Importance

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Abstract

A track system for transporting people and goods with two support rails plus a side stabilizer mechanism associated with one or both rails. The side stabilizer is employed to provide lateral stability and keep a vehicle's rail wheels on the support rails. The side stabilizer may be a protruding bar or a recessed groove. This track system enables vehicles to change support rails at a junction with stationary non-switching rails. Rail wheels roll over the support rails and support the weight of the vehicle while on the rails. Interior side rollers contact the interior of the bar side stabilizer and maintain the vehicle's rail wheels centered over the support rails. Exterior side rollers contact an exterior of one of the bar side stabilizers and forces the vehicle to stay on the current track or to change to a different track. Recessed grooves and dual-flange wheels can alternately provide side stabilization. At track junctions the vehicle can change direction, pass other vehicles, change lanes, turn-around, and load or unloading passengers or freight. This track system may be integrated with a conventional road system or with a controlled-access (autobahn/interstate) highway system. Optional road wheels allow the vehicle to exit the track system and travel on conventional roads, or dual-mode road/rail wheels can be used for travel on both track and pavement. An automatic traffic control system controls traffic on the track system and enables self-driving vehicles. Powering for the vehicles can be provided by the track system. The system can be miniaturized and used for the model/toy market.

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