Abstract:
There is provided a transportation system for transporting content from a first specified address to a second specified address. The transportation system comprises a transport channel, a plurality of containers, an operator, a propeller operatively connected to said container and in operative communication with said operator, and a central controller remote from said containers and in operative communication with said operator. The controller is configured for receiving orders for transport between the first and second addresses. In operation, the controller communicates instructions to the operator, and the operator further communicates the instructions to the propeller, causing the propeller to propel the cargo from the first address to the second address.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to the field of point-to-point transportation systems, and particularly point-to-point transportation systems adapted to permit the transportation of cargo using containers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is desirable to have a means of transporting cargo between points using a channel-type system, whereby multiple individual cargo containers may move rapidly and directly between distinct starting and destination points. Additionally, it is desirable to have a means to monitor the movement of cargo in such a system, and to reroute the cargo if delays arise in a portion of the transit system, or other complications arise. Additionally, it is desirable to have such a system in which multiple container sizes are available and the size is selectable to meet cargo and traffic constraints. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,602 of Vandersteel (“Vandersteel”) discloses a pneumatic pipeline transportation system for solid containerized cargo held within containers having a cross-section substantially similar to that of the pipeline. This system relies on pressure exerted on a trapped column of air within the pipeline to move containers from point to point. Thus, the system of Vandersteel is not adapted for concurrent use by a multiplicity of containers bound for different destinations in transit at the same time. Moreover, the need for a trapped column of air for transport may limit the options available for access to the pipeline and the manner in which cargo can be loaded and unloaded from the system, particularly at intermediate points along the pipeline. 
     Additionally, the use of compressed air to direct the movement of the cargo may prevent the use of the system to transport two containers in different directions within the same pipeline at the same time. Moreover, the need for each container to have a cross-section substantially similar to that of the pipe-line prevents the advancement of one container past anotherwhich has been paused in the pipeline during delivery for loading or unloading. Furthermore, Vandersteel does not teach a means of monitoring the movement of cargo within the system, or of rerouting cargo once in transit. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,944 of Zhukov et al. (“Zhukov”) teaches an arrangement for transportation of cargo in containers using compressed air for moving the containers. Each container has at least one sealing member closing the cross-sectional area of the pipeline. Thus, the arrangement of Zhukov suffers from substantially the same limitations as does the system of Vandersteel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,696 of Chukhanov, et al. (“Chukhanov”) teaches a liquid-filled pipeline for displacement of containers containing cargo using endless driven conveyers arranged along the pipeline and adapted to engage the containers. The use of driven conveyers along the pipeline may restrict a user&#39;s ability to efficiently direct and deliver multiple cargo containers to multiple destinations along different points in the same region of the pipeline at the same time. In particular, cargo traveling in the same direction may be driven at the same rate, due to engagement with the same conveyer. Thus, when the conveyer is stopped to permit loading or unloading, all cargo on that conveyer may be stopped, resulting in unnecessary delay. Moreover, the need for liquid in the pipeline may restrict the type of cargo transported. For example, where it is desired to transport live animals, it may be desirable to use a transport system permitting access of outside air to the container. 
     Thus, there is a need, as aforesaid, to provide a point-to-point transport system permitting the efficient simultaneous transport of more than one container between different starting and destination points. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is directed to a point-to-point double three-dimensional transportation system wherein containers move between points in a channel or a system of interconnecting channels, and where the movement of the containers in the channel is governed by instructions relayed from a controller to the container. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a transportation system for use by a shipper in the transport of content from a first point to a second point. The transportation system comprises a transport channel, a container, a controller and a propeller. The propeller is in operative communication with the operator. The controller is also in operative communication with the operator and is adapted to receive orders from the shipper. In operation, the shipper provides orders to the controller which communicates corresponding instructions to the operator which further communicates with the propeller, causing the propeller to propel the content as ordered by the shipper. 
     In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a container having an operator, including a coordinate identifier, wherein the container is operatively connected to the propeller. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Without limiting the scope of the invention, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a public station of the present invention shown in proximity to a building. 
     FIGS. 2 a  and  2   b  are sectional views of an embodiment of a personal station of the present invention shown within a building. 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of the transportation system of the present invention shown in association with buildings and roads. 
     FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section of an embodiment of the transport channel of the present invention shown located proximal to a building. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view at line A—A in FIG. 3 of an embodiment of the transportation system of the present invention shown located under a sidewalk and road and proximal to buildings. 
     FIGS. 6 a  to  6   d  are cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the transportation system of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b  are perspective views of a portion of an embodiment of the transportation system of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b  are views of an embodiment of a container of the present invention, with FIG. 8 a  showing a cross-section and FIG. 9 b  showing a rear perspective view. 
     FIGS. 9 a  and  9   b  are cross-sectional views of a portion of an embodiment of the transport system of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 10 a ,  10   b  and  10   c  are depictions of portions of embodiments of the transport system of the present invention focusing on an embodiment of transfers between tracks. 
    
    
     While the invention will now be described in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirt and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the transportation system  10  of the present invention adapted for use in the transport of cargo between stations in the system without the need for transhipment, wherein the transport channel  12  (see FIG. 4) is located below the sidewalk  14 . Those who send content (“shippers”) can access the transportation system  10  by entering a public station  16  which permits the loading of containers  18  (see FIG. 6 b ) into the transport channel  12 . Content may include conventional cargo, waste, livestock or humans. 
     FIG. 2 a  depicts a portion of an embodiment of the transportation system  10  of the present invention adapted for use in the transportation of cargo to a personal station  22  in a dwelling  20 . Where the dwelling  20  is located above the level of the transport channel  12 , a lift  24  may be employed to raise the container and contents to the level of the personal station  22 . Preferably, the system  10  includes a plurality of personal stations  22  to facilitate the uninterrupted movement of cargo from a source to a destination at the personal station of the requesting party, without the need for the requesting party to go to another location or depot to collect the cargo. As used herein a “personal station” is a point of the system  10  located at the home, workplace, or personal address of the user of the station. When fully implemented the system  10  will preferably comprise an extensive network allowing transport of content directly from a first location, which may be a personal or public station, to a final destination which may be a personal station of the beneficiary of the service. Thus, the system provides point-to-point service. This improves upon transport merely to a depot or station where the user must travel to pickup the contents transported or arrange for their delivery to their final destination. 
     FIG. 2 b  depicts a side sectional view of an embodiment of the transportation system  10  of the present invention. A transport channel  12  approaches the basement  40  of a building  42  such as a dwelling. Containers  18  maybe received at personal stations  22  within the building  42 . The container  18  is propelled up the vertical channel, as shown. Alternatively, a lift may be provided to facilitate the upward movement of containers  18 . As will be readily appreciated, transport channels  12 , branch channels  28  and portions thereof may be located above or below ground and may have longitudinal axis which are substantially horizontal, vertical, or angled relative to the ground. 
     FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the transportation system  10  having a series of interconnecting transport channels  12  and branch channels  28  (collectively referred to as “channels”). Transport channels  12  connect to one another and/or branch channels  28  at junctions  26  which are adapted to permit the movement of containers  18  between channels, depending on the routing information for the particular container  18 . Where transport channels  12  enter densely populated areas, or other regions where multiple closely-spaced stations are required, branch channels  28  are provided to facilitate the efficient and convenient transport and delivery of containers  18  to their destination. Channels may be of various shapes, cross-sections and cross-sectional areas and channels of different shapes, cross-sections and cross-sectional areas will operatively interconnect through the use of suitable tracks  44  and corresponding containers  18 . Preferably, the containers  18  are modular. Channels may include wider regions at interconnection points to facilitate merger of incoming containers into the existing stream of container traffic. 
     Preferably, transport channels are subdivided into sections wherein traffic can be monitored. One or more transport channels proximal to one another are a “region”. In an embodiment of the invention, the system  10  further includes transfer points adapted to facilitate the movement of a container  18  from one set of tracks  44  to another within a channel, or, in suitable cases off the tracks  44  altogether (as when the destination point is reached). 
     One embodiment of the system  10  is a double three-dimensional system because containers  18  can preferably move in three dimensions in channels relative to surface of the earth and can also move in three dimensions within a given channel. In one embodiment, the system is a Point-to-Point Double Three Dimensional Modular Container In Inter-Connected Channels Transport System. 
     Containers  18  preferably move in channels in horizontal and vertical directions relative to the surface of the earth. Channels may also extend substantially horizontally in different planes with one or more channels in each plane inter-connected to one or more channels running in a somewhat vertical direction relative to the surface of the earth such that the channels in each horizontal plane are in communication via the vertical channel. Thus, containers  18  can move in channels extending horizontally underground, on the surface, or above ground level. Containers  18  can move between channels in the different horizontal planes through vertical or partially vertical connecting channels. 
