US3669026A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Transportation system
Assignee: Geoscience Ltd
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Filing: 1970-05-18
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Granted: 1972-06-13
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Expires: 1990-05-18
Abstract
Abstract A transportation system uses a curved trackway in the nature of a trough and a special vehicle having wheels engaging the trough such that in making turns the wheels may move such that the center of gravity may be displaced to compensate for centrifugal forces. Aerodynamic wings may be on the vehicle to develop lift forces and take weight off the wheels and the vehicle may be contoured to the shape of the trough to provide an air cushion between the vehicle and track at high speeds. The wheels may be extended so that the vehicle may also travel over level terrain.
Inventors
- 👤 Gunnar Mouritzen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 09:13
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01B; E01B25/00; B; B60; B60V; B60V3/00; B60V3/02; B60V3/04; B61; B61B; B61B13/00; B61B13/04; B61B13/10; B61B3/00; B61B3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A transportation system including a concave trackway forming generally a trough, a vehicle having wheels engaging said trough and movable laterally of said trackway to permit said vehicle to shift its center of gravity and compensate for centrifugal forces, said trough having a width substantially equal to the largest lateral dimension of the vehicle, said vehicle having said wheels rotating in planes which intersect at a point which is the center of curvature of the trackway within the vehicle, said trackway being of substantially constant curvature along that portion of its surface engaged by said wheels, said point of intersection being above the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A transportation system including a concave trackway forming generally a trough, a vehicle having wheels engaging said trough and movable laterally of said trackway to permit said vehicle to shift its center of gravity and compensate for centrifugal forces, said trough having a width substantially equal to the largest lateral dimension of the vehicle, said vehicle having said wheels rotating in planes which intersect at a point which is the center of curvature of the trackway within the vehicle, said trackway being of substantially constant curvature along that portion of its surface engaged by said wheels, said point of intersection being above the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 in which means are provided to reorient said wheels such that the vehicle may also travel over level terrain.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 in which a third wheel is disposed between said wheels and has its plane of rotation in a substantially vertical plane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 including aerodynamic wings on said vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 in which said trough is above the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 in which said wheels have their planes of rotation extending through a central point of said vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 in which the trackway is a tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-13 | 1975-12-13 | 1976-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-13 | 1979-12-13 | 1980-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-13 | 1983-12-13 | 1984-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |