Suspended Transport System

Abstract

A system involving a machine designed to travel along a suspended track. An electronic safety system working in conjunction with mechanical components allows for multiple machines to operate simultaneously on the same track. A specific configuration of mechanical components provides for several capabilities, high speed turns, track switching, and the use of an external power source.

What is claimed in this invention is: 
     
         1 . A human or product carrying system wherein a machine (see # 115 ,  FIG. 1 ) is suspended from an enclosed track (see # 10   c ). A carriage/drive system inside said enclosed truck allows said machine to move along the length of said track. The user or patron is a human riding upon or inside said machine. A computer control system allows said machine to operate with or without a patron onboard. This scenario may be desired when said machine is to carry freight or perform a specific task such as painting said track through means of automation. The computer control system also provides safety to the patron by overriding his or her actions whereby such actions are expressed through the manipulation of controls (see example # 90 ,  FIG. 2 ). Said controls are described in  claim 3 . Said enclosed track is further comprised of optional track switching mechanisms (see  FIGS. 5  thru  9 ). Said switching mechanisms allow for complex track configurations much like a train track. 
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein Said track requires specific dimensions and proportions (see  FIG. 3 ). Said dimensions arc relative to one another. Said dimensions provide optimal strength vs. material mass. Said dimensions should remain proportionate to one another when applied to tracks larger or smaller in size than the example provided.
 The specific dimensions of said track allows for placement of load wheels (see # 25 ). Said load wheels roll on the horizontal surfaces on either side of the slot (see  FIG. 2 . # 10   a ). Said load wheels must also it below the hot rails (see # 11 ). 
 Upper guide wheels (see # 30 ) are vertically adjustable. These wheels are positioned between the center scam (see  FIG. 3 , # 10   b ) and the hot rails. The purpose of these upper guide wheels is to “lock” said carriage/drive system square in said track. Upper guide wheels are necessary for tracks presenting, negative gravitational forces and for enabling the use of a dampener to control the swinging a machine may exhibit while traveling around a turn on said track. 
 Lower guide wheels (see # 40 ) are wheels which ride on the downward bent flanges (see  FIG. 3 , # 10   f ) on either side of said slot. Lower guide wheels also ride on the upward bent flanges of the track switch door (see  FIG. 9 , # 225 ). This system allows for a curved track switch door which is desirable when traveling at high speeds. 
 The specific dimensions of said track also allows for an electric motor (see # 50 ) on applications where gravity does not provide adequate propulsion. Said motor is sized for proper torque arid horsepower and is positioned inside of said track for optimal performance. Said motor is linked to said load wheels by means of a chain, belt, gear box or other type of power transmission. The rotation of said motor and load wheels propel said machine down the length of said track. 
 
     
     
         3 . The machine according to  claim 1  having controls which may be manipulated by the user, or set to a preset/default mode for use in transport, heavy traffic, or emergencies. Said controls manipulate the speed of said motor which is mechanically linked to wheels inside said track. These controls provide resistance to the patrons' muscles. This resistance can be applied though means such as but not limited to mechanical friction, magnetic, and or electronic resistance. This resistance gives the user a physical workout. A variety of mechanisms may be used to provide a physical workout to the patron. These mechanisms may include but are not limited to pedals, pull-cords, levers, or wheels. The speed control circuit (see # 55 ) located on each machine can be calibrated by the patron to provide desired speed in relation to desired physical exertion. Again, a preset/default mode may be entered for various reasons including medical emergencies, and extreme traffic congestion. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein electricity powers said motor through the means of internal hot rails (see  FIG. 4 ). Said hot rails are comprised of an insulator and conductor fastened to the inside of said track. The unique design allows for extreme high amperage draw for extended periods of time. Electricity is transferred from said hot rails through the means of conductive brushes/toilers attached to said carriage/drive system inside of said track. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein track Sensors (see # 12 ), e.g., proximity sensors, passive, active, photo, optical, magnetic, and or motion activated sensors are placed along the length of said track to provide traffic control safety as well as speed and location data of said machines. These sensors transmit signals to a reader attached to each machine. Said reader receives these signals and transmits them to a central processing unit (CPU). This information combined with wheel sensor data gives the CPU and patrons the ability to track location, speed, acceleration and deceleration of each machine. Wheel sensors are used as a fine unit of measurement between each track mounted proximity sensor. Said track mounted sensors provide calibration based on fixed locations. In the event that wheel sensors lose accuracy due to wheel wear, heavy braking or slippage, the machine will be recalibrated at the next track mounted sensor. Data such as motor temp, brake wear, and human vitals may also be transmitted back to the CPU. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said CPU is linked to a transmitter to “control” or override patrons manual controls located on said machines. The CPU is an integral part of the computer control system. Patrons have the option to accelerate and brake when desired, but the CPU and or authorized personnel have ultimate control over the patrons. This is for traffic control emergency situations, and overall safety of the entire system. Essentially, the CPU has control of every aspect of said motor and braking system, but allows complete patron control when safe to do so. If power to the system is disrupted, battery backups may provide power to an emergency default mode allowing said machines to return to a loading dock. Patrons can then disembark safely from their machines until the problem is resolved. 
     
     
         7 . Said track switching mechanism mentioned in  claim 1  operates through the use of an actuator (see # 250 ) linked to a moveable door(s) (see # 225 ). Said moveable door is attached inside the track switch section of said track. Track switches having only two positions require only one door. Track switches having three positions require two doors parallel to one another and operating in tandem. The door(s) span the gap created when one track is parted into two tracks. The door(s) create a bridge for the load wheels to roll across. Said carriage/drive system is allowed to roll freely through said track switch section when said door(s) is in any one of its discrete and proper locations. In the event that the door(s) jams or operates incorrect an override signal is transmitted to all said machines that are located within a specified distance. Brakes are applied immediately to prevent an impact. Said tracks dimensions and construction render said machine and patron by all means encapsulated by said track. In the event of an impact or switch failure this construction proves nearly impossible for said machine to disengage from said track. This is first and foremost the number one goal of this entire system. 
     
     
         8 . Actuation of said door mentioned in  claim 7  is controlled electronically or manually. Electronic control is executed through a variety of pathways:
 a. The patron riding in said machine may decide which way they would like, the door to be positioned by manipulating controls onboard said machine thereby sending a signal to the CPU. Said signals may also be transmitted via automated series. This series of signals would be based on the patrons desired destination. All track switches en route will operate automatically shall said patron choose the automated function. All track switch signals are received and processed by the CPU. Information regarding location, speed, acceleration, and deceleration of said machine(s) is gathered through means of various sensors mentioned in  claim 5 . In the event that one or more machines in front of said patron have not yet past over said switch track section the CPU must consider those patrons' track switch commands first. This system provides a safe way for each patron to switch tracks based on their individual intentions. 
 b. The position of said track switch door can also be manipulated through the means of an override switch accessible only to author red personnel. 
 c. The CPU may be programmed with qualifying conditions to warrant a track switch override. These conditions may include an emergency of any kind, or possibly the end of the day, whereas all machines must return to said loading dock. 
 d. Merging tracks are always controlled by the CPU unless otherwise performed by authorized personnel. The CPU controls right-of-way. This decision is based on many factors including but not limited to:
 Machine locations; 
 Machine speed, acceleration, and deceleration; 
 Track priorities and or traffic congestion; 
 Emergency vs. non-emergency machines. 
 
 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said track having an uphill assist for extremely steep or non-motorized gravity only applications. A channel (see # 18   a ,  FIG. 3 ) fixed to said track carries a moving line, i.e., cable, rope, chain, etc. An arm (see # 17 ) fixed to said machine engages said line through means of a one-way ratchet or cable clutch (see # 18   c ). Said line is moved by means of a motor or cranking mechanism. Said line is a continuous loop which returns to the bottom of said incline before re-entering said channel. The inclined section of track also having one-way safely stops (see # 15 ,  FIG. 3 ). Said safety stops are placed at adequate distances apart from one another. Safety stops prevent said machines from rolling down incline in the event that said line should break. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein towers (see  FIGS. 11  thru  18 ) are connected to said track through means of specialized components (see  FIG. 10 ). This system is unique to said suspended transport system. Tower to track connection is designed to be adjustable in many different directions. Said adjustability allows for easy efficient construction of the suspended transport system. Simple U-bolts and brackets are custom designed for the suspended transport system. Said Brackets provide a space between said tower and said track. This space is provided for extraneous electrical add-ons through the use of an electrical conduit. Add-ons are installed between said tower and said track. The construction described allows for easy tower replacement and repair. In other words, nothing else needs to be disassembled in order to remove said tower.