     Containers  18  can move in three dimensions within a given channel by moving along the longitudinal axis L, moving from side-to-side across the channel, or up and down in the channel by changing tracks. 
     Personal stations  22  and public stations  16  (collectively referred to as “stations”) may be customized to facilitate transport of the goods of particular users. For example, the station may include a loader which facilitates efficient transport of containers  18  by calculating a suitable loading order and track  44  selection in light of package and destination information. The loader is preferably in communication with the controller and receives information on container  18  traffic from the controller. Stations may be further adapted to facilitate communication of the shipper with the controller for example, to order an empty container  18  for the shipment of cargo from the station. 
     FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the transportation system  10  of the present invention wherein the transport channel  12  is located in tunnels  30  below the sidewalk  14 , and the transport channel  12  is held off the lower surface  32  of the tunnel  30  by spacers  34 . The transport channel  12  has a longitudinal axis L. 
     FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section across the line A—A in FIG.  3 . Branch channels  28  are located in tunnels  30  located under the sidewalk  14 , whereas transport channels  12  are located in tunnels  30  under the road  36 . Branch channels  28  and transport channels  12  are held off the lower surface  32  of the tunnels  30  by spacers  34 . Branch channels  28  are accessible through removable platforms  38  located at intervals above them. The top surface of the platform  38  is preferably substantially level with and parallel to the top surface of the sidewalk  14 , to facilitate normal pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk  14 . Branch channels  28  communicate with personal stations  22  located in the basement  40  of buildings  42 . The subspace  33  (best seen in FIG. 6 b ) within the tunnel  30 , under the channel may be used to run communication cables or other material involved in the control of the system. Alternatively or additionally, this subspace  33  can be used to run other suitable materials for other parties, such as the telecommunications lines or suitable utility lines or conduits or piping. 
     In one embodiment of the invention the operator  52  is adapted to receive instructions from at least one controller to facilitate the movement of the container  18  within at least two regions of the system wherein movement of the container  18  between the regions is accomplished by means other than or in addition to the transport system  10 . For example, an aircraft passenger can place his luggage in a container  18  and send it through the system  10  from a personal station  22  or a public station  16  near his home. The luggage will be transported in the container  18  to the airport where the container  18  containing the luggage will be directed to and loaded on the aircraft for further transport by air. Upon landing, the container  18  containing the luggage will enter a different region of the transport system  10  and will be transported to the passenger&#39;s hotel or to a connecting flight, where appropriate. Where luggage is to be inspected by a Customs agent, the container  18  may be summoned by the Customs agent for inspection by providing instructions to the controller and summoning the passenger to the inspection area. This movement across discontinuous regions of the system  10  is preferably accomplished by adaptation of the operator  52  to remember information including intermediate destinations (e.g. the departure airport) and ultimate destination (e.g. the hotel). The operator  52  preferably communicates with the controller in each region to facilitate movement from point-to-point. 
     While the above example involves transhipment which is generally and preferably unnecessary when using the system  10 , it illustrates the ease with which the system  10  can be integrated into existing transport networks to encourage greater efficiency within and between those networks. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the system  10  is adapted to permit warehousing of content in containers  18 . In this embodiment, content is placed in one or more containers  18  which then move through the system  10  to a storage area. The container  18  exits the storage area and moves to a destination in response to a signal from the controller, which may be programmed at the time of storage or at another time, and may cause shipment at a set time or in response to a further instruction such as the receipt of an order for the cargo from a customer. Alternatively, the operator can be programmed to keep the container in storage for a prescribed time period, following which the operator causes the container to resume transit. 
     FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  depict cross-sections of embodiments of the transportation system  10  of the present invention. The transport channel  12  has tracks  44  extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L (shown in FIG.  4 ). The transport channel  12  is located in a tunnel  30  and is accessible by way of an access region  46  extending substantially parallel to the transport channel  12  and in communication with the outside by way of one or more removable platforms  38 . It will be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 6 a  employs a 12-track system, whereas the embodiment of FIG. 6 b  employs a multi-track system. 
     FIG. 6 b  depicts a cross-section of an embodiment of the transportation system  10  of the present invention showing several containers  18  in transit in a transport channel  12 . Each container  18  preferably engages at least two tracks  44  to secure the container in its position in the track, and to facilitate propulsion of the container  18 . It will be apparent from FIG. 6 b  that multiple containers may be transported within a single channel  12  at the same time and, if desired, in different directions. In particular, each container  18  is positioned within the channel  12  so as to avoid interfering with other containers  18  within the channel  12 . Access to the channel  12  is provided by means of an access region  46  extending substantially parallel to the transport channel  12 , and adapted to allow periodic access to the channel  12 , when needed. 
     FIGS. 6 c  and  6   d  depict the embodiment of the channel  12  of FIG. 6 b , with containers  18  of different sizes traveling therein. It will be appreciated that FIG. 6 c  depicts two small containers and one large container traveling away from the viewer, and one small container  18 , in the lower right corner, traveling toward the viewer. FIG. 6 d  depicts a single container  18  occupying the entire channel and traveling away from the viewer. 
     FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b  depict an embodiment of the transportation system  10  of the present invention, showing the transport channels  12  containing tracks  44  engaging containers  18  of various sizes and orientations for transport between a first point and a second point (not shown). Containers  18  move along the longitudinal axis L of the transport channel  12 . Where necessary, containers  18  can be positioned or relocated to engage different tracks  44 , thereby allowing one container to pass another, in either direction, within the transport channel  12 . 
     Preferably, the transport channel  12  has a substantially square or rectangular cross-section defined by four walls  48 . However, it will be appreciated that in some instances a single wall, or two walls may be suitable. As used herein, the term “wall” includes a substantially horizontal surface such as a roof or floor. The tracks  44  are preferably spaced against each of the four walls  48 , thereby forming an elongate tube having a cage-like structure when viewed across its longitudinal axis L. The containers  18  engage at least one surface, which is preferably a track. Even more preferably, the containers  18  are adapted to releasably engage at least two tracks  44  which may be adjacent to the same or different walls  48 . 
     At least two walls forming the channel may be defined by tracks. 
     FIGS. 8 a  to  8   b  depict an embodiment of a container  18  of the present invention. FIG. 8 a  is a cross-sectional view and FIG. 8 b  is a rear perspective view. The container  18  includes an operator  52 . A propeller in operative communication with the operator  52  is also provided. The propeller is adapted to move the container  18  in the transport channel  12  according to instructions received by the propeller from the operator  52 . The propeller is preferably a reversible DC motor  54  operatively coupled to one or more driven wheels  56  and receiving power from a current carrying track or a suitable battery operatively connected to the propeller. The driven wheel  56  preferably frictionally engages a surface of the track  44 , such that, upon actuation of the motor  54 , the wheel  56  turns, causing the container  18  to slide along the transport channel  12 . Non-driven wheels  60  adapted to facilitate movement of the container  18  may additionally be employed. The container  18  preferably has securers adapted to releasably engage tracks  44  within the transport channel  12  in a manner permitting the container  44  to slide on the tracks  44  without unexpectedly disengaging from them. Any suitable securer may be employed, including a slot  58 . 
     Any suitable propeller may be employed, including a separate propeller included in each container, a single propeller propelling more than one container (such as towing locomotive-style), or a propeller including a mobile track or linkage which engages and pulls or pushes the container. When a single propeller is employed, a single operator in effective communication with the propeller regulates the movement of the containers. The mode of propulsion by the propeller may be any suitable mode, including a conventional motor driving one or more wheels, tracks or gears, compressed gas or fluid, or electromagnetic force. 
     The operator  52  is in effective communication with the controller and receives instructions transmitted by the controller. The operator  52  has an instruction receiver to receive instructions from the controller, an instruction processor to process the instructions, and a propeller regulator to govern the speed and direction of movement of the container. Preferably, the operator also includes a coordinate identifier to communicate information regarding the container&#39;s current position, rate and direction of movement, and status to the controller. In one embodiment, the coordinate identifier may also be adapted to communicate a shipper&#39;s orders to the controller, which then processes those and provides corresponding instructions to that, or another controller in order to carry out the shipper&#39;s orders. 
     The transportation system  10  has at least one controller which receives orders conveyed by shippers at public stations  16  and personal stations  22 . Preferably, the system is subdivided into regions each containing one or more sections. Each region preferably has a regional controller each of which is in communication with a single central controller. While the described embodiments refer to a single controller, it will be apparent that many variations wherein several or many controllers cooperate are also contemplated. The controller processes the instructions received from each shipper pertaining to each particular container and transmits instructions to the operator  52  on each container  18  regarding the route and speed the container will follow to get to its destination. The controller also receives and processes information received from the coordinate transmitter on each container  18  and provides modified or updated instructions to containers as needed to reduce delays and facilitate efficient and safe delivery. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the containers  18  are substantially modular to facilitate efficient cargo transportation. Preferably, containers  18  of different sizes are available, to accommodate different sized content, and to optimize use of space in the channel and along the tracks. As used herein the term “modular” includes container design which facilitates the appropriate aggregation of containers for efficient use of space in the channel. 
     Containers  18  preferably include securers complimentary to the tracks  44  within the regions of the system  10  in which they are used. 
     Preferably, each container  18  is adapted to travel along one or more tracks  44  by engagement of securers on the container  18  with those tracks, and engagement of the propeller with a track  44  or the channel  12  proximal to the tracks  44  engaged by the securers. While the use of two tracks is preferred, it will be apparent that any reasonable number of tracks may be used with a suitably adapted container. For example, a single track may be used where the securers are adapted to engage a single track and to permit the container  18  to slide along that track when propelled. 
     Preferably, containers are adapted to aggregate together to facilitate and maximize mass-transit of containers. This may enhance efficient use of channel space and allow the use of highly-powered propellers to move groups or trains of containers over long distances quickly, following which individual containers can preferably be transported individually to their distinct destinations. 
     FIG. 8 a  depicts a cross-section of a container  18  having a driven wheel  56  adapted to engage an inner surface of track  44 . The container  18  preferably includes a cargo region  62  which is distinct from the propeller region  64 . A second cargo region  63  may also be provided. 
     FIG. 8 b  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a container  18  of the present invention, viewed from behind. The container includes a driven wheel  56 , a plurality of non-driven wheels  60  and securers in the nature of slots  58  each adapted to engage a track  44 , thereby permitting the container  18  to slide along the track  44 . The container  18  preferably includes a cargo door  66  adapted to open to permit access to the cargo regions  62 . 
     While a fully enclosed container is depicted and preferred, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of containers are contemplated in some circumstances, including platform-like “flat-bed” containers, and topless containers for use with suitable securers. 
     It will be appreciated that containers  18  may include multiple securers, and driven wheels adapted to alternatively engage tracks extending at angles to one another, for example when moving from a horizontal channel to a vertical channel. 
     In some instances, it will be desirable to include an attacher  68  to the front or back of the container  18 , to facilitate movement of the container  18  alone or in a train across level surfaces, up inclines, or in vertical channels. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the container  18  has a lock and a lock regulator. The lock regulator receives instructions from the operator  52 . When the controller receives a signal from the coordinate transmitter indicating that the container is at its destination and that all necessary steps and security checks required by the shipper and receiver have been completed, the controller sends a signal to the operator, instructing the operator to send a signal to the lock regulator to open the lock. Upon receipt of this signal, the lock regulator causes actuation of the lock mechanism to unlock the container. 
     FIGS. 9 a  and  9   b  depict a cross-section of an embodiment of the transportation system  10  of the present invention. FIG. 9 a  depicts the embodiment of FIG. 6 b , and indicates, at “D”, the region of that figure which is enlarged and presented in more detail in FIG. 9 b.    
     FIG. 9 b  depicts, in detail, a container  18  engaging tracks  44  secured to the wall  48 , wherein a driven wheel  56  and a non-driven wheel  60  are shown engaging the tracks  44 . It will be appreciated that the tracks  44  may be formed in any suitable shape. Preferably, tracks on the top and bottom walls  48  are substantially “I”-shaped, whereas the tracks on the side walls are patterned to include two substantially opposing “J”-shaped tracks (or a “J”-shaped track paired with a flattened “Z”-shaped track, as depicted in FIG. 9 b ). The tracks  44  are adapted to engage corresponding slots  58  in the container  18 . One or more substantially “L”-shaped tracks may also be provided to provide a further support surface engagable by a securer, such as a slot  58  and/or a driven wheel  56  or a non-driven wheel  60 . 
     It will be appreciated that many tracks will be effective and suitable. For example, tracks may be adapted to engage and direct the container by various means, including physical contact and other mechanisms such as magnetic attraction/repulsion. As used herein the term “track” refers to any suitable mechanism or means for defining the trajectory off a container in the channel. For example, the track may realize a trajectory defined by electromagnetic forces without tangible physical constraints. 
     It will be appreciated that securers of different varieties may be employed to engage corresponding tracks, including slots, hooks, ridges adapted to engage corresponding indents in the track  44 , and magnetic securers. In some instances it will be desirable to place non-driven wheels on more than one surface of the container, to facilitate transportation of the container within the channel  12 . 
     FIG. 10 a  depicts an embodiment of a portion of the system  10  of the invention wherein containers  18  can switch tracks  44 . In the depicted embodiment, a container  18  can change to an adjacent track  44  by engaging one or more transfers  70  which direct the container  18  to the adjacent track  44 . It will be readily understood that a variety of suitable track switching mechanisms are possible and contemplated, in addition to the embodiment discussed in detail. For example, magnetic track switching mechanisms are contemplated, as are grasping arm mechanisms operatively connected to the container. Additionally, where the track is defined by electromagnetic forces, electromagnetic forces may also be employed to control the movement of the container in more than one direction within the channel. Such movement may be vertical, horizontal, or a combination thereof, with simultaneous longitudinal movement when necessary or desired. 
     As depicted in FIG. 10 b , a container  18  (not shown) moving in an initial direction of movement M switches tracks through engagement with one or more transfers  70 , and ultimately continues in final direction of movement N. The path followed by the container  18  is shown in broken lines. 
     One embodiment of a pair of transfers  70  of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 10 c  showing a pair of transfers  70  adapted to switch the tracks  44  engaged by a container  18  moving in direction “U”. When a track change is desired, the transfer  70  is moved to position “S”, shown in FIG. 10 c . The transfer  70  has an insert  72  which slides substantially into a gap  74  formed in the track  44  when the transfer moves to position “S” and which is adapted to guide a container  18  (not shown) to an adjacent track  44 . In the depicted embodiment, a portion  78  of the track  44  is detached from the remainder of the track  44  and secured to a slide  76  which is adapted to move the portion  78  in and out of substantial alignment with the rest of the track  44 . The transfer  70  is also secured to the slide  76  such that when the portion  78  is moved out of alignment, an upstream region  80  including an insert  72  comes in to substantial alignment with the track  44 , permitting a container  18  (not shown) to be guided by the transfer  70 . The downstream region  82  of the transfer  70  is adapted to guide the container on to the new track  44 . While the transfer regions are described as “upstream” and “downstream” these descriptions are provided for ease of description only, and it will be readily appreciated that containers  18  may move, and be transferred between tracks  44  when moving in either direction on transfers  70 . For instance, when the transfer  70  is in position “S”, a container moving in direction “B” contacts the downstream region  82  and is guided on to the transfer  70 , where it continues to the upstream region  80  and is released on to the other track  44  to continue its journey. 
     In the depicted embodiment, two slides  76  are joined at one end to facilitate the coordinated movement of both slides  76 , portions  78  and transfers  70 . Preferably, transfers  70  are located at regular intervals along the tracks. Even more preferably, the space between transfers is no greater than the average container length, thus facilitating rapid track switching when necessary. 
     As will be readily appreciated, numerous transfer configurations are possible and contemplated for use with containers  18  having corresponding securers. In particular, it is preferable to employ a transfer  70  which will readily engage the container  18  and transfer it to an adjacent track  44  or the track of an interconnecting channel without binding or slowing the container down significantly. 
     Thus, it is possible for containers  18  to be re-organized within the channel to facilitate the movement of one container past another. 
     The controller determines the route and speed of containers  18  in the transport channels  12  and the branch channels  28 . In order to determine the route and speed of each container in the transport system  10 , the controller is preferably adapted to perform a method of route and position selection and review comprising the steps of: 
     (a) identifying origin and destination points and determining at least one route between these points; 
     (b) determining the number of sections along the determined route; 
     (c) determining the traffic within each section prior to entering that section; 
     (d) determining the speed of other containers traveling within a section prior to entering and while in that section; 
     (e) determining the size of the container and the number of slots needed for its transfer; 
     (f) providing instructions for the positioning of the container in the channel to avoid undesirable contact with another container; 
     (g) providing instructions to the operator for the direction and speed of container movement within the channel and for the movement of the container across sections and the merger of the container into other container traffic in various sections. 
     Preferably the system  10  further includes sensors adapted to provide to the controller information regarding container weight, channel conditions and other relevant information such as temperature and weather conditions, etc. The controller preferably considers this further information in determining the most suitable route for container transport. 
     Preferably, the controller is also adapted to calculate the shortest path between the origin and destination point, as well as the fastest path at a given time in light of traffic conditions and to select the best path. In one embodiment, the controller also assigns priorities to containers based on the service requested and price paid by the sender (for example, same-day, overnight delivery, etc.) 
     Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided a point-to-point transport system permitting the efficient simultaneous transport of more than one container between different starting and destination points.