Patent ID: 6123029
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: B61D,B61F

Abstract:
An intermodal transport system comprising;a primary drive vehicle for use on railway rails having an automotive truck drive system including a diesel engine and transmission which are operatively connected to a plurality of differential drive axles, and a rear fifth wheel unit for loading and unloading various system components;a plurality of passenger coaches for use on said rails;a plurality of semi-trailer containers including sliding tandem axle systems and front and rear kingpins;a plurality of secondary drive vehicles for use on said rails each having a highway truck drive system including a diesel engine and transmission which are operatively connected to a plurality of differential axles, and a pair of rear and forward fifth wheel units for loading and unloading various system components, said secondary drive vehicles being disposed between and interconnecting said passenger coaches to form a train; anda plurality of self-powered tandem devices for use on said rails each having a plurality of straight highway axles and a pair of fifth wheel units, said tandem devices being disposed between and interconnecting said semi-trailer containers, said tandem devices being equipped with a pneumatic system to raise and lower said tandem devices into and out of supporting engagement with said trailer containers such that said primary drive vehicle, said passenger coaches, said secondary drive vehicles, said trailer containers and said tandem devices can be selectively assembled to form a train for use in transporting passengers and freight by rail.