Vacuum volume reduction system and method for a vacuum tube vehicle station

A vacuum volume reduction system and method for reducing a volume to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station are provided. The system has a station vacuum tube in an interior of a station wall of the vacuum tube vehicle station. The station vacuum tube has a tube volume. The system has a volume reduction assembly coupled to the station vacuum tube, and a control system for radially moving the assembly to and from a vehicle outer surface of a vacuum transport tube vehicle, to engage around the vehicle outer surface, for loading and unloading of passengers and/or cargo. The system further has door seal(s), an air supply assembly, and a vent-to-vacuum assembly. The system displaces the tube volume between the station wall and the vehicle outer surface, and in turn, reduces a volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.

BACKGROUND

1) Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for evacuating tubes to create a vacuum, and more particularly, to systems and methods for evacuating air from tubes used for high-speed vacuum tube transportation systems.

2) Description of Related Art

The concept of high-speed travel through tubes has been known for years. Recently, there has been a renewed and increased interest in and investigation of high-speed vacuum or pneumatic tube transportation systems, in which a vehicle travels through an evacuated or partially evacuated tube near the surface of the earth at high speeds, e.g., 200-2000 miles per hour (mph) average speed. The high speeds may be enabled by a magnetic levitation (“mag-lev”) propulsion system that eliminates or greatly reduces rolling friction, and by evacuating the tube of air so that aerodynamic drag is eliminated or greatly reduced.

After an initial evacuation of air from the tube, it is important to minimize leakage into the tube from the surrounding ambient atmosphere. If the leakage of air into the tube is minimized, less pumping capacity may be required to maintain the desired quality of vacuum in the tube. Potential sources of air leakage may occur at vacuum tube vehicle stations, such as cargo loading facilities and/or passenger stations. For passenger stations, it is necessary to provide a pathway from the vacuum tube vehicle to the station, through a space where there was previously vacuum.

Known systems for minimizing or eliminating air leakage into the tube at vacuum tube vehicle stations are known. For example, one such known system includes providing pressure seals around vehicle doors, such as passenger entrance/exit doors. After the vacuum tube vehicle pulls into the vacuum tube vehicle station and into the correct position, the pressure seals may extend from the station walls and provide a seal between the interior volume and the volume outside. When the vehicle doors are opened the interior space and the station space are connected, and the passengers may enter or exit the vehicle through the vehicle doors. However, if such pressure seals around the vehicle doors become damaged, worn, or displaced, they may leak, and may lead to air at ambient pressure flowing into the vacuum cavity, which may corrupt the quality of the vacuum along the vacuum tube route.

In addition, another known system includes surrounding the entire vacuum tube vehicle with an airlock, in which pressure barriers are deployed in front of and behind the vehicle to prevent air from flowing into the portions of the tube that are part of the vacuum tube route. Such an airlock arrangement allows for the space inside the station tube to be filled with air, so that pressure seals around vehicle doors may not be necessary. However, the volume between the vacuum tube vehicle and the vacuum tube vehicle station walls may be very large, and may require a large pumping capacity and may require costly vacuum pump equipment to evacuate the station tube in a short amount of time. This may increase the cost of such known system. In addition, the vacuum pump equipment may wear out over time and may need to be maintained, repaired, and/or eventually replaced. This may increase the costs of maintenance, repair, and replacement for such known system. Further, such known system may require the use of additional pressure seals, such as modular pressure seals, and door seals, to be used with the installed vacuum pump equipment. Such additional pressure seals and door seals may be costly to use and install, and may, in turn, increase the overall cost of such known system. Moreover, such an airlock arrangement may still have the potential for air leakage into the vacuum cavity. Such leakage over time may degrade the quality of the vacuum in the vacuum tube along the vacuum tube route.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a system and method for minimizing air leakage into the tube from the surrounding ambient environment and for minimizing the volume that needs to be evacuated in the tube for each vacuum tube vehicle arrival and departure to and from the vacuum tube vehicle station.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a vacuum volume reduction system and method that effectively, efficiently, and inexpensively reduces the volume that needs to be evacuated from a vacuum transport tube at a vacuum tube vehicle station, that do not require the use of expensive vacuum pump equipment and pressure seals, and that provide other advantages over known systems and methods.

SUMMARY

Example implementations of this disclosure provide one or more embodiments of a vacuum volume reduction system and a method for reducing a volume to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station. As discussed in the below detailed description, embodiments of the vacuum volume reduction system and the method may provide significant advantages over existing systems and methods.

In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a vacuum volume reduction system for reducing a volume to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station. The vacuum volume reduction system comprises a station vacuum tube disposed in an interior of a station wall of the vacuum tube vehicle station. The station vacuum tube has a tube volume.

The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises a volume reduction assembly coupled to the station vacuum tube. The volume reduction assembly has a control system for radially moving the volume reduction assembly to and from a vehicle outer surface of a vacuum transport tube vehicle, to engage around the vehicle outer surface, for loading and unloading of one or more of, passengers and cargo, through one or more vehicle doors of the vacuum transport tube vehicle and through one or more station doors of the vacuum tube vehicle station.

The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises one or more door seals coupled to the station wall, and configured to surround a perimeter of, and to seal, each of the one or more vehicle doors, and to seal off a door cavity having a door cavity volume. The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises an air supply assembly coupled to the station wall, and configured to supply air to the door cavity.

The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises a vent-to-vacuum assembly coupled to the station wall, and configured to evacuate the air from the door cavity. The vacuum volume reduction system displaces the tube volume between the station wall and the vehicle outer surface, and in turn, reduces a volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.

In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a modular tube volume reduction assembly for use at a vacuum tube vehicle station. The modular tube volume reduction assembly comprises a modular station vacuum tube having a tube volume and a plurality of cavities longitudinally formed around a circumference of the modular station vacuum tube.

The modular tube volume reduction assembly further comprises a volume reduction assembly integrated with the modular station vacuum tube. The volume reduction assembly comprises a plurality of blocks longitudinally coupled to a cavity interior of each of the plurality of cavities.

The volume reduction assembly further comprises a control system coupled between the modular station vacuum tube and the plurality of blocks. When the modular tube volume reduction assembly is used at the vacuum tube vehicle station, the control system is configured to radially move the plurality of blocks to and from a vehicle outer surface of a vacuum transport tube vehicle, to engage around the vehicle outer surface, for loading and unloading of one or more of, passengers and cargo, through one or more vehicle doors of the vacuum transport tube vehicle and through one or more station doors of the vacuum tube vehicle station. The modular tube volume reduction assembly displaces the tube volume between the station wall and the vehicle outer surface, and in turn, reduces the volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.

In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for reducing a volume to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station. The method comprises the step of installing a vacuum volume reduction system in the vacuum tube vehicle station. The vacuum volume reduction system comprises a station vacuum tube disposed in an interior of a station wall of the vacuum tube vehicle station. The station vacuum tube has a tube volume.

The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises a volume reduction assembly coupled to the station vacuum tube. The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises one or more door seals coupled to the station wall. The vacuum volume reduction system further comprises an air supply assembly coupled to the station wall and a vent-to-vacuum assembly coupled to the station wall.

The method further comprises the step of deploying the volume reduction assembly, via a control system, to engage around a vehicle outer surface of a vacuum transport tube vehicle, and to displace a gap volume between the volume reduction assembly and the vehicle outer surface, when the vacuum transport tube vehicle arrives and is stopped at the vacuum tube vehicle station. The method further comprises the step of deploying the one or more door seals, via a door seal control system, to seal around a perimeter of each of one or more vehicle doors, and to seal off a door cavity positioned between each of the one or more vehicle door and each of one or more station doors.

The method further comprises the step of supplying air from the air supply assembly to the door cavity. The method further comprises the step of opening the one or more vehicle doors and the one or more station doors, to load and unload one or more of, passengers and cargo, through the one or more vehicle doors and through the one or more station doors.

The method further comprises the step of closing the one or more vehicle doors, and closing the one or more station doors. The method further comprises the step of evacuating the air from the door cavity with the vent-to-vacuum assembly, to obtain a desired vacuum quality, and closing the vent-to-vacuum assembly.

The method further comprises the step of retracting the volume reduction assembly, via the control system, from around the vehicle outer surface of the vacuum transport tube vehicle, back to the plurality of cavities of the station vacuum tube. The method further comprises the step of retracting the one or more door seals, via the door seal control system, from around each of the one or more vehicle doors, back to the station wall. The method further comprises the step of reducing the volume to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.

The figures shown in this disclosure represent various aspects of the embodiments presented, and only differences will be discussed in detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all of the disclosed embodiments are shown. Indeed, several different embodiments may be provided and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

The disclosure, as discussed in detail below, includes embodiments of a vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and a method300(seeFIG. 21) for reducing a volume50(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIGS. 2A, 3).

Now referring to the Figures,FIG. 1Ais an illustration of a side perspective view of a proposed known high-speed vacuum tube transportation system14, e.g., 200-2000 mph (miles per hour) average speed, with a high-speed vacuum tube transportation train15moving or traveling through a vacuum transport tube16, such as a first vacuum transport tube16a, in a direction of travel18. As shown inFIG. 1A, the proposed known high-speed vacuum tube transportation system14may include the first vacuum transport tube16aand a second vacuum transport tube16b, one or both of which may be used with one or more embodiments of the vacuum transport tube vehicle12and the vacuum transport tube vehicle system10of the disclosure. As further shown inFIG. 1A, the vacuum transport tubes16are elevated above a ground surface20via a plurality of column support structures22. However, the vacuum transport tubes16may also be installed underneath the ground surface20.

FIG. 1Bis an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the proposed known high-speed vacuum tube transportation system14taken along lines1B-1B ofFIG. 1A.FIG. 1Bshows the high-speed vacuum tube transportation train15within the first vacuum transport tube16a. The first vacuum transport tube16a(seeFIG. 1B) is positioned below the second vacuum transport tube16b(seeFIG. 1B), and the column support structure22(seeFIG. 1B) supports the vacuum transport tubes16(seeFIG. 1B). As further shown inFIG. 1B, the high speeds of the high-speed vacuum tube transportation train15may be enabled by a magnetic levitation (mag-lev) propulsion system24, which is substantially frictionless and eliminates or greatly reduces rolling friction. The mag-lev propulsion system24(seeFIG. 1B) may include a plurality of guide magnets26(seeFIG. 1B) and a plurality of vehicle magnets28(seeFIG. 1B) to create both lift and substantially frictionless propulsion to move the of high-speed vacuum tube transportation train15(seeFIG. 1B) along a guideway through the vacuum transport tube16(seeFIG. 1B) at very high speeds.

Now referring toFIG. 2AandFIG. 3,FIG. 2Ais an illustration of a top sectional view of an embodiment of a vacuum volume reduction system10of the disclosure used with a vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as a vacuum transport tube train60a, at a vacuum tube vehicle station12.FIG. 3is an illustration of a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum transport tube vehicle system10of the disclosure for reducing a volume50to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station12.

As shown inFIGS. 2A, 3, the vacuum volume reduction system10comprises a station vacuum tube33disposed in an interior31aof a station wall30of the vacuum tube vehicle station12. The station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) has a tube volume50a, which is part of the volume50that is vacuum at the vacuum tube vehicle station12. The vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) displaces the tube volume50a(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) between the station wall30(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIGS. 2A, 3), and in turn, reduces a volume50(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station12.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 2B, 2C, and discussed in further detail below, the station vacuum tube33is a modular station vacuum tube33a(see alsoFIG. 3) that is integrated with the volume reduction assembly90(see alsoFIG. 3), to form a modular tube volume reduction assembly90a(see alsoFIG. 3), configured for installation in the station wall30(see alsoFIGS. 2A, 3). In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4B, and discussed in further detail below, the station vacuum tube33is a built-in station vacuum tube33bformed in the station wall30, and the volume reduction assembly90is coupled to the built-in station vacuum tube33b.

As further shown inFIG. 2A, the station wall30of the vacuum tube vehicle station12has an interior31a, an exterior31b, a first end32a, and a second end32b. As further shown inFIG. 2A, vacuum tubes16may be coupled to the first end32aand the second end32b, respectively, and each vacuum tube16has an interior54a, an exterior54b, an inner surface56a, and an outer surface56b. The interior54aof the vacuum tubes16is preferably coextensive with the interior31aof the station wall30and an interior36a(seeFIG. 4C) of the station vacuum tube33.

As further shown inFIG. 2A, the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, comprises a forward end72a, and an aft end72b. As further shown inFIGS. 2A, 3, the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, comprises a constant radius portion74, a contour portion75, an interior76, an outer vehicle wall78, and a vehicle outer surface80. The vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIGS. 2A, 3), such as the vacuum transport tube train60a(seeFIG. 2A), may be controlled and powered via a vehicle power and control system88(seeFIGS. 2A, 3), and the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) may be enabled by a magnetic levitation (mag-lev) propulsion system24(seeFIGS. 1B, 3), which is substantially frictionless and eliminates or greatly reduces rolling friction.

As shown inFIG. 3, the interior76of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60preferably comprises a cabin76a, a cargo compartment76b, and a ceiling76c. As further shown inFIGS. 2A, 3, the vacuum transport tube vehicle60may comprise one or more vehicle doors66.

As shown inFIGS. 2A, 3, the vacuum tube vehicle station12may comprise one or more station doors68, and one or more station passageways70comprising walkways from the vacuum tube vehicle station12to the vacuum transport tube vehicle60. The vacuum tube vehicle station12has station space filled with air52(seeFIGS. 2A, 3), such as ambient air52a(seeFIGS. 2A, 3). The vacuum tube vehicle station12further has a volume50(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) comprising a tube volume50a(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and a door cavity volume50b(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) for evacuation166(seeFIG. 3).

As shown inFIGS. 2A, 3, the vacuum volume reduction system10further comprises a volume reduction assembly90coupled to the station vacuum tube33. The volume reduction assembly90(seeFIG. 3) has a control system108(seeFIG. 3) for radially moving the volume reduction assembly90to and from a vehicle outer surface80(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) of a vacuum transport tube vehicle60at the vacuum tube vehicle station12. The volume reduction assembly90(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) engages around the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 3), for loading and unloading of one or more of, passengers62(seeFIG. 9B) and cargo64(seeFIG. 6B), through one or more vehicle doors66(seeFIGS. 3, 9B) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIGS. 3, 9B), and through one or more station doors68(seeFIGS. 3, 9B) of the vacuum tube vehicle station12. Engages around may mean that the volume reduction assembly90may form a seal91(seeFIG. 3) in a sealed engagement91a(seeFIG. 3) around the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 3), or may mean that the volume reduction assembly90engages in close or near proximity, such as ⅛ inch to ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 2B, 2C, as discussed in detail below, the volume reduction assembly90comprises a plurality of blocks92installed in a plurality of cavities40longitudinally formed around a circumference42of the station vacuum tube33. The plurality of blocks92(seeFIGS. 3, 2B, 2C) are configured to move to reduce a gap volume100a(seeFIGS. 3, 7B) formed between the plurality of blocks92and the vehicle outer surface80, for the loading and the unloading of one or more of, the passengers62and the cargo64, through the one or more vehicle doors66and through the one or more station doors68. The plurality of blocks92(seeFIGS. 2C, 3) are preferably comprised of a compliant material102(seeFIG. 3) such as a foam, a rubber, a foam rubber, or another suitably compliant material, that allows the plurality of blocks92to deform to match a shape104(seeFIGS. 3, 5B) of the plurality of cavities40(seeFIGS. 3, 5B).

The plurality of blocks92may be moved with a control system108(seeFIGS. 2C, 3). As shown inFIG. 3, the control system108may comprise one of, a mechanical actuator control system108a, a pneumatic actuator control system108b, a hydraulic actuator control system108c, an electrical actuator control system108d, or another suitable control system for controlling movement and actuation of the volume reduction assembly90. In one embodiment, the control system108(seeFIGS. 2C, 3) comprises the mechanical actuator control system108a(seeFIGS. 2C, 3) comprising one or more worm gears110(seeFIGS. 2C, 3) coupled to one or more scissor jacks112(seeFIGS. 2C, 3).

As shown inFIG. 3, the vacuum volume reduction system10further comprises one or more door seals122that are coupled to the station wall30, and configured to surround a perimeter125of, and to seal, each of the one or more vehicle doors66, and to seal off a door cavity132having a door cavity volume50b. As shown inFIG. 9B, the door seal122may be deployed from and retracted into a door seal cavity123. The door seal122(seeFIG. 3) is preferably controlled with a door seal control system124(seeFIG. 3).

The vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIG. 3) further comprises an air supply assembly130(seeFIG. 3) coupled to the station wall30(seeFIG. 3), and configured to supply air52(seeFIG. 3) to the door cavity132(seeFIG. 3). The air supply assembly130(seeFIG. 3) is preferably configured to supply air52(seeFIG. 3) comprising one of, ambient air52a(seeFIG. 3) or compressed air52b(seeFIG. 3), to the door cavity132, before the loading and the unloading of one or more of, the passengers62and the cargo64. The door cavity132(seeFIG. 3) is positioned between each of the one or more vehicle doors66(seeFIG. 3) and each of the one or more station doors68(seeFIG. 3). As shown inFIG. 3, the air supply assembly130may comprise one or more air pumps134, one or more air ducts136, one or more air supply control valves138, and other suitable components.

The vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIG. 3) further comprises a vent-to-vacuum assembly140(seeFIG. 3) coupled to the station wall30(seeFIG. 3), and configured to evacuate the air52(seeFIG. 3) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 3). The vent-to-vacuum assembly140(seeFIG. 3) is configured to evacuate the air52(seeFIG. 3) comprising one of, the ambient air52a(seeFIG. 3) or the compressed air52b(seeFIG. 3), from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 3), after the loading and the unloading of one or more of, the passengers62and the cargo64. As shown inFIG. 3, the vent-to-vacuum assembly140may comprise one or more vacuum pumps142, one or more vacuum ducts144, one or more vacuum valves146, and one or more vacuum reservoirs148for collected the evacuated air. The vent-to-vacuum assembly140(seeFIG. 3) may further comprise one or more vents149(seeFIG. 3) for venting the evacuated air.

As shown inFIG. 3andFIGS. 20A-20E, discussed in further detail below, the vacuum volume reduction system10may further comprise a door cavity volume reduction surface150coupled to each of one or more station doors68, such as curved station doors69, and configured to displace the door cavity volume50b, to further reduce the volume50to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station12. The door cavity volume reduction surface150(seeFIGS. 3, 20A) comprises an inflatable door bladder152(seeFIGS. 3, 20A) coupled to the air supply assembly130(seeFIGS. 3, 20A), to inflate the inflatable door bladder152to expand toward the one or more vehicle doors66(seeFIGS. 3, 20A). The inflatable door bladder152(seeFIGS. 3, 20A) is further coupled to the vent-to-vacuum assembly140(seeFIGS. 3, 20A), to deflate the inflatable door bladder152, to retract from the one or more vehicle doors66. The inflatable door bladder152(seeFIGS. 3, 20A) is further coupled to one or more of, a plurality of spring elements154(seeFIG. 20A), or a plurality of elastic elements156(seeFIG. 20A), to provide a force157(seeFIG. 3) to retract the inflatable door bladder152(seeFIGS. 3, 20A).

The vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) may further comprise one or more pressure seals82(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) coupled to the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIGS. 2A, 3). As shown inFIG. 2A, one or more pressure seals82may be coupled at a forward location86of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, and one or more pressure seals82may be coupled at an aft location84of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the vacuum volume reduction system10may further comprise a first pressure barrier seal87acoupled to the station wall30and configured to deploy in front of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, after the vacuum transport tube vehicle60has arrived at the vacuum tube vehicle station12, and may further comprise a second pressure barrier seal87bcoupled to the station wall30and configured to deploy behind the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, after vacuum transport tube vehicle60has arrived at the vacuum tube vehicle station12.

Now referring toFIGS. 2B and 2C,FIG. 2Bis an illustration of a side perspective view of an embodiment of a volume reduction assembly90, in the form of a modular tube volume reduction assembly90a, of the disclosure.FIG. 2Cis an illustration of an enlarged cut-away side perspective view of the modular tube volume reduction assembly90aofFIG. 2B. As shown inFIGS. 2B, 2C, in another embodiment, there is provided the modular tube volume reduction assembly90afor use at the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A).FIGS. 2B, 2Cshow the modular tube volume reduction assembly90aengaged around the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, and show the interior76, which includes the cabin76a, the cargo compartment76b, and the ceiling76c.

The modular tube volume reduction assembly90a(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) comprises the station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C), such as in the form of a modular station vacuum tube33a(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) having an inner surface34a(seeFIG. 2C) and an outer surface34b(seeFIG. 2C). The modular tube volume reduction assembly90a(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) further has a tube volume50a(seeFIG. 3) and a plurality of cavities40(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) longitudinally formed around a circumference42(seeFIG. 2B) of the modular station vacuum tube33a(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C). As shown inFIG. 2C, each cavity40, has a cavity interior43a, an interior end44a, an exterior end44b, a first side46a, a second side46b, and a nominal point48where the first side46aand the second side46bjoin.

The modular tube volume reduction assembly90a(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) further comprises a volume reduction assembly90(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) integrated with the modular station vacuum tube33a(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C). The volume reduction assembly90(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) comprises the plurality of blocks92(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) longitudinally coupled to the cavity interior43a(seeFIG. 2C) of each of the plurality of cavities40(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C). The plurality of blocks92(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) may comprise longitudinal blocks92a(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) having a longitudinal one-piece monolithic structure106(seeFIGS. 2C, 3).

As shown inFIG. 2C, each block92has an inner surface94aand an outer surface94b. The plurality of blocks92(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) for the modular tube volume reduction assembly90a(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) are preferably comprised of a compliant material102(seeFIG. 3), as discussed above, that allows the plurality of blocks92to deform to match a shape104(seeFIG. 3) of the plurality of cavities40. As further shown inFIG. 2C, the plurality of blocks92are in a block position170comprising a fully deployed position170cwhere the inner surface94aof each block92is in engaged around the vehicle outer surface80of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60. The plurality of blocks92may engage around the vehicle outer surface80by contacting the vehicle outer surface80directly to form a seal91(seeFIG. 3) in a sealed engagement91a(seeFIG. 3) against the vehicle outer surface80, or the plurality of blocks92may engage around the vehicle outer surface80by engaging in close or near proximity, such as ⅛ inch or ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface80.

As shown inFIGS. 2B, 2C, the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of a modular tube volume reduction assembly90a, comprises a control system108, such as a mechanical actuator control system108a, coupled between the modular station vacuum tube33and the plurality of blocks92. As shown inFIG. 2C, the mechanical actuator control system108acomprises worm gears110coupled to a plurality of scissor jacks112. However, the mechanical actuator control system108amay comprise other suitable mechanical actuation devices.

The control system108(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) is configured to radially move the plurality of blocks92(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) to and from the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 2C) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C), such as the vacuum transport tube train60a(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C), to engage around the vehicle outer surface80, such as in a sealed engagement91a(seeFIG. 3) to directly contact the vehicle outer surface80, or in a close or near proximity engagement, such as ⅛ inch to ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface80. This occurs for loading and unloading of one or more of, passengers62(seeFIG. 9B) and cargo64(seeFIG. 6B) in the cargo compartment76b(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C), through one or more vehicle doors66(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C) and through one or more station doors68(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) of the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A), when the modular tube volume reduction assembly90a(seeFIG. 2C) is used at the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A), such as being installed in the station wall30(seeFIG. 2A). The modular tube volume reduction assembly90a(seeFIGS. 2B, 2C) displaces the tube volume50a(seeFIG. 2A) between the station wall30(seeFIG. 2A) and the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 2C), and in turn, reduces the volume50(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A).

Now referring toFIG. 2D.FIG. 2DFIG. 2Dis an illustration of an enlarged cut-away side perspective view of another embodiment of a volume reduction assembly90in the form of an inflatable bladder114of the disclosure. The volume reduction assembly90(seeFIG. 3) comprises one or more inflatable bladders114(seeFIGS. 2D, 3) coupled to the station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2D, 3). The one or more inflatable bladders114(seeFIGS. 2D, 3) are each configured to inflate to reduce a gap volume100a(seeFIG. 3) formed between the one or more inflatable bladders114and the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 3) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 2D), such as in the form of vacuum transport tube train60a(seeFIG. 2D), for the loading and the unloading of one or more of, the passengers62(seeFIG. 9B) and the cargo64(seeFIG. 6B), through the one or more vehicle doors66(seeFIG. 6B) and through the one or more station doors68(seeFIG. 9B).FIG. 2Dshows the interior76of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, including the cabin76a, the cargo compartment76b, and the ceiling76c.

As shown inFIG. 2D, in an inflated position115b, the inflatable bladder114has a bladder inner side116acoupled against the vacuum transport tube vehicle60to engage around the vehicle outer surface80of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60. The inflatable bladder114(seeFIG. 2D) may engage around the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 2D) by contacting the vehicle outer surface80directly to form a seal91(seeFIG. 3) in a sealed engagement91a(seeFIG. 3) against the vehicle outer surface80, or the inflatable bladder114may engage around the vehicle outer surface80by engaging in close or near proximity, such as ⅛ inch or ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface80. The inflatable bladder114(seeFIG. 2D) has a bladder outer side116b(seeFIG. 2D) coupled to station vacuum tube33(seeFIG. 2D).FIG. 2Dfurther shows the inflatable bladder114in a deflated position115awith dotted lines in which the bladder body120is reduced in size with the bladder outer side116bstill coupled to station vacuum tube33. In an inflated position115b(seeFIG. 2D), a bladder body120(seeFIG. 2D) of the inflatable bladder114(seeFIG. 2D) fills a gap100(seeFIG. 2D). The gap100(seeFIG. 2D) is between the bladder inner side116a(seeFIG. 2D), when the inflatable bladder114is in the deflated position115a, and the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 2D) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 2D).

The inflatable bladder114(seeFIG. 2D) is configured to inflate to reduce the gap100(seeFIG. 2D) between the bladder inner side116a(seeFIG. 2D) and the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 2D), when the inflatable bladder114expands from the deflated position115a(seeFIG. 2D) to the inflated position115b(seeFIG. 2D), and to engage around the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 2C) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, when the vacuum transport tube vehicle60arrives at and stops at the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A). As shown inFIGS. 2D, 3, each of the one or more inflatable bladders114comprises the bladder inner side116a, the bladder outer side116b, a bladder interior118a, a bladder exterior118b, and the bladder body120.

As shown inFIG. 2D, the inflatable bladder114may be inflated to the inflated position115bvia air52from the air supply assembly130coupled between the station wall30and the inflatable bladder. As further shown inFIG. 2D, the inflatable bladder114may be deflated to the deflated position115avia the evacuation of air52out of the inflatable bladder114via the vent-to-vacuum assembly140coupled between the inflatable bladder114and the station wall30. However, other suitable inflation and deflation devices or systems may also be used to inflate and deflate the inflatable bladder114.

FIG. 2Eis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of yet another embodiment of a volume reduction assembly90coupled to the station tube vehicle33in the station wall30of the disclosure in the form of a plurality of extendable blocks92bof the disclosure. In this embodiment, the volume reduction assembly90comprises the plurality of extendable blocks92b. Each extendable block92bcomprises an extendable portion99that is extendable from the main block body98.FIG. 2Eshows the extendable block92bin a retracted position99awith a gap100having a gap volume between the extendable block92band the outer vehicle surface80of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a. The gap volume100a(seeFIG. 2E) is part of the volume50(seeFIG. 2E).FIG. 2Efurther shows the extendable block92bin an extended position99b, where just the extendable portion99, and not the main block body98is moved radially inward via the control system108in contact with the vehicle outer surface80to engage around the vehicle outer surface80. The extendable portions99of the plurality of extendable blocks92bmay engage around the vehicle outer surface80by contacting the vehicle outer surface80directly to form a seal91(seeFIG. 3) in a sealed engagement91a(seeFIG. 3) against the vehicle outer surface80, or the extendable portions99of the plurality of extendable blocks92bmay engage around the vehicle outer surface80by engaging in close or near proximity, such as ⅛ inch or ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface80.

Now referring toFIGS. 4A-4C,FIG. 4Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of a station wall30of a vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 12A) that may be used with embodiments of a vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) of the disclosure.FIG. 4Bis an illustration of a cross-sectional front view of the station wall30ofFIG. 4Ashowing an embodiment of a station vacuum tube.FIG. 4Cis an illustration of a cross-sectional front view of a station wall showing another embodiment of a station vacuum tube33.

FIG. 4Ashows cavities and the exterior end44bof the cavities.FIG. 4Bshows the station vacuum tube33, such as in the form of a built-in station vacuum tube33b, that may be built into the station wall30.FIG. 4Bfurther shows the plurality of cavities40, where each cavity40has the interior end44a, the exterior end44b, the first side46a, the second side46b, and the nominal point48where the first side46aof one cavity40meets or joins with a second side46bof an adjacent cavity40a. As shown inFIG. 4B, the first side46ashown as LINE A is extended and is parallel to extended LINE B indicating the second side46b.FIG. 4Bfurther shows the inner surface34aof the station vacuum tube33, the outer surface34bof the station vacuum tube33, the interior36aof the station vacuum tube33, and the exterior36bof the station vacuum tube33. The station wall interior36acomprises a vacuum50, such as a tube volume50a.

FIG. 4Cshows in partial view the volume reduction assembly90, such as in the form of modular tube volume reduction assembly90a, installed in the station wall30. The volume reduction assembly90, such as in the form of modular tube volume reduction assembly90, includes the station vacuum tube33, in the form of a modular station vacuum tube33, with the inner surface34aand the outer surface34b, and shows the cavity40, the control system108, and the blocks92. As further shown inFIG. 4C, the volume reduction assembly90may include a liner element49coupled to the interior31aof the station wall30for contact or engagement with the outer surface34bof the station vacuum tube34b. The liner49(seeFIG. 4C) may provide additional protection against leaks, as well as a protective layer for the volume reduction assembly90.

Now referring toFIGS. 5A-5B,FIG. 5Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a volume reduction assembly90, such as in the form of the plurality of blocks92, in the station wall30, and showing the outer surface94bof the blocks92.FIG. 5Bis an illustration of a cross-sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 5Ain the station wall30.

FIG. 5Bshows the plurality of blocks92inserted in the cavities40of the station vacuum tube33shows each block92conforming to the shape104of each cavity40. As shown inFIG. 5B, each block92comprises an inner surface94a, an outer surface94b, sides96including a first side96aand a second side96b, and a block body98.FIG. 5Bfurther shows the control system108, such as in the form of an mechanical actuator control system108a, for moving or actuating the blocks92, when deployed, radially inward toward the vehicle outer surface80, so that the inner surface94aof each block92contacts or engages the vehicle outer surface80(shown in dotted lines inFIG. 5B) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60after the vacuum transport tube vehicle60has arrived at the vacuum tube vehicle station12. The actuation of the blocks92by the control system108may be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric. The amount of force required to move the blocks92inward and later outward will likely be minimal, because they are moving in a vacuum, and they are not designed to impart a large force upon the outer vehicle wall78(seeFIG. 6B). The material of the blocks92is preferably a compliant material102(seeFIG. 3), so that it can easily deform to match the contour portion75(seeFIG. 2A) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 2A).FIG. 5Bfurther shows the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.

Now referring toFIGS. 6A-18B, various stages of operation of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, such as in the form of a plurality of blocks90in cavities40, of the vacuum volume reduction system10of the disclosure, are discussed, when a vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as a vacuum transport tube train60a, arrives at, stops to load and unload passengers62and/or cargo64, and exits from a vacuum volume vehicle station12. It is noted that one or more of these stages of operation may also be performed with other embodiments of the volume reduction assembly90, such as the inflatable bladder114(seeFIG. 2D), the longitudinal blocks92a(seeFIG. 2B), the extendable blocks92b(seeFIG. 2E), and other embodiments disclosed herein.

Now referring toFIGS. 6A-6B,FIG. 6Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a volume reduction assembly90, in the form of a plurality of blocks92, when a vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 6B), such as a vacuum transport tube train60a(seeFIG. 6B), arrives at a vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A).FIG. 6Ashows a vehicle arrival stage side view172a, and also shows the station wall30, the block outer side94b, and the volume50.

FIG. 6Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90, such as in the form of the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 6A, showing the plurality of blocks92in a block position170of a fully retracted position170a.FIG. 6Bshows a vehicle arrival stage front view172b.FIG. 6Bfurther shows a gap100with a gap volume100abetween the vehicle outer surface80of the outer vehicle wall78of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, and the inner surface94aof each block92. Between the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 6B) and the inner surface94a(seeFIG. 6B) of each block92is the gap100(seeFIG. 6B) having a gap width100b(seeFIG. 3) of a few inches, where the gap100is part of the volume50(seeFIG. 6B), such as the tube volume50a(seeFIG. 6B).FIG. 6Bfurther shows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the vacuum transport tube vehicle60with the interior76, including the cabin76ahaving chairs77and cabin air52c, the cargo compartment76bhaving cargo64, such as luggage64astored in the cargo compartment76b, the ceiling76c, and the vehicle door66.FIG. 6Bfurther shows the volume reduction assembly90, such as the plurality of block92, disposed in the cavities40and coupled to the control system108that operates movement, such as deployment and retraction, of the plurality of blocks92.

Now referring toFIGS. 7A-7B,FIG. 7Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92, and shows the outer surface94bof the plurality of blocks92which are coupled to the station wall30, and shows the volume50.FIG. 7Ashows a blocks moving into place stage side view174a.

FIG. 7Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90ofFIG. 7Ashowing the plurality of blocks92in the block position170of a partially deployed position170b.FIG. 7Bshows a blocks moving into place stage front view174b.FIG. 7Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities40with an interior end44a, the control system108, and the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, when the vacuum transport tube vehicle60has arrived at the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 3) and is stopped, and the plurality of blocks92are moving into place.FIG. 7Bfurther shows the inner surface94aand the outer surface94bof the plurality of blocks92, which move radially inward toward the vehicle outer surface80of the outer vehicle wall78of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a. The plurality of blocks92preferably do not change their overall shape and size but experience a rigid body radial motion.FIG. 7Bfurther shows the interior76of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, including the cabin76ahaving cabin air52c, and the vehicle door66, and shows the volume50. As the plurality of blocks92move radially toward the vehicle outer surface80, via the control system108, the gap100and the gap volume100a, gets displaced and gets smaller in size. At this point, all volumes50(see alsoFIG. 3) inside the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A) are in a vacuum. As shown inFIG. 7B, this includes the volume50and the gap volume100a.

Now referring toFIGS. 8A-8B,FIG. 8Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92, and shows the outer surface94bof the plurality of blocks92, which blocks92are coupled to the station wall30, and shows the volume50.FIG. 8Ashows a plurality of blocks in contact with outer vehicle walls stage side view176a.

FIG. 8Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90ofFIG. 8Ashowing the plurality of blocks92in the block position170of a fully deployed position170c.FIG. 8Bshows a plurality of blocks in contact with outer vehicle walls stage front view176b.FIG. 8Bshows all of the plurality of blocks92have moved into place where they are contacting the vehicle outer surface80of the outer vehicle wall78of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, and have also moved into contact with each other. The dimensions of each block92may be designed such that each is slightly larger than the cavity40allotted for each block92in the fully deployed position170c, thus causing the sides96to be compressed against each other. This compressive force causes the surfaces of the sides96to bear snugly against each other, and makes it difficult for air molecules to travel between the blocks92and reside there.FIG. 8Bshows the plurality of blocks92forming a seal91in a sealed engagement91aaround the outer vehicle surface80of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60. Alternatively, the plurality of blocks92may engage around the outer vehicle surface80in close or near proximity to the outer vehicle surface80, such as ⅛ inch to ¼ inch distance away from the outer vehicle surface80.FIG. 8Bfurther shows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities40with an interior end44a, the control system108, and the vacuum transport tube vehicle60with the interior76, including the cabin76ahaving cabin air52c, and the vehicle door66, and shows the volume50. As the plurality of blocks92move into place, the gap100and the gap volume100a, gets displaced, andFIG. 8Bshows no gap100(seeFIG. 8B).

Now referring toFIGS. 9A-9B,FIG. 9Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92, and shows a vehicle door66in a closed position66a, with a perimeter125, and with a door seal122in a deployed position122a.FIG. 9Ais shown from the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 9B) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 9B) between the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 9B) and the station door68(seeFIG. 9B).FIG. 9Ashows the plurality of blocks92in the station wall30, and shows the volume50, such as a tube volume50a.FIG. 9Ashows a door seal in place stage side view178a.

FIG. 9Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90ofFIG. 9A, andFIG. 9Bshows the plurality of blocks92in the block position170of a fully deployed position170cand shows the door seal122in a deployed position122adeployed from a door seal cavity123.FIG. 9Bshows a door seal in place stage front view178b.FIG. 9Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities40with an interior end44a, and the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a.FIG. 9Bshows the inner surface94a, the outer surface94b, and the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.FIG. 9Bfurther shows a passenger62, the vehicle door66in a closed position66a, the vehicle door outer surface126a, the vehicle door inner surface126b, the station door68in a closed position68a, the station door outer surface127a, the station door inner surface127b, the door cavity132between the vehicle door66and the station door68, the ambient air52ain the vacuum tube vehicle station12, the air supply assembly130, the vent-to vacuum assembly140, and the volume50, including the tube volume50aand the door cavity volume50b. To prepare for the eventual opening of the vehicle door66, the door seal122has moved inward, via a door seal control system124(seeFIG. 3), from the station wall30to contact the vehicle outer surface80, including the vehicle door outer surface126a, of the vehicle door66. The door seal122is shaped to form a seal around the perimeter125(seeFIG. 9A) of the vehicle door66.

Now referring toFIGS. 10A-10B,FIG. 10Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92, and shows the vehicle door66with the door seal122.FIG. 10Ais shown from the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 10B) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 10B) between the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 10B) and the station door68(seeFIG. 10B).FIG. 10Ashows the plurality of blocks92in the station wall30, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.FIG. 10Ashows an air allowed into door cavity stage side view180a.

FIG. 10Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90, such as the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 10Ashowing air52, such as ambient air52a, being supplied to the door cavity132via then air supply assembly130. The supply of ambient air52amay be at ambient pressure. Alternatively, compressed air52b(seeFIG. 3) may be supplied to the door cavity132. If compressed air52b(seeFIG. 3) is used, a smaller tube may be used to quickly fill the door cavity132(seeFIG. 10B). The diameter of each of the supply tube or tubes for the air supply assembly130may be designed to minimize noise.FIG. 10Bshows an air allowed into door cavity stage front view180b.FIG. 10Bfurther shows the plurality of blocks92still in the block position170of the fully deployed position170cand shows the door seal122deployed from the door seal cavity123.FIG. 10Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the vehicle door66and the station door68, the ambient air52ain the vacuum tube vehicle station12, the air supply assembly130in an open position130a, the vent-to vacuum assembly140in a closed position130b, and the plurality of blocks92forming a seal91in a sealed engagement91awith the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a. Alternately, the plurality of blocks92may engage around the outer vehicle surface80in close or near proximity, such as ⅛ inch or ¼ inch distance away, or another suitable proximate distance away.

Now referring toFIGS. 11A-11B,FIG. 11Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92and shows the vehicle door66in an opened position66bwith a passenger62standing in the opened vehicle door66and shows the door seal122still around the vehicle door66.FIG. 11Ais shown from the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 11B) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 10B) between the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 10B) now in the opened position66b(see alsoFIG. 11B) and the station door68(seeFIG. 10B) now in the opened position68b(seeFIG. 11B).FIG. 11Ashows the plurality of blocks92in the station wall30, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.FIG. 9Ashows a door opened stage side view182a.

FIG. 11Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90, such as the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 11A, and shows the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 66) in the opened position66b. The plurality of blocks92are still in the fully deployed position170c(seeFIG. 10B).FIG. 11Bshows a door opened stage front view182b.FIG. 11Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities40, the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, and the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.FIG. 11Bfurther shows the ambient air52ain the cabin76a(seeFIG. 8B), and ambient air52ain the vacuum tube vehicle station12which may flow and mix with the air in the door the door cavity132(seeFIG. 10B), which is now open, and into the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, which is now open.FIG. 11Bfurther shows the air supply assembly130in the open position130aand shows the air supply assembly130supplying air52, such as ambient air52a, to the door cavity132(seeFIG. 10B) and to inside the vacuum transport tube vehicle.60.FIG. 11Bfurther shows the vent-to vacuum assembly140in the closed position140b, the door seal122still deployed from the door seal cavity123, and shows the volume50, including the tube volume50a.FIG. 11Bshows that after the pressure in the door cavity132(seeFIG. 10B) is at ambient pressure, the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 11A) may be opened.

Now referring toFIGS. 12A-12B,FIG. 12Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92and shows the vehicle door66in a closed position66aand shows the door seal122still around the vehicle door66.FIG. 12Ais shown from the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 12B) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 12B) between the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 12B) now in the closed position66a(see alsoFIG. 12B) and the station door68(seeFIG. 10B) now in the closed position68a(seeFIG. 12B).FIG. 12Ashows the plurality of blocks92in the station wall30, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.FIG. 12Ashows a door closed stage side view184a.

FIG. 12Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90, such as the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 12Ashowing the vehicle door66in the closed position66a, and shows the stage after passengers62(seeFIG. 11B) have exited and/or entered the vacuum transport tube vehicle60.FIG. 12Bshows a door closed stage front view184b.FIG. 12Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities40, the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, and the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.FIG. 12Bfurther shows the ambient air52ain the vacuum tube vehicle station12and in the door cavity132between the vehicle door66which is in the closed position66aand the station door68which is in the closed position68a.FIG. 11Bfurther shows the air supply assembly130and the vent-to vacuum assembly140, the door seal122still deployed from the door seal cavity123, and shows the plurality of blocks92still in the block position170of the fully deployed position170c.

Now referring toFIGS. 13A-13B,FIG. 13Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92, and shows the vehicle door66with the door seal122. The vehicle door66is still in the closed position66a(seeFIG. 12A).FIG. 13Ais shown from the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 13B) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 13B) between the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 13B) now in the closed position66a(see alsoFIG. 12B) and the station door68(seeFIG. 13B) now in the closed position68a(seeFIG. 12B).FIG. 13Ashows the plurality of blocks92in the station wall30, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.FIG. 13Ashows a door cavity evacuated stage side view186a.

FIG. 13Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90, such as the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 13Ashowing the vehicle door66in the closed position (seeFIG. 12B), and showing the air52, such as ambient air52a, being evacuated from the door cavity132via the vent-to-vacuum assembly140. As shown inFIG. 13B, the vent-to-vacuum assembly140is in the open position140a, and the air supply assembly130is in the closed position130b.FIG. 13Bshows a door cavity evacuated stage front view186b.FIG. 13Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities40, the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, and the volume50, such as the tube volume50aand the door cavity volume50b.FIG. 13Bfurther shows the ambient air52ain the vacuum tube vehicle station12, the station door68, the door seal122still deployed from the door seal cavity123, and shows the plurality of blocks92still in the block position170of the fully deployed position170c.

Now referring toFIGS. 14A-14B,FIG. 14Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90in the form of the plurality of blocks92, and shows the vehicle door66with the door seal122. The vehicle door66is in the closed position66a(seeFIG. 12A).FIG. 14Ais shown from the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 14B) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 14B) between the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 14B) and the station door68(seeFIG. 14B).FIG. 14Ashows the plurality of blocks92in the station wall30, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.FIG. 14Ashows a vent-to-vacuum closed stage side view188a.

FIG. 14Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90, such as the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 14A, showing the vehicle door66, which is still in the closed position66a(seeFIG. 12B) and shows the vent-to-vacuum assembly140in now in the closed position140b, after the door cavity132has been evacuated to a desired vacuum quality51a(seeFIG. 3). The air supply assembly130(seeFIG. 14B) is in the closed position130b(seeFIG. 14B).FIG. 14Bshows a vent-to-vacuum closed stage front view188b.FIG. 14Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities40, the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, and the volume50, such as the tube volume50aand the door cavity volume50b.FIG. 14Bfurther shows the ambient air52ain the vacuum tube vehicle station12, the station door68, the door seal122still deployed from the door seal cavity123(seeFIG. 13B), and shows the plurality of blocks92still in the block position170of the fully deployed position170c.

Now referring toFIGS. 15A-15B,FIG. 15Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90in the form of the plurality of blocks92and shows the vehicle door66with the door seal122. The vehicle door66(seeFIG. 15A) is in the closed position66a(seeFIG. 12A).FIG. 15Ais shown from the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 15B) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 15B) between the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 15B) and the station door68(seeFIG. 15B).FIG. 15Ashows the plurality of blocks92in the station wall30, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.FIG. 15Ashows a blocks partially retracted stage side view190a.

FIG. 15Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90, such as the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 15A, showing the plurality of blocks92in the block position170of a partially retracted position170d.FIG. 15Bshows a blocks partially retracted stage front view190b. At this stage, the volume50(seeFIG. 15B), such as the tube volume50a, which is part of the station volume50c(seeFIG. 3), is opened to high vacuum.

The air supply assembly130(seeFIG. 15B) is in the closed position130b(seeFIG. 14B), and the vent-to-vacuum140(seeFIG. 15B) is in the closed position140b(seeFIG. 14B).FIG. 15Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities40, the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, and the volume50, such as the tube volume50aand the door cavity volume50b.FIG. 15Bfurther shows the ambient air52ain the vacuum tube vehicle station12, the station door68, the door seal122still deployed from the door seal cavity123. The plurality of blocks92(seeFIG. 15B) are moved radially outward, so that the inner surface94aof each block92is moved away from the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 15B) to increase the gap100(seeFIG. 15B) and decrease the cavity40as the outer surface94bof the block92gets closer to the interior end44aof the cavity40. At this point, the gap100(seeFIG. 15B) may be exposed to vacuum. This optional step may be used in case a significant amount of air has escaped past the door seals122(seeFIG. 15B). The orifice or set of orifices that vent the gap100may be one or two vents near the forward end72a(seeFIG. 2A) and the aft end72b(seeFIG. 2A) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 2A), or they may be distributed longitudinally and radially over the circumference and length of the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A).

It is noted that the sequence of deployment of the plurality of blocks92and deployment of the door seal(s)122may be deployment of the door seal(s)122and then deployment of the blocks92, or may be deployment of the blocks92and then deployment of the door seal(s)122. It is further noted that the sequence of retraction of the plurality of blocks92and retraction of the door seal(s)122may be retraction of the door seal(s) and then retraction of the blocks92, or may be retraction of the blocks92and then retraction of the door seal(s)122.

Now referring toFIGS. 16A-16B,FIG. 16Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90in the form of the plurality of blocks92and shows the vehicle door66and the door seal122, which at this stage is being retracted. The vehicle door66(seeFIG. 16A) is in the closed position66a(seeFIG. 12A).FIG. 16Ais shown from the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 16B) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 15B) between the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 16B) and the station door68(seeFIG. 16B).FIG. 16Ashows the plurality of blocks92in the station wall30, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume50a.FIG. 16Ashows a door seal retracted stage side view192a.

FIG. 16Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly92, such as the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 16A, showing the door seal122in a retracted position122bback into the door seal cavity123.FIG. 16Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities40, the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, and the volume50, such as the tube volume50aand the door cavity volume50b.FIG. 16Bfurther shows the ambient air52ain the vacuum tube vehicle station12, the station door68, the air supply assembly130, the vent-to-vacuum assembly140, the vehicle door66, and the cabin76awith cabin air52c.FIG. 16Bshows the inner surface94aof each block92moved away from the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 15B) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, and shows the gap100with the gap volume100a.FIG. 16Bfurther shows the outer surface94bof the block92in relation to the interior end44aof the cavity40.

Now referring toFIGS. 17A-17B,FIG. 17Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92, and shows the vehicle door66with the seal122in a retracted position122b.FIG. 17Ais shown from the view of viewing the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 17B) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 17B) between the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 17B) and the station door68(seeFIG. 17B).FIG. 17Ashows the plurality of blocks92in the station wall30, and shows the volume50, such as a tube volume50a.FIG. 17Ashows a blocks fully retracted stage side view194a.

FIG. 17Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90, such as the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 17Ashowing the plurality of blocks92in the position170of a fully retracted position170a. The vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 17B), such as the vacuum transport tube train60a(seeFIG. 17B) is preparing to exit or leave the vacuum tube vehicle station12, and the blocks92are fully retracted.FIG. 17Bshows a blocks fully retracted stage front view194b.FIG. 17Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the inner surface94a, the outer surface94b, and the sides96of the blocks92, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume50aand the door cavity volume50b.FIG. 17Bfurther shows the ambient air52ain the vacuum tube vehicle station12, the station door68, the air supply assembly130, the vent-to-vacuum assembly140, the door cavity132, the vehicle door66, a passenger62, and the door seal122in the retracted position122b.FIG. 17Bshows the inner surface94aof each block92moved further away from the vehicle outer surface80of the outer vehicle wall78of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, and shows the gap100.FIG. 17Bfurther shows the outer surface94bof the block92in relation to the interior end44aof the cavity40.

Now referring toFIGS. 18A-18B,FIG. 18Ais an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92, as the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 17B) exits the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 18B).FIG. 18Ais shown from the view of viewing the volume reduction assembly90(seeFIG. 18B) from the door cavity132(seeFIG. 18B).FIG. 18Ashows the plurality of blocks92in the station wall30, and shows the volume50, such as a tube volume50a.FIG. 17Afurther shows longitudinal gaps160between the columns of blocks92.FIG. 18Ashows a vehicle exit stage side view196a.

FIG. 18Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the volume reduction assembly90, such as the plurality of blocks92, ofFIG. 18Ashowing the plurality of blocks in the block position170of the fully retracted position170a, when the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 17B) has exited the vacuum tube vehicle station12.FIG. 18Bshows a vehicle exit stage front view196b.FIG. 18Bshows the station wall30, the station vacuum tube33, the cavities40, the inner surface94a, the outer surface94b, and the sides96of the blocks92, and shows the volume50, such as the tube volume50aand the door cavity volume50b.FIG. 18Bfurther shows the ambient air52ain the vacuum tube vehicle station12, the station door68, the air supply assembly130, the vent-to-vacuum assembly140, the door cavity132, and the door seal122.

Depending on the location of the vent-to-vacuum assembly140(seeFIG. 18B) vacuum vents, the vacuum vents may be adjusted. If the vent-to-vacuum assembly140vacuum vents are the same vents that evacuated the door cavity132(seeFIG. 18B), they can remain open while the door seal122(seeFIG. 18B) is retracted, and as the blocks92(seeFIG. 18B) are in a partially retracted position170d(seeFIG. 15B).

Now referring toFIG. 19,FIG. 19is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the volume reduction assembly90, in the form of the plurality of blocks92and shows, in another embodiment, the blocks92having a plurality of seams161between the columns of blocks92, and having no longitudinal gaps160, as shown inFIG. 18A, between the columns of blocks92.FIG. 19further shows the blocks92coupled to the station wall30and the volume50, such as the tube volume50a. Having longitudinal gaps160(seeFIG. 18A) between the blocks92may facilitate manufacturing them and installing them. Having the plurality of seams161may provide improved efficiency of evacuation of the air from the vacuum tube vehicle station12. For example, if the blocks92(seeFIG. 5B) are 12.0 inches long, and the longitudinal gaps are 0.1 inches wide, this may allow a vacuum of approximately 10−2atmospheres to be present after the blocks92(seeFIG. 5B) have been retracted. This is improved over evacuating that volume starting at an ambient pressure of 1.0 atmosphere, since it may reduce the required flow rate from 32,800 ft3/min to about 16,400 ft3/min, with a commensurate reduction in pump equipment cost. While this may be improved over evacuating that volume starting at ambient pressure of 1.0 atmosphere, such calculation underscores the importance of removing as much volume as possible for the vacuum equipment to evacuate. Thus, in one embodiment, the blocks92(seeFIG. 19) may be constructed with the plurality of seams161(seeFIG. 19) and no longitudinal gaps160, as shown inFIG. 18A, which may reduce the volume50(seeFIG. 3) between the station wall30(seeFIG. 19) and the outer vehicle wall78(seeFIG. 7B) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 7B), so that it may effectively be zero.

Now referring toFIGS. 20A-20E,FIGS. 20A-20Eshow a door cavity volume reduction surface operation process200(seeFIG. 2A). It may be advantageous to take measures to reduce the volume50(seeFIG. 3), such as the door cavity volume50b(seeFIGS. 2A, 3). One way to accomplish this is to design the station door68, such as a curved station door69(seeFIG. 20A) having one curved side, to contain an inflatable bladder152(seeFIG. 20) that may occupy the door cavity volume50bbetween the station door68, such as the curved station door69(seeFIG. 20A) at the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 20A), and the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 20A). The inflatable bladder152(seeFIG. 20) may be attached or contained in the station door68. When the station door or doors close, for example, similar to elevator doors, the inflatable bladder152(seeFIG. 20) may be already be in place or position to start the door cavity volume reduction surface operation process200.

FIG. 20Ais an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the door cavity volume reduction surface operation process200showing an embodiment of a door cavity volume reduction surface150coupled to a curved station doors69and in an initial fully retracted inflatable door bladder position200a. As shown inFIG. 20A, the door cavity volume reduction surface150comprises an inflatable door bladder152, having a bladder inner surface152aand a bladder outer surface152b. As shown inFIG. 20A, the inflatable door bladder152is connected to the air supply assembly130, which preferably supplies compressed air52b(seeFIG. 3) to the inflatable door bladder152. The air supply assembly130inflates the inflatable door bladder152to expand toward the one or more vehicle doors66.FIG. 20Ashows the air supply assembly130in a closed position130b.

As further shown inFIG. 20A, the inflatable door bladder152is connected to the vent-to-vacuum assembly140to deflate the inflatable door bladder152to retract from the one or more vehicle doors66. As further shown inFIG. 20A, the inflatable door bladder152is coupled to one or more of, a plurality of spring elements154, or a plurality of elastic elements156, to provide a force157(seeFIG. 3) to retract the inflatable door bladder152.FIG. 20Ashows the vent-to-vacuum assembly140in a closed position140b.

FIGS. 20A-20Eshow the door cavity volume reduction surface150configured, via the door cavity132, to contact the vehicle outer surface80of the vehicle door66of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, such as the vacuum transport tube train60a, stopped in the station wall30, and show the door cavity volume reduction surface150, such as the inflatable door bladder152having the bladder inner surface152aand the bladder outer surface152b, connected to the air supply assembly130, the vent-to-vacuum assembly140, and the curved station door69at the vacuum tube vehicle station12, and show the station vacuum tube33.

FIG. 20Afurther shows the volume reduction assembly90, such as in the form of the plurality of blocks92in the block position170such as the fully deployed position170c, the cavities40, the control system108, the interior76, such as the cabin76awith a passenger62, and the vehicle outer surface80, of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, the door seal122and door seal cavity123, the volume50, such as the tube volume50a, and the ambient air52aat the vacuum tube vehicle station12.

FIG. 20Bis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the door cavity volume reduction surface ofFIG. 20Ain a partially deployed inflatable door bladder position200b. As shown inFIG. 20B, the air supply assembly130is in an open position130aand the vent-to-vacuum assembly140bis in a closed position. The air supply assembly130(seeFIG. 20B) supplies air52(seeFIG. 3), such as compressed air52b(seeFIG. 3), to the inflatable door bladder152, which causes the inflatable door bladder152to inflate. This inflation causes the bladder inner surface152a(seeFIG. 20B) to move towards the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 20B) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 20B). The pressure of the compressed air is sufficient to overcome the force157(seeFIG. 3) in the spring elements154(seeFIG. 20B) or the elastic elements156(seeFIG. 20B) that would tend to pull the bladder outer surface152b(seeFIG. 20B) in the opposite direction towards the curved station door69(seeFIG. 20B).FIG. 20Bfurther shows the control system108, the volume50, such as the tube volume50a, and the ambient air52aat the vacuum tube vehicle station12.

FIG. 20Cis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the door cavity volume reduction surface150ofFIG. 20A, such as the inflatable door bladder152, in a fully deployed inflatable door bladder position200c.FIG. 20Cshows the air supply assembly130in a closed position130band shows the vent-to-vacuum assembly140in an open position140a.

After the inflatable door bladder152has completely inflated, so that it contacts the vehicle outer surface80of the vehicle door66, the air supply assembly130is closed. At this point, the inflated bladder has displaced the air52(seeFIG. 3) that was previously in the door cavity132(seeFIG. 20A) between the curved station door69(seeFIG. 20C) and the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 20C). Depending on the design of the inflatable door bladder152, the percentage of the door cavity volume50b(seeFIG. 3) that has been displaced is approximately 95% (ninety-five percent) to 99% (ninety-nine percent) of the door cavity132(seeFIG. 20A), leaving a maximum of 5% (five percent) and a minimum of 1% (one percent) of the air52(seeFIG. 3) in the door cavity132(seeFIG. 20A).

FIG. 20Dis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the door cavity volume reduction surface150ofFIG. 20Ain a partially retracted inflatable door bladder position200d.FIG. 20Dshows the air supply assembly130in a closed position130band shows the vent-to-vacuum assembly140in an open position140a. InFIG. 20D, the inflatable door bladder152is retracting. The vent-to-vacuum assembly140(seeFIG. 20D) is open, which will allow the air to escape from the inflatable door bladder152. However, since there is no pressure in the door cavity132(seeFIG. 20D) between the inflatable door bladder152(seeFIG. 20D) and the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 20D), there is no force157(seeFIG. 3) to push the inflatable door bladder152(seeFIG. 20D) back. For this reason, the spring elements154(seeFIG. 20D) or the elastic elements156(seeFIG. 20D) provide a tension force to pull the bladder outer surface152b(seeFIG. 20D) back to the curved station door69(seeFIG. 20D). The amount of force needed is likely very modest. The spring elements154(seeFIG. 20D) or the elastic elements156(seeFIG. 20D) may be arranged so that they are more or less distributed.

FIG. 20Eis an illustration of a partial sectional front view of the door cavity volume reduction surface150ofFIG. 20Ain a final fully retracted inflatable door bladder position200e.FIG. 20Eshows the air supply assembly130in a closed position130band shows the vent-to-vacuum assembly140bin a closed position. The inflatable door bladder152(seeFIG. 20E) is now in a position to have the cycle repeated.

If the door cavity volume reduction surface150, such as in the form of inflatable door bladder152, removes 95% (ninety-five percent), a pumping rate158(seeFIG. 3) corresponding to ten (10) passenger exits is reduced to 39.9 ft3/min, which significantly reduces the cost of pumping equipment. The following equation shows:
Q=(V/t)(In(P0/P1)=((0.05)(86.7)/1)(In(1/0.0001))=39.9 ft3/min

If the bladder removes 99% (ninety-nine percent), the pumping rate158(seeFIG. 3) corresponding to ten (10) passenger exits is reduced to 6.0 ft3/min, which reduces the cost of the pumping equipment even further. The following equation shows:
Q=(V/t)(In(P0/P1)=((0.01)(86.7)/1)(In(1/0.0001))=6.0 ft3/min

FIGS. 20A-20Eshow just one door cavity, but it is likely that each vacuum transport tube vehicle60may have more than one entrance/exit. Instead of entering and exiting to just one side, entrances and exits may be present on the other side also. To allow for faster boarding and deboarding times, a vacuum transport tube vehicle may have as many as ten (10), or more, exits. The volume associated with each door cavity may be estimated by the following equation. For a doorway 4.0 ft wide by 6.5 feet high, and a 4 inch gap between the station door68(seeFIG. 9B) and the vehicle door66(seeFIG. 9B), the volume of the door cavity is 8.67 feet.
Vdoor=(wdoor)(hdoor)(ddoor)=(4.0)(6.5)(0.33)=8.67 ft3

Ten (10) entrances/exits would result in a volume per car of 86.7 ft3. The flow rate required per car is then given by the following equation:
Q=(V/t)(In(P0/P1))=(86.7/1)(In(1/0.0001))=798.5 ft3/min

Now referring toFIG. 21,FIG. 21is an illustration of a flow diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a method300of the disclosure. In another embodiment, there is provided the method300(seeFIG. 21) for reducing a volume50(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIGS. 2A, 3).

As shown inFIG. 21, the method300comprises step302of installing a vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A-2C, 3) in the vacuum tube vehicle station12. As discussed in detail above, the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) comprises a station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2A-2C, 3, 4B) disposed in an interior31a(seeFIG. 2A) of a station wall30(seeFIG. 2A) of the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A). The station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2A-2C, 3, 4B) has a tube volume50a(seeFIGS. 2A, 3, 4B).

The step302(seeFIG. 21) of installing the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) in the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) comprises in one embodiment integrating the volume reduction assembly90(seeFIGS. 2B-2C) and the station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2B-2C) comprising a modular station vacuum tube33a(seeFIGS. 2B-2C) to form a modular tube volume reduction assembly90a(seeFIGS. 2B-2C) configured for installation in the station wall30(seeFIGS. 2A, 4C).

The step302(seeFIG. 21) of installing the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) in the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) comprises in another embodiment coupling the volume reduction assembly90(seeFIG. 5B) to the station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 4B, 5B) comprising a built-in station vacuum tube33b(seeFIG. 4B) formed in the station wall30(seeFIG. 4B).

As discussed in detail above, the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) further comprises a volume reduction assembly90(seeFIGS. 2A-2C, 3, 5B) coupled to the station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2A-2C, 3, 4B). The step302(seeFIG. 21) of installing the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) in the vacuum tube vehicle station (12) comprises in one embodiment installing the vacuum volume reduction system10(see FIGS.2A,3) comprising the volume reduction assembly90(seeFIGS. 2B-2C, 3, 5B) comprising a plurality of blocks92(seeFIGS. 2B-2C, 3, 5B) installed in a plurality of cavities40(seeFIGS. 2B-2C, 3, 5B) that are longitudinally formed around a circumference42(seeFIGS. 2B, 4B) of the station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2B, 4B).

The plurality of blocks92(seeFIGS. 2B-2C, 3, 5B) are preferably comprised of a compliant material102(seeFIG. 3) that allows the plurality of blocks92to deform to match a shape104(seeFIGS. 3, 5B) of the plurality of cavities40(seeFIGS. 3, 5B). In one embodiment, each of the plurality of blocks92(seeFIG. 2C) may comprise a longitudinal one-piece monolithic structure106(seeFIG. 2C). In another embodiment, each of the plurality of blocks92may comprise an extendable portion99(seeFIG. 2E) that extends to engage around the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 2E) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 2E), such as the vacuum transport tube train60a(seeFIG. 2E).

The step302(seeFIG. 21) of installing the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) in the vacuum tube vehicle station (12) comprises in another embodiment installing the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) comprising the volume reduction assembly90(seeFIG. 2D) comprising one or more inflatable bladders114(seeFIG. 2D) coupled to the station vacuum tube33(seeFIG. 2D). As shown inFIG. 2D, the inflatable bladder114is used instead of the plurality of blocks92(seeFIG. 2C) and the inflatable bladder114is shown from a deflated position115ato an inflated position115b, and is inflated with air52from the air supply assembly130coupled to the station wall30and is deflated with the vent-to-vacuum assembly140coupled to the station wall30.

As discussed in detail above, the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) further comprises one or more door seals122(seeFIGS. 3, 9B) coupled to the station wall30(seeFIG. 9B). As discussed in detail above, the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) further comprises an air supply assembly130(seeFIGS. 3, 9B) coupled to the station wall30(seeFIG. 9B). As discussed in detail above, the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) further comprises a vent-to-vacuum assembly140(seeFIGS. 3, 9B) coupled to the station wall30(seeFIG. 9B).

As shown inFIG. 21, the method300further comprises step304of deploying the volume reduction assembly90(seeFIGS. 7B, 8B), via a control system108(seeFIGS. 7B, 8B), engage around the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 8B) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 8B), and to displace a gap volume100a(seeFIG. 7B) between the volume reduction assembly90(seeFIG. 7B) and the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 7B), when the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIGS. 6B, 7B, 8B) arrives and is stopped at the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A). The volume reduction assembly90may form a seal91(seeFIG. 3) in a sealed engagement91a(seeFIG. 3) around the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 3), or may engage in close or near proximity, such as ⅛ inch to ¼ inch distance, to the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60.

As shown inFIG. 21, the method300further comprises step306of deploying the one or more door seals122, via a door seal control system124(seeFIG. 3), to seal around a perimeter125of each of one or more vehicle doors66, and to seal off a door cavity132positioned between each of the one or more vehicle door66and each of one or more station doors68. As shown inFIG. 21, the method300further comprises step308of supplying air52from the air supply assembly130to the door cavity132. The step308(seeFIG. 21) of supplying the air52from the air supply assembly130to the door cavity132comprises supplying one of, ambient air52a, or compressed air52b, to the door cavity132.

As shown inFIG. 21, the method300further comprises step310of opening the one or more vehicle doors66and the one or more station doors68, to load and unload one or more of, passengers62and cargo64, through the one or more vehicle doors66and through the one or more station doors68. As shown inFIG. 21, the method300further comprises step312of closing the one or more vehicle doors66, and closing the one or more station doors68.

As shown inFIG. 21, the method300further comprises step314of evacuating the air52, such as the ambient air52aor compressed air52b, from the door cavity132with the vent-to-vacuum assembly140, to obtain a desired vacuum quality51a(seeFIG. 3), and closing the vent-to-vacuum assembly140. The vent-to-vacuum assembly140is configured to evacuate the air52comprising one of, the ambient air52aor the compressed air52b, from the door cavity132, after the loading and the unloading of one or more of, the passengers62and the cargo64.

As shown inFIG. 21, the method300further comprises step316of retracting the volume reduction assembly90, via the control system108, from around the vehicle outer surface80of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, back to station vacuum tube33, such as back to the plurality of cavities40of the station vacuum tube33.

As shown inFIG. 21, the method300further comprises step318of retracting the one or more door seals122, via the door seal control system124(seeFIG. 3), from around each of the one or more vehicle doors66, back to the station wall30. As shown inFIG. 21, the method300further comprises step320of reducing the volume50to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station.

As shown inFIG. 21, the method300may further comprise optional step322of using a door cavity volume reduction surface150(seeFIGS. 20A-20E) comprising an inflatable door bladder152(seeFIGS. 20A-20E) coupled to each of the one or more curved station doors69(seeFIGS. 20A-20E), to displace a door cavity volume50b(seeFIG. 20A) of the door cavity132(seeFIG. 20A), to further reduce the volume50(seeFIG. 20A) to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A). As shown inFIGS. 20A-20E, the door cavity volume reduction surface150comprises an inflatable door bladder152coupled to the air supply assembly130, to inflate the inflatable door bladder152to expand toward the one or more curved vehicle doors69. As further shown inFIGS. 20A-20E, the inflatable door bladder152is coupled to the vent-to-vacuum assembly140, to deflate the inflatable door bladder152, to retract from the one or more curved vehicle doors69. As shown inFIGS. 20A-20E, the inflatable door bladder152is coupled to one or more of, a plurality of spring elements154, or a plurality of elastic elements156, to provide a force157(seeFIG. 3) to retract the inflatable door bladder152.

Disclosed embodiments of the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and method300(seeFIG. 21) for reducing a volume50(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated at a vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIGS. 2A, 3), provide a vacuum volume reduction system10within a station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) where the vacuum volume reduction system10engages a vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) in order to allow for the loading and unloading of passengers62(seeFIG. 3) and/or cargo64(seeFIG. 3) into the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, where the vacuum volume reduction system10comprises a volume reduction assembly90(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) comprising in one embodiment, a plurality of blocks92coupled to the station vacuum tube33and extending longitudinally along the length of vacuum transport tube vehicle60, and comprising in another embodiment an inflatable bladder114coupled to the station vacuum tube33. The vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and method300(seeFIG. 21) provide a relatively simple method for entering and exiting the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIGS. 2A, 3). The vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and method300(seeFIG. 21) essentially reduces the volume50(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) before the vehicle doors66(seeFIGS. 3, 7B) are opened, thus reducing the volume or space needed to be pressurized or in vacuum, which may make the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and method300(seeFIG. 21) significantly less expensive to operate than known systems and methods using expensive pumping equipment, pressure seals, and airlock arrangements. In addition, if a few of the plurality of blocks92, such as one or two or three blocks, do not deploy for some reason, and the other blocks92still deploy, it may not be detrimental to the operation of the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3), as pumping equipment, such as the size of the plenums of the air supply assembly130and/or vent-to-vacuum assembly140, may be sized accordingly to take into account any possible issues or leaks. The plurality of blocks92(seeFIG. 5B) that move radially inward from the station vacuum tube33to the vacuum transport tube vehicle60, and back again, may significantly reduce the volume of the station enclosure, thus reducing or eliminating the pumping requirements. Reduction in volume may preferably result in reduced pumping requirements. Such plurality of blocks92(seeFIG. 5B), or inflatable bladders114(seeFIG. 2D), are shaped to conform to the vehicle outer surface80(seeFIG. 2A) of the vacuum transport tube vehicle60(seeFIG. 2A) to displace the volume50(seeFIGS. 2A, 3), such as the gap volume100a(seeFIGS. 6B, 7B), between the station wall30(seeFIGS. 6B, 7B) and the vehicle outer wall80(seeFIGS. 6B, 7B), thus greatly reducing or substantially eliminating the volume50(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) to be evacuated at the vacuum tube vehicle station (seeFIG. 2A).

Moreover, disclosed embodiments of the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and method300(seeFIG. 21) may minimize leakage164(seeFIG. 3) of air from the surrounding ambient atmosphere into the station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and the vacuum tube16(seeFIG. 2A), which, in turn, may result in less pumping capacity required to maintain a desired vacuum quality51a(seeFIG. 3) in the station vacuum tube33(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and/or the vacuum tube16(seeFIG. 2A). In addition, the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and method300(seeFIG. 21) may reduce the cost to maintain the vacuum inside the tube or tubes at the vacuum tube vehicle station12(seeFIG. 2A). Further, the vacuum volume reduction system10(seeFIGS. 2A, 3) and method300(seeFIG. 21) may provide for improved safety because there is no large chamber with zero pressure for air to be drawn into if there is a leak or another issue with a seal. For example, the inclusion and use of the volume reduction assembly90, such as the plurality of blocks92, may eliminate any possible large vacuum to which the air may flow into, and may avoid or greatly minimize a large flow of air if a leak occurs.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. The embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and are not intended to be limiting or exhaustive. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Any claimed embodiment of the disclosure does not necessarily include all of the embodiments of the disclosure.