http://techref.massmind.org/techref/idea/sanecar.htm

Just a regular car with a large spring steel "bumper" that loops out in
front of the car and is connected to hinges (vertical axis) at the left and
right. The average angle of the hinges controls the steering of the car. The
difference between the angles controls the speed (acceleration or
deceleration) so that when the spring loop is squeezed on the left and
right, the car accelerates and when it is compressed at the front, it
decelerates. Coupling the main spring to the controls with weaker or
stronger spring segments allows for more or less control by the driver over
the system. 

Small roller blade type wheels on the sides of the loop keep it from wearing
as it follows a "curb" and could serve as electrical contact points for an
electrified road. Existing roadways would need additional "curbs" in between
lanes. This is much less costly than any other system I have seen, and could
be done over time in different areas. There would still be a cost, and on
street parking would be a problem. 

Speed is proportional to the inverse of the distance between the curbs.
Maximum speed is maintained when the car is held to the narrowest path. The
car coasts when there is no contact left or right.

--
James.

-----Original Message-----
Byron Jeff Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2007 06:04

I always thought a cool idea would be to have adhoc trains of personal
vehicles that travel together during rush hour. Then you get the advantages
of the personal vehicle along with some of the benefits of public
transportation. It could be sold with the three pronged attack of faster to
work/home, keep your personal space, and time to work or relax because
while you are attached to the adhoc train, you don't need to drive.

BAJ

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