US 5,138,952 A · Transit system for roads and guideway with pivotal arm mounted traction wheel for engagement of undersurface of guideway

Abstract

A transit system employing multiple modes of operation. The system includes a guideway having a portion over which a vehicle traverses from one location to another, the traverse portion having a longitudinally-extending slot formed generally centrally therewithin. The guideway also includes an entry ramp which directs a traction drive wheel stem to centrally position the vehicle on the guideway. The system also includes a vehicle which is configured for travel over both a roadway and the guideway. The vehicle includes a chassis supported by a plurality of motive wheels. The chassis mounts a stem for pivoting between an upper, retracted position and a lower, extended position. The stem mounts, at its lower end, a traction drive wheel which engages an undersurface of the guideway to accomplish movement of the vehicle during the guideway mode of operation. Means are provided for both driving the motive wheels, during the roadway mode of operation, and the traction drive wheel, during the guideway mode of operation. An on-board computer controls guidance of the vehicle over the guideway system.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A transit system, comprising:

(a) a guideway having:
(i) a traverse portion having a longitudinally-extending slot formed generally centrally therewithin;
and
(ii) an entry ramp having a cleft narrowing from a beginning end of said entry ramp into said slot at a terminal end of said entry ramp;
and
(b) a vehicle including:
(i) a chassis;
(ii) a plurality of motive wheels carried by said chassis;
(iii) a traction drive wheel carried by said chassis and disposed for movement between a retracted position above a plane defined by lower extremities of said motive wheels and an extended position wherein, when said vehicle is seated on said traverse portion of said guideway with said motive wheels in engagement with an upper surface thereof, said traction drive wheel is in engagement with a lower surface thereof;
(c) means for driving said motive wheels when said vehicle is off said guideway;
and
(d) means for driving said traction drive wheel when said vehicle is on said guideway.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Transit system for roads and guideway with pivotal arm mounted traction wheel for engagement of undersurface of guideway

Life of this patent

Transit system for roads and guideway with pivotal arm mounted traction wheel for engagement of undersurface of guideway

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15