A transportation system (100) based on a plurality of pods (110) without any prime movers is disclosed, having a plurality of main tracks (102) having flexible drives to engage with the pods (110) and move the pods along the main track. The pods (110) can be carried by a last-miler vehicle for providing a seamless connectivity between a starting point of a commuter and a destination location without any change. The transportation system includes stations (150) having diverter belts (104), accelerator/decelerator paths (106) and diverter patch (114), where the pods (110) can be transshipped between the main track (102) and the last-miler vehicles.

A transportation system (100) based on a plurality of pods (110) without any prime movers is disclosed, having a plurality of main tracks (102) having flexible drives to engage with the pods (110) and move the pods along the main track. The pods (110) can be carried by a last-miler vehicle for providing a seamless connectivity between a starting point of a commuter and a destination location without any change. The transportation system includes stations (150) having diverter belts (104), accelerator/decelerator paths (106) and diverter patch (114), where the pods (110) can be transshipped between the main track (102) and the last-miler vehicles.

A rail unit includes an upper plate segment extending in a width direction, a lower plate segment extending in the width direction and at a position in a downward direction from the upper plate segment, and an intermediate plate segment extending in a vertical direction and joining an edge of the upper plate segment in a first width direction and an edge of the lower plate segment in a first width direction. A power feeder is located in a space defined by the upper plate segment, the intermediate plate segment, and the lower plate segment in the rail unit. The upper plate segment includes a traveling surface facing in an upward direction. The lower plate segment includes a lower flat portion extending in a traveling path direction and the width direction, and a groove protruding in the downward direction from the lower flat portion and extending continuously in the traveling path direction.

A rail unit includes an upper plate segment extending in a width direction, a lower plate segment extending in the width direction and at a position in a downward direction from the upper plate segment, and an intermediate plate segment extending in a vertical direction and joining an edge of the upper plate segment in a first width direction and an edge of the lower plate segment in a first width direction. A power feeder is located in a space defined by the upper plate segment, the intermediate plate segment, and the lower plate segment in the rail unit. The upper plate segment includes a traveling surface facing in an upward direction. The lower plate segment includes a lower flat portion extending in a traveling path direction and the width direction, and a groove protruding in the downward direction from the lower flat portion and extending continuously in the traveling path direction.

A method is disclosed for docking and undocking a hyperloop vehicle in a station. The method includes the step of extending a support system to a first position, wherein the support system engages a surface to support the hyperloop vehicle at a first elevation. The method further includes the steps of moving the hyperloop vehicle to a predetermined docking position and engaging a coupler to fixedly position the hyperloop vehicle relative to a docking platform.

A method for producing a tube segment and a tube for an evacuated tube transport system and a method for producing the tube segment.

The kinetic energy converter is coupled to a bogie of a pneumatic propulsion vehicle for a transportation system of passengers and cargo. The kinetic energy converter (6) is mounted in at least one of the axle sets (4) of the bogie structure (1). The kinetic energy converter (6) is comprised of an electric generator provided with a housing (10) where an electric generator rotor (16) spins, provided with a rotor pulley (15) moved by a belt (11) driven by a freewheel pulley (14) mounted on a drive shaft (13) provided with shaft ends (25) which are mounted onto wheel hubs (24) of the bogie structure (1). The axle set (4) is comprised of guide tubes (7) whose internal ends have flanges (8) which are connected to the supports (9) of the electric generator housing (10).

A high-speed transportation system comprises an evacuated travel conduit divided into a plurality of segments by closable gates, and associated with corresponding segment pumps that maintain operating vacuums within the segments when vehicles are present. When a segment is unoccupied, energy is saved by closing the adjoining gates and deactivating the associated segment pump, thereby deactivating the segment and allowing the segment's internal pressure to rise due to leakage. As a vehicle approaches, the segment pump is reactivated, lowering the internal pressure to the operating vacuum, and the gates are opened. Embodiments include a boom-tank system that can accelerate re-evacuation of a segment having an increased internal pressure by establishing fluid communication with at least one recently deactivated segment having a lower internal pressure. As a vehicle transits the conduit, a rolling, contiguous group of activated segments surrounding and in advance of the vehicle can be maintained.

The present disclosure describes a brake system for a track section of a linear motor system. The brake system includes a housing receiving a brake flag of a mover and a first brake pad disposed within the housing and having a first tapered surface. The brake system also includes a second brake pad disposed within the housing and having a second tapered surface and a wedge disposed within the housing and comprising a third tapered surface. The brake system also includes an actuator that moves the wedge, wherein movement of the activation wedge causes the first brake pad to move and causes the second brake pad to move.

The present disclosure describes a brake system for a track section of a linear motor system. The brake system includes a housing receiving a brake flag of a mover and a first brake pad disposed within the housing and having a first tapered surface. The brake system also includes a second brake pad disposed within the housing and having a second tapered surface and a wedge disposed within the housing and comprising a third tapered surface. The brake system also includes an actuator that moves the wedge, wherein movement of the activation wedge causes the first brake pad to move and causes the second brake pad to move.