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Dual-mode transporation system and power unit

  • US 5,845,583 A
  • Filed: 03/11/1997
  • Issued: 12/08/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/22/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A power unit for an electrically operated dual-mode vehicle, the dual-mode vehicle comprising a plurality of road wheels for moving on a roadway, a centrally disposed, downwardly opening, groove-shaped rail interface extending in a longitudinal direction of the dual-mode vehicle, the rail interface having a cross-sectional profile which corresponds to the cross-sectional profile of a substantially triangular rail, and including a power transmission means for engaging an electrically conductive section of the rail and a set of rail wheels for engaging the rail, the power unit comprising:

  • an energy store capable of transferring energy as electric current to the dual-mode vehicle,means for coupling the power unit to a dual-mode vehicle, the coupling means attachable to the dual-mode vehicle such that force from the rail wheels is exertable upon the power unit;

    a contact member engageable with the power transmission means,a substantially elongate shape, to, in turn, enable the power unit to be selectively positionable within the rail interface and directly engageable with the rail wheels.

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