Patent ID: 7011029

Claim:
A vehicular linear propulsion system for use along a track, comprising: a tubular drive line divided lengthwise into a plurality of mutually-sealed sectors connected end-to-end by sector gate air valves; at least one main supply pipe running adjacent to the drive line for the supply of air to the drive line or the evacuation of air from the drive line; at least two main air valves near respective ends of each sector for selective communication with the main supply pipe; two exhaust air valves near respective ends of each sector for selective communication with the atmosphere for exhausting air or taking air in; a piston slideable sealingly along the drive line for driving a vehicle along the track; and a pylon connected to the piston and extending, in use, through an elongate slot in the wall of the drive line, the slot being sealed flexibly to allow the passage of the pylon, the pylon drivingly engaging the vehicle that is outside of the drive line.