Provided are embodiments of a suspension train comprising a shell body, wheels and a flow disturbing plate connected with the wheels, a suspension train operating system comprising a non-vacuum cover body and the suspension train traveling in the cover body in an ideal vacuum state at high speeds, and first and second propelling force sources converted from fluid resistance for multiplying propelling force of the train. A fluid channel communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the flow disturbing plate with the lower surface being a concave-convex flow disturbing surface and the bottom of the shell body. The high-speed suspension train is completely driven by solar energy.

Provided are embodiments of a suspension train comprising a shell body, wheels and a flow disturbing plate connected with the wheels, a suspension train operating system comprising a non-vacuum cover body and the suspension train traveling in the cover body in an ideal vacuum state at high speeds, and first and second propelling force sources converted from fluid resistance for multiplying propelling force of the train. A fluid channel communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the flow disturbing plate with the lower surface being a concave-convex flow disturbing surface and the bottom of the shell body. The high-speed suspension train is completely driven by solar energy.

An assembly that may be used in a transportation system is disclosed that in one or more embodiments includes at least one or more of the following: a braking system, which at least partially functions with an air bearing, a linear induction motor (LIM) that has tilting abilities, and an inflated air bearing that is positioned with respect to a rail such that a portion of the rail is inside the air bearing. Regarding the latter, in one or more embodiments the inflated air bearing has a semi-enclosed cavity shape and the rail is cross-sectionally curved such that a portion of the cross-sectionally curved is positioned partially inside the semi-enclosed cavity. In one or more embodiments, the assembly is included as part of a monorail system.

An assembly that may be used in a transportation system is disclosed that in one or more embodiments includes at least one or more of the following: a braking system, which at least partially functions with an air bearing, a linear induction motor (LIM) that has tilting abilities, and an inflated air bearing that is positioned with respect to a rail such that a portion of the rail is inside the air bearing. Regarding the latter, in one or more embodiments the inflated air bearing has a semi-enclosed cavity shape and the rail is cross-sectionally curved such that a portion of the cross-sectionally curved is positioned partially inside the semi-enclosed cavity. In one or more embodiments, the assembly is included as part of a monorail system.

The present invention relates to a fender, bogie, train, track and methods. The fender according to the invention comprises: a support surface provided on the underside during use; an inner pressure chamber provided in or on the support surface; a feed arranged in the pressure chamber for feeding a fluid; a first rim present round the inner pressure chamber, wherein at least a part of the rim is flexible; and a second rim arranged round the first rim such that a pressure chamber is created between two adjacent rims.

A portion of transportation structure including: 1) a substructure including a plurality of piers, a first plurality of girders positioned on at least some of the piers and forming a first transportation pathway, 2) a first assembly of tube segments, capable of being placed under low air pressure and through which pods may travel substantially free of air friction, the first assembly of tube segments been positioned on the first transportation pathway and each tube segment comprising: a) a main tube with legs distributed along the length of the main tube and suitable for the main tube to rest on the substructure on its legs, b) shims positioned in-between the substructure and at least part of the legs, the thickness of each shim been adapted so that the deflection of the substructure between piers is offset.

A portion of transportation structure including: 1) a substructure including a plurality of piers, a first plurality of girders positioned on at least some of the piers and forming a first transportation pathway, 2) a first assembly of tube segments, capable of being placed under low air pressure and through which pods may travel substantially free of air friction, the first assembly of tube segments been positioned on the first transportation pathway and each tube segment comprising: a) a main tube with legs distributed along the length of the main tube and suitable for the main tube to rest on the substructure on its legs, b) shims positioned in-between the substructure and at least part of the legs, the thickness of each shim been adapted so that the deflection of the substructure between piers is offset.

One or more embodiments include a braking system used with an air bearing and in a transportation system, such as a hanging monorail. One example is an assembly that is attached to a vehicle and positioned with respect to a rail, an air bearing (positioned with respect to the assembly and rail), which is able to receive air from an air supply, and a brake pad (of a braking system), which is positioned in an area that is relative another area associated with the air bearing, and which is engageable with respect to the rail via the air it receives from the air supply such that there is no need for any change to be made with respect to the air received by the air bearing to achieve brake engagement. In some embodiments, the frictionless bearing is made of a compliant material, inflated, and/or has a certain shape.

One or more embodiments include a braking system used with an air bearing and in a transportation system, such as a hanging monorail. One example is an assembly that is attached to a vehicle and positioned with respect to a rail, an air bearing (positioned with respect to the assembly and rail), which is able to receive air from an air supply, and a brake pad (of a braking system), which is positioned in an area that is relative another area associated with the air bearing, and which is engageable with respect to the rail via the air it receives from the air supply such that there is no need for any change to be made with respect to the air received by the air bearing to achieve brake engagement. In some embodiments, the frictionless bearing is made of a compliant material, inflated, and/or has a certain shape.