Loading/unloading system and vehicle interface for a transportation system and methods of use

Abstract

A cargo container loading and unloading system for a transportation system, including a loading zone and at least one opening connecting the loading zone to a transportation tube of the transportation system. The opening is sized to allow passage of cargo containers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cargo container loading and unloading system for a transportation system, the cargo container loading and unloading system comprising:
 a loading zone; and   at least one opening connecting the loading zone to a transportation tube of the transportation system,   wherein the opening is sized to allow passage of cargo containers.   
     
     
         2 . The cargo container loading and unloading system of  claim 1 , wherein the loading zone is configured for receiving the cargo containers for loading and unloading the cargo containers through the opening into a transportation vehicle in the transportation system. 
     
     
         3 . The cargo container loading and unloading system of  claim 1 , further comprising an elevator system for moving the cargo containers from a receiving area to the loading zone. 
     
     
         4 . The cargo container loading and unloading system of  claim 3 , wherein the elevator system is operable to move the cargo containers vertically and/or horizontally. 
     
     
         5 . The cargo container loading and unloading system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the cargo containers is removeably attachable to a chassis. 
     
     
         6 . The cargo container loading and unloading system of  claim 1 , wherein the loading zone includes an automated guided vehicle system operable to move the cargo containers. 
     
     
         7 . The cargo container loading and unloading system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first pressure sensor arranged in the tube for quantifying a pressure in the tube;   a second pressure sensor arranged in the tube adjacent the opening for quantifying a pressure in a region adjacent the opening; and   a third pressure sensor in the loading zone for quantifying a pressure in the loading zone.   
     
     
         8 . The cargo container loading and unloading system of  claim 7 , further comprising a pump structured and arranged for increasing and decreasing pressure in the region adjacent the opening. 
     
     
         9 . The cargo container loading and unloading system of  claim 8 , further comprising a controller operable to control operation of the pump based on a pressure in the region adjacent the opening, and operable to control opening and closing of a door for the opening and a vehicle door. 
     
     
         10 . The cargo container loading and unloading system of  claim 1 , wherein the transportation vehicle includes a vehicle door, which provides access to a payload area of the transportation vehicle when opened. 
     
     
         11 . A method of operating a cargo container loading and unloading system for a transportation system, the method comprising:
 receiving a plurality of cargo containers in a loading zone having at least one opening connecting the loading zone to a transportation tube of the transportation system;   arranging at least one of the cargo containers for insertion into a transportation vehicle arranged in the transportation tube; and   inserting the at least one of the cargo containers into the transportation vehicle through the opening, while the transportation vehicle is arranged in the transportation tube.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising moving the cargo containers to the loading zone from a receiving area, wherein the moving comprises using one or more elevators. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising onboarding cargo containers into respective transportation vehicles arranged in respective transportation tubes. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the arranging the cargo containers for insertion into the transportation vehicle comprises arranging at least two cargo containers into a linearly arranged grouping for serial loading into the particular high-speed transportation vehicle. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the cargo containers includes a respective chassis, the method further comprising:
 receiving the at least one cargo container at the receiving area;   detaching the chassis; and   moving the at least one cargo container without the chassis in and/or to the loading zone.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising using an automated guided vehicle system operable to move the cargo containers in the loading zone. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the transportation vehicle includes a vehicle door, and wherein the opening includes a door operable to close the opening, the method further comprising closing the vehicle door and closing the door after the inserting. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the arranging the cargo containers is based on at least one of destination, transportation vehicle availability, a size of the cargo containers, and a current queue. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 receiving the transportation vehicle at the opening connecting the loading zone to a transportation tube;   opening a door that closes the opening and opening a vehicle door to provide an egress from an interior of the vehicle; and   unloading the cargo containers from the interior of the transportation vehicle.