Patent US3603261A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3603261A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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High speed ground transportation vehicle
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1969-02-26
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Granted: 1971-09-07
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Expires: 1989-02-26
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle adapted for high speed ground transportation in the 200 to 600 miles per hour range. The vehicle is connected to a track by arms adapted to permit the vehicle to move away from the track and become airborne. The connection to the track is by means of air pressure pads.
Inventors
- 👤 Wayne Melvin Mann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:49
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V3/00; B60V3/02; B60V3/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
In combination with an elongate generally horizontally extending fixed track, a vehicle positioned above said track and adapted to move along the length thereof, a support member adapted to move longitudinally of said track restrained against vertical and lateral movement relative to said track and in gas-cushioned relationship therewith, means carried by said vehicle providing an aerodynamic airfoil so that an upwardly directed lifting force opposed to gravity is created on said vehicle upon movement of the same along said track at a relatively high speed compared to wheeled vehicles, and a rigid arm pivotally connected at one end to opposite vehicle and at its opposite end to said support for permitting said vehicle to be positioned at various distances from said track up to a maximum predetermined distance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
In combination with an elongate generally horizontally extending fixed track, a vehicle positioned above said track and adapted to move along the length thereof, a support member adapted to move longitudinally of said track restrained against vertical and lateral movement relative to said track and in gas-cushioned relationship therewith, means carried by said vehicle providing an aerodynamic airfoil so that an upwardly directed lifting force opposed to gravity is created on said vehicle upon movement of the same along said track at a relatively high speed compared to wheeled vehicles, and a rigid arm pivotally connected at one end to opposite vehicle and at its opposite end to said support for permitting said vehicle to be positioned at various distances from said track up to a maximum predetermined distance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination according to claim 1 wherein said arm is provided at its lower end with a surface complementarily formed relative to a similar surface on said track, means conveying air to the space between said surface to provide a cushion therebetween.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
The combination according to claim 1 wherein said vehicle includes ground wheels adapted to engage said track when the spacing between said vehicle and said track is a minimum. 4 The combination of claim 1 wherein the means for providing said airfoil is the body of the vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the body of said vehicle is a symmetrical airfoil having no inherent lift characteristics and wherein a separate airfoil carried by said body and space therefrom provides the necessary lift.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein air under a greater pressure than that of said air cushion is directed to the space between said surface of said arm and the complementary formed surface of said rail to permit greater clearances between said surfaces.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-06 | 1975-03-08 | 1975-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-06 | 1979-03-08 | 1979-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-06 | 1983-03-08 | 1983-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |