Dual-mode transportation system

A dual-mode transportation system comprising a guideway and a dual-mode vehicle having a first mode of operation in which said dual-mode vehicle travels along said guideway, said dual-mode vehicle having a second mode of operation in which said dual-mode vehicle travels along a roadway;

• wherein said dual-mode vehicle carries its own engaging means for engaging said guideway when the dual-mode vehicle is operating in the first mode of operation;
• wherein said engaging means comprises a retractable assembly which is retracted when said dual-mode vehicle is not operating in the first mode of operation, said dual-mode vehicle comprising a roof having a surface and recess means located adjacent to said surface for receiving said retractable assembly when said retractable assembly is retracted, said retractable assembly extending from said recess means when said engaging means engages said guideway;
• wherein said guideway includes an electric supply line enclosed within said guideway for supplying electric power to said dual-mode vehicle during operation in said first mode of operation, said dual-mode vehicle comprising pick-up means carried by said engaging means and connecting said dual-mode vehicle to said electric supply line for conducting electric power from said electric supply line to said dual-mode vehicle.

In a transportation system comprising a guideway and a vehicle having at least one mode of operation for traveling along said guideway;

• the improvement wherein said vehicle carries its own engaging means for engaging said guideway, said guideway comprising a monotube suspended in the air, said engaging means comprising a dolly having at least one pair of wheels, said monotube having first and second flanged portions which support respective wheels of said at least one pair of wheels as the vehicle travels along said guideway;
• and
• wherein said dooly comprises a retractable assembly which is retracted when said vehicle is not in use on said guideway, said vehicle comprising a roof having a surface and recess means located adjacent to said surface for receiving said retractable assembly when said retractable assembly is retracted, said retractable assebly ectending from said recess means when said engaging means engages guideway.