Evacuated tube transport

• US 5,950,543 A
• Filed: 10/10/1997
• Issued: 09/14/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Et3.com Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Et3.com Incorporated
• Inventors: Oster, Daryl
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Mark T.
• Application Number:
  US08/948,978
• Time in Patent Office: 704 Days
• Field of Search: 104/138.1, 104/138.2, 104/130.05, 104/130.01, 104/27, 104/29, 104/28, 104/30, 104/31
• US Class Current: 104/138.1
• CPC Class Codes: B61B 13/10 Tunnel systems pneumatic tubes conveyors B65G ; B61C15/045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 30/00 Transportation of goods or passengers via railways, e.g. energy recovery or reducing air resistance

Abstract

An evacuated tube transport (ETT) system comprises: Evacuated tubes (200) along a travel route (100) for both directions; capsules (300) to transport occupants or cargo within the tubes; equipment (700) providing continuous transfer to tube while preserving vacuum; capsule suspension (400) that substantially eliminates drag; coordinated acceleration device (500); energy recovery braking (600); vibration control structures (820); tube alignment devices (230); automatic capsule switch (650) and synchronization (885); automated operation, inspection, and maintenance (810); methods of construction; redundant data (835), safety and security (880) systems. Low and high technology embodiments are comprehensively disclosed. Possibilities include replacement or augmentation of: vehicles, power lines, energy storage devices, power plants, heaters, air conditioning, water and sewer pipes, and communication cables and satellites. ETT provides continuous, environmentally benign, sustainable, local and international travel. Aerodynamic limitations, weather exposure, and obstacles are essentially eliminated; The system enables a quantum improvement in safety, speed and efficiency.

Claims

1. A tubular transportation system for transporting passengers/cargos, comprising:

a plurality of substantially evacuated tubes arranged along predetermined routes;

a plurality of capsules accommodating passengers/cargos received in said tubes for traveling along said predetermined routes, each said capsule including a cylindrical capsule hull having at least an opened end for slidably receiving a passenger/cargo module, said module including life supporting equipment, and heat exchanging means for providing comfort to passengers on board; and

a plurality of terminal stations for loading and unloading said capsules, each said terminal station having means for receiving an in-coming capsule from in-coming one of said tubes, withdrawing said module from said capsule hull so as to allow loading/unloading passengers/cargos, inserting said module into said capsule hull, and moving said capsule to an out-going one of said tubes.

2. The tubular transportation system of claim 1, wherein said capsules are provided with rolling means for guiding said capsules along said tubes.

3. The tubular transportation system of claim 1, wherein said terminal stations are provided with means for inserting/receiving said capsules from said tubes in a manner to maintain vacuum in said tubes.

4. A method of transporting passengers/cargos comprising steps of:

arranging a plurality of substantially evacuated tubes along predetermined routes;

providing a plurality of capsules for accommodating passengers/cargos for transporting passengers/cargos along said predetermined routes, wherein said step of providing further includes steps of providing a cylindrical capsule hull with at least an opened end, providing a passenger/cargo module adapted to be slidably received in said capsule hull, and providing life supporting equipment and heat exchanging means on said module for providing comfort to passengers on board; and

arranging a plurality of terminal stations at predetermined locations along said routes for loading and unloading said capsules, and providing, at said terminal stations, means for receiving an in-coming capsule from an incoming one of said tubes, withdrawing said module from said capsule hull so as to allow loading/unloading of passengers/cargos, inserting said module into said capsule hull, and moving said capsule to an out-going one of said tubes.

5. The method of claim 4, comprising a further step of providing rolling means on said capsules for guiding said capsules along said tubes.

6. The method of claim 4, comprising a further step of providing means for inserting/receiving said capsules from said tubes in a manner to maintain vacuum in said tubes.