US3661091A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Single guide member transit vehicle switching mechanism
Assignee: Bombardier Transportation Holdings USA Inc
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Filing: 1969-12-23
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Granted: 1972-05-09
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Expires: 1989-12-23
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to a roadway switch for self-guided vehicles having at least two selectable routes of travel. The switch includes at least two movable I-beams each having one end pivotally mounted for movement in two modes. A rotatable member supports the outer end of each of the movable I-beams and permits movement of the other end of the I-beams in three modes. An electric motor is incorporated for rotating the rotatable member between a first and second position whereby one of the I-beams establishes the route of travel for the self-guided vehicles.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter M Noble
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:07
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01B; E01B25/00; E01B25/08; E01B25/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A switching arrangement for use in a vehicle roadway having at least two selectable routes of travel, comprising at least two switching members, each of said switching members having a first rotational and pivotal connection at one end thereof and a second rotational, translational and pivotal connection at the other end thereof, and an actuating mechanism including a rotatable member in the form of a circular sector crank and a driving means interconnecting said rotational, translational and pivotal connection of each of said switchiNg members so that the position of the said switching members may be switched to select the route of travel for a vehicle moving along said roadway.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A switching arrangement for use in a vehicle roadway having at least two selectable routes of travel, comprising at least two switching members, each of said switching members having a first rotational and pivotal connection at one end thereof and a second rotational, translational and pivotal connection at the other end thereof, and an actuating mechanism including a rotatable member in the form of a circular sector crank and a driving means interconnecting said rotational, translational and pivotal connection of each of said switchiNg members so that the position of the said switching members may be switched to select the route of travel for a vehicle moving along said roadway.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A switching arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said switching members comprises an elongated beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A switching arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said switching means comprises a beam having an I-shaped cross-section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A switching arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein said driving means is an electric motor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A switching arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein said first connection includes a lateral and a vertical pivot pin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A switching arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein said second connection includes a lateral and longitudinal pivot pin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A switching arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein a locking device locks said rotatable member in position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
A trackway switch for self-guided vehicles comprising a pair of movable guiderails, each of said guiderails being pivoted at one end to allow movement in two directions and being pivoted at the other end to allow movement in three directions, and actuating means including an electric motor having a shaft which supports a gear driving member engaging a gear driven crank cooperatively associated with the other end of each of said guiderails for selectively moving said guiderails in a first and a second position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
84 words
A trackway switch for self-guided vehicles comprising a pair of movable guiderails, each of said guiderails being pivoted at one end to allow movement in two directions and being pivoted at the other end to allow movement in three directions, and actuating means including an electric motor having a shaft which supports a gear driving member engaging a gear driven crank cooperatively associated with the other end of each of said guiderails for selectively moving said guiderails in a first and a second position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A trackway switch as defined in claim 8, wherein a locking device positively locks said guiderails in said first and second positions.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A trackway switch as defined in claim 8, wherein said one end of said guiderails includes a lateral as well as a vertical pivot pin.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
A trackway switch as defined in claim 8, wherein said other end of said guiderails includes a lateral as well as a longitudinal pivot pin.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A trackway switch as defined in claim 8, wherein each of said guiderails comprises an elongated I-beam.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-09 | 1975-11-08 | 1976-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-09 | 1979-11-08 | 1980-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-09 | 1983-11-08 | 1984-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |