US 5,558,198 A · Band transportation system

Abstract

A band transportation system that includes a main band that extends over a closed path and includes one or more straight portions, an embarking band assembly and a disembarking band assembly with straight portions each that are brought adjacent to the straight portion of the main band by hydraulic mechanisms that move a carousel on which the embarking and disembarking bands are mounted. When the embarking and/or disembarking bands reach the speed of the main band, the passenger move from one band to the other when they are traveling on the straight portion which has sufficient length to permit this. The main band is electrically powered and the embarking and disembarking bands may include electromagnetic levitating mechanisms. Dividers are positioned on the different bands to protect the passengers from the wind. An alternate embodiment includes the use of an intermediate band assembly that travels at a constant speed equal to the speed of the main band.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A band transportation system, comprising:

a) first transporting band means extending along a closed path and including mounted on said first band means, and said first band means further including first propelling means for accelerating said first band means to a predetermined speed, and said first band means having at least one straight portion;
b) second transporting band means extending along a closed path and including a plurality of seat assemblies for passengers mounted on said second band means, and said second band means further including second propelling means for accelerating said second band means to at least said predetermined speed of said first band means, and said second band means having at least one straight portion;
and
c) means for moving said second transporting band means towards and away from said first band means so that said straight portion of said first and second band means are brought sufficiently close to each other when the speed of said first and second band means is substantially the same to permit passengers to move to and from said first and second band means.

1 more element

A band transportation system, comprising:

a) first transporting band means extending along a closed path and including a plurality of seat assemblies for passengers mounted on said first band means, and said first band means further including first propelling means for accelerating said first band means to a predetermined speed, and said first band means having at least one straight portion;
b) intermediate transporting band means extending along a closed path and traveling at constant speed that matches the speed of said first band means and said intermediate transporting band means including first and second straight portions and said first straight portion is adjacent to the straight portion of said first transporting means and said second straight portion being disposed in parallel relationship to the straight portion of said second transporting band means;
c) second transporting band means extending along a closed path and including a plurality of seat assemblies for passengers mounted on said second band means, and said second band means further including second propelling means for accelerating said second band means to at least said predetermined speed of said intermediate transporting band means, and said second band means having at least one straight portion;
and
d) means for moving said second transporting band means towards and away from said intermediate transporting band means so that said straight portion of said intermediate and second band means are brought sufficiently close to each other when the speed of said intermediate and second band means is substantially the same to permit passengers to move to and from said intermediate and second band transporting means.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Band transportation system

Life of this patent

Band transportation system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20