Aquatic and terrestrial trans-web infrastructure network system (T.W.I.N.S.)

A transportation system which is linked through a common single operating system, in the form of a vacuum tube-link network of transport tubes avoids the limitations of current transportation systems in terms of cost of construction, continuous rising costs of maintenance, limited speed capacity, limited volume capacity, insufficient safety, and vulnerability to environmental and climatic changes. The present invention offers year-round, uninterrupted operation while providing a safe haven at stations for the public during environmental or climatic conditions making sustaining life difficult or impossible. The transportation system of the present invention operates in a contained vacuum tube link environment within which a transport capsule is levitated. Levitation is provided by permanent magnets located in the interior of the transport tube and liquid-cooled super-conducting bulk elements located on the capsule. Cooling may be provided by a fluid such as nitrogen, helium, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current transportation systems including aircraft, various trains, ships and commercial trucks have reached their maximum speed and efficiency capacities. The highest speed attainable by the fastest of these systems, aircraft, can travel safely at approximately 700 mph. Additionally, the inefficiency and time loss brought forth by current transport systems includes a great deal of waste, pollution, limited speed, costly and continuous maintenance and replacement of parts. Furthermore, exposure to delays, travel cancellations due to environmental and climatic conditions as well as lack of ability to adjust to environmental/climatic changes brings great limitations.

Current transportation systems are, and will continue to be, vulnerable to climatic and environmental changes and often stop operating when conditions are not favorable. These above ground systems might be wiped out from climatic or environmental events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, major storms, etc.

The existing transportation systems have served humanity well since their invention. However, they have all reached their functional capacity in a world that is becoming more of an interconnected unit. Thus, a new infrastructure and transportation system is needed that is expandable into a single-standard global system. This is not possible with current systems since they lack a common linking thread.

A single-standard, transportation system and infrastructure would be capable of protecting the life and environment vulnerable to these current and likely continuing cataclysmic environmental and climatic events on earth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The system of the present invention is based on an idea analogous to the single global operating system of the internet. In the case of the present invention, a transportation system is provided which is linked through a common single operating system, in the form of a vacuum tube-link network of transport tubes.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a transportation system which avoids the limitations of current transportation systems in terms of cost of construction, continuous rising costs of maintenance, limited speed capacity, limited volume capacity, insufficient safety, and vulnerability to environmental and climatic changes. The present invention offers year-round, uninterrupted operation while providing a safe haven for the public during environmental or climatic conditions making sustaining life difficult or impossible.

The transportation system of the present invention operates in a contained vacuum tube link environment within which a transport capsule is levitated. Levitation is provided by permanent magnets located in the interior of the transport tube and liquid-cooled super-conducting bulk elements located on the capsule. Cooling may be provided by a fluid such as nitrogen, helium, etc. Greater than conventional speeds are possible within the tubes due to a lack of friction experienced by the capsules. Speeds of 350-4000+ mph are safely attainable.

The proposed transportation system will slowly and eventually replace all current, limited, long-distance transportation systems like High Speed Rail (HSR), bullet-trains, general trains, trucks, aircraft, transport ships, etc. It is not limited, in speed, safety or efficiency.

Transport tube-links are secured by the design against ground motion due to earthquakes.

The system of the present invention is usable in a larger system which also includes an ocean-based tube and station system linked to the present system. Vertical, subterranean mobility for the upper portion of the stations provides additional security for the stations and contents in life-threatening, environmental or climatic conditions occurring outside. All components of this system are designed detached from the soil by design with the ability to sub-merge below ground if/when potentially devastating environmental and climatic events occur.

During implementation, there will be a need for mass education and employment of persons in technologies not yet used in this way. During operation, persons and cargo may be transported at very high speeds and this system provides a greater degree of safety, frequency and efficiency in use. Additionally, as the system is placed in different regions, it allows the opportunity to access all national land locations that otherwise are not available with present transport systems. Thus, a great potential for national and international economic prosperity is provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The transportation system comprises an interconnected transport tube network including a plurality of passenger transport tube pairs28and a plurality of cargo transport tubes29. Each transport tube pair28and29further comprises a first upper tube and a second lower tube as seen inFIG. 1. When the transportation system is in use, passenger and cargo transportation is permitted in a first direction in the upper tube of the pair and in a second opposite direction in the lower tube of the pair. Passenger28and cargo29transport tube pairs are arranged together adjacent one another to form a four tube configuration. The internal diameter of passenger transport tubes is preferably approximately 1.5 m and the internal diameter of the cargo transport tubes is preferably approximately 3.6 m. However, other dimensions may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A circular outer catch48surrounds an intersection of four-tube configurations and provides a slowing mechanism for reducing the speed of passenger and cargo transport capsules72and73. Circular outer catch48includes a first catch tube positioned over a second catch tube in an arrangement consistent with that of the transport tube pairs. Similarly, the upper catch tube provides for transportation around outer catch48in a first direction and the lower catch tube provides for transportation around outer catch48in a second opposite direction.

Near a station40, each passenger28and each cargo29transport tube pair diverges at catch48into primary passenger transition tube pairs100and passenger bypass tube pairs98. Like the passenger transport tube pairs28and second outer catch48tubes, passenger transition tubes pairs100include upper and lower transition tubes. Similarly, the upper transition tubes provide for transportation in a first direction whereas and the lower transition tubes provide for transportation in a second, opposite direction. A passenger transport capsule is thus able to pass into transition tubes100from passenger transport tubes28then into outer catch48. This region of transition into the first catch may be referred to as the passenger primary transition zone.

Also near a station40, each cargo transport tube pair29diverges at catch48into primary cargo transition tube pairs102and cargo bypass tube pairs98. Like cargo transport tube pairs29and outer catch48tubes, primary cargo transition tubes pairs102include upper and lower cargo transition tubes. Similarly, the upper tubes transition tubes provide for transportation in a first direction whereas the lower cargo transition tubes provide for transportation in a second, opposite direction. A cargo transport capsule is thus able to pass into transition tube pair102from transport tube pair29then into outer catch48. This region of transition into the first catch may be referred to as the primary cargo transition zone.

Internal to the circular outer catch48is a circular inner catch46also surrounding the intersection of the first passenger transport tube pair and the first cargo transport tube pair with the second passenger transport tube pair and the second cargo transport tube pair and internal to said circular outer catch. Circular inner catch46includes a first inner catch tube positioned over a second inner catch tube. As with outer catch48, the first inner catch tube provides for transportation around inner catch46in a first direction and the second inner catch tube provides for transportation around inner catch46in a second opposite direction.

Transition of transport capsules72and73between outer catch48and inner catch46is made possible by a plurality of secondary passenger and cargo transition tube pairs90at a secondary transition zone. A first tube of each of the secondary passenger and cargo transition tube pairs90is positioned above a second tube of each of said secondary passenger and cargo transition tube pairs. As with each of the above, the first tube of the secondary passenger and cargo transition tube pairs90provides for transportation in a first direction and the second tube of the secondary passenger and cargo transition tube pairs90provides for transportation in a second opposite direction.

All transport, transition and catch tubes are evacuated to support the aforementioned frictionless transportation environment.

All of the passenger transport tube pairs28, cargo transport tubes29, primary passenger transition tubes100, primary cargo transition tubes102, secondary cargo and passenger transition tubes90, as well as outer catch48and inner catch46are surrounded by a plurality of interconnected containment tube housings26. As seen inFIG. 5, housings26are installed in a cavity in earth94and surrounded by fill sand92. A centralized service and repair cavity80is accessible from above ground through a ground-level access panel82. Transport tube racks70are accessible from the centralized service and repair cavity80by way of transport tube access panels78and capable of which also support passenger28and cargo29transport tube pairs. A maglev platform74internal to containment tube housings26and providing access to a centrally-running maglev system76capable of elevating a repair person from maglev platform74to transport tube access panels78. Access is necessary for possible repairs and servicing of internal components.

Air filled containment tube housings26are supported by ball bearings66riding on multi-directional motion platforms68allowing for relative motion of containment tube housings26relative to the multi-direction motion platforms68if necessary to maintain balance and equilibrium if earthquake activity is present. A number of upper hydraulic shock absorbers56are provided between the multi-directional motion platform68and hydraulic shock mounting platforms64at inner surfaces of a cavity in which housings26are provided. Additionally, a plurality of lower hydraulic shock absorbers are provided between the multi-directional motion platform68and hydraulic shock mounting platforms62at an inner surface of the cavity surrounding housings26. Plates62and64are not attached to the soil94but are flush with the soil cavity.

Transportation stations40surrounded by fill sand92are provided internal to inner catch46. Each station40includes a lower support arced platform12supporting a ball bearing motion system34which, in turn, supports a detached station shell40to allow for relative motion of station shell40relative to the multi-direction lower support arced platform12if necessary to maintain balance and equilibrium if earthquake activity is present. Upper hydraulic shock absorbers30placeable between the lower support arced platform and inner surfaces of a hole capable of containing the station40.

An access panel36is provided at the top of station40permitting access into the station40. Internally, each station40includes a first level16closest to a top of the station, a second level18below first level16and a number of additional levels20,22and24below first16and second18levels. Hydraulic lifts32for lifting first16and second18levels away from the levels20,22and24. The station40would be maintained in an extended configuration with first and second levels16and18held in their most superior position by catches38. When damaging environmental conditions exist, first16and second18levels may be partially collapsed by contraction of hydraulic lifts32such that the top of station40is level with the surface of the earth.

Passenger loading and unloading platforms50are present near a central portion of the station40at levels22and24. Cargo loading and unloading platforms52are present near a central portion of the station40at levels22and24. Levels22and24remain stationary even upon the need to bring the entire upper three levels16and18below ground level for safety.

A plurality of passenger maglev transport capsules72are propelled within passenger transport tube pairs28throughout the interconnected transportation system. A plurality of cargo maglev transport capsules73are propelled within the cargo transport tube pairs29throughout the interconnected transportation system. Each of the passenger maglev transport capsules72and each of the cargo maglev transport capsules comprise a first inner cylinder84and a second outer cylinder86capable of relative rotation about longitudinal axes due to a plurality of ball bearings88provided there between. In this configuration, relative rotation of inner cylinder84relative to outer cylinder86is permitted to allow passengers and cargo to maintain their position on internal surface of cylinder84while travelling around curves. For example if transport capsule were to travel through a portion of transport tubes28&29curving to the right, inner cylinder84would rotate in a clockwise direction. Passenger maglev transport capsules72are approximately 1.5-1.8 meters in internal height and 6 meters long. Cargo maglev transport capsules73are approximately 2.4-2.5 meters in internal height and 6+ meters long. Transport capsules72and73are levitated by the combination of permanent magnets and super conducting bulk materials that allow the transport capsule to travel at speeds of 350-4,000+ mph.

A vast amount of sand92shall be used to secure the entire transportation tube-link system. A deep ditch or tunnels94shall be dug out to encompass the transport containment26and inner tube28and29system. Sand92and shock absorbers30and56are counter-earthquake designs to minimize or eliminate movement within the containment tubes26and specifically, protecting the inner transport system.

A person would use these stations and this airless environment transport system to travel safely within their nation's region and territory at speeds unable to be safely attained by conventional transportation systems (airplanes, super and conventional trains, ships, and trucks). Motion through the transportation system is depicted inFIG. 6. Only one of each vertical pair of transportation, primary transition, outer catch, secondary transition and inner catch tubes has been illustrated. In use, a passenger boards a transport capsule72at a platform50in a station such as40. Transport capsule72is then accelerated through inner perimeter ring46to transition tubes90and further, into catch48. After accelerating to the desired velocity and orienting to the appropriate direction, capsule72leaves catch48through one of transport tubes28and travels to the destination station.

As a passenger transport capsule72approaches a station40, the capsule72may either bypass the station40by continuing through bypass tubes96and98or may stop for passenger deposit or uptake by transitioning into transition tube pairs100.

If making a stop, transport capsule72is propelled through transition tube pairs100, is transported into catch48where it is decelerated. Then transport capsule72is propelled into transition tubes90through entry points44. Upon entry into inner perimeter ring46, transport capsule72may undergo further deceleration before coming to a stop at cargo loading/unloading platform52.

To use for cargo, cargo is loaded into a cargo transport capsule73at a platform52in a station such as40. Cargo transport capsule73is then accelerated through inner perimeter ring46to transition tubes90and further, into catch48. After accelerating to the desired velocity and positioning to the appropriate direction, capsule73leaves catch48through one of cargo transport tubes29and travels to a destination station.

As a cargo transport capsule73approaches a station40, the capsule73may either bypass the station40by continuing through bypass tubes96and98or may stop for passenger deposit or uptake by transitioning into transition tube pairs102.

If making a stop, transport capsule73is propelled through transition tube pairs102, is transported into catch48where it is decelerated. Then transport capsule73is propelled into transition tubes90through entry points44. Upon entry into inner perimeter ring46, transport capsule73may undergo further deceleration before coming to a stop at cargo loading/unloading platform52.

A variety of software programs will be necessary and used for timing of the distance to be maintained by the traveling capsule and monitoring speeds of the capsules including slowing and accelerating. Additionally, public security and climate control features within each station and within the transport system will also need to be monitored.

This system is most effective when established as an infrastructure foundation for a regional, national and international single-standard transportation system. The initial options to travel from point to point are only limited by the number of stations established. The land-based transport system is expanded from the stations to other locations around the stations at a minimal of 200+/− miles from each station and the offshoots from the main line between station points extending to/from smaller portal locations in other land-based region within a region or nation's territory. As the system expands with more extensions and capsules, more locations shall be available to more destination points and until such time that the entire land region is covered by this infrastructure system and expanded in the near future to oceanic transport.

Once the entire undertaking is completed, this facility shall be commercially productive from internal farming development, commercial enterprises, and other business related activities. Each station is designed with a capsule entry ‘Catch’ located around the perimeter of each station and located approximately one mile away from the stations, and are air-filled to control incoming speeds to the physical Station.

Buildings like atomic reactors, general housing and any commercial construction that may have need of this counter-earthquake, climatic and environmental design idea. This would include this innovation's design whereby application of shock absorbers, hydraulic lifts, detached contact plates, and outer-station's sand-based containment environment that is located between the station and soil-cavity is included in the design idea which is used to secure and greatly limit motion of all structures within (i.e. station frame housing and transport system network).

The components of this innovation are established as implied herein and cannot be interchangeable even though other transport applications may be initiated if the vacuum designed system fails. In such a case, the internal transport system's vacuum may be modified to an air system. If magnetic levitation is compromised, then wheeled vehicles would need to be created to continue access to the already routed system, realizing that the speed capacity would be greatly reduced and have none or limited advantage over existing transportation systems would be possible.

This innovation may be used and not limited to other applications such that are designed for counter-earth motion (i.e. earthquakes) and climatic and environmental defense purposes.

While the invention has been described for use in a subterranean transportation system, the components may be adapted to provide transportation above ground and aquatically as well.