GB1367119A - Transit systems - Google Patents

Abstract

1367119 Transport system B J HARTZ 29 Sept 1971 [1 Oct 1970] 45314/71 Heading B7L In a transport system compatible with existing vehicular traffic on a ground level roadway surface 56, a vehicle comprises: running gear 17 for movement within an elongated passageway 40 beneath the roadway surface 56, the running gear 17 having means such as wheels 24 for engaging running surfaces such as tracks 38 extending longitudinally along the passageway 40; an elongated strut means 15 supported by and extending upwardly from the running gear 17; and a passenger compartment 12 mounted on the strut means 15, the height of the strut means 15 being sufficient to position the compartment 12 above the existing traffic running on the roadway surface 56. A rubber cover 44 at the level of the roadway surface 56 covers the slot 42, through which the strut means 15 passes, in the absence of the strut means. Lateral stability of the vehicle is maintained by wheels 22 engaging stabilizer tracks 23. The strut means may comprise a pair of substantially vertical elements, as in Fig. 5 (not shown), each element extending upwardly from a separate carriage element, these carriage elements being articulated together to form the running gear. Alternatively, as in Fig. 7 (not shown), the running gear may comprise an air cushion between a horizontal plate (94) and the bottom of the elongated passageway, and air cushion stabilizers (96, 104) may also be used for lateral stabilization. The transport system may comprise several intersecting passageways and switching mechanisms such as in Fig. 3 in which wheels 136 and 138 may be selected by switching cylinders 140 and 142 to guiding surfaces 130 and 131 or 132 and 133 which guide the vehicle along the chosen passageway. Passenger loading platforms, Figs. 8, 9 and 10 (not shown), may be provided at the level of compartment 12 and may include a pedestrian overpass spanning the roadway.