US3783793A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Track system having non-load bearing track switch
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-03-22
•
Granted: 1974-01-08
•
Expires: 1991-03-22
Abstract
Abstract The means of transportation include tracked vehicles, are especially applicable to railways and provide improvements relating particularly to the routing of vehicles at track branches. The means comprise a vehicle and two pairs of support tracks which define alternative routes for the vehicle at a branch, with one track of each pair not meeting the corresponding track of the other pair. The tracks continuously support the vehicle while passing over the branch, and guidance means are operative at and immediately before the branch to align the vehicle with respect to either one of the pairs of tracks whereby to select the corresponding route for the vehicle without relative movement of the support tracks.
Inventors
- 👤 F Perrott
- 👤 Aitken I Edington
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 07:50
CPC Classifications
B; B61; B61L; B61L11/00; B61L11/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
Means of transportation comprising a wheeled vehicle, two pairs of permanently stationary support tracks which define alternative routes for the vehicle at a track branch and which provide continuous support for all wheels of the vehicle while traversing the branch in any direction, the wheel-supporting surface of one track of each pair being spaced from the wheelsupporting surface of the corresponding track of the other pair, and guidance means in advance of the track branch with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle and being operative to divert a vehicle along either pair of support tracks at said branch, said guidance means serving solely to divert the vehicles laterally at the branch and being substantially free of the vertical load of the vehicle wheels in operation and comprising a guide which engages only the inner side of a vehicle support wheel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
Means of transportation comprising a wheeled vehicle, two pairs of permanently stationary support tracks which define alternative routes for the vehicle at a track branch and which provide continuous support for all wheels of the vehicle while traversing the branch in any direction, the wheel-supporting surface of one track of each pair being spaced from the wheelsupporting surface of the corresponding track of the other pair, and guidance means in advance of the track branch with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle and being operative to divert a vehicle along either pair of support tracks at said branch, said guidance means serving solely to divert the vehicles laterally at the branch and being substantially free of the vertical load of the vehicle wheels in operation and comprising a guide which engages only the inner side of a vehicle support wheel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
Means of transportation according to claim 1, wherein said guide is one of two such guides alternatively operable to switch vehicles to either side of said branch, and means rendering both of said guides inoperable simultaneously thereby to permit vehicles to pass through from either side of the branch when travelling in the trailing direction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
77 words
Means of transportation according to claim 1, wherein said guide is one of two such guides alternatively operable to switch vehicles to either side of said branch, said two guides having oppositely outwardly directed surfaces thereon that alternatively engage the inner sides of a pair of said vehicle support wheels, said oppositely directed surfaces having portions laterally spaced apart from each other a distance less than the distance between said inner sides of said pair of wheels.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-07 | 1977-07-09 | 1978-01-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-07 | 1981-07-09 | 1982-01-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-07 | 1985-07-09 | 1986-01-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |