Abstract:
A transport vehicle for traveling in a low-pressure environment structure is provided. The transport vehicle may include a deployable decelerator provided on the transport vehicle and configured to deploy from the transport vehicle to decrease a distance between the transport vehicle and the low-pressure environment structure. When the decelerator is deployed the decelerator is configured to increase drag forces opposing a direction of motion of the transport vehicle and decelerate the transport vehicle.
Abstract:
System for converting transmitted energy to vehicle movement and power conversion system movable within a waveguide. System for converting transmitted energy to vehicle movement includes a structure having an elongated tubular interior; a movable vehicle structured and arranged to move through the elongated tubular interior; at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the elongated tubular interior to transmit energy; and a receiver, carried by the movable vehicle, configured to receive the transmitted energy from the at least one energy source and to convert the received energy into at least one of electrical power and thrust for moving the vehicle.
Abstract:
A structure having at least one flexible material structured and arranged to withstand a tensile load, at least one support structure configured to support the flexible material and structured and arranged to withstand a compressive load, and at least one enclosed volume at least partially defined by the at least one flexible material, the at least one enclosed volume being configured to be maintained as a low-pressure environment
Abstract:
An adjustable variable atmospheric condition testing apparatus for testing an object includes an outer chamber, an inner chamber positioned inside and in fluid communication with the outer chamber, a vacuum pump configured to remove gas from the inner and outer chambers, and further configured to expel the removed gas via an exhaust, an intake configured to selectively introduce gas from ambient into the inner chamber via a valve, such that the introduced gas interacts with the object, and a sensor positioned downstream of the object and configured to detect a characteristic of the gas interacting with the object.
Abstract:
A high-speed transportation system, the system including at least one transportation tube having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube between stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the tube; a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the tube, and at least one tube sealer arranged along the at least one tube and configured to create an airlock in the at least one tube. In embodiments, the tube sealer may include a gate valve and/or an airbag.
Abstract:
A high-speed transportation system including at least one transportation tube having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube along a travel path between stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the tube, and a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the tube. At least a portion of the travel path is arranged over or in a body of water.
Abstract:
A power supply system and method for a vehicle movable within a structure is provided. The power supply system includes at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the structure to transmit energy within the structure, and a receiver, arranged on the vehicle to receive the energy transmitted from the energy source, being configured to convert the energy to electrical power and/or thrust.