US3774544A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switching system for a moving unit guided along a track
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-03-10
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Granted: 1973-11-27
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Expires: 1992-03-10
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a switching system for a moving unit especially an air-cushion vehicle guided along a track, to have a selective connection between a main track and either of two branch tracks. The switching system comprises an assembly of two track sections. This assembly is mounted on an axis of rotation which is external to each branch track. By operating this assembly around this axis of rotation, one of the desired connections between the main track and the branch tracks can be obtained through one of the track sections.
Inventors
- 👤 P Mouillon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:30
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01B; E01B25/00; E01B25/22; E01B25/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A switching system for a moving unit guided along a track, especially for a vehicle supported by an air cushion, comprising an assembly of two track sections for selectively connecting a main track to either of two branch tracks, said assembly being rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation which is external to each branch track, wherein each track or track section extremity is fitted with a retractable seal which is capable of cooperating with a bearing surface formed on the corresponding track or track section extremity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A switching system for a moving unit guided along a track, especially for a vehicle supported by an air cushion, comprising an assembly of two track sections for selectively connecting a main track to either of two branch tracks, said assembly being rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation which is external to each branch track, wherein each track or track section extremity is fitted with a retractable seal which is capable of cooperating with a bearing surface formed on the corresponding track or track section extremity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein, in the case of an air-cushion transporter, the seal is constituted by an inflatable envelope which ensures leak-tightness between the track section and the connected track.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein the seals associated with the branch tracks are disposed in the same plane at right angles to the axis of rotation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
90 words
A switching system for a moving unit guided along a track, especially for a vehicle supported by an air cushion, comprising an assembly of two track sections for selectively connecting a main track to either of two branch tracks, said track sections being carried by a frame which is movable about an axis of rotation external to each branch track and is coupled to a control unit placed between the brancH tracks, said control unit comprising two jacks associated with means for converting a linear movement into a rotational movement.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
90 words
A switching system for a moving unit guided along a track, especially for a vehicle supported by an air cushion, comprising an assembly of two track sections for selectively connecting a main track to either of two branch tracks, said track sections being carried by a frame which is movable about an axis of rotation external to each branch track and is coupled to a control unit placed between the brancH tracks, said control unit comprising two jacks associated with means for converting a linear movement into a rotational movement.
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) | 1976-11-26 | 1977-05-28 | 1977-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-26 | 1981-05-28 | 1981-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-26 | 1985-05-28 | 1985-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |