US3872793A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Guided transport system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-01-22
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Granted: 1975-03-25
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Expires: 1993-01-22
Abstract
Abstract A guided transport system has tracks intersecting at cross-over points. The tracks have longitudinally extending guides which are flexible adjacent the points. The flexible portions of the guides are bowed horizontally to selectively align ends thereof with other ends of guides to establish a selected route through the points. Self-propelled vehicles engage the tracks and guides during movement on the tracks.
Inventors
- 👤 Pierre Patin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:21
CPC Classifications
B; B61; B61C; B61C11/00; B61B; B61B13/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A guided transport system comprising a track, sets of cross-over points in said track, a control device for each of said sets of points, a guide parallel to said track, a break in the continuity of said guide adjacent each of said sets of cross-over points, flexible portions for said guide adjacent each of said breaks of continuity of said guide deformable by said points control device, a vehicle comprising a bogie, support wheels for said bogie rotatable on horizontal axes and engaging said track and six guide wheels for said bogie on vertical axes on said bogie engaging said guide, each corner of said bogie having one of said guide wheels mounted thereon and each side of the central part of the bogie having one of said guide wheels mounted thereon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
A guided transport system comprising a track, sets of cross-over points in said track, a control device for each of said sets of points, a guide parallel to said track, a break in the continuity of said guide adjacent each of said sets of cross-over points, flexible portions for said guide adjacent each of said breaks of continuity of said guide deformable by said points control device, a vehicle comprising a bogie, support wheels for said bogie rotatable on horizontal axes and engaging said track and six guide wheels for said bogie on vertical axes on said bogie engaging said guide, each corner of said bogie having one of said guide wheels mounted thereon and each side of the central part of the bogie having one of said guide wheels mounted thereon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
126 words
A guided transport system comprising a track, sets of crossover points in said track, a control device for each of said sets of points, a guide parallel to said track, a break in the continuity of said guide adjacent each of said sets of cross-over points, flexible portions for said guide adjacent each of said breaks of continuity of said guide deformable by said points control device, a vehicle, support wheels for said vehicle rotatable on horizontal axes and engaging said track and six guide wheels for said vehicle on vertical axes engaging said guide, each corner of said vehicle having one of said guide wheels mounted thereon and each side of the central part of the vehicle having one of said guide wheels mounted thereon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
126 words
A guided transport system comprising a track, sets of crossover points in said track, a control device for each of said sets of points, a guide parallel to said track, a break in the continuity of said guide adjacent each of said sets of cross-over points, flexible portions for said guide adjacent each of said breaks of continuity of said guide deformable by said points control device, a vehicle, support wheels for said vehicle rotatable on horizontal axes and engaging said track and six guide wheels for said vehicle on vertical axes engaging said guide, each corner of said vehicle having one of said guide wheels mounted thereon and each side of the central part of the vehicle having one of said guide wheels mounted thereon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A transport system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said guide includes guide rails and ends for said guide rails having a slight outward taper adjacent said set of points.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
A transport system as claimed in claim 3, said plurality of tracks forming two adjacent tracks, four lateral guide rails at a cross-over point for said two tracks, the outer guide rail of said guide rails being rigid for one of the tracks being crossed, the three others of said guide rails being flexible and deformable in the plane of said tracks.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A transport system as claimed in claim 2, including a terminal linear portion for said guide having a length greater than the lateral wheel base of a vehicle on said Tracks.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
A transport system as claimed in claim 2, including means for holding each of said flexible portions of said guide comprising insulating rods connected to said portions and articulated on movable cross-pieces slidable in recesses transverse to said track in a support for said track and means for guiding said cross-pieces vertically and horizontally.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
94 words
A transport system as claimed in claim 6, said control device for each of said sets of cross-over points including a control rod parallel to said track, means for guiding said rod vertically and horizontally in a recess below said cross-piece recess, an upper face for said control rod opposite said movable cross-pieces, at least one groove in said face inclined with respect to said track, the number of said grooves increasing towards the ends of said guide, and a runner carried by the adjacent one of said cross-pieces in each of said grooves.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A transport system as claimed in claim 7, including a terminal portion for one of said grooves parallel to the direction of displacement of said control rod locking said track in normal position and in change-over position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
A transport system as claimed in claim 7, including a pedal, a transverse shaft for said pedal, a crank on said shaft, an arm parallel to said control rod articulated on said crank and a pusher on said arm in contact with the end of said control rod away from the point.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
79 words
A transport system as claimed in claim 2, said bogie having two axles pivotably mounted on their respective centers, pneumatic tires on said axles engaging said track, said six guide wheels engaging said guide, and said two central guide wheels being separated by the same transverse distance as each of said corner guide wheels, a cross-piece slidable in the transverse direction mounting said two central guide wheels and a rocker arm and levers connecting said cross-piece to said axles.
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) | 1978-03-24 | 1978-09-23 | 1979-03-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-24 | 1982-09-23 | 1983-03-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-24 | 1986-09-23 | 1987-03-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |