GB191415700A - An Improved High-speed Railway System with Vehicles Running in a Vacuum. - Google Patents

Abstract

15,700. Oates, A. July 1. Pneumatic railways; systems.-In a system of passenger railways, the trains or cars run in tunnels from which the air has been exhausted, the cars being hermetically sealed and provided with a store of fresh air or means for removing the vitiated air. When exceedingly high speeds are to be attained, the car runs on a relatively short length of track which is itself mounted on wheels &c. capable of being driven. This track is mounted on a longer track similarly constructed, a series of moving tracks being thus formed. The train may be electrically driven, hut any other form of propulsion may be employed. The Specification describes a straight tunnel with inclines at each end closed by air locks or water seals, but these and the methods of obtaining the vacuum are optional. The tunnel as described is built up of steel sections set in concrete and provided at its upper joint with earthenware inverted T-slabs K which support the electric conductor L. The car runs on flat rails placed in angle guides N. Pipes 0, for containing air, are arranged below the track so that they can he broken into in case of emergency. Conduits P for various conductors are also arranged between the track. The car is described as having inspection windows and an attachment for extension to the lower surface of the track when it is desired to get at the pipes 0 or conduits P. The entrances are at the ends, and the seats are preferably suspended.