Patent ID: 6324991
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: E01B

Abstract:
A track interchange system for vehicle travel from one track to another track, said system comprising:a plurality of tracks adapted for close-proximity travel by track encompassing, track-guided vehicles, said tracks being substantially parallel in at least an interchange region, and a distance between said tracks in said interchange region being essentially no greater than a distance between said tracks just outside of said interchange region;each said track comprising at least a first elastically deformable section and a second elastically deformable section, each of said elastically deformable sections having a pivot end and a junction end in said interchange region, said junction end of each said elastically deformable section being positioned for selectively joining to any other one of said elastically deformable sections;a first mechanical coupling, on one side of said interchange region, joining said first elastically deformable sections of at least two different ones of said tracks, and a second section mechanical coupling, on the other side of said interchange region, joining said second elastically deformable sections of at least two different ones of said tracks, so that elastically deformable sections joined by a respective one of said mechanical coupling are coupled for joined movement and deflection; andat least two of said tracks are connected to a common drive unit for joined movements.