sled member disposed within said track for longitudinal sliding movement within said track, said sled member having a vehicle support member depending therefrom through said longitudinal slot, means for joining said vehicle support member to said vehicle, and jet propulsion means supported by said vehicle for moving the vehicle along the track as it is suspended from said sled member, said sled member having a lower surface conforming substantially to the lower inner surface of the track adjacent said slot and an upper surface terminating a distance from the upper inner surface of said track, and brake means supported by said sled member and having a brake surface adapted to be moved into braking engagement against the inner upper surface of the track, and means for actuating said brake means.

4. A transportation system as defined in claim 1, said vehicle having at least one airfoil mounted on the underside thereof, said airfoil having a portion movable into a braking position, and means for moving said portion into positions ranging from braking position to positions where the airfoil will provide a lifting action on the vehicle to reduce the friction of sled in the track.

6. A transportation system comprising, a track comprised of at least one generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the underside which slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting the track a suitable distance above the earth''s surface, at least one vehicle, at least one slidable sled member disposed within said track for longitudinal sliding movement within said track, said sled member having a vehicle support member depending therefrom through said longitudinal slot, means for joining said vehicle support member to said vehicle, and jet propulsion means supported by said vehicle for moving the vehicle along the track as it is suspended from said sled member, the support for the jet propulsion means comprising a turntable from which the jet means is suspended, and means for tilting the jet means with respect to the turntable, means for rotating the turntable selectively to position the jet means for rearward or forward thrust, and means for selectively tilting the jet means to various selected angles.

9. A transportation system comprising, a track comprised of at least one generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the underside which slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting the track a suitable distance above the earth''s surface, at least one vehicle, at least one elongated slidable sled member disposed within said track for longitudinal sliding movement within said track, means depending from said sled member and extending therefrom through said longitudinal slot and joined to said vehicle, and jet propulsion means supported by said vehicle for moving the vehicle along the track as it is suspended from said sled member, said sled member having a lower surface conforming substantially to the lower inner surfaces of the track adjacent said slot and in contact with said surfaces.

10. A transportation system as defined in claim 9, said vehicle having a front rounded nose with recesses in each side thereof, said jet propulsion means comprising pairs of cigar-shaped jet engines disposed at least partially in said recesses whereby the jet thrusts are directed rearwardly along the sides of the vehicle.

11. A transportation system as defined in claim 9, said vehicle having a front rounded nose with recesses in each side thereof, said jet propulsion means comprising pairs of cigar-shaped jet engines disposed at least partially in said recesses whereby the jet thrusts are directed rearwardly along the sides of the vehicle, and cup-shaped members adpated to move into position to intercept the jet thrust and effect a braking action, and linkage means within the vehicle for moving said cup-like members into and out of the braking positions thereof.

12. In a transportation system in accordance with claim 9, the track walls directly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle and the bottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein the walls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of said inturned edges.

13. In a transportation system in accordance with claim 9, the track walls directly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle and the bottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein the walls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of said inturned edges, and bearings carried by said sleds and positioned to lessen friction between said complimentary walls.

14. In a transportation system in accordance with claim 9, the track walls directly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle and the bottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein the walls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of said inturned edges, the inner surface of the track directly adjacent said inwardly turned walls being flat, and the portions of said sleds directly adjacent the walls of said groove being correspondingly flat, and vertically positioned bearing wheels mounted on transverse axes on said sleds and extending through slots in said sleds, and riding on said flat portions of said track.

15. A transportation system comprising, a track comprised of at least one generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the underside which slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting the track a suitable distance above the earth''s surface, vehicle support means for supporting a vehicle as it is moved along said track, said means comprising elongated sled members disposed within said track and having lower side walls conforming to the inner lower side walls of said track on each side of said slot and providing a sliding contact between said side walls of said sleds and said walls of said track, a plate secured to the underside of each sled and extending downwardly through said slot, a second plate joined to each first plate by a piano hinge, a plurality of plates each substantially equal in length to said second plates, the upper portion of each of said plurality of plates being bifurcated to receive said second plates therebetween, and a transverse pivot passing through said bifurcated portion of said second plates with the lower edge of said second plates being disposed a distance spaced from the crotch of said bifurcated portions, whereby said piano hinge and said transverse pivot provide two directional universal joints between the sled and vehicle.