WO2024155543A1

WO2024155543A1 - Mass transit loading and unloading system

Info

Publication number: WO2024155543A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/011530
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Fosgard
Original assignee: Tulips Corporation
Priority date: 2023-01-16
Filing date: 2024-01-13
Publication date: 2024-07-25

Abstract

System and method for loading and unloading mass transit vehicles (MT Vs) using an autonomous wheeled siding vehicle (ASV) comprising an external frame for rolling along an ASV way adjacent to an MTV throughway and a container depositing and retrieving means, comprising an internal frame movable laterally perpendicularly with respect to the ASV way and the external frame, the ASV adapted for picking up, retaining, and moving a container from within the external frame to a position at least partially outside of the external frame and within the MTV, the internal frame being further enabled to further extend the container from within the internal frame, or to retrieve the container to within the internal frame, and to adjust the height of the internal frame and container relative to a floor portion of the MVT for depositing or retrieving the container.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE

MASS TRANSIT LOADING AND UNLOADING SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This PCT patent application claims the benefit and priority of US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/480,095, filed 1/16/2023, and US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/497,706, filed 4/22/2023.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to loading and unloading of materials on mass transit vehicles, and in particular it relates to an automated system for loading containers onto mass transit vehicles, related methods, and related components, for managing containers and container traffic as part of a mass transit station, stop, or depot, and more particularly relating to the same wherein automated siding vehicles (AS Vs) or autonomous vehicles (AVs) are used to load and unload materials onto mass transit vehicles.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] To date there is very little use of mass transit vehicles (MTVs - e.g., transit buses otherwise used for carrying people and light rail transit trains and street cars otherwise used for carrying people) for moving parcels and other materials. Please note that, as used herein, “materials” comprises bulk materials, raw materials, recyclable materials, packages of goods and other materials, and containers of goods and other materials, all of which are primarily of a commercial grade, that is which are loaded or unloaded in bulk by a commercial delivery service (e.g., a commercial package delivery service adaptable for either, or both, longer-range truck transport and transport by traditional last-mile delivery vehicles, such as delivery bicycles), and not referring to incidental carry-ons, for example, of passengers riding the MTV. In other words, commercial-delivery-sized containers capable of both transport via rail in the passenger space of an MTV, and via a pedaled or e-powered bike, are contemplated herein.

[0004] Some examples of prior systems that use passenger transport rail cars to deliver materials, but do not combine commercial materials delivery on rail cars together with simultaneously traveling passengers, include the following: 1) CityCargo, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2) CargoTram, Dresden, Germany, and 3) TramFret, St. Etienne, France. But, again, none of these systems combines passenger travel on the same mass transit rail vehicle, or at least simultaneously so or using passenger loading platforms for automated materials loading and unloading, as does the present disclosure. Rather, these systems were designed for use during times (e.g., night-time) when passengers are not also present for loading, i.e., during non-, or very-low-, delay requirement loading situations. This is because these other systems present manual and/or mechanical loading solutions which are too slow to efficiently load and unload during the faster- paced maximum dwell times required for simultaneous efficient passenger loading and unloading. Further, the foregoing references illustrate the sidestepping of the commercial moving of materials on mass transit vehicles while people are nearby. This is because there have been significant challenges involved with such, both safety challenges and efficiency challenges, so that providers and users have not to date been able to benefit fully from the shared costs of materials delivery together with normal passenger use of mass transit vehicles. [0005] Further, other than the Applicant’s US Patent No. 11,443,268, to Fosgard, for System and Method for Intermodal Materials Delivery, Applicant’s Published PCT Patent Application Serial No. WO 2023/277,844, to Fosgard, for System and Method for Intermodal Materials Delivery, and Published US Patent Application Serial No. US 2017/0011340, to Gabbai, for Public Transport Infrastructure Facilitated Drone Delivery, there have been no known examples of systems for the commercial transport of materials on the same public transport vehicle at the same time as passengers are being carried on the public transport vehicle - in other words, no other such system besides these three has been found, even if such were to have been loaded with materials at a previous, or different, stop than a passenger stop, to avoid encroaching on maximum passenger loading and unloading dwell times. And, in each of these aforementioned three references, there has not been presented by design any interaction of commercial-grade autonomous materials loading systems with relatively nearby passengers on the same loading and unloading platform simultaneously embarking and debarking the same already-going-there mass transit vehicle as the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded with commercially- shipped materials (of course, the Applicant is not hereby referring to passenger luggage or canyon items).

[0006] In other words, while taken together the Fosgard 268 and 844 references, teach the use of interior space of an already-going-there mass transit vehicle for the loading of arguably commercial -grade (i.e., containerized) materials, and even the simultaneous loading and unloading of containerized materials with the loading and unloading of passengers on the same already- going-there MTV (the Gabbai reference only teaches the use of exterior non- shared space of the MTV accessible to drones), such have not required passengers to be able to easily traverse rails adapted for autonomous loading and unloading of such containerized materials, through the same passenger loading and unloading openings (or alternatively other openings into interior otherwise passenger occupied space - such as perhaps an openable window portal), on, or from, shared same loading and unloading platforms.

[0007] Rather these three systems have taught solutions for use in loading focusing primarily apart from passengers when and where no passengers are around (e.g., before the mass transit vehicle pulls into the passenger loading platforms, from non-shareable loading platforms, or to the drone accessible exterior of MTVs - i.e., emphasizing passenger avoidance by the employed systems altogether, for example by using designated spaces for AVs boarding MTVs as taught in the Fosgard ‘268 reference), or being designed to be loaded on exterior portions of the transit vehicles (i.e., Fosgard’ s ‘844 system and that of Gabbai). Note that in this regard the Fosgard ‘268 reference is arguably limited to primarily smaller AV’s capable of carrying smaller unobtrusive loads (not being as suitable for commercial-delivery-sized containers) and trackless boarding and/or riding on an MTV - thus requiring specialized AV capability, sensing and collision avoidance capability, to enable the navigation of MTV stairs and the complete avoidance of passengers, or otherwise requiring lower- speed loading and unloading during off-peak passenger times or otherwise accommodated at separate loading and unloading areas. Further, such references as these three have been limited and could not necessarily be employed to load and unload commercial-delivery-sized containers during simultaneous loading and unloading of passengers on the same mass transit vehicle from the same loading and unloading platforms (albeit temporarily cordoned off or otherwise designated during actual loading and unloading activity), since their mechanical and manual solutions would likely be prohibited by transit agencies that work to limit transit stop durations and dwell times to seconds while passengers are embarking and debarking - simply put, the foregoing three references are not sufficiently rapidly deployable so as to be readily tolerated together with a simultaneous loading and unloading of commercial-delivery-sized containers and passengers from the same loading platform, wherein commercial containers are anticipated as being loaded to the same interior space (and even through the same openings - such as through passenger loading and unloading doors) of an already-going-there mass transit vehicle (MTV) - the same interior space, or at least on otherwise available interior space on the same already-going-there MTV as would be occupied by passengers during another time to transport them along the same route.

[0008] In still other words, the Applicant is not hereby referring to the loading and unloading of traditional cargo holds of passenger-carrying aircraft, or even passenger-carrying buses or trains, but rather to the fact that the prior art has not taught the use of the interior passenger-occupiable space of these MTVs during low-ridership times, or otherwise, to transport commercially-sized containers having been autonomously loaded and unloaded by Automated Siding Vehicles (AS Vs) in a way that when passengers would use the shareable platform they would need to traverse rails provided for the AS Vs (i.e., ASV rails). It should thus be noted that such ASV rails would significantly impact the safety and efficiency of such simultaneous loading and unloading of such commercialdelivery-sized containers while allowing for safely limited interaction of such with simultaneous loading and unloading of the MTV, or another portion of the same MTV, with passenger ingress and egress.

[0009] Thus, such mass transit vehicles, however, may be beneficially used for moving goods and people, for example at different times of the day such as by transporting goods during low-peak ridership times, or for example by segregating goods and people on different cars of a single train, or by segregating and designating portions of a car or bus.

[0010] Thus, while the moving of goods via transit vehicles may be referred to as Mass Transit Delivery, the moving of goods and people simultaneously on the same transit vehicle may be referred to as Integrated Mass Transit Delivery. Integrated Mass Transit Delivery may interconnect delivery of goods between an airport or warehouse, for example, and a last-mile delivery hub, for example for cargo bikes or other lighter-duty transport means, such as Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), so that high-value e-commerce goods can be delivered with the great efficiency brought to such by the use of otherwise already -going-there transit vehicles, for example, otherwise already-going-there light rail vehicles.

[0011] As mentioned previously, the use of AVs for boarding of mass transit vehicles, including mass transit buses and mass transit railed vehicles (MT Vs)) for loading materials and transporting them onboard the mass transit vehicles has been disclosed generally in US Patent 11,443,268, to Fosgard, for System and Method for Intermodal Materials Delivery. This Fosgard patent did not teach the loading of an MTV using an Automated Siding Vehicle (ASV) operating from its ASV rail, on which the ASV is free to move and stop at various places along, in, or on, a loading platform used otherwise for passenger loading. Note that while adaptation of the system to LRVs are a preferred embodiment, the term MTV is used throughout, this should be understood to include other railed transit vehicles, streetcars, commuter trains, and even buses that are substantially positioned to be parallel to a commonly-used transit platform for materials and passenger loading. The positioning of vehicles is constantly being enhanced by newer technologies being developed by autonomous vehicles to rapidly achieve a position that is substantially parallel, and older technologies, such as car washes, direct road vehicles into such an alignment. Thus it will be appreciated that the invention has a broader application in accordance with the claims appended hereto.

[0012] Further, as mentioned previously, the use of automated means, such as gantry cranes and other AVs, has been disclosed in connection with loading and unloading materials on mass transit vehicles at a transit station, stop, or depot, as disclosed in WO/2023/277884 to Fosgard, for System and Method for Intermodal Materials Delivery. This Fosgard published patent application likewise did not teach the loading of the interior passenger space of an MTV using an ASV operating from its ASV rail, on which the ASV is free to move and stop at various places along, in, or on, a loading platform used otherwise for passenger loading. Rather this Fosgard published patent application presented more of a top-down automated system that avoided passengers by not using an on platform loading with ASV rail capability.

[0013] AVs for transporting materials on rails, between different destinations, and for loading and unloading the materials on racks or bins at each of the different locations, for example, are also known. Thus, for example, Daifuku Co., LTD., provides Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), whether on rails (i.e., the rail-guided vehicle system sorting transfer vehicle (STV)), or not on rails, for movement of materials without human intervention for a variety of industries and for various production phases, such as the following: raw material supply to production lines according to schedule, work-in-progress collection from production lines to buffer area, work-in-progress supply to subsequent processes, mobile working bench or car assembly lines, finished product storage into warehouse, and finished product loading to delivery trucks.

[0014] Thus, while the Fosgard prior art has taught the boarding of mass transit vehicles with and use of mass transit vehicles generally with AV’s (for delivery even simultaneously with passengers on the same mass transit vehicles), has taught the use of gantry cranes and other AV’s to load materials onto mass transit vehicles at a mass transit stop (for loading and delivery even simultaneously with passengers on the same mass transit vehicles and using the same loading platform), and whereas the Daifuku prior art teaches the use of AVs for transporting, loading, and unloading of materials generally and with the use of AVs on rails, the use of automated siding vehicles (AS Vs) generally for loading materials, and preferably larger quantities of containerized materials, onto mass transit vehicles (MT Vs) from loading and unloading platforms, otherwise designated for simultaneous loading and transport of passengers along the same routes and using the same platforms for loading both, is not known, whether at a siding area for passenger loading or a siding area exclusively designated for loading materials onto an MTV otherwise designated for passenger use (again wherein both passenger transport and materials loading and delivery take place simultaneously on the same mass transit vehicle). Still further, such is not known, and the related components disclosed herein are likewise not known, wherein an ASV is provided for such loading with the ASV running on rails, and preferably newly-designed micro-rails, at a siding that runs parallel to an MTV’s rails, and wherein there is provided additional components and means of managing such loading and unloading without interfering with simultaneous loading of passenger traffic on the MTV or at the station, stop, or depot. There also has not been known the use of micro-rails on passenger loading platforms, designed for ASV operation to carry commercial-deliverysized containers, and to limit interference with normal passenger loading and unloading of MT Vs but also designed to minimize the infrastructure needed for the installation of such rails and/or micro-rails at existing passenger MTV passenger loading platforms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] There is a technical problem presented by the prior art wherein an adequate solution for efficiently loading of materials on mass transport vehicles, such as Light Rail Vehicles (MTVs), has not been provided sufficient to meet low-latency and the lower dwell times associated with normal passenger loading of the same such vehicles using the same platforms or loading siding areas. The present disclosure presents a materials loading system which, among other things, addresses this lacking in the prior art as follows.

[0016] In accordance with a first aspect and an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a container loading and unloading system for a mass transit vehicle (MTV) otherwise adapted with openings for loading and unloading of passengers (or other openings to the passenger carrying space of the MTV - such as a removable window), comprising a passenger and materials loading siding way for an autonomous siding vehicle, said siding way preferably comprising a lighter-gage rail than a standard light rail vehicle rail, or further preferably a micro-rail, preferably extending substantially parallel to the MTV throughway at a siding for the MTV. The container loading and unloading system further comprises an automated siding vehicle (ASV) adapted for carrying the container, and preferably adapted for running on the ASV rail, up to, and preferably alongside, the MTV opening, the ASV being further adapted for loading the container onto, and removing the container from, the MTV through the opening of the MTV (e.g., a doorway), whether or not such opening is adapted for also allowing passenger traffic therethrough or otherwise designated for loading materials into the interior otherwise passenger carrying space of the MTV.

[0017] The preferred ASV rail (ASV micro-rail) portion of the system preferably comprises a light-duty rail as further described herein capable of being embedded into the surface of a platform to minimize the extent of tear-down and reconstruction necessary to install the ASV rail and also minimize to virtually nothing the gap that would otherwise be acceptable in accommodating pedestrians, with a full range of disabilities, to traverse the rails without concern for tripping. Such a rail is likewise conducive for traversing movement of strollers or other wheeled vehicles across them without adding delay to any person or to the transit vehicle schedule. The system is demonstrated herein primarily in the context of a light rail vehicle or other mass transit vehicle (such as a bus at an elevated platform (as per FIGS. 3 and 4 for example)) wherein the ASV siding way is adapted to be positioned adjacent the throughway (e.g., a primary rail system) of the MTV, or preferably alternatively to run substantially parallel to the direction of travel of, and alongside, the mass transit vehicle preferably on a lighter-gage secondary, or ASV, rail (e.g., in the case of loading a light rail mass transit vehicle, or LRV). Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that there may be other types of mass transit vehicles adapted with openings for such simultaneous loading of materials and passengers (e.g., articulated busses, or street cars) wherein a loading platform and mass transit vehicle opening is employed which approximates that shown in the present Figures. Thus, there is provided an ASV that is capable of loading materials onto an MTV within maximum acceptable passenger loading dwell times for the same MTV, whether to other portions of the same car of the MTV, to other cars of the same MTV, and from the same loading platform for loading both passengers and materials, it being the case that the loading of materials may be accomplished apart, albeit simultaneously, from the loading of passengers whether by some minimal distance on the same loading platform, or cordoning or designating of the various loading areas (passenger and materials loading) on the same loading platform.

[0018] In accordance with an aspect and embodiment of the disclosure, the ASV of the container loading and unloading system is preferably autonomous and comprises an external frame having a wheeled base portion adapted for rolling along the ASV rail, and wherein the ASV further comprises a container depositing and retrieving means, comprising an internal frame movable into and out of the external frame and movable laterally perpendicularly with respect to the ASV rail (in the case of a railed embodiment of the system of the disclosure). The internal frame and the external frame are adapted for retaining and moving a container from within the external frame to a position at least partially outside of the external frame, wherein the internal frame is further enabled to raise and lower to enable adjusting height of the internal frame and the container therein, or thereon, relative to the ASV rail and a floor portion of the MTV.

[0019] The internal frame of the ASV comprises one or more extending and retracting mechanisms for pushing the container partially out of the internal frame to a desired position within, or at least partially within, the MTV, or alternatively for retracting the container into the internal frame. In this way, the ASV is not required to board the MTV, and does not ride on the MTV, as does the AV of the Fosgard 268 patent, and this contributes substantially to the speed and efficiency with which commercial containers may be safely loaded into the interior passenger space of MTVs, all while allowing passengers to safely navigate the ASV’s rails, or other constraining means, employed immediately at, on, or in a shared loading and unloading platform or other siding.

[0020] In an embodiment and aspect of the disclosure, the container loading and unloading system further comprises a container retention system deployable by the container loading and unloading system and adapted for substantially preventing movement, or in other words a very small amount of movement, of the container once it has been placed either onto the mass transit vehicle (such as an LRV) or another location.

[0021] In an embodiment and aspect of the disclosure, the extending and retracting mechanism of the container loading and unloading system further comprises magnetic means for attaching and detaching from the container.

[0022] In accordance with an embodiment and aspect of the disclosure, the ASV of the container loading and unloading system, further comprises at least one motor for driving at least one linear actuator for moving the internal frame of the ASV, together with the container, into, or alternatively out of, the external frame of the ASV. Further, in accordance with an embodiment, the ASV also comprises at least one motor for driving at least one screwjack for raising and lowering the internal frame of the ASV, together with the container therein, or thereon.

[0023] The container loading and unloading system further preferably comprises wherein the ASV rail extends to a loading and unloading area adjacent the siding and adapted for facilitating loading and unloading of containers onto, and off of, the ASV, and of course there may be provided that the container loading and unloading system further comprises a plurality of autonomous, or partially-autonomous, ASVs (both in terms of autonomous ASVs movements on the ASV rail and autonomous loading movements) adapted for carrying containers and adapted for running on the ASV rail alongside the MTV.

[0024] Still further, preferably the container loading and unloading system further comprises a loading and unloading area adapted for loading and unloading of containers onto, and off of, the ASVs.

[0025] And yet further, preferably the container loading and unloading system further comprises a “last-mile” vehicle loading and unloading area adapted for loading and unloading of containers onto, and off of, the autonomous siding vehicles. The term “last- mile” is included in quotes, since with the presently disclosed system, access to traditional shorter-distance-delivery means is accomplished, whether in a last-mile scenario, a first-mile scenario, or a middle-mile scenario. In other words, the present system enables use of MTVs for commercial delivery at any point along an MTV’s traditional route.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is preferably provided adjacent the siding area a materials loading and unloading area adapted for facilitating others in retrieving and depositing materials from containers having been delivered to the materials loading and unloading area. This materials loading and unloading area may comprise, or further comprise, a container storage area.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of loading a container through an opening (for example a doorway or other opening adapted for loading of materials), which may be used at other times for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers, onto an MTV, comprising the steps of: obtaining an ASV and having a container loaded in an internal frame thereof;

- using a plurality of sensors to determine the position of a desired opening (in terms of availability of space or in terms of a door not otherwise being used for passenger ingress/egress) of an MTV relative to the ASV. positioning the siding vehicle in front of the opening (such as for example a doorway) of the MTV; - using a sensor to determine the height of the MTV floor relative to the height of the floor of the loaded container; lifting the internal frame, including the container retained therein, to a height suitable to allow clearance for loading without dragging the container along the floor of the MTV; moving the internal frame partially out of an external frame of the ASV and partially into the MTV using the linear actuator;

- using an extending and retracting mechanism of the ASV for pushing the container partially out of the internal frame to a desired position within the MTV; releasing and disengaging the extending and retracting mechanism from the container; retracting the extending and retracting mechanism into the internal frame; lowering the internal frame using the screwjacks to set the container down onto the floor of the MTV in a secured fashion, such as by sending a signal to brake the container if it is wheeled; and retracting the internal frame into the external frame.

[0028] Preferably, in accordance with an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of picking up a container from one of a storage area, a truck loading area, a delivery vehicle loading and unloading area (whether a last-mile vehicle or first-mile vehicle loading and unloading area), and a materials loading and unloading area for loading and unloading of containers.

[0029] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method of retrieving a container through an opening of an MTV, comprising the steps of: obtaining an ASV comprising an external frame having a wheeled base portion adapted for rolling along an ASV rail, and wherein the ASV further comprises a container depositing and retrieving means, comprising an internal frame movable into and out of the external frame and movable laterally perpendicularly with respect to the ASV rail, the internal frame and the external frame adapted for retaining and moving a container from within the external frame to a position at least partially outside of the external frame, wherein the internal frame is further enabled to raise and lower to enable adjusting height of the internal frame and the container therein relative to the ASV rail and a floor portion of the MTV, the internal frame comprising an extending and retracting mechanism for pushing the container partially out of the internal frame to a desired position within the MTV, or alternatively for retracting the container into the internal frame; positioning the ASV in front of a location of opening (such as a door) of the MTV;

- using a plurality of sensors and/or cameras to determine the position of a desired opening (in terms of a door not otherwise being used for passenger ingress/egress or otherwise occupied by an animal or an obstruction) of an MTV relative to the ASV;

- using a sensor to determine the height of the MTV floor relative to the height of the internal frame of the ASV; adjusting the height of the internal frame to a height suitable to align a bottom portion of the internal frame with the bottom of the container on the MTV floor; moving the internal frame partially out of the external frame and partially into the MTV using the linear actuator to partially encompass the container; ensure the container is not being retained with a brake;

- using the extending and retracting mechanism for engaging the container and activating means on the extending and retracting mechanism for attaching to the container;

- using the extending and retracting mechanism for pulling the container into the internal frame; and retracting the internal frame for moving the internal frame and the container.

[0030] Preferably the foregoing method further comprises the step of delivering a container to one of a storage area, a truck loading area, a shorter-distance-delivery vehicle loading area (e.g., for last-mile deliveries), and a materials loading and loading area for loading and unloading containers.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a system for automatic alignment of ASVs and the openings (such as doorways, removable windows, or other openings) of MTVs, since the MTVs don’t always stop in exactly the same location. The system for such alignment is preferably comprised of a pair of targets or lasers on the MTV exterior located spaced apart above each opening of the MTV to be used for materials loading and unloading. A corresponding pair of sensors are provided on a front portion of each ASV, both adapted to be largely the same height and the same distance apart as the targets/lasers on the MTV, such that when the ASV comes alongside the MTV the sensors of the ASV sense the targets/lasers on the MTV when they are directly across from each other so that the ASV may be stopped and thereby quickly aligned with the door opening of the MTV. Other methods of accurate positioning between the ASV and the MTV may be used such as optical cameras aligning with the MTV doorway, LIDAR position recognition, or even communication with the MTV (e.g., such as a light-rail-vehicle or LRV) via some mechanism such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or BLE in combination with global positioning systems (GPS) and high-resolution positional tracking accelerometers. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there are provided specialized automated, or manual, moveable ASV-type ramps for facilitating access on a station platform to MTVs by providing a mobile ramp that is capable of easy relocation along the rails adapted for ASV use. Preferably, these mobile ramps are automated at least to the degree they come automatically when called by a push-button access, or other signal, or may even be automated to the degree that they come when a sensor senses a wheelchair approaching.

[0032] Though the ASV rails are intended in almost every conceivable situation to present only very small gaps in an otherwise smooth platform, with generally no profile sticking up above the level of the platform, such that wheelchairs, or persons with disabilities, would not encounter any problems navigating across them, especially in the afore-mentioned micro-rail configuration, nevertheless such ramps as provided in accordance with this aspect of the disclosure may be helpful or desirable for any situation where there is presented a concern with larger-than-average gauge ASV rails or gaps in the platform.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a specialized elevator having a turnstile with rails therein, allowing for rotation, lowering, or raising of ASVs with, or without, containers therein, to allow easy access by the ASVs to remote locations of a station, stop, or depot, such as a second level, a basement, or the like, as well as rotation of the ASV and containers to a suitable orientation for further travel, storage, and use. [0034] In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a bifurcated (or otherwise divided) container system allowing for different form-factors of containers for ease, facility, and capability in loading and unloading of the containers from shorter-distance-delivery vehicles, longer-haul transport, storage, ASVs, and MTVs. The container system in accordance with this aspect of the disclosure preferably comprises an actuatable key lock system wherein male-type keys are provided preferably in each of the divisible portions (preferably caddy-comer back comer portions) of the container with corresponding mate-able female-type receptacles preferably in opposing caddy-comer back comer portions of the divisible portions. Thus, when the back portions of a plurality of container portions are mated, the actuatable key lock system may be actuated, either manually or electronically, to releasably interconnect the container portions, for example to facilitate loading of a container on to the transit vehicle. Further, the container portions may be disconnected by actuating the key lock system to unlock the container portions from each other from their mated condition. Thus, electronic keypad means on each of the plurality of containers comprising the combination container may be operable by one of the keypads to serve to operate all of the interlocking keys on closely adjacent container portions. The keypad is only one way the container portions might be mated. In a fully automated warehouse the container portions could be moved into position and a WiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, cellular or other mechanism might send a signal to the containers to extend their keys and latch. Another means of interconnection comprises when the container portions are brought together in the proper position, they may magnetically sense the presence of another back-to-back container and perform the latching function automatically.

[0035] A major benefit of implementing ASVs to load MTVs with goods and other materials is that existing MTV transit systems are put to greater use, whereas without such, they are lesser used, especially during recent years due to a CO VID 19 pandemic. And this benefit is enhanced by the fact that the presently disclosed system is capable of operating to load materials on already - going-there MT Vs while passengers are being simultaneously loaded on the same MTV, whether through adjacent doorways of the same MTV from the same platform, whether from a cordoned-off portion of the same platform, and/or whether through openings in other cars or portions of cars of the same MTV, wherein the efficiencies in accomplishing accurate and efficient loading by the materials loading system disclosed herein (primarily as with an ASV rail or an AS V micro-rail, but not excluding other appropriate ASV travel constraining or collision avoidance means) as to make such simultaneous loading of materials and persons for the same MTV possible without exceeding maximum acceptable dwell times normally associated with passenger loading of such MTVs. As such, greater efficiencies may be achieved since the cost of moving tons of goods many miles using MTVs via these “no touch” “virus/bacteria safe” methods is almost insignificant due to the low friction of steel wheels on steel rails (in the case of LRV MTVs used for transport of both materials and persons). In other words, it is anticipated that the implementation of the systems and methods hereof will result in greater usage of such railed transport in the case of LRV MTVs. In this regard, it should be noted that trucks using rubber tires on roads have about twenty times as much friction as a steel wheel on steel rails, not to mention that the internal combustion engines typically used by today’s delivery trucks are far less efficient than the electric motors that are common to many MTV systems. These mechanical efficiencies are in addition to the labor costs that are avoided due to automated loading. Thus, it is estimated that, using MTVs to transport packages, could result in delivery of each package for a very small fraction of current costs.

[0036] The simultaneous transport of materials and persons on the same already-going-there mass transit vehicles, using the same loading platforms and/or sidings, and along the same routes will encourage greater mass transit usage and more efficient materials delivery, and though such may preferably be emphasized or accomplished primarily at lower-peak ridership times of the public transport vehicle (e.g., the MTV), such systems of simultaneous transport on already-going-there mass transit vehicles, such as MT Vs, nevertheless are designed to be safely implemented for loading and unloading of MT Vs using AS Vs, even when such lower numbers of passengers are nevertheless occupying other portions of the same loading platform. Thus, the term already-going-there mass transit vehicle (e.g., MTV) suggests a distinction between the present disclosure and prior art which may use a passenger transit track and/or rail car, though such does not do so while passengers are actually on board that same MTV or at least using a railed AS V to load the same from the same platform or siding as is used for passenger loading of the same MTV. It will be appreciated that partitions may be implemented as appropriate to cordon off materials loading operations during usage of the ASV to safely load materials (safe to people and safer to the materials being loaded) within seconds onto the same already-going-there mass transit vehicle (e.g., MTV) as passengers are simultaneously being loaded onto other portions of the same mass transit vehicle. The coordination of location of AS Vs and passengers on the same platform may be automated computer, or human, controlled, and may take into account both transit and delivery schedules and data.

[0037] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are various possible combinations of the above-described elements and sub-elements for various embodiments of the invention, whether such elements and sub-elements be combined in whole or in part, which may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. And it will thus be appreciated that the introduction of ASV siding rails, and preferably micro-rails, onto the loading platforms for MT Vs as taught herein, makes the aforementioned efficient, simultaneous, loading and unloading of materials possible on the otherwise tight passenger loading timetables. Still further, it will be appreciated that micro-rail siding will not require deep excavation and higher levels of conflict with underground utilities as might be otherwise required by implementing typical light, or lighter, rails on a loading platform. Thus, the use of micro-rails will be less expensive, quicker to install, and are readily traversable by passengers. Further, however, the system disclosed herein is adaptable to other types of ASV constraining systems (electronic, sensor-based, or otherwise), whether currently available or developed, or improved upon, in the future, insofar as such systems are capable of efficiently and safely loading interior passenger shareable spaces of MT Vs with commercial-delivery-sized containers of materials.

[0038] The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following descriptions taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. l is a perspective view of a siding area for a mass transit vehicle (MTV - whether a light rail vehicle or a bus with an elevated platform) along with automated siding vehicles (AS Vs) suitable for loading containers onto MT Vs, with an ASV being oriented substantially perpendicularly to the MTV, the siding area also being adjacent conventional truck delivery, last-mile delivery vehicle, and user package pick up, access;

[0040] FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective arial view of the siding area of FIG.1;

[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an MTV (whether light rail or bus with elevated loading platform) having a container loaded into the MTV through a passenger opening by an ASV;

[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ASV rail siding alongside an opening of an MTV (whether light rail or bus with an elevated loading platform);

[0043] FIG. 5 is a top view of a container loading and unloading system adjacent an MTV, having ASV rail tracks running parallel to the MTV, in a siding area and with an ASV positioned alongside the MTV;

[0044] FIG. 6 is a close-up view of an ASV for moving containers into, and retrieving containers out of, an MTV;

[0045] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a battery-powered and network-controlled (via an on-board controller) ASV on ASV light/lighter rails having a side panel removed for showing a scissored extending and retracting mechanism for pushing containers an additional distance onto an MTV, linear actuators for extending and retracting an internal frame (together with a container) of the ASV, screwjack type actuators for raising and lowering the internal frame (together with the container);

[0046] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the ASV of FIG. 7, with the container fully retained in a fully-retracted position within the ASV;

[0047] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the ASV of FIGS. 7 and 8, with the container being in a partially-extended/retracted position partially within the ASV and partially outside of the ASV (e.g., partially in an MTV or other location), the container also being shown in a raised position by motorized screw-type jacks;

[0048] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the ASV of FIGS. 7-9, with the container being pushed by an extending retracting mechanism to more fully push/retract the container onto/from an MTV or other location, the container also being shown in a raised position by motorized screw-type jacks;

[0049] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the ASV of FIGS. 7-10, with the container being pushed by an extending retracting mechanism to more fully push/retract the container onto/from an MTV or other location, the container also being shown in a lowered position by motorized screw-type jacks;

[0050] FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the ASV of FIGS. 7-11, with the container having been deposited and with an internal frame of the ASV being partially retracted after having deposited the container, or alternatively with the internal frame of the ASV being partially extended to retrieve a previously deposited container;

[0051] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the ASV of FIGS. 7-12, with the container having been deposited and with the internal frame of the ASV being fully retracted after having deposited the container, or alternatively with the internal frame of the ASV being fully retracted in preparation aligned with an MTV door or other location ready to retrieve a previously deposited container;

[0052] FIG. 14 is a detailed view of an ASV (having sides thereof enclosed) positioned adjacent a container, the ASV having deposited the container, or alternatively the ASV being ready to obtain and remove the container from its existing location;

[0053] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of container portions of a divided container suitable for use with an ASV loading system, the portions (preferably two container portions - though each combination container system may comprise more than two such portions) being capable of being releasably interconnected with interlockable key mechanisms;

[0054] FIG. 16 is a perspective side view of the container portions of the divided container of FIG. 15, wherein the inter-lockable key mechanisms are retracted for individual container portion usage;

[0055] FIG. 17 is a close-up, detailed, perspective view of upper portions of the containers of the divided container of FIGS. 15 and 16, wherein two of four male portions of the releasably inter-lockable key mechanisms are shown extended;

[0056] FIG. 18 is a perspective side view of the container portions of the divided container of FIG. 15, wherein the inter-lockable key mechanisms are extended preparatory to engaging the inter-lockable key mechanisms into corresponding receptacles for releasably interconnecting the container portions;

[0057] FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of two container portions shown as releasably interconnected with inter-lockable keys to form a single container system adapted for use with other devices of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative ASV on rails and carrying a unitary container and showing sensors of the ASV for sensing and avoiding objects or persons and for aligning with targets on an MTV;

[0059] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of alternative ASV on rails and carrying a two- part container, wherein the container comprises in combination container portions and wherein there are shown sensors of the ASV for sensing and avoiding objects or persons and for aligning with targets located above doorways of an MTV;

[0060] FIGS. 22 A - 22C are views of an ASV on a turnstile enabled elevator, each view showing a container located in the elevator and shown in a different position of use in each view, a first view in FIG. 22A wherein the ASV is on rails of the turnstile positioned at a lower extent of the elevator, a second view in FIG. 22B wherein the ASV is on rails of the turnstile turned 90 degrees from that of FIG. 22A, and a third view in FIG. 22C wherein the ASV is on the rails of the turnstile turned 90 degrees from that of FIG. 22A, but at an upper extent of the elevator, all to facilitate movement and repositioning of the ASV on different levels of a platform, stop, or depot;

[0061] FIG. 23 is a side perspective of an MTV showing its openings (e.g., doors) open and ready to receive a container from an ASV and further showing targets on the side of the MTV just above the opening;

[0062] FIG. 24 is a side perspective of an MTV showing its openings open and with an ASV aligned in front of the openings of the MTV as achieved with sensors on the ASV aligned with targets on the MTV;

[0063] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a portable, preferably automated, passenger ramp ASV adapted for running on the rails for ASVs to aid with wheelchair usage, or usage by otherwise handicapped persons, if determined necessary;

[0064] FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of the portable, preferably automated, passenger ramp ASV of FIG. 25 adapted for running on the rails for ASVs to aid with wheelchair usage and usage by others having handicaps as determined necessary; and [0065] FIG. 27 is a dimensioned end perspective view of one size and type of suitable rails on which the ASV is designed to run.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Referring to the FIGS. 1-14, there is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a container loading and unloading system 100 for a mass transit vehicle (MTV) 102 otherwise adapted with openings (e.g., doors/doorways) 104 for loading and unloading of passengers 106, comprising a preferably lighter-gage ASV rail 790 (e.g., lighter than standard light rail vehicle rail), also known as a micro-rail 790 in the case of an even smaller-gauge rail as further described herein, extending at a portion thereof preferably substantially parallel to the MTV through way 110, or preferably rail 110, at a siding 112 for the MTV. The container loading and unloading system 100 further comprises an automated siding vehicle (ASV) 705, powered by battery units 740 and controlled by a control unit 730, and adapted for carrying, transporting, loading, and unloading, a container 750 with wheels 752 at a base portion 754 thereof, and preferably adapted for running on the ASV rail 790 preferably alongside the MTV 102, the ASV being further adapted for loading the container onto, and removing the container from, the MTV preferably through doorways 104 of the MTV otherwise adapted for allowing passenger traffic 104 therethrough. Though an ASV rail that is substantially parallel to the way of the mass transit vehicle 102 is preferred, it will be appreciated that other systems of constraining movement, such as sensors, lasers, cameras, and the like, may be employed which may adequately enable efficient and accurate loading and unloading of containers from openings on MTVs 102 without unduly delaying departure of the MTV beyond that of standard maximum acceptable dwell times for loading and unloading of passengers. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are intended to cover such other efficient embodiments as are reasonable equivalents to the preferred embodiment shown and described herein.

[0067] In accordance with an aspect and embodiment of the disclosure, the ASV 705 of the container loading and unloading system 100 is preferably autonomous (in the sense that it’s movement on rails 790 is automated) and comprises an external frame portion 710 having a base portion 712 with motorized wheels 770 thereon adapted for rolling along the ASV rail 790, and wherein the ASV further comprises a container depositing and retrieving means portion comprised of an internal frame portion 720 for retaining the container 750 for a time, moveable and translatable into and out of the external frame portion 710, and laterally perpendicularly with respect to the ASV rail 790 using motorized linear actuators 780. The container depositing and retrieving means further comprises motorized screwjack actuators 785 for lifting and lowering the internal frame 720 relative to the external frame 710, thus lifting and lowering the container 750 while it is retained in the internal frame portion 720. The internal frame portion 720 and the external frame portion 710 are thus adapted for retaining and moving a container 750 from within the external frame to a position at least partially outside of the external frame as shown in FIG. 9, wherein the internal frame (and thus the container 750) is further enabled to raise and lower, relative to the ASV rail and a floor portion of the MTV, via the screwjack actuators 780 to enable adjusting height of the internal frame and the container therein, or thereon since there is a lip 722 (shown on FIGS. 10-13) that catches under an underside of the container base portion 754 for lifting and holding the container while it is retained in the internal frame.

[0068] As part of the container depositing and retrieving means, there is provided attached to the internal frame 710 of the ASV 705 an extending and retracting mechanism 760, such as a scissor jack system having a motor 745, for pushing the container 750 partially out of the internal frame 720 to a desired position within, or at least partially within, the MTV, 102 or alternatively for “grabbing” the container, such as with mechanical gripping element or an electro-magnet, and retracting the container into the internal frame.

[0069] In an embodiment and aspect of the disclosure, the container loading and unloading system 100 further, or alternatively the container 750 itself, comprises a container retention system (not shown) deployable by the container loading and unloading system, or alternatively the container itself, and adapted for preventing movement of the container once it has been placed either onto the MTV 102, or another location.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container loading and unloading system 100 further preferably comprises wherein the ASV rail 790 extends to a loading and unloading area 108 adjacent the siding 112 and adapted for facilitating loading and unloading of containers 750 onto, and off of, the ASV 705, and of course there may be provided that the container loading and unloading system 100 may further comprise a plurality of autonomous, or partially-autonomous, ASVs adapted for carrying containers 750 and adapted for running on the ASV rail 790 alongside the MTV 102.

[0071] Still further, preferably the container loading and unloading system 100 further comprises a truck loading and unloading area 108 adapted for loading and unloading of containers onto, and off of, the ASVs. This loading and unloading area 108, as well as other areas of the system 100, may be facilitated by a turnstile 114 to help with properly positioning and orienting ASVs. Further, the loading and unloading area 108, as well as other areas of the system 100, may be facilitated by a loop or similar area 116, for storing or properly positioning and orienting ASVs.

[0072] And yet further, preferably the container loading and unloading system 100 further comprises a shorter-distance-delivery vehicle loading and unloading area 118 adapted for loading and unloading of containers 750 onto, and off of, the ASVs using container bikes or AVs.

[0073] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is preferably provided adjacent the siding area 112 a materials loading and unloading area 110 for retaining containers 750, for example in a container storage queuing frame 800, adapted for facilitating others, such as individuals picking up packages from individual container lockers 802, or shorter-distance-delivery vehicles, whether bikes, AVs, or the like, not shown, in retrieving and depositing materials from containers 750 having been delivered to the materials loading and unloading area. This materials loading and unloading area 110 may comprise, or further comprise, a container storage area and system for warehousing containers in a covered location.

[0074] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of loading a container 750 through an opening 104, such as a door 104, of an MTV 102, otherwise used for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers 106, onto the MTV, comprising the steps of: step 900 - obtaining an ASV 705 as further described herein and having a container loaded in the internal frame 720 thereof; step 902 - positioning the ASV and determining availability of space on the MTV (i.e., that a person or animal has not occupied the space), as for example with the aid of marks or other elements (such as magnets, sensors, and/or cameras) 1002, in front of the open door of the MTV; step 904 - using a sensor to determine the height of an MTV floor relative to the height of the floor, or wheel bottoms, of the loaded container; step 906 - lifting the internal frame, including the container retained therein, to a height suitable to allow clearance for loading onto the MTV without dragging the container along the floor of the MTV; step 908 - moving the internal frame partially out of the external frame 710 of the ASV and partially into the MTV using the motorized linear actuator 780; step 910 - using the extending and retracting mechanism 760 for pushing the container partially out of the internal frame to a desired position within the MTV; step 912 - releasing disengaging the extending and retracting mechanism from the container; step 914 - retracting the extending and retracting mechanism into the internal frame; step 916 - lowering the internal frame using the motorized screwjack actuator 780 to set the container down onto the floor of the MTV in a secured fashion, such as by sending a signal to brake the container if it is wheeled; and step 918 retracting the internal frame into the external frame.

[0075] Preferably, in accordance with an embodiment, the method further comprises the step 920 of picking up a container 750 from one of a storage area 110, a truck loading area 108, a shorter-distance-delivery vehicle loading area 118, and a materials loading and loading area 110 for loading and unloading containers.

[0076] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method of retrieving a container 750 through an opening 104 of an MTV 102, otherwise used for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers 106, from an MTV, comprising the steps of: step 922 - obtaining an ASV 705 comprising an external frame 710 having a wheeled base portion 712 adapted for rolling along theASV rail 790, and wherein the ASV further comprises a container depositing and retrieving means, comprising an internal frame 720 movable into and out of the external frame and movable laterally perpendicularly with respect to the ASV rail, the internal frame and the external frame adapted for retaining and moving a container from within the external frame to a position at least partially outside of the external frame, wherein the internal frame is further enabled to raise and lower to enable adjusting height of the internal frame and the container therein relative to the ASV rail and a floor portion of the MTV, the internal frame comprising an extending and retracting mechanism for pushing the container partially out of the internal frame to a desired position within the MTV, or alternatively for retracting the container into the internal frame; step 923 - using a plurality of sensors and/or cameras to determine the position of a desired opening (e.g., in terms of a door in front of a container being transported, a door not otherwise being used at that exact time for passenger ingress/egress, or presence of an animal or an obstruction) of an MTV relative to the ASV; step 924 - positioning the ASV, as for example with the aid of marks or other elements (such as magnets or sensors) 1002, in front of the open door of the MTV; step 926 - using a sensor (not shown), such as a laser, to determine the height of the MTV floor relative to the height of the internal frame of the ASV, or the height of the bottom of the container; step 928 - adjusting the height of the internal frame to a height suitable to align a bottom portion of the internal frame with the bottom of the container on the MTV floor; step 930 - moving the internal frame partially out of the external frame and partially into the MTV using a linear actuator to partially encompass the container; step 932 - ensuring the container is not being retained with a brake; step 934 - using the extending and retracting mechanism for engaging the container and activating means on the extending and retracting mechanism for attaching to the container; step 936 - using the extending and retracting mechanism for pulling the container into the internal frame; and step 938 - retracting the internal frame for moving the internal frame and the container into the external frame. [0077] Preferably the foregoing methods further comprise the step of delivering a container 750 to one of a storage area 110, a truck loading area 108, a last-mile delivery vehicle loading area 118, and a materials loading and loading area 110, for loading and unloading containers.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a combination container system 1550 comprising a plurality of container portions 1554 - preferably there are two container portions 1554, though each combination container system may comprise more than two such container portions, and each container portion comprises on the bottom thereof a plurality of preferably caster -type wheels 1552. Further, each container portion further comprises, on a front face thereof, an electronic keypad 1556 and display 1558. Further, each container portion further preferably comprises (though it need not so comprise) a plurality of doors which are lockable and accessible by users via the keypad 1556.

[0079] The combination container system 1550 is divisible into interconnectable portions 1554, for example for easier handling by shorter-distance-delivery vehicles and for easy doorway passage in buildings, etc., but also suitable in combined form for use with an ASV loading system 705, 705’. The container portions 1554 are each preferably capable of being releasably interconnected to each other with actuatable inter-lockable key and key -hole mechanisms on the back side of each container portion as preferably controlled by the keypad 1556 and as further described below.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, FIG. 17 is a close-up, detailed, perspective view of upper portions of the containers of the divided combination container 1550 comprised of the container portions 1554 (each of the container portions is physically the same) and having protruding male key shaft portions 1730 with bits 1735 thereon. Two keys 1730, of the preferably four total keys are shown in FIG. 17, and each key is retractable into a receptacle 1710, whereas when extended in an engaging orientation, the keys 1730 are adapted for receipt and locking engagement in corresponding key receptacles 1720. Thus, between the two container portions 1554, there are a total of four of the keys 1730 and four receptacles 1720 adapted for receiving the keys. The keys 1730 are preferably controllable from the keypads 1556, and the keypads are adapted for communicating with each other when two container portions 1554 are closely adjacent such that extending of the keys 1730 for engagement using a keypad of one of the container portions automatically serves to extend and turn for locking all four keys 1730. Thus, a user is enabled in, say, extending the keys 1730, aligning the container portions 1554 such that each of the keys is positioned in a corresponding receptacle 1720, and turned for locking the container portions together with the bits of the keys holding the keys within the receptacles.

[0081] FIG. 18 is a perspective side view of the container portions of the divided container 1550 of FIGS. 15 - 17, and it shows all four extended keys 1730 and all four receptacles 1720 for the keys located at corresponding locations on the backs of the container portions 1554, just prior to the keys being inserted into the receptacles for locking. The keys have been extended per a pre-lock extension protocol indicated on the keypad 1556 of one of the container portions 1556, thus rendering each of the interlockable key mechanisms 1730 as being prepared to engage into the corresponding receptacles 1720 for releasably interconnecting the container portions.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 19, once the container portions 1554 are locked together as described previously, they form a single container 1550 adapted for handling by an ASV 705, 705’, 1505 as described herein for loading and unloading onto an MTV 102, 102’, through the MTV doorway 104, 104’.

[0083] While as shown in FIGS. 15-19 the container portions 1554 are divided vertically to show a preferred embodiment for the particular ASV design shown and described herein, it will nevertheless be appreciated that horizontal divisions or other divisions of the containers are contemplated so as to make the system completely amenable for a variety of sizes and styles of shorter-distance-delivery vehicles (e.g., different types of container cargo bikes or other last mile delivery vehicles) and ASVs without departing from the scope of claims to inventions embodied herein.

[0084] There are many benefits of implementing such divided containers for purposes of accessibility and transportability, but also regarding the importance of implementation of such for cold chain storage while keeping shipped items within securely locked containers and which are maintained within required temperature ranges, such as may be required for certain medicines, vaccines, and foods.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, there is shown an alternative ASV 705’, 2105 having sensors 2010 preferably on all sides thereon both for positioning relative to an MTV 102’ and for sensing for avoiding, or sensing for otherwise interacting with, objects or persons on a rail 790’ or otherwise in the vicinity of the ASV.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, there are provided targets 2310 above openings otherwise covered by doors 2320 of the MTV 102’, the targets being for use by the sensors 2010 of the ASV 705’, 2105 by sensing the targets and aligning with them. For example, the sensors 2010 may be spaced the same distance apart as the targets 2310, such that when the ASV 705 ”s sensors are aligned directly adjacent and across from the MTV’s targets, the ASV stops after sensing that it is aligned with the opening 104’ in the MTV as indicated by alignment with the targets as shown in FIG. 24. Thus, when the doors 2320 of the MTV 102’ open and are ready to receive a container 705’, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the ASV 705’, 2105 can immediately begin depositing materials in a container 705’ into the opening without impacting the walls of the MTV. The use of an ASV rail system as disclosed herein aids in more perfectly and more quickly aligning the ASV with the opening of the MTV. This in turn increases the efficiency of the system and makes it possible to load already -going-there mass transit vehicles, such as LRVs or buses (articulated or otherwise), simultaneously from the same loading platform or siding area as passengers are loaded, without exceeding maximum dwell times which are acceptable for passenger loading operations. This also makes the system more impervious to misguided or excess movement which may otherwise cause delay or damage to the ASV, to the MTV siding, entry, and/or doors, to materials and containers, and/or to nearby pedestrians. It will be appreciated that other, or future, ASV constraint systems (whether electronic sensing or camera-based) which allow for similar such efficient and safe loading and unloading of commercial -delivery-sized containers into shareable passenger space of MTVs from shareable platforms or siding areas, is contemplated herein. In other words, ASV rails are one currently-acceptable way of safely and efficiently achieving the purposes of the invention, whereas it is currently contemplated by many the improvement of collision avoidance and accuracy in movement of AVs generally to be within safe tolerances for interaction of such with human traffic. Nevertheless, rails have the added benefit of being safe and efficient, and more impervious to unacceptable movements due to weather or vandalism, and thus such is considered the primary and most likely acceptable solution for present purposes. [0087] The ASV 705’ of FIG. 20 preferably runs on rails 790’and carries a unitary container 750, whereas the ASV 2105 of FIG. 21 preferably runs on rails 790, 790’ and carries a combination container 1550 comprising a plurality of container portions 1554. The sensors 2010 of the ASV 705’ and 2105 function in both cases for sensing objects or persons along the rail, in the vicinity, whether for alignment, interaction, or avoidance purposes, and specifically they are for aligning with the targets 2310 above the doorways 104’ of the MTV 102’. In this and other ways, such as for example because of integration of transit schedules and materials handling data and schedules, interference with passenger traffic is able to be avoided. It will be further appreciated that such a system may gather and make use of various types of useful data for positioning ASV’s relative to MTV openings (such as door openings), such as the height of the MTV (given current loading), etc. As with other ASV’s described herein, ASV 705’ has motorized wheels 770’ thereon.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 22A - 22C, there are provided views of an exemplary ASV 705, 705’ on a turnstile 2214 enabled elevator 2210. Each view, FIG. 22A, FIG. 22B, and FIG. 22C, shows a container 750 in an ASV 705, 705’, whether with or without sensors 2010, located on a turnstile 2214 on tracks in an elevator car 2220 of the elevator 2210. In each of the three views FIG. 22A, 22B, 22C, the ASV 705, 705’ is shown in a different position of use, a first view in FIG. 22A wherein the ASV is on rails of the turnstile 2214 positioned at a lower extent of the elevator 2210 so as to facilitate communication and travel with a lower floor of a station, stop, or depot, a second view in FIG. 22B wherein the ASV is on rails of the turnstile turned 90 degrees from that of FIG. 22A for communication and travel relative to an intermediate floor and in a different direction on that floor, and a third view in FIG. 22C wherein the ASV is on the rails of the turnstile turned 90 degrees from that of FIG. 22A on an upper extent of the elevator 2210, all to facilitate movement and repositioning of the ASV on an upper level. In this way, the ASV is enabled to move and be transported to any of a number of different levels of a platform, stop, or depot.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, there is provided a portable, preferably automated, passenger ramp ASV 2510 adapted for running on the ASV rails 790’ for the ASVs to aid with wheelchair usage, usage by otherwise handicapped persons, or for other reasons deemed important if determined necessary. The ramp ASV 2510 comprises a platform 2540, and first and second foldable runways 2550. Lower floor guides 2560 are also included to help be sure that wheels of wheelchairs, and peoples’ feet’ are assured to safely navigate up and down the foldable runways 2550 and onto/off of the platform 2540. Handrails 2530 are also provided to provide for the safety of users. As with other ASV’s, ASV 2510 may have automated motorized wheels 770’. The ramp ASVs 2510 are thus enabled to run alongside, and directly adjacent openings in MTVs 102, 102’ to enable easy access to the same by persons with handicaps or in wheelchairs. The ramp ASVs 2510 have foldable runways 2550 which automatically, or manually upon pressing of a button, deploy to enable easy rolling up onto the platform 2540, and down again, by a wheelchair. The rise and fall of the foldable runways is very minimal so as to mitigate any hazard associated with the pitch of the same. Further, there is provided a standard equipment button 2520 available on most MTV’s. In absence of the ramp ASV 2510, pressing the button 2520 causes a ramp to extend from the MTV 102’ out to the platform. This provides an easy access point for chair bound persons to load. Once the person has boarded the MTV 102’, the internal ramp retracts into the MTV floorboard before the doors close and the MTV resumes its course.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 27, a dimensioned end perspective view of one size and type of embedded ASV rails 790, 790’ is provided as shown to illustrate a preferred embodiment. Nevertheless, claims to inventions embodied herein may be broadly written to comprise different sizes, gauges, and types of similar rails without departing from the scope of the system contemplated. In almost every conceivable situation the system as provided would present only very small gaps in an otherwise smooth platform (i.e., on the order of only 5/8ths of an inch gap with the currently illustrated dimension rails), with generally no profile of rail material sticking above the level of the platform so as to not present any tripping or other navigational hazard by anyone. Thus, wheelchairs, or persons with disabilities, should not encounter any problems navigating across the rails 790, 790’. Nevertheless, such ramp ASVs 2510 as provided in accordance with this aspect of the disclosure may be helpful or desirable to provide safety assurance for any situation where there is presented a concern with larger -than- average gage ASV rails 790, 790’ or gaps in the platform. [0091] A major benefit of implementing AS Vs 705, 705’ to load MTVs 102 with goods and other materials is that existing MTV transit systems are put to greater use, whereas without such, they are lesser used, especially during recent years due to a COVID 19 pandemic. And this benefit is enhanced by the fact that the presently disclosed system is capable of operating to load materials on already-going-there MTVs while passengers are being simultaneously loaded on the same MTV, whether through adjacent doorways of the same MTV from the same platform, whether from a cordoned-off portion of the same platform, and/or whether through openings in other cars or portions of cars of the same MTV, wherein the efficiencies in accomplishing accurate and efficient loading by the materials loading system disclosed herein make such simultaneous loading of materials and persons for the same MTV possible without exceeding maximum acceptable dwell times normally associated with passenger loading of such MTVs. As such, greater efficiencies may be achieved since the cost of moving tons of goods many miles using MTVs via these “no touch” “virus/bacteria safe” methods is almost insignificant due to the low friction of steel wheels on steel rails - i.e.,in the case of railed transport of goods. In other words, it is anticipated that the implementation of the systems and methods hereof will result in greater usage of such railed transport. In this regard, it should be noted that trucks using rubber tires on roads have about twenty times as much friction as a steel wheel on steel rails, not to mention that the internal combustion engines typically used by today’s delivery trucks are far less efficient than the electric motors that are common to many MTV systems. Thus, it is estimated that, using MTVs to transport packages, could result in delivery each package for a very small fraction of current costs.

[0092] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are various possible combinations of the above-described elements and sub-elements for various embodiments of the invention, whether such elements and sub-elements be combined in whole or in part, which may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

[0093] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. For example, it will be appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the art may mix and match the various components of the various embodiments of the invention without departing from the true spirit of the invention as claimed. Thus, by way of example, it will be appreciated that a major benefit of the present disclosure is that of providing a system with sufficiently timely and efficient means of accurately placing containers during passenger loading, so as to not unduly delay the simultaneous passenger loading process. Such a system incorporates one or more of ASV railed, or otherwise sufficiently constrained ASV way (e.g. with adequate sensing and collision avoidance technology known on the art) and which accomplishes such simultaneous loading operating on shared platforms (for materials and passenger loading) without unduly delaying the passenger loading (wherein passengers may safely traverse over and around the ASV way, as may be accomplished with an automated ASV of the type disclosed herein used for loading containers onto an MTV (and removing the containers from the MTV as well), with or without siding tracks, or a non-automated, or partially-automated ASV, and with or without the use of parallel siding tracks, all without departing from the scope of the system of the disclosure as claimed. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A container loading and unloading system for a mass transit vehicle (MTV), comprising:

A passenger loading and materials loading siding way for an autonomous siding vehicle (ASV) coming adjacent to the MTV throughway at an MTV siding; and an autonomous siding vehicle (ASV) adapted for carrying the container and adapted for running on said ASV siding way adjacent the MTV, said ASV being further adapted for loading the containers onto, and removing materials from, the MTV through openings in the MTV.

2. The container loading and unloading system of claim 1, wherein said ASV siding way is a lighter gage rail (ASV rail) than a standard light rail vehicle rail and which is adapted to provide for running of said ASV substantially parallel to the throughway of the MTV, and wherein said opening is a doorway otherwise adapted for allowing passenger traffic therethrough.

3. The container loading and unloading system of claim 2, wherein said ASV further comprises an external frame having a wheeled base portion adapted for rolling along said ASV rail, and wherein said ASV further comprises a container depositing and retrieving means, comprising an internal frame movable into and out of said external frame and movable laterally perpendicularly with respect to said ASV rail, said internal frame and said external frame adapted for retaining and moving a container from within said external frame to a position at least partially outside of said external frame, wherein said internal frame is further enabled to raise and lower to enable

33 adjusting height of the internal frame and the container therein relative to said ASV rail and a floor portion of the MTV, said internal frame comprising an extending and retracting mechanism for pushing the container partially out of said internal frame to a desired position within the MTV, or alternatively for retracting the container into said internal frame.

4. The container loading and unloading system of claim 3, further comprising a container retention system deployable by the loading and unloading system and adapted for preventing movement of the container once it has been placed either onto the MTV or another location.

5. The container loading and unloading system of claim 4, wherein said extending and retracting mechanism further comprises magnetic means for attaching and detaching from the container.

6. The container loading and unloading system of claim 4, further comprising at least one motor for driving at least one linear actuator for moving the internal frame, together with the container into and out of the external frame, and further comprising at least one motor for driving at least one screwjack for raising and lowering said internal frame, together with the container therein.

7. The container loading and unloading system 2, wherein said ASV rail extends to a loading and unloading area adjacent the siding and adapted for facilitating loading and unloading of containers onto, and off of, said ASV.

8. The container loading and unloading system of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of AS Vs adapted for carrying containers and adapted for running on said ASV rail alongside the MTV.

9. The container loading and unloading system of claim 4, further comprising a truck loading and unloading area adapted for loading and unloading of containers onto, and off of, said ASVs.

10. The container loading and unloading system of claim 4, further comprising a shorter-di stance-delivery vehicle loading and unloading area adapted for loading and unloading of containers onto, and off of, said ASVs.

11. The container loading and unloading system of claim 4, further comprising a materials loading and unloading area adapted for facilitating others in retrieving and depositing materials from containers having been delivered to said materials loading and unloading area.

12. The container loading and unloading system of claim 12, wherein said materials loading and unloading area further comprises a container storage area.

13. A method of loading a container through an opening, otherwise used for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers, onto a mass transit vehicle (MTV), comprising the steps of: obtaining a siding vehicle per claim 6 above and having a container loaded in the internal frame thereof; positioning the siding vehicle in front of the open door of the MTV; using a sensor to determine the height of the MTV floor relative to the height of a floor of the loaded container; lifting the internal frame, including the container retained therein, to a height suitable to allow clearance for loading without dragging the container along the floor of the MTV; moving the internal frame partially out of said external frame and partially into the MTV using said linear actuator; using the extending and retracting mechanism for pushing the container partially out of said internal frame to a desired position within the MTV; releasing disengaging the extending and retracting mechanism from the container; retracting the extending and retracting mechanism into the internal frame; lowering the internal frame using the screwjacks to set the container down onto the floor of the MTV in a secured fashion, such as by sending a signal to brake the container; and retracting the internal frame into the external frame.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of picking up a container from one of a storage area, a truck loading area, a shorter-di stance-delivery vehicle loading area, and a materials loading and loading area for loading and unloading containers.

15. A method of retrieving a container through an opening, otherwise used for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers, from a mass transit vehicle (MTV), comprising the steps of: obtaining a siding vehicle per claim 6 above; positioning the siding vehicle in front of the open door of the MTV; using a sensor to determine the height of an MTV floor relative to the height of the internal frame of the siding vehicle; adjusting the height of the internal frame to a height suitable to align a bottom portion of the internal frame with the bottom of the container on the MTV floor; moving the internal frame partially out of said external frame and partially into the MTV using said linear actuator to partially encompass the container; ensuring the container is not being retained with a brake; using the extending and retracting mechanism for engaging the container and activating means on said extending and retracting mechanism for attaching to the container; using the extending and retracting mechanism for pulling the container into the internal frame; and retracting the internal frame for moving the internal frame and the container therein into the external frame.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of delivering a container to one of a storage area, a truck loading area, a shorter-di stance-delivery vehicle loading area, and a materials loading and loading area for loading and unloading containers.

17. The container loading and unloading method of claim 1, wherein the ASV further comprises sensors for avoiding obstructions and people and for aligning the ASV with an opening of the MTV.

18. The container loading and unloading system of claim 2, further comprising a ramp-type ASV adapted for assisting with use of wheelchairs to access the MTV and for use by others with any disabilities.

19. The container loading and unloading system of claim 2, further comprising a combination turnstile elevator adapted for facilitating movement of AS Vs and containers to other floors of a station or stop.

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20. The method of claim 13, further comprising a step of sensing a target on the side of an MTV to align the ASV with an opening in the MTV.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of accessing and riding an elevator having a turnstile thereon for allowing access by AS Vs with containers thereon to other levels of a station or stop.

22. A divisible combination container comprised of a plurality of container portions and adapted for releasable interconnection between the plurality of portions of the container to form a single larger container to facilitate MTV loading and transport, whereas the divisible container is adapted for disconnection to facilitate easier transport via shorter-di stance-delivery vehicles and passage through normal doorways of buildings.

23. The divisible container of claim 22, further comprising releasably interlocking keys and receptacles for releasably interconnecting the container portions.

24. The divisible container of claim 23, wherein the interlocking keys are adapted for extension and rotation operation to facilitate engagement and locking between container portions by way of one of electronic keypad means.

25. The divisible container of claim 24 wherein the electronic keypad means is on each of the plurality of containers comprising the combination container, and wherein one of the keypads serves for operation of all of the interlocking keys on closely adjacent container portions.

26. The divisible container of claim 24, wherein the containers are adapted for use in cold chain storage within temperature ranges suitable for maintaining the viability of certain medicines, vaccines, and foods.