Roadway vehicle transportation system and method

Generally and not exclusively, there is disclosed a system and a method for towing (pushing or pulling) a roadway vehicle on a road by a towing apparatus. The towing apparatus is coupled to a roadway guideway displaced generally above the surface of the roadway. In an embodiment, the system includes an apparatus to couple a vehicle to the roadway guideway, a force generation unit to move the coupled vehicle along the roadway guideway, and a brake unit to decelerate the apparatus and a coupled vehicle. In an embodiment, the system includes a coupling unit to separately couple or not couple the vehicle to one of multiple separate components of the roadway guideway, so that the towing apparatus, and therefore a towed vehicle, can switch roadway guideways by coupling to one or another component of the roadway guideway.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to vehicle transportation systems, and more particularly but not exclusively to a system and method for towing a roadway vehicle on a road by a towing apparatus that is coupled to a roadway guideway.

BACKGROUND

The many attempts to modernize surface transportation for people, in systems both public and private, have brought along many interesting embodiments. The system and method described herein provide both a novel and a non-obvious way of addressing the generic corridor needs of today's vehicles, and establishes a standard for the future. In an embodiment, a common energy element of electricity is clean, and tending into “green” and cheap, which helps to defer both initial capital and operating expenses.

Embodiments follow principal criteria of reducing the usage of petroleum as a fuel, of improving lane capacity or throughput on roadways, and of providing panic-stop capability for minimizing injury including the effects of an earthquake. An embodiment may include affordable and maintainable hardware and software systems and components that are selectively redundant to enhance safety and reliability.

The inventor hopes to continue the spirit of the Eisenhower Interstate Highway design near its fiftieth anniversary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Some structures, elements, methods, actions, and/or other details may not be described in order to avoid obscuring the invention. Moreover, although specific embodiments are described herein, it will be appreciated that each of these embodiments is illustrative, and that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent structures, elements, methods, actions, and/or embodiments may be substituted for the specific structures, elements, methods, actions, and/or embodiments shown and described, without departing from the invention.

Turning now toFIG. 1, there is portrayed an embodiment of a vehicle transportation system100. The vehicle transportation system100includes an apparatus120. The apparatus120is configured in an embodiment to couple a roadway guideway150to an illustrative roadway vehicle180. In embodiments, a roadway vehicle180may illustratively be embodied as an automobile, a bus, a van, a truck, a tram, and other conveyances including those specially configured to take advantage of this disclosure. The apparatus120is configured in an embodiment to generate a force to move the apparatus120along the coupled roadway guideway150and the coupled roadway vehicle180along an illustrative roadway190on which the roadway guideway150is operationally positioned, as the apparatus120moves along the roadway guideway150. The positioning of a roadway guideway150relative to a roadway190is additionally described with reference toFIG. 9.

The apparatus120is illustratively portrayed here as being coupled to both the roadway guideway150, and to the roadway vehicle180. The roadway vehicle180is portrayed as being positioned on the roadway190. In an embodiment, the usual roadway vehicle180may have turning wheels181to turn about an approximate vertical axis (in addition to rolling), facilitating the roadway vehicle180in yawing when the roadway vehicle180is under tow by the apparatus120and is subject to a yawing force imposed by the apparatus120. Illustrative turning movements may include being turned around roadway curves, and having a course altered within a roadway lane.

The apparatus120is configured to impart the towing, which may be a pushing or a pulling force, to a coupled roadway vehicle180, as the apparatus120moves along the roadway guideway150whereby the roadway vehicle180is towed along the roadway guideway150and along the roadway190. The towing force may include a longitudinal force, and/or a yawing (steering) force (relative to the roadway vehicle180). In an embodiment, the apparatus120is configured to impart a braking force to a coupled roadway vehicle180as the apparatus120decelerates in its movement along the roadway guideway150. The apparatus120is configured to withstand the towing force, to withstand the braking force that it imparts to the coupled vehicle180, and to withstand the response of the coupled vehicle180to the imparted towing force and braking (or deceleration) force.

The portrayed apparatus120includes a head unit126. The head unit126includes in an embodiment those components of the apparatus120that interact with the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, the head unit126includes the structures of the apparatus120that are operative to couple the apparatus120to the roadway guideway. These structures are termed herein a guideway coupling structure (not shown). In an embodiment, the head unit126includes the structures of the apparatus120that are operative to apply a propulsive force against the roadway guideway to move that apparatus120along the roadway guideway150. These structures are termed herein a force generation unit (not shown). In an embodiment, the head unit126includes a braking system (not shown) operative to apply a force to retard the motion of the head unit126along the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, the braking system includes pinch brakes operative to apply a frictional force to a surface of the roadway guideway150. Exemplary embodiments of the guideway coupling structure are shown and further described presently with reference toFIGS. 3,4,7,8, and11A and11B. As described presently, the guideway coupling structure are operative to switch the apparatus along alternative paths and can also be termed switching components, and/or as path selection components.

The guideway coupling structure is configured to physically couple the apparatus120to the roadway guideway150, a longitudinal section thereof, a guideway structure, or the like. As used herein, a longitudinally disposed section of a roadway guideway may mean a longitudinally disposed section of the roadway guideway to which a head unit may physically couple. A roadway guideway comprises at least one longitudinally disposed section. As used herein, a roadway guideway structure may include one or more longitudinally disposed sections to which an individual apparatus120may separately physically couple. As used herein, to physically couple with respect to a roadway guideway, a longitudinally disposed section thereof, a roadway guideway structure, or the like, may mean to constrain within a prescribed approximate lateral position with respect to the roadway guideway, the longitudinally disposed section thereof, or the roadway guideway structure, and to permit or assert for movement longitudinally along the roadway guideway, the longitudinally disposed section thereof, the roadway guideway structure, or the like. And similarly, as used herein, to be physically coupled with respect to a roadway guideway, a longitudinally disposed section thereof, a roadway guideway structure, or the like, may mean to be approximately constrained within a prescribed approximate lateral position with respect to the roadway guideway, the longitudinally disposed section thereof, or the roadway guideway structure, or the like, and to be able to move longitudinally along the roadway guideway, the longitudinally disposed section thereof, the roadway guideway structure, or the like.

Further, reference may be made herein to a roadway guideway. Unless otherwise noted, that reference may also apply to a longitudinally disposed section thereof, to a roadway guideway structure, and the like.

An embodiment of the force generation unit is shown and further described with reference to,FIGS. 3,5, and7. The force generation unit is configured to generate a force to move the apparatus120along the coupled roadway guideway150, and to move the coupled roadway vehicle180along in the general or approximate direction of the apparatus120along the roadway guideway150, or the like. The force to move the apparatus120along the coupled roadway guideway150may be termed herein a first force. The force to move the coupled roadway vehicle180over a roadway may be termed herein a second force.

The portrayed apparatus120includes a vehicle coupling structure128. In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure128is configured to physically couple the head unit126to the roadway vehicle180; to transmit to, and exert upon, the coupled roadway vehicle180the second force from the apparatus120; and to transmit to, and apply, a braking force to the coupled roadway vehicle180. In an embodiment, the head unit126includes a vehicle coupling structure positioning unit (not shown) to position the angular orientation of the vehicle coupling structure128(described below) relative to the head unit126and/or the roadway guideway150. The vehicle coupling structure128may include a force actuating unit such as an electric motor, or an hydraulic motor, that is configured to rotate the vehicle coupling structure128to selected angular positions. In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure positioning unit is configured to rotate the vehicle coupling structure about a vertical axis to a prescribed trailing (or yawing) angle relative to the head unit126, to assume a predetermined trailing angle when towing (pulling or pushing) a coupled vehicle180. In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure positioning unit is configured to rotate the vehicle coupling structure about a vertical axis to a prescribed position along the head unit126, such as to operationally deploy the vehicle coupling structure128in a position when an apparatus120is not engaged in coupling to a roadway vehicle180.

In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure128comprises a vehicle engagement structure130. The vehicle engagement structure130is configured to engage the roadway vehicle180, or alternatively to engage a structure131attached to the roadway vehicle180, to couple the apparatus120to the roadway vehicle180. In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure128is configured to removably engage, or to removably couple to, the roadway vehicle180, or a structure131of the roadway vehicle180; and in an embodiment to removably engage or to removably couple to the apparatus120with a breakaway force. In the portrayed embodiment, the vehicle engagement structure130is to couple to the vehicle180from the front end of the vehicle180. In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure128is configured to couple to the vehicle180approximately symmetrically about the longitudinal geometric centerline and/or the longitudinal center of gravity of the vehicle180, such as by having forks disposed symmetrically about the centerline in the coupled position. Moreover, in an embodiment the vehicle coupling structure128comprises a member132configured to approximately span the distance between the head unit126of the apparatus120and the roadway vehicle180. In an embodiment, the member132is further configured to articulate, and/or to telescope, so as to adjust its angle relative to the head unit126of the apparatus120and/or the roadway vehicle180, and to adjust its reach. The member132is operative to adjust its angle and its reach to accommodate coupling the head unit126to the roadway vehicle180for multiple dispositions of the roadway guideway150relative to the roadway vehicle180.

In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure128includes a joint136coupled between the member132and the head unit126, operative to enable the member132to be pivotable in prescribed axes of rotation and ranges of rotation with respect to the coupled head unit126. Further, in an embodiment the vehicle coupling structure128includes a joint138coupled between the member132and the engagement structure130/vehicle180to enable the member132to be pivotable in prescribed axes of rotation and ranges with respect to the coupled engagement structure130, and/or vehicle180. The joint138may reduce or prevent rotational forces from the roadway vehicle180being applied to the head unit126. In an embodiment, the joint138is elastic with respect to rolling about a lengthwise axis of a coupled vehicle, such that the joint may roll momentarily in response to a torque about an axis that may be approximately aligned with lengthwise axis of a coupled vehicle, and then approximately return to longitudinal alignment. Moreover, in an embodiment the joint138is elastic with respect to yawing about an axis that may be approximately vertical when the apparatus120is coupled to a vehicle, such that the joint may yaw momentarily in response to a torque about the vertical axis, and then approximately return to lateral alignment.

In an embodiment, the joint136and/or the joint138are gimbaled structures, and in an embodiment, the joint136and/or the joint138compose a system of trunnions that are operative to pivot in prescribed axes of rotation and ranges. In an embodiment, the joint136and/or the joint138mate with yokes positioned at either end of the member132.

In an embodiment, the member132and/or the engagement structure130include an engagement structure positioning unit (not shown) to position the angular orientation of the engagement structure130relative to the member132and/or the vehicle180, by positioning the joint138.

In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure128includes a data connection133to transmit data to a coupled programmed computer (FIG. 8) from a user interface of the vehicle180, and/or to transmit data from a coupled programmed computer (FIG. 8) to a user interface of the vehicle180.

In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure128includes an electric conductor134to transmit electric power to a coupled roadway vehicle180. In an embodiment, the voltage is to be maintained at a level that can be tolerated by humans, so that high electric power is approximately caused by a corresponding high electric current transmittable through the conductor134. The conductor134is configured to transmit this current.

In an embodiment, the apparatus120is configured of adequate strength and structural rigidity to withstand the braking and the acceleration forces that the head unit126and the engaged vehicle180impose upon the apparatus120. In particular, the member132is of sufficient torsional stiffness/compliance to operate correctly to withstand and/or to compensate for the roll-yaw coupling with the vehicle180, and to compensate for vehicle180list up during a towing operation.

In an embodiment, the apparatus120may include a device140to contact the roadway190when the apparatus120is coupled to a vehicle180. The device140is joined to the coupling structure128, such as illustratively at the joint138. It is understood that in an application of brakes of the apparatus120against the roadway guideway150, the resultant deceleration of the apparatus120may transmit a deceleration force down the vehicle coupling structure128. The portrayed arrangement of the vehicle coupling structure128may resolve the transmitted force into a downward component. The downward component encourages the joined device140to contact the roadway190, and to press against the roadway190to contribute to the rearward deceleration of the vehicle coupling structure128and the coupled roadway vehicle180.

In an embodiment, the roadway190may have one or more grooves along the roadway190at a lateral position in the roadway190that are configured to contain the device140. In operation of the device140, the device140may be contained within the grooves. The device140in being contained within the grooves is constrained within an approximate lateral position on the roadway190. The device140may be horizontally biased to remain within the grooves in response to a vehicle180tending to yaw because of small applied torquing forces as the vehicle180moves along the roadway190.

In an embodiment, the device140may be configured to include a sole plate having a friction facing and/or a series of springy bristles resembling in form a wire brush, or other projections. These projections increase the surface area of the in-contact portion of device140. The friction facing, and further the projections, may contribute to the generated frictional force as the device140moves in contact with the roadway190to further decelerate the apparatus128—coupled vehicle180combination as it moves and contacts the roadway190. It is understood that the induced frictional forces generated by the in-contact device140and its projections may reduce stresses within the head unit126, and/or upon the guideway150. In a circumstance in which the guideway150is offset from the vehicle180, the downward force in the structure128may have a sideward (lateral) component. In an embodiment, the device140is operative to react against this force to retard lateral movement. In the embodiment in which the roadway has grooves and a portion of the device140(such as the projections) is disposed within the grooves, the projections may bear against the grooves to increase the lateral and decelerating frictional force.

The vehicle transportation system100may moreover include the roadway guideway150. Exemplary roadway guideways, and roadway guideway structures, are described presently with referenced toFIGS. 3,4,5,7, and8.

Referring now toFIG. 2, in an embodiment the vehicle coupling structure128is configured to be positionable in a retracted position when it is not coupled to a roadway vehicle, e.g. in a position proximate and along the head unit126. As described with reference toFIG. 1, in an embodiment the vehicle coupling structure positioning unit, or other unit of the vehicle transportation system100, may be configured to position the vehicle coupling structure128in and/or out of the retracted position. In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure positioning unit, or other unit, is configured to position the vehicle coupling structure128by positioning the member132. In an embodiment, the vehicle coupling structure positioning unit, or other unit, is configured to position the vehicle coupling structure128by rotating the vehicle coupling structure128about the head unit126. The apparatus120may include a holding unit210to hold the coupling structure128in the retracted position. In an embodiment, the engagement structure130, or other structure of the coupling structure128, may be mechanically coupleable to an apparatus (not shown) aft of the apparatus120along the roadway guideway150. By being mechanically coupleable to an apparatus aft of the apparatus120along the roadway guideway150, other apparatuses may be double-headable to the apparatus120. A head unit126includes a vehicle coupling structure attachment unit220to attach to a vehicle coupling structure128of another apparatus120for being double-headed to the other apparatus120. In an embodiment, the vehicle engagement structure130of the other apparatus120is to be attachable to the vehicle coupling structure attachment unit220. The head unit126is illustratively portrayed as a more elongated structure than the head unit126ofFIG. 1, to abet the member132to couple to a head unit126at a greater distance along the member132. The portrayed disposition of the engagement structure130is illustrative of embodiments for coupling the engagement structure130to a vehicle coupling structure attachment unit composing an apparatus positioned aft of the apparatus120.

Referring now toFIG. 3, an embodiment of the head unit126of the apparatus120includes horizontal guideway coupling components310,311,312, and313, illustratively embodied as wheels or sliders. As described with reference toFIG. 1, a horizontal guideway coupling component is configurable to horizontally couple the apparatus120to the roadway guideway150, a longitudinally disposed section thereof, a roadway guideway structure, or the like.

Each of the portrayed horizontal guideway coupling components310,311,312, and313is embodied illustratively as a cylinder positioned within, or to contact, respective opposed longitudinally disposed surfaces of the roadway guideway150; surfaces314and315for guideway coupling components310and311, and surfaces317and318for guideway coupling components312and313. Illustrative front view embodiments of a guideway, and coupling components of the head unit126, are described with reference toFIGS. 4 and 7. By being operatively positioned within these respective surfaces, a coupling component is constrained to positions within these surfaces, and the apparatus120is physically coupled to the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, the coupling components310,311,312, and313are made of a resilient material, and/or are covered with a resilient material such as a rubber compound, and configured to be rotatable. In an embodiment, the coupling components310,311,312are made of a material, and/or are covered with a material, having a low coefficient of friction; and/or the surfaces that enclose a coupling component are made of, or covered with, a material having a low coefficient of friction, or a bearing structure. In an embodiment, the roadway guideway150may include a channel (or chamber or pocket or the like), and a coupling structure of the apparatus120may be operationally disposed within the channel, and constrained to positions within the channel so that the apparatus120is physically coupled to the roadway guideway150. It is specifically understood that this is merely an illustrative embodiment, and many other embodiments may be employed to horizontally couple the apparatus120to the roadway guideway150.

In the portrayed embodiment, the head unit126moreover includes a vertical coupling structure to couple the apparatus120vertically to the roadway guideway150, or a longitudinally disposed section thereof. It is specifically understood that the structure of the apparatus120to physically couple the apparatus120to a roadway guideway150may not be the same structure to couple the apparatus120in a vertical position with respect to the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, the vertical coupling structure comprises wheels341and342operative to roll respectively on a horizontal surface361and362of the guideway150, and to support the apparatus120vertically on the roadway guideway150. In the portrayed embodiment, the wheel structures341342illustratively include a flanged sidewall operative to overlap a side of the respective supporting surfaces361362. In the embodiment, the vertical coupling structure may also physically couple in whole or part the apparatus120to the roadway guideway150. It is specifically understood that this is merely an illustrative embodiment, and many other embodiments may be employed to couple the apparatus120in the vertical direction to the roadway guideway150, or to maintain the head unit126in a range of adequate vertical positions to permit the head unit126to horizontally couple to the roadway guideway150, or a longitudinally disposed roadway section or roadway structure thereof. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the vertical coupling structure341may be disposed on the horizontal surface381of the roadway guideway150in the pocket defined by the surfaces314and315, and the roadway guideway150may not include the surface361; and/or the vertical coupling structure342may be disposed on the surface382of the roadway guideway150in the pocket defined by the surfaces317and318, and the roadway guideway150may not include the surface362. In an embodiment, a vertical coupling structure may maintain the head unit126in a positive as well as in a negative vertical position with respect to the head unit126, to constrain the position of the head unit126both up and down. Other illustrative embodiments of a vertical coupling structure are portrayed with reference toFIGS. 4 and 7.

The portrayed roadway guideway150includes two longitudinally disposed sections to be separately coupleable by the apparatus120; illustratively a roadway guideway first section316and a roadway guideway second section319. The roadway guideway first section316here includes illustratively the surfaces314315and the pocket formed therefrom. One set of the coupling components of the apparatus120, illustratively the coupling components310and311, are configurable to physically couple to the pocket. The first section moreover includes the surface361.

The roadway guideway second section319here includes illustratively the surfaces317318and the pocket formed therefrom. One set of the coupling components of the apparatus120, illustratively the coupling components312and313are configurable to physically couple to the pocket. The second section moreover includes the surface362.

In configurations of the roadway guideway, as shall be further described with reference toFIGS. 4,5,7,8, and11A and11B, each of these separate sections may diverge from one another, wherein the apparatus120may be physically coupled to only one of the sections, and therefore in operation go along the coupled-to section, and not the section to which it is not coupled. Thus in this description, the apparatus may be described as being physically coupled to the roadway guideway, and may also be described as being physically coupled to a section of a roadway guideway, or to a roadway guideway structure. In the description, when the apparatus120, or parts thereof, are described as being coupled or coupleable to a roadway guideway, they may be coupled or coupleable to only a longitudinally disposed guideway section.

The coupling components are configured to be operative to physically couple, or not to physically couple, to their respective roadway guideway sections in response to a determination to physically couple or to not physically couple to the respective roadway guideway section, and are therefore switchable to physically couple and to physically decouple to the roadway guideway or the roadway guideway section. An embodiment to control the physical coupling or the not physical coupling of an apparatus120coupling structure to a roadway guideway section is described presently with reference toFIGS. 4,7,8, and11A and11B. In operation of an apparatus120along a roadway guideway150, the physical coupling components may be operated to physically couple to one section, and not physically couple to the other section of the roadway guideway150, so that where the roadway guideway sections diverge along two separate routes, e.g. at an intersection entrance or an exit of a roadway. As described with reference toFIG. 8, andFIGS. 11A and 11B, the apparatus120would move along the physically coupled-to section, and not move along the uncoupled-to section, thus taking the route of the physically coupled-to section. In this sense, the coupling components may be thought of as switching components, and/or as path selection components, and may be referred to as such.

It is specifically understood that innumerable of embodiments of coupling components are within the scope of the invention, as well as innumerable embodiments of the separate roadway guideway sections. For instance, a particular illustrative mechanical coupling structure has been, and will be, described with reference toFIGS. 3,4, and7, but it is specifically understood that there are other coupling structure embodiments, such as magnetic physical coupling structure embodiments, and hydraulic physical coupling structure embodiments. It is also specifically understood that while two horizontally opposed guideway coupling structures and sections have been portrayed with reference toFIG. 3, and will be portrayed as well with reference toFIGS. 4,5,7, and8, in embodiments there may be at least two vertically and/or horizontally opposed sets of guideway coupling structures and sections, each set comprising one or more separate guideway coupling structures, each separate guideway coupling structure associated with a specific coupling component configurable to physically couple the apparatus120to the separate guideway coupling structure and configured to physically couple or not physically couple together to the apparatus120.

The apparatus120moreover includes the force generation unit318. The force generation unit318is configured to convert a received energy into a movement of the apparatus120along the roadway guideway150(a longitudinally disposed section thereof, a roadway guideway structure, or the like). In an illustrative embodiment, the force generation unit318is configured to convert the received energy into a rotation of an element324against a surface of the roadway guideway150, wherein the rotating element324is configured to react to (or against) the surface (or element) of the roadway guideway150, and thereby cause the apparatus120to move along the roadway guideway150.

In the portrayed embodiment, the force generation unit318includes a force generation machine320to convert the received energy into a movement. In an implementation, the force generation machine320includes an electric motor320. In an embodiment in which the received energy is electric power source332, commonly implemented as a “third rail,” is disposed along the roadway guideway150, a longitudinally disposed section thereof, a roadway guideway structure, or the like) illustratively below the electric motor320. The force generation unit318is configured to electrically couple to the electric power source such that an operative electric motor320receives electric power from the electric power source332, and converts the received power into the movement. It is specifically understood that the force generation unit318may include other units, such as circuits, to control and/or transform the voltage of the voltage source into a voltage that the motor320may operate upon. In an embodiment, the electric motor320is a pancake design operable to induce rotation around an illustrative vertical axis. Moreover, in an embodiment the electric motor320is positioned in the head unit126aft of the position at which the joint136or the member132couples to the head unit126.

In an embodiment, a shaft322of the motor320is operatively coupled to a circular cylinder324that is illustratively horizontally disposed, and the circular cylinder324is disposed to press against an illustrative vertical surface328of the roadway guideway150(or a section thereof). The cylinder324along its periphery has a coefficient of friction when used with surface328. In an embodiment, the cylinder324may be coated with a material that improves the coefficient of friction. In an embodiment, the surface328may improve the coefficient of the surface of the cylinder324. The pressing force and the coefficient of friction between the cylinder or coated material and for the surface328, are such that the cylinder324maintains a grip on the roadway guideway150as the cylinder324rotates. The cylinder324is therefore operable to roll along the inner wall of the roadway guideway150(or a roadway guideway structure), and the apparatus120is therefore operable to move along the coupled roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, a portion of the cylinder324in contact with the surface328is resilient, and is disposed to press against the surface328. In an embodiment, the surface328is resilient. In an embodiment, the force generation unit318further includes a biasing drive unit336operative to apply a force to press the cylinder324against the surface328. In an embodiment, the biasing drive unit336includes a spring loaded device or other resilient device. Illustratively, the force generation unit318includes an idler wheel338translatably mounted on a fixture of the head126, and coupled to the biasing drive unit336. The biasing drive unit336is configured to translate the idler wheel338into a wedged position between a surface342of the roadway guideway150and the cylinder324, such that it imposes a force to press the cylinder324against the surface328. In an embodiment, the idler wheel338has a coefficient of friction with respect to the surface328. In an embodiment, the idler wheel338in response to a rotating cylinder324, is induced to rotate, and is operable to induce a force against the surface328, and to roll and to induce a roll along the roadway guideway on the surface312. Further, in another illustrative embodiment, a motor may generate a force to rotate a coupled gear along a cog disposed along a surface of the roadway guideway150, to translate the apparatus120along the roadway guideway150(or a section thereof). In an embodiment, the force generation unit further includes a blower340to blow air onto the motor and/or the place of contact of the cylinder324against the surface328, for maintaining a desired temperature range in the motor320and/or the place of contact, and/or other uses such as air bearings.

In an embodiment, the force generation unit318may include more than one motor, each motor operative either to rotate a separate cylinder and/or assist a central computer, that in operation is coupled against a distinct roadway guideway structure and/or longitudinally disposed section thereof. Moreover, in an embodiment, a motor320may separately drive multiple cylinders, each cylinder coupled against a distinct roadway gateway structure and/or longitudinally disposed section thereof.

Further, in an embodiment, the apparatus120includes a braking system (not shown) to brake the movement of the apparatus120along the roadway guideway150.FIG. 4includes a portrayal of an embodiment of the braking system.

Referring now toFIG. 4, there is portrayed a rear view of an embodiment of roadway guideway150, and a head unit126operative to physically couple to the roadway guideway150.

Selected segments of the exemplary roadway guideway150have multiple longitudinally disposed sections for physically coupling a component of the apparatus120to the roadway guideway150, illustratively portrayed as a first guideway section410, and a second guideway section420. The first guideway section410includes a first coupling chamber (or pocket or the like)410A, and the surfaces410B,410C, and410D. The second guideway section420includes a second coupling chamber (or pocket or the like)420A, and the surfaces420B,420C, and420D. Each coupling chamber410A and420A in operation of the apparatus120is configured to separately physically couple a component of the apparatus120(FIG. 1). As described presently with reference toFIG. 8, andFIGS. 11A and 11B, in operation of the roadway guideway150, each section410and420is independent and may separate from its proximate position as portrayed inFIG. 4to allow the apparatus120to physically couple to one longitudinally disposed section or the other, and thereby to follow one route or the other.

In the portrayed embodiment, the apparatus120includes multiple separate coupling components to separately physically couple the apparatus120to the portrayed coupling structures. The coupling components are illustratively a first coupling component structure440, and a second coupling component structure450. Each coupling component structure is operative to physically couple to a specific longitudinally disposed guideway section, and may be spaced longitudinally along a head unit126. The first coupling component structure440is configurable to physically couple to the surface410B and the wall of which it is a surface of the first coupling chamber410, and the second coupling component structure450is configurable to physically couple to the surface420B and the wall of which it is a surface of the second coupling chamber420, so that the apparatus120is configurable to physically couple to the roadway guideway150.

The first coupling component structure440and the second coupling component structure450, are each switchable to physically couple or to not physically couple to its respective roadway guideway section. The first coupling component structure440is configurable to physically couple to the first guideway section410when the first coupling component structure440is switched (enabled) to couple to the first guideway section410, and configurable to not couple to the first guideway section410when the first coupling component structure440is not switched (disenabled) to couple to the first guideway section410. In the portrayed embodiment, the first coupling component structure440is illustratively portrayed as enabled to couple to the first guideway section410by being deployed within the first coupling chamber410A so that it is laterally constrained within the first coupling chamber410. The second coupling component structure450is configurable to physically couple to the second guideway section420when the second coupling component structure450is switched (enabled) to couple to the second guideway section420, and configurable to not couple to the second guideway section420when the second coupling component structure450is not switched (disenabled) to couple to the second guideway section420. In the portrayed embodiment, the second coupling component structure450is illustratively portrayed as disenabled by being deployed outside, i.e. not within, the second coupling chamber420so that it is not laterally constrained within the second coupling chamber420.

In an embodiment in which each coupling component (such as coupling component structure440and coupling component structure450) comprises an element positioned in a chamber (or pocket or the like), so that in operation the element is physically constrained within the chamber, the coupling structure may include rotatable cylinder (such as a resilient wheel) so that it may roll along a surface of the chamber (or pocket) when it contacts the surface as the apparatus120moves along the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment in which each coupling component (such as coupling component structure440and coupling component structure450) comprises an element positioned in a chamber, the coupling structure may include a bearing disposed on its surface. The bearing is to reduce friction that may be caused by contact with a surface of the chamber when the apparatus120moves along the roadway guideway150. Illustrative embodiments of the bearing may include a roller bearing, a bearing material, or an air bearing. In an embodiment, the chamber may instead or additionally include a bearing disposed on its surface. In operation, the apparatus coupling component structures and/or the guideway coupling structures may receive an application of a lubricant.

In the portrayed embodiment, the apparatus120illustratively includes a coupling enabling structure445to enable, and disenable, the coupling components physically coupling to, and not physically coupling to, a coupling structure, or a section of the roadway guideway150. In the portrayed embodiment, the coupling enabling structure445illustratively is configured to physically couple or to physically decouple the coupling component structure440or450by moving the coupling component structure440or450into or out of the coupling chamber410or420. In an embodiment (not shown) the coupling component structure440may comprise a shaft-like structure joined to a crank at each end, each crank at approximately π radians apart on the circumference of the shaft. One crank is joined to the coupling component450, and the other crank is joined to the coupling component450, so that in a rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, the first coupling component structure440and the second coupling component structure450are separately deployable, and deployable only one at a time, in its respective coupling chamber. In an embodiment in which multiple coupling components are configurable to physically couple or not to physically couple to a specific guideway coupling structure, each coupling structure may be configured to deploy or to not deploy together.

Moreover, the coupling enabling structure may include a structure to switch the first coupling component structure440to physically couple and/or physically decouple to the first section410of the roadway guideway150, and to switch the second coupling component structure450to physically couple and/or physically decouple to the second portion420of the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, the coupling structure moreover may include a circuit (not shown) to transmit an indication of a commanded coupling structure enablement or disenablement. In an embodiment, the coupling structure may include a user interface (not shown) to generate the indication of the commanded coupling structure enablement from a user input. In an embodiment, the coupling component structures are configured to deploy or not to deploy (or otherwise physically couple) based upon receiving a signal indicating whether the coupling component structure is to physically couple or to not to physically couple. In an embodiment, the user interface may be disposed within the roadway vehicle180(FIG. 1), and the apparatus120may include an interface to couple the user interface to the circuit in a transmission-reception communication relationship.

It is specifically understood that multiple embodiments of coupling components may be used, as well as multiple embodiments of the separate longitudinally disposed roadway guideway sections. For instance, a particular mechanical coupling structure embodiment has been described herein but it is specifically understood that other coupling structure embodiments, such as magnetic coupling structure embodiments and hydraulic coupling structure embodiments may be a component of the apparatus120and the roadway guideway150. It is specifically understood that while two horizontally opposed longitudinally disposed guideway coupling sections have been portrayed with reference toFIG. 4, and will be portrayed as well with reference toFIGS. 5,7, and8, in embodiments there may two vertically and/or horizontally opposed sets or positions of longitudinally disposed guideway coupling sections, each set or position comprising one or more separate guideway coupling structures, each separate guideway coupling structure associated with a specific coupling component configurable to physically couple the apparatus120to the separate guideway coupling structure, and configured to physically couple or not physically couple together to the apparatus120.

The apparatus120may further include a structure to vertically couple or support the apparatus120on the roadway guideway150, and/or a section of the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, the structure to vertically couple the apparatus120to the roadway guideway150or a section thereof may comprise a rotatable cylinder460to vertically couple or support the apparatus120to/on the roadway guideway150, and to roll on the roadway guideway150as the apparatus120moves along the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, the rotatable cylinder may comprise a tire like-structure, or other cylinder having a somewhat resilient surface to cushion the apparatus120on the roadway guideway150or a section thereof. In another embodiment, the structure to vertically couple the apparatus120to the roadway guideway150may illustratively comprise a bearing, such as an air bearing to ride above a surface of the roadway guideway while the apparatus120is translating on the roadway guideway150or a longitudinally disposed roadway guideway section.

In an embodiment, the apparatus120includes an illustrative braking system (herein also termed the brakes) to decelerate and/or to stop the head unit126from moving along the roadway guideway150(or a longitudinally disposed section thereof, a roadway guideway structure, and the like). In an embodiment, the braking system is configured to stabilize the head unit126against moments occurring during a stop.

The braking system includes an illustrative braking structure471operative to press against a surface(s) of the roadway guideway150, the surfaces here portrayed as the surface410E, the surface410F, the surface420E, and the surface420F. The surface410E and the surface410F are components of the first longitudinally disposed section410, and the surface420E and the surface420F are components of the second longitudinally disposed section420. The braking structure471includes two separate braking structures471A and471B, each operative to press against a surface of a distinct longitudinally disposed guideway section410or420, here the respective surfaces410E and410F of the longitudinally disposed section410, and the respective surfaces420E and420F of the longitudinally disposed section420.

The braking structure471A has a friction material to contact the surfaces410E and410F. The braking structure471B has a friction material to contact the surfaces420E and420F. If the brakes are applied to a surface, the brakes generate a frictional force to decelerate and/or to stop the apparatus120from translating along the guideway150, as well as decelerate/stop a vehicle180that is coupled to the apparatus120. In an embodiment, the surfaces to be contacted by the braking structures471A and/or471B have a frictional surface. In an embodiment, the braking system includes a structure to position the brake structures471A471B to press and to not press against the respective surfaces410E and410F, or420E and420F of the guideway150.

The portrayed brake structures471A and471B are illustratively embodied as U-shaped clamping devices, commonly termed calipers, each clamping device configured to straddle the surfaces410E410F or420E420F and, when actuated, to press against the surfaces410E410F or420E420F (depending upon the clamping device) to generate friction to stop the apparatus120and a coupled vehicle180. In an embodiment, it is understood that the coefficient of friction of the friction material, the coefficient of friction of the surfaces of the roadway guideway to which the frictional material are to contact, the extent of the friction material to press against the surface of the guideway structure, and the extent of the pressing force that the braking structures are configured to generate are such that a strong enough frictional force is generated upon application of the brakes to stop the apparatus120and the coupled vehicle180from moving at cruise speeds within the available head space.

Although one specific embodiment of the braking system has been described, it is specifically understood that innumerable embodiments of the braking system are within the scope of the invention. For instance, it is understood that the braking structure471may be embodied by other structures and systems configured to decelerate the vehicle by a command thereto, by selectively pressing against a surface of the guideway structure, or not pressing against the surface of the guideway structure. Illustrative embodiments may include mechanical structures, electromagnetic structures, hydraulic structures, and gas structures (such as high gas pressure systems or approximate vacuum systems). And moreover, it is specifically understood that in embodiments, the un-actuated position of the braking structures may be in a position to press against a guideway surface, and the actuating structure is configured to release the braking structure from pressing against the surface, and in embodiments the un-actuated position may be in a position to not press against a guideway surface, when the actuating structure is configured to actuate the braking structure to press against the surface. And moreover, although the portrayed embodiment describes a braking structure to selectively press against two surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, of a guideway structure; in embodiments the braking structure may be configured to selectively press against a number of surfaces other than two of a guideway structure, such as against only one surface of a guideway structure, or more than two surfaces of a guideway structure, for any number of guideway structures for any number of longitudinally disposed sections of a roadway guideway. Moreover, in an embodiment, the braking system may include any number of braking structures.

The portrayed apparatus120moreover includes an embodiment a force generation unit418. The portrayed components of the force generation unit418are configured to include a propulsive cylinder to make contact with each longitudinally disposed guideway section, so that the force generation unit418is operative to translate the apparatus120along each longitudinally disposed guideway section.

It is specifically understood that, as described with reference toFIG. 3, the head unit126of the apparatus120may include additional structures than those portrayed with reference toFIG. 4. Moreover, the head unit126may include additional structures to position the elements of the head unit120in relationship to one another and the roadway guideway150. The head unit126is portrayed here as including the force generation unit418, the first coupling component structure440, the second coupling component structure450, the coupling enabling structure445, the braking structure471, and the structure to vertically couple the apparatus120, illustratively the rotatable cylinder460. The head unit126is therefore represented by elements included within a dashed line labeled126and roughly encompassing these structures.

In an embodiment, the coupling component structures440and450are to be disposed approximately at or forward of the vertical coupling structures460and the elements of the force generation unit418components operative to react with the roadway guideway150, so that as a coupling structure moves along a specific section of the roadway guideway150at an intersection or the like as described with reference toFIG. 8, and with reference toFIGS. 11A and 11B, the vertical coupling structures and the elements of the force generation unit418that react with the roadway guideway150will react with the longitudinally disposed section that the coupling structure is moving along. In an embodiment, the apparatus120may include more than one pair of coupling component structures440and450, arranged longitudinally across the head unit126. In such an embodiment, the forwardly disposed coupling component structures pair are to be disposed approximately at or forward of the vertical coupling structures440and450and the elements of the force generation unit418, and in an embodiment, an aft coupling component440450pair may be disposed aft of the vertical coupling structures. Each coupling component structure that is configurable to physically couple to a specific longitudinally disposed section of the guideway are to be operatively switched to physically couple or not to physically couple to the specific longitudinally disposed guideway at an approximate instant in time. In an embodiment, each coupling component structure to couple to a specific longitudinally disposed guideway section is configured to switch together to a coupling state, or to a non-coupling state.

In embodiments in which the head unit126relies upon vertical support provided by a vertical coupling component that may create a non-symmetric vertical moment about the center of gravity of the head unit126, such as in the operational configuration in which the head unit126is in a transition region as described with reference toFIG. 8, and so is being non-symmetrically supported by one longitudinally disposed guideway, the guideway section and the head unit126are configured to support the apparatus120without the head unit126appreciably tipping downward such that the power generation unit318or418would not operatively couple to the roadway guideway150, or some other coupling component would not adequately couple to the guideway section.

Illustratively, with reference to the portrayed embodiment, the space between a coupling component440disposed within the coupling chamber410A, and the interior surfaces of the first coupling chamber410A of the longitudinally disposed section410are such that the power generation unit418does not tip out of operational position when the apparatus120is supported by the coupling component440contacting the coupling component490on the surface410E. This can be illustratively configured by limiting the horizontal space between the coupling component440and the surfaces of the first coupling chamber410A to diminish the enabled tip angle of the coupling component within the first coupling chamber410. In another illustrative embodiment as portrayed inFIG. 4, the coupling enabling structure445causes the coupling component440to contact the surface410B, In an embodiment, the coupling component structure forms a cantilever to support the remainder of the head unit126in a functioning horizontal orientation. In an embodiment portrayed with respect toFIG. 7, the coupling component is embodied as a wedge to contact, and in an embodiment contact adjustably, a surface of a coupling chamber (or pocket). The wall of the section410having as a surface the surface410B is configured to be strong enough to support the head unit126when the coupling component440contacts the surface410B. The wall is therefore portrayed as being thicker, to represent adequate strength as necessary, inFIG. 4. Similarly, the wall of the surface420B of the section420is configured to also be strong enough to support the head unit126when the coupling component450contacts the surface420B and is therefore portrayed as being thicker to represent the additional strength as necessary.

Referring now toFIG. 5, there is portrayed a top view diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the roadway guideway150portrayed inFIG. 4(and to be portrayed inFIG. 7). The roadway guideway150comprises multiple separate guideway sections; here portrayed as two sections each having one chamber (or pocket), a first coupling chamber410A and a second coupling chamber420A. It is specifically understood that as described with reference toFIG. 3, the roadway guideway150may have in embodiments additional structures, such as a horizontal surface, illustratively the horizontal surfaces361(FIG. 3) that may be operative to vertically support the apparatus120on the roadway guideway150, and a vertical surface, such as the vertical surfaces317(FIG. 3) that may be operative to horizontally support the apparatus120on the roadway guideway150.

In the portrayed embodiment, the guideway coupling structures, illustratively the coupling chambers410A and420A, are horizontally disposed with respect to one another. However in another embodiment, the guideway sections and/or coupling structures may be vertically disposed with respect to one another, or vertically and horizontally disposed with respect to one another. The disposition of the guideway sections and coupling structures with respect to one another are moreover described with reference toFIG. 8.

Referring again toFIG. 1, and toFIG. 4, in response to an application of the brakes on an apparatus120translating along the guideway150, the apparatus120is subjected to a braking force. The braking force is passed through the apparatus120to the coupled vehicle180, and in reaction the vehicle180may impose a strong opposing force to the apparatus120. The opposing force may be imposed upon the vehicle coupling structure128and upon the head unit126. Moreover, when the vehicle is laterally offset from the centerline of the guideway150(e.g. position E,FIG. 9), braking produces a moment or torque in attempting to rotate the apparatus120away from the vehicle180. The opposing force and torque communicated into the head unit126may tend to raise the apparatus120, to pitch the apparatus120up within the guideway150, and/or to yaw the apparatus120within the guideway150.

In an embodiment, the head unit126or other component of the apparatus120, such as the joint136, are configured to constrain the apparatus120in a limited range of pitch, yaw, and/or ascent within the guideway150. Referring now toFIG. 6, there is portrayed an illustrative embodiment in which specific surfaces137of the joint136are disposed near facing surfaces151of the guideway150. The surfaces151of the guideway150may include a covering151A. Sliders620are interposed between the surfaces137and the surfaces151. The sliders620may be attached to the joint136such as by a vertically disposed pin, to maintain the position of the sliders620relative to the joint136. In an embodiment, the surfaces137include a surface137A having a vertical component, and the surfaces151include a surface having a vertical component that is opposed to the surface137A to limit the lateral and yawing movement of the joint136within the guideway150. In an embodiment, the surfaces137include a surface having a horizontal component, and the surfaces151include a surface having a horizontal component that is opposed to the surface137having a horizontal component, to limit the vertical and pitching movement of the joint136within the guideway150. In an embodiment, the slider620includes a bearing surface to lower the frictional resistance of the guideway150and joint136along the slider620. Moreover, in an embodiment, the brake structure471which may be disposed aft of the surfaces137is configured to further limit the rising up and pitching of the apparatus120within the guideway150. The sliders620and the brakes structure471are operative to together hold the apparatus120longitudinally aligned with the guideway150. In the portrayed embodiment, the joint136illustratively includes a trunnion138to rotatably support the vehicle coupling structure128(FIG. 1), such as the member132(FIG. 1), on the joint136. And in an embodiment, the joint136includes a sleeve,133and a rotatable axle134positioned within the sleeve133to rotatably support the trunnion138. Included but not shown are motors and brakes to rotate the steerable trunnion138to position and/or to hold the azimuth orientation of the trunnion and the member132, referred to illustratively as the vehicle coupling structure positioning unit with reference toFIG. 1.

Referring toFIG. 7, there is portrayed a rear view of another embodiment of a roadway guideway150, and a head unit126operative to couple to the roadway guideway150. As described with reference toFIG. 4, an embodiment of a roadway guideway150includes separate illustrative longitudinally disposed sections, a first guideway section410, and a second guideway section420. Each section has illustratively one guideway coupling chamber. The sections are positioned horizontally. The first guideway section410has an embodiment of a first coupling chamber (or pocket)410A and the surfaces410B,410C,410D, and410E. The second guideway section420has an embodiment of a second coupling chamber (or pocket)420A and the surfaces420B,420C,420D, and420E. Each coupling chamber410A and420A, in operation of the apparatus120, is configured to separately physically couple a component of the apparatus120(FIG. 1). And as described with reference toFIG. 4, each section410or420may converge or diverge to or from its complementary other section420or410as portrayed inFIG. 4, to allow the apparatus120to follow one route or another, depending upon the roadway guideway section to which the apparatus120is physically coupled. In this way, exit and entry are accomplished using the geometry ofFIG. 8.

A first coupling component structure710is configurable to physically couple to the first coupling chamber410. The embodiment of the first coupling component structure710includes a first wedging component710A. The first wedging component710A is configured to move along an angled structure710B of the first coupling component structure710, into or out of a coupling position. The shape and the movement of the first wedging component710A is such that in the coupling position, as portrayed inFIG. 7, a surface of the first wedging710A is proximate to a surface of the first coupling chamber410A in the coupling disposition, here the surface410B, and supported against the surface410B by an angled device710C. The first wedging710A in the coupling position because of its position against the proximate surface410B, is operative to wedge against the surface410B to which it is proximate, preventing most if not all downward (illustratively clockwise) tipping of the head unit120when the first coupling component structure710is in the coupling position. In the uncoupled position, the first wedging component710A is disposed out of the first coupling chamber410, so that it does not contact either of the opposed surfaces410B and410D that form the first coupling chamber410A. The first coupling component structure710moreover includes a first actuating mechanism710D to move the first wedging component710A via the angled device710C into or out of coupling position. The actuating mechanism may be of the variable stroke type to enable adjustment, under system or module control.

Similarly, a second coupling component structure720is configurable to physically couple to the second coupling chamber420. An embodiment of the second coupling component structure720includes a second wedging component720A. The second wedging component720A is configured to move along an angled structure720B of the second coupling component structure720, into or out of a coupling position. The shape and the movement of the second wedging component720A is such that in the coupling position, a surface of the second wedging720A is proximate to a surface of the second coupling chamber420A in the coupling disposition, here the surface420B, and supported against the surface420B by an angled device720C. The second wedging720A in the coupling position because of its position against the proximate surface420B, is operative to wedge against the surface420B to which it is proximate, preventing most if not all downward (illustratively clockwise) tipping of the head unit120when the second coupling component structure720is in the coupling position. In the uncoupled position, as portrayed inFIG. 7, the second wedging component720A is disposed out of the second coupling chamber420, so that it does not contact either of the opposed surfaces420B and420D that form the second coupling chamber420A. The second coupling component structure720moreover includes a second actuating mechanism720D to move the second wedging component720A via the angled device720C into or out of coupling position. The actuating mechanism may be of the variable stroke type to enable adjustment, under system or module control.

The apparatus120may further include a structure to vertically couple or support the apparatus120on the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, as described with reference ofFIG. 3, the structure to vertically couple or support the apparatus120on the roadway guideway150may also provide lateral support to the apparatus120on the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, the structure to vertically couple the apparatus120to the roadway guideway150may comprise an air bearing710E720E to vertically couple or support the apparatus120to/on the roadway guideway150and move along the roadway guideway150as the apparatus120moves along the roadway guideway150and/or a guideway section. The portrayed apparatus120moreover includes an embodiment of a force generation unit718, an embodiment of which was described with reference toFIG. 3.

The portrayed components of the force generation unit718are configured to include a propulsive cylinder to make contact with each longitudinally disposed guideway section, so that the force generation unit718is operative to translate the apparatus120along each longitudinally disposed guideway section. In the portrayed embodiment, each propulsive cylinder is operative to make contact with an outer wall of a longitudinally disposed guideway section while in the embodiment portrayed with reference toFIG. 4, each propulsive cylinder is operative to make contact with an inner wall of a longitudinally disposed guideway section.

It is specifically understood that as described with reference toFIG. 4, the head unit126of the apparatus120may have additional structures than those portrayed with reference toFIG. 7. Moreover, the head unit126may have additional structures to position the elements of the head unit120in relationship to one another and the roadway guideway150. The head unit126is therefore represented by elements included within a dashed line labeled126roughly encompassing these structures. Although a braking system is not shown inFIG. 7, it is specifically understood that the head unit126may include a braking system configured to contact a surface of each longitudinally disposed guideway section410and420to decelerate and/or to stop the head unit126moving along the guideway150. An illustrative embodiment of such a braking system has been portrayed inFIG. 4, and described with reference toFIG. 4.

Referring now toFIG. 8, these is portrayed a diagram of an embodiment of a portion of a vehicle roadway800with a disposed roadway guideway150. The vehicle roadway800illustratively includes a roadway810and an exit ramp820, or some other vehicle route alternative to the roadway810, that a roadway vehicle may enter or exit from or to the roadway810while being transported by the transportation system100(FIG. 1).

Along the roadway810and the roadway guideway exit ramp820is disposed a roadway guideway150. The placement of a roadway guideway150relative to a roadway is described further presently with respect toFIG. 9. The roadway guideway150is categorized by three illustrative portions as described below, a roadway guideway portion150A, a roadway guideway portion150B, and a roadway guideway portion150C.

Describing the roadway guideway150from the left hand side of theFIG. 8, marked with the reference character “A”, to a region of transition of the roadway810to the roadway exit ramp820, marked with a reference character “B”, the roadway guideway150follows the direction of the roadway810. This illustrative portion of the roadway guideway150is termed herein the roadway guideway portion150A. Here, the roadway guideway portion150A comprises multiple horizontally arranged sections disposed longitudinally along a roadway guideway, illustratively embodied as the two guideway coupling structures410420described with reference toFIGS. 4,5, and7, the coupling chamber830and the coupling chamber840. The coupling chambers830and840(or longitudinally disposed guideway sections) are illustratively positioned horizontally with respect to one another.

Moreover, beginning at the reference character “D”, the roadway guideway150follows the direction of the roadway510. This illustrative portion of the roadway guideway150is termed herein the roadway guideway portion150B. Here, beginning at the reference character “D”, the roadway guideway portion150B comprises multiple horizontally arranged sections that are disposed longitudinally along a roadway guideway, illustratively embodied as the two guideway coupling structures410420described with reference toFIGS. 4,5, and7, the coupling chamber830and the coupling chamber850. The coupling chambers830and850(or longitudinally disposed guideway sections) are illustratively positioned horizontally with respect to one another.

And moreover, beginning at the reference character “B”, the roadway guideway150follows the direction of the roadway exit ramp820. This illustrative portion of the roadway guideway150is termed herein the roadway guideway portion150C. Here, the roadway guideway portion150C comprises multiple horizontally arranged sections disposed longitudinally along a roadway guideway, illustratively embodied as the two guideway coupling structures410420described with reference toFIGS. 4,5, and7, the coupling chamber840and the coupling chamber860. The coupling chamber840has a curvature as it changes from being disposed alongside the roadway810to being disposed alongside the roadway exit ramp820. The coupling chambers840and860(or longitudinally disposed guideway sections) are illustratively positioned horizontally with respect to one another.

The guideway150is operative to be physically coupled to an apparatus120as illustratively portrayed with reference toFIGS. 1,3,4,5, and7, with a separate coupling component physically coupling the apparatus120to each of the sections (or guideway coupling structures). Illustratively, for guideway coupling structures that are embodied as the coupling chambers410and420, the coupling component structures may illustratively comprise the embodiments portrayed with reference toFIGS. 3,4, and7; the coupling component structures310,311,312, and313portrayed with reference toFIG. 3, the coupling component structures440and450portrayed with reference toFIG. 5, and/or the coupling component structures710and720portrayed with respect toFIG. 7.

In operation of the apparatus120moving along the roadway guideway150, a mode of operation may include moving from one roadway to another roadway, such as moving from along the roadway810to along the roadway exit ramp820. In this operation, the apparatus120is initially physically coupled to the roadway guideway portion150A as it moves along the roadway810, and is then physically coupled to the roadway guideway portion150C as it then moves along the roadway exit ramp820. Moving along the roadway guideway portion150A, a first coupling component structure is physically coupled to the coupling chamber830and/or a second coupling component structure is horizontally coupled to the coupling chamber840. However, as the head unit126approaches the reference character “B” along the roadway guideway portion150A before the first coupling component structure passes the reference character “B”, the first coupling component structure is switched to deploy out of the coupling chamber830if it was in the coupling chamber830, and the second coupling component structure is switched to deploy into the coupling chamber840if it was not already in the coupling chamber840, so that only the second coupling component structure is physically coupled to the roadway guideway portion150A, being coupled to the section and coupling structure840. With only the second coupling component structure coupled to the coupling structure840, the second coupling component structure will move along the coupling chamber540past the reference character “B” onto the roadway guideway section150C. After the first coupling component structure has passed the reference character “C”, the first coupling component structure may be switched to deploy into the coupling chamber860of the roadway guideway portion150C. It is specifically noted that the reference character “C” while portrayed here as beginning beyond the coupling chamber850, in an embodiment may begin before the coupling chamber850. These relative positions are merely illustrative, and may additionally illustratively depend upon whether they are in horizontal or in vertical position with respect to one another. In the configuration of the portrayed embodiment of the roadway guideway150, there is a break between the section and coupling chamber840, and section and the coupling chamber850, so that a portion of the head126that includes the first coupling component structure may pass through the break and move along the roadway guideway portion150C without contacting the coupling chamber850. It is assumed that the roadway guideway in the proximity of the break is disposed above the level of a roadway vehicle, so that the roadway vehicle will pass under the coupling chamber (or guideway section)850in moving to the roadway820. Moreover, in an embodiment, the coupling chamber (or guideway section)860may have a ramp to pick up a head unit that may have some tilt.

In operation of the apparatus120moving along the roadway guideway150, a mode of operation may include moving along a roadway through an intersection, such as moving along the roadway810through the portrayed intersection for that roadway exit ramp820. In this operation, the apparatus is initially physically coupled to the roadway guideway portion150A as it moves along the roadway810, and is then physically coupled to the roadway guideway portion150C as it continues to move along the roadway810. Moving along the roadway guideway portion150A, the first coupling component structure is physically coupled to the coupling chamber830and/or the second coupling component structure is physically coupled to the coupling chamber840. However, as the head126approaches the reference character “B” along the roadway guideway portion150A before the second coupling component passes the reference character “B”, the second coupling component structure is switched to deploy out of the section and coupling chamber840if it was in the section and coupling chamber530, and the first coupling component structure340is switched to deploy in the section and coupling chamber540if it was not already in the section and coupling chamber540, so that only the first coupling component structure350is physically coupled to the roadway guideway portion150A, being coupled to the section an decoupling structure830. With only the first coupling component structure coupled to the section and coupling structure830, the first coupling component structure will move along the section and coupling chamber830past the reference character “B” onto the roadway guideway portion150B. After the second coupling component structure has passed the reference character “D”, the second coupling component structure may be deployed in the section and coupling chamber850of the roadway guideway portion150B. In the illustrative configuration of the roadway guideway150, there is a break between the coupling chamber860and the coupling chamber830, so that a portion of the head126that includes the second coupling component structure may pass through the break and move along the roadway guideway section150B without contacting the section and coupling chamber860. In an embodiment, the coupling chamber (or guideway section)850may have a ramp to pick up a head unit that may have some tilt.

As described with reference toFIGS. 3,4,5, and7, the guideway coupling structures (or guideway sections) of the roadway guideway150may be vertically disposed with respect to each another, rather than or in addition to being horizontally disposed with respect to one another as in the portrayed embodiment. Illustratively, the coupling chambers830and840(and guideway sections) may be vertically disposed with respect to one another rather than being horizontally disposed as portrayed inFIG. 5. In an embodiment in which the coupling chambers of the roadway guideway have a vertical disposition with respect to one another, the coupling structures of the apparatus120that are configured to physically couple to these coupling structures may be vertically disposed with respect to one another. In such a configuration, the break in a coupling chamber may be of a shorter distance than if the coupling chambers are horizontally disposed because the width of the apparatus120does not have to clear a coupling chamber when transitioning form one roadway section to another.

Referring now toFIG. 9, a roadway guideway150(or a roadway guideway structure) is operatively disposed along a roadway190such that an apparatus120, including the member132, may couple the roadway guideway150(or a roadway guideway structure) to a vehicle (not shown) on the roadway190. Operatively, embodiments of the roadway guideway150(or a roadway guideway structure) may be disposed in multiple positions with respect to a roadway190and with respect to a coupled roadway vehicle. In an embodiment, the roadway guideway150is configurable to have a range of vertical displacement with respect to the surface of the roadway190and/or a range of horizontal displacement with respect to the surface of the roadway190.

Illustratively in an embodiment, the roadway guideway150may be in a relatively low position relative to the roadway180, and disposed more to one side of the roadway190, as exemplified by the position A of the roadway guideway150. And illustratively in an embodiment, the roadway guideway150may be in a high position relative to the roadway190and disposed less to one side of the roadway190, as exemplified by the position C of the roadway guideway150. And illustratively in an embodiment, the roadway guideway150may be in a position in the center of the roadway190, in a relatively high position above the roadway190, as exemplified by the position D of the roadway guideway150. And illustratively in an embodiment, the roadway guideway150may be disposed on the other side of the roadway190, as exemplified by the position F of the roadway guideway150. Moreover, in one specific roadway guideway150for a given segment of roadway, the position of the roadway guideway150relative to the roadway may vary, and may vary according to positioning considerations of the roadway guideway150. For instance, the roadway guideway150described herein is above the roadway and therefore above road conditions such as snow. The height of the roadway guideway above a roadway may vary in response to vehicle clearance under the roadway guideway entry and exit operations, and/or in terrain considerations such as weather, as well as in response to considerations of the space around a roadway. Moreover, in embodiments of a transportation system, the roadway guideway150may be put off more to a side and lower, so that in a given envelope, multiple levels of roadway, sometimes called “double decking”, may be more easily accommodated. And in an embodiment, the position of the roadway guideway may depend upon the mode of engagement of a coupled vehicle. For instance, a roadway vehicle that is about to disengage from the roadway guideway may favor a member132that is less overhead, so that the roadway guideway will be in a lower position beside the vehicle to facilitate uncoupling and/or exit. In an embodiment, during an operation of coupling an apparatus120to a roadway vehicle180, the guideway150may be initially positioned in a low position relative to the roadway190moving towards illustratively the position G or the position A. The head unit126and coupling structure128therefore ride low, and the vehicle engagement structure130is brought into contact with the roadway vehicle190, or structure131by lifting the vehicle engagement structure130off rest pads and using the yawing stability device140or bristle rudder thereof, or the like, to guide the vehicle engagement structure130to an approximate center of a lane of the roadway190. In an embodiment, the reverse may occur in an exiting operation. Moreover, while the end of members132to engage a roadway vehicle are illustratively portrayed as being centered along the roadway, in other embodiments, they may be in another position of the roadway, and moreover, not all centered in precisely the same position, to spread wear on a roadway.

Now referring toFIG. 10, in an embodiment the operation of the apparatus120is controlled by a programmed computer1010. As depicted herein, the programmed computer1010is operatively coupled to the vehicle transportation system100(FIG. 1) by a network820. In an embodiment, the network1020is coupled to the roadway guideway150, and in an embodiment is coupled to individual apparatus120by a connection1025. In an embodiment, the network1020may be configured to transmit data through a solid medium such as through a metallic conductor or an optical fiber, and in an embodiment the network1020may be configured to transmit data wirelessly (through air), such as by a transmission of electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves photonic radiation, and the like. Moreover, in an embodiment, the processing unit1010may be operatively coupled to the vehicle transportation system100by a direct connection rather than a network1020. In an embodiment, the connection1025may be a network or a direct connection, and may include a solid connection and/or a wireless connection. Moreover, in an embodiment the connection1025is a structure of the vehicle transportation system110, and in an embodiment the connection1025is disposed at last partially within the roadway guideway150.

In an embodiment, the programmed computer1010(or suite of separate processing components controlled by it) is programmed to control the movement of an apparatus120along the roadway guideway150. In an embodiment, the programmed computer1010controls the movement of the apparatus120by executing an algorithm that is stored in a memory of the programmed computer1010, or stored in a memory that is coupled to the programmed computer1010.

In an embodiment, an indication of destination of each apparatus120that is coupled or to be coupled to a vehicle180is provided to the programmed computer1010. In an embodiment, the vehicle operator or some other entity of each vehicle180indicates the vehicle's destination to the programmed computer1010through an interface. In an embodiment, the interface is disposed within a vehicle180, which is coupled to the programmed computer1010via the data connection133described (FIG. 1).

In an embodiment, in indication of the position of each apparatus120along a roadway guideway150is provided to the programmed computer1010. In an embodiment, an indication of the position of each vehicle180on a roadway190along the roadway guideway150is provided to the programmed computer1010. In an embodiment, an indication of the position of each vehicle180coupled to an apparatus120is provided to the programmed computer1010. In an embodiment, the vehicle transportation system100includes sensors disposed along the roadway guideway150and/or along the roadway190to detect the approximate position of an apparatus120or a vehicle180along the roadway guideway150, and/or the roadway190, and to provide the detected position to the programmed computer1010. In an embodiment, the roadway guideway150includes these disposed sensors. In an embodiment, an apparatus120and/or a vehicle180includes a transmitting device to provide an indication of their position to the programmed computer1010.

In an embodiment, the algorithm is configured to determine the speed, the force, and/or the like that the force generation unit318418718of an apparatus120is to generate. The programmed computer1010is configured to execute the algorithm and to provide to the apparatus120an indication of the speed, the force, and/or the like, that the force generation unit318of the apparatus120is to generate calculated by execution of the algorithm. The apparatus120is configured to receive the indication. The force generation unit318is configured to generate the indicted speed, force, and/or the like, from the received indication. In an embodiment, the algorithm is configured to determine the speed of each apparatus120dependent upon maintaining a predetermined minimum or preferred spacing between contiguous apparatus120based on criteria that may include traffic management (including re-entering transit), required braking distance, and speed constraints on each region of a roadway upon which each vehicle is disposed, and human factors considerations.

In an embodiment, the algorithm is configured to determine the route along the roadway guideway150that an apparatus120is to transit. In an embodiment, the algorithm is to determine whether the coupling components of an apparatus120are to be enabled or to be not enabled, at different positions of the route. The programmed computer1010is configured to execute the algorithm, and to provide to the apparatus120an indication of a coupling component of the apparatus120enablement or disenablement generated by algorithm execution. The apparatus120is configured to receive the indication and to enable and/or to disenable a coupling component according to the indication. In response to the apparatus120enabling and/or not enabling a coupling component, the apparatus120will transit the roadway guideway150as described with reference toFIGS. 3,4,7, and8.

Referring now toFIGS. 11A and 11B, there is described an embodiment of a method1100of an apparatus moving along a roadway guideway, switching between sections of the roadway guideway, and/or exiting and entering the roadway guideway. The method includes in block1110, moving an apparatus along a roadway guideway to which it is physically coupled. The roadway guideway has at least two sections that are longitudinally disposed along the roadway guideway in an approximately defined position relative to one another. The sections are herein termed a first section, and a second section. The apparatus is of a type that is configurable to couple to a roadway vehicle disposed on the surface of a roadway, and the roadway guideway is positioned vertically above the surface. Embodiments of such an apparatus, such a roadway guideway, and such guideway sections, have been described above with reference toFIGS. 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9, and10.

The method1100includes in block1120, while the apparatus is at a position along the roadway guideway before a position where the first section and the second section diverge from the defined position, such as where the apparatus should not be physically coupled to both the first section and the second section at the same time, selecting between the apparatus moving along the first section and the apparatus moving along the second section. In an embodiment, the selecting action my be implemented in response to an operator selection that may be provided, in an embodiment, from a user interface. In an embodiment, the selection action may be implemented in response to a signal provided by a programmed computer, that executes a program to select the first section or the second section, or accesses the selection from a stored record

The method1100includes in block1130configuring the apparatus to move along the first section and not move along the second section at the position where the first section and the second section diverge, if the selection made in block1120is to move along the first section at the position. In an embodiment, the configuring action may include physically coupling the apparatus to the first section if the apparatus was not already physically coupled to the first section, and physically decoupling the apparatus from the second section if the apparatus was not already physically decoupled from the second section before moving to the position where the first section and the second section diverge. Embodiments of physically coupling, and/or physically decoupling, the apparatus to a section have been described above with reference toFIGS. 1,3,4,7, and8. Moreover, illustratively, the action of physically coupling the apparatus to the first section includes positioning an element of the apparatus in a pocket of the first section, and illustratively the action of physically decoupling the apparatus from the second section includes positioning an element of the apparatus out of a pocket of the second section, as described above with reference to FIGS.3,4,7, and8.

The method1100includes in block1140configuring the apparatus to move along the second section and to not move along the first section at the position where the first section and the second section diverge, if the selection made in block1120is to move along the second section at the position where the first section and the second section diverge. In an embodiment, the configuring action may include physically coupling the apparatus to the second section if the apparatus was not already physically coupled to the second section, and physically decoupling the apparatus from the first section if the apparatus was not already physically decoupled from the first section before moving to the position. Embodiments of physically coupling, and/or decoupling, the apparatus to a section have been described above with reference toFIGS. 1,3,4,7, and8. Moreover, illustratively, the action of physically coupling the apparatus to the second section includes positioning an element of the apparatus in a pocket of the second section, and illustratively the action of physically decoupling the apparatus from the first section includes positioning an element of the apparatus out of a pocket of the first section, as described above with reference to FIGS.3,4,7, and8It is understood that in an embodiment, components, structures, acts, and the like described herein may include in whole or in part identical elements and acts, and moreover may be the identical component, structure, act, and the like described elsewhere as having a different name. Moreover, elements have been illustratively described as being components of specific aggregated structures. For instance, a coupling component310,340,440, and450; and a force generation unit318have been illustratively described as being components of a head unit126. And for instance, a head unit126, a coupling structure128, and a vehicle engagement structure130have been illustratively described as being components of an apparatus120. And illustratively, a member132, a joint138, and an engagement structure130have been described as being components of a coupling structure128. These aggregations are merely illustrative, and the transportation vehicle system could have been described using different aggregations of structure.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention in any way be limited by the above description, but instead be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. With regard to the claims, the order of description of acts or operations should not be construed to imply that these acts or operations are necessarily order dependent.

It is understood moreover that in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims, are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” and should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising”0are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to,” etc.) unless specifically stated otherwise. It is understood that if an illustrative “first item” and an illustrative “second item” compose an element or act or the like, then the element, act, or the like includes the first item and the second item in the open sense. It is be further understood that if a specific quantity is intended in a claim recitation, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. Moreover, as used herein, the meaning of “attach” and variants thereof, unless otherwise stated, may include being removably attached. And moreover, as used herein, the term “and/or”, unless otherwise stated, should be interpreted as one or more of the items. Illustratively, for three items “A,” “B,” and “C,” the phrase “A, B, and/or C” (or “A; B; and/or C”) shall be understood to mean at least one of the items in the group consisting of the item “A,” the item “B,” and the item “C,” the possibilities being (in the alternative): “A”; “B”; “C”; “A” and “B”; “A” and “C”; “B” and “C”; or “A”, “B”, and “C”.