최소 단어 이상 선택하여야 합니다.
최대 10 단어까지만 선택 가능합니다.
다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
NTIS 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
DataON 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Edison 바로가기다음과 같은 기능을 한번의 로그인으로 사용 할 수 있습니다.
Kafe 바로가기국가/구분 | United States(US) Patent 등록 |
---|---|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 | US-0458248 (2014-08-12) |
등록번호 | US-9701319 (2017-07-11) |
발명자 / 주소 |
|
출원인 / 주소 |
|
인용정보 | 피인용 횟수 : 2 인용 특허 : 11 |
A transportation system is disclosed that includes a monorail (or other vehicle) along a column-supported rail and a movable weight system that repositions and/or accelerates a movable weight with respect to the movable weight's rail to counterbalance a moment associated with the weight and/or a cen
A transportation system is disclosed that includes a monorail (or other vehicle) along a column-supported rail and a movable weight system that repositions and/or accelerates a movable weight with respect to the movable weight's rail to counterbalance a moment associated with the weight and/or a centrifugal force of the monorail relative to the column, where some embodiments also mitigate resonance. Also disclosed is a linear induction motor (LIM) system that enables the LIM to tilt and thereby remain close to the rail, which mitigates potential thrust losses and/or air losses. Further disclosed is an air bearing system where the air bearing has a compliance and a resilience that minimizes air loss between the rail and the bearing. Additionally disclosed is a rotatable wedge system that essentially expands and/or contracts automatically to maintain an adjacency between two rail portions, where some embodiments also mitigate resonance.
1. A transportation system for moving a vehicle, which is able to carry a cargo, along a route that is generally defined by a plurality of support members, in a ground, and which employs each of a power source and an air supply for a supplying of an air, including: (i) a cross-sectionally curved rai
1. A transportation system for moving a vehicle, which is able to carry a cargo, along a route that is generally defined by a plurality of support members, in a ground, and which employs each of a power source and an air supply for a supplying of an air, including: (i) a cross-sectionally curved rail, having a cross-sectional shape that includes at least a curved portion, that is supported off the ground by the plurality of support members;(ii) a motor that is powered by the power source, wherein the vehicle is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor;(iii) an assembly, wherein the assembly: (a) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectionally curved rail, (b) is connectable to the vehicle such that when the assembly and vehicle are connected the assembly at least assists in enabling the vehicle to essentially hang from the cross-sectionally curved rail towards the ground, (c) is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor, and (d) is rotatable at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) an air bearing, wherein: (1) the air bearing is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail such that (A) the air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (B) the air bearing rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; (2) the air bearing is made of a compliant material; (3) the air bearing is inflated by the supplying of the air, from the air supply, to a cavity—wherein the cavity (A) is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the air bearing, (B) is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (C) has a cavity air pressure of a cavity air pressure magnitude; (4) the inflated air bearing has a first shape; and (5) the inflated air bearing is compliant such that the first shape of the inflated air bearing is able to, responsively to force, become temporarily deformed;(v) a control system, which includes at least one computer, that controls the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply;(vi) a passageway by which at least some of the air supplied to the cavity is able to exit the cavity;(vii) a plenum that is able to receive the air that has exited the cavity, wherein the plenum is at least partially defined by (1) a first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and (2) a first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a specific location of the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the air received by the plenum remains essentially sandwiched between the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(viii) a lubrication zone of air, having a lubrication zone height magnitude, wherein the lubrication zone of air: (a) results when an air pressure in the plenum achieves a sufficient magnitude of air pressure, (b) enables at least some of the air that has entered the plenum to exit the plenum such that the air exiting the plenum becomes the lubrication zone of air, (c) flows directly between a second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and a second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a particular location of the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the lubrication zone of air remains essentially sandwiched between the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail, (d) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (e) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is rotating at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ix) wherein the motor is a linear induction motor (‘LIM’);(x) wherein a distance, of less than 7 mm, is immediately between at least a portion of the LIM and the cross-sectionally curved rail—which is achieved by one or more bearings;(xi) wherein a primary of the LIM is attached to the assembly such that (1) the LIM moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail, which acts as a secondary of the LIM, and such that (2) the primary of the LIM rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xii) wherein: (a) the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also at least partially defines a semi-enclosed cavity, though at least the passageway slightly interrupts the semi-enclosed cavity;(b) the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also defines an aperture of the semi-enclosed cavity; and,(c) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail is positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity, without the inflated air bearing contacting the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that an area associated with the plenum is smaller than an area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity;(xiii) wherein in order for the sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum to be achieved the cavity air pressure magnitude achieves a sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude;(xiv) wherein: (a) when one of the following occurs: (1) a change in an estimated or a measured weight associated with the vehicle, (2) a change in an estimated or a measured weight associated with the cargo, and (3) a change in an estimated or a measured combined weight associated with the vehicle and the cargo—which will result in (A) the sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude becoming an adjusted sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude and (B) the sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum becoming an adjusted sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum: the control system will automatically cause the cavity air pressure magnitude to become adjusted, by controlling the supplying of the air by the air supply to the cavity, by an amount;(b) the control system's automatically causing of the cavity air pressure magnitude to become adjusted by the amount will cause (1) the adjusted sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude to be achieved—which will, automatically, also cause (2) the adjusted sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum to be achieved, since in order for the adjusted sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum to be achieved the cavity air pressure magnitude achieves the adjusted sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude; and,(c) the achieving of the adjusted sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum, at least, ensures that the lubrication zone of air continues to exist;(xv) wherein the achieving of the adjusted sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum, also, ensures that the lubrication zone height magnitude, of the lubrication zone of air, is not relatively increased, at least significantly so;(xvi) wherein: (a) the inflated air bearing is positioned between a first portion of the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail;(b) the primary of the LIM is attached to a second portion of the assembly; and,(c) the first portion of the assembly and the second portion of the assembly are mutually exclusive with respect to each other such that the primary of the LIM and the inflated air bearing are not adjacent; and,(xvii) wherein: at least part of the first portion of the assembly and at least part of the second portion of the assembly are on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail (1) such that the air bearing and the primary of the LIM are on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) such that the air bearing and the primary of the LIM remain on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail. 2. The transportation system of claim 1, wherein: increasing the cavity air pressure magnitude is able, at least in one or more situations—such as at least when the air bearing is in the process of becoming inflated initially—to at least assist in causing the LIM to be moved relatively closer to the cross-sectionally curved rail. 3. The transportation system of claim 2, wherein: the amount by which the control system will automatically adjust the cavity air pressure magnitude will, at least in part, be based on a sensor data received from a sensor. 4. The transportation system of claim 3, wherein: the sensor is a weight sensor, and the sensor data is sensed by the weight sensor, at least: (i) when the vehicle travels along a substantially straight portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and, again,(ii) when the vehicle travels along a laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail. 5. The transportation system of claim 1, wherein: (i) the inflated air bearing is compliant, vertically, such that the inflated air bearing is able to vertically comply, in response to a vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail; and,(ii) the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail but for the inflated air bearing's ability to vertically comply—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail, which there is no need for because the inflated air bearing is compliant, vertically. 6. The transportation system of claim 5, wherein: (i) the cylindrical rail also has (a) a first at least substantially straight portion, and (b) a second at least substantially straight portion, wherein the vertically curved portion is between and adjacent to the two at least substantially straight portions;(ii) when the inflated air bearing travels over the first at least substantially straight portion of the cylindrical rail (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a first height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of the first shape;(iii) when the inflated air bearing, next, travels over the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail;(iv) (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a second height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a second shape when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail because the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail;(v) when the inflated air bearing, next, travels over the second at least substantially straight portion of the cylindrical rail (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a third height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a third shape;(vi) the first shape and the third shape are at least substantially the same because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, vertically, to any significant degree when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the two substantially straight portions of the cylindrical rail;(vii) the second shape is different than each of the first and third shapes because the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail;(viii) the first height and third height of the lubrication zone height magnitude are at least substantially the same because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, vertically, to any significant degree when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the two substantially straight portions of the cylindrical rail;(ix) the second height is at least substantially the same height as each of the first height and the third height because the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail; and,(x) the first height, second height, and third height would not be at least substantially the same height but for the inflated air bearing complying, vertically, and thus having the second shape when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cylindrical rail. 7. The transportation system of claim 5, wherein: the inflated air bearing is able to vertically comply, at least potentially, a distance that is (a) more than 1% of a length of the inflated air bearing and (b) more than 1% of a width of the inflated air bearing. 8. A transportation system for moving a vehicle, which is able to carry a cargo, along a route that is generally defined by a plurality of support members, in a ground, and which employs each of a power source and an air supply for a supplying of an air, including: (i) a cross-sectionally curved rail, having a cross-sectional shape that includes at least a curved portion, that is supported off the ground by the plurality of support members;(ii) a motor that is powered by the power source, wherein the vehicle is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor;(iii) an assembly, wherein the assembly: (a) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectionally curved rail, (b) is connectable to the vehicle such that when the assembly and vehicle are connected the assembly at least assists in enabling the vehicle to essentially hang from the cross-sectionally curved rail towards the ground, (c) is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor, and (d) is rotatable at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) an air bearing, wherein: (1) the air bearing is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail such that (A) the air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (B) the air bearing rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; (2) the air bearing is made of a compliant material; (3) the air bearing is inflated by the supplying of the air, from the air supply, to a cavity—wherein the cavity (A) is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the air bearing, (B) is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (C) has a cavity air pressure of a cavity air pressure magnitude; (4) the inflated air bearing has a first shape; and (5) the inflated air bearing is compliant such that the first shape of the inflated air bearing is able to, responsively to force, become temporarily deformed;(v) a control system, which includes at least one computer, that controls the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply;(vi) a passageway by which at least some of the air supplied to the cavity is able to exit the cavity;(vii) a plenum that is able to receive the air that has exited the cavity, wherein the plenum is at least partially defined by (1) a first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and (2) a first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a specific location of the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the air received by the plenum remains essentially sandwiched between the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(viii) a lubrication zone of air, having a lubrication zone height magnitude, wherein the lubrication zone of air: (a) results when an air pressure in the plenum achieves a sufficient magnitude of air pressure, (b) enables at least some of the air that has entered the plenum to exit the plenum such that the air exiting the plenum becomes the lubrication zone of air, (c) flows directly between a second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and a second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a particular location of the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the lubrication zone of air remains essentially sandwiched between the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail, (d) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (e) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is rotating at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ix) wherein the motor is a linear induction motor (‘LIM’);(x) wherein a distance, of less than 7 mm, is immediately between at least a portion of the LIM and the cross-sectionally curved rail—which is achieved by one or more bearings;(xi) wherein a primary of the LIM is attached to the assembly such that (1) the LIM moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail, which acts as a secondary of the LIM, and such that (2) the primary of LIM rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xii) wherein: (a) the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also at least partially defines a semi-enclosed cavity, though at least the passageway slightly interrupts the semi-enclosed cavity;(b) the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also defines an aperture of the semi-enclosed cavity; and,(c) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail is positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity without the inflated air bearing contacting the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that an area associated with the plenum is smaller than an area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity;(xiii) wherein in order for the sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum to be achieved the cavity air pressure magnitude achieves a sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude;(xiv) wherein: (a) when one of the following occurs: (1) a change in an estimated or a measured weight associated with the vehicle, (2) a change in an estimated or a measured weight associated with the cargo, and (3) a change in an estimated or a measured combined weight associated with the vehicle and the cargo—which will result in (A) the sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude becoming an adjusted sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude and (B) the sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum becoming an adjusted sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum: the control system will automatically cause the cavity air pressure magnitude to become adjusted, by controlling the supplying of the air by the air supply to the cavity, by an amount;(b) the control system's automatically causing of the cavity air pressure magnitude to become adjusted by the amount will cause (1) the adjusted sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude to be achieved—which will, automatically, also cause (2) the adjusted sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum to be achieved, since in order for the adjusted sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum to be achieved the cavity air pressure magnitude achieves the adjusted sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude; and,(c) the achieving of the adjusted sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum, at least, ensures that the lubrication zone of air continues to exist;(xv) wherein: (a) the inflated air bearing is positioned between a first portion of the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail;(b) the LIM is attached to a second portion of the assembly; and,(c) the first portion of the assembly and the second portion of the assembly are mutually exclusive with respect to each other such that the primary of the LIM and the inflated air bearing are not adjacent;(xvi) wherein the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally, such that the inflated air bearing is able to laterally comply, in response to a laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xvii) wherein the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail but for the inflated air bearing's ability to laterally comply—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally;(xviii) the cross-sectionally curved rail also has (a) a first at least substantially straight portion, and (b) a second at least substantially straight portion, wherein the laterally curved portion is between and adjacent to the two at least substantially straight portions;(xix) when the inflated air bearing travels over the first at least substantially straight portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a first height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of the first shape;(xx) when the inflated air bearing, next, travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail the inflated air bearing complies, laterally, with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xxi) (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a second height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a second shape when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail because the inflated air bearing complies, laterally, with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xxii) when the inflated air bearing, next, travels over the second at least substantially straight portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a third height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a third shape;(xxiii) the first shape and the third shape are at least substantially the same because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, laterally, to any significant degree when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the first and second substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xxiv) the second shape is different than each of the first and third shapes because the inflated air bearing complies, laterally, with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xxv) the first height and third height are at least substantially the same because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, laterally, to any significant degree when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the first and second substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xxvi) the second height is at least substantially the same height as each of the first height and the third height because the inflated air bearing complies, laterally, when the inflated air bearing travels the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xxvii) wherein because the inflated air bearing complies, laterally, with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail: the second shape of the inflated air bearing resulting from the inflated air bearing complying, laterally, with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail is such that the second shape of the inflated air bearing includes a bulge that protrudes at a side portion of the inflated air bearing—wherein the word ‘side’ is meant in comparison to (i) a front of the inflated air bearing that, at least generally, faces in an at least roughly similar direction as the route and (ii) a rear of the inflated air bearing that, at least generally, faces in an opposite direction compared to the front of the inflated air bearing;(xxviii) wherein the first shape of the inflated air bearing does not include the bulge, and the third shape of the inflated air bearing does not include the bulge, because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, laterally, to any significant degree, when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the first and second substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(xxix) wherein but for the bulge the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because of the inflated air bearing's ability to laterally comply enables the inflated air bearing to have the second shape that includes the bulge. 9. The transportation system of claim 8, wherein: (i) the second shape of the inflated air bearing is such that the second shape of the inflated air bearing includes a second bulge—wherein the second bulge is associated with the rear of the inflated air bearing;(ii) the first shape of the inflated air bearing does not include the second bulge, and the third shape of the inflated air bearing does not include the second bulge because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, laterally, to any significant degree when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the first and second substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved cylindrical rail;(iii) the second shape of the inflated air bearing is such that the second shape of the inflated air bearing includes a third bulge—wherein the third bulge is associated with a portion of the front end of the inflated air bearing; and,(iv) the third bulge does not exist when the inflated air bearing has the first shape, and the third bulge does not exist when the inflated air bearing has the third shape because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, laterally, to any significant degree when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the first and second substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved rail. 10. The transportation system of claim 8, wherein: at least part of the first portion of the assembly and at least part of the second portion of the assembly are on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail (1) such that the air bearing and the primary of the LIM are on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) such that the air bearing and the primary of the LIM remain on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail. 11. The transportation system of claim 10, wherein: increasing the cavity air pressure magnitude is able, at least in one or more situations—such as at least when the air bearing is in the process of becoming inflated initially—to at least assist in: (1) causing the LIM to be moved relatively closer to the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) causing the portion of the LIM to be at the distance, of less than 7 mm, from the cross-sectionally curved rail. 12. The transportation system of claim 8, wherein: (i) the inflated air bearing, also, is compliant, vertically, such that the inflated air bearing is able to vertically comply, in response to a vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ii) the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail but for the inflated air bearing's ability to vertically comply—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because the inflated air bearing is compliant, vertically;(iii) the cross-sectionally curved rail, also, has (d) a third at least substantially straight portion, and (e) a fourth at least substantially straight portion, wherein the vertically curved portion is between and adjacent to the third and fourth at least substantially straight portions;(iv) when the inflated air bearing travels over the third at least substantially straight portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a fourth height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a fourth shape;(v) when the inflated air bearing, next, travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(vi) (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a fifth height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a fifth shape when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail because the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(vii) when the inflated air bearing, next, travels over the fourth at least substantially straight portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a sixth height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a sixth shape;(viii) the fourth shape of the inflated air bearing and the sixth shape of the inflated air bearing are at least substantially the same because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, vertically, to any significant degree when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the third and fourth substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ix) the fifth shape of the inflated air bearing is different than each of the fourth shape of the inflated air bearing and sixth shape of the inflated air bearing because the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(x) the fourth shape of the inflated air bearing and the sixth shape of the inflated air bearing each are at least substantially the same as the first shape of the inflated air bearing;(xi) the fourth shape of the inflated air bearing and the sixth shape of the inflated air bearing each are at least substantially the same as the third shape of the inflated air bearing;(xii) the fifth shape of the inflated air bearing, resulting from the vertical compliance of the inflated air bearing with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, is different than the second shape of the inflated air bearing, resulting from the lateral compliance of the inflated air bearing with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xiii) the fourth height and the sixth height are at least substantially the same (because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, vertically, to any significant degree when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the third and fourth substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xiv) the fifth height is at least substantially the same height as each of the fourth height and the sixth height because the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xv) the fourth height would not be at least substantially the same as each of the fifth height and the sixth height but for the inflated air bearing complying, vertically, and thus having the fourth shape when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and, (xvi) the first height, second height, third height, fourth height, fifth height, and sixth height of the lubrication zone height magnitude are at least substantially the same. 13. A transportation system for moving a vehicle, which is able to carry a cargo, along a route that is generally defined by a plurality of support members, in a ground, and which employs each of a power source and an air supply for a supplying of an air, including: (i) a cross-sectionally curved rail, having a cross-sectional shape that includes at least a curved portion, that is supported off the ground by the plurality of support members;(ii) a motor that is powered by the power source, wherein the vehicle is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor;(iii) an assembly, wherein the assembly: (a) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectionally curved rail, (b) is connectable to the vehicle such that when the assembly and vehicle are connected the assembly at least assists in enabling the vehicle to essentially hang from the cross-sectionally curved rail towards the ground, (c) is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor, and (d) is rotatable at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) an air bearing, wherein: (1) the air bearing is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail such that (A) the air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (B) the air bearing rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; (2) the air bearing is made of a compliant material; (3) the air bearing is inflated by the supplying of the air, from the air supply, to a cavity—wherein the cavity (A) is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the air bearing, (B) is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (C) has a cavity air pressure of a cavity air pressure magnitude; (4) the inflated air bearing has a first shape; and (5) the inflated air bearing is compliant such that the first shape of the inflated air bearing is able to, responsively to force, become temporarily deformed;(v) a control system, which includes at least one computer, that controls the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply;(vi) a passageway by which at least some of the air supplied to the cavity is able to exit the cavity;(vii) a plenum that is able to receive the air that has exited the cavity, wherein the plenum is at least partially defined by (1) a first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and (2) a first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a specific location of the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the air received by the plenum remains essentially sandwiched between the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(viii) a lubrication zone of air, having a lubrication zone height magnitude, wherein the lubrication zone of air: (a) results when an air pressure in the plenum achieves a sufficient magnitude of air pressure, (b) enables at least some of the air that has entered the plenum to exit the plenum such that the air exiting the plenum becomes the lubrication zone of air, (c) flows directly between a second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and a second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a particular location of the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the lubrication zone of air remains essentially sandwiched between the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail, (d) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (e) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is rotating at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ix) wherein the motor is a linear induction motor (‘LIM’);wherein a distance, of less than 7 mm, is immediately between at least a portion of the LIM and the cross-sectionally curved rail—which is achieved by one or more bearings;(xi) wherein in order for the sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum to be achieved the cavity air pressure magnitude achieves a sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude;(xii) wherein: (a) the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing-also at least partially defines a semi-enclosed cavity, though at least the passageway slightly interrupts the semi-enclosed cavity;(b) the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also defines an aperture of the semi-enclosed cavity; and,(c) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail is positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity, without the inflated air bearing contacting the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that an area associated with the plenum is smaller than an area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity;(xiii) the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally, such that the inflated air bearing is able to laterally comply, in response to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xiv) but for (1) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail being positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity such that the area associated with the plenum is smaller than the area-associated with the semi-enclosed cavity, and (2) the inflated air bearing being compliant, laterally: the inflated air bearing would otherwise not be able to comply, laterally, with the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because of: (1) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail being positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity, such that the area associated with the plenum is smaller than the area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity and (2) the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally;(xv) the inflated air bearing, also, is compliant, vertically, such that the inflated air bearing is able to vertically comply, in response to a vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(xiii) the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail but for the inflated air bearing, also, being compliant, vertically—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because the inflated air bearing, also, is compliant, vertically;(xiv) wherein the sufficient magnitude of air pressure is achieved when the inflated air bearing is at least slightly greater than, or alternatively at least roughly equal to, a magnitude associated with a load associated with a combined weight, of at least both (a) the vehicle and (b) the cargo, relative to an effective area associated with the inflated air bearing;(xv) wherein the control system's control of the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply is automatic;(xvi) wherein a primary of the LIM is attached to the assembly such that (1) the LIM moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail, which acts as a secondary of the LIM, and such that (2) the primary of the LIM rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(xvii) wherein one of the following: (a) when the inflated air bearing vertically complies to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail: in response to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail the primary of the LIM, simultaneously, becomes tilted—from a first angle relative to a surface of the assembly to a second angle relative to the surface of the assembly—wherein the tilting of the LIM, from the first angle relative to a surface of the assembly to the second angle relative to the surface of the assembly, causes a portion of the LIM to become relatively closer to the cross-sectionally curved rail than the LIM portion would otherwise be, when the LIM is travelling over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, but for the tilting of the LIM from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to the second angle relative to the surface of the assembly; and,(b) when the inflated air bearing laterally complies to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail: in response to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail the LIM, simultaneously, becomes tilted—from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to a third angle relative to the surface of the assembly—wherein the tilting of the LIM, from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to the third angle relative to the surface of the assembly, causes another portion of the LIM to become relatively closer to the cross-sectionally curved rail than the other LIM portion would otherwise be, when the LIM is travelling over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, but for the tilting of the LIM from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to the third angle relative to the surface of the assembly. 14. A transportation system for moving a vehicle, which is able to carry a cargo, along a route that is generally defined by a plurality of support members, in a ground, and which employs each of a power source and an air supply for a supplying of an air, including: (i) a cross-sectionally curved rail, having a cross-sectional shape that includes at least a curved portion, that is supported off the ground by the plurality of support members;(ii) a motor that is powered by the power source, wherein the vehicle is movable along the cylindrical rail by the motor;(iii) an assembly, wherein the assembly: (a) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectionally curved rail, (b) is connectable to the vehicle such that when the assembly and vehicle are connected the assembly at least assists in enabling the vehicle to essentially hang from the cross-sectionally curved rail towards the ground, (c) is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor, and (d) is rotatable at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) an air bearing, wherein: (1) the air bearing is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail such that (A) the air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (B) the air bearing rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; (2) the air bearing is made of a compliant material; (3) the air bearing is inflated by the supplying of the air, from the air supply, to a cavity—wherein the cavity (A) is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the air bearing, (B) is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (C) has a cavity air pressure of a cavity air pressure magnitude; (4) the inflated air bearing has a first shape; and (5) the inflated air bearing is compliant such that the first shape of the inflated air bearing is able to, responsively to force, become temporarily deformed;(v) a control system, which includes at least one computer, that controls the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply;(vi) a passageway by which at least some of the air supplied to the cavity is able to exit the cavity;(vii) a plenum that is able to receive the air that has exited the cavity, wherein the plenum is at least partially defined by (1) a first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and (2) a first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a specific location of the first surface portion of the cylindrical rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cylindrical rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cylindrical rail and, thus, the air received by the plenum remains essentially sandwiched between the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the first surface portion of the cylindrical as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cylindrical rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cylindrical rail;(viii) a lubrication zone of air, having a lubrication zone height magnitude, wherein the lubrication zone of air: (a) results when an air pressure in the plenum achieves a sufficient magnitude of air pressure, (b) enables at least some of the air that has entered the plenum to exit the plenum such that the air exiting the plenum becomes the lubrication zone of air, (c) flows directly between a second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and a second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a particular location of the second surface portion of the cylindrical rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cylindrical rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cylindrical rail and, thus, the lubrication zone of air remains essentially sandwiched between the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the second surface portion of the cylindrical rail as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cylindrical rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cylindrical rail, (d) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (e) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is rotating at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ix) wherein the motor is a linear induction motor (‘LIM’);(x) wherein a distance, of less than 7 mm, is immediately between at least a portion of the LIM and the cross-sectionally curved rail—which is achieved by one or more bearings;(xi) wherein in order for the sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum to be achieved the cavity air pressure magnitude achieves a sufficient cavity air pressure magnitude;(xii) wherein: (a) the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also at least partially defines a semi-enclosed cavity, though at least the passageway slightly interrupts the semi-enclosed cavity;(b) the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also defines an aperture of the semi-enclosed cavity; and,(c) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail is positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity, without the inflated air bearing contacting the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that an area associated with the plenum is smaller than an area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity;(xiii) the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally, such that the inflated air bearing is able to laterally comply, in response to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xiv) but for (1) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail being positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity such that the area associated with the plenum is smaller than the area-associated with the semi-enclosed cavity, and (2) the inflated air bearing being compliant, laterally: the inflated air bearing would otherwise not be able to comply, laterally, with the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because of (1) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail being positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity, such that the area associated with the plenum is smaller than the area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity, and (2) the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally;(xv) the inflated air bearing, also, is compliant, vertically, such that the inflated air bearing is able to vertically comply, in response to a vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(xvi) the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail but for the inflated air bearing, also, being compliant, vertically—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because the inflated air bearing, also, is compliant, vertically;(xvii) wherein the sufficient magnitude of air pressure is achieved when the inflated air bearing is at least slightly greater than, or alternatively at least roughly equal to, a magnitude associated with a load associated with a combined weight, of at least both (a) the vehicle and (b) the cargo, relative to an effective area associated with the inflated air bearing;(xiii) wherein the control system's control of the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply is automatic;(xiv) wherein a primary of the LIM is attached to the assembly such that (1) the LIM moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail, which acts as a secondary of the LIM, and such that (2) the primary of the LIM rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xv) wherein when the assembly and the vehicle are connected the vehicle is able to rotate at least partially around an axis that is at least substantially perpendicular to a portion of the assembly; and,(xvi) when the LIM rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail: a beam that is connected to the cross-sectionally curved rail, prevents a first aperture portion of the assembly from rotating, at least potentially, past the beam in a first rotational direction and (2) prevents a second aperture portion of the assembly from rotating, at least potentially, past the beam in a second rotational direction. 15. The transportation system of claim 14, wherein: (i) the beam has a first shape and a second shape;(ii) when the beam has a first shape: the assembly is able to rotate around the cross-sectionally curved rail, at least potentially, only up to a first maximum number of degrees;(iii) when the beam has a second shape: the assembly is able to rotate around the cross-sectionally curved rail, at least potentially, only up to a second maximum number of degrees; and,(iv) the second maximum number of degrees is less than the first maximum number of degrees. 16. A transportation system for moving a vehicle, which is able to carry a cargo, along a route that is generally defined by a plurality of support members, in a ground, and which employs each of a power source and an air supply for a supplying of an air, including: (i) a cross-sectionally curved rail, having a cross-sectional shape that includes at least a curved portion, that is supported off the ground by the plurality of support members;(ii) a motor that is powered by the power source, wherein the vehicle is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor;(iii) an assembly, wherein the assembly: (a) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectionally curved rail, (b) is connectable to the vehicle such that when the assembly and vehicle are connected the assembly at least assists in enabling the vehicle to essentially hang from the cross-sectionally curved rail towards the ground, (c) is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor, and (d) is rotatable at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) an air bearing, wherein: (1) the air bearing is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail such that (A) the air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (B) the air bearing rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; (2) the air bearing is made of a compliant material; (3) the air bearing is inflated by the supplying of the air, from the air supply, to a cavity—wherein the cavity (A) is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the air bearing, (B) is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (C) has a cavity air pressure of a cavity air pressure magnitude; (4) the inflated air bearing has a first shape; and (5) the inflated air bearing is compliant such that the first shape of the inflated air bearing is able to, responsively to force, become temporarily deformed;(v) a control system, which includes at least one computer, that controls the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply;(vi) a passageway by which at least some of the air supplied to the cavity is able to exit the cavity;(vii) a plenum that is able to receive the air that has exited the cavity, wherein the plenum is at least partially defined by (1) a first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and (2) a first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a specific location of the first surface portion of the cylindrical rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cylindrical rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cylindrical rail and, thus, the air received by the plenum remains essentially sandwiched between the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the first surface portion of the cylindrical as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cylindrical rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cylindrical rail;(viii) a lubrication zone of air, having a lubrication zone height magnitude, wherein the lubrication zone of air: (a) results when an air pressure in the plenum achieves a sufficient magnitude of air pressure, (b) enables at least some of the air that has entered the plenum to exit the plenum such that the air exiting the plenum becomes the lubrication zone of air, (c) flows directly between a second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and a second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a location of the second surface portion of the cylindrical rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cylindrical rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cylindrical rail and, thus, the lubrication zone of air remains essentially sandwiched between the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the second surface portion of the cylindrical rail as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cylindrical rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cylindrical rail, (d) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (e) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is rotating at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ix) wherein the motor is a linear induction motor (‘LIM’);(x) one or more bearings prevent the LIM from contacting the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xi) a primary of the LIM is attached to the assembly such that (1) the LIM moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail, which acts as a secondary of the LIM, and such that (2) the LIM rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved cylindrical rail;(xii) (1) the air bearing and the primary of the LIM are on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) the air bearing and the primary of the LIM remain on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xiii) the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also at least partially defines a semi-enclosed cavity, though at least the passageway slightly interrupts the semi-enclosed cavity;(xiv) the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also defines an aperture of the semi-enclosed cavity; and,(xv) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail is positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity, without the inflated air bearing contacting the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that an area associated with the plenum is smaller than an area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity;(xvi) the cross-sectionally curved rail has (a) a laterally curved portion, (b) a first at least substantially straight portion, and (b) a second at least substantially straight portion, wherein the laterally curved portion is between and adjacent to the two at least substantially straight portions;(xvii) when the inflated air bearing travels over the first at least substantially straight portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a first height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of the first shape;(xviii) when the inflated air bearing, next, travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail the inflated air bearing complies, laterally, with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xix) (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a second height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a second shape when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, because the inflated air bearing complies, laterally, with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xx) when the inflated air bearing, next, travels over the second at least substantially straight portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a third height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a third shape;(xxi) the first shape and the third shape are at least substantially the same, because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, laterally, to any significant degree when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the first and second substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xxii) the second shape is different than each of the first and third shapes, because the inflated air bearing complies, laterally, with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved cylindrical rail;(xxiii) the first height and third height are at least substantially the same, because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, laterally, to any significant degree when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the first and second substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xxiv) the second height is at least substantially the same height as each of the first height and the third height, because the inflated air bearing complies, laterally, when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(xxv) the first height, second height, and third height would not be at least substantially the same height but for the inflated air bearing complying, laterally, and thus having the second shape when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail. 17. The transportation system of claim 16, wherein: (i) the cross-sectionally curved rail, also, has (d) a vertically curved portion, (e) a third at least substantially straight portion, and (f) a fourth at least substantially straight portion, wherein the vertically curved portion is between and adjacent to the third and fourth at least substantially straight portions;(ii) when the inflated air bearing travels over the third at least substantially straight portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a fourth height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a fourth shape;(iii) when the inflated air bearing, next, travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a fifth height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a fifth shape when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail because the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(v) when the inflated air bearing, next, travels over the fourth at least substantially straight portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail (a) the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air is of a sixth height and (b) the inflated air bearing is of a sixth shape;(vi) the fourth shape of the inflated air bearing and the sixth shape of the inflated air bearing are at least substantially the same, because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, vertically, to any significant degree, when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the third and fourth substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(vii) the fifth shape of the inflated air bearing is different than each of the fourth shape of the inflated air bearing and sixth shape of the inflated air bearing, because the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(viii) the fourth shape of the inflated air bearing and the sixth shape of the inflated air bearing each are at least substantially the same as the first shape of the inflated air bearing;(ix) the fourth shape of the inflated air bearing and the sixth shape of the inflated air bearing each are at least substantially the same as the third shape of the inflated air bearing;(x) the fifth shape of the inflated air bearing, resulting from the vertical compliance of the inflated air bearing with respect to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, is different than the second shape of the inflated air bearing, resulting from the lateral compliance of the inflated air bearing with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xi) the fourth height and the sixth height are at least substantially the same, because the inflated air bearing does not need to comply, vertically, to any significant degree, when the inflated air bearing travels over either of the third and fourth substantially straight portions of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xii) the fifth height is at least substantially the same height as each of the fourth height and the sixth height, because the inflated air bearing complies, vertically, when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xiii) the fourth height would not be at least substantially the same as each of the fifth height and the sixth height but for the inflated air bearing complying, vertically, and thus having the fourth shape when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(xiv) the first height, second height, third height, fourth height, fifth height, and sixth height are at least substantially the same. 18. The transportation system of claim 16, wherein: (i) when the inflated air bearing travels over the substantially straight portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, at least a significant percentage of the inflated air bearing is positioned above a top-side of the cross-sectionally curved rail, wherein the top-side of the cross-sectionally curved rail is substantially opposite to a bottom-side of the cross-sectionally curved rail that faces generally towards the ground;(ii) a vertical curve of the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail is at least substantially perpendicular to the ground;(iii) when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, at least the significant percentage of the inflated air bearing is positioned above the top-side of the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) a lateral curve of the laterally curved portion is at least substantially parallel to the ground to the ground; and,(v) when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, less than at least the significant percentage of the inflated air bearing is positioned above the top-side of the cross-sectionally curved rail. 19. The transportation system of claim 16, wherein: the material of which the air bearing is made is, at least partially, at least one of: (a) reinforced neoprene, (b) urethane, and (c) polypropylene. 20. The transportation system of claim 16, wherein: (i) the one or more bearings do not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail because there is thin layer of air between the one or more bearings and the rail; and,(ii) the primary of the LIM is attached to the assembly by one or more springs. 21. The transportation system of claim 16, wherein: (i) a length of the inflated air bearing is greater than a width of the inflated air bearing;(ii) a length of the plenum is greater than a width of the plenum;(iii) a length of the semi-enclosed cavity is greater than a width of the semi-enclosed cavity;(iv) the cavity air pressure magnitude is at least approximately equal to the sufficient magnitude of air pressure in the plenum;(v) the inflated air bearing is compliant, vertically, such that the inflated air bearing is able to vertically comply, at least potentially, a distance that is (a) more than 1% of a length of the inflated air bearing and (b) more than 1% of a width of the inflated air bearing;(vi) the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally, such that the inflated air bearing is able to laterally comply, at least potentially, a distance that is (a) more than 1% of a length of the inflated air bearing and (b) more than 1% of a width of the inflated air bearing;(vii) the area associated with the plenum is at least 10% smaller than the area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity; and,(viii) at least a portion of the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing is at an angle relative to at least a portion of the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing that is at least 15 degrees. 22. The transportation system of claim 16, wherein: (i) in response to a portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail that is, simultaneously, (a) vertically curved and (b) laterally curved, the inflated air bearing is able to, simultaneously, (a) vertically and (b) laterally comply such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail that is, simultaneously, (a) vertically curved and (b) laterally curved when the inflated air bearing travels over the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(ii) the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail that is, simultaneously, (a) vertically curved and (b) laterally curved when the inflated air bearing travels over the cross-sectionally curved rail but for the inflated air bearing's ability to, simultaneously, (a) vertically and (b) laterally comply—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail that is, simultaneously, (a) vertically curved and (b) laterally curved, which there is no need for because the inflated air bearing is compliant, simultaneously, (a) vertically and (b) laterally. 23. A transportation system for moving a vehicle, which is able to carry a cargo, along a route that is generally defined by a plurality of support members, in a ground, and which employs each of a power source and an air supply for a supplying of an air, including: (i) a cross-sectionally curved rail, having a cross-sectional shape that includes at least a curved portion, that is supported off the ground by the plurality of support members;(ii) a motor that is powered by the power source, wherein the vehicle is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor;(iii) an assembly, wherein the assembly: (a) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectionally curved rail, (b) is connectable to the vehicle such that when the assembly and vehicle are connected the assembly at least assists in enabling the vehicle to essentially hang from the cross-sectionally curved rail towards the ground, (c) is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor, and (d) is rotatable at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) an air bearing, wherein: (1) the air bearing is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail such that (A) the air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (B) the air bearing rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; (2) the air bearing is made of a compliant material; (3) the air bearing is inflated by the supplying of the air, from the air supply, to a cavity—wherein the cavity (A) is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the air bearing, (B) is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (C) has a cavity air pressure of a cavity air pressure magnitude; (4) the inflated air bearing has a first shape; and (5) the inflated air bearing is compliant such that the first shape of the inflated air bearing is able to, responsively to force, become temporarily deformed;(v) a control system, which includes at least one computer, that controls the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply;(vi) a passageway by which at least some of the air supplied to the cavity is able to exit the cavity;(vii) a plenum that is able to receive the air that has exited the cavity, wherein the plenum is at least partially defined by (1) a first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and (2) a first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a specific location of the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the air received by the plenum remains essentially sandwiched between the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(viii) a lubrication zone of air, having a lubrication zone height magnitude, wherein the lubrication zone of air: (a) results when an air pressure in the plenum achieves a sufficient magnitude of air pressure, (b) enables at least some of the air that has entered the plenum to exit the plenum such that the air exiting the plenum becomes the lubrication zone of air, (c) flows directly between a second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and a second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved such that a particular location of the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the lubrication zone of air remains essentially sandwiched between the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail, (d) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (e) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is rotating at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ix) wherein the motor is a linear induction motor (‘LIM’);(x) wherein the cross-sectionally curved rail includes a vertically curved portion;(xi) wherein the inflated air bearing able to vertically comply to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(xii) wherein when the inflated air bearing vertically complies to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail: in response to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail a primary of the LIM that is attached to the assembly, simultaneously, becomes tilted—from a first angle relative to a surface of the assembly to a second angle relative to the surface of the assembly—wherein the tilting of the LIM, from the first angle relative to a surface of the assembly to the second angle relative to the surface of the assembly, causes a portion of the LIM to become relatively closer to the cross-sectionally curved rail than the LIM portion would otherwise be, when the LIM is travelling over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, but for the tilting of the LIM from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to the second angle relative to the surface of the assembly. 24. The transportation system of claim 23, wherein: (i) wherein the cross-sectionally curved rail includes a laterally curved portion;(ii) the inflated air bearing is also able to laterally comply to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(iii) when the inflated air bearing laterally complies to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail: in response to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail the primary of the LIM, simultaneously, becomes tilted—i.e., from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to a third angle relative to the surface of the assembly—wherein the tilting of the LIM, from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to the third angle relative to the surface of the assembly, causes another portion of the LIM to become relatively closer to the cross-sectionally curved rail than the other LIM portion would otherwise be, when the LIM is travelling over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, but for the tilting of the LIM from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to the third angle relative to the surface of the assembly. 25. A transportation system for moving a vehicle, which is able to carry a cargo, along a route that is generally defined by a plurality of support members, in a ground, and which employs each of a power source and an air supply for a supplying of an air, including: (i) a cross-sectionally curved rail, having a cross-sectional shape that includes at least a curved portion, that is supported off the ground by the plurality of support members;(ii) a motor that is powered by the power source, wherein the vehicle is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor;(iii) an assembly, wherein the assembly: (a) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectionally curved rail, (b) is connectable to the vehicle such that when the assembly and vehicle are connected the assembly at least assists in enabling the vehicle to essentially hang from the cross-sectionally curved rail towards the ground, (c) is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor, and (d) is rotatable at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) an air bearing, wherein: (1) the air bearing is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail such that (A) the air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (B) the air bearing rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; (2) the air bearing is made of a compliant material; (3) the air bearing is inflated by the supplying of the air, from the air supply, to a cavity—wherein the cavity (A) is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the air bearing, (B) is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (C) has a cavity air pressure of a cavity air pressure magnitude; (4) the inflated air bearing has a first shape; and (5) the inflated air bearing is compliant such that the first shape of the inflated air bearing is able to, responsively to force, become temporarily deformed;(v) a control system, which includes at least one computer, that controls the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply;(vi) a passageway by which at least some of the air supplied to the cavity is able to exit the cavity;(vii) a plenum that is able to receive the air that has exited the cavity, wherein the plenum is at least partially defined by (1) a first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and (2) a first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a specific location of the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the air received by the plenum remains essentially sandwiched between the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(viii) a lubrication zone of air, having a lubrication zone height magnitude, wherein the lubrication zone of air: (a) results when an air pressure in the plenum achieves a sufficient magnitude of air pressure, (b) enables at least some of the air that has entered the plenum to exit the plenum such that the air exiting the plenum becomes the lubrication zone of air, (c) flows directly between a second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and a second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a particular location of the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the lubrication zone of air remains essentially sandwiched between the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail, (d) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (e) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is rotating at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ix) wherein the motor is a linear induction motor (‘LIM’);(x) wherein the cross-sectionally curved rail includes a laterally curved portion;(xi) wherein the inflated air bearing able to laterally comply to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(xii) wherein when the inflated air bearing laterally complies to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail: in response to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail a primary of the LIM that is attached to the assembly, simultaneously, becomes tilted—from a first angle relative to a surface of the assembly to a second angle relative to the surface of the assembly—wherein the tilting of the LIM, from the first angle relative to a surface of the assembly to the second angle relative to the surface of the assembly, causes a portion of the LIM to become relatively closer to the cross-sectionally curved rail than the LIM portion would otherwise be, when the LIM is travelling over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, but for the tilting of the LIM from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to the second angle relative to the surface of the assembly. 26. The transportation system of claim 25, wherein: (i) wherein the cross-sectionally curved rail includes a vertically curved portion;(ii) the inflated air bearing is also able to vertically comply to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(iii) when the inflated air bearing vertically complies to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail: in response to the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail the primary of the LIM, simultaneously, becomes tilted—from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to a third angle relative to the surface of the assembly—wherein the tilting of the LIM, from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to the third angle relative to the surface of the assembly, causes another portion of the LIM to become relatively closer to the cross-sectionally curved rail than the other LIM portion would otherwise be, when the LIM is travelling over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, but for the tilting of the LIM from the first angle relative to the surface of the assembly to the third angle relative to the surface of the assembly. 27. A transportation system for moving a vehicle, which is able to carry a cargo, along a route that is generally defined by a plurality of support members, in a ground, and which employs each of a power source and an air supply for a supplying of an air, including: (i) a cross-sectionally curved rail, having a cross-sectional shape that includes at least a curved portion, that is supported off the ground by the plurality of support members;(ii) a motor that is powered by the power source, wherein the vehicle is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor;(iii) an assembly, wherein the assembly: (a) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectionally curved rail, (b) is connectable to the vehicle such that when the assembly and vehicle are connected the assembly at least assists in enabling the vehicle to essentially hang from the cross-sectionally curved rail towards the ground, (c) is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor, and (d) is rotatable at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) an air bearing, wherein: (1) the air bearing is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail such that (A) the air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (B) the air bearing rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; (2) the air bearing is made of a compliant material; (3) the air bearing is inflated by the supplying of the air, from the air supply, to a cavity—wherein the cavity (A) is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the air bearing, (B) is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (C) has a cavity air pressure of a cavity air pressure magnitude; (4) the inflated air bearing has a first shape; and (5) the inflated air bearing is compliant such that the first shape of the inflated air bearing is able to, responsively to force, become temporarily deformed;(v) a control system, which includes at least one computer, that controls the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply;(vi) a passageway by which at least some of the air supplied to the cavity is able to exit the cavity;(vii) a plenum that is able to receive the air that has exited the cavity, wherein the plenum is at least partially defined by (1) a first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and (2) a first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a specific location of the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the air received by the plenum remains essentially sandwiched between the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(viii) a lubrication zone of air, having a lubrication zone height magnitude, wherein the lubrication zone of air: (a) results when an air pressure in the plenum achieves a sufficient magnitude of air pressure, (b) enables at least some of the air that has entered the plenum to exit the plenum such that the air exiting the plenum becomes the lubrication zone of air, (c) flows directly between a second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and a second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a particular location of the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the lubrication zone of air remains essentially sandwiched between the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail, (d) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (e) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is rotating at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ix) wherein the motor is a linear induction motor (‘LIM’);(x) wherein a primary of the LIM is attached to the assembly such that (1) the LIM moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail, which acts as a secondary of the LIM, and such that (2) the primary of the LIM rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(xi) wherein: (a) the inflated air bearing is positioned between a first portion of the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail;(b) the LIM is attached to a second portion of the assembly; and,(c) the first portion of the assembly and the second portion of the assembly are on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail (1) such that the air bearing and the primary of the LIM are on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) such that the air bearing and the primary of the LIM remain on respectively opposite sides of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail. 28. The transportation system of claim 27, wherein: (i) the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also at least partially defines a semi-enclosed cavity, though at least the passageway slightly interrupts the semi-enclosed cavity;(ii) the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing also defines an aperture of the semi-enclosed cavity; and,(iii) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail is positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity, without the inflated air bearing contacting the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that an area associated with the plenum is smaller than an area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity. 29. The transportation system of claim 28, wherein: but for (1) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail being positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity such that the area associated with the plenum is smaller than the area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity, and (2) the inflated air bearing being compliant, laterally: the inflated air bearing would otherwise not be able to comply, laterally, with the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because of (1) the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail being positioned inside the semi-enclosed cavity, such that the area associated with the plenum is smaller than the area associated with the semi-enclosed cavity, and (2) the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally. 30. The transportation system of claim 28, wherein: the semi-enclosed cavity is, also, at least partially defined by a brake pad. 31. The transportation system of claim 27, wherein: (i) the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally, such that the inflated air bearing is able to laterally comply, in response to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(ii) the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail but for the inflated air bearing, also, being compliant, laterally—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because the inflated air bearing, also, is compliant, laterally. 32. The transportation system of claim 31, wherein: (i) the inflated air bearing, also, is compliant, vertically, such that the inflated air bearing is able to vertically comply, in response to a vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(ii) the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail but for the inflated air bearing, also, being compliant, vertically—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because the inflated air bearing, also, is compliant, vertically. 33. The transportation system of claim 27, wherein: (i) the inflated air bearing is compliant, vertically, such that the inflated air bearing is able to vertically comply, in response to a vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail; and,(ii) the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail but for the inflated air bearing, also, being compliant, vertically—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude of the lubrication zone of air were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the vertically curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because the inflated air bearing, also, is compliant, vertically. 34. A transportation system for moving a vehicle, which is able to carry a cargo, along a route that is generally defined by a plurality of support members, in a ground, and which employs each of a power source and an air supply for a supplying of an air, including: (i) a cross-sectionally curved rail, having a cross-sectional shape that includes at least a curved portion, that is supported off the ground by the plurality of support members;(ii) a motor that is powered by the power source, wherein the vehicle is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor;(iii) an assembly, wherein the assembly: (a) at least partially surrounds the cross-sectionally curved rail, (b) is connectable to the vehicle such that when the assembly and vehicle are connected the assembly at least assists in enabling the vehicle to essentially hang from the cross-sectionally curved rail towards the ground, (c) is movable along the cross-sectionally curved rail by the motor, and (d) is rotatable at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(iv) an air bearing, wherein: (1) the air bearing is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail such that (A) the air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (B) the air bearing rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail when the assembly rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail; (2) the air bearing is made of a compliant material; (3) the air bearing is inflated by the supplying of the air, from the air supply, to a cavity—wherein the cavity (A) is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the air bearing, (B) is positioned between the assembly and the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (C) has a cavity air pressure of a cavity air pressure magnitude; (4) the inflated air bearing has a first shape; and (5) the inflated air bearing is compliant such that the first shape of the inflated air bearing is able to, responsively to force, become temporarily deformed;(v) a control system, which includes at least one computer, that controls the supplying of the air to the cavity by the air supply;(vi) a passageway by which at least some of the air supplied to the cavity is able to exit the cavity;(vii) a plenum that is able to receive the air that has exited the cavity, wherein the plenum is at least partially defined by (1) a first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and (2) a first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a specific location of the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the air received by the plenum remains essentially sandwiched between the first outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the first surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved as the inflated air bearing one or more of (a) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (b) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(viii) a lubrication zone of air, having a lubrication zone height magnitude, wherein the lubrication zone of air: (a) results when an air pressure in the plenum achieves a sufficient magnitude of air pressure, (b) enables at least some of the air that has entered the plenum to exit the plenum such that the air exiting the plenum becomes the lubrication zone of air, (c) flows directly between a second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and a second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail such that a particular location of the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail varies as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail and, thus, the lubrication zone of air remains essentially sandwiched between the second outer surface portion of the inflated air bearing and the second surface portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail as the inflated air bearing one or more of (1) moves along the cross-sectionally curved rail and (2) rotates at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail, (d) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is moved along the cross-sectionally curved rail, and (e) at least assists in enabling the inflated air bearing to not contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing is rotating at least partially around the cross-sectionally curved rail;(ix) wherein the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally, such that the inflated air bearing is able to laterally comply, in response to a laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the inflated air bearing does not contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail;(x) wherein the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail but for the inflated air bearing's ability to laterally comply—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which, there is no need for because the inflated air bearing is compliant, laterally;(xi) wherein because the inflated air bearing complies, laterally, with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail: a second shape of the inflated air bearing results from the inflated air bearing complying, laterally, with respect to the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, such that the second shape of the inflated air bearing includes a bulge that protrudes at a side portion of the inflated air bearing—wherein the word ‘side’ is meant in comparison to (i) a front of the inflated air bearing that, at least generally, faces an at least roughly similar direction as the route and (ii) a rear of the inflated air bearing that, at least generally, faces in an opposite direction compared to the front of the inflated air bearing;(xii) wherein the first shape of the inflated air bearing does not include the bulge; and,(xiii) wherein but for the bulge the inflated air bearing would otherwise contact the cross-sectionally curved rail when the inflated air bearing travels over the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail—unless the lubrication zone height magnitude were made relatively taller to prevent the inflated air bearing from contacting the laterally curved portion of the cross-sectionally curved rail, which there is no need for because of the inflated air bearing's ability to laterally comply enables the inflated air bearing to have the second shape that includes the bulge. 35. The transportation system of claim 34, wherein: there is an adjustable layer of air between the brake pad and the assembly that enables the brake pad to be, with respect to the cylindrical rail, each of (i) engaged and (ii) disengaged by adjusting the adjustable layer of air such that there is no need for the cavity air pressure magnitude, of the inflated bearing, to be adjusted in order to either engage or disengage the brake pad, with respect to the cylindrical rail. 36. The transportation system of claim 35, wherein: the brake pad is connected to the air bearing in such a way that the brake pad is essentially surrounded by the air bearing. 37. The transportation system of claim 34, wherein: the motor is a linear induction motor (‘LIM’). 38. The transportation system of claim 34, wherein: (i) the second shape of the inflated air bearing is such that the second shape of the inflated air bearing includes a second bulge; and,(ii) the first shape of the inflated air bearing does not include the second bulge. 39. The transportation system of claim 38, wherein: the motor is a linear induction motor (‘LIM’). 40. The transportation system of claim 39, wherein: (i) the second shape of the inflated air bearing is such that the second shape of the inflated air bearing includes a third bulge—wherein the third bulge is associated with a portion of the front end of the inflated air bearing; and,(ii) the third bulge does not exist when the inflated air bearing has the first shape.
Copyright KISTI. All Rights Reserved.
※ AI-Helper는 부적절한 답변을 할 수 있습니다.