The PneuTrain^® cars in concept are cylindrical with vacuum seals around their circumference (see Fig. 2, Ref. 1). Guide wheels with suspension keep the cars in place and provide smooth, consistent movement with minimum friction (see Fig. 1, Ref. 5 and Fig. 2, Ref. 2). Ballast designed into car floors will keep the cars level in straight travel and safely banked on curves in proportion to the train speed (see Fig. 1, Ref. 6 and Fig. 2, Ref. 3). The PneuTrain^® cars acting in the fashion of free pistons are propelled through the tube utilizing differential air pressure forward and aft of the train (see Fig. 1, Ref. 4).

The air propulsion is generated from the pneumatic impellers, which are driven by the turbines utilizing a chain drive system (see Fig. 1, Ref. 1) or a drive shaft.

The pneumatic impellers exclusive to this invention will be designed to fully adjust the pitch of their blades to be capable of effecting air propulsion in either direction on the fly without having to change impeller rotation or turbine speed. This makes the PneuTrain^® completely bi-directional in its travel capabilities (see Fig. 3, Ref. 2).

PneuTrain^® car travel speed, acceleration, deceleration, starting and stopping will be controlled by computer management of the system control components. The three system control components are:

       1. The impeller blade pitch (see Fig. 4, Ref. 1).
       2. Turbine speed (see Fig. 4, Ref. 2).
       3. Variable vacuum/pressure release valves (see Fig. 4, Ref. 3). 

The software-based control module with wireless input, exclusive to the PneuTrain^® will operate the system control components either individually or in combination as needed in direct proportion and movement of the PneuTrain^®’s throttle which will be manually operated by the conductor (see Fig. 4, Ref. 4). Manual overrides will be designed into the system for independent operation of the system control components in the event of a control module malfunction.

The PneuTrain^® cars will be equipped with battery-powered lighting and conditioned ventilation. A supplemental electrical motor will be on board that can be used to move the train completely independent of the pneumatic system in the unlikely event of pneumatic failure (see Fig. 4, Ref. 5). The electrical power needed to recharge the batteries will be generated by the PneuTrain^® system’s heat recovery steam generator. When PneuTrain^® cars are not in use, they will be connected to this recharging system to keep the batteries fully charged.

PneuTrain^® stations will employ the opening of sections in the tube to accommodate the loading and unloading of passengers (see Fig. 5, Ref. 1).

finally, pure AMERICAN innovation

...from an AMERICAN company

...using AMERICAN ENERGY!