Automated vehicle conveyance apparatus transportation system

Abstract

The Personal Mass Transit (PMT) system utilizes a removable vehicle conveyance apparatus and method for conveying transit vehicle car-pods and their contents from one transit station to another autonomously. Vehicle conveyance apparatus are stored off-line in storage silos and other areas awaiting on-demand transit system instruction to pickup vehicles at loading points and convey them to different stations as requested by occupants or pre-programmed instructions. The PMT system further utilizes a number of transmitter-receivers nodes and control computers to manage all aspects of operation of the transportation system. Any number of different types of PMT vehicles could ride the transit system when equipped with the correct coupling points and remain under the maximum combined curb weight of any particular area or type of transit track in order to be transported on the PMT system.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Applicant claims the benefit of priority of prior, co-pending provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 556,741, filed Nov. 7, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The invention disclosed herein relates in general to the field of transportation, and more particularly, to the autonomous conveyance of vehicles carrying people and commerce along tracks using detachable, self-conveyed apparatus.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Public mass transit is a good way to move a lot of people at one time. Established modes of public transportation are reliable and convenient for many daily transit riders. Except during the busiest of commute hours, seats are available and the mass transit systems run on time. If a rider wants to go somewhere, they simply walk to a bus stop or train station at a specific time, pay a transit fee, get on-board, and the transit ensues. Schedules are set at specific intervals and carriages are usually bi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an automated vehicle conveyance system called Personal Mass Transit (PMT) that uses lightweight car-pods that can be driven to a destination and then left behind. The system is efficient, environmentally friendly, and can be used in urban and suburban areas. The car-pods are connected to a vehicle conveyance apparatus that drives them along a network of elevated tracks, and riders can unload at any point along the way. The system is on-demand, meaning there is no set schedule, and riders can use the system as needed. The system also allows for easy parking and the use of drivable car-pods, making it easier to reach the final destination. Overall, the PMT system offers a compact, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for moving people and commerce in urban and suburban areas.

Problems solved by technology

Other on-demand transit systems have been proposed, but no solution has been found to relieve the urban and suburban area storage space issue.

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