Patent ID: 8494694
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: B61B

Abstract:
1. A transportation system, comprising: a support structure; a horizontal track connected to said support structure, wherein said track is positioned above ground level; wherein said track includes a primary lane, a first bypass lane, and a second bypass lane, wherein said first bypass lane and said second bypass lane are connected to said primary lane; a loading station accessible from said first bypass lane; an unloading station accessible from said second bypass lane; wherein said first bypass lane travels off said primary lane prior to said loading station and wherein said first bypass lane merges with said primary lane after said loading station; wherein said second bypass lane travels off said primary lane prior to said unloading station and wherein said second bypass lane merges with said primary lane after said unloading station; a carrier vehicle connected to said horizontal track, wherein said carrier vehicle is operable along said primary lane, said first bypass lane, and said second bypass lane of said track; a first control module located outside said carrier vehicle at said loading station for signaling said carrier vehicle to stop along said first bypass lane at said loading station; and a second control module located inside said carrier vehicle for signaling said carrier vehicle to stop along said second bypass lane at said unloading station; wherein said horizontal track is comprised of a plurality of cables arranged in a tri-symmetrical orientation; said carrier vehicle includes a plurality of wheels to travel along said series of cables and said plurality of wheels angle inwardly.