Vacuum transport tube vehicle, system, and method for evacuating a vacuum transport tube
US10538254B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61B13/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum transport tube vehicle, system, and method for evacuating a vacuum transport tube are provided. The vehicle has a first end having a first end outer surface. An annular gap is formed between the first end outer surface and an inner surface of the vacuum transport tube. The vehicle has a second end having a second end outer diameter, and a body in the form of a piston with a structural framework. The vehicle has an orifice extending from a first inlet portion in the first end to a second outlet portion of the vehicle. The vehicle has a drive assembly coupled to the body, and a power system. The vehicle evacuates the vacuum transport tube by reducing pressure within the tube with each successive vehicle pass through the tube, until a desired pressure is obtained and a vacuum is created in the interior of the tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.