Apparatus and method for maintaining the interior of a bridging element that interconnects evacuated tubes of a transportation system

Abstract

A bridging module provides sealable interconnection between segments of an evacuated tube transportation system. A pair of gate elements are horizontally transitioned by a drive mechanism from a stored configuration offset from the tube segments to a deployed configuration where an expanding mechanism presses them outward to seal portals to the tube segments. The module can thereby be vented while the tube segments retain vacuum. A rail carriage in the module can bridge between overhead capsule support rails of the tube segments. A lifting mechanism can lift the rail carriage into a rail carriage section above the portals to allow the gate elements to deploy. The gate elements can be supported by rails and/or linear bearings, and pressed outward by opposed pneumatic pistons located between them, e.g. proximal to the four corners of the gate elements. The drive mechanism can include a motor with rack and pinion